There’s nothing more exciting than preparing for an upcoming trip. From booking accommodation to planning day trips, the planning period can be almost as fun as the trip itself!
But there’s one crucial aspect of holiday planning that too many people forget - finding the right suitcase. Whether you’re putting luggage in hold or simply taking a carry-on, you’ll want it to be as stylish, practical, and durable as possible.
Front-opening suitcases are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s not surprising, given the number of benefits they provide to travellers. Here’s an introduction to front opening suitcases and a guide to why this type of luggage is revolutionising the world of travel accessories.
What is a Front Opening Suitcase?
Most suitcases open with a zip, but the zip is located in a different part of the suitcase depending on the style. In a front opening suitcase, the zip is located near the top of the suitcase, opening a small lid on top of the suitcase when unzipped.
Front Opening Suitcases vs Side Opening Suitcases
Front opening suitcases are more common in fabric, but aluminium luggage manufacturers are now creating front opening aluminium models, too.
Whereas front opening suitcases have a lid at the top that opens like a flap, side opening suitcases have a zip down the side that opens the suitcase into two sides, with an equal distribution of belongings on each side.
Some suitcases have a side zip and a front zip, for easy access to items at the top of the suitcase when necessary. Others have a compartment at the front, for storing items such as laptops and tablets.
The Advantages of a Front Opening Suitcase
Easy Access
Going through security can be stressful, especially when it’s particularly busy and you’re in a rush. If your suitcase isn’t easy to open, you can accidentally leave belongings behind in the panic.
In fact, in the US alone, the Transportation Security Administration collects between 90,000 and 100,000 items per month that have been left at the airport by mistake.
One of the biggest advantages of a front opening suitcase is the ability to easily access your belongings. Not only does this help you when you need to pack and unpack items during security, but it’s also perfect for having your passport and boarding pass readily available.
Easier Packing
There’s a multitude of benefits to side opening suitcases, but they can make it more difficult to pack. If you have to pack two separate sides of a suitcase, it’s difficult to gauge how much you’ll be able to fit once that suitcase closes.
Plus, having to close two separate sides together can make it more difficult to keep clothes neatly folded, whereas simply zipping your suitcase closed from the top makes it easy.
Safer Valuables
Having easier access to your suitcase means easier access to your valuables, such as your laptops and travel documents.
While you might think this means better access for thieves, it actually makes it easier for you to keep your eye on valuable belongings, as well as re-packing them more quickly when they come through security.
What to Look for in a Front Opening Suitcase
If you’ve decided a front opening suitcase is right for you, here are a few other things to look out for on your hunt for the perfect front opening luggage set.
Material
Front opening suitcases are available in both fabric and aluminium. Many aluminium front opening suitcases have a side zip as well, so you can use it like a regular hard sided suitcase with the added benefit of easier access.
Both fabric and aluminium suitcases have their benefits, so your choice of luggage simply depends on which material is most suited to your needs.
Aluminium suitcases are more durable, for example, thanks to their water resistance and strong outer shell. They can also be harder to break into than fabric suitcases since aluminium is more challenging to penetrate than fabric.
But soft-sided luggage also has its advantages. Unlike aluminium suitcases, where the material is stiff and sturdy, fabric luggage has more flexibility, so you’ve got a better chance of stuffing a couple of extra T-shirts in there for your trip.
Ultimately, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of each material before choosing the right one for your front opening suitcase.
Style
Style is an incredibly personal thing, and no one type of suitcase is objectively more stylish than the other. It is worth, however, considering which look you prefer when choosing between a front opening or a side opening suitcase.
Practicality
Many suitcases come with added extras, such as security features, side pockets, front pouches, wheels, and inner compartments. Consider your needs before deciding which added features you’re looking for.
Do you have a laptop that requires a padded pouch for safety? Do you need inner compartments to store extra shoes? Would you rather have four wheels or just two? Weigh up your preferences, and look for luggage that matches them.
Cost
Deciding on a budget for your new suitcase is challenging, but the best approach is to strike the right balance between affordability and quality. Pay too little, and you risk ending up with a low-quality suitcase that needs replacing within a year.
Spend too much, and you risk not getting an adequate return on investment. Look for companies that justify their prices with high-quality materials, stylish designs, and suitcases made to last.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need cabin luggage, hold luggage, or both, front opening suitcases provide a beneficial solution. With this style of suitcase you’ll enjoy easy access, simple packaging, and the ability to keep valuables close at hand when you need them.
When it comes to picking your front opening suitcase, look for high-quality materials and a stylish design, as well as checking the size restrictions of your chosen airline.
