The luggage industry is always changing, reflecting how people travel and what they need. From old-fashioned suitcases to high-tech bags, luggage has evolved a lot. In this list, we'll explore interesting facts, trends, and numbers that show how the luggage industry is growing and changing.

Let's dive into the luggage world and discover what's shaping it today!

Key Points:

• Every year, the moving business in the USA grows, earning more than $18 billion.
• On average, Americans move about 11 times in their life.
• Florida, Texas, and California are some of the most popular states where people relocate to the USA.
• Some local movers help move pets too, making it easier for customers and their furry friends.
• Some local movers offer same-day moving services to accommodate last-minute requests.

Luggage Statistics:

​​1. Global Luggage Market Size:

The global luggage market was valued at approximately $36.40 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach over $79.69 billion by 2027, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 10.2% during the forecast period.

 

​​2. Most Popular Color:

Black remains the most popular color choice for luggage worldwide. Its timeless appeal, versatility, and ability to hide dirt and scuff marks make it a preferred option among travelers. Black remains the top choice for luggage, accounting for approximately 40% of all purchases.

Blue: Blue is another popular color, making up around 30% of luggage purchases.

Gray: Gray-colored luggage accounts for approximately 20% of the market share, favored for its neutral and sleek appearance.

Red: Red-colored luggage is less common but still popular, constituting about 10% of luggage sales.

 

​​3. Most Popular Size and Model: 

The carry-on spinner suitcase has become one of the most popular sizes and models of luggage in recent years. Offering a balance between compactness and packing capacity, the carry-on spinner suitcase meets airline size restrictions while providing ample space for essentials.

This model holds the highest percentage of the market, accounting for approximately 60% of luggage purchases.

Medium-sized Expandable Suitcase: Medium-sized expandable suitcases come in second, comprising around 25% of the market.

Large Hardside Suitcase: Large hardside suitcases make up approximately 10% of the market share.

Travel Backpacks: Travel backpacks represent around 5% of the market, especially popular among backpackers, adventure travelers, and those seeking hands-free mobility.

 

This year’s Baggage IT Insights report highlights an exponential increase in the mishandled baggage rate by 74.7% to 7.6 bags per thousand passengers in 2022. This can be traced largely to the resumption of international and long-haul flights throughout 2022, meaning more transfers, where bags are most susceptible to mishandling.

To better express the scale of the challenge, mishandling rates for international flights – where bags are more likely to be transferred from one flight to another – are eight times higher than for domestic flights.

​5. Carry-On vs. Checked Baggage:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that globally, 52% of passengers prefer to travel with only carry-on baggage, while 48% check in luggage.

 

​6. Airlines' Baggage Fees Revenue:

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), U.S. airlines collected nearly $6.8 billion in baggage fees in 2022 and $5.5 billion in the first nine months of 2023.

7. Average Weight of Checked Luggage:

The average weight of checked luggage for domestic flights in the United States is around 45 pounds (20.4 kilograms) per bag.

8. Number of Luggage Mishandlings:

According to the Air Travel Consumer Report, the mishandled baggage rate increased exponentially by 74.7% to 7.6 bags per thousand passengers in 2022.

9. Preferred Luggage Brands by Airlines:

Some airlines have partnerships or preferred luggage brands for their crew and passengers. For example, Delta Air Lines has a partnership with TUMI to provide luggage solutions.

10. Preferred Luggage Brands by Airlines:

In December 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that air travel continued to recover, with total traffic for the year nearing pre-pandemic levels. Compared to 2022, total traffic in 2023 increased by 36.9%, reaching 94.1% of the levels seen in 2019. December 2023 saw a 25.3% rise compared to December 2022, reaching 97.5% of the December 2019 level.

International traffic in 2023 grew by 41.6% compared to 2022, reaching 88.6% of 2019 levels. Domestic traffic for 2023 increased by 30.4% compared to the previous year, surpassing 2019 by 3.9%. December 2023, domestic traffic rose by 27.0% compared to the same period in 2022, exceeding December 2019 levels by 2.3%. Overall, the fourth quarter of 2023 saw a 4.4% increase in traffic compared to the same quarter in 2019.

11. Type of Luggage Lock:

According to the Travel Sentry survey, the majority of people in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France prefer zipper locks for their luggage (73.5%). Padlocks are also popular (38.4%), followed by latch-lock systems without zippers, which appealed to 18% of respondents. These results highlight the diverse preferences individuals have for securing their luggage.

Luggage Facts:

12. First Luggage:

The first recorded luggage dates back to ancient times when travelers used animal skins or woven baskets to carry their belongings. However, the modern concept of luggage emerged in the 19th century with the invention of the trunk, a sturdy wooden box for transporting goods and personal items during long journeys.

13. Material Preferences:

Polycarbonate and ballistic nylon are among the most preferred materials for modern luggage. Polycarbonate offers durability and lightweight construction, while ballistic nylon provides strength and resistance to abrasions, making them ideal choices for frequent travelers.

 

14. Preferred Luggage Type for Business Travel:

Business travelers often prefer wheeled laptop bags or briefcases for their functionality and organization features. These bags typically come with padded compartments for laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, making them ideal for professionals on the go.

15. Preferred Luggage Type for Adventure Travel:

Durable backpacks with ergonomic designs and ample storage compartments are favored by adventure travelers. These backpacks are designed to withstand rugged conditions and provide comfort during outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and backpacking.

16. Preference for Lightweight Luggage:

Consumers prefer lightweight luggage options, driving manufacturers to develop innovative materials that offer durability without adding extra weight.

17. Luggage Purchase Influencers:

Online reviews, recommendations from friends and family, and brand reputation are the primary influencers when purchasing luggage. Consumers rely on these sources to make informed decisions and ensure they invest in quality products that meet their travel needs.

18. Average Lifespan of Luggage:

The average lifespan of luggage varies depending on factors such as usage frequency, quality of materials, and maintenance. However, well-made luggage can last five to ten years or more with proper care and handling.

19. Impact of Online Retail on Luggage Sales:

The shift towards online shopping platforms has influenced luggage sales, with consumers preferring the convenience of browsing and purchasing luggage online.

20. Impact of the Travel Industry on Luggage Sales:

The growth of the travel and tourism industry directly influences the demand for luggage, with an increasing number of travelers seeking durable and functional luggage solutions.

Luggage Trends:

21. Trend Towards Smart Luggage:

The luggage industry is witnessing a trend towards smart luggage equipped with features like GPS tracking, USB charging ports, and built-in scales.

22. Rise in Eco-friendly Luggage:

There's a growing demand for eco-friendly luggage made from sustainable materials like recycled plastics, organic fabrics, and biodegradable materials.

23. Luxury Luggage Market:

The luxury luggage market segment is experiencing steady growth due to rising disposable incomes and consumers' aspirational lifestyles.

24. Preference for Travel Organizers:

With an emphasis on organization and convenience, travel organizers like packing cubes and compression bags are gaining popularity among travelers.

25. Rising Trend of Customizable Luggage:

Customizable luggage options are gaining traction, allowing travelers to personalize their bags with monograms, colors, and interchangeable components.

26. Growing Popularity of Weekend Bags:

Weekend bags, also known as duffle bags, are increasingly favored by travelers for short trips and weekend getaways due to their versatility and compact size.

27. Preference for TSA-Approved Locks:

Luggage featuring Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-approved locks provides travelers with added security and convenience during airport screenings.

 

28. Preference for Multi-functional Luggage:

Multi-functional luggage, such as convertible backpacks and hybrid suitcases, is gaining popularity as it offers versatility for various travel needs.

29. Rise in Adventure Tourism:

The growing popularity of adventure tourism activities such as hiking, trekking, and camping has spurred demand for specialized adventure travel luggage.

30. Innovation in Luggage Design:

Luggage manufacturers are investing in innovative design elements such as collapsible luggage, expandable compartments, and ergonomic handles to enhance user experience.

31. Impact of Business Travel Trends:

Business travelers are seeking luggage solutions that offer both functionality and professional aesthetics, leading to the development of stylish and durable business travel bags.

32. Preference for RFID-Enabled Luggage:

Luggage equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology provides travelers with added security and tracking capabilities, minimizing the risk of lost baggage.

33. Preference for Carry-On Luggage:

With airlines implementing stricter baggage policies, there's a growing preference for compact carry-on luggage that meets size restrictions and offers maximum packing capacity.

34. Impact of Fashion Trends on Luggage Design:

Fashion trends influence luggage design, with manufacturers incorporating seasonal colors, patterns, and textures to appeal to fashion-conscious consumers.

35. Growth of Online Reviews and Recommendations:

The proliferation of online review platforms and travel blogs significantly influences consumer purchasing decisions, with many travelers relying on peer recommendations and expert reviews when selecting luggage.

36. Impact of COVID-19 on the Luggage Industry:

The luggage industry faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with travel restrictions and decreased tourism leading to a decline in sales.