You’ve been planning for your Disney World trip for months, and it is finally here! You have your dining reservations lined up, you know what attractions you want to ride, and you have consulted our packing list multiple times to make sure you have everything you need.
Your bags are packed, and your carry-on is ready to go! Everything is going great until you realize that your brand-new carry-on suitcase is already damaged. The worst part is that carry-on suitcases break more often than anyone would like.
Most carry-ons don’t break because of the traveler; instead, they fail because of design shortcuts and the harsh forces of traveling. There are a couple of main reasons that cause that “first-trip failure.”
First, some suitcases are designed to be cheap and therefore can’t withstand the realities of travel. Some brands prioritize low weight and low cost over durability. The plastic shell may break rather than flex, or the lightweight aluminum in handles and frames may bend. Or low-quality screws and rivets can loosen or come apart altogether. Brands design the bags to make them look sturdy, but that isn’t always the case. If you are looking for a sturdy suitcase, try the LEVEL8 Hard Shell Carry-On.
The suitcase features a 3-layer polycarbonate hardshell that is high-strength and sturdy. It is equipped with 8 silent universal spinner wheels and an aluminum ergonomic handle with 4 levels. With over 3,000 reviews, this suitcase currently has a 4.4-star rating on Amazon.
Or, you can also grab this Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On.
It features a textured, scratch-resistant exterior designed to withstand the forces of travel. The suitcase is guaranteed to last with Samsonite’s 10-year warranty. Currently, the suitcase has over 17,000 reviews and an average rating of 4.3 stars.
Wheels are often one of the weakest points on suitcases. Many brands use cheap wheels made of soft plastic, rather than rubber or polyurethane. The wheel mounts can sometimes be too thin and might bend or snap when you are pulling your luggage over curbs, up stairs, or across rough sidewalks. You will want to make sure your luggage has sturdy wheels that can handle all sorts of terrain. Bags like the Traveler’s Choice Maxporter II provide high-quality wheels.
This bag features patented dual cyclone spherical spinner wheels that provide better traction and stability. Plus, it is made with a polycarbonate hard shell and features protective corner guards.
Another major failing point in suitcases is the zippers. The zippers may pop under pressure or misalign easily. Additionally, the fabric around the zipper needs to be strong enough to withstand pressure when you pack your suitcase to the brim. (Don’t worry, we are guilty of sitting on our bags to get everything to fit, too.) Having luggage that doesn’t actually zip is not very useful at all. You can purchase the BAGSMART Carry-On luggage.
This suitcase features double-ended zippers and TSA-approved locks for a smooth travel experience. The zipper can even expand up to 1.6 inches for extra space inside the bag. It is made from durable material to ensure the bag is strong, flexible, and light.
The American Tourister Stratum also gets great reviews on Amazon.
It has an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 2,000 reviews. The zippers are durable and feature large zipper pulls. It has a sturdy hardshell and an ergonomic carbon grip that can be adjusted to your size.
Finally, those overhead bins can be rough on your suitcase. The luggage can get shoved and twisted, and flight attendants or other passengers may force bags to make space. Turbulence can also cause bags to bang into each other. Having a sturdy bag will ensure that it doesn’t fail while you are flying. You can get this Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On.
This suitcase has an extra-thick, scratch-resistant hard shell. With a multi-directional wheel and a telescoping handle, you will be ready for your trip. This bag is more affordable, but still has excellent reviews. It has an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 55,000 reviews.
We are always on the hunt for items that will make your Disney trips easier, so make sure to stay tuned to AllEars for more!
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