Best suitcases for this plan

[stella27]

Now that our only local carrier, American, charges for every checked bag, DH and I are considering packing in 2 suitcases for our family of 5. We can pack light, and our children are small (8, 6, and 2) so their clothes don't take up too much space.

We would each bring a carry-on (n/c). Any ideas for which bags to use for this plan? I was going to check LLBean for rolling duffles as an option. Any other thoughts?

TIA!

 

[goofy4tink]

We have the large rolling duffles from LL Bean for checking. Then we have two small rolling duffles that we can use as carryon. They are right at the dimensions for carryon bags.
But, the one thing I don't really care for with these bags is that it's easy for them to tip as you drag them. The base tends to be narrow, so they aren't all that steady. The taller you are, the more it happens. I now try to keep my arm as low as I can in order to prevent the duffle from being too upright.

 

[mitsybella]

The other thing to consider is the weight of the bag, some airlines will charge extra if the bag is over a certain weight

 

[kaytieeldr]

Nah, not some - ALL airlines will charge for overweight (or oversize, or overweight and oversize) luggage