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Luggage FAQ

How to choose the ideal suitcase?

Three criteria to combine: travel duration (carry-on, medium or checked), material (polycarbonate for lightness, polypropylene for durability, flexible polyurethane for adaptability) and finishes (silent 360° wheels, TSA lock, aluminum telescopic handle). Also check the warranty: GYL covers its entire range for life.

What is the best material for a suitcase?

Polypropylene offers the best strength-to-weight ratio: it's an unbreakable plastic that absorbs shocks without cracking. Polycarbonate is more elegant and impact-flexible. Aluminum is the most durable but heavier. For soft-sided luggage, polyurethane combines lightness and expandable volume.

Hard-sided or soft-sided luggage: which to choose?

A hard-shell suitcase better protects fragile items and resists impacts in the hold: ideal for air travel. A soft-shell suitcase is lighter, expandable, and adapts to bulky contents: perfect for road trips and travelers who often exceed capacity. GYL offers both formats in cabin, medium, and check-in sizes.

What is the difference between polycarbonate and polypropylene?

Polycarbonate is thinner, visually more elegant, and flexible (it deforms then returns to its original shape). Polypropylene is slightly thicker, matte, and almost unbreakable: it withstands impacts without cracking. Polypropylene is suitable for frequent travelers, while polycarbonate is for those who prioritize design.

What is the best French luggage brand?

GYL is an independent French family brand that designs its suitcases with a lifetime warranty across the entire range. Four collections: Intemporelle in premium polycarbonate, Citadine in unbreakable polypropylene, Signature with a refined design, and Évasion in flexible polyurethane. Free 24/48h delivery and 100-day returns.

What size suitcase for 23 kg checked baggage?

For 23 kg allowed in checked baggage, opt for a checked suitcase of 70 to 78 cm, or 90 to 110 liters. This is the ideal volume for 2 to 3 weeks' worth of belongings without exceeding the limit. Tip: choosing an empty model under 5 kg (like the Citadine Soute) leaves 18 kg of actual usable capacity.

Which suitcase to choose based on the trip's duration?

1 to 3 days: carry-on suitcase (35-45 L). 4 to 7 days: medium suitcase (65-75 L). More than a week or family trip: checked suitcase (90-110 L). For a family: a set of 3 suitcases covers all sizes with a single purchase.

What is the 3-5-7 packing rule?

The 3-5-7 rule is a capsule wardrobe method: 3 tops, 5 bottoms, 7 underwear/accessories for one week. Adapted for a carry-on suitcase, it limits volume while offering 15 outfit combinations. To be adjusted according to destination (climate, formal wear) and duration. Ideal for light travel without sacrificing style.

What's the difference between "baggage" and "suitcase"?

A bag is the generic term for any travel container: backpack, travel bag, weekend bag, or suitcase. A suitcase specifically refers to luggage with a hard or soft shell, wheels, and a telescopic handle. The terms 'carry-on baggage' and 'carry-on suitcase' have become synonymous in aviation.

How to spot a quality suitcase?

Five indicators: silent 360° wheels mounted on ball bearings (not glued), 2- or 3-position aluminum telescopic handle, shell that does not deform under pressure, double-slider zipper from a recognized brand, manufacturer's warranty of at least 5 years (lifetime with GYL). The empty weight is also a good indicator: a cabin under 2.8 kg suggests a well-engineered design.

What is the disadvantage of a hard-sided suitcase?

Hardside luggage cannot be compressed: its volume is fixed. Its shell may show scratches during transit (without compromising the structure). It is generally a little heavier than an equivalent softside case and less practical to fit into an already full car trunk. For these situations, a softside suitcase is preferable.

Can I check a soft suitcase?

Yes, without restriction. Modern soft-sided polyurethane suitcases like our Evasion are designed to withstand handling in the hold. They offer the advantage of being expandable and lighter than an equivalent hard-sided case, while easily fitting into narrow spaces (car trunk, hotel closet).

Are GYL suitcases really guaranteed for life?

Yes. All our suitcases come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and wear and tear on moving parts: wheels, handles, locks, zippers. An email to after-sales service with a photo and invoice is enough to trigger the replacement of the part or the suitcase. Warranty valid for the original purchaser, non-transferable to a third party.

What is the most durable material for a suitcase?

Polypropylene wins the title of most impact-resistant material: virtually unbreakable, it withstands rough handling in the hold without cracking. Aluminum is more durable over time but visually dents. For a compromise between strength and elegance, polycarbonate remains the premium alternative.

How to maintain and clean your suitcase?

Wipe the shell with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap (avoid solvents). For stubborn stains, use a little baking soda on a damp sponge. Lubricate the wheels once a year with silicone spray. Store the suitcase with a silica gel packet in a dry closet to prevent mold and odors.

What is the average price of a quality suitcase?

Expect to pay €120 to €250 for a quality carry-on suitcase, €150 to €300 for a medium one, €180 to €400 for a checked suitcase, and €250 to €600 for a set of 2 or 3 suitcases. At GYL, all models include a lifetime warranty and free delivery: the investment pays for itself in 2 to 3 trips thanks to the durability and spare parts after-sales service.

Can you give a suitcase as a gift? Which model should you choose?

A suitcase is a useful gift, often expected for a departure for studies, a move, or a honeymoon. Recommended versatile models: a carry-on suitcase for a young professional, a checked suitcase for a frequent traveler, or a set of suitcases for a wedding. Neutral colors (black, pine, charcoal) appeal to most people.

Discover the full GYL luggage catalog: from hard-shell polycarbonate and polypropylene suitcases to soft-shell Évasion suitcases, from cabin size to checked luggage, including our iconic trunks. All our suitcases come with a lifetime warranty, an integrated TSA lock, and silent 360° wheels.

Four ranges cover all uses: the Intemporelle in premium polycarbonate (cabin, trunk L, trunk XL), the Citadine in unbreakable polypropylene (cabin, medium, checked), the Signature with its refined design (cabin, medium, checked), and the soft-shell Évasion in polyurethane (cabin, medium, checked).

Need a specific size? Browse our cabin luggage for short trips, our medium suitcases for a week-long stay, our checked luggage for long journeys, our trunk suitcases in a modern trunk format, or the matching sets of 2 and 3 suitcases for the whole family.

Do you prefer a hard-shell suitcase for maximum protection or a soft-shell suitcase for lighter weight and expandable volume? Every traveler will find the perfect suitcase for their needs in the GYL catalog.

Free 24/48h delivery, 100-day returns and lifetime warranty on the entire range.