Words by Carlie Tucker
In a world where technology rules design and everyone clamours for the latest gadget, it only makes sense that luggage is now equipped with the latest and greatest. You may be wondering just how sophisticated baggage can get, and the answer is very. The question is no longer four wheels or two. It's, "how many times will it charge my iPhone?" Your standard ol' suitcase may be doing the trick for now, but these bags are so sophisticated they may just sway your vote.
Rimowa Electronic Tag Luggage
From online check-in to Global Entry passes, frequent travellers are all about streamlining the airport process. Though, try as we might, checked luggage is still a hang-up. Most business travellers will simply stick to carry-on to forego checking luggage, but what if there was an easier way? What if you could check your luggage with an app on your phone? Enter Rimowa's latest bag.
This sleek piece of luggage comes complete with an app that allows you to check-in to your flight and send the corresponding information to your bag. Then all you have to do is drop your bag. Currently the bag is operational with Lufthansa and United. Condor and Thomas Cook are also in the testing phases, meaning more major airlines will be compatible soon.
Image courtesy of awaytravel.com
Away Carry-On
For most business travellers, it's all about the carry-on, and this carry-on comes with all the bells and whistles. On the outside, it's a sleek, hard side bag that comes in a range of colours. It's made of German polycarbonate and complies with most major airlines' carry-on regulations. Even better, it only weighs 3.2 kilograms. At first glance, it may be an attractive and durable piece of luggage, but what makes it worthy of the best of 2016?
Open the bag up to reveal a removable 10,000mAh battery and two USB ports that allow you to charge multiple devices at once. It also comes with a patent-pending compression system that means you can pack even more in your carry-on! And, there is a removable laundry bag just for good measure.
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Raden Set
Another sleek carry-on option for business travellers that favour a little style in their luggage, the Raden set (carry-on plus 28" case) offers even more built-in technology. This is another hard side bag made of durable polycarbonate. It's available in a range of colours (from standard black to pastel pink) and weighs in at just under four kilograms. It is also comes with an app that allows you to use some of its more novel features.
The carrying handle doubles as a scale, allowing you to weigh your bags once packed, which means no more overweight baggage fees. The app also uses Bluetooth technology to activate proximity sensors that alert you when your bag is near. That means you'll know when it's coming around the baggage carousel next time you check your bag. It also comes with a built-in charger with two USB ports to top up your mobile gadgets while you're travelling.
Image courtesy of samsonite.com
Samsonite Pro 4 DLX
If you're not quite sure about all of this new fangled 'smart luggage' and you're in the market for a good old fashioned carry-on that meets the specific needs of the business traveller, Samsonite has you covered with their Pro 4 DLX Vertical Spinner Mobile Office. This soft side bag is compatible with airline measurement regulations and weighs 4.3 kilograms.
There are no tech features, but there are a few features suitable for your tech. This includes a designated Perfect Fit adjustable laptop system that will accommodate a 13 to 17-inch laptop and help protect it from shocks. There is an tablet pocket as well as a smart sleeve and cord/accessory pouch. There is also a quick stash pocket that allows you to quickly access important travel documents (visas, passports and boarding passes) when you need them.
