The Check-In: Revolutionizing Travel with Design

Mauricio Issa's Award-Winning Luggage Design Combines Form and Function

Mauricio Issa, along with his design team members Mayur Bhatnagar and Denielle Wolfe, embarked on a seven-month journey to create the perfect luggage complement for their aluminum carry-on. The result was "The Check-In," a piece of luggage that not only looks good but also enhances the user experience. The inspiration for this design came from the desire to maintain the appeal and aesthetics of their brand while improving user experience and resistance to travel wounds.

The Check-In is unique in its design and functionality. It is designed with the user in mind, with a size that maximizes packing while keeping the weight within airline regulations. The luggage features a zipper-less design and is engineered from an unbreakable polycarbonate shell with an aluminum frame and corners to protect against travel damage. It is perfect for a 1 to 3-week trip and features an anti-microbial interior lining and 60 mm wide whisper-quiet wheels for easy airport navigation.

The realization of this design was a technical feat. The shell of The Check-In was engineered from virgin polycarbonate, with an aluminum alloy frame and corners for maximum durability. The luggage also features two TSA approved combination locks, an interior compression system, TPE polymer handles, Hinomoto Silent Run double wheels, and an anti-microbial interior lining. Notably, the design does not include a battery.

The main challenge in creating The Check-In was finding the perfect balance between weight, resistance, and size. Airlines have strict regulations regarding the weight and size of bags, and the designers wanted to create a bag that could withstand the demands of a hardcore traveler, allow for maximum packing weight limit, and still be easy to handle. The result is a piece of luggage that not only meets these requirements but also looks good doing it.

The Check-In was awarded Platinum in the A' Fashion and Travel Accessories Design Award in 2019. This award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, genius, and contribute to societal wellbeing. The Check-In is more than just a piece of luggage; it is a testament to the power of design and its ability to transform the way we live and travel.