Families are packing up for holiday trips, and the airports are only getting busier. When you’re trying to keep track of kids, carry-ons, and flight times, your luggage should make travel easier -- not harder. Consumer Reports shows you what to look for before you buy and which bags hold up best when you’re on the move.

Consumer Reports says hard-shell luggage can offer travelers some real benefits. It gives you better protection if you’re packing fragile items. A hard-shell can offer more security because it can’t be ripped open as easily, and most have built-in locks. It also keeps you from overstuffing your bag.

Just remember, a carry-on bag may seem like it’ll fit in the overhead bin, but that’s not always the case. The latest Consumer Reports investigation found that about two third

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