The Cape Town Luggage Set Page.

Pointers to help you choose and use your Cape Town luggage set

Your Luggage Set
Using my own luggage set experiences as an example, I can honestly tell you that organising the ideal luggage combination and packing it with just the right gear without overdoing it - or leaving out something essential, is not as simple as it would seem.

Packing your gear is one thing. You'll find that when you get to the airport your mind is on the journey ahead and the documents you need - as well as the security of your luggage set.

I've found that a few guidelines are always useful when it comes to your luggage needs and handling your luggage before you embark on your flight.

This page will help to address these issues and make it easier for you to enjoy your journey.

I've listed some useful pointers as well as pictures of a few of the types of luggage popular on most airlines at the moment, combined with descriptions.

The luggage you choose will of course depend on your circumstances. My personal choice for vacation or business use is a combination of sturdy upright rollon with a telescopic handle, which you can pull along, and a sizeable carry on bag with a strong shoulder strap and pockets. You can't go wrong with those two basic items, and you can always add to them as required.

If you want to purchase your luggage set online before you leave, you'll be able to do so by following the links provided on this page.

Some travel luggage pointers..

Choose your luggage set with care. Quality robust suitcases, roll on and carry on bags are much less likely to have problems such as splits, loose rivets, or faulty zippers.

Remember that the Transportation Safety Administration now has a policy of scanning and randomly inspecting all checked in luggage. As such, the use of plastic cable ties is preferable to padlocks for securing zippers and flaps. You will need clippers to remove them.

You are generally allowed to take one item of carry on luggage on board your plane, plus a hand bag or purse. Make sure that your carry on is not too bulky to fit in the overhead luggage compartments.

Label your luggage: Remove any old tags and attach an identification label containing your contact details. Put a similar label inside your luggage.

Keep a list How many air travellers note down exactly what they have packed in their luggage set?
Such a list is essential in the event of a claim from your insurance. Leave a copy of your list at home before you leave.

Personalise your luggage set. Use colorful tape or sewn on patches. This will make your bags more obvious and easier to find on the carousel when you reach your destination airport.

Frequently requested information for airline passengers Click here

Popular types of luggage:

Roll on
Backpack
Shoulder bag
travelpack
Suit or garment bag

Popular makes of luggage:

Samsonite
Atlantic
Hartman
Travelpro

The upright roll on type of luggage is sold by all reputable luggage set companies. It has become popular because of the convenience of two built in wheels and telescopic grab handle. It is available in soft or molded form and in various colors.

The advantage with this type of airline luggage is that it is easy to manoeuvre on smooth surfaces when heavy. The disadvantage is that it has limited mobility on stairs or uneven ground.

A backpack may or may not be ideal as airline luggage depending on your requirements. A large quality backpack with an internal frame and removable waist strap would be more suitable because it holds more, is less awkward and is easier to stow away. Smaller backpacks without a frame can be taken on board your flight as hand luggage.

If you want to go the backpack luggage route, remember that pockets are useful, and front zips are more convenient than top flaps with strings and clinches, because you get easier access to the contents.

The shoulder bag is generally limited in size and capacity and is therefore more suited as hand luggage. Choose a good quality shoulder bag which has zippered pockets for documents, and closes securely, to avoid loosing the contents.

A travelpack is a versatile shoulder bag which can be converted into a backpack. There are different sizes available, the smaller of which are ideal for use as carry on hand luggage. Quality travelpacks have features such as additional handles, strong zippered pockets and adjustable shoulder straps.

The suit or garment bag is designed to be used for carrying clothing eg. suits or dresses, on board the plane. As such it is popular with business travellers. It can be folded in half and hung in a closet but does tend to take up space.

Get more useful travel information on my travel preparation page

Here are some more helpful pages to browse before you fly to Cape Town

Flights to Cape Town

Travel Insurance

About Cape Town Airport

Car Rentals in Cape Town

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