A Guide to Selecting the Best Luggage for Foreign Service Life and PCS Moves

For families in the U.S. Foreign Service, luggage is more than just a travel accessory; it's an essential piece of equipment for a life lived on the move. From a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to home leave and regional assignments, selecting the right luggage is critical for navigating the unique demands of diplomatic life. This guide provides recommendations tailored to State Department families, focusing on durability, functionality, and compliance with travel regulations.

Luggage for Large Families and PCS Transitions

A PCS move, often governed by official travel orders, requires luggage that can withstand the rigors of international shipping and air travel. Families must maximize their luggage allowance while protecting their belongings.

Key Considerations:

• Diverse Sizes for Varied Needs: A comprehensive luggage set—including large checked suitcases, medium bags, and carry-ons—offers the flexibility needed for long-haul flights and short-term travel.
• Expandable Capacity: When packing for an extended period or anticipating bringing back items from home leave, expandable luggage provides crucial extra space.
• Durable Construction: Given the handling of checked baggage, investing in robust materials is paramount. Polycarbonate hard-sided shells and high-denier ballistic nylon for soft-sided bags are recommended for their resilience.

Recommended Luggage Sets:

• Travelpro Platinum Elite: A top-tier choice for frequent international travelers. This line is renowned for its durable construction and intelligent organizational features, making it ideal for the complexities of a Foreign Service lifestyle. The smooth gliding wheels are a significant advantage in large airports. It is available as a 2-Piece Set or an individual Carry-On with a USB port.
  • Pros: Exceptional durability, superior organization, effortless maneuverability, comprehensive warranty.
  • Cons: Represents a higher initial investment.
• Samsonite Omni Hardside Expandable Luggage: A reliable and popular choice that balances quality with cost. Its micro-diamond polycarbonate exterior is designed to resist scratches, and its lightweight frame helps in meeting airline weight restrictions common during official travel. You can purchase it as a 3-Piece Set or an Individual Carry-On.
  • Pros: High durability-to-price ratio, lightweight, secure 360-degree wheels.
  • Cons: The 50/50 clamshell design can be cumbersome in compact spaces.
• July Classic Family Set: A stylish and robust option featuring a German polycarbonate shell and an internal Y-strap compression system that aids in maximizing packing space. Its quality and lifetime warranty make it a worthy consideration for diplomatic families.
  • Pros: Elegant design, strong construction, smooth and quiet wheels, lifetime warranty.
  • Cons: Premium price point.

Budget-Friendly Luggage for Foreign Service Families

While quality is essential, managing expenses is a practical aspect of Foreign Service life. Fortunately, several brands offer durable luggage at an accessible price point.

Pro Tip: Federal holidays and seasonal sales periods are excellent opportunities to purchase high-quality luggage at a discount.

Recommended Brands:

• American Tourister: As a subsidiary of Samsonite, American Tourister provides dependable quality suitable for the travel demands of State Department personnel without a premium price tag.
  • Pros: Affordable, reliable, available in distinct colors for easy identification at baggage claim.
  • Cons: May lack some of the advanced features of higher-end models.
• Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner: A highly-rated budget option that offers functionality and respectable durability for its cost. It serves as a practical choice for families needing extra suitcases for a specific tour or trip.
  • Pros: Very affordable, solid performance for the price.
  • Cons: Long-term durability of components like handles and zippers may be a concern with heavy use.

Specialized Luggage for Adventure Travel and TDY

For temporary duty (TDY) assignments or personal travel to locations with challenging terrain, a traditional suitcase may not be suitable. Duffel bags offer durability and flexibility.

• Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: Known for its rugged, weather-resistant fabric, this bag is a staple for adventurous travel. Its ability to be carried as a backpack is invaluable for navigating varied environments. Patagonia's lifetime guarantee is a testament to its quality.
  • Pros: Highly durable, water-resistant, versatile carrying modes, packable for easy storage.
  • Cons: Lacks built-in organization, requiring packing cubes for efficiency.
• The North Face Base Camp Duffel: This duffel is iconic for its expedition-grade durability. Built to withstand extreme conditions, it's a reliable choice for any Foreign Service officer or family member whose travels take them off the beaten path.
  • Pros: Legendary durability and water resistance, comfortable backpack straps.
  • Cons: The single large compartment necessitates a disciplined packing strategy
• myFSpal Choice! Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside: For the more professional TDYer. Let me just take a moment to talk about Travelpro. When I first joined The Line's Advance travel team I invested in a Travelpro bag (now discontinued) and let me tell you that over a decade later that bag is still my most used TDY carryon. Period. Full-stop. I got my spouse one and she loves it too. They are durable, the customer service is fantastic, they truly are fantastic bags. Over 50 countries later, my Travelpro keeps on traveling like a pro. 5 out of 5 stars.

Essential Tools for Organization: Packing Cubes

Regardless of your luggage choice, maximizing space and maintaining order is key. Packing cubes are an indispensable tool for any Foreign Service family. I was a travel cube skeptic to start and now I am a convert.

• Standard & Compression Cubes: Use standard cubes to compartmentalize clothing and compression cubes for bulky items to save significant space.
• Color-Coding System: Assigning a specific color of packing cube to each family member simplifies packing and unpacking, a small detail that makes a large difference during a hectic PCS transition.

Hard-Sided vs. Soft-Sided Luggage: A Functional Comparison

The choice between hard-sided and soft-sided luggage often comes down to personal preference and travel style.

• Soft-Sided Luggage: Offers greater flexibility for fitting into tight spaces and often includes external pockets, which are convenient for accessing items needed during travel.
• Hard-Sided Luggage: Provides superior protection for fragile contents, an important consideration when transporting delicate items purchased abroad. While they can show scuffs, these marks are often a reminder of successful journeys.

Choosing the right luggage is a strategic decision that can significantly ease the logistical challenges of a career in the Foreign Service. By prioritizing durability, functionality, and organization, State Department families can invest in travel equipment that will serve them well from one post to the next.

How can myFSpal help?

Questions / Comments / Error Corrections? Help us make our tools better, relevant, and more accurate for the Foreign Service Community by e-mailing us at myforeignservicepal@gmail.com.