How do I know if a soft sided suitcase is the right size for my trip?

Embarking on a journey, whether it's a brief escapade or an extended sojourn, demands careful planning, and one of the pivotal decisions is selecting the right luggage. As a supplier of Soft Sided Suitcases, I understand the significance of this choice. A soft-sided suitcase offers flexibility, durability, and style, but determining the appropriate size for your trip can be a daunting task. In this blog, I'll share some insights and guidelines to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Your Travel Needs

The first step in choosing the right size of a soft-sided suitcase is to understand the nature of your trip. Are you going on a business trip, a family vacation, a solo adventure, or a weekend getaway? Each type of trip has different requirements in terms of the amount of luggage you need to carry.

• Business Trips: Business trips typically require a more professional and compact approach to packing. You'll likely need to carry a suit, a few shirts, ties, and essential work items such as a laptop, documents, and a charger. A medium-sized soft-sided suitcase, around 21 - 24 inches, is usually sufficient for a short business trip. It offers enough space for your essentials without being too bulky to carry around in airports and hotels.
• Family Vacations: Family vacations often involve packing for multiple people, which means you'll need more space. Depending on the length of the trip and the number of family members, you might need one or more large soft-sided suitcases, 26 - 32 inches. These larger suitcases can accommodate clothes, toys, beach gear, and other items that a family might need during a vacation.
• Solo Adventures: Solo travelers have the advantage of traveling light. A small to medium-sized soft-sided suitcase, 18 - 22 inches, can be a great choice. It's easy to handle and allows you to move around freely, whether you're exploring a new city or hiking in the mountains.
• Weekend Getaways: For a weekend getaway, you don't need to pack a lot. A carry-on sized soft-sided suitcase, 18 - 20 inches, is usually enough. It can hold a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and a small personal item.

Consider the Airlines' Baggage Policies

Before you buy a soft-sided suitcase, it's important to consider the airlines' baggage policies. Each airline has its own rules regarding the size and weight of checked and carry-on luggage. Exceeding these limits can result in additional fees or even having to check in your carry-on bag.

• Carry-On Luggage: Most airlines have a standard size limit for carry-on luggage, typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Make sure the soft-sided suitcase you choose meets these dimensions to avoid any issues at the airport. Additionally, carry-on luggage is subject to weight restrictions, usually around 40 - 50 pounds (18 - 23 kg).
• Checked Luggage: Checked luggage can be larger and heavier than carry-on luggage, but there are still limits. The size limit for checked luggage varies by airline, but it's usually around 62 linear inches (158 cm). This means the sum of the length, width, and height of the suitcase should not exceed 62 inches. The weight limit for checked luggage is also higher, usually around 50 - 70 pounds (23 - 32 kg), but it can vary depending on the airline and the class of service.

Evaluating Your Packing Style

Your packing style also plays a crucial role in determining the right size of a soft-sided suitcase. Some people are meticulous packers who can fit a lot of items into a small space, while others prefer to have more room and pack more casually.

• Efficient Packers: If you're an efficient packer who knows how to use packing cubes, roll your clothes, and maximize every inch of space, you can get away with a smaller soft-sided suitcase. For example, you might be able to fit a week's worth of clothes into a 20 - 22 inch suitcase by packing smartly.
• Casual Packers: On the other hand, if you're a casual packer who likes to have a bit of extra room and doesn't want to worry too much about squeezing everything in, you might need a larger suitcase. A 24 - 26 inch suitcase can provide the extra space you need to pack more comfortably.

Assessing the Suitcase's Capacity

When evaluating the capacity of a soft-sided suitcase, it's not just about the size in inches. The design and construction of the suitcase can also affect how much you can actually pack.

• Expandable Feature: Many soft-sided suitcases come with an expandable feature, which allows you to increase the capacity of the suitcase by a few inches. This can be very useful if you need a little extra space for souvenirs or if you end up overpacking. However, keep in mind that when the suitcase is expanded, it might be more difficult to maneuver and could exceed the airline's size limits.
• Compression Straps: Compression straps inside the suitcase can help you pack more efficiently by reducing the bulk of your clothes and other items. They can also keep your belongings organized and prevent them from shifting around during transit.
• Multiple Compartments and Pockets: Suitcases with multiple compartments and pockets make it easier to organize your belongings. You can separate your clothes, shoes, toiletries, and other items, which not only makes packing and unpacking more convenient but also helps you find what you need quickly.

Testing the Suitcase

Before you make a final decision, it's a good idea to test the suitcase. If possible, go to a store and try out different sizes of soft-sided suitcases. Roll them around, lift them, and see how they feel. Pay attention to the quality of the wheels, the handle, and the zippers.

• Wheels: The wheels are one of the most important parts of a suitcase. They should be smooth, durable, and easy to maneuver. Look for suitcases with multi-directional wheels, as they offer better mobility and make it easier to navigate through crowded airports and narrow hallways.
• Handle: The handle should be comfortable to hold and easy to adjust. It should also be sturdy enough to support the weight of the suitcase. Test the handle by pulling the suitcase around and see if it feels balanced and stable.
• Zippers: The zippers should be smooth and easy to open and close. They should also be durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of travel. Try zipping and unzipping the suitcase a few times to make sure the zippers are working properly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right size of a soft-sided suitcase for your trip is a combination of understanding your travel needs, considering the airlines' baggage policies, evaluating your packing style, assessing the suitcase's capacity, and testing the suitcase. By following these guidelines, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect soft-sided suitcase for your next adventure.

As a supplier of Soft Sided Suitcases, we offer a wide range of sizes and styles to meet your needs. If you're interested in our products or have any questions, please feel free to contact us for a procurement discussion. We're here to help you find the best luggage solution for your travels.

References

• "Baggage Policy Guide." Airlines for America.
• "Packing Tips for Travelers." Travel + Leisure.