Can I check a stroller

[AprilsZoo]

Slight edge to hard-sided luggage. Doesn't mean it couldn't crack, but it's theoretically more protected than soft-sided luggage.

To avoid cracks, always pack your hard-sided luggage so that it’s full & firm. You want to avoid having empty space inside if possible, because the sides aren’t designed be deflected inwards, so it increases the chance the hard shell could crack.

For soft side luggage, I’ve heard both theories— bulging sides are more likely to get caught on sharp protrusions that could cause cuts or splits; and alternatively, luggage with sagging sides have no resistance to sharp protrusions that could cut through. I think appropriately packed luggage, that’s not under-, or over-stuffed is going to fare best. Luggage is designed to be filled to a particular fullness, and it stands to reason that the further you vary from that optimal fullness, the more risk of damage. I will say that luggage covers or sleeves or whatever they’re called now, do help protect your luggage from scuffs, and might also serve as a sacrificial layer that will bear the brunt of any snags or tears. If nothing else, they help you identify your bags faster in a sea of other same-colored, similar-shaped suitcases. And you’re more likely to notice if someone else is walking away with them.