Would you like to know which travel item is most suited to your needs? Are you unsure which bag or travel item to buy? Which option is best: a hard sided case, a soft sided case, with or without wheels, a travel bag, a cabin bag...?

In this section you can find practical advice and suggestions regarding which option is best for you based on your individual needs.

You can also consult the airline restrictions for the main airlines world-wide, explaining luggage size and weight restrictions.

If you still have doubts after reading this advice, you can call us and we will assist you personally. 

Baggage type

When it comes to travelling it is important to select the type of bag most suited to your needs.  Factors such as the duration of the trip, the number of people travelling (one, a couple, a family), mode of transport, even the destination, can determine which bag is best suited to ensure the trip is comfortable and pleasant.

Duration of the trip:

If we focus for example on the duration of the trip and the destination, weekend breaks to the mountain require a smaller  bag bag size (less than 55 cms) in which clothes and toiletries needed for just two days can be carried.  In addition, an accessory item would be a rucksack, in which all the items needed to enjoy the trip can be stored.  If two people are going on a weekend break but would only like to take one bag, a medium sized bag (between 56 cm and 69 cm) would be ideal.

In contrast, for a longer trip lasting two weeks, it is advisable to choose a bag with resistant material, a hard sided bag, in which you can put clothes for different types of weather and times of the day.  In addition, you will probably need a  beauty case, in which you can take all of your usual cosmetics.  It is advisable to take a large bag (75 cm) on longer trips.

For family trips, regardless of the duration, the most advisable and practical solution would be to have a bag for each member of the family, therefore a luggage set would be the ideal selection.

Modes of transport:

The mode of transport you are taking for your trip is also a factor when deciding which items to buy.  Airlines normally allow one bag per passenger as hand baggage and one or two bags as hold baggage.  If you do not wish to check in any luggage and would prefer to take hand baggage on board, the ideal option would be a cabin case, flight bag o cabin trolley case.

In contrast, when travelling by train or coach, the space is more limited, with usually only one over head compartment being available.  When travelling by car, the limit is determined by the space in the boot.  In these circumstances, the best option would be a soft sided case, as it can adapt better to the space available, therefore a  travel bag or a  wheeled case is recommended.

Destination:

The final thing to consider is the destination of the trip.  If for example, you are able to wash your clothes at your destination, you may wish to take fewer garments, therefore, the best option would be a smaller bag and if the place you are going to is not very safe, it would be a good idea to choose a bag with a safety lock which is difficult to break.

In addition to this practical advice you should not forget to choose a bag which suits your style and aesthetic preferences.  Nowadays manufacturers offer a wide range of colours, textures and shapes, making it easy to choose a product which is to your style and taste.

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Hard sided or Soft sided cases

Luggage sets

Travel accessories

Nowadays more and more people are travelling, either for business or pleasure, resulting in manufacturers offering a wide range of products to make each trip more comfortable and pleasurable than the last.  The travel accessories we offer have been designed with this in mind.

For example, garment bags are very useful on a business trip to ensure the suits and laptop arrives safely at the destination, as well as shirt covers o shoe bags.

Let us not forget classic travel accessories such as toiletry kid and  beauty cases, vital for any type of trip and extremely useful for carrying all types of cosmetics, shampoo, moisturisers, make up, etc.

In respect of security, the main brands offer different types of locks and fastenings for your equipment. In relation to  locks if you travel to the USA, make sure you have a  TSA Lock on your luggage as this is the only type of lock accepted by US customs.

For long haul flights, it is advisable to take a travel pilow, sleep mask and earplugs to help aid sleep on the plane.  A very useful accessory when travelling to another country (eg. the USA) is a  universal adaptador for different types of plugs.  To ensure the bags last for as long as possible a suitcase cover is recommended.

For the gadget lovers out there, there are also various accessories in the form of camara cases y video camara cases and CD cases, etc. 

Airline restrictions

When travelling by plane, it is important to be aware of baggage restrictions for different airlines: weight, hand baggage, restricted items, carrying liquids etc.  Before travelling by plane we recommend you contact your airline carrier to find out what the exact limits are.

Maximum weight limit

When checking in hold baggage the maximum weight on national flights within Spain is 30Kg for passengers in first class and 20Kg for passengers in economy class.  On international flights from Spain the limits are the same, except on flights to America (the USA, Canada and others), on which the limits are established depending on the number and volume of items to be transported. If said limit is exceeded, normally a charge is payable for excess baggage, which varies according to each airline.

Hand luggage

For hand baggage you can choose between a cabin case  or  cabin bag. Acabin case is made from more resistant material. A cabin bag is softer and can fit easily into the over head lockers on the aeroplanes.

Hand baggage restrictions vary between each airline.  Therefore, we advise you consult your airline company before travelling to determine their specific baggage restrictions in relation to the number of bags, measurements and maximum weights permitted for hand baggage.  Below is a table showing the hand baggage restrictions of the main airline companies. 

Summary table showing restrictions by airline

Source: www.emaletas.com

NB: Measurements are for economy class. Last updated: 1 January 2008. Emaletas cannot be held responsible for the information contained herein or any unupdated changes.

Dangerous and restricted items

Hand baggage:

For security reasons, there are a series of items which are prohibited on board an aeroplane.  Therefore, they should be checked in as hold baggage (provided they are not also prohibited in the hold of the aircraft). These items include:

• Liquids, except those under 100 ml or required for medical reasons during the journey.
• Guns, firearms and weapons in general.
• Sharp objects.
• Pointed/edged weapons.
• Explosive and flammable substances.
• Chemical and toxic substances.

Products prohibited in both hand baggage and hold baggage:

• Explosives and explosive devices (including detonators, fuses, grenades, mines and pyrotechnic products).
• Gas and gas containers: propane, butane (including small gas canisters for camping).
• Flammable liquids and fuels (including petrol/gasoline, methanol, lighter fluid, aerosol spray paint).
• Flammable solids and reactive substances (including magnesium, firelighters, fireworks and flares).
• Oxidizers and organic peroxides (such as bleach and car body repair kits)
• Infectious substances or biological hazardous materials (such as infected blood, bacteria and viruses)
• Radioactive material (including medicinal or commercial isotopes)
• Corrosives (such as vehicle batteries)
• Material capable of spontaneous ignition or combustion

Only liquids complying with the following requirements may be taken in hand baggage: 

• Liquids in individual containers, not exceeding 100ml, placed in a transparent resealable plastic bag with the capacity of up to 1 litre (bag size approx. 20 x 20 cm.). Only one bag per person, including children, is permitted.
• Liquids which are required during the journey for medical reasons or special dietary needs, including baby food.  If requested, the passenger must provide proof of the authenticity of the liquid.

Source: AENA - Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea (Spanish Airports and Air Navigation) and www.directgov.uk

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Appropiate bag size

In relation to the size of the bag, it is important to choose the appropriate measurements.  If the bag is too big, the garments will move and could become easily creased.  In contrast, if it is too small, you will have problems with space and will be limited on what you can buy at your destination.  It is vital, therefore, to choose the appropriate luggage according to the type of trip.

Business trips, for example, require suits and formal wear, as well as casual clothes for the evening.  Trips to warm destinations require lighter garments and therefore, take up less space.  For a wedding or social engagement, you would need both day and evening wear.  Once you have determined what you are going to take, it is important to check the baggage restrictions with the airline: size limits, weight restrictions, including the number of bags permitted to check in to avoid additional charges for excess baggage.

• Cabin (46-55 cm): ideal for a day or weekend break.  The advantage of having a bag this size is they are generally accepted as hand baggage by the airlines.  We recommend combining this with a flight bag or shoulder bag which can be connected to the top of the bag..

• Compact (56-65 cm): for long weekends or Easter breaks.  These measurements also work for a weekend away for a couple.  These sizes never exceed the weight restrictions established by the airlines (20 Kg normally). These can also be combined with a flight bag or shoulder bag, recommended for carrying vital items such as medicines, glasses, jewellery and other valuable items.

• Medium (66-69 cm): Ideal size for a trip of between 7 – 10 or ten days.  Can also be used on long weekends by a couple.  Able to carry various types of garments, footwear and accessories, with space for a little extra

• Large (70 cm+): Recommended size for long trips of 2 weeks or more, or 1 week for couples

Whatever the occasion, it is practical to carry a travel bag with you or, in the event of a business trip or social engagement, a garment carrier, flight bag or beauty case will be of great benefit.  If you are going to travel by plane, it is advisable you take hand baggage - a bag and/or, where appropriate, a briefcase or laptop case.

As a guide, the measurements for 1 person, according to the duration of the trip are the following:

Summary table: trip duration and bag size  

Source: www.emaletas.com
* Recommended size for 1 person

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Type of material

• Polypropylene:

  This material is normally used to manufacture  hard sided cases. Belonging to the group of polyolefins, it has a variety of uses, including packaging for food, textiles, laboratory equipment and car bumpers. It is extremely strong with a tough surface and can withstand heavy impact.  Resistant to acid and alkaline

• Polycarbonate:

  Also used to manufacture hard sided cases. This material is becoming more and more common in the home, laboratories and chemical industry, due to its three main qualities: impact resistance, temperature resistance and optical properties.

• Leather:

  Material used to manufacture soft sided cases. Resistant and sufficiently flexible for moulding and shaping.

• Polyester:

  Used to manufacture a vast number of soft sided cases. Synthetic polyester (plastic) comes as a result of the polymerization process, a fibre, which was initially the base for developing sewing threads and which is currently used in a variety of ways such as for manufacturing plastic bottles which were previously made with PVC.

Summary table: Type of material

Source: www.emaletas.com

Packing guide

1.- Choosing clothes, accesories and a bag

Firstly you much choose the clothes and accessories for your trip.  It is advisable you check the weather at your destination (whether it is a warm place, whether it rains a lot, etc).  Making a list with of everything you need is one way to avoid forgetting something vital, which could be a raincoat in a place with a lot of rainfall or trainers when going on an excursion.

The best way to choose your clothes is to create two or three combinations, choosing versatile garments which you can wear on various occasions (for example a pair of casual jeans which when worn with a shirt or blouse create a more formal look).

 In general, try to opt for clothes which do not crease too much.  If you are travelling by plane, place vital items in a separate  bag or flight bag.

     
2.- Place heavy items in different compartments

Upon choosing the size of the  bag, clothes and accessories, it is important to pack the garments well, utilising the space available to prevent clothes from creasing.  When using a bag with separate compartments, place shoes (duly wrapped in plastic bags) and other heavy items into one of them.  If the bag only has one compartment, place heavy items at the base of the bag.

Place the heaviest and least delicate items at the base of the bag then pack the rest of the items in layers from the least to most delicate (shirts, blouses, skirts...).

Clothes crease less when fastened, in other words, the zips on trousers should be done up and shirts should be buttoned, etc.

3.- Fill gaps with smaller items

Gaps can be filled by underwear, socks and other accessories or clothes which do not crease.  In addition other items can be added such as hairdryers or electric shavers.

4.- Wrapping delicate items

For very delicate items (silk pyjamas, lace underwear…) it is recommended these be wrapped in crepe paper.

5.- Adding cosmetics or toiletries

In relation to cosmetics or other toiletries, the ideal option is to carry them in a separate flight bag or beauty case to prevent bottles opening and ruining the clothes which are inside the case.  When packing, bear in mind the measurements of the toiletries permitted inside the  flight bag or beauty case on the aircraft.

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