Wheeled upright luggage allows you to pack for a weekend or a week without having to carry the weight on your back. As many airlines have tightened their luggage requirements and security measures have become increasingly strict, the need for practical and sturdy luggage is fundamental for business travelers.

Whether you want the flexibility of a small carry-on or a larger bag that you will check, find a style of upright luggage that will suit you and your price range.

When you buy wheeled upright luggage online, your online retailer should:

1. Provide a clear, accurate description of the upright luggage's characteristics, including dimensions, uses and weight.

2. Include customer reviews of the upright luggage when possible.

3. Offer a clearly stated warranty on your upright luggage.

4. Show actual shipping costs and estimated time of delivery for your wheeled upright travel bag or luggage.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy small upright luggage with wheels as carry-ons

Carry-ons serve as a place for laptops, books, a change of clothes and other necessities. Most airlines allow one personal carry-on, such as a purse, laptop or briefcase and one carry-on bag. Often carry-on bags cannot measure more than 45 linear inches (length + width + height). Some carry-ons have been designed for suits and trips lasting a few days.

I recommend: eBags, Inc. sells a variety of upright luggage with wheels, and includes best sellers and top rated luggage. They also include a rolling luggage size guide and guide for frequent fliers. The LuggageGuy.com offers an assortment of carry-ons that will fit in most overhead bins.

Buy light to medium weight upright luggage with wheels, for checking on the plane

You may still need to check a bag and pay fees if necessary, especially if your trip is longer than a day or two. For trips in which you need added luggage space, choose light- to medium-weight upright luggage with wheels.

I recommend: Luggage Online, Inc. carries many wheeled upright suitcases and wheeled upright luggage models. They also offer free shipping and free returns, along with luggage ratings and reviews. Luggage Pros offers a wide variety of lightweight upright luggage models.

Purchase wheeled upright suitcases and heavier duty upright luggage for frequent travel

For frequent travel and longer trips, buy wheeled upright luggage designed for this purpose. Although the expense may initially seem high, heavier duty luggage has been designed to stand up over time.

I recommend: Macy's carries several heavy duty garment bags, and if you want a wheeled upright suitcase, Macy's also carries several models with soft and hard outer shells. Luggage Factory sells upright luggage for longer trips as well as many other models at very reasonable prices. Garment Bags.com displays many rolling garment bags, when you want to buy your wheeled upright luggage online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Security regulations can change, and airlines have the right to increase their fees for checked bags. If it's been awhile since you've flown and you have upcoming trips planned, check airline websites you are likely to use most frequently before buying new upright luggage.