Stress-free flying starts with learning how to choose a travel bag that meets everyone’s standards, including your own.
Finding bags that align with airline bag restrictions is crucial when packing for a trip. But there are plenty of other considerations to ponder. Convenience, security, durability … these all have a role when choosing a travel bag for your group.
So let’s get started …
What type of bag is best for travel?
If you need to know how to choose the perfect bag to give your traveling employees or college club team, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top five considerations before buying a travel bag and a few helpful packing tips:
1. Branded travel bags are easy to identify
Try counting the plain, black bags and suitcases in the airport. On second thought, don’t. You’d miss your flight. Just too many out there!
The solution? Make your bags unique. They need to stand out so you can quickly grab them when getting on or off the plane or wherever your journey takes you.
Bags with personal logos are easy to spot in a baggage claim carousel, the overhead bin on the plane or under a seat. It won’t matter if your customized bag is black, red or polka dot. Placing your company logo or team mascot on travel bags, backpacks, duffel bags and business bags will instantly help you identify them.
Your club members or favorite clients will appreciate a professional-looking business bag that makes their trip a little smoother. Custom bags also give your company or organization a marketing edge. Think of all the people who will see your logo!
2. Forget checked luggage. Pack carry-on bags.
Checked luggage left with airline staff is frequently lost. Try enjoying a vacation or sealing a business deal without the clothes, meeting notes and other personal items you packed.
The solution: Choose smaller carry-on bags that can be kept with you at all times. Carry-on luggage typically is stored in overhead bins or beneath seats on the plane while in flight.
How big can a carry-on be?
Carry-on luggage size is set by the Transportation Security Administration and each airline. The most common carry-on bag dimensions are 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, including the handle and wheels.
The best choices for customized carry-on bags at Totally Promotional include duffel bags, backpacks, messenger bags and travel bags. My favorite carry-on and personal bags are:
- Professional Duffel Bag – Large 7-inch x 4.5-inch imprint area, 600D Polyester, zippered main compartment, pockets for additional gear and bold colors.
- Roll-Up Polyester Backpack – Trendy colors, roll-up option when not using, lightweight, water-repellent polyester, side mesh pockets, inside pocket and free delivery.
- Classic Travel Briefcase – Convenient web handle and shoulder strap, extra-strong nylon zippers for pockets, large 7-inch x 5-inch imprint area, 600D polyester and rush delivery options.
- Voyager Traveler Tote – 22-inch handles, pen loop, 600D polyester, large front pocket, large 7-inch x 6-inch imprint area and zippered main section.
3. Durability is key for frequent flyers.
Hard-sided luggage is recommended if your team travels often and their bags are subject to rough handling. Aluminum suitcases are very durable but are also pricey and heavy to carry.
Softer materials have plenty of advantages when used as carry-on bags. Soft-sided bags made with polyester and nylon are strong, abrasion-resistant, and much easier to fit in tight spaces due to their flexibility. The Activity Duffel Bag has many of these qualities, including multiple zippered pockets for top-notch organization.
When browsing for long-lasting, reliable bags, don’t forget to check the strength of the side and bottom seams. Reinforced zippers are also a great feature.
Choose water-resistant options if your travel bag will be subject to wet weather. High-denier ripstop fabrics coated in thermoplastic urethane are a good choice. If you don’t want to spend the extra money, wrap your personal items in plastic bags before placing them inside whatever bag you choose.
Other durable luggage materials to look for include polypropylene and polycarbonate.
4. Zippered tops, comfy straps and handles are a must.
Travel bags with zip-shut tops are a must when moving around in public. A bag left wide-open is tempting for thieves, and contents can easily spill out if knocked over.
Wide handles are easier to keep on your shoulders and more comfortable when carrying by hand. This can be very important when hustling long distances from terminal to terminal or gate to gate! Check out our Journey Laptop Backpack. It’s even got a velcro strap inside to secure a laptop.
Padded and adjustable straps on backpacks are also a welcome bonus. Our Downtown Sling Backpack delivers both benefits at an affordable price!
Look for reinforced stitching on straps and handles. A broken strap can be annoying and a big safety issue.
5. Pockets and compartments keep items organized.
If you like everything in its place, neat and tidy, buy travel bags with multiple pockets inside and out. Packing cubes are also handy items for carry-on bags. All these things make it much easier to find what you need in a hurry.
Side mesh pockets are perfect for storing company branded water bottles that can be filled at airports. (Have you priced beverages at airports lately? Eeek!)
Front zippered pockets give travelers easy access to IDs, passports, cash and boarding passes without compromising their security. Want to keep these things closer? Consider using badge holder lanyards for your team.
Many travel bag styles include pockets designed to fit tablets, laptops, cellphones and other devices and their portable chargers. Our Wave Messenger Bag features a built-in slot in the front pocket for earbuds. Your marketing and sales associates will enjoy these conveniences!
How do I personalize my carry-on bag?
This is the easy part! After choosing the carry-on bag that best fits your team’s needs, you’ll glide ride through the checkout at Totally Promotional. Our online process first guides you through the process of choosing the quantity, colors and other basics.
The design part is also incredibly easy. For most of our bags and backpacks, you’ll be asked to upload your logo or email it to us later. A graphic designer will be assigned to help you every step of the way.
We will send you an artwork proof via email to make sure every part of your order exceeds your expectations. We won’t start creating your products or bill you until you approve the virtual design.
Let’s get started! Trust me, you’re going to love your new travel bags. Order yours today!
