Buying a trolley bag today is not just about design or colour. As travel becomes more frequent and varied, consumers want the right balance of durability, weight, functionality and value.
In this edition of HT Lifestyle’s ‘Before You Buy’ series, we spoke to Anuj Sawhney, managing director of Swiss Military, to break down the key factors to consider before investing in a trolley bag, from size and material to wheel quality, compartments and overall durability.
According to Anuj, before making a purchase, start by identifying your travel pattern, whether you are a frequent flyer, a business traveller, or you take short trips or long family holidays. Check these against airline baggage restrictions to ensure the luggage is practical for your journeys. If your travel mostly involves a few-day trip, you might consider a cabin bag, which is easy to handle and can save you a lot of time at the airport.
Next, look at the construction and material of the bag. “For hard luggage, polypropylene offers a good balance of strength, impact resistance, and lighter weight, while polycarbonate is valued for its durability,” said Anuj.
Anuj highlighted that the quality of the wheels, trolley handle, corners, and zippers is crucial, as these experience the most wear and tear during travel. Make sure wheels move smoothly in different directions, and the handle is sturdy and stable when extended.
“Consumers must check the empty weight of the trolley as well. There is no single ideal weight, but as a broad guide, a 20-inch hard trolley can typically be around 2.3 to 3 kg, with larger sizes naturally weighing more,” added Anuj. The objective is to have a strong bag that doesn’t take too much of your baggage allowance.
Functionality should complement these fundamentals. Features such as smart compartments, compression systems, secure closures, and easy mobility make a noticeable difference to the travel experience. However, they should be relevant to the way you travel rather than simply adding to the specification list. “Ultimately, the best trolley bag isn't the priciest or most loaded with features; it's the one that fits how you travel,” concluded Anuj.
Note for the readers: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Please consult an expert for personalised guidance.
Anukriti Srivastava thrives at the intersection of words and voice, where journalism meets storytelling. A digital editor and journalist with over 5 years of experience, she has written across lifestyle, women issues, relationships, entertainment, fashion, and travel. She did her Masters in Broadcast Journalism and has published more than 500+ lifestyle content pieces across platforms. As a former Sub-Editor at HerZindagi, she produced engaging digital content, interviews, and event coverage for a wide audience. She has also contributed as a Webstory Producer with Travel + Leisure, transforming travel experiences into immersive stories for readers who love exploring the world. Beyond writing, Anukriti’s storytelling extends to the microphone. As a voice-over artist, her warm and expressive voice has brought scripts to life across audio platforms, turning simple words into immersive experiences. Her work reflects a deep interest in people, culture, and everyday stories that resonate with readers and listeners alike. She enjoys crafting content that informs, inspires, and sparks curiosity. Away from screens and studios, you’ll find her reading self-help books, listening to music, getting lost in romantic novels, and playing the guitar for a creative reset. For Anukriti, storytelling isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of seeing and sharing the world.Read More
