When purchasing new lightweight luggage, you have to consider the luggage warranty. They are easy to understand once you know how to interpret them. On many brands of discount luggage, the warranty states that the product warranty is in place for a period of a certain amount of years from date of purchase. This is to assist the original purchaser in the unlikely event that a defect should arise. If a defect should become apparent during the warranty period, the manufacturer will repair it at their expense. Warranties do not cover damages from common carriers. They do not cover abuse, misuse, neglect, unauthorized repair and damage while the product is in the care or custody of a third party such as an airline carrier. Prolite Luggage has this type of warranty for a period of 15 years.

Check with the place of purchase before you buy the product. Will they do the luggage warranty repairs? Will you need to send the luggage back to the manufacturer or to another facility for the repair. Generally, you will need to hang on to the warranty card and to your sales receipt. It's also a good idea to save the carton that your lightweight luggage was packed in. If you need to send it away, you'll be charged extra for a carton when shipping.

Some of the premium brands of luggage have a very generous warranty. Mosaic Travelgear has a peace of mind warranty. Should any damage occur to the Mosaic luggage within the first three years of purchase, the case will be repaired to the customer’s satisfaction. There’s also a limited lifetime warranty that will cover any and all manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product. They also offer loaner pieces of luggage while your piece may be out for repair. Because of the generous warranty, Mosaic is popular for corporate gifts. Cases can be monogrammed with a company name or logo. Briggs and Riley have a lifetime performance guarantee. If the Briggs & Riley case is every broken or damaged, even if the damage was caused by an airline, it will be repaired free of charge. Tumi luggage has introduced one year of completely worry-free ownership and five years of total warranty coverage. This would include wear and tear for normal use.

Common carriers such as airlines and cruise lines have insurance and they will cover some damage if they have caused it. Always look over your bags before leaving the terminal. In most cases, you will need to make the claim within 24 hours. It is usually best to make a claim right at that terminal when you've detected the damage. Also be sure to get a written receipt, and a phone number to call so you can follow up. The luggage warranty stands out as one of your most important travel accessories.