With a simple click away from any vacation destination around the world, air travel has become an accessible luxury pastime for the average person. A recent trend surrounding the ever-increasing popularity of carry-on bags has evolved among travelers. In addition to airlines, bag manufactures have also caught on to this particular consumer development. Opting for more compact travel especially for short-haul destinations does have its advantages indeed: it’s cheaper, quicker and practical. Think about all that precious time you can save from not waiting around for luggage at the ever-so-dreadful baggage carousel. Because lets face it, that’s the worst thing about air travel isn’t it? Or worse yet, your luggage gets lost together with all of your belongings.
Airlines adapting to trend
Major international airlines are starting to take notice and adapting their regulations to the new carry-on trend. One of the significant changes is the “hand baggage only” option, which allows travelers at commercial airlines to purchase cheaper flights if they decide to ditch hefty check-in luggage. In fact, most oversized luggage is equipped with some rollers. But really, who enjoys dragging around a large suitcase through the airport? At the end of the day, it’s simply a nuisance. So what exactly constitutes a “carry-on bag”? Well for starters, there is actually no such thing as a fixed standard size for carry-ons, other than making sure it fits into the overhead compartments. There’s one simple rule. If it doesn’t, say goodbye to your precious carry-on and expect it to end up in the check-in compartment. Moreover, chances are you will have to pay a hefty fee. Nobody wants to be “that person” delaying a flight and getting ominous glares from fellow passengers. To experience hassle-free travel during your next voyage, just follow the baggage guidelines of your particular airline. Some are more lenient while others are stricter with their policies.
Swiss Airlines: The Swiss have a quite strict hand baggage policy. Carry-on bags must not exceed 8 kg in weight with maximum dimensions of 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm. Any hand baggage that is too big or too heavy will be taken at the gate and classified as check-in luggage, for which passengers are charged. Therefore, be especially careful here.
Singapore Airlines: Travelers who are seated in first/business class are permitted to bring two pieces of carry-on baggage weighing no more than 7 kg each and not exceeding 115 cm. Economy class, on the other hand, only permits one carry-on bag with maximum weight of 7 kg. As usual, business class does have its obvious perks.
British Airways: Due to more passengers opting for lighter travel, British Airways has changed its dimension restrictions for personal bags from 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm to no bigger than 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. On the flip side, this particular airline has a reputation of offering free hand baggage allowances with no limit in weight, unlike its competitors, which is very generous.
EasyJet: This commercial budget airline is known for its bargain flight prices. It is also very lenient with its “unlimited weight” hand baggage policy. However, dimension regulations do apply with the following maximum of 56 cm x 45cm x 25cm. So it’s nice that EasyJet make things so easy.
Demand for travel bags climbs
So after you’ve booked your vacation and researched airline policies, the next step is to purchase that ever-so-important bag. Travel bags have become an essential lifestyle product for many modern-day explorers. From carry-on bags with wheels, to the additional personal item such as purse, backpack or suitcase, there is a variety of choices to suit anyone’s personal taste. The common thread among most travelers is the search for fashionable aesthetic as well as durability and practicality. According to a global market report posted by PRNewswire in August 2015, growth in sales of travel bags is set to surge strongly by 2020. For manufacturers, this opens the door to an ideal opportunity to respond to consumer demands by further improving the design and product development aspects of their product ranges. One of the significant accomplishments in the luggage manufacturing industry is the technological development of decreasing the weight of the product. For instance, polycarbonate resin is a raw material that is incredibly sturdy and – most importantly – very light as well. Baggage that is lightweight is easier to handle and provides travelers with much more convenience. It is no wonder that more fashion companies are seeking to exploit this particular market sector. One such example is Prada, which has recently launched a made-to-order service where shoppers can customize an exclusive piece of travel luggage by selecting from a range of colors and materials.
Indeed, the carry-on baggage market is proving to be an exciting business venture for more and more companies. Heavyweights within the global luggage market such as MCM and Louis Vuitton are facing some serious competition with the likes of Prada, Kate Spade, Ted Baker and Coach, which offer an opulent selection of stylish carry-ons (featured below). Retailers / manufacturers have a chance to really capitalize on this growth industry, as airlines continue to especially adapt their regulations to this growing consumer trend. Lighter and cheaper travel certainly brings out one’s inner wanderlust, while at the same time allowing travelers to keep calm and “carry on.”
Carry-on bags takes off With a simple click away from any vacation destination around the world, air travel has become an accessible luxury pastime for the average person.
