College Travel Gear

In the process of selecting luggage, travelers have been concerned about balancing practicality and style - choosing bags that are durable and hold what they need while also making a positive fashion statement.

As more charges and restrictions are placed on what travelers take with them on flights, size and weight are beginning to matter a lot more. In the past two months several airlines announced that they would be implementing new charges for checking bags. U.S. Airways is adding a $5 surcharge to its fee for customers paying to check bags at the airport (rather than online). Delta Air Lines will now bring its second-bag fee to international travelers.

These additional costs for air travelers are making an impact on what they take with them. The trend is for bags to get "smaller and larger". That is, travelers are selecting smaller day bags and compact cases that fit in the plane's overhead compartment; or they go big with one large, wheeled travel bag that they can fit more into, allowing travelers to check only one bag.

Due to the weight restrictions on any checked bag, the manufacturers (such as Swiss Army Brands) are developing lighter, stronger bags that hold more but can easily be carried and does not have to be checked.

Style is still key and offering our bags decorated with university logos is a big step towards distinguishing your bag from everyone else's. At CollegeLuggage.com we think that showing your team spirit is the only way to fly.

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Whether you do the Gator "Chomp" or bleed crimson, you probably already know what's at stake in this year's Southeastern Conference championship game. The Florida and Alabama football teams have battled five previous times in their conference title quest, but "This will be the biggest game that the SEC Championship has ever had," says CBS analyst Gary Danielson. "Both teams have a chance to play their way into the National championship game."

Head Coach Nick Saban has turned the Crimson Tide in his second year at the Alabama helm, much like Urban Meyer did when he brought his "spread offense" - and the 2006-07 BCS crown - to the Gators. "It's the defensive master vs. the offensive master, old school vs. new school," Danielson says.

Even the quarterbacks are a study of contrasts. Danielson believes the Tide's John Parker Wilson, "is now just learning to handle the pressure of being the Alabama quarterback," while Tim Tebow, his Heisman Trophy-winning counterpart at Florida, "has got the spotlight on him and he loves it. His teammates relish his ability to lead."

Luggage Tags: University of Florida, University of Alabama

United Airlines recently followed Delta and doubled the charges for a second checked bag to $50! Oh, joy.

That gives you fifty good reasons to consider the Swiss Army Collegiate Luggage model WT-22. This lightweight, sturdy, deluxe rolling bag is the largest size you can carry aboard any domestic aircraft. At 22" wide x 14" across by 10" deep (10.5" on 2.0 WT-22 models), the WT-22 is roomy enough to hold all of your luggage with room to spare.

Plus, it comes with your favorite college logo embroidered on the front (and don't forget the Carry With Confidence Guarantee). Even if you aren't a frequent flier you will appreciate the savings every time you travel by air.

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