While many travellers focus on size and appearance when choosing luggage, the real game-changer lies in one often overlooked detail: the wheels. According to baggage handlers, suitcase wheels can make or break not only your own convenience but also how your bag is treated behind the scenes. Bags with no wheels or ones with broken or seized wheels are particularly troublesome. In tight schedules and cramped aircraft holds, handlers often have to throw or drag these awkward cases, which increases the likelihood of damage.
From the airline’s perspective, efficiency is key. Most aircraft holds aren’t loaded with bins or belts — they’re manually stacked, often down long, narrow spaces. A suitcase with two or four smooth-rolling wheels speeds up this process dramatically, allowing staff to roll it neatly into place instead of wrestling with it. A bag with just one faulty wheel, however, topples over and slows everything down. For the traveller, the solution is simple: invest in a case with high-quality wheels, a sturdy handle and a robust build. Not only will your journey through the airport be easier, but you’ll also be helping ensure your bag is handled with greater care.
