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What a carry on

Published: 01/08/2007 - Filed under: Archive » 2007 » September 2007 » Lifestyle » Features » Lifestyle » What to buy »

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Hand luggage restrictions have never been more confusing. Not only are UK travellers currently limited to one piece per person, but the airlines themselves all have different rules about cabin baggage. So if you're on an overnight business trip and don't want to be waiting at the baggage carousel for hours, finding the right piece of luggage is essential.

The good news for harassed business travellers is that case manufacturers have been rising to the challenge, and are fitting ever more features into their products. We tested out four wheelie bags designed to maximise your luggage potential, whether you're getting the five-star treatment in business class or cutting costs on a budget carrier. We've even put together a handy table to help you work out which one is right for your trip. It's time to get rolling...

Tumi T-Tech Pulse Madison Wheeled Packing Case

WHAT'S IT LIKE? At first sight, it's hard to believe any airline would let you take this huge case (left) into the cabin. But, appearances can be deceptive – it is marketed by Tumi as hand luggage, and in fact it meets the maximum specs for BA and other scheduled carriers exactly.
Of course, theory is one thing, and getting it past the airline and security staff could be quite another. When packed full, the case is too large to fit into BA's hand-luggage checkers, which staff suggested was because the dimensions didn't take into account the handles and wheels. When we tested it on a BA flight out of Heathrow, security staff questioned the size of the bag and warned that it might not be allowed on the flight. On this occasion it was waved through, but be prepared for a fight, particularly if you're travelling economy. You can also expect dirty looks from fellow passengers as you struggle to manoeuvre it through the aisles.

FEATURES The Madison is part of Tumi's more casual T-Tech Pulse collection, which is made from "high-performance, abrasion-resistant" hybrid nylon with a protective trim. With comfortable grip handles, a large main compartment and two deep outside pockets, this case's best features are its size and lightweight nature. The middle pocket is deep and protective enough to hold a laptop, and there are several smaller pockets and clear, removable zippered pouches throughout. The case also has shoe pockets, elastic straps, a single-tube handle for easier carrying, and Tumi's Tracer protection which helps travellers find lost bags.

VERDICT If you can get it on to the plane, the Madison is ideal for longer trips. It is extremely roomy, with a smart design and comfortable grip handle, and the numerous pockets make for easy organisation.

DIMENSIONS 56 x 38 x 23cm

COLOUR Midnight blue, black with grey and red trim or "flame" orange.

PRICE £225

CONTACT Call +44 (0)800 783 6570 or visit tumi.com

Tech Air 5903 Weekender Trolley

WHAT'S IT LIKE? Getting into this sporty number is like a Crystal Maze challenge – everything either unzips, pulls out or detaches. Once inside, however, the Weekender (pictured below) reveals itself as an ingenious piece of design, with a protected laptop pouch which stores in the body of the case but can be accessed from the outside. It meets most airlines' hand baggage requirements, and the lime green and grey detail adds a modern vibe.

FEATURES These include a telescopic handle, a soft-grip top handle, two outside zipper compartments, and several mesh pouches and clear plastic pockets. The case also comes with a Wet Skinn removable padded slim case for use with laptops that have large screens.

VERDICT Don't be put off by the name – the Weekender is ideal for shorter business trips. (Indeed, it is probably only suitable for longer trips without the laptop holder, which takes up a fair amount of space.) On a recent trip to Italy, the case fared well on a BA flight, several Eurostar train trips and an Alitalia hop. And it managed to successfully navigate Rome's uneven, cobblestone streets with ease. Surprisingly, despite its long list of features, the case is still lightweight.

DIMENSIONS 54 x 36.5 x 19cm

COLOUR Black with lime green trim.

PRICE £89.99

CONTACT Tel +44 (0)1672 519 933, techair.co.uk

Samsonite Pro-DLX Rolling Tote

WHAT'S IT LIKE? Unlike the other cases, which are essentially mini suitcases, this Samsonite offering (left) is designed as a grown-up version of a laptop bag. With finishings and handles in soft nappa leather, it is both smart and sophisticated, and wouldn't look at all out of place taken into meetings.

FEATURES Interiors are well equipped and organised for maximum efficiency, with elastics, dividers, key ring holder, mobile phone pocket and a padded laptop compartment/sleeve. As you would expect from Samsonite, the exterior is made from tough armoured nylon, and the lightweight telescopic wheel handle comes with gun- metal finishing for comfortable steering.

VERDICT Ideal for short trips, and providing you pack light, there should be room for toiletries and a quick change as well as a laptop. Alternatively, it can be used for meetings where a laptop or heavy documents are required. The only quibble is that when the tote is packed full, the handle becomes wobbly.

DIMENSIONS 47 x 40 x 20

COLOUR Black and tobacco

PRICE £199

CONTACT Visit samsonite.com

Delsey 50cm "Cabin" Trolley

WHAT'S IT LIKE? This is the baby of the bunch, an ultra-light protective hard case that is within the limits for all but the most stringent budget carriers. At just 2.5kg, it is particularly suitable for airlines with weight restrictions.

FEATURES The case has a retractable handle, top and side carrying handles, combination lock, hard outer shell, inside straps and
a mesh divider compartment.

VERDICT The biggest issue for business travellers is likely to be the lack of outside pockets and a protective laptop holder. On the plus side, it should stand up to all the knocks of travel, and is extremely roomy for its size. One minor design flaw is the short handle, which means that taller travellers could find that the case bumps against their legs – although anyone under 5'10" shouldn't really find this a problem.

DIMENSIONS 37 x 50 x 22cm

COLOUR Available in silver or anthracite grey

PRICE £85

CONTACT Tel +44 (0)20 8731 3530; delsey.com

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