Unfortunately, indestructible luggage is not available & any damaged luggage or spilt contents, can ruin a holiday or business trip. However, by choosing the right type of luggage & packing it carefully, you can reduce the risk of damage.
Your luggage has to suffer knocks & buffeting as it travels from the terminal building into the aircraft. Then, it will be packed in stacks up to 30-40 cases high, so if it's on the bottom, it will be taking a lot of weight. Once the aircraft is airborne, your luggage has to endure low pressures & severe cold.
Experts agree, hard luggage is better than soft. Baggage handlers prefer its regular shape since it is easier to handle & stow. However, they are heavier, less roomy & more difficult to manoeuvre than soft bags. Although soft bags are more flexible, they can crack open in the severe cold, or corners can become crushed. Soft bags made from polypropylene are generally the strongest.
Wheels, shoulder straps & handles can be easily ripped off. Wheels are particularly prone to damage, so make sure they are recessed. 4 wheeled luggage is difficult to control & can damage itself on baggage chutes.
2 smaller cases are better than 1 big case. Large cases can damage themselves on baggage chutes from the force of their own weight.
