A Guide to Repairing Your Luggage While Traveling

Traveling is an exciting opportunity for the entire family, but having a suitcase become damaged can disrupt your plans. A tear on the front or side of the bag means items inside could fall out. Likewise, a broken wheel can make it harder to roll your suitcase as you walk through the airport or to your hotel.

Knowing how to repair your luggage while traveling can help you feel more confident and prepared for any mishaps. We've created this guide to detail the must-know repair tips and ways to prevent damage.

Assess the Damage  

Before attempting any fix, determine the extent of the damage to your luggage. Start by inspecting the exterior for cracks, tears, scuffs, and other related issues that worsen with continued use. Depending on the damage, you may also want to look at handles, zippers, and wheels to identify loose or broken components.

For example, if your suitcase zipper will not stay shut, evaluate the area to determine if something gets caught in the zipper or if an area broke. Sometimes, the zipper teeth can become misaligned, making it difficult to zip and unzip your luggage. By examining the damage, you can decide on the ideal next steps tailored to the issue you're dealing with.

Patch up Cracks or Tears  

Luggage can crack or tear if you overstuff it or are too rough with it. A plastic-shell suitcase is more durable than fabric, but it could still crack if you toss it onto a hard surface.

Fixing Fabric Luggage

Tears in fabric luggage can be a bit more complicated to fix, but a few stitches or patches can do the trick. Use a needle and thread to stitch both ends of the rip together and use a patch for added durability.

Pro Tip

Keep a travel-sized sewing kit in one of your bags. These are generally compact enough to fit into a purse or front zipper pouch of a suitcase.

Fixing Plastic Luggage

If your plastic luggage breaks on vacation, the easiest way to fix it is to get some duct tape and apply it over the area. Place the tape inside and outside the suitcase for added stability and durability.

Resolve Broken Zippers  

A zipper break can feel incredibly frustrating since it can prevent you from opening or closing your bag. The way you fix your zipper depends on the issue at hand. Common problems include:

• A stuck zipper: You may have to push back the clothing or item stuck in its path
• Misaligned zipper teeth: Move the teeth back into place with a pair of pliers
• Broken zipper pull: Place a paper clip or safety pin through the hole in your zipper

If the zipper breaks and will not stay closed, you may have to use straps to hold your luggage closed for the rest of the trip.

Replace Damaged Wheels  

Nowadays, most luggage comes with wheels, which makes it much easier to lug heavy bags throughout our travels. However, if one of the wheels cracks or breaks off, getting around can be much harder.

You may be able to fix loose wheels with a screwdriver or multi-tool. Reattach the wheel back onto its axle and use a screwdriver to tighten it securely back in place. If you have checked luggage, it may be best to keep a pocket multi-tool inside the bag just in case this issue arises during a vacation.

Handle Damaged Bags with Care  

One of the most important tips for repairing your luggage while traveling is to handle each bag carefully. It can be easy to think that since it's broken, things can't get worse. However, the rougher you are with the bag, the more likely you will worsen the damage. This can be problematic if you need the bag for your journey home; you may be unable to buy a new one on vacation.

Depending on the type of damage, you may want to avoid dragging the suitcase or overfilling it, as this puts unnecessary strain on the zippers and wheels. Overfilling the suitcase can also be problematic if an area is cracked or torn since it puts pressure on the weak spot.

Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Luggage

Traveling should be an enjoyable experience, but damaged luggage can quickly ruin your trip. Completely avoiding damage isn't always possible, especially when we travel by plane and entrust our checked bags to airline employees. That said, some of the ways you can prevent damage include:

Use Luggage Covers

Luggage covers are an excellent way to shield your suitcase from external harm. They add a protective layer against scratches, tears, and stains caused during handling or transport. They also offer protection against sudden weather changes that may expose your luggage to rain or moisture.

When selecting a luggage cover, ensure it fits snugly over your bag. Covers made from durable, stretchable materials like polyester or spandex provide the best combination of flexibility and protection.

Pack Strategically

By planning your packing process, you can avoid accidents like cracks caused by uneven weight distribution or shattered fragile items as you begin packing your bags. You should evenly distribute heavier items and place them near the wheels to stabilize your luggage during transport.

Some travelers also use packing cubes inside their suitcases to organize their belongings and protect delicate items from unnecessary movement. These compartments prevent contents from shifting during travel, minimizing the chances of breakage or compression.

Buy Quality Luggage

High-quality luggage may be more expensive than alternative options, but it's also of superior material. Bags made with durable materials are more likely to withstand the wear and tear of travel. When you travel by plane, your bag may get tossed around or placed on a crowded baggage cart. A well-made suitcase can withstand these scenarios better than a lower-quality option, which may tear, crack, or break more easily.

When you shop, look for bags that prioritize hard plastic options over fabric, as they're more durable and less likely to become damaged. Additionally, test the overall quality of the suitcase before you purchase it, paying attention to features like zippers and wheels. If you buy the bag online, read through past customer reviews to get a sense of its quality.

Buy The Perfect Luggage for Kids

Younglingz sells durable, kids ride-on suitcases! Our bags have a hard shell to protect the contents and sturdy, ruggedized wheels that spin 360 degrees so kids can easily maneuver the bag whether they pull or ride it. Shop our collection today to find the perfect suitcase for your next family adventure.