Anyone who's traveled recently knows it's important to "lighten up." Airlines have restricted the size of luggage and the weight of luggage. You will be charged a surcharge if you do not comply with the new regulations. Be sure to check with the airlines you are using as the surcharges and weight restrictions are different for each carrier. Also, rules and regulations seem to be changing very quickly, so if you do not wish to pay a surcharge, check before packing. Most of the airlines have a fifty pound maximum, and also a size restriction of 62" linear inches which is the height plus the width plus the depth. A very handy new travel accessory is a portable scale which will weigh and measure your luggage. It also has a locking feature, so you do not have to lift your heavy suitcase up to your eye level. Just lift the luggage slightly and the scale locks in the weight. Then you remove the scale and check the weight. Most of the luggage manufacturers have addressed this new weight issue. They are offering lighter weight luggage and many of them have also reduced the sizes offered. Be sure to lift the luggage yourself prior to your purchase. Some say "lightweight" but are not as light as others in their class. Watch the size of the luggage also. Additionally, you do not want to give up good quality when seeking lighter weight luggage. You'll still need the better fabrics for durability and strength when traveling. Nylon and ballistic nylon will give you the best wearability. You'll need the inline skate wheels for ease in wheeling over a multitude of surfaces. You may encounter carpeting, tile, cobblestones and cement in various travel areas. A locking push and pull handle is also quite important. It allows you to maneuver through busy areas by pushing or pulling the luggage as need be. Another feature is the add-a-bag strap. This lets you wheel two or more pieces together with one hand. You'll find this feature very convenient when needing to get to point A from point B through busy and crowded terminals. Duffels on wheels are another alternative. They are best suited for casual travel as business attire will not fare as well when packed in a duffel. However, duffels are generally lightweight and roomy! Of course, the more room you have the more likely you are to overpack. With overpacking you can go overweight in the luggage. Keep that travel scale by your side. If you like to shop when you're traveling, or bring home souvenirs, the travel scale should be with you and used before the trip home. Luggage has also lightened up by reducing compartments and pockets inside the bags. They've also used lighter weight frames to save pounds. Check the inside of your case if pockets and compartments are important to you. You can purchase packing cubes and garment sleeves if you need the better organization that now may be missing from the lighter weight luggage. Just remember to weigh your cases before leaving for the airport. Sometimes just a little shifting of cosmetics and shoes will keep you well within the weight restriction. Also, filling your carry on luggage with your shoes will alleviate some of the weight in your luggage that the cosmetics and toiletries is now adding. You can carry on only three ounce bottles in a one quart sized clear plastic case and only one per person. This is known as the three-one-one bag. There's plenty of options available now and you can comfortably lighten your luggage load without giving up too many of the options you've enjoyed in the past!.