From Luggage Size To Packing Space, Find The Best American-Made Luggage For All Your Adventures
Taking a vacation is exhilarating, no matter if it’s a day trip or a tropical getaway. But let’s be honest- planning a trip can be stressful! From travel arrangements to flight times to accommodations, once you arrive, you need all your ducks in a row to ensure your trip is everything you dreamed of.
Once the plane tickets are booked, the next step is to pack your things. You may look at your worn-out luggage and long for something more upscale, like a trusted American-made luggage set. Or maybe you’ve planned your first vacation and need new luggage.
The good news is that many luggage brands manufacture their goods in the USA, meaning you can purchase high-quality, American-made luggage built to take you around the world.
Let’s look at five things you need to do to choose the best suitcase for your upcoming trip so you can check one more thing off your travel to-do list.
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1. Pinpoint The Details Of Your Upcoming Trip
Before you purchase the best luggage for your vacation, you’ll need to decide precisely how you’ll travel with it. For instance, will this be a road trip, or will you be flying? The answer to the question will be the first step to finding the American-made travel bags that are right for you.
If you’re driving to your destination, you’ll have the flexibility of using different sizes of luggage, as well as no size restrictions on your toiletries.
Softshell luggage like duffel bags is perfect for road trips because they are flexible enough to be stacked with other travel bags in the truck. A hardshell suitcase may not fit in the trunk of a sedan or could take up too much storage room, so opt for multiple smaller-sized bags instead.
However, if you’re taking to the skies, you’ll need to narrow down specifics like size requirements for carry-on luggage and personal items.
Let’s look at how to decide whether you should go the carry-on route or splurge to check your bag.
2. Decide On Carry-On Or Checked Baggage
Air travel is the go-to way to get to your destination. As you look for the right luggage for your upcoming trip, you need to know ahead of time whether you will check your bags or squeeze all your belongings into a small suitcase.
Every passenger is entitled to one piece of carry-on luggage and one personal item, like a backpack, tote, or purse. Of course, there are size limits for each piece of luggage, so be sure to consult your chosen airline to ensure you don’t overpack.
Some airlines offer complimentary bag checks, like Southwest. Others, like Delta, Spirit, and JetBlue, charge about $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second. Typically, the weight of your checked bag cannot be over 50lbs, so you’ll need to be careful if you opt for a large size.
If you’re flying multiple carriers, cross reference the baggage policies to avoid extra fees.
At the end of the day, the choice lies in what you need to bring. If you are traveling light, a carry-on bag will serve you well. However, if you’ve planned a two-week trip, you will most likely have to pay the baggage fees for a large checked bag.
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3. Find The Right Suitcase Size For Your Needs With This Suitcases Sizing Guide
Now that you have a clear vision of how you will be traveling, it’s time to figure out which suitcase size you’re looking for.
To qualify as a carry-on, your luggage must not exceed 35 pounds and have very specific measurements (10” deep x16” wide x22” tall). It should fit in the overhead bin easily without having to stuff it in.
Checked bags have different requirements but cannot exceed 62 linear inches or 40-50 pounds, depending on your airline of choice.
Here’s a list of the most common suitcase sizes you can find that are made in the USA.
- International Carry-On Suitcase (18” to 20”): If you’re using a budget airline for international travel, you can only carry on very specific bags. Be sure to check out their incredibly strict rules to prevent extra fees.
- Domestic Carry-On Suitcase (21” to 22”): This piece of luggage is the most popular choice, as it holds 4-5 days of clothes, toiletries, and other items if you pack it right. Any luggage larger than this will not fit in the overhead compartment and must be checked in. Invest in American-made packing cubes to maximize your carry-on’s space.
- Medium Checked Luggage (23”-24”): If you don’t want the hassle of managing carry-on luggage or you’re traveling with another person, this is an excellent investment. You can share a suitcase and the baggage fee while skipping the cumbersome carry-on.
- Large Checked Luggage (25”-27”): The most popular size of checked luggage, this size has tons of storage. Large suitcases are great for families looking to reduce the amount of luggage they have to handle.
- Extra-Large Checked Luggage (28”-32”): These huge capacity suitcases are too bulky for a short getaway but come in handy for long trips. They likely will exceed the size restriction and weight limit set by your airline, so you may face extra frees when checking these extra large suitcases.
Don’t forget that every traveler is entitled to one carry-on size bag and one personal item, meaning you can utilize both a carry-on bag and a checked bag as needed. It’s a good idea to have at least one of each type ready, so you’re prepared for any type of travel.
4. Research Luggage Brands That Are Made In America
You’re ready to hit the web and start shopping with the perfect suitcase in mind. It may be easy to just go to Amazon and pick the first bag you see, but many retail stores are overrun with cheap luggage that’s made overseas.
Sure, they may last a trip or two, but soon you’ll see your luggage fall apart and have to purchase one all over again. You can skip this hassle by buying an American-made suitcase the first time.
There are many reasons why you should invest in luggage that’s made in the USA:
- American- made luggage is made with high-quality materials like polycarbonate and is built to last trip after trip.
- Buying products made in the USA supports the American economy by creating jobs and boosting tax revenue.
- When you buy American, your luggage won’t have to travel thousands of miles on a shipping barge. The fewer miles your items have to travel to get to you, the smaller your carbon footprint is.
- Many American companies offer lifetime warranties, so if your bag brakes for any reason, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
The American List knows how important it is to people like you that your purchases reflect your values. Brands like Samsonite, Delsey, and American Tourister are crafted in the United States. This means they are built to last and protect your valuables at every turn.
Let’s look at some features for finding the best carry-on or large suitcase for your needs.
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5. Choose American-Made Luggage With The Right Features For You
Business travelers and vacationers alike need well-made luggage with convenient features and easy-to-spot details.
Here are some features you need to look for when shopping for brand new American-made luggage to take on your next adventure.
- Durability: Whether you prefer softside or hardside luggage, look for durable materials that can take the wear and tear of traveling. Your new luggage should have thick zippers made from metal or durable plastic.
- Easy Transport: A telescoping handle allows you to easily pull or push your luggage. Look for one that’s adjustable so you can find the perfect height for you. Also, choose models with side handles for easy lifting.
- Compartments: Look for zippered sections to store your valuables securely. This also gives you an easily accessible place to put toiletries that the TSA agents may want to evaluate.
- Smooth Spinner Wheels: The best carry-on and large checked luggage have 360-degree spinner wheels to make dashing through the airport or transporting your baggage to your hotel room easy and skip-free.
- Easy-To-Spot Features: Your new luggage should have distinguishable features, like bright colors or patterns, to help it stand out against the sea of black and navy luggage. If you opt for a classic color, tie on some bright fabric to help you tell your baggage apart from the rest.
The goal is to find luggage that is easy to transport and identify at the baggage claim. Also, ensure your baggage is water-resistant to protect your belongings from sudden storms on the tarmac or accidental spills.
The Right Luggage Is Always Made In The USA
Traveling is a great way to see the world and expand your horizons. Having the correct luggage makes it easier to adhere to airport guidelines and safely transport your belongings to your destination.
The American List was created for people like you to make it easier to locate and purchase American-made products, like luggage, travel bags, and backpacks.
We know it’s important for you to buy high-quality products that send the message that you enjoy the finer things in life and enjoy buying made-in-the-USA products whenever possible.