How to Pack to Prevent Luggage Damage

Do not overstuff

The number one cause of zipper failure is overpacking. When the two sides of a zipper are under constant tension, the slider stretches and the coil pulls apart. If you have to sit on the bag to close it, remove something.

Distribute weight low and toward the wheels

Heavy items placed near the wheel end lower the center of gravity, reduce tipping and take strain off the telescoping handle when the bag is pulled.

Protect the corners

Baggage handling systems drop bags onto their corners repeatedly. Avoid packing hard, heavy objects against the shell corners of a hard-side case, where they can act as a hammer from the inside.

Retract the handle fully

A handle left partially extended is easily bent when the bag is loaded onto a belt or into a cargo hold. Push it all the way down and confirm it locks before checking the bag.

Use packing cubes and compression wisely

Cubes keep contents organized and reduce shifting. Compression cubes are useful, but resist the temptation to add more items into the space they free up.