Airline Luggage

What's on the outside does count

Airlines today could care less what you pack your belongings in, as long as your luggage meets rigorous size and weight requirements at check-in. But if you want your belongings to arrive unscathed, you may want to replace that set of hard-sided suitcases plastered with worn decals from Branson, Missouri, and Dollywood - you know, the one that smells like moth balls, handed down to you by your great-aunt Bess.

Luggage - especially the stuff you check - should be lightweight, functional, attractive and suited to your travel style. If you only travel for pleasure or infrequently, a three-piece set with or without wheels does the trick. If you're the jet-setting business type, wheeled lightweight luggage with telescopic handles is a must.

The world is your oyster when it comes to luggage. If aesthetics are more important to you than functionality, make that your priority. Wheels, materials, zipper styles, stitching and additionals like handles and padded straps can save your life, though.

Here are some examples of luggage types:

• Sets - Usually three hard-sided or soft-sided (leather, nylon, etc.) suitcases in descending size. Most modern sets have wheels and handles, which add weight. Our recommendation: SkyFlite by Heys. This set is light (just over 20 pounds total), durable (made from polycarbonate) and very stylish.
• Duffels - The 26-inch Rolling BMR by Kiva is our choice for the intrepid traveler. This duffel on wheels combines space-age materials with modern multi-pocket functionality.
• Footlockers - These dinosaurs of a bygone travel era are still an option for the traveler who likes to linger. The best - and lightest - might be C&N Footlockers Companion. It weighs 27 pounds empty and has optional wheels for portability.
• Garment bags - If you are going to check a garment bag, you might as well do it in high style with the Kenya Cruiseliner by American Tourister. This sturdy unit features inline skate wheels, enough room for quite a few business suits and a handy pocket to store your cell phone, PDA and other business tools.