Luggage & Travel

Determining the best size luggage for your needs depends on several factors, including the length of your trips, your packing habits, & any specific airline restrictions you may need to adhere to. Here are some steps to help you choose the right size luggage:

• Consider trip duration: think about the typical length of your trips. If you usually take short weekend getaways, a smaller suitcase or carry-on may suffice. For longer vacations or business trips, you may need a larger suitcase.

• Review airline restrictions: if you plan to fly, check the baggage policies of the airlines you frequently use. Most airlines have specific size & weight limits for both carry-on & checked luggage. Make sure the luggage you choose complies with these restrictions to avoid additional fees or hassle at the airport.

• Assess your packing needs: Take stock of the items you typically pack for a trip. Consider the types of clothing, shoes, toiletries & other essentials you need to bring along. If you tend to pack lightly, a smaller suitcase may be sufficient. However, if you prefer to have more options or need to pack bulky items, a larger suitcase may be necessary.

• Evaluate storage space: Consider where you'll be storing your luggage when it's not in use. If you have limited storage space at home, opting for a suitcase that fits easily in your closet or under your bed may be ideal.

• Think about mobility: Think about how you'll be transporting your luggage. If you'll be navigating crowded airports or train stations, a suitcase with wheels & a telescopic handle for easy maneuverability may be preferable.

• Factor in expandability: Some suitcases offer expandable compartments that allow you to increase the storage capacity when needed. This can be useful if you anticipate returning home with more items than you originally packed.

• Consider multiple pieces: If you frequently travel with a variety of items or need to pack for multiple people, consider investing in a luggage set that includes different-sized suitcases & travel bags.

Try before you buy: If possible, visit a Walmart store & physically test out different sizes & styles. This can give you a better sense of how much space you need & what features are most important to you.

For airline travel, the best type of luggage is typically one that meets airline size & weight restrictions, is durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel & offers features that enhance convenience & organization. Here are some options:

• Carry-on luggage: Carry-on luggage is designed to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you on the airplane. It's ideal for short trips or travelers who prefer to avoid checked baggage fees & the hassle of waiting at the baggage claim area. Look for carry-on luggage that complies with your airline's size restrictions, usually around 22" x 14" x 9", but dimensions can vary slightly between airlines.• Softside suitcases: Softside suitcases are lightweight & flexible, making them easy to maneuver through airports & store in overhead bins. They often feature multiple compartments & pockets for organizing your belongings & their expandable design allows you to pack extra items when needed.

• Softside suitcases: Softside suitcases are lightweight & flexible, making them easy to maneuver through airports & store in overhead bins. They often feature multiple compartments & pockets for organizing your belongings & their expandable design allows you to pack extra items when needed.

• Hardside suitcases: Hardside suitcases offer superior protection for fragile items & electronics. They're also more resistant to water & wear, making them a good choice for frequent flyers or travelers who need extra durability. Look for hardside suitcases with TSA-approved locks & smooth-rolling spinner wheels for added convenience.

• Spinner luggage: Spinner luggage features four multidirectional wheels that rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to effortlessly push or pull the suitcase in any direction. This makes navigating crowded airports & tight spaces much easier, especially if you have a heavy load or mobility issues.

• Travel backpacks: Travel backpacks are a popular choice for backpackers & adventure travelers who prefer a hands-free option. Look for backpacks with padded straps & back panels for comfort during long walks through the airport, as well as multiple compartments & organizational features for easy access to your belongings.

• Underseat luggage: Underseat luggage is designed to fit underneath the seat in front of you on the airplane, providing easy access to your belongings during the flight. It's typically smaller than standard carry-on luggage but can be a convenient option for short trips or travelers who prefer to keep their essentials close at hand.

When choosing luggage for airline travel, consider your specific needs, preferences, & travel habits to ensure you select the option that best suits your individual requirements.

Carry-on bags are convenient for air travel because they typically don’t have to be checked when you fly. This type of luggage must fit either under a seat or in the overhead compartment. For domestic flights on major carriers, the standard size for carry-on bags is 22" x 14" x 9" (height x width x depth). Depending on the airline, there may be an inch or so leeway in those dimensions. For international flights (originating or ending outside the U.S.), the size limit is generally smaller than for U.S. domestic flights.

Measure the height of your luggage from the floor to the top of the handle in its lowered position. If your luggage has wheels, they count toward the overall height. Depth is measured from front to back (including the handle in the back), & width from side to side.

A personal item needs to fit underneath the seat in front of you on a plane. This category includes briefcases, tote bags, camera bags, laptop bags & small backpacks. But you can get the most out of your allowed personal item if you buy a bag specifically designed for this purpose.

Often these bags contain compartments for your passport, phone, pen, & wallet, as well as a padded section for a laptop & a main section for clothes & overnight essentials. Many of these underseat bags can serve you well for a one- to two-day trip. There is no standard size for these bags. For U.S. domestic flights, the typical measurement is 18" x 14" x 8". some airlines don’t specify dimensions but say the bag must fit under your seat. Small weekender bags fit the bill here, as do some travel backpacks.

Whether a personal item fits under the seat can vary even within the same aircraft. Aisle seats are notorious for having the least room underneath. Before you shop, review the under-the-seat specifications for various airlines. You can also check the aircraft’s guidelines for onboard pet carriers—a reasonable proxy for underseat clearance.

Any suitcase larger than carry-on size must be checked. The most common size options are 24” to 30” in height. You can find suitcases as tall as 36” but check with your carrier for size limits. There’s usually a weight limit, with extra fees applied for excess weight per bag.

Checked-bag fees are common on major airlines’ domestic flights. They can run $30 for one bag, $40 for a second, & $150 for a third. Budget airlines also charge for carry-ons, with prices ranging from $25 to $100. You may be charged more if you wait to pay at the airport. Note: Fees & bag polices may change & vary by airline. Check before you fly.

For road trips, versatility, accessibility & durability are key factors when choosing the best type of luggage. Here are some options that are well-suited for road trips:

• Duffel bags: Duffel bags are flexible, easy to pack & can often fit into tight spaces in car trunks or cargo areas. They come in various sizes, allowing you to choose one that suits the length of your trip & the amount of gear you need to bring along.

• Softside suitcases: Softside suitcases offer a balance between capacity & flexibility. They typically have multiple compartments & pockets for organizing your belongings & their soft construction allows them to be squeezed into tight spaces in your vehicle.

• Rolling luggage: Wheeled suitcases or duffel bags with wheels are convenient for road trips, especially if you have a lot of luggage or heavy items to transport. Wheels make it easy to maneuver the luggage in & out of your vehicle & around rest stops.

• Backpacks: If you plan on doing any hiking or outdoor activities during your road trip, a backpack can be a versatile option for carrying essentials like clothing, snacks & gear. Look for backpacks with padded straps & back panels for comfort during long stretches of walking.

• Travel organizers: Consider using packing cubes, compression bags or other travel organizers to maximize space & to keep your belongings neatly organized during your road trip. These accessories can help you make the most of whatever type of luggage you choose.

Ultimately, the best type of luggage for your road trip will depend on factors such as the length of your trip, the activities you have planned & the amount of gear you need to bring along. Choose luggage that offers the right balance of capacity, durability & convenience to make your road trip comfortable & enjoyable.

Hardside: Often considered the most durable type of luggage, a hardside suitcase has a rigid exterior that is usually made from molded polypropylene, polycarbonate or ABS plastic, with some using aluminum. They’re less flexible than softside suitcases, making them a better option for protecting delicate items. The shells are water-resistant, but water may still seep through the zipper.

Hardside suitcases can better withstand the rough handling that checked luggage suffers. The latest models are lightweight with plenty of give, & many have an internal divider for packing your belongings into two halves. They don’t have external pockets, but there are usually a couple inside.

Softside: Made of polyester, nylon or a mix of both, softside suitcases usually feature expandable sides for extra packing space. They tend to be less water-resistant than Hardside suitcases, but most have waterproof PVC linings for travelling in light rain.

Softside suitcases usually boast a range of internal & external pockets, making them a good choice for organized travelers. External pockets generally don’t come with their own padlocks, though, so hide valuables elsewhere.

Walmart carries a variety of luggage brands, ranging from budget-friendly options to more premium brands. Some of the top luggage brands Walmart sells include:

• American Tourister: Known for its affordable yet durable luggage, American Tourister offers a wide range of styles & sizes suitable for various types of travel.

• Traveler's Choice: Traveler's Choice produces luggage with an emphasis on quality & functionality, offering features such as expandability, spinner wheels & TSA-approved locks.

• Rockland Luggage: Rockland Luggage offers stylish & affordable luggage options, including hardside & softside suitcases, backpacks & duffel bags.

• Skyway: Skyway luggage is known for its lightweight & durable construction, making it a popular choice for frequent travelers. Skyway offers a variety of luggage styles, including spinner suitcases & travel totes.

• SwissTech: SwissTech luggage combines durability with innovative features, such as USB charging ports, RFID-blocking pockets & expandable compartments.

• Protege: Protege offers affordable luggage options that are designed for everyday travel. Their luggage is known for its durability & practical features, including telescoping handles & multiple compartments.

• U.S. Traveler: U.S. Traveler specializes in affordable luggage sets that offer value & versatility. Their sets often include multiple pieces of luggage in various sizes, ideal for families or travelers with diverse packing needs.

• Samsonite: Samsonite luggage can occasionally be found in select stores or online. Samsonite is known for its premium quality & innovative features, making it a popular choice for frequent flyers.