FACTS AND TRENDS IN THE LUGGAGE MARKET(2024)

Luggage Facts

First Luggage: Early luggage, dating back to ancient times, included animal skins and woven baskets. The modern concept of luggage evolved in the 19th century with the introduction of sturdy wooden trunks designed for long journeys.

Material Preferences: Polycarbonate and ballistic nylon are top choices for modern luggage. Polycarbonate is valued for its durability and lightweight properties, while ballistic nylon is known for its strength and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for frequent travelers.

Preferred Luggage Type for Business Travel: Business travelers often choose wheeled laptop bags or briefcases for their organization and functionality, featuring padded compartments for laptops and other devices.

Preferred Luggage Type for Adventure Travel: Adventure travelers favor durable backpacks with ergonomic designs and ample storage, suitable for rugged conditions and outdoor activities.

Preference for Lightweight Luggage: There is a strong consumer preference for lightweight luggage, driving manufacturers to innovate with durable, lightweight materials.

Luggage Purchase Influencers:
Online reviews, recommendations from friends and family, and brand reputation are key factors influencing luggage purchases.

Average Lifespan of Luggage: Well-made luggage can last five to ten years or more with proper care, though its lifespan can vary based on usage and materials.

Impact of Online Retail on Luggage Sales: The convenience of online shopping has significantly influenced luggage sales, with many consumers preferring to browse and purchase luggage online.

Impact of the Travel Industry on Luggage Sales: Growth in the travel and tourism industry directly boosts demand for luggage, as more travelers seek durable and functional solutions.

Carry-On vs. Checked Baggage:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that globally, 52% of passengers prefer to travel with only carry-on baggage, while 48% opt for checked luggage.

Airlines’ Baggage Fees Revenue:
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) reports that U.S. airlines collected nearly $6.8 billion in baggage fees in 2022 and $5.5 billion in the first nine months of 2023.

Average Weight of Checked Luggage:
The average weight of checked luggage for domestic flights in the United States is approximately 45 pounds (20.4 kilograms) per bag.

Preferred Luggage Brands by Airlines:
Some airlines have partnerships with specific luggage brands for their crew and passengers. For instance, Delta Air Lines collaborates with TUMI to provide luggage solutions.

Air Travel Traffic Statistics:
In December 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that air travel continued its recovery, with total traffic for the year nearing pre-pandemic levels. Total traffic in 2023 increased by 36.9% compared to 2022, reaching 94.1% of 2019 levels. December 2023 saw a 25.3% increase compared to December 2022, reaching 97.5% of December 2019 levels.

International traffic grew by 41.6% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching 88.6% of 2019 levels. Domestic traffic increased by 30.4% compared to the previous year, surpassing 2019 levels by 3.9%. In December 2023, domestic traffic rose by 27.0% compared to December 2022, exceeding December 2019 levels by 2.3%. The fourth quarter of 2023 saw a 4.4% increase in traffic compared to the same period in 2019.

Type of Luggage Lock:
A Travel Sentry survey reveals that the majority of people in the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France prefer zipper locks for their luggage (73.5%). Padlocks are also popular (38.4%), followed by latch-lock systems without zippers, which appeal to 18% of respondents. This demonstrates a variety of preferences for securing luggage.

Luggage Trends

Trend Towards Smart Luggage: The industry is seeing a rise in smart luggage featuring GPS tracking, USB charging ports, and built-in scales.

Rise in Eco-Friendly Luggage: There is growing demand for luggage made from sustainable materials, including recycled plastics and biodegradable fabrics.

Luxury Luggage Market: The luxury segment of the luggage market is growing steadily due to increased disposable incomes and aspirational lifestyles.

Preference for Travel Organizers: Travel organizers such as packing cubes and compression bags are becoming popular for their convenience and organization.

Rising Trend of Customizable Luggage: Customizable luggage options, allowing for personalization with monograms and colors, are increasingly popular.

Growing Popularity of Weekend Bags: Weekend bags, or duffle bags, are favored for short trips due to their versatility and compact size.

Preference for TSA-Approved Locks: Luggage with TSA-approved locks is preferred for added security and convenience during airport screenings.

Preference for Multi-Functional Luggage: Multi-functional luggage, such as convertible backpacks and hybrid suitcases, is gaining traction for its versatility.

Rise in Adventure Tourism: The growth of adventure tourism has increased demand for specialized luggage designed for activities like hiking and camping.

Innovation in Luggage Design: Manufacturers are investing in innovative features like collapsible designs, expandable compartments, and ergonomic handles to enhance user experience.

Impact of Business Travel Trends: Business travelers seek luggage that combines functionality with professional aesthetics, leading to stylish and durable designs.

Preference for RFID-Enabled Luggage: RFID-enabled luggage offers added security and tracking, reducing the risk of lost baggage.

Preference for Carry-On Luggage: With stricter airline baggage policies, there is a growing preference for compact carry-on luggage that meets size restrictions while maximizing packing capacity.

Impact of Fashion Trends on Luggage Design: Fashion trends influence luggage design, with manufacturers incorporating seasonal colors, patterns, and textures.

Growth of Online Reviews and Recommendations: Online reviews and travel blogs significantly impact consumer decisions, with many relying on peer recommendations and expert reviews.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Luggage Industry: The luggage industry faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel restrictions and decreased tourism leading to a decline in sales.