Baggage Check Read these tips before you purchase new luggage.

BIZ Experiences magazine, June 1998

Just like a new pair of shoes, the luggage you choose can makeyour travels more comfortable or literally give you blisters. Andlike a good pair of shoes, most durable luggage is not cheap. Sometips when researching luggage:

• Look for bags with heavy-duty stitching, zippers, metalbuckles, and padded handles and shoulder straps. Thick ballisticnylon, leather or a combination of the two are your best bet. Optfor dark colors that don't show scuffs easily.

• Bags with a good set of wheels are one of the best options forgetting around airports quickly. These "roll aboard"suitcases with built-in wheels and an extension handle score highwith most travelers, but beware of the strict carry-on policies nowbeing imposed by most airlines regarding size and number ofpieces.

• To identify your suitcase among the sea of bags on the conveyorbelt, tie a piece of colorful ribbon or yarn to the handle.