India, Sept. 17 -- I almost bought a cabin suitcase because it had a USB charging port. There, I said it. For someone who travels often and has spent more time than I care to admit looking at suitcases, you would think I would know better. But there I was, checking out cabin bags ranging from around Rs.5,000 to Rs.25,000, and getting very interested in the ones that promised to charge my phone while I travelled. It sounded clever. It sounded convenient. It also sounded like something I absolutely needed. Until I actually started asking questions.

I was at a showroom looking at different cabin suitcases when I asked the staff about the charging feature. Instead of giving me the usual sales pitch, they asked me what phone I used and what I...