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Baggage

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Baggage, often called luggage, consists of various bags, cases, and containers. These items hold a traveler's personal articles while they are in transit.

20180520 Away carryon (1)
20180520 Away carryon (1)

Modern travelers typically use these containers for clothing, toiletries, and small possessions. On return trips, travelers often use them to carry gifts and souvenirs. For some individuals, the specific style of baggage serves as a way to represent wealth or social status.

-073 - Bags (25669085731)
-073 - Bags (25669085731)

To ensure safety, baggage is constructed with either a hard shell or a durable soft material. Many designs include internal subdivisions to help secure and organize items.

Suitcases-1
Suitcases-1

There are many distinct types of luggage designed for specific purposes. Trunks are large wooden boxes that are much bigger than standard suitcases. While smaller versions like footlockers exist, large trunks are often called steamers. Today, trunks are used more for storage than for transportation.

Carpetbag
Carpetbag

Other specialized types include garment bags, which fold over to keep long items like dresses flat. Train cases are smaller, box-like containers used for personal grooming articles. Duffle bags are barrel-shaped and made of soft material, making them ideal for casual travel. For organization, some travelers use packing cubes, which are small rectangular bags used to keep contents compact.

Baggage has undergone significant changes throughout history. In the late 1600s, trunks were constructed in America using various types of wood. These were often covered in animal hides from horses, cows, or deer. By the 1700s, these hide-covered trunks became more popular and decorative. Makers added leather trim, iron locks, brass tacks, and handles to enhance their appearance. Historically, these heavy trunks were usually shipped by professional movers rather than carried by individuals. It was not until after the Second World War that lightweight suitcases became the primary form of luggage.

Suitcases-1
Suitcases-1

The development of wheels has transformed how people move their belongings. Although patents for wheeled trunks and suitcases existed in 1887 and 1945, they were not successfully commercialized. In 1949, a French engineer named Maurice Partiot registered a patent for a wheeled traveling bag. However, he did not pursue the application, and the patent lapsed in 1967. Bernard D. Sadow eventually developed the first commercial rolling suitcase. He applied for a patent in 1970, and his wheeled suitcase patent was granted in 1972. Sadow noted that baggage handling had become a major difficulty for air passengers.

Luggage awaiting loading at airport IMG 3140
Luggage awaiting loading at airport IMG 3140

Further innovations improved the ergonomics of moving luggage. In 1987, US pilot Robert Plath invented suitcases with two wheels and a long, upright handle. These were initially sold to flight crews, but travelers became interested after seeing them in use. Plath later founded the Travelpro company and marketed these under the trademark "Rollaboard."

Luggage awaiting loading at airport IMG 3140
Luggage awaiting loading at airport IMG 3140

More recently, "spinner" luggage has become popular. These feature four wheels with casters, allowing them to spin on their vertical axis. This design allows travelers to push the bag beside or in front of them rather than pulling it behind. This style was notably used by Samsonite in their 2004 Silhouette line.

Modern technology has introduced the concept of smart luggage. These bags include built-in or removable batteries to power various features. Some smart bags offer GPS tracking, USB ports for charging electronics, or even WiFi hotspots. Some even feature electric wheels to assist with personal transportation. However, the industry faced challenges in January 2018 when a ban was implemented. This ban prevented smart luggage with non-removable batteries from being carried as checked luggage on flights.

Luggage compartments Airbus
Luggage compartments Airbus

Baggage management is a vital part of the travel experience. At airports, passengers use a baggage claim or reclaim area to collect checked items. This is often done via a baggage carousel.

Luggage awaiting loading at airport IMG 3140
Luggage awaiting loading at airport IMG 3140

For temporary needs, "left luggage" services allow travelers to store bags at stations or airports. This can be done through staffed counters or automated locker systems. In the modern sharing economy, new services have emerged using unused spaces in hotels or shops for storage.

Mar2024. Left Luggage at Terminal Rodoviário de Fortaleza Engenheiro João Tomé aka Bus Station of Fortaleza, Brazil 02
Mar2024. Left Luggage at Terminal Rodoviário de Fortaleza Engenheiro João Tomé aka Bus Station of Fortaleza, Brazil 02

Finally, in a military context, a "baggage train" refers to the people and goods that follow an army. Historically, losing this train could weaken or demoralize a military force.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:20180520 Away carryon (1).jpg
20180520 Away carryon (1).jpg
File:-073 - Bags (25669085731).jpg
-073 - Bags (25669085731).jpg
File:Suitcases-1.jpg
Suitcases-1.jpg
File:Carpetbag.jpg
Carpetbag.jpg
File:Luggage awaiting loading at airport IMG 3140.JPG
Luggage awaiting loading at airport IMG 3140.JPG
File:Carrets de la compra.jpg
Carrets de la compra.jpg
File:Luggage compartments Airbus.JPG
Luggage compartments Airbus.JPG
File:Mar2024. Left Luggage at Terminal Rodoviário de Fortaleza Engenheiro João Tomé aka Bus Station of Fortaleza, Brazil 02.jpg
Mar2024. Left Luggage at Terminal...
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