I’m a flight attendant – the much-loved type of suitcase you should always avoid when checking in luggage
TRAVELLERS should be careful to avoid taking a much-loved type of suitcase with them on holiday, a flight attendant has warned.
The suitcase is considerably less durable than other types and is more likely to break while in transit in the cargo hold.
Flight attendant of 16 years Emilie Cooke-Martageix said travellers should never take a hardcover suitcase with them on a flight, if they are choosing to check in their luggage.
She told retailer House of Fraser: “Passengers tend to think that hard-shell suitcases are more resistant than fabric ones, but it’s actually the opposite.
“Hardcovers can get easily broken by the pressure of the other bags once they’re all packed together in the hold.”
The Air France flight attendant added: “To avoid damage to your bag, I always recommend choosing a fabric suitcase as these are actually more durable.
“Picking one in a bright colour can help you spot your bag more quickly during baggage delivery. Just avoid white as it won’t stay that colour for long!”
Another common bag mistake people make, according to Emilie, is opting for a four-wheel suitcase.
She said: “These are never as durable or reliable as a two-wheel spinner and I’d always avoid them.”
Travel expert Gavin Lapidus previously revealed a little-known luggage tip that could save people money when booking flights.
He said it was crucial that jetsetters buy luggage at the right time, as prices can fluctuate significantly.
Ryanair, for example, offers the option to buy a priority ticket which includes a cabin bag and 10kg luggage in the price.
But Gavin said the prices for the package vary greatly – between £6 and £24 – depending on timing and how many people have purchased the option.
If travellers would prefer to travel with only hand luggage, there are tips and tricks they can use to get the most out of the smaller space.
The best technique may be the classic folding technique, using four different travel bags, according to a study conducted by Which?
Where Which? managed to fit 67 pieces of clothing into an underseat travel bag, the brand could only fit 60 items when using vacuum bags.
And only 66 items fit using packing cubes, as the technique left “gaps between each cube”.
A total of 129 items fit in the four bags – two underseat and two carry-on size – when rolling, compared to 121 rolling, 118 using compression cubes, and 113 using vacuum packing.
The Sun Travel team's holiday essentials
WITH decades of experience and hundreds of countries under their belt, the Sun Travel team have shared some of the essential items they always pack on a trip.
Here are some of the game-changing items we always pack – and some will barely cost you a thing.
- Lisa Minot, Head of Travel – Global travel plug with USB (£64)
- Caroline McGuire, Travel Editor – Hotel Slippers
- Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor – Pack of 40 earplugs (£40)
- Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor – 1 litre water bottle (£8.99)
- Ryan Gray, Travel Reporter – Bluetooth eye mask (£16.50)
- Giuli Graziano, Travel Writer – AirTag luggage location tracker (£29.99).