Today, we are going to dive into the 10 ANNOYING luggage features to avoid prior to purchasing a new carry-on bag for your next trip. Never make the mistake that I did by buying a carry-on bag at the flea market because I wanted to be a cheapskate. It only lasted for one flight. I couldn’t even bring it back from my trip. I had to dump it and buy a new one. You don’t want to waste your money like that.
So, if you’re looking for that perfect carry-on suitcase for your upcoming travels in 2025, you need to READ THIS until the end to learn the 10 luggage features to avoid! Yes, buckle up, because I’m about to save you a lot of stress, and money. And trust me, you’re going to want to hear all of this!
One of you asked me in the comment section a little while back, “Do you know a good carry-on suitcase I can buy? I really need a new one!” And I totally get it. Don’t worry, I’ve learned from my mistakes, and today, I’m going to share with you the top 10 luggage features you need to avoid when buying a new suitcase. You are going to thank me for all I am about to tell you! Now, let’s dive right into this video!
Ready for tip number one? Wobbly handles!
Now, let’s kick things off with a big one—wobbly handles. I mean, who even thought that was a good idea? Have you ever grabbed your suitcase handle and felt it wobble like a broken shopping cart? It’s the worst! I don’t know about you, but when I’m at the airport, the last thing I want is my handle shaking all over the place. You want a solid, sturdy handle that can help you glide through crowds without a hiccup.
Think about it—how many times have you had to maneuver your suitcase through an airport? When you’re at the airport, you need your suitcase to move smoothly, not like a wobbly shopping cart with a broken wheel. So, that is why the right luggage features are essential. Imagine this: You’re trying to weave through the crowds, darting between people, and your handle is all shaky and unstable. That’s not a good look. You want solid, sturdy handles that you can rely on.
You need handles that won’t leave you struggling! If that thing is wobbling left and right, just walk away, my friend. And here’s the kicker—wobbly handles get worse over time. Yup, after a few months of travel, that one-small problem becomes a nightmare. You don’t want to deal with that while rushing to your gate.
Here’s a little tip: You want to make sure that when you grab the handle, it feels tight and doesn’t jiggle around. When you’re walking, it should glide smoothly without any weird side-to-side movements. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference when you’re maneuvering down the airplane aisle or rushing to your gate. If it feels even a little bit wobbly, keep it moving and check out another bag.
Luggage Features: Why This Matters
Because you want your suitcase to be a tool, not a problem, the right luggage features are necessary. You don’t want to be struggling with it while you’re on the go. And here’s the kicker: Wobbly handles can get worse over time, especially if you’re going over rough surfaces or dragging it around for long periods. Avoid that headache right from the start!
Luggage Features: Next, Let’s Talk About the Wheels
Now, let’s dive into one of the most important parts of your suitcase—the wheels. Oh, the wheels! Don’t even get me started. You think you’re safe, pushing your shiny new suitcase around, but then—BAM—it veers off to the right for no reason. Ever happened to you? It’s like your suitcase has a mind of its own! So, here’s what you should do: when you’re testing a suitcase, push it on a smooth surface and see how far those wheels roll. If they barely move, that’s a major red flag. You need wheels that glide effortlessly—no struggles, no drama.
I’ve learned the hard way about bad wheels—and I’m here to save you from making the same mistake. The wheels are, without a doubt, one of the most important luggage features of any suitcase. They make or break your travel experience. If your wheels aren’t smooth, you’re going to regret it.
Test them out on tile floors and short carpets at the store (because, yes, you should totally be testing your luggage before buying it!). When you push your suitcase on a smooth floor like tile, see how far those wheels roll without you pushing them again. If they stop after just a few feet, that’s a sign of low-quality wheels. And trust me, if your suitcase can’t even handle a smooth airport floor, it’s going to be a nightmare on carpet or cobblestone streets!
You don’t want to deal with wheels that lock up when you hit the carpet at your gate or worse, start spinning in every direction while you’re trying to move through the terminal. Not fun, right? Trust me, you’ll want to make sure your suitcase can glide with zero effort, whether it’s carpet, tile, or even rough pavement outside the airport.
But, oh, the worst is when the suitcase starts going off to one side like it has a mind of its own. That’s a red flag, my friend. You want wheels that stay straight, smooth, and easy to control. So next time you’re at a store, don’t just look at the design. Give those wheels a good test run.
Luggage Features: Single Wheels—Big No-No
Now, let’s talk about single wheels. These might look super sleek, but I promise you—avoid them like the plague! I get it, they seem cool, but here’s the problem: they break easily and quickly get damaged, especially if your suitcase is tossed around during transit. Not to mention, single wheels don’t offer the stability you need when you’re moving over uneven surfaces. Imagine trying to drag your suitcase over cobblestones in Europe. These luggage features sound like a nightmare, right? With four wheels, your suitcase can handle that with ease.
Quick sidebar—don’t just look at the wheels. I’ve made this mistake before! Really look at them and imagine them facing the roughest conditions your travel could throw at them. You’ll thank me later!
Alright, let’s shift gears a little bit—wheel friction. Oh boy, if you’ve ever had a suitcase that barely moved on smooth floors, you know what I’m talking about. It’s frustrating, right? Like trying to rollerblade with terrible wheels—your suitcase should not feel like that. Here’s a hack: when you test a suitcase, give the wheels a good push on tile and see how far they glide. If they barely move, move on. The less friction, the better the wheels. That’s your golden rule here.
But hey, maybe you’re thinking, “It’s just wheels, how bad can it really be?” Well, let me tell you, when you’re dragging that heavy carry-on through a packed airport, wheels that don’t glide just add unnecessary stress. But, when you’re trying to catch a flight, the last thing you need is a suitcase that won’t cooperate.
Plus, you’ll want wheels that are rugged enough to handle rough, uneven surfaces. Think cobblestones, cracked sidewalks, or the bumpy pavement in some older European cities. It’s way easier to navigate uneven surfaces when you’ve got a suitcase with four sturdy wheels that can take the hits. So, if you’re eyeing a bag with those single wheels, just keep walking. Your future self will thank you for having good luggae features!
Luggage Features: Wheel Friction Matters
Speaking of wheels, have you ever had a suitcase where the wheels barely moved? Like, you give them a little push, and they just… stop? Ugh, not fun. And this is something you have to check before you buy. Bad wheels will create unnecessary friction, and the last thing you want to do is drag your suitcase around like you’re in a wrestling match.
Here’s a quick trick: Test the wheels on a smooth, tile surface. When you push the suitcase, how far do the wheels roll? A good set of wheels will keep rolling for a while. It’s like when you’re rollerblading—some wheels just glide better than others. And if they keep rolling easily? That’s the one you want. The smoother and less friction there is, the better your suitcase will move, especially in those crowded airports. You’ll barely have to put in any effort.
Luggage Features: Weight Matters—But Not Just for the Suitcase
Alright, now that we’ve nailed the wheels, let’s talk about weight. If you’re like me, you love to pack a lot—maybe too much. So when I was picking out my suitcase, I didn’t even think about how much it weighed empty. BIG mistake! I bought a suitcase that weighed 8 pounds empty! Eight pounds!
Okay, quick question—how many of you have bought luggage just because it was cute? Don’t lie, I know I have. And, let’s be real, we’ve all made the mistake of falling in love with a bag that’s adorable, only to realize it’s not practical at all. We’re talking about cute fabrics or cool designs that look fantastic but just don’t work in real life.
I got this super cute pink-glossy suitcase, and I was ready to return it… until I opened it up, and I just fell in love with the interior fabric. I ended up keeping it,even though it didn’t have the durability I needed. But, I genuinely loved it. I ended up using it for road trips. Now for packing!
Imagine trying to pack light when half of your weight allowance is taken up by the suitcase itself. No thanks. So here’s a little tip: always check the weight of the bag itself before buying. You might think it’s no big deal, but if you’re like me and love to cram in extra stuff, a lightweight suitcase can be a total game changer.
Some of you might have weight restrictions on your flights, so you’ll want to keep an eye on the weight of the suitcase itself. Remember that bags can be surprisingly heavy even before you start packing. You want to be able to pack your clothes without worrying about hitting that weight limit too early.
If you’re a light packer, weight might not be a big deal. But if you tend to overpack (and, let’s be real, who doesn’t?), you’ll want to make sure your bag isn’t adding unnecessary bulk. Check the weight of the suitcase before you buy, and remember—lighter is generally better, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of durability. Always balance the two!
Luggage Features: Don’t Fall for ‘Cute’
Okay, I’m guilty of this one myself. You know when you see a suitcase that’s just too cute to resist? The pattern, the color, the fabric—it all looks perfect, but hold up! Here’s the thing: Sometimes those super cute bags aren’t the best in terms of function. It happened to me. I got a bag that was gorgeous—striped lavender fabric and all—only to realize that the inside didn’t match the outside in terms of usability. And while I was swooning over that pretty fabric, I had to return it. Don’t let looks fool you!
Remember this: cute doesn’t always mean practical. You need to make sure that your suitcase isn’t just Instagram-worthy but also packed with the features you need to travel stress-free. It’s all about finding that balance.
Sure, a cute suitcase might look good in your Instagram pictures, but if it doesn’t roll well, doesn’t have enough packing space, or has flimsy handles, it’s just not worth it. So, next time you’re tempted to buy a suitcase based on looks alone, remember: looks aren’t everything when it comes to luggage!
Luggage Features: Extra Packing Space
Let’s talk about space. It’s probably one of the most important factors you should be considering when shopping for a carry-on. Some carry-on bags just don’t have the extra space you need to pack that extra sweater or a pair of shoes. The feature I’m talking about is the extension between the wheels for added packing space.
When you’re on the go, you need every inch of space you can get. That extra 2 or 3 inches in packing space can make a huge difference. Imagine how many more outfits or toiletries you could fit with just a little more room. So, when you’re checking out a bag, make sure it has that extra extension. A lot of cheaper bags skip this, and trust me, you’ll regret it when you’re trying to fit everything in.
Luggage Features: Embedded Wheels for Protection
Now, one feature that’s a huge lifesaver is wheels that are embedded. It’s simple: more protection means less damage. Your suitcase is going to face some rough roads (literally). So, you want to make sure the wheels are protected by being embedded in the frame, not just hanging by a thread. This helps prevent them from getting damaged when you roll over rough surfaces, like cobblestones or gravel roads. It’s one of those features you don’t always think about until you’re struggling with broken wheels halfway through your trip.
Luggage Features: Zippers Matter More Than You Think
I know, zippers sound boring, but listen up—if your zipper breaks while you’re on vacation, it could ruin your entire trip. Imagine trying to deal with an unruly zipper at baggage claim or while trying to pack for your flight back. Always check the zippers—glide them around the corners and make sure they’re smooth. YKK zippers are the best, but whatever you choose, make sure they won’t jam or break under pressure. A smooth zipper is a happy zipper!
You know how annoying it is when your zipper gets stuck? Well, when you’re on vacation or rushing through an airport, a broken zipper is the last thing you want to deal with. Zippers should glide smoothly and not catch on the fabric of your suitcase. I always go for YKK zippers—they’re the best in the biz, but whatever zipper you choose, make sure it’s smooth and works well every time you open or close it. A jammed zipper on your carry-on? Total nightmare.
Luggage Features: Handle Placement for Right-Handed Folks
And here’s one last pro tip—if you’re right-handed, handle placement matters more than you think! You want that top handle positioned in a way that lets your strong arm do most of the lifting. If it’s awkwardly placed, your weaker arm is going to do all the work, which can lead to wrist strain—especially when you’re lifting your bag onto the luggage rack. Give it a quick test at the store and see if it feels natural for your arm placement. It makes a huge difference in the long run.
The top handle should be on your dominant hand, and the side handle should be on the opposite side. This might sound small, but it’s a total game-changer when you’re carrying your bag through the airport or lifting it onto a luggage rack. You’ll want that top handle where your stronger arm can do most of the lifting!
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About Expandability!
Alright, I’ve got one more bonus tip for you before I wrap this up, and this one is all about expandability. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “How could this possibly be important?” Well, let me tell you—it can make a world of difference to know about these luggage features to avoid.
It’s easy to overlook, but this little trick can make all the difference. An expandable carry-on gives you that extra space when you need it. Maybe you pick up a souvenir, or, you know, you throw in a last-minute jacket because you forgot to check the weather app. Having that extra 2 or 3 inches of space can save your life—especially when your airline starts to charge for extra luggage. Look for that expandable zipper; it’s an absolute lifesaver.
Look for a carry-on that has an expandable zipper. You know, the kind that lets you unzip the sides to give you a little extra room when you’ve gone a bit overboard on the packing. We all know how tempting it can be to throw in a few extra items at the last minute. Maybe it’s a souvenir, or you just really need that extra jacket because you forgot about the weather forecast.
Having an expandable option can save you from having to stress about whether you’re going to fit everything into your bag without having to make a mad scramble to shove everything inside. And hey, it’s especially useful if you’re flying with a low-cost carrier that charges extra for a larger bag.
Just make sure the expandability feature is sturdy and doesn’t make the bag bulky when it’s not expanded. Otherwise, it could throw off the balance and make the wheels hard to manage. But a well-designed expandable carry-on can be a total lifesaver when you need a little extra space on your travels.
And now, you’ve got the full package of luggage wisdom! With all these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a suitcase pro, avoiding all those frustrating features that can ruin your vacation. Happy luggage hunting, and may your travels always be smooth and stress-free!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—10 luggage features to avoid before you buy your next carry-on suitcase. Remember, your suitcase should be your travel buddy, not your worst enemy. Test those handles, check the wheels, and always make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck when it comes to durability and functionality. I will leave a few links in the description for recommended luggages you can consider.
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And if you need more tips, don’t forget to check out my other travel hacks playlist. I’ve got a video linked in the pinned comment with a specially light suitcase that can actually fold and store in a closet with your clothes and it is expandable when you are ready to pack for your trip. It is called the Rollink. Please check out that video here.
Thanks for hanging out with me today, and happy travels!
