Travelling is more and more spartan every day. Long gone are the days of free checked luggage and ample cabin storage, now passengers need to be able to cram as many of their personal belongings into tiny suitcases while also complying with TSA regulations that change and get stricter every day. Something else to consider is that since airlines are now cramming more seats into the cabin, there is not as much space for carry-on luggage in the cabin, which has also meant that they are making these cases smaller every year to accommodate as many passengers as possible.
Traditional luggage companies do a good job accommodating passenger’s needs, but the suitcases that offer the most functionality tend to be very expensive and oftentimes not be as high quality as we expect, especially considering the price. And passengers nowadays are looking for very specific specifications, especially considering everything we have mentioned before. It is no longer enough for the suitcase to fir all your clothes, it also needs to be comfortable to travel with, have good security and be sturdy enough just in case it ends up being tossed in the cargo compartment last minute and have a bit of useful tech integrated to make it worth the investment.
The most popular suitcase is from Amazon, and it is a bargain
While many will be skeptical at the idea of purchasing a suitcase sight unseen, after all, what I it is not comfortable to use or if it weighs a lot, the fact that Amazon has such good return policies make it easier for consumers to take the $160 hit to their wallet and decide that if they do not like the luggage they can always send it back.
But if the reviews are to be believed, few people end up having that problem. While $160 can seem steep, it is the average price of a suitcase that is meant to withstand the hardships of travel while being comfortable. This is one category where going cheap will just guarantee that you will be disappointed and end up with a broken suitcase before you even reach your hotel.
The details are what set this Amazon pick apart, with the MR PLUM brand being almost unknown, it is a surprise how good they have made this product and how worth it to consumers it has become. This suitcase is not just good at carrying clothes, although it is its main purpose and fulfills it beautifully. It has a unique and well thought out design that includes quick-release front opening a TSA approved security lock and plenty of organization compartments inside that allow you to be an efficient packer.
The quick-release front allows you to keep your electronics or important documents handy and accessible without having to disassemble the entire suitcase to use them, which, if yo are only carrying one bag, is a big plus. The inside organization compartments are just as useful, with separate compartments for dry and wet clothes (which can also be used to store items that need to be laundered), internal X-shaped straps that keep everything in place, and additional closures for more efficient organization.
But if you are going to be traveling with this case, its comfort when you move is also paramount. It is not heavy, but has sturdy swivel wheels that allow it to move seamlessly through uneven terrains, perfect if you are traveling to a city and taking transit, and it has adjustable telescopic handle that adapt to the user’s height and posture, making it actually unisex and comfortable.
For those that like extra touches, some MR PLUM models include integrated cup holders, bag hooks, or cell phone holders, all of which come extra handy in a busy airport.