Sometimes it’s nice to get insider tips from travel experts. So for this issue, we met with renowned luggage experts Cabin 1 founder, Udy Agarwal.
Whether it’s for business or pleasure, travel is one of life’s greatest joys.
However, to really make the most of the experience, it’s important that you choose the right luggage.
Many people are content to just pay for the cheapest luggage available, usually on the false assumption that all luggage is the same.
While this may be fine in the short term, all it takes is one broken zip or handle to derail a whole trip. You may well have witnessed such scenes in the airport before, or worse, be in such unfortunate situations yourself.
But it doesn’t have to be like that
Luggage has come a long way over the years. While many of us are familiar with the plain, functional luggage of yesteryear, there’s not a tremendous variety of styles to suit any tastes and any budget.
Furthermore, improvements in technology and manufacturing processes mean that you don’ t need to spend a fortune on quality luggage that lasts for many years, without any of the familiar problems presented by cheaper brands.
Udy, who has spent his forty plus years in the travel luggage industry, has witnessed first-hand the industry adapt to new developments and, as a result, has made it his mission to create the finest quality luggage which will be accessible everyone, for an affordable price.
Udy founded luggage company USB international in 1969 and has since created a high reputation in the industry, with his own published guides on the luggage industry and supplies over 2 million pieces of luggage and bags annually with his holding company USB International who are world leaders in ridiculously light, trend setting luggage and cabin approved bags.
We sat down with Udy to discuss what makes CABIN 1 range stand out from the rest and how he sees the industry changing in the coming years;
What are the key differences between good quality and poor quality luggage?
If you’ re to avoid having your luggage break at an inopportune moment, it’s important that you understand the materials it has been created from and can tell the difference between a high quality and low quality product.
When it comes to quality luggage, there six main areas to look at:
The material
The trolley system
The metal frame and boarding
The wheels
The zips
The handles
Most soft luggage is created from polyester coated in EVA material. This is very easy to manufacture and has the advantage of being able to fold flat, but it doesn’t have a great deal of strength to it, which can prove problematic if you are planning on travelling with a heavy load.
What made you want to manufacturer luggage, specifically cabin luggage?
In the last few years’ weight, size and dimension had become particular problems in the luggage sector and we looked to design and manufacture products that would help consumers tackle these issues.
Why do airlines have different restrictions and why isn’t there a simple regulation?
It would make sense to have a standard size, but I suppose the airlines have to work with the airplane designs and capacity to fit the max amount of passengers as well as optimum space for luggage.
There are different plane manufacturers and different countries also have different regulations so although to the everyday person it can seem unnecessary, there are other considerations the airlines need to make. It’s a complex issue. The priority for them all is to maximise revenue per flight.
What luggage restrictions in the future you think will happen?
Maybe in the future carriers will make carry on size smaller so it will fit under the seat in front instead of in the overhead compartments or there may be some type of identity tag that will confirm which hand luggage belongs to which passenger, it’s the way the industry is moving forward and technology in passenger travel needs to adapt.
What emerging trends do you see in airline travel?
To generate further revenues, changing sizes and weights of luggage…
Families taking one main suitcase and everyone maxing their hand luggage allowance
People wanting brighter colours and different designs to find their bag on the belt quicker
More people taking only carry-on luggage to avoid paying to ship luggage in the hold
What are your best tips for packing light?
Small versions of toiletries are a great little invention for short-break travellers Wear heaviest footwear/clothing when you board, and leave this out from your luggage packing, the extra weight will make all the difference.
Plan your outfits in advance, so that you don’t inadvertently over pack
Cabin 1 is offering all readers of the Asian World Newspaper, an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on all bags purchased this month, to get yours, simply visit www.cabin-1.com
There is also a video demonstrating the luggage which can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgMtXLEXux4
