Checked baggage
A selection of suitcases and bags designed for the hold: large volumes, reinforced shells, TSA locks and internal straps. Measure the three dimensions, including pockets and wheels, before comparing with your airline's specifications.
A checked baggage is one that you hand over at the check-in desk and collect from the carousel upon arrival. Its dimensions and maximum weight are set by the airline, not by the manufacturer: measure the suitcase in height, width and depth, including wheels and pockets, then compare with the guidelines published on the carrier’s site.
Measuring checked baggage before booking your ticket
Place the measuring tape on the three sides of the closed suitcase, including wheels, handle and external pockets: it's this total that the desk takes into account for a checked baggage, never the internal volume stated on the label. Also note the empty weight, as it subtracts from the allowance given. The allowed dimensions for checked baggage vary from one airline to another, and sometimes from one fare to another with the same carrier: the only source that counts is the baggage page on the official site, checked on the day of booking.
Price and weight of checked baggage, what affects them
The price of checked baggage depends on three things: the airline, when you add it to the booking, and the weight you reserve. Each carrier publishes its own price list, and the fee applied at the counter or at the boarding gate is almost never the same as what is displayed online. The size of checked baggage often matters less on the bill than the weight; a large light volume is better than a heavy half-filled shell. No amount applies to all airlines: the allowance and fees are stated on the carrier's site before buying the ticket.
Hard or soft, which suitcase for checked baggage
The hold can be tough on luggage: conveyor belts, stacking, trolleys. A hard shell made of polypropylene withstands these shocks better and protects fragile items, while a soft fabric tolerates irregular packing and is easier to store at home. In both cases, look for a double zip, a TSA-approved padlock if flying to the United States, and interior straps to keep the contents in place. Checked baggage with four wheels is easier to handle at the airport, while those with two wheels roll better over sidewalks. Our category features the models selected for this format, long stays and reinforced shells.
