Why Airline Baggage Fees Keep RisingChecked baggage is becoming increasingly expensive for travelers around the world.In 2026,&nbsp;several major airlines, including Delta, United, American Airlines, JetBlue and Southwest, introduced new increases to checked baggage fees, continuing a long-term industry trend toward higher ancillary charges. For many travelers, what was once considered a standard part of airfare is now one of the fastest-growing additional travel costs.But why are baggage fees continuing to rise? Increasing operational expenses, changing airline business models, fuel volatility and evolving passenger behavior are all contributing to a new era of airline pricing.For the travel goods industry, these shifts are also changing how consumers pack, purchase luggage and prepare for travel.Airlines Are Relying More on Ancillary RevenueOne of the biggest reasons baggage fees continue to rise is the airline industry's growing dependence on ancillary revenue, which is the additional income airlines generate beyond the base ticket price.&nbsp;This includes:checked baggage feesseat selectionpriority boardingonboard food and beveragesWi-FiupgradesOver the past decade, airlines have increasingly adopted “unbundled” pricing strategies. Rather than including services within the ticket price, carriers now separate them into optional paid extras.For airlines, this approach offers several advantages:lower advertised airfare&nbsp;greater pricing flexibilitymore predictable revenue streamsAs airlines face ongoing pressure to maintain profitability, baggage pricing remains one of the most easily adjustable areas.Rising Operational Costs Are Impacting AirlinesAirlines are also facing significantly higher operating costs across multiple areas of their business. Key pressures include:higher fuel priceslabor shortagesincreased airport chargesaircraft maintenance costssupply chain disruptions affecting aviation parts and operationsWhile airfare prices fluctuate based on competition and demand, baggage fees provide airlines with an additional revenue source that can help offset operational instability.Unlike ticket prices, baggage fees are often perceived as easier to raise incrementally without dramatically affecting booking behavior.For travelers, however, the total cost of flying continues to increase.Traveler Behavior Is Changing RapidlyAs baggage costs rise, consumers are adapting their travel habits accordingly.Many travelers are actively trying to avoid checked baggage fees altogether by:traveling with carry-on luggage onlyusing lighter luggagepacking more efficientlyresearching airline baggage policies before flyingConsumers are also paying closer attention to luggage dimensions and airline compatibility as some airlines continue tightening enforcement around cabin baggage restrictions.For luggage manufacturers and brands, airline baggage policies are increasingly influencing product development and consumer purchasing decisions.&nbsp;The Growing Importance of Carry-On CompatibilityAs travelers become more fee-conscious, carry-on optimization is essential. This shift creates opportunities for brands to focus on:lightweight carry-onsunder-seat luggagecabin-compatible luggageexpandable and modular designshighly organized packing solutionsTools such as Travel Sentry’s&nbsp;CarryOK also help support travelers by allowing them to check whether luggage dimensions meet airline cabin requirements before they fly.&nbsp;As airline restrictions continue evolving, compatibility and preparation are becoming more valuable selling points across the travel goods market.Security and Traveler Reassurance Still MatterUnexpected gate-checking, crowded overhead bin and stricter airline enforcement have created additional concerns around baggage handling and protection.Travelers need reassurance that their belongings remain secure whether a bag is checked voluntarily or unexpectedly transferred into the aircraft hold.See our blog about&nbsp;how to secure your belongings in your carry-on.Travel Sentry Approved locks help support smoother baggage inspection processes by allowing security authorities to inspect luggage without damaging approved locks. In an environment where baggage handling has become more complex and more valuable to travelers, maintaining both convenience and peace of mind is increasingly important.

In 2026, several major airlines introduced increases to checked baggage fees, continuing a long-term industry trend toward higher ancillary charges. 

Why Airline Baggage Fees Keep Rising

CarryOK® Goes Global: Why Smarter Carry-On Design Starts Here&nbsp;The boarding gate meltdown - we’ve all seen it. A traveler arrives confident, only to find their carry-on luggage doesn’t meet airline rules and the passenger is hit with a last-minute baggage fee.This is exactly the kind of frustration &nbsp;CarryOK® was built to prevent.CarryOK®, Travel Sentry’s widget, gives travelers globally instant clarity: does your bag comply with airline rules? What are the size and weight limits for your ticket type and route? Can your carry-on really stay in the cabin or is it likely to be moved to the aircraft hold?Last year, Airlines for Europe (A4E) recently confirmed a standardized personal item size of 40 × 30 × 15 cm across member airlines, marking one of the first real moves toward greater cabin baggage consistency. At the same time, discussions around hand luggage fees and stricter gate enforcement continue across the industry.But while some regions are moving toward standardization, the global travel landscape is becoming more complex overall.Travelers now regularly fly multi-leg routes across different airlines, fare types and regions, each with different carry-on rules. A bag accepted on one flight may incur fees on the next. Enforcement is increasing, and passengers are becoming more aware of the risks of getting cabin baggage wrong.This environment makes clarity more urgent than ever, for both travelers and the brands they trust.Why This Matters for Luggage Manufacturers and OEMs&nbsp;This is not just a customer service issue. It’s a product strategy issue.&nbsp;Consumers are becoming more risk-aware. They are asking not just “Will this fit in the overhead compartment?” but also:&nbsp;“Will this bag get me charged a fee at the gate?”&nbsp;“If it’s taken from me at boarding, will my belongings still be safe?”&nbsp;This is where CarryOK® and Travel Sentry-approved locks work together.&nbsp;A Lock on a Carry-On Isn’t Optional Anymore&nbsp;As more compliant-looking bags are pulled into the hold, particularly under basic economy fares, customers are increasingly concerned about their valuables. Electronics, medications, travel documents could all end up out of reach.&nbsp;A TSA-accepted lock gives travelers peace of mind. It protects against theft, ensures access for airport security and shows that your brand understands what travel really looks like today: unpredictable, high-pressure and often unforgiving.&nbsp;Why You Should Always Lock Your Carry-On&nbsp;&nbsp;CarryOK® Is Built for the Future of TravelWhat sets CarryOK® apart is Travel Sentry’s commitment to real-time accuracy. Airline baggage policies change constantly, and outdated information can quickly turn into costly boarding gate surprises. CarryOK® is continuously updated to reflect evolving airline requirements, helping travelers make informed decisions before they arrive at the airport.The platform integrates easily into:Product pagesFit guidesBooking flowsRetail experiencesTravel appsPost-purchase onboarding journeysFor travel brands, retailers and platforms, this creates an opportunity to become part of a smarter and more connected travel ecosystem.Available Now, Free for CVI-Compliant Partners&nbsp;Travel Sentry offers CarryOK® free of charge to partners, including travel booking platforms, travel apps and CVI-compliant brands. With European coverage already live and global rollout now underway, CarryOK® is positioned to become an increasingly important tool for travelers worldwide.Try out CarryOk today!

Travel Sentry’s widget gives travelers globally instant clarity about whether their baggage complies with airline rules, depending on ticket type and route. 

Travel Sentry's CarryOK® Goes Global

2026 China May Golden Week Tourism Market AnalysisAccording to estimates from&nbsp;the Data Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the culture and tourism market maintained steady growth during this year's May Golden Week holiday. Nationwide, domestic trips reached 325 million, a year-on-year increase of 3.6%. Total domestic tourism spend amounted to 185.492 billion RMB (yuan), up 2.9% year-on-year.&nbsp;Data from the Ministry of Transport further predicts that cross-regional passenger flow reached 1.52 billion during the period. These figures suggest that the tourism industry still possesses significant room for growth.The 2026 May Golden Week serves not only as a milestone for consumption growth but also as a clear watershed in China’s tourism structure. Amid a complex international environment, Chinese travelers’ footprints are undergoing a profound inward shift.Pre-May 1st holiday Spring Break PoliciesStarting in mid-April, the staggered spring break implemented in provinces such as Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Sichuan has effectively provided the time window typically required for outbound travel to benefit domestic tourism.Zhejiang Model: Schools are permitted to independently schedule 3–5 days of spring break. Most families chose to depart in late April, combining the break with May Golden Week to create an 8+N holiday pattern. This extended leave did not flow overseas but instead fed back into domestic long-haul flight routes.&nbsp;Sichuan and Anhui Model: These provinces utilized the spring break to focus on Educational Tours + Family Travel, anchoring trips within provincial borders or at cross-provincial forest parks.According to&nbsp;Ctrip’s 2026 May 1st Travel Report, bookings for inter-provincial long-haul travel from families in regions covered by spring break policies were 47% higher than in regions without them. This indicates that by releasing time redundancy, spring break policies have shifted families who previously planned short-distance trips due to time constraints toward large-scale domestic travel (e.g., Tibet, Inner Mongolia).Shifting International Environment Drives a Return to Domestic RootsDespite the full recovery of international flight routes in 2026, more tourists prioritized domestic destinations for long holidays. This shift is driven by several international factors:Geopolitical Uncertainty: Frequent regional conflicts in traditional popular destinations have caused safety risks to jump from the 5th most important factor for outbound travelers in 2019 to No. 1 in 2026. (Geopolitical Unrest Now No. 1 Obstacle To International Travel, Forbes)Reshaping the Value for Money Perception: Global inflation has sent the cost of overseas accommodation and dining skyrocketing. In contrast, prices in China’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as well as county-level destinations, remain highly competitive. Travelers prefer high-value 5-star services at home over forced consumption downgrading abroad.Great Substitution Effect: As domestic tourism quality upgrades, landscapes and architecture that once required trips to Europe or Africa now have high-end Chinese alternatives in Xinjiang, Western Sichuan and Dali, complete with infrastructure better suited to Chinese tastes and payment habits.Insights into Other Core 2026 May Golden Week DataTravel Preferences: Inter-provincial travel accounted for 61% of trips, with bookings for niche county-level destinations growing 128% year-on-year.The Experience Economy:&nbsp;A joint report by Fliggy and Xiaohongshu reveals that 69% of users chose destinations based purely on interests (e.g., music festivals, travel photography, hiking). Traditional check-in tourism is being replaced by immersive cultural exploration, with deep cultural tourism trips increasing by 52.3% year-on-year, a trend consistent with our previous global travel forecasts.Outbound Comparison: While outbound trip numbers rose compared to 2025, the growth rate lagged far behind domestic county-level tourism. Destinations remained highly concentrated in Southeast Asia, where safety, friendliness and convenience intersect.Future Trends in China’s Tourism IndustryFragmented Long Holidays &amp; Deepened Short Trips: Spring breaks have broken the constraints of statutory holidays, pushing the industry from burst consumption toward normalized leisure.Safety First &amp; Emotional Alternatives: Instability abroad has led to a conservative outbound market. Domestic projects have successfully captured high-end demand by tapping into traditional culture (e.g., Guochao trends and intangible cultural heritage).Structural Industrial Opportunities: Over the next 3–5 years, opportunities will concentrate on Educational Product Development (to meet spring break demand) and County-level Infrastructure Upgrades (to accommodate decentralized tourism).In conclusion, Chinese tourism in 2026 is entering a golden age of Inward Exploration. The spring break system provides the time, the international environment provides the inward momentum and the improved quality of domestic supply captures the traffic. As we have always emphasized, while the form and purpose of travel change, travel itself remains a necessity. In any economic climate, the desire to explore persists. By aligning with the needs of modern travelers, the tourism industry will continue to achieve sustainable growth.

Domestic trips reached 325 million, a year-on-year increase of 3.6% and total domestic tourism spend was 185.492 billion RMB, up 2.9%.

China Golden Week Tourism Analysis

139th Canton Fair Trends 2026 5 Key Trends from the 139th Canton Fair Shaping the 2026 Luggage IndustryOn-site at the third phase of the 139th Canton Fair (Spring Edition), the Travel Sentry Team engaged in some great discussions with global travel brands. Facing up to the realities of geopolitical fluctuations and tariffs, the luggage and travel gear industry is undergoing a profound transformation: shifting from "scale-driven" growth to "value-anchored" development. Here are the five core trends we spotted, offering fresh perspectives for our colleagues across the industry: 1. Color Psychology: From Aesthetics to "Emotional Healing" As earthy yellow, warm orange, and lavender purple become mainstream, an "Emotional Healing" palette is emerging. Influenced by global anxieties, certain colors are favored for the sense of stability they provide. Simultaneously, to counter raw material cost volatility, brands are reducing the use of expensive metallic finishes in favor of matte finishes. This elevates visual value and continues the "Quiet Luxury" trend we shared at last year’s autumn Canton Fair. 2. Flight-Friendly InnovationIn response to stricter carry-on allowances in 2026, under-seat luggage has gained significant traction. By designing detachable wheels to reduce the overall volume of the carry-on, these bags fit perfectly into the space beneath the seat. Furthermore, the extreme segmentation of ski bags, hiking packs, bike cases and pet carriers marks a shift from "general-purpose" to "sport specific" products. Travelers now prefer selecting specific luggage for different types of trips rather than using a single suitcase for every journey. 3. Design Aesthetics: IP collaborations and distinctive finishes As 2026 is a World Cup year, several brands have leveraged football elements or collaborations with well-known IPs to safely generate higher premiums. Meanwhile, complex and highly recognizable physical textures (such as fish-scale patterns) are being widely adopted. This is not only a clever way to pursue market change but also strengthens a brand’s anti-counterfeiting and risk-mitigation capabilities through visual uniqueness. 4. Material Evolution in Locks A noteworthy hardware upgrade is the transition of lock materials from zinc alloy to aluminum alloy. Thanks to process iterations, aluminum locks achieve significantly higher durability while maintaining a lighter weight. In an era where airlines and by extension consumers are hypersensitive to overweight baggage, lightweight hardware has become a core competitive advantage. 5. Digital UbiquityDespite the challenging market environment, built-in fingerprint combination locks and integrated Bluetooth tracking technology (supporting Apple Find My or Android Find My Device protocols) are increasingly appearing across travel products. On one hand, the industry is moving away from eccentric "disruptive" innovations to focus on refining existing technologies and improving processes; this lowers costs and allows previously expensive tech to be utilized at scale. On the other hand, against a backdrop of rising flight delays and luggage loss risks, digital solutions are no longer just a gimmick, they are a necessity for alleviating travel anxiety. The luggage industry in 2026 is chasing disruption less in order to focus on nailing the brilliant basics and providing practical reassurance. In a journey filled with variables, those who can convey hope through color, provide security through materials, and reduce anxiety through digitalization will demonstrate the strongest commercial resilience in a fluctuating market. 

Facing up to the realities of geopolitical fluctuations and tariffs, the luggage and travel gear industry is undergoing a profound transformation.

139th Canton Fair Trends 2026 

2026 Annual Lock Manufacturer MeetingIn April, the 2026 Lock Manufacturers Meeting took place in Chongqing, bringing together representatives from 13 licensed factories.&nbsp;Travel Sentry CEO Maya Hall opened the event at the Sheraton Chongqing, sharing her excitement about exploring the city for the first time, noting that the joy of travel remains irreplaceable despite recent global uncertainties. She emphasized that protecting this travel experience is the core mission of Travel Sentry and its partners.&nbsp;COO Tim Meade followed with a keynote focused on "Leveraging Strengths and Avoiding Price Wars." He urged manufacturers to grow the market together through healthy competition rather than internal rivalry. Tim noted that while external factors remain unpredictable, Q1 data shows a very optimistic trend. He highlighted that Travel Sentry remains highly competitive, with many new companies applying for licenses, and pledged to help partners refine their strategies to better fit market demands.&nbsp;CFO Yves Perrenoud provided a deep dive into the industry’s health and also shared IATA data to provide a broader outlook. Despite a volatile year, Yves announced that the Travel Sentry network has expanded to over 80 countries and 800 major airports, with significant growth in Maldives, Mongolia and Mexico.&nbsp;The afternoon featured several specialized reports:&nbsp;Peiyuan Yan (Marketing) presented a new B2B survey and reviewed successful campaigns, including a six-week takeover at London Gatwick and major e-commerce promotions and pop-up events in China.&nbsp;Xinda Chen (Business Director, China) updated the group on Chinese OEM developments and luggage lock market trends.&nbsp;Snow Yang (Account Manager) discussed brand identity and hangtag standards to help partners better leverage the Travel Sentry brand.&nbsp;Kevin Jinwen (Legal Counsel) shared updates on intellectual property protection. He also delivered excellent news: a new Chinese civil aviation law effective July 1st will allow for seamless baggage inspections, which is expected to significantly boost the adoption of Travel Sentry systems.&nbsp;The meeting concluded with a cultural tour of Chongqing. Attendees visited the ancient Dazu Rock Carvings, watched the famous "train through a building" at Liziba Station, enjoyed authentic Sichuan hotpot and took a night cruise along the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers.&nbsp;

The 2026 Annual Lock Manufacturers Meeting took place in Chongqing, bringing together teams from 13 licensed lock factories. 

2026 Annual Lock Manufacturer Meeting

What We Learned from Visiting a Girls’ Education Program in MumbaiIn April, our India-based Key Account Manager, Stephanie Fernandes, had the opportunity to step inside a classroom at Ganesh Nagar School in Mumbai and see firsthand how education programs can create real, measurable impact.The visit focused on Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program, a long-term initiative designed to equip adolescent girls with the life skills, confidence and support they need to complete their education and shape their futures.For Travel Sentry, supporting initiatives like Room to Read is part of a wider commitment to responsible business and meaningful partnerships.Inside the ClassroomDuring the visit, Stephanie joined a Grade 9 Life Skills session on “Being a Role Model,” led by Social Mobilizer Neha Gabru, which was an interactive and reflective session. Students were encouraged to reflect on the people they admire and to recognize those same qualities within themselves.The girls explored:Who their role models are What traits they admire When they’ve demonstrated those same strengths in their own lives Neha encouraged students to share personal experiences and moved into a practical activity, where students explored how they can consciously develop these qualities and apply them to become positive role models within their families, schools and communities.Beyond the ClassroomFollowing the session, discussions with students and staff made it clear that the impact extends far beyond the classroom.Students shared noticeable improvements in:Self-confidence and communication Decision-making abilities Clarity around future goals Even more telling were the changes at home. Many spoke about increased parental encouragement, including families beginning to plan and save for future education. Others spoke about reduced gender-based bias, highlighting how programs like this can influence not just individuals, but entire households.Stephanie also visited the school’s Life Skills Center, gaining a closer look at how the program is delivered in practice. She explored key materials, including grade-specific session planners and the She Creates Change stories, which form the foundation of the Girls’ Education curriculum.“My visit to the Ganesh Nagar school was both insightful and inspiring. The students’ confidence, awareness of their rights and the thoughtful questions they asked clearly demonstrate not only how much they are learning through the Girls Education Program but also how deeply they are engaging with the sessions,” Key Account Manager, Stephanie Fernandes.One moment from the visit that stood out in particular was when asked which of the 13 sessions was their favorite, one student highlighted “Girls’ Rights and Human Rights.” She explained that the session helped her understand what her rights are and when she can say no. This reflected the deeper purpose of the program: building awareness, confidence and the ability to make informed decisions.In a recent discussion with Poornima Garg, India Country Director at Room to Read, we gained further insight into the measurable impact of the program:Children in literacy programs achieve reading and comprehension rates up to 3x higher than their peers 90% of girls in the Girls’ Education Program complete secondary school Programs are evolving to include gender equity initiatives that engage boys as part of the solution Travel Sentry has committed to expanding its support, directing our donation to the Girls’ Education Program in India, alongside our existing support of the Cambodia program, which began seven years ago.

Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program is a long-term initiative designed to equip adolescent girls with the life skills, confidence and support.

Room to Read Mumbai

Travel Sentry Product Awards 2026&nbsp;The Travel Sentry Product Awards are officially back for 2026 and this year, the program is raising the bar. They are a platform to showcase innovation, strengthen brand positioning and stand out in an increasingly competitive global market.&nbsp;Each year, the Travel Sentry Product Awards highlight best-in-class innovation in travel security and luggage design. Categories span the full ecosystem of travel goods, including:&nbsp;Luggage and suitcase design&nbsp;&nbsp;TSA-accepted locks and padlocks&nbsp;&nbsp;TSID (Travel Sentry ID) solutions&nbsp;&nbsp;Sustainability initiatives&nbsp;&nbsp;Marketing campaigns driving customer engagement&nbsp;&nbsp;This is an opportunity to promote product quality, innovation in design and top marketing campaigns.&nbsp;The credibility of the awards is reflected in its past winners. Previous recipients include globally recognized names such as Louis Vuitton, Osprey, Briggs &amp; Riley, Away, Eastpak and Rollink.&nbsp;What’s New for 2026?&nbsp;This year introduces a brand-new awards platform, designed to streamline the entire process from nomination to voting.&nbsp;The updated website makes it easier for:&nbsp;First-time entrants to submit products&nbsp;&nbsp;Returning brands to manage nominations efficiently&nbsp;&nbsp;The public to vote for their favorite products and marketing campaigns &nbsp;The goal is simple: reduce friction and increase visibility for the products and teams pushing the industry forward.&nbsp;A Spotlight on the Work That Deserves to Be Seen&nbsp;Travel Sentry partners continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in travel security whether through smarter lock systems, improved materials, or more sustainable production methods. The Product Awards are designed to shine a light on that progress.&nbsp;Nominations Are Now Open&nbsp;If you’re a brand, manufacturer or supplier with a product or campaign worth showcasing, now is the time to enter.&nbsp;Submissions are officially open for the Travel Sentry Product Awards 2026, and participation is open to both new and returning contenders.&nbsp;ENTER TODAYWhat Previous Winners Say&nbsp;

Our Product Awards are a platform to showcase innovation, strengthen brand positioning and stand out in an increasingly competitive market. 

Travel Sentry Product Awards 2026 

Easter Travel 2026Easter has long been one of the most reliable peaks in the travel calendar, particularly across Europe, where school holidays and public celebrations drive strong travel demand.In 2026, that demand remains resilient. Inbound travel to the UK, for example, is up&nbsp;13% year-on-year for the Easter period, with&nbsp;hotel bookings increasing by 15%, highlighting continued momentum for European destinations.However, the combination of geopolitical tension, rising costs and operational disruption is reshaping how and where people travel.The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has created:Operational disruption: Airspace closures, rerouting and reduced capacity&nbsp;Psychological impact: Heightened safety concerns and shifting traveler confidenceThe rise of “safety-first” travel decisionsOne of the most important trends is the growing influence of perceived safety on booking behaviour.Travelers are no longer evaluating destinations purely on price or appeal. Instead, they are asking:Is the journey straightforward?&nbsp;Are there multiple connections or potential disruptions?&nbsp;Does the destination feel stable and predictable?&nbsp;This shift reflects broader findings that tourism demand is increasingly shaped by perceived risk and confidence, not just cost or accessibility.The shift toward short-haul travelEaster travel in 2026 has moved away from long-haul trips toward shorter, closer journeys.Several factors are driving this shift:Flight disruptions and longer travel times due to rerouting&nbsp;Rising ticket prices linked to fuel costs&nbsp;A desire for flexibility and&nbsp;easier travel planningInstead of long-haul holidays, many travelers are opting for:Short-haul breaks&nbsp;Domestic travel and staycations&nbsp;Regional destinations accessible by car or direct flightsThis reflects a broader shift toward regionalization, particularly in Europe, where travelers are increasingly staying within the region rather than travelling long-haul.Moving away from major citiesData and booking trends also show a noticeable shift away from major urban destinations.Traditionally, cities like Paris, Rome, and London dominate Easter travel. However, in 2026, many travelers are choosing:Coastal destinations&nbsp;Rural and countryside locations&nbsp;Smaller towns and regional hubs&nbsp;At the same time, demand is growing strongly in more affordable secondary cities such as Athens, Budapest and Krakow, reflecting a broader move toward value-driven destination choices.This shift is reinforced by wider travel trends showing consumers moving away from crowded urban centers toward more relaxed, experience-led destinations.Rising costsThe global energy shock triggered by the conflict is having a direct impact on travel pricing.Disruptions to energy supply and shipping routes have led to a sharp increase in oil, gas and jet fuel prices,&nbsp;driving up costs across the travel sector.For airlines, this translates into:Higher operating costs&nbsp;Increased ticket prices&nbsp;Reintroduction of fuel surcharges&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The challenge is also about increasingly about availability. While global fuel supply remains intact, disruptions to logistics and transport mean that jet fuel is not always available where and when it is needed. At peak periods this risk is amplified.A system under pressureAs the situation evolves, the travel industry is moving from a phase of disruption to one of limitation.&nbsp;Airlines are not only responding to higher costs but also adjusting operations to manage limited resources. This includes:Reducing frequencies on less profitable routes&nbsp;Prioritizing high-demand or strategically important destinations&nbsp;Early in the conflict, thousands of flights were cancelled globally due to airspace disruption, highlighting how quickly capacity can tighten.For travelers, this means fewer choices, tighter availability and greater competition for seats.Changing traveler profiles and booking behaviorBooking behavior is evolving:Early booking peaks around major holiday periods such as November and January&nbsp;Continued rise in last-minute adjustments due to uncertainty&nbsp;Increased reliance on cross-destination comparison when making decisions&nbsp;This highlights the importance of timing, targeting and flexibility in capturing demand.Travelers are still eager to go away. But they are making different choices:Choosing closer destinations over distant ones&nbsp;Prioritizing simple journeys over complex itineraries&nbsp;Opting for reassurance over risk&nbsp;At the same time, the industry is operating under new constraints where cost, capacity and even fuel availability shape what is possible.

The combination of geopolitical tension, rising costs and operational disruption is reshaping how and where people travel.

Easter Travel 2026

Tariffs in 2026We’ll continue to monitor the situation and will be updating the blog regularly.To understand where things stand in 2026, we need to understand what didn’t change. The current tariff system still rests on the foundations of the original US–China trade war. Between 2018 and 2019, the United States imposed tariffs on roughly $370 billion of Chinese imports under Section 301, a legal mechanism used to respond to trade practices identified by the US as unfair.These tariffs were introduced in four waves (Lists 1–4) and still cover a large share of Chinese exports to the US today. This is why, more than ever, working with reliable suppliers who understand HS codes, material breakdowns and compliance requirements is essential.2025: When Tariffs PeakedIn 2025, additional tariffs were layered on top of this existing structure.At one point, Chinese imports faced:25% Section 301 tariffsAdditional targeted dutiesTemporary IEEPA tariffsStandard MFN dutiesThe average effective US tariff rate reached around 27% in early 2025 which was the highest level in over a century. This is what accelerated the shift toward “China Plus One” sourcing strategies.What “China Plus One” Means for Buyers“China Plus One” refers to sourcing from China plus at least one additional country, typically in Southeast Asia.Common alternatives include:ChinaVietnamIndonesiaTaiwanThe goal is to reduce:Tariff exposureSupply chain riskOverdependence on a single marketHowever, this strategy is becoming more complex in 2026 as tariff scrutiny expands globally.2026: The Supreme Court ResetOn 20 February 2026, the US Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under emergency powers (IEEPA) were unlawful.The result:One layer of tariffs was removedA new system was introducedSection 301 and Section 232 tariffs remained fully intactThe effective rate fell to 13.7% in early 2026, before stabilizing again. This was a legal reset not a reduction in complexity or cost pressure.10% on (Almost) EverythingFrom 24 February 2026, a 10% global tariff applies to nearly all imports under Section 122.According to the White House:It applies across nearly all sourcing marketsIt stacks on top of existing tariffsIt is temporary (up to 150 days, expiring around July 2026)Tariff Stacking Even after the reset, most products face multiple overlapping tariffs. A typical luggage product may include:Section 301 tariffs (China)Section 232 tariffs (metal components)10% global tariffStandard dutiesThis is why working with transparent, experienced suppliers is critical to accurately calculating landed cost.Why China Still Carries the Highest CostChina remains the most tariff-exposed sourcing market due to:Ongoing Section 301 tariffsAdditional duties layered on topBroad product coverageExpanding Risk: Tariffs Beyond ChinaIn March 2026, new Section 301 investigations were launched targeting:IndonesiaTaiwanVietnamMalaysia, Thailand, and othersCountry-by-Country SnapshotChinaChina faces the full tariff stack:10% Section 122 tariff~25% Section 301 tariffAdditional targeted dutiesStandard MFN ratesTaiwanNow subject to the 10% baselinePreviously negotiated tariff reductions remain politically relevantNew Section 301 investigations introduce future riskIndonesiaCurrently under the 10% baselineNewly targeted in Section 301 investigationsSteel and Metal ComponentsUnder Section 232, tariffs now apply to:Telescopic handlesFramesWheel housingsLock hardwareIn 2025, the US expanded coverage to hundreds of additional steel and aluminium products.These tariffs:Can reach up to 50%Apply regardless of country of originCan apply to components inside finished goodsThis creates split-duty products, increasing both cost and compliance complexity.The 150-Day Window: What Happens Next?The current 10% tariff expires around 24 July 2026.At the same time:New tariffs are being developedSection 301 investigations are ongoingEnforcement is increasingTariff Checklist for Buyers (2026)Use this checklist when sourcing luggage, locks, or travel goods:1. Check tariff stackingDoes the product face Section 301, 232, or both?Is the 10% global tariff also applied?2. Review material compositionDoes the product include steel or aluminium components?Are these components separately tariffed?3. Validate country of originWhere is final assembly done?Where are key components sourced?4. Compare sourcing scenariosChina vs. Vietnam vs. Indonesia vs. TaiwanShort-term cost vs. long-term tariff risk5. Ask suppliers the right questionsCan they provide HS codes and duty breakdowns?Do they understand US tariff classifications?Can they document component materials?6. Plan for policy changesWill pricing still work if tariffs increase?Can production shift if new tariffs are introduced?We’ll continue to monitor the situation and will be updating the blog regularly. 

Understanding tariff stacking, material impacts and shifting country risk is now essential to managing cost and supply chain strategy.

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