Zhejiang Amalodie Travelling Products Co.,Ltd.

Jiaxing Azenroad luggages & bags manufacturing Co. Ltd.

RUIAN SENDA CASES AND LEATHER PRODUCTS CO LTD

WENZHOU YONGLI SUITCASE CO LTD.

Guangzhou Haolv Travel Supplies Co., Ltd.

ZHEJIANG HONGYI CASES LEATHER CO.,LTD

SHANGHAI LINXIONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Fullyear-Brother Enterprise Co., Ltd

Xuzhou Senpulier, Xuzhou Simply, Baicheng

YKK Europe

Chinese New Year 2026 Travel Hits Record HighChina’s 2026 Spring Festival holiday has set new historical records for travel and tourism. According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 596 million domestic trips were made nationwide during the nine-day holiday (February 15–23). Total domestic tourism spending reached 803.483 billion yuan (US$117.16 billion).Compared to the 2025 Spring Festival period, this represents:+95 million additional trips+126.481 billion yuan (US$17.5 billion) in spendingBoth traveler numbers and total consumption reached all-time highs.Aviation Traffic Breaks RecordsAir travel saw strong growth throughout the holiday:22.05 million passengers transported171,000 flights handledPassenger traffic up 7.7% year-on-yearFlight volume up 4.4% year-on-yearFlight regularity rate reached 95.8%February 23 alone set a new single-day record with 2.668 million passengers transported.The busiest airports included Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Beijing Capital, Shenzhen Bao’an and Chengdu Tianfu. Popular domestic routes connected major hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.International Travel ExpandsOutbound travel was concentrated in destinations such as Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Australia. Long-haul routes to Turkey, Spain, New Zealand and Russia also recorded strong growth.Inbound tourism continued to recover, with rising visitor numbers from South Korea, Vietnam, Russia and Mongolia.JD Campaign Activity Ahead of the HolidayIn the lead-up to the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush, Travel Sentry launched a campaign on JD.com timed to coincide with the peak booking and purchasing window ahead of the holiday. The activation extended beyond promoting Travel Sentry-approved luggage, with visibility across JD’s travel booking platforms as well, ensuring presence at every stage of the customer journey, from trip planning to luggage purchase and departure preparation.The 2026 JD campaign also featured a high-visibility activation at Beijing Daxing International Airport, one of the world’s most advanced aviation hubs. As a key gateway for both domestic and international travelers during the Spring Festival, Daxing served as a critical touchpoint for the brand. Daxing International has integrated the Travel Sentry system into its security infrastructure, allowing passengers departing from or transferring through the iconic “Starfish” terminal to benefit from non-destructive security screening when using Travel Sentry-approved luggage.China’s record-breaking Spring Festival travel season reflects the strong momentum of global travel, which aligns with the continued expansion of the Travel Sentry system. The system is now recognized by security agencies in more than 80 countries worldwide, and that number continues to grow.The growing demand for convenient, non-destructive security screening is particularly evident in China’s market, where travelers increasingly seek solutions that ensure their luggage can be inspected without locks being cut, especially during peak travel periods such as the Spring Festival.With 596 million trips and over 803 billion yuan in spending, the 2026 Spring Festival confirms the continued strength and momentum of China’s domestic and international travel market, setting a new benchmark for future holiday travel seasons.

596 million domestic trips were made nationwide during the nine-day holiday with domestic tourism spending reaching 803.483 billion yuan.

Chinese New Year 2026

U.S. Tariffs Update: What Luggage &amp; Travel Goods Buyers Need to KnowUpdated: February 24, 2026The U.S. tariff landscape has shifted again and sourcing teams in the luggage and travel goods industry need to recalibrate quickly.After the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s emergency tariff authority, the White House introduced a new temporary global tariff. Meanwhile, trade negotiations, Section 232 expansions, and the possibility of new Section 301 investigations are reshaping risk exposure across Asia.Here’s what buyers, importers, and sourcing managers need to understand now.February 2026 Reset: IEEPA Tariffs End, Section 122 BeginsOn February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (6–3) that President Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) when imposing global tariffs.As a result:All IEEPA tariffs were officially terminated.U.S. Customs ended IEEPA duty collection at 12:00 a.m. ET on February 24, 2026.However, the reset was immediate and strategic.On the same day, President Trump issued a Proclamation imposing a new:10% global tariff on all U.S. imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.This new tariff took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on February 24, 2026.Important:The 10% Section 122 tariff:Applies to imports from every countryIs applied in addition to normal HTS dutiesStacks on top of any existing Section 301 or Section 232 tariffsPresident Trump has publicly stated the rate could increase to 15%, but as of February 26, the enforced rate remains 10%.The 150-Day Clock: What Happens on July 24, 2026?Section 122 tariffs are temporary.They automatically expire after 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.That means:The current 10% global tariff will expire on July 24, 2026, unless extended.However, administration officials have indicated they may use this 150-day window to initiate new Section 301 investigations — potentially reinstating higher country-specific tariffs before July.For sourcing teams, this means the current 10% rate may not represent long-term stability.Refund Uncertainty: Will Importers Get Money Back?Although the Supreme Court ruled IEEPA tariffs unlawful, it did not address refunds.The case must now move:Back to the Federal Appeals CourtThen to the Court of International Trade (CIT)Where a decision on refunds will be issuedA ruling may not come until late Spring 2026 at the earliest.Key Refund RisksRefund eligibility may depend on procedural status.CBP may deny refunds for entries already liquidated.Administrative delays are likely even if refunds are ordered.Over $175 billion in duties across 300,000+ importers would need processing.Recommended Action for ImportersTo preserve potential refund rights:Protest the liquidation of all entries affected by former IEEPA tariffs.File protests even for entries already liquidated.Failure to file could jeopardize eligibility if refunds are later authorized.November 2025: U.S.–China Deal Eases PressurePrior to the February reset, the U.S. and China reached a trade agreement that lowered tariffs on Chinese travel goods.Effective November 10:Fentanyl-related tariffs dropped from 20% to 10%.Total tariffs fell from approximately 73% to 63%.Additional port fees on Chinese-operated vessels were suspended through 2026.The 10% reciprocal (IEEPA) tariff remained in place at the time.Now, with IEEPA removed and replaced by Section 122:China is subject to the same 10% global tariff — plus existing Section 301 and Section 232 duties where applicable.The deal marked the first meaningful tariff rollback since 2020.Section 232 Expansion: Metal Components Under PressureOn August 18, 2025, Section 232 tariffs expanded to cover 407 additional steel and aluminum products.For travel goods manufacturers, this affects:Luggage framesTelescopic handlesReinforced wheel housingsStructural metal componentsSteel and aluminum tariffs remain:50% for most countries25% for the United KingdomMetal-reinforced luggage designs may continue facing elevated input costs.India &amp; Other High-Risk MarketsOn August 27, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on certain imports from India related to Russian oil purchases.At that time, total duties on Indian travel goods reached approximately 50%.Under the February 24 reset:India now falls under the 10% Section 122 tariff (unless otherwise subject to 232 or 301).However, future Section 301 investigations could re-escalate country-specific rates.Compliance &amp; Enforcement RisksDespite tariff resets, compliance rules remain strict.Origin Rules“Substantial transformation” standards remain unchanged.Minor assembly or transshipment does not change country of origin.Transshipment PenaltiesTransshipped goods may face penalties up to 40%.Enforcement definitions remain vague — especially under prior Vietnam agreements.De Minimis EndedAs of August 29, 2025:All shipments are subject to duties.Low-value exemptions no longer apply.Supply Chain &amp; Cost Pressures in 2026Beyond tariffs, sourcing teams continue facing:$50/ton surcharges on China shipments (since October 2025)Container and chassis tariffs impacting freight ratesReduced Asia–U.S. route capacityOngoing port congestion volatilityEven as headline tariff rates fall, total landed costs remain elevated.Strategic Outlook: Tariffs Are Shifting, Not DisappearingWhile the Supreme Court eliminated IEEPA authority, tariff risk has not disappeared — it has evolved.The administration has demonstrated willingness to pivot between:IEEPASection 122Section 301Section 232For sourcing teams, this suggests:Tariff volatility may remain structural in 2026.Supplier contracts signed now may require flexibility clauses.Diversification is no longer just cost-driven — it is risk-driven.The next few months are likely to bring:New Section 301 investigationsPublic hearingsPossible re-escalation before July 24Strategic sourcing decisions should account for this uncertainty.Actionable Steps for Luggage &amp; Travel Goods BuyersTo reduce exposure in 2026:1. Review HTS ClassificationsMisclassification risk increases during tariff transitions.2. Protest IEEPA EntriesPreserve refund eligibility.3. Model Scenarios Beyond 10%Build contingency budgets for possible 15% or renewed 301 tariffs.4. Diversify ProductionExplore suppliers in lower-risk regions.5. Strengthen Supplier ContractsInclude tariff adjustment clauses.6. Monitor Section 301 AnnouncementsExpect investigations before July 24.Useful sources:Travel Goods AssociationThe Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIEForbesReutersTariff checker

The 2025–2026 tariff escalation is transformative, driven by trade tensions, legal rulings and reduced reliance on foreign manufacturing.

U.S. Tariff Policies

Travel Is The Only Thing You Can Buy That Makes You RicherA few words from Yves Perrenoud, CFO at Travel SentryInternational Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that travel is increasing, and most experts concur that we want more of it. So, what exactly does that tell us for the year ahead?&nbsp;Let’s start with the recent past: air travel in 2025 was defined less by dramatic rebounds and more by stabilisation. Demand continued to grow, but the pace of growth slowed after the sharp post-pandemic surges of previous years.&nbsp;Industry-wide traffic expanded by 5.3% year on year. A key feature of 2025 was the divergence between international and domestic markets. International travel remained the primary engine of growth, rising 7.1% over 2024, while domestic markets increased by only 2.4%. The US domestic market drove that trend not only because of its maturity but also because of external shocks, including declines in consumer confidence and in government and business travel. This is a reminder that (a) travel is a resilient industry and (b) everything affects travel, whether at the macro or micro level.&nbsp;Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to be another year of recalibration rather than acceleration. The strong international momentum seen in 2025 is likely to continue, with IATA expecting 5% RPK growth, again driven by international routes. Airlines will focus on optimising networks rather than aggressively expanding them. Let’s not forget that Airbus and Boeing are still working through backlogs, and airlines are missing the aircraft needed to operate additional routes. Simply put, affordability will be harder to find in the short term, but investment in tech and simpler processes throughout could drive new efficiencies.&nbsp;Regarding luggage, the offer will continue to diverge between premiumisation and commoditisation. Innovation will drive the first, while the price will define the latter. Both categories are expected to grow in 2026; however, it is difficult to predict which will grow faster.&nbsp;In essence, 2026 will build on the normalisation of 2025: a year in which the industry moves from recovery to refinement, navigating constraints while adapting to a more complex and differentiated global landscape. The luggage industry will continue to grow, driven by demanding consumers seeking innovation or affordability. “Everything changes but change itself”, right?

IATA reports that travel is increasing, and most experts concur that we want more of it. So, what exactly does that tell us for the year ahead? 


Travel Insights: A Note From Our CFO

JD.com x Travel Sentry collaborate for the Spring Festival&nbsp;Travel Sentry and JD.com, China’s largest retailer, have collaborated for the spring festival holiday, the lead-up to the Chinese New Year, by emphasizing to travelers that they should look for the Travel Sentry red diamond when buying luggage on the e-commerce giant’s site.&nbsp;Chinese New Year is a peak travel period and luggage makes an excellent and lasting gift. Our online campaign features across JD.com’s travel verticals – from travel and hotel booking to luggage and accessories e-commerce – for a month, with fourteen of our luggage partners included.&nbsp;The offline part of the campaign launched on 24 - 26 January, with a luggage-shaped pop-up at the globally renowned Harbin Ice and Snow World, located between the main stage and the iconic snowflake Ferris wheel. The offline collaboration continues at Daxing Airport in Beijing from 3 – 7 February.&nbsp;Visitors were invited every hour to participate in games to win prizes including padlocks and to check out new luggage from Samsonite, Xiaomi, ITO, Diplomat and NinetyGO.On-site, KOLs broadcast the event to their followers, reinforcing the choose red diamond message.&nbsp;When night fell, guests looked up to the sky to enjoy a drone show, themed to mark the coming Year of the Horse. At the climax of the performance, Travel Sentry’s logo hung in the sky for over a minute on a drone-lit suitcase together with the message "Buy luggage on JD.com, choose Travel Sentry Red Diamond lock.”Dong Huarong, Head of the Luggage, Watches &amp; Accessories Business Department at JD.com's Big Fashion Group, said: "This collaboration marks the first partnership between JD.com and Travel Sentry. We are focusing on the emotionally resonant scenario of citizens returning home for the Spring Festival, creating a 360 marketing campaign that spans from scenario engagement and value communication to building brand trust.”Clara Wooller, Travel Sentry’s CMO explained “This initiative aims to strengthen the Chinese consumer perception of 'choose Travel Sentry Red Diamond when buying your luggage' and booking travel, further solidifying Travel Sentry's reputation for quality in the luggage sector and travel more broadly."Overall, why is our red diamond logo so important? It is a global safety standard that helps travelers pass through security smoothly and without damage at 750 airports in more than 75 countries. Wherever you're headed, keep an eye out for this red diamond—security is always free, and your luggage is safer because of it!

Travel Sentry and JD.com, China’s largest retailer, have collaborated for the spring festival holiday, the lead-up to the Chinese New Year.

JD.com x Travel Sentry Campaign

A few words from Maya Hall, CEOAs we enter 2026 after an unpredictable 2025, the world and our industry have now accepted uncertainty as part of our normality. The geopolitical and economical disruptions we have experienced have toughened us up in our strategy and pragmatism to achieve growth.The agility and adaptability our licensees have shown in the face of the trade war are a testament to their experience and resilience.&nbsp;While our licensed lock manufacturers remain primary in China, we have now licensed lock factories in Vietnam and in Thailand and more are in consideration in 2026 for a strengthened supply chain for our distributors.2025 also showed that our industry is evolving with more technology and innovation implemented. Most factories in China are investing in new equipment,&nbsp;automation&nbsp;and sustainability at lock manufacturer level, with this happening in India too now - but also seen globally at luggage manufacturer level. Our company trip to&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;substantiated the importance of emerging markets for our business, not only as manufacturing hubs but as consumer markets. This is why we intend to build upon the India safari industries campaign.The acceleration and increase in brand promotion and brand protection in the past years is really paying off. With outstanding&nbsp;premium campaigns,&nbsp;more online and offline presence, and&nbsp;new original research&nbsp;we are raising brand awareness and salience to new levels.While less talked about, the legal success that was achieved in civil and criminal courts as well as protecting consumers from counterfeits in partnership with customs and border control around the world demonstrated the strength of our brand. 2026 will not be straightforward. We expect the price impact of the tariff war to really start to show but we also know that the need for travel escapism will not go away in this uncertain world. This is why we are not surprised that IATA forecast 4.9% growth for 2026. We also know that the luggage bought as part of revenge travel will start needing replacement and should offer the whole industry the growth they have been waiting for.As we approach Spring Festival and a well-deserved rest and celebration for our Asian team and partners, I would like to thank our licensees for their commitment to quality, innovation and growth as well as offer a message of support, collaboration and success for 2026 to the lock and travel goods industry. We have exciting initiatives set out for this year that will continue to bring added value to our ecosystem. Watch this space.

As we enter 2026 after an unpredictable 2025, the world and our industry have now accepted uncertainty as part of our normality. 

2025 in Review: A Note From Our CEO

Travel Sentry’s Holiday Campaign at London Gatwick&nbsp;At the end of 2025, Travel Sentry ran a festive brand awareness campaign at London Gatwick Airport, one of the UK’s busiest travel hubs. The aim was straightforward: remind travelers that locking luggage provides peace of mind, particularly during the busiest travel period of the year.&nbsp;The story featured the much-loved Travel Sentry Guardian, who starred in our Christmas Campaign 2024. One message focused on integrated TSA locks built into luggage. The other highlighted padlocks, which are often purchased last minute at the airport.The campaign&nbsp;ran&nbsp;from mid-November through late December&nbsp;to coincide&nbsp;with the holiday travel rush. It was designed to reach&nbsp;travelers&nbsp;at a key moment in their journey, just before departure, when luggage security feels immediate and relevant.&nbsp;London Gatwick was selected for its scale and passenger flow. Serving over 46 million passengers annually, the airport offers consistent exposure to both domestic and international&nbsp;travelers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The campaign featured 20 digital screens positioned across departure areas in both terminals, including check-in and bag drop, security and queue zones, retail and food&nbsp;courts, and departure lounges and gate areas. This ensured repeated visibility as&nbsp;travelers&nbsp;moved through the terminal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The result was that the digital out-of-home campaign reached&nbsp;nearly 3&nbsp;million passengers at Gatwick over the campaign period and exceeded 1.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;video&nbsp;plays.&nbsp;Together, these messages&nbsp;reflect&nbsp;different&nbsp;traveler&nbsp;needs, from those who already own lockable luggage to those thinking about security just before flying.&nbsp;The digital screens featured QR codes, linking to a dedicated landing page designed for the airport environment. The page provided retail partner information, simple lock set-up&nbsp;videos&nbsp;and messaging around global airport acceptance. A separate landing page supported the campaign’s social media activity, allowing Travel Sentry to reach a wider international audience.&nbsp;The campaign&nbsp;emphasized&nbsp;the importance of engaging&nbsp;with&nbsp;travelers at the point of travel by using clear visual cues and straightforward messaging to promote luggage security.&nbsp;It also highlights&nbsp;Travel Sentry’s ongoing efforts to boost brand awareness,&nbsp;educate&nbsp;travelers&nbsp;and reinforce&nbsp;ways&nbsp;for keeping luggage secure, especially when packed with Christmas treats!&nbsp;

At the end of 2025, Travel Sentry ran a festive brand awareness campaign at London Gatwick Airport, one of the UK’s busiest travel hubs.

Our Campaign at London Gatwick 

Hard vs. Soft Luggage: Which Is Better for Wholesale Buyers?&nbsp;Recent research has shown that global leisure travel is on track to triple in value from about&nbsp;$5 trillion now to a $15 trillion by 2040. This growth is driven by the middle classes in emerging economies, increasing travel frequency and appetite for immersive experiences.&nbsp;With travel demand rising worldwide, luggage collections must be designed to meet diverse traveler requirements across different markets. Some travelers prioritize flexibility and light packing, while others look for maximum protection and durability when checking luggage.For wholesale buyers and luggage brands, understanding the strengths and trade-offs of hard-shell and soft-side luggage helps guide product development, sourcing strategies and product positioning across different price tiers.OEM InsightsInsights from product testing and real-world travel conditions often guide buying decisions.Hard ShellPolycarbonate and polypropylene hard cases are excellent for protection. They are also water-resistant and durable against drops, which is important when transporting fragile items.In airline baggage operations, suitcases are typically stacked tightly inside aircraft cargo containers known as Unit Load Devices (ULDs). These containers may hold dozens of bags at once, meaning luggage often experiences compression and pressure during transit. In these conditions, hard-shell luggage maintains its shape and distributes force more evenly across the case, helping protect the contents inside.&nbsp;Hard shell cases give the best protection to belongings but can be heavy.Hard shell design options are limited, mainly in surface texture or printed films laminated on the shell. Any changes to the shell structure require costly new molds.Hard cases also cannot be compressed when shipped, meaning fewer units per container load compared to soft-sided luggage. This can increase shipping costs per piece.However, hard-shell luggage also performs well in wet travel environments. Bags are often transported across airport tarmac and exposed to rain or humidity. A solid shell creates a barrier that helps keep moisture away from packed items.Soft SideFabric cases (like nylon or polyester) provide better flexibility, packing adaptability, and external pockets that aid organization and convenience.Soft side luggage offers much more flexibility, with options for new colors, pocket layouts, and design variations at lower development costs. Textile construction also allows brands to experiment with new designs without investing in expensive mold tooling.Common materials used in soft-side luggage include:Ballistic nylon, known for high abrasion resistanceHigh-denier nylon, often used in premium luggagePolyester, widely used for affordable luggage collectionsBeing flexible also allows some compression and higher packing density per shipment, which can reduce transportation costs for wholesale buyers.Compared to hard shell luggage, fragile items are somewhat less protected when handled roughly by baggage staff during boarding and deplaning.Fabric luggage may also be more susceptible to heavy rain or humidity exposure, although many modern designs use water-resistant coatings or treated fabrics.Both types now commonly include 360-degree spinner wheels, improving maneuverability in airports and urban environments.Hard shells impress with their sleek design and clean exterior, while soft side models stand out with external compartments and more room for stuffing belongings.Why Buyers Choose Hard ShellEnhanced protection – great for fragile or high-value inventory.Water resistance – solid shells create a protective barrier against rain and wet airport conditions.Cleanability – smooth surfaces wipe clean easily after travel.Premium positioning – modern aesthetic helps support higher price points.Security – many models feature built-in TSA-accepted locks.Structural durability – rigid shells help maintain shape when luggage is tightly packed with other bags in aircraft cargo holds.&nbsp;Some premium hard-shell luggage also uses frame closures instead of zippers. Frame systems add rigidity and can improve both security and water resistance, although they increase manufacturing complexity and cost.Why Buyers Choose Soft SideFlexibility &amp; adaptability – can squeeze into overhead compartments and tight spaces.Lightweight options – ideal for travelers with strict airline weight limits.External storage – multiple exterior pockets add quick-access convenience.Expandable design – often allows packing a little more without sacrificing closure capability.Design flexibility – easier to experiment with new looks, colors, and pocket layouts, helping brands refresh collections quickly.Shipping efficiency – soft luggage can compress slightly, allowing more units per shipment compared to rigid cases.Security – some models may feature a built-in TSA-accepted lock, but lock options are usually an after-market padlock purchase.Sourcing Tips for luggage-factories.comWhen evaluating suppliers, look for:High-quality materialsPolycarbonate, polypropylene, nylon, Cordura, and other durable fabrics.Clear testing or certificationImpact resistance, wheel durability, and zipper stress testing.Advanced featuresExpandable compartments, smooth 4-wheel systems, and ergonomic handles.Customization optionsBranding, color customization, shell finishes, and compartment design.Reliable warranty termsEspecially for hard-shell cracks or long-term wear in fabric luggage.Production scalabilitySuppliers capable of supporting growing demand as global leisure travel expands.What to ask a new supplier - 5 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask&nbsp;Both hard shell and soft side luggage offer legitimate value in wholesale sourcing.Hard-shell luggage delivers strong protection, water resistance, and a premium appearance, making it ideal for travelers who prioritize durability and security.Soft-side luggage provides flexibility, lighter weight, and versatile design options, which appeal to travelers who want adaptable packing and easy access to belongings.For luggage brands and wholesale buyers, the most successful product strategies often include both categories, ensuring collections meet the needs of different travelers, markets, and price segments.

With travel demand on the rise, luggage collections must be designed to meet diverse traveler requirements across different markets. 

Hard Shell & Soft Side Luggage

The Space Under Your Seat: Why Under-Seat Luggage Is Changing A few words from Clara Wooller, CMO at Travel SentryOne emerging trend we observed at the last Canton Fair in November was luggage manufacturers significantly increasing their assortment of under seat cabin baggage on offer, in response to airlines enforcing cabin baggage rules more stringently and, in some cases, only allowing travelers an under-seat item, without paying to upgrade their basic fare. What we saw at the Fair was quite basic, entry level priced and with a lack of features – almost certainly aligned to frequent travelers taking advantage of low-cost fares. What’s interesting to observe from a market sweep just a few months later is how many under seat bags or cases now on sale feature Travel Sentry TSA locks as standard, clearly showing retail assortments quickly responding to behavioral shifts in traveler needs.  Let’s explore what’s driving the shift in traveller needs and how this might evolve. Travel Sentry’s consumer research conducted in 2025 showed that the items travelers locked most often were electronics like phones, laptops and cameras, as well as travel documents, jewelry and medication. The most logical place for these to go, if not in an overhead compartment, is on their person or if too big, under the seat in front, raising demand for locks. Originally, TSA locks were marketed for checked luggage. Their increased presence on under-seat bags shows travelers expect secure storage at all times, including in the cabin, as they become more aware of theft risks posed on airplanes – whether that’s because they’re traveling solo or just seated apart from friends and family. It is human, after all, to need to visit the bathroom occasionally on a flight! These lockable under-seat bags recognize a need for security features without sacrificing ease of access, useful during the flight as well as the onward journey.We also know that travelers are continuing to fly frequently, despite straitened circumstances. That suggests they are looking for ways to economize: flying low-cost carriers, avoiding checked baggage fees, and consolidating belongings into micro carry-ons such as under-seat pieces.And both luggage brands and retailers see that there’s value in offering premium safety features on lower price products. Retailers updating assortments to include TSA locks on under-seat luggage is likely a response to competitive pressure and consumer expectations. This allows them to compete on features, which in turn, allows them to increase perceived product value, justify price tiers and basket spend. TSA locks are now table stakes, even in very economically priced luggage.Alright, but if the core function of a TSA lock is to allow security staff to perform damage free inspection, why are we starting to see it on carry on and under seat luggage, which goes through a different set of security procedures? Glad you asked… It seems that travelers don’t see a huge distinction between check in and carry-on luggage BUT, they recognize that a Travel Sentry TSA lock is an approved, safe and airport compatible lock. It feels like the right sort of lock for travel and that red diamond is a symbol of brand reassurance. TLDR: TSA locks function as a quality and trust marker, even when inspection access isn’t required.For luggage manufacturers, there’s a benefit in using the same lock system across product lines which reduces complexity through standardization, which can be leveraged all the way from sourcing through to end consumer marketing (“all our luggage includes TSA locks”). Finally, everyone has experienced the anxiety of what I’m going to call a real-world separation scenario; whether that’s through gate checking or no overhead bin space (although you’d be hard pressed to find a scenario where the space under the seat in front is not available). In these cases, a carry-on becomes checked baggage and better for it to be locked than not, just in case, right? Because when space is shrinking, expectations aren’t. Security and peace of mind now fit neatly under the seat in front of you.

Looking at how many under seat bags now on sale feature Travel Sentry locks as standard, showing retail shifts responding to traveler needs.  

Why Under-Seat Luggage Is Changing 

ILM Offenbach 2026: Top Tips for Exhibiting and Walking the Trade ShowILM – Offenbach am Main, GermanyVenue: Messe OffenbachDates: February 7-9 2026ILM (Internationale Lederwarenmesse / International Leather Goods Fair) Offenbach is the leading international trade fair dedicated specifically to luggage, bags, leather goods, school bag and accessories. For luggage and travel goods brands, it is one of the most important order-focused trade shows of the year, bringing together retailers, distributors and industry professionals from across Europe and beyond.Compared to large, cross-category events like Ambiente, ILM is smaller and more targeted. That focus is exactly what makes it so valuable for brands looking to strengthen wholesale relationships and secure business for upcoming seasons.Whether you are exhibiting or visiting, going to ILM with a clear plan helps ensure your time on site is worthwhile.Top TipsKnow Your ObjectivesILM is a working trade show. Buyers arrive with clear intent, and many conversations move quickly into commercial territory.Before attending, be clear on what success looks like for your brand. This might include presenting new collections to existing retail partners, writing orders or securing follow-up commitments, gathering buyer feedback on pricing, materials, and positioning or identifying new distributors and regional partners.Having clear objectives really helps in prioritising meetings and managing your time wisely throughout the show. Prepare for an Order-Driven EnvironmentUnlike larger trade shows where conversations are often exploratory, ILM discussions are frequently commercial from the outset. The show attracts a high concentration of decision-makers and buyers often compare collections side by side before making decisions.If you are exhibiting, be prepared to discuss:Clear product assortments and price positioningAvailability, MOQs, delivery windows, and lead timesWhich markets, channels or retailers your brand is targetingVisitors should also prepare questions in advance, particularly when evaluating new suppliers. Having everything well-prepared helps ensure that meetings are more efficient and effective for everyone involved. Be Present on the Booth At ILM, booth engagement matters. Because the venue is compact, buyers often pass the same stands multiple times. A stand that looks closed, distracted or unprepared is quickly noticed.Make sure your booth is always staffed by someone who can immediately explain who the brand is for, understands the company’s objectives for the show and knows when to bring in colleagues for deeper commercial or technical discussions.Stand layout also plays a role. Keeping the front of the stand open and approachable, rather than blocked by furniture or counters, encourages repeat visits and follow-up conversations.Presenting products in logical groupings makes comparison easier and keeps discussions focused. Bring Digital and Physical MaterialsPhysical business cards and printed brochures remain useful for quick exchanges and in-depth review. At the same time, digital business cards, QR codes and digital line sheets make it easier for buyers to save details, share internally, and follow up after the show.Being prepared with both formats allows you to adapt to different buyer preferences without friction and reduces the risk of good conversations being lost after the event.Schedule Meetings Using the exhibitor directory and floor plan together helps visitors identify relevant brands efficiently and avoid unnecessary backtracking. For exhibitors, it also helps anticipate buyer traffic throughout the day.While scheduling meetings in advance is important, ILM also rewards flexibility. Buyers often return to stands after seeing competitors or discussing internally, so leaving small gaps in your schedule allows time for repeat conversations and follow-ups during the show itself.For many luggage and travel goods professionals, ILM forms part of a broader early-year trade show strategy. With Ambiente taking place in Frankfurt at the same time, some brands choose to divide teams or attend both shows during a single trip.While Ambiente offers broader lifestyle and retail insight, ILM remains the core event for category-specific meetings and orders. Understanding how each show fits into your overall strategy helps maximise the value of both.How to Get to ILM OffenbachILM Offenbach is well connected by train, public transport, taxi, and air, making it easy to reach from Frankfurt and the surrounding region.Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) serves as the main hub for most visitors. From there, Offenbach can be reached in around 10–15 minutes via S-Bahn or regional trains. Depending on the station you arrive at, Messe Offenbach is typically a short walk or tram ride.Taxis and ride services, including Uber, are widely available and take approximately 15–25 minutes from central Frankfurt, depending on traffic. Frankfurt Airport is also well connected, with total travel time to Offenbach usually around 30–40 minutes.Given traffic patterns during trade fair weeks, public transport is often the most predictable option.For luggage and travel goods brands looking to build wholesale relationships, present collections, and secure business for the year ahead, ILM remains one of the most important trade shows on the calendar.

ILM Offenbach is the leading international trade fair dedicated specifically to luggage, bags, leather goods, school bag and accessories. 

Find your suppliers

ZHEJIANG HONGYI CASES LEATHER CO.,LTD

SHANGHAI LINXIONG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.

Fullyear-Brother Enterprise Co., Ltd

Xuzhou Senpulier, Xuzhou Simply, Baicheng

YKK Europe

Zhejiang Amalodie Travelling Products Co.,Ltd.

Jiaxing Azenroad luggages & bags manufacturing Co. Ltd.

RUIAN SENDA CASES AND LEATHER PRODUCTS CO LTD

WENZHOU YONGLI SUITCASE CO LTD.

Guangzhou Haolv Travel Supplies Co., Ltd.

Interview with Delsey 2025

Rock Luggage Interview 2025

Ricardo Beverly Hills Interview 2025

Resources

Hard Shell & Soft Side Luggage

Resources

Why Under-Seat Luggage Is Changing

Resources

ILM Offenbach 2026