Choose the Right Carry-On Luggage for Budget Travel

I. Why do most budget travelers choose lightweight carry-on luggage?

The restrictions on both carry-on luggage and checked luggage are strict and confusing.

Designed with durable, lightweight technology, lightweight budget luggage is less heavy than its traditional peers, about 25-30% lighter than standard luggage. The light luggage can make a huge difference in the comfort and convenience of your travel. They free you from carrying too heavy. Most lightweight luggage is constructed with a flexible and durable polycarbonate shell, making itself the greatest choice for all types of travelers.

II. Check out specific luggage restrictions in different airlines around the world.

Some airlines allow a mere 5kg/11lbs of luggage on board, yet some others allow a limit of up to 15kg/33lbs. In normal condition, there are specific restrictions of luggage for different types of trips. For domestic carriers, luggage's size must be no larger than 45 linear inches with a weight of less than 40 pounds; for international carriers, luggage's size might be around 45-linear-inch but weight limits are usually various.

Here is a list of carry-on luggage weight restriction for the International Carriers.
Aer Lingus Airline allows weight no more than 6kg/14lbs.
Air Canada Airline allows weight no more than 10kg/22lbs.
Air France Airline allows weight no more than 12kg/26.4lbs in total.
Air New Zealand allows weight no more than 7kg/15.4lbs.
Alitalia allows weight no more than 7kg/15.4lbs.
American Airlines allows weight no more than 18kg/40lbs.
BMI Airline allows weight no more than 10kg/22lbs.
British Airways allows weight no more than 6kg/13.2lbs.
Cathay Pacific allows weight no more than 7kg/15.4lbs.
Delta Airline allows weight no more than 18kg/40lbs.
Japan Airlines Airline allows weight no more than 10kg/22lbs.
Swiss Air allows weight no more than 10kg/22lbs.
Thai Airways allows weight no more than 7kg/15.6lbs.
Virgin Atlantic allows weight no more than 6kg/13.2lbs.
Singapore Airlines allows weight no more than 7kg/15.6lbs.

III. What are the basic features for a quality lightweight carry-on luggage?

1. Tough construction

Before making a purchase, it is necessary to know the types of frame. For example, there are fiberglass inner luggage frame, aluminum and durable plastic luggage frames. Stronger and tougher frames will survive years of rough handlings and fly thousands of trips. Space-age composites combining lightweight frames feature strength and rigidity, and they make strong premium luggage.

2. Easy to roll

A set of quality wheels gives you the freedom to walk and run without making too much noise or effort. What does the best wheel system look like? Here are some tips for you to pick up the best ones.

Basically, quality wheels are manufactured with durable polyurethane materials and own well-made system to maintain luggage's mobility on trips. Such as the internally mounted design, this kind of design can effectively reduce the chance of damage. A large-wheel-base design can keep your luggage from turning over. Besides, a sealed ball bearing design can keep dirt and dust away from wheels. No matter what materials the wheels are made of, it is best to choose the smoother and tougher ones with corner wheel designs.

3. A good "face"

The fabric is the "skin" of your luggage that is meant to resist abrasions, soiling, water, and tears. Unfortunately, in today's luggage market, a "pretty face" seems to be more appealing than the durability, and this is why so many manufacturers focus their attentions on the appearances of their products instead of the qualities. Before you hand your credit card to the salesperson, it is necessary to consider the following important factors.

Look for a smaller denier, or ballistic nylon fabric made with a two-by-two basket weave. Denier is the size of the yarn used in creating the fabric. Larger denier, polyester luggage is less strong than smaller ones. And ballistic nylon, which is superior to other materials in terms of water and dust resistance, is one of the best and most affordable fabrics against wear and tear. If you want to invest big in your luggage, we suggest leather ones. Durable leather luggage will withstand years of use.

4. Handles and zippers

Pay attention to handles. The handle of your bag should be soft enough for comfort, yet firm enough to keep its shape. You can also choose a slightly harder handle, and it will soften after use. Check if it has a crossbar. The crossbar won't easily pull through when the case is full and heavy.

The quality of the zipper is also an indicator of the quality of luggage. The size of zipper teeth is important because the improper size will not stand up to the rigorous conditions that your luggage is put through.

Here are a few tips to pick up luggage with the best zippers. First, make sure the zipper is installed with multiple rows of lock-stitch stitching. Second, choose larger zipper teeth, for larger teeth will withstand tough handling. You will also have to make sure that these larger teeth are made of strong and long-lasting materials, such as plastic or metal.

Lightweight carry-on luggage scarifies its durability for mobility. If you don't want your lightweight carry-ons completely frayed, slashed, wheel-less after couple of trips, then choose the luggage that is backed up with the longer and complete Manufacturer's Warranties. A reputable manufacturer and merchant, either on-line or as a brick and mortar store, can have your luggage replaced or repaired within the guidelines and duration of the warranty. But some warranties will only repair not replace you luggage even if it was caused by the airlines.