Understand the Luggage Jargon

Ever been confused with some of the jargon that's used regarding buying luggage and suitcases.

The following extract from the Luggage Jargon Buster on our site may help remove the confusion:

Smart Sleeve

A horizontal band of material often found on the back of small holdalls, shoulder bags and computer bags. The sleeve can be slid down the extended trolley handle of your suitcase to make moving around the terminal with both items that much easier. Sometimes the smart sleeve may be zipped or have poppers to secure it when not being used.

Expanding Suitcase

An expanding suitcases as a gusset that is normally zipped closed in the front edge. The gusset is released by unzipping, and results in a greater depth to the case and a corresponding increase in packing volume. Do be aware that published dimensions for an expandable case are shown when unexpanded unless both are shown.

Upright - 2 Wheel

When wheels and trolley handles first made an appearance on suitcases, they all had two wheels. 2 wheels are generally more stable when pulling your suitcase than a 4 wheel case. Normally the wheels are partly recessed in the body of the case to help protect them, and they are significantly bigger than those found on a 4 wheeled suitcase.

Spinner - 4 Wheel

Four wheel suitcases are great when moving along in a queue at the airport as you can just push your case along in front of you. The case can be pulled behind you, but is unsuitable to be pushed along with only 2 wheels on the ground. Wheels are exposed on the bottom of the case are more prone to damage than those on a 2 wheel suitcase. The packing capacity of a 4 wheel case of the same height will normally be less than its 2 wheel equivalent.

Fixed Combination Lock

A fixed lock is built into the side of your suitcase and is designed so that the zip pulls lock into it. The lock has a 3 number combination that is initially set to 000 and that you can re-set to your own code. Your lock may have a TSA facility for travel to the USA that allows the American Authorities to inspect your locked suitcase without having to break the lock open.