What type of rolling luggage should you choose? There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of suitcase. How you like to travel and where you are going will determine to a large extent if 4-wheel or 2-wheel luggage suits your trip.
Answering a few simple questions can help you decide which is the right bag for you.
- Ease of Mobility
What type of surface will your bag be rolling over? Does your itinerary include cobblestone streets and hilly terrain or are you rushing through large airports with a carry-on?
- Weight
How lightweight do you want your bag to be? How much do you plan on packing and are you able to pull your bag behind you? Do you need to stack extra bags?
- Interior space and exterior dimensions
Do you need maximum packing space? What are the size restrictions for your airline carrier? Are you checking your bag or carrying it on the plane?
So which one should you choose?
When 4-wheel spinner luggage is best
Very little effort is needed to maneuver the suitcase. The ground supports the weight of the bag so you can push or pull it with one finger! This is especially helpful if you suffer from back or shoulder problems. A Spinner rolls best on flat surfaces like at the airport terminal and its 360-degree mobility is ideal for gliding through the narrow aisle to your airplane seat. A spinner is practically guaranteed to never tip over, even when you stack extra bags on top of it. It is recommended for elderly travelers, heavier suitcases or travelling with a family. The smaller spinner wheels can be more fragile and add some height and weight to the suitcase.
When 2-wheeled luggage is best
If you’re rushing to catch a plane or pulling your suitcase up and down stairs and over uneven terrain, the 2-wheel design is a better option. The suitcase tends to be lighter with larger, sturdier, protected wheels that are recessed and don't protrude, providing a better fit in the overhead bin of the airplane. And the bag won’t roll away from you when you’re on an incline! There’s a bit more packing space but it can tip if overloaded.
4-Wheeled Suitcase
- Effortless 360 degree mobility on smooth surfaces, wheels swivel in all directions
- Stable, won’t tip over
- Easy to stack extra bags
- Glides easily down narrow aircraft aisle
- No weight to pull or push
- Wheels generally add height and weight
2-Wheeled Suitcase
- Rolls forward faster and better on uneven terrain
- More interior packing space
- Fits better into overhead bin on airplane
- Larger recessed wheels are sturdier and more protected from damage
- Generally lighter weight
- Won’t roll away
- Can tip if overloaded
- Shoulders, arms and back support more of the weight
A light weight, roomy easy bag is the best bet for me, so the 4 wheel is best for me.