Most business travelers make it their mission to move through airports as quickly as possible. One thing that can slow them down is their luggage.

Luggage that’s too large to carry on to the plane, that’s too heavy to lift easily or is too weak to stand up to the demands of travel can all cost you time (waiting in line to check or retrieve your luggage), money (paying more to check luggage that is too heavy) and peace of mind (worrying about whether your bag’s zippers will withstand being tossed on a moving conveyor in the rain, for example).

In short, a quality piece of luggage can be well worth the price you pay – and, price can be a good indicator of quality and durability. However, don’t plunk down your hard-earned pay for an expensive bag without looking at its details.

First, check the size to be sure the bag will fit in the overhead bin of the airline and type of plane you fly most often. Size and weight limits for carry-on bags vary from one airline to another, so double-check the limits for your favorite airlines.

Then, check the weight. You want a bag that is strong, but lightweight. Remember that soft-sided luggage has a bit of “give” that may allow you to squeeze it into a crowded overhead bin.

Check the zippers, which should work smoothly. They should be long enough to allow you to open three sides of the bag and lay the two halves flat for ease of packing and unpacking.

Check the inside of the bag, which should have internal straps that will help keep your belongings in place, and a zippered compartment or two to hold smaller items. If you’re planning on wearing suits, you may opt for a bag that includes space specifically made to reduce the likelihood of wrinkling.

Finally, check the outside of the bag. It should have wheels that roll smoothly and a telescoping handle that snaps securely into place. It may be an advantage to choose a bag with a strong and detachable shoulder strap.

If you want to keep your laptop computer accessible, it’s best to use a separate laptop bag. And, if you buy the right one, you won’t even have to remove your laptop from the bag to go through security. The Transportation Security Administration allows travelers to use “checkpoint friendly” bags, which provide a clear, unobstructed image of the laptop when going through X-ray screenings. This type of bag is another good investment for the business traveler.

For other questions regarding business travel please contact us.