Best Luggage???

[SuperDisneyDad]

I'm not sure if this is the correct board to ask this question, but I'm looking for some new luggage to purchase for our upcoming Magic Cruise and was wondering what you think is the best brand or piece of luggage to get without spending a fortune? There are 4 of us (2 adults & 2 small children) and we currently have some great luggage, but I think it's seen it's last trip (airlines have been exceptionally harsh on it). Anyway, any opinions will be great. Thanks!

 

[Chuck S]

As hard as the airlines are on luggage (I actually had a bowling bag w/a ball inside roll down a chute and crush a suitcase at LAX) most any mid-priced luggage will do. Just so YOU like it, and it is comfortable for you to tote. It just isn't worth it to get really expensive stuff.

 

[mrsstats]

We have the hard sided luggage which we have used for at least the past 10 years. It is the most durable luggage we have. Any of the soft sided, gets ripped after awhile.

 

[inkkognito]

Hello!
We sail Disney's ships frequently, and because we travel a lot, we go through luggage pretty often (the airlines take a big toll on it). The best pieces we've had were a set of Pierre Cardin that we got at a great price at Value City. It came with three various-sized bags. I think that their stock changes pretty frequently, so it's a matter of being there at the right time.
Also, a tip for cruises and luggage: Mark your bags in some way that makes them easy to spot. On one of our Disney cruises, another family took our luggage (you pick it up after the cruise in a big open area, divided by colors). They took it to Ohio, and we didn't see it again for several weeks. Now hubby marks our bags with highly visible tape stripes and hair bands, and we put cable ties on the handles that will poke you if you don't know they're there.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[pbhunt]

We just replaced our large hard sided bag last year and went for soft-sided with wheels and handle, it's called an Aladdin expandable, and you can unzip an extra panel to make the bag 25% wider/larger for the trip home. If you have T.J. Maxx, or ROSS, or even BigLots on the East Coast, you should check them for great prices on luggage, sets and individual pieces. TJ Maxx out here frequently has the Pierre Cardin that Barb likes.

 

[DVC California]

I bought my brother-in-law a set of Skyway luggage from Ebags.com last year for $99 that might meet your needs. They sometimes have deals on shipping if you have time to wait and see.

Steve

 

[Kermit]

As long as you don't fly very frequently, I find anything that isn't dirt cheap works fine. My set is American Tourister; the same company also makes other "grades" that are all pretty decent. I think that Jaguar is the name of their lower price set, but it's still pretty durable. Check for sets at places like JC Penny and Service Merchandise, and look for a sale. I find that it's cheaper for me to buy a set, and then the garment bags in the sets don't usually have enough pockets, buy a separate garment bag that meets my needs.

 

[Sheree]

we travel frequently and have both Samsonite and American Tourister (both bought at the same outlet) the samsonite holds up MUCH better. There's also a 5 or 10 yr warranty and we've had them replace things that broke or replace the luggage.

We use 2 30" rollers and 1 garment bag for a cruise for the 3 of us

 

[pbhunt]

SuperDisneyDad has not yet replied to let us know what sort of "great" luggage he is replacing. Perhaps he should go with the same kind. I don't know if you have "Luggage Clearance Centers" other than CA but I would them simply because their prices are outrageous! There must be other outlets with better prices.

 

[SuperDisneyDad]

The luggage I'm replacing are 2- 30" Travelpro suitcases that my DW and I got as wedding gifts 10 years ago. The problem is that they were $230 each, and I don't know if they make that model anymore!! Obviously, I don't want to pay that much to replace them. I do travel a lot for business, however, I only pack a small carry-on bag for all of those trips. Traveling with a wife and 2 small children, unfortunately, doesn't allow for this route. Thanks for all the ideas, I'll be looking into them!!

 

[SNOWBOARDER]

Do you have a Costco nearby? They sell some very good quality luggage, made by Riccardo of Beverly Hills. It was only around $200.00 for the whole set. It's soft-sided. You get a big suitcase, a carry on size suitcase, 2 bags and a suit/garment bag. We've flown several times with it, we've gone on a couple of cruises with it, not to mention a couple of Disney trips and some ski trips, and it's held up very well. Hope this helps!!!