Travel Goods Association

2009 Travel Goods Association Product Innovation Award Winners Take the Hassle out of Travel

Las Vegas, NV — With over 40,000 products on display at this year's Travel Goods Show, the competition was fierce for the Travel Goods Association's (TGA) 2009 Product Innovation Awards. In the end, the winner had no trouble rising to the top — it's an ultra-lightweight luggage line that's half the weight of typical luggage.

Landor & Hawa laid claim to the world's lightest luggage title with the Sub Zero G Collection of featherweight wheeled luggage. The largest piece is a massive 30" tall rolling bag that weighs just over 6 lbs. (typical 20-22" carry-ons tip the scales at 13-14 lbs.).

"Packing light matters now more than ever, with airlines strictly enforcing overweight fees for checked bags," explained Michele Marini Pittenger, TGA president. "When a typical 13- to 14-pound bag uses up almost a third of the 50-pound limit allowance before overweight fees are applied, a lightweight bag has serious consumer appeal."

The second-place winner in the Product Innovation Awards features the ultimate in personalized security. Heys USA's BioCase incorporates a fingerprint scanner, ensuring that it will only open for the rightful owner. "It's a great example of innovation in luggage," said Peter Cobb, the head of TGA's Awards Committee and co-founder and senior vice president of eBags.com. "They've combined function, style and durability with cutting-edge technology." The BioCase is available in a 19" business case and a 20" carry-on, and hits stores in April.

Personal security continues to be a hot button with travelers, but there's less to worry about with third-place winner Traveler ER from Traveler's Supply. This little USB drive securely stores your medical history, emergency contact information and travel history/itinerary behind a password-protected firewall. It comes pre-loaded with software that makes it easy for users to enter their data, and because it's viewable on any USB-equipped computer it sidesteps any potential language barriers should medical professionals need access to your medical history.