American Airlines Launches New Fee Packages

There are so many different types of suitcases on the market that the options can seem overwhelming. We put some of our favorite brands through their paces for strength, convenience, efficient packing, and water-resistance. What we found out is that, just as there is no one vacation destination that's right for everyone (don't get us started on the mountains versus the ocean), there is no one-size-fits-all piece of luggage either. In fact, selecting the perfect suitcase is more about understanding what you need from a suitcase than anything else. To help you narrow down this process, we've broken down our favorites into six distinct "personalities." Keep reading to find the one that's right for you. For the Neat Freak Keep shoes separate from clothes and dirty away from clean with the Samsonite EZ-Cart: A detachable shelf divides your roller bag into two stacked compartments. Attached bungee cords allow you to piggyback smaller bags on top, while the flexible four-wheel system makes pushing the bag in front of you as smooth as wheeling it behind. samsonite.com, $290. For the Dapper Dan With its safari-inspired aesthetic, the Travelpro National Geographic Kontiki 22" Rollaboard might look right at home alongside Katharine Hepburn's cargo on The African Queen. Just check out the antique map lining and brass hardware. Fortunately, it's updated in all the right ways, with padded laptop sleeves and a rugged, DuraGuard-coated nylon fabric instead of canvas. travelpro.com, $149. For the Multitasker The REI Stratocruiser pulls double duty as a carry-on and a backpack, thanks to stowable straps. It also features a clip-on daypack, so you can keep in-flight essentials close at hand while your bag's overhead. And unlike other packs, which often topple when upright, this one comes with a "kickstand." rei.com, $239. For the Adventurer Most bags can handle travel by air, rail, or road-but how about by sea? Not an issue for the fully submersible Hummingbird Carry-On Zip. With its durable vinyl exterior reinforced with scrim (a latticelike material used in sails), the bag is tough enough to keep valuables safe in a rain shower, in a rain forest, or on a reef. cascadedesigns.com, $150. For the Fashion Plate The Hideo Wakamatsu Jelly Bean carry-on comes in four colors as bright and cute as its namesake and includes stickers, ideal for customizing the dimpled exterior to avoid baggage claim mix-ups. But the bag's not just a looker. The outer shell—made of the same plastic used in motorcycle helmets—will have you wondering why it's not called the "Hard Candy" instead. hideowakamatsu.com, $169. For the Jetsetter At five pounds, nine ounces, the GoLite TraveLite Wheeled Carry-On might seem like, well, a lightweight. True, it weighs two pounds less than leading competitors, thanks to its sturdy recycled nylon. But just because it lacks heft doesn't mean it lacks structure: Two internal compartments and two deep external pockets provide plenty of well-organized packing space. golite.com, $99.

Labor strikes can wreak havoc on travel, delaying and cancelling flights and ever rerouting cruise ships. But sometimes it's not a work stoppage that disrupts service. Flight attendants for Cathay Pacific, unhappy about a smaller-than-expected pay raise, are planning a smile stoppage during the holidays. According to an article on Business Insider, they will also refuse to serve alcohol and even meals. The union general secretary, Tsang Kwok-fung, said "In a nutshell it means passengers will still be able to reach their destinations except they are paying a five-star price to get a three-star service." There may still be delays, though. Flight crews are also involved in the dispute and could contribute by following all safety precautions to the letter of the law. "We will follow the rules strictly, such as offloading oversize luggage, that could cause a slowdown or even delay of flights," union secretary general Tsang said. What do you think of these tactics? Do they send a message to the bosses without cancelling flights, or does service without a smile make that much of a difference?

Even Alain Ducasse, the renowned French chef who runs 23 gourmet restaurants around the workd, loves a great deal. When he's in New York City, here are a few of his favorite places to eat—not a $$$$ in sight! Pommes Frites "This East Village hole-in-the-wall is my go-to whenever I crave something completely satisfying. The rustic Belgian-inspired operation has perfected the fried potato." 123 Second Ave., pommesfrites.ws, pommes frites from $4.50. Four & Twenty Blackbirds "This cozy bakery is owned and operated by the talented sisters Melissa and Emily Elsen. It's a delightful Brooklyn shop that's perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee and a slice of their seasonal pie." 439 Third Ave., Brooklyn, birdsblack.com, piece of salted caramel apple pie $5. Russ & Daughters "This New York institution started as a pushcart in 1908, and now it's a little kosher-style specialty shop on the Lower East Side. It's a must for travelers looking for some small bites to go, a bagel and cream cheese, or locally smoked fish." 179 E. Houston St., russanddaughters.com, Fancy Delancey (smoked tuna with horseradish dill cream cheese and wasabi flying fish roe on a bagel) $8.75. The Farmers Markets "One of the reasons I love to come to New York at this time of year is for the incredible selection of fruits and vegetables at the outdoor markets. The multicolored squash are beautiful. Something that isn't found in France but is one of my favorites is the yellow spaghetti squash." Union Square Greenmarket, Union Square Park, grownyc.org, open Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat., 8 A.M.-6 P.M. Alain Ducasse's J'Aime New York: A Taste of New York in 150 Culinary Destinations (Hardie Grant Books) is in stores now.