Suitcase for lady travelling alone

Thanks for this thread! Just come back from holiday and the wheel has gone as well as the handle on the case I bought very cheaply about ten years ago.
TK Maxx it is for me for my next trip!

I've recently used a zip up holdall on wheels.

It has soft grip handles, a clip on long strap plus two wheels with retractable solid handle. It also has a soft grip handle on each end. Apart from the clip on long strap I used all of the handles and grips in one way or another.

We already had it but had only ever used it as a supplementary suitcase. This time I was travelling to the USA with a friend for a week and used it as my only luggage. It worked perfectly!

Always get mine from tkmaxx ....quality brands at low prices

I got a small case from homebargains, it’s on 4 wheels, super lightweight but sturdy, I am sure it wasn’t much over £15. Had expensive ones from tks- the wheels dropped off.

Even with a light and fairly easily managed suitcase I was profoundly grateful to the kind man who, at the bottom of a long flight of steps between Vauxhall underground and main line stations, just picked up my case without a word and carried it up for me.
I was near the very last leg of a rail journey all the way from Dijon.

I have a bright turquoiseAmerican tourister.

4 wheels, hard shell incredibly light and easily identified.

I would use a back pack 90% of the stuff we take on holiday are never used

I have a 4 wheeled soft case that expands. Very useful if you buy goods and gifts to bring home with you. It about 5 years old and still looking good despite have done several trips a year. Also look inside to see if it has a zipped section divider to separate the two sides of the suitcase. This is useful as when you lift the top part to open it the mesh netting and zip keeps everything in place.

We bought a Tripp case. I asked how sturdy it was. The shop assistant brought one out, dropped it , slammed it down on the floor and then jumped on it several times. A good buy I feel.

I thought that , but Jet 2 are making my request a seemingly difficult task.wanting full disclosure of disability reason for assistance etc.

SallyatBaytree please don't be put off by all the questions! We always fly with Jet2 and often need assistance for family members.

There are different categories of assistance:
Some people need help through the airport system: check-in, security, finding the gate and getting there on time, but are able to climb the steps onto the aircraft.
Some people need the ambulift to get onto the plane but can walk to their seat once onboard.
Some people need the ambulift, plus a helper and the onboard wheelchair to transfer to their seat.
All the questions are to make sure there is enough staff and space for everyone.

As an example our recent flight involved taking a mobility scooter in the hold, our family member going up in the ambulift but then once onboard she could walk to her seat. (I'd booked seats near the front of the plane to help).
I booked our flight tickets a year ahead and phoned to book the assistance.
I was told they can only accommodate three mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs in the hold per flight, so for this you definitely do need to book ahead.

Another year my Dad decided near the time he wouldn't be able to manage the steps, so I rang to ask if he could go up in the ambulift.
I was told sorry, it's full, no spaces left.
With the agreement of the ground crew we got round this by sending him up with my mother-in-law, who was in her wheelchair.
Dad went on the ambulift as her assistant and we went up the steps and met them onboard.

Remember if you are flying and using a cabin bag you have to lift it into the overhead locker.

If you use a smaller bag than the maximum size allowed, you are encouraged to put it under the seat in front of you. Handy if you want anything on the flight.
I agree about a small cross-body bag for passport, cash, bank cards etc. I keep mine on all the time.

Hi get a suitcase with 4 wheels that spin- it’s so convenient being able to push case at side of you when walking as well as pulling it behind. Soft bodies are best for durability (I’ve had 3 hard bodied cases get damaged)
I also use a distinctive luggage strap around the exterior of my case - easier to spot your case on the baggage conveyor.
Have a good trip!

Airline baggage staff detest the hard cases as they slip and slide about whilst loading and unloading, better to get a soft sturdy case.

My advice is to buy a suitcase that you can manage on your own, in case no-one offers to help.
The actual weight matters alot. The escalators in train stations may not be working, or the lift may be broken. Toilets can also involve steps down and up.
I only travel with a really small suitcase these days, one that slips part of the way under the seat in front of you on a train.

I plan the contents really carefully. They are colour coordinated so that everything matches. I take a mac in a sack, and small sizes of cosmetics.

I've only had an occasional problem and, if that's the case, you can buy a pack of pants, or a cheap T shirt, anywhere you go.

Hope this helps

I thought that , but Jet 2 are making my request a seemingly difficult task.wanting full disclosure of disability reason for assistance etc.
I never encounter this with American Air which I use regularly.

Have always used Swiss Army suitcases, soft sided and with 4 wheels. Very sturdy and if they do get damaged by the airline they can be sent off for repairs.

I use a rucksack with an expanding stick handle and 2 wheels from cabin max. I too have mobility problems. Remember if you are flying and using a cabin bag you have to lift it into the overhead locker. Minimise your toiletries and have a small cross body bag for documents and money. Happy travelling

We've used both soft and hard shell. Now we use a medium hard shell with 4 wheels - much easier to trundle along. Keep the weight down as the case has to be lifted from time to time.

Imarocker

Buy a soft suitcase on four wheels from Matalan. They usually have them in three sizes. I use the small for a long weekend and the medium for a proper holiday. They are very easy to push along. No matter what luggage you buy, make sure you don’t pack too much. You will still have to lift the case at times.

This 😃

For several years I have used a suitcase called “The lightest suitcase in the world.” Extremely light and easy to use. Would recommend.

Allsorts

I wouldn't pack my clothes in a rucksack they crease and rucksacks are awkward to get on and off, I like a small suitcase with wheels that fully turn and a concealed pocket for travel documents. I am a master at packing light now and can manage a week with it. Mine is lightweight and robust and was from TK Max.

It depends on the rucksack. Mine opens at the front, not the top. I pack clothes which don’t crease or use tissue paper if I have to pack ones which do crease. My 40 litre front-opening one has done me for 3- and 4-week holidays (not forgetting the travel wash).

I’ve honed my luggage down to cabin case size now (excluding Ryanair!). So I don’t have to worry about it getting lost or battered, and it makes for speedy exits at airports. I’ve just bought an it luggage case, it’s a light hard shell, with four wheeels and a top handle, really easy to manoevere.

We had a ride in an ambulift once, it was interesting 🤔 worth requesting assistance, it makes a difference especially helps with those long corridors in airports and takes you through the passport queues.

As for cases I have been out today and notice matalan have loads of nice cases. Also tk max. We had two cabin cases, fairly new 4 wheelers , not cheap, but the zip has now broken on one, so its unusable.
A soft case is probably easier to squeeze things in though not too much if there’s a zip.
Dunelm often do a selection of cases too, but if you have a matalan therr were loads of them there today. All different sizes and styles, both soft and hard cases.
Take care and enjoy your hols.

I wouldn't pack my clothes in a rucksack they crease and rucksacks are awkward to get on and off, I like a small suitcase with wheels that fully turn and a concealed pocket for travel documents. I am a master at packing light now and can manage a week with it. Mine is lightweight and robust and was from TK Max.

If you struggle to manage your suitcase, you can book assistance at the airport before you travel. The staff will be happy to help you with your luggage and any problems you have.
If you think you'll struggle climbing the steps on to the plane they'll take you up in the ambulift.
There's help available and it's for everyone who needs it, don't be afraid to ask.