Luggage is the collection of bags, suitcases, and containers people use to carry their belongings when traveling. When your family takes a trip, all those packed bags stacked by the door or loaded into the car trunk count as luggage.

People pack luggage with clothes, toiletries, books, and whatever else they need away from home.

Different types of luggage serve different purposes. A small carry-on bag fits in the airplane's overhead compartment. Large suitcases get checked and travel in the cargo hold. A backpack might be luggage for a camping trip, while a rolling bag works better for a hotel stay.

You might hear someone say they're “traveling light” when they bring minimal luggage, or complain about “excess baggage” when they've packed too much. Airlines often charge fees for checked luggage, so travelers have to decide what's truly necessary.