Keep Calm and Carry Your Bag On

Tired of paying hefty fees for checking your bag? With airlines charging anywhere from $20-$50 for your first checked bag, many travelers have made the switch to a carry-on bag, even for longer trips. Plus you can head out of the airport as soon as you disembark the plane, rather than trudging down to baggage claim to wait for your luggage.

Irv’s Luggage has been giving expert advice to travelers for over 72 years. Read on:

• While 4 wheel spinner cases are popular and convenient, 2 wheel cases give you more interior packing space. With a 4 wheel spinner, in order for the case to meet the overall allowable carry on dimensions, the case has to be smaller to allow for the 4 wheels. Takeaway: buy a 2 wheel carry on, gain more interior packing space and save BIG on baggage fees AND time.
• Softside vs. Hardside? Softside every time, for added space and flexibility in packing plus the convenience of having outside pockets. Most softside cases we sell have USB ports for charging your phone – you don’t need a hardside case for that!
• Packing cubes and packing folders have revolutionized the way we pack.
  • Save a substantial amount of space by organizing your items and packing everything in a packing cube or folder.
  • Packing folders are perfect for larger items like pants, or folded shirts. The wings fold in for maximum compression.
  • Buy cubes with compression zippers that further compress your clothes saving additional space in your case.
  • Using Ziploc bags in your luggage? Invest in packing cubes made of durable material and quality zippers because they will last forever, they stack better in your luggage, your clothes will be less creased and they’re easier to access.
• Bringing really bulky items, like sweaters and jackets? Check out Compression Bags – different than compression packing cubes.
  • Compression Bags are made of durable plastic. You load your bag, seal the top (usually these have Ziploc tops), and then roll the bag squeezing out all the air. Using your body weight and rolling the bag on the floor will give you the best results.
• Bring interchangeable wardrobe items that give you multiple outfits.
  • Choose basic pieces that work together and reduce the overall quantity of what you bring while still having options to change up your outfits.
  • Wear your bulkiest shoes or boots on the plane and pack the smaller pair in your carry on.
• Invest in a compact toiletry kit with multiple pockets for keeping things organized.
  • Use TSA compliant bottles or buy travel sized toiletry items.

So many carry ons to choose from – how do you choose?? I’m going to break it down and give you my top 3 favorite bags.

1. Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry On: at 22”, this carry on is the largest size you can take on the plane, giving you the most amount of space. The features and overall design of this bag are second to none; hanging section and a flat roomy interior. This is our best selling carry on, hands down.
2. Travelpro Crew VersaPack Max Carryon: This New collection from Travelpro is expandable, has garment bag features so you can hang items if you choose, and offers various zip in organizers to make this versatile bag perfectly suited to the way you travel.
3. Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler Convertible Carry On: This amazingly versatile carry on is perfect for the traveler that is moving around a lot and needs to have a roomy, lightweight bag along for the ride. This carry on converts easily to a backpack, with padded backpacks straps. Tuck the backpacks straps in and use the padded shoulder strap. Grab handles all around the bag make it easy to grab & go. Insanely great pockets everywhere.

With hundreds of travel accessories to help make your trip easier, more comfortable and more efficient, Irv’s Luggage is your 1 stop travel shop.

Top 10 Carry On Bags

Are you going somewhere for a weekend getaway soon? You’re going to need a carry on luggage bag, but there are hundreds of different carry on bags so which one should you get? I’m going to try to make your decision easier by narrowing your choices down to ten.

 

1. Samsonite L.I.F.T. 21″ Expandable Spinner (20.5″ x 15″ x 7″; 7 lbs)

Samsonite is made with high quality materials and is one of the top luggage brands at Irv’s Luggage. This Spinner Boarding Bag received several reviews at Irvsluggage.com and they are all five stars. There is a lot to like about this bag.  It has four multi-directional spinner wheels which allow 360 degree upright rolling so there is no weight on your arm. Integrated into the bag is top and side carry handles.  It includes tie down straps that keep the bag’s contents in place.

 

 

 

 

2. Delsey Helium Aero Carry On Expandable Spinner Trolley (21″ x 14.5″ x 10.5″; 8.4 lbs)

The Helium Aero Spinner Trolley from Delsey has many great features. This hardside upright is made with 100% polycarbonate which is good because it makes the case durable enough to keep your travel items safe and it makes the case lightweight too. The spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees to assure multi-directional rolling. Do you need to buy a TSA lock for your trip? You don’t need to worry about getting one if you have this carry on bag because a 3-dial TSA accepted combination lock is built into the case.

 

 

 

3. David King Vacquetta Leather 20” Large Duffel (12” x 20” x 12”; 3.5 lbs)

Your carry on bag doesn’t need to have spinner wheels and several technology features. A simple duffel bag can work great as a carry on bag. David King has some good duffel bags. This 20” bag is made with durable and long-lasting vacquetta leather and has a roomy main compartment with a u-zip closure. Don’t worry that this duffel won’t have enough pockets for your small items. It has front and back zip pockets and two side zip pockets.

 

 

 

4. Olympia Casual Sports 22” Rolling Carry On Duffel (22″ x 13″ x 9″; 6.7 lbs)

Maybe you don’t take many weekend trips and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a luggage bag you plan to use only a few times. This rolling carry on bag from Olympia is less expensive than the other bags on this list, but it has enough good features to make it a good carry on bag. The main compartment is roomy and with eight pockets, it shouldn’t be difficult to pack all of your essential items.

 

 

 

5. Wenger SwissGear Scan Smart Backpack (18.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″; 3.5 lbs)

Backpacks are great carry on bags for short trip. This Wenger laptop backpack should have all of the features you need. It has Scan Smart technology that allows you to travel through airport security without having to remove your laptop from the backpack. In addition to the organizer and accessory pockets, the backpack has pockets for a water bottle, sunglasses and mobile phone.

 

 

 

6. Briggs & Riley Torq International Carry On Spinner (21.4” x 14.3” x 9.4”; 8.9 lbs)

At 8.9 pounds, this Briggs & Riley spinner is not one of the lightest carry ons on this list, but it has many great features. It has a scratch resisting hardside case that will protect your belongings including a laptop and iPad. The gusseted, zipperless design sits flush with bag when closed, allowing an easy fit into the overhead compartment. The wheels are recessed double spinners for a lower center of gravity and effortless 360 degree navigation. Fodor’s named this carry on as one of the best carry on luggage bags for 2013 on their website.

 

 

 

 

7. Lipault Paris 2 Wheeled Foldable 22” Carry On Packing Case (22” x 14” x 8”; 5.33 lbs)

This Lipault carry on case has a feature that none of the other carry on bags on this list has: it can fold. If your biggest problem is that you have no room in your closet to store a carry on, this case fixes that problem because when it is not being used, it can fold up and go under your bed. It also has some good features that include two inline wheels, several zippered pockets, a combination lock and two interior adjustable straps for your clothes.

 

 

 

 

8. Victorinox Mobilizer NXT 5.0 22” Expandable Wheeled Carry On  (22” x 14” x 9”; 9.9 lbs) $259.99

The NXT 5.0 carry on from Victorinox has the features you would want every carry on bag to have. It has two front pockets for items that you can easily access without having to open the main compartment of the bag. If you need more room, it expands 2.5 inches for 29% extra packing capacity. You can carry your laptop inside the case and secure it with the Travel Sentry Approved luggage lock.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Travelpro Crew 9 21” Expandable Spinner with Suiter Luggage (21” x 14” x 9”; 9.3 lbs)

Do you want a carry on bag that has spinner wheels, expands, will last for a long time and is easy to maneuver? This Travelpro Crew 9 carry on is a luggage bag you should consider. It is made with microballistic nylon fabric with Duraguard fabric protection and has a removable suiter system.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Atlantic Compass Unite Wheeled Tote (13″ x 16″ x 8″; 6.1 lbs)

The last carry on luggage bag on my list is this wheeled tote from Atlantic Luggage. It is one of the smallest carry on bags on this list, but it has plenty of room for your accessories and has a front pocket for quick access to your wallet, iPod, keys and airline tickets. The high-sheen Poly fabric provides exceptional resistance to wear and tear. It might be too small for a trip that lasts more than a couple days, but it looks excellent for a one or two day trip.

 

Any one of these ten carry on bags should be great for a weekend trip. These bags and many more are available at Irv’s Luggage.

What is spinner luggage vs. suiter style luggage?

Spinner luggage refers specifically to the presence of 4 wheels on the case, allowing you to roll the bag in an upright position alongside you, instead of pulling the bag behind you. Standard rolling luggage has 2 wheels, usually in line skate wheels that offer a smooth glide, but can be more of a strain on the back and neck because you must pull this luggage along behind you. Spinner luggage stays upright next to you, with wheels that swivel as you change direction. Many people find spinner luggage to be easier to handle, with significantly less stress on the body.

Some of the top brands selling spinner luggage are Samsonite, Travelpro, and Victorinox.

Suiter style luggage is something else entirely. ‘Suiter’ refers to a compartment that is sometimes built into the case and sometimes removable, that allows you to hang garments to minimize wrinkling. This works well for suits, dresses, shirts and blouses because you lay the garments flat in the suiter compartment, and then fold it in half or in thirds, into the suitcase. This really does help reduce the wrinkling that occurs when you just fold garments and pack them in the case.

Spinner luggage can have a suiter compartment, and suiter bags can also be spinners. Briggs & Riley is a perfect example; they make luggage with the suiter feature as well as with spinner wheels.

Carry On Luggage and Thanksgiving Travel

Are you planning to travel and celebrate Thanksgiving? Traveling for Thanksgiving is a great way to spend the holiday, see family and friends, and take a rest.

Traveling means packing things that you want to bring. We all tend to want to bring more with us when we travel than we have room for. This is a common packing problem. The best solution to this packing dilemma are packing accessories. Brands like Eagle Creek and Travelon make packing cubes and packing folders that help keep your clothes organized and save tons of space in your luggage.

While packing accessories will change how your pack forever, it is essential that you consider the luggage that you take with you as well. Durability is important, as are wheels and weight. On a short trip, it is highly recommended that you use a carry on bag. This saves you time in the airport as well as baggage fees. Popular brands of carry on luggage that you can buy are listed below:

1. Samsonite Carryon Luggage
2. Travelpro Carryon Luggage
3. Delsey Carry On Luggage

These are three of the most trusted brands of carryon luggage. They are reliable, durable, lightweight and come in a variety of colors and styles. Most cases come with spinner wheels, making travel easier. Rimowa is a luxury luggage brand that makes hardside polycarbonate cases that are very lightweight but extremely strong. They are a great investment for the serious world traveler. Travelpro made the first Rollaboard suitcase over 20 years ago. Designed to meet the travel needs of pilots and flight attendants, they are now meeting the needs of everyday travelers. Samsonite is the most globally recognized brand in the world, and for good reason. They make a case for every type of traveler; hardside, softside, spinner cases and more. Make your travel experience fun, memorable and hassle free while using carry on luggage from Irv’s Luggage.

With Samsonite Luggage, limited funds can allow for unlimited options

Every morning on my way to work I see planes in the sky after they have taken off from O’Hare International Airport. Some days the planes are high up in the clouds, jetting through the air; other days they are making a swift ascent into the unknown, on their way to a far-off location. This morning I followed one plane in particular and started thinking – Where are the passengers traveling? How much did it cost to buy a ticket? And most importantly, how can I go too?

After I bring myself back down to Earth (and the traffic surrounding me), I realize that there is a lot of work that goes into not only reaching a final travel location, but planning the trip and organizing the details. While I don’t have the time or the funds to travel (darn those college loans!), I love to read about different destinations through books and magazines, especially on the topic of traveling on a budget. Some of the greatest articles that I have read give quite simple advice: purchase discount luggage from reputable retailers, such as Irv’s Luggage; look for carry on luggage or luggage sets with a great warranty from brands such as Samsonite Luggage, Travelpro Luggage and Briggs & Riley Luggage; and pack for the elements because anything can happen.

For most consumers, when you finally decide to purchase luggage for your trip, you want to look for a piece or pieces that will hold up to the elements (or airline damage) but won’t break the bank. Two of the most sought-after brands of luggage today are Samsonite and Travelpro. Samsonite is a household name for a reason. Each of their luggage collections offers something unique for the consumer whether you are looking for lightweight luggage, spinner luggage or colorful luggage for a distinctly individual feel.

With their quality luggage craftsmanship, unique shape and moderately priced pieces, the Samsonite xSpace spinner collection offers consumers many great features in one compact piece. With a large packing capacity, durable spinner wheels for easy maneuvering, the SamGuard Protection which resists stains from oil, dirt and water and a Travel Sentry lock to protect all of your belongings, priced at only $132.99, the Samsonite XSpace Spinner 21.5 Expandable is one product that will live up to your high expectations.

Travelpro has also created multiple luggage collections but is best known for their luggage and briefcases for the business traveler. As a frequent traveler, you want luggage that will stand up to your varied schedule and isn’t weighed down by fancy additions. You also want a piece that is checkpoint friendly, making it easier and safer to get your computer through airport security, while still being lightweight and durable. Each piece that Travelpro makes keeps the consumer in mind.

Travelpro Crew 8, the latest update to the Crew series, brings a new perspective to luggage. The Crew 8 has the packing capacity that is perfect for a carry on bag and includes a large zippered front pocket providing storage for laptops, newspapers, sweaters and any last minute items before leaving for the airport. The carry on piece also has a removable suit sleeve with patented padded foam bars for wrinkle-free packing and a smaller ticket pocket providing quick access to a wallet, passport, iPod®, keys and your airline tickets. With these essential additions, the Travelpro Crew 8 22″ Expandable Rollaboard Suiter will securely hold all of your personal belongings while you travel to that all important meeting.

Now that I know there are many luggage options available to me ranging from cheap luggage sets to designer luggage; from blue briefcases to brown briefcases and every color in between; maybe I can find a way to get on a plane and travel with the new luggage set I’ve purchased from Irv’s Luggage!