As local airlines contemplate checked-baggage fees, more passengers are inclined to travel with hand luggage. Here’s our choice of practical, yet pretty, carry-ons.
Cellini Quasar
Cellini’s Quasar has a hard outer shell to keep your valuables safe and four wheels for easy transport. The 36-litre suitcase also has an integrated combination lock to deter pickpockets and comes with a five-year guarantee.
We love the purple, but it’s also available in cream, blue and black.
Costs R1195
VIP Bags (tel 011-794-1257, www.vipbags.co.za).
Thule carry-on crossover
The ingenious Thule carry-on crossover bag is a 38-litre backpack with wheels. The top pouch keeps a 15-inch laptop safe and the wheels face away from your body when used as a backpack.
The fabric is water resistant and there’s a piggyback attachment to hook an extra bag onto the front.
Costs R3 999
Thule (tel 031-502-1044, www.thule.co.za).
Jekyll and Hide Boston leather duffel bag
The fashionable, vintage-style Jekyll and Hide Boston leather duffel bag has two outside zipped pockets to keep your cellphone and boarding pass within reach.
The extension handle can be hidden inside a zipped compartment when not in use.
Costs R3 829
iBags (tel 011-784-2521, www.ibags.co.za).
Trunki for kids
Trunki, for kids, is a clever piece of luggage that doubles as a toy ? perfect for beating airport boredom.
There’s a long handle, so you can pull your child along seated on the case and it features locking catches, teddy-bear seatbelts (internal straps), two carry handles and secret compartments.
Costs from R499
from selected luggage stores, candidbaby.co.za and kalahari.com.
Hand Luggage Requirements
Before you pack everything but the kitchen sink, remember air- lines differ on their allowances for carry-on baggage. The Airports Company of
You can board a flight with one extra bag – either a handbag, laptop, brief- case or vanity case – in addition to one piece of hand luggage.
If you’re travelling with a baby you can bring along a nappy bag too. Any other ‘unusual’ baggage such as golf clubs, musical instruments and fishing gear must be checked in.
