Published: 17/08/2012  

Forget clothes, cars and charm - research from Virgin Atlantic suggests your choice of luggage can reveal much about how you travel and who you are.

For over half of us the world of cases, trunks and holdalls is one best avoided until the dreaded moment where we drag that case with the wobbly wheel, gap-toothed zip, or limp pullout handle out from the loft. However, with a quarter of 16-25 year-olds now buying luggage based on items touted by their favourite celeb, a preference for panache over practicality is emerging.

Joe Thompson, general manager of airport operations at Virgin Atlantic says, “Luggage is now seen as a fashion statement, with many passengers checking in a variety of designs including leather holdalls, leopard print cases and designer trunks”.

Ten per cent of people now admit to buying luggage in order to trump their travel companions. A battle of the cases is being waged at airport check-ins across the land, and for bog-standard baggage, the prognosis could be terminal.

So, what lavish piece of luggage should you buy? According to behavioural expert Judi James, that very much depends on what sort of person you are:

The designer trunk

You treat all economy passengers with an innate mistrust, and think that they should step aside while you breeze past the security desk. This piece of baggage is for you. You’re successful, important and you want everyone to know that, so stick on those big designer shades and trot along in style.

Celebrity owners: Karl Lagerfeld, Victoria Beckham, David Beckham, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kim Kardashian

The gaudy collection

Fancy rocking those fake leopard prints, zebra stripes and psychedelic pigments? Stride this way if you love attention, can’t help talking loudly all the time, and often find yourself holding everyone up while you search for your passport or pick up that last duty-free bargain.

Celebrity owners: Kerry Katona, Sam Faiers, Chantelle Houghton

The corporate case

A popular choice for the affluent air miles accumulator, you know you’re successful so there’s no need to tell everyone else. During the flight you just can’t resist tapping-out a few emails before allowing yourself a carefully timed power-nap.

Celebrity owners: Mark Wright, Cheryl Cole, Sharon Osbourne, Frankie Sanford, Wayne Rooney, Harry Styles

The holdall

You’re practical, hate fuss, and like to pack everything a few days in advance. Never have you forgotten those travel plugs or wet wipes, yet you still always have room for three pairs of shoes and that essential spare underwear. As a seasoned traveller, the holdall will service your needs perfectly.

Celebrity owners: Daniel Craig, Angelina Jolie, Matt Cardle, Prince Harry

The rucksack

So long as you’ve got deodorant, sandals and the sun on your back you feel as though you could go anywhere. You tell it like it is and hate being tied down by responsibilities, so sling a rucksack over your shoulder and live that teenage lifestyle forever.

Celebrity owners: Justin Bieber, Chris Brown

Perhaps the time has come to try something new, although with one-in-five of us unable to remember when we last even bought a piece of luggage, the revolution may be grounded for some time yet.

For more information visit virginatlantic.com.

Alex Peckham