An experienced airport baggage handler has lifted the lid on the suitcase brands that are most likely to fall apart during travel – and some of the results might shock frequent flyers.
The worker, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that certain well-known luggage brands consistently fail to withstand the rigours of air travel, often ending up damaged or broken before reaching the baggage carousel.
The Worst Offenders
According to the insider, these are the suitcase brands that baggage handlers dread seeing:
- Budget supermarket own-brands: "They might be cheap, but they rarely survive more than a few flights"
- Fashion-brand luggage: "They prioritise looks over durability – zips are the first to go"
- Certain premium brands: "Surprisingly, some expensive cases aren't much better than cheap ones"
What Makes a Good Suitcase?
The baggage handler shared their top tips for choosing durable luggage:
- Look for reinforced corners – these take the most impact during handling
- Quality zippers are crucial – they're the most common point of failure
- Hard-shell cases generally fare better than soft ones
- Four wheels are better than two for stability
The worker added: "People don't realise how rough suitcases get treated behind the scenes. If you want your luggage to last, invest in quality."
Surprising Revelations
Perhaps most surprisingly, the handler revealed that some expensive designer suitcases perform no better than their budget counterparts when it comes to durability. "It's all about the materials and construction," they explained, "not the brand name or price tag."
The insider also warned travellers to avoid overpacking: "That's when zips burst and handles snap. Airlines have weight limits for a reason."
