Expandable suitcase goes from check-in size to carry-on size

PREPARING for your flight home and just can’t get the zipper up over your too-full suitcase? Never fear, this wacky new design has landed, and it’s pretty incredible.

From 23cm to 69cm, the Fugu bag has your travelling needs covered.

AS they say, necessity is the mother of invention. For those who do a lot of travelling, maybe a carry-on bag that doubles as a larger check-in size suitcase, is going to become the next necessity.

At least that is what the makers of a new suitcase are hoping.

The product can be used as a 23 centimetre tall carry-on bag OR a 69cm tall suitcase. The luggage uses air bladders in its fabric walls that are inflated and deflated using a built-in pump. Or, if the battery is dead and you’ve got no place to plug in your baggage, you can simply use your lungs.

The bag was designed by an Israeli company called Fugu who turned to kick-starter to fund it.

The idea has been a hit with the public, with the crowd sourcing website has been kind to them. With 17 days to go, the company has more than quadrupled their US$50,000 ($58,000) target.

Can also be a dining table for those lonely business trips.

In its smaller version, the Fugu baggage meets the hand luggage requirements for most airlines and in its larger form it even has an additional shelving system that can be installed.

However for those who are keen to get their hands on one — it may be a while. Delivery for the per-orders made via pledges on Kickstarter are not due until August next year and it may be some time after that before the product hits the market.

The company markets the bag as one that gives the traveller a “real choice” and there’s no doubt that it could be perfect for a shopping holiday or trips between different climates.

If it means saving money on a few airline baggage fees, at a current cost of US$219 ($256), the versatile suitcase could pay for itself.

The Fugu bag won the People’s Choice award in September’s start-up Open in Israel.