What is your preferred suitcase for business travel?

There is more science to this than you would think….

I have several options - depending on trip duration and purpose.

Firstly - Having traveled the world extensively on business and for leisure - I am of the unswerving belief that there are only two types of luggage - Carry-on Luggage and Lost Luggage!

So based upon that premise I try and make all business trips with ONLY carry-on luggage.

I have done a multi-city, 6 week business trips across Europe with only carry on. It was challenging - keeping under the 7kg carry-on limit and bag size - but with 5 pairs socks, 5 pairs underpants, 5 shirts, two suits and one pair of shoes and one set of casual clothes - it was do-able but it meant laundering/dry cleaning every Saturday morning.

Carry-on only allows faster check-in, faster airport transits, faster airport departure on landing and less hassle if luggage goes missing.

If I have to carry more and I am checking my bag - I never expect to see it again so that influences its contents. Unless critical I would never pack and check my most expensive or favorite clothes!

I always use a soft sided bag (I have found that these last longer and travel better - given the way most baggage handlers toss them around) and I also have added a prominent strip of florescent duct tape down each side - for very fast luggage identification on the baggage carousel and so that no-one else accidentally “claims” my bag.

I do not buy and use expensive branded luggage - notwithstanding that I can afford it - it stands out far too much. A good mid-brand soft sided strong zippered case is the answer. Sometimes I will also attach a wrap around strap in each dimension or get the bag wrapped in cling film at the airport. I then photograph the bag with my phone before check in - making sure that the zip ties are obvious.

I always secure the zips with a small nylon zip tie - because if the TSA or airport security really need to get into it - they can - but your average dishonest baggage handler is unlikely to be able to easily access it, so will move to an easier target. I am aware that many baggage handlers have access to TSA Master keys so I do not trust the TSA approved locks and I have never had a problem with this anywhere.

Never have my zip ties been cut - but if they were, I would immediately notify security and/or Customs BEFORE opening my bag - in case something had been added to its contents.

As for identification, my bags usually have my airline frequent flyer tag with my FF number and phone number written in indelible marker. My airline and other airlines can find me from those numbers. I never put a name and address on the outside.

I also put my full contact details printed on a sheet of paper in the inside zippered case cover.

Lastly - I remove ALL previous airline luggage tags from my bags so that automated baggage handling equipment does not get confused.

Good luck and enjoy your travels.