My Life in Luggage

My life in luggage: this French guy won my heart. He’s sturdy and folds up to almost nothing for easy storage.

Luggage

You’ve probably heard the expression “You have to kiss a lot of frogs, before you find your prince.” Well, for me, that quote applies not only to my love life – but also to my search for the perfect suitcase.

Before luggage came with wheels – yes, in the Dark Ages of travel – I carried a folding luggage trolley like the ones that people still use today for transporting file boxes. I’d take my bag off the carrier at the check-in counter and then stash the portable wheels in the overhead bin on the plane.

Thinking about it now, it seems really awkward, but I remember how grateful I was for anything that would help me schlepp around my heavy Samsonite suitcase.

First fling with wheels

That wheel-less Samsonite luggage and I had been together for a long time but – like the guy who is just a little too clingy – it finally had to go. About the time that airlines stopped printing tickets, “Sam” was replaced by Delsy and – for the first time – I tasted luggage freedom. Liberated from pricey porters and awkward trolleys, Del and I waltzed in and out of airports, on and off trains. It was a great affair that I thought would last forever.

However, Delsy did have one flaw (sound familiar?). He was rigid and opened like a clamshell. At first I liked his shape because it made it easy to find things, but it meant he didn’t fit on a luggage rack. Sometimes, in a smallish hotel room with a large bed, it was a challenge to figure out where to put him.

Lipault, who weighs much less that most bags his size, and the well-designed Airbag make great traveling companions .

True luggage love

In the end, it was Del’s awkwardness and weight that made me leave him (at our local Goodwill drop-off). I was tired of holding my breath every time I put my luggage on the airline scale – sometimes – having to ante up a penalty for his heaviness.

In the end – or what I think is the end – a French prince won my heart. His name is Lipault; he’s from Paris and he weighs 8 pounds less than Del. He also fits on a standard luggage rack and has soft squishy sides that mean he’s more adaptable. He’s 28”, has two wheels, and collapses – yes, folds into almost nothing – for space-saving storage. Or as he likes to say: “Le Bagage ultra léger and facile à ranger.” (Even though he doesn’t take up much space, here’s why I don’t store him in my closet)

Lipault isn’t flashy, but he’s handsome in an understated way. He’s also easy to get along with and he’s reliable. Isn’t that what we all want… in our luggage?

We’re a (luggage) threesome

In truth, one suitcase can’t meet all my needs. That where my cleverly designed Airbag comes in. He’s a lithe little devil that easily fits in an overhead bin, but is large enough for short getaways. I first read about Airbag in The New York Times Style Magazine and had a heck of a time finding him, but eventually had one sent from Hong Kong. Now they seem to be readily available. (Airbag carry-on by Michael Young for Zixag.)

Lipault and Airbag are great travel companions. Lip carries all my purchases home and A’bag doesn’t mind doubling as an ottoman during long flights. What more could I want?

Enjoy your travels!

Elizabeth Hansen

Tags: advice, Airbag, baggage, bedbugs, best luggage, carry-on, French, Lipault, luggage, Michael Youn, suitcases, tips, travel, traveling, Zixag

Category: Packing