Luggage - 1596, from lug (v.) "to drag;" so, lit. "what has to be lugged about" (or, in Johnson's definition, "any thing of more bulk than value"). In 20c., the usual word for "baggage belonging to passengers."

Baggage can be synonymous with "luggage", or can refer to the train of people and goods, both military and of a personal nature, which commonly followed pre-modern armies on campaign. The baggage was considered a strategic resource and closely guarded. Its loss was considered to weaken and demoralize an army, leading to rearguard attacks such as that at the Battle of Agincourt.

Luggage has changed over time. Historically the most common types of luggage were chests or trunks made of wood or other heavy materials. These would be shipped by professional movers. Since the Second World War smaller and more lightweight suitcases and bags that can be carried by an individual have become the main form of luggage.

With more and more passengers travelling by air the baggage handlers have seen an increase of passengers using the airline transport industry's ATA 300 Specifications for baggage designs acceptable for air transport, including both 'hand luggage' and 'hold luggage'.

Types of luggage

• Trunk - A wooden box, generally much larger than other kinds of luggage. Trunks come in smaller sizes as in the case of footlockers and larger ones called steamers. These days trunks are more commonly used for storage than transportation. Items large enough to require a trunk are now usually shipped in transport cases.
• Suitcase - A general term that may refer to wheeled or non-wheeled luggage, as well as soft or hard side luggage.
• Wheeled Upright - A relatively new type of luggage that incorporates an extending handle that allows the traveler to roll it in an upright position.
• Garment Bag - A style of luggage that folds over on itself to allow long garments such as suits or dresses to be packed flat to avoid creasing. Garment bags come in both wheeled and non-wheeled models, and are usually one of the largest pieces in any set of luggage
• Tote - A small bag, usually worn on the shoulder, though wheeled models with extending handles have become popular in recent years.
• Duffel bag - A barrel-shaped bag, almost exclusively soft side, is well suited to casual travel, with very little organization inside. A small bag, usually worn on the shoulder, though wheeled models with extending handles have become popular in recent years. The spelling of this luggage type "duffle" is also valid.
• Carpet bag - travel luggage traditionally made from carpets.
• Rolling Luggage - Referring to various types of wheeled luggage either with or without telescoping handles. Typically two fixed wheels on one end with the handle located on the opposite for vertical movement.