India, Sept. 8 -- I used to blame my suitcase for everything that went wrong on travel days. I convinced myself that if I bought that Rs.30,000 aluminium carry-on or an ultra-sleek minimalist backpack, getting through the airport would suddenly feel smooth and easy. Then reality hit during a four-hour layover. My phone was at 4%, my passport was buried under receipts and lip balm, and I was holding my phone at an awkward angle just to finish an episode of my show. My luggage was not the problem. The real problems were much smaller.

Before you spend Rs.20,000 or Rs.30,000 on a shiny new suitcase, look at these five small upgrades instead. Most cost less than Rs.2,000 and can take care of some of the most annoying parts of airport travel....