JANUARY 2008: BIZLIFE
Getting carried away
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Here are Fink’s
picks for business travelers:
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Zero Halliburton, 21” Polycarbonate 4-Wheel Zeroller
($275)
Shell is made of a
polycarbonate, which makes the piece affordable, durable
and lightweight. Integrated TSA lock system. Removable
tri-fold suiter.
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Briggs & Riley,
22” Carry-On Superlight Upright ($299)
A light upright. Special pocket for hassle-free security
checks. Built-in garment sleeve holds one or two suits.
Good for a two- to four-day trip.
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Pathfinder, Revolution
22” Auto-Expand Trolley ($249)
Affordable and well constructed. Expandability feature
adds 30% packing capacity. Removable suiter. Good for
three- to five-day trip.
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In these days of long security lines and lost luggage, a good
bag can make or break a business trip. Most business travelers
prefer a carry-on, which minimizes the chance of airlines
losing or mangling a bag. Emily Naslund-Smith, owner of
Destinations-The Travel Store in Eugene, says she’s seen
an increased interest in unconditional warranties for luggage.
“Airlines can really do a number on bags,” she
says.
Check size requirements for both domestic and international
flights, as they often differ, and beware of weight limits,
which will affect not only the size and type of bag you choose,
but what you pack. Alex Fink, owner of Fink’s Luggage in
Portland, says that a lighter bag means sacrificing durability
as companies use lower-quality frames, parts and construction.
He recently experienced success on a trip to Asia with a
polycarbonate case that kept his suits crisp and weighed in
under the limit.
In terms of security, Naslund-Smith recommends choosing a bag
that offers easy access to two items: your laptop, which should
be removed at the security gate, and the Ziploc bag filled with
any containers carrying liquids (check tsa.gov for the latest
restrictions). Also, consider using folders and cubes for your
clothing when packing, which will make repacking after an
encounter with a security screener a
snap.
LUCY BURNINGHAM
Have an opinion? E-mail feedback@oregonbusiness.com
