Can anyone recommend a good suitcase?

[A1A1]

I have to buy a new suitcase, and don't know which kind to buy. I have looked at a couple of ciscounters like TJMaxx and Marshall's, but I don't really know which are the best, which the airlines can't destroy, etc. Can anyone recommend based on the suitcases they have used?

Thanks.

 

[Tense]

I like the duffle bag type with the built in handle. These are better shaped for most cars trunks. I find you can fit much more in them as well.

 

[tink2dw]

Things to Keep in Mind....

1. No luggage is all that safe - don't pack Valueables or Medicines in your checked luggage.

2. Make sure it will fit the airline approved sizer box or they wouldn't let it on the plane.

3. 2 airlines have annouced that, any 3rd piece of luggage will cost you $80.00!!

4. Only buy pieces of luggage WITH WHEELS and a HANDLE!! Luggage gets really heavy when it gets to airports.lol!! Save your back.

5. We will ALL be buying Travel Space Bags to compact our clothes very soon!!lol

 

[SusanD]

I bought carry on size black roller suitcases from Office Depot. They look like every other bag around (make sure you use something colorful on the handle for recognition purposes) and usually cost $29.99. The do periodically go on sale and I was able to get mine for $19.99.

At that price I can afford to replace them if necessary and they have held up well for three years now.

 

[GeorgeG]

You might stop by the unclaimed baggage office at the airport to see what you should NOT buy. You'll get the impression there is a contest among the handlers to prove there's nothing they can't destroy.

Seriously, though, there's a lot of pretty sturdy stuff out there to be had without spending a fortune. We've found some good deals at the local luggage shops when they have "last years" models to get out of inventory (I guess having the right luggage can be a fashion statement for some people). You can also do an online search to get ideas and price ranges.

 

[CarolA]

I have found some great deals on Atlantic luggage at TJMaxx and places like that. It holds up very well. My fav is TravelPro, but it is fairly expensive and probably not worth it if you don't travel a lot. Wheels are key! Also, I have one really large suitcase I bought thinking I would check one large instead of two small. Never again! When I packed it weighed a ton! And you still have to get it into the airport and into and out of your car etc... I use it for storing my smaller luggage!

 

[A1A1]

Thanks everyone!

Carol A---I saw the Travel Pro suitcases, and loved them too. All the same things were going through my head about luggage size, and that I'd be better off with two smalls over one giant suitcase. How big is the one you don't use? How big are the ones you use?

 

[DVC-LEROY]

On our last trip I sat looking through the plane's window at the luggage handlers tossing luggage around and thinking how glad I was that I didn't have anything breakable in them and that I didn't spend alot on what was being thrown around. Of course the plastic Buzz lightyear plate set I bought for my son came home broken - I knew I should have mailed it. We went for the rolling duffles too - under $50 - they work great - just mail your souvenirs.

 

[mrsstats]

I use the hardside Samsonite bags. We have had ours for about 10 years and take 2 trips a year. I find that the hold up very well. You can buy them in Cosco for about $100.

 

[A1A1]

Mrsstats
What sizes are your suitcases? I'm wondering how many people use one giant case or multiple smaller ones......

 

[ceecee]

We use 2 smaller ones with handles and wheels. Our too expensive large Samsonsite is too heavy when packed and bulky and doesn't roll right. I've had a Ricardo of Beverly Hills (reasonably priced!) that has been through overseas travels and tons of domestic travel, still looking good. So $$ doesn't mean better.

 

[A1A1]

Well, I've been all over the net looking for suitcase ratings, and have luckily found some. Of course, they differ from site to site. I have found excellent deals on luggage at TJMaxx and Marshall's. They carry Samsonite, Ricardo, American Tourister, Kenneth Cole, Delsey, TravelPro and lots more. I have had those same visions out the airplane window of the abuse wrought upon our luggage at the hands of the baggage handlers. I have also, very unfortunately, seen the suitcases sadly traveling around on the baggage claim belt with all their guts spewed out for all to see. I guess I have decided to spend a little more on the luggage so that my underwear aren't exposed on the carousel for everyone. I think I'd be so embarrased I'd be afraid to walk up to get the destroyed suitcase. I'd probably let it circle endlessly. I guess I'll get one nice 24" instead of two smaller 20" cases, and definitely instead of one larger one. I couldn't even lift some of the bigger ones, and they were empty! DD and I will each have a suitcase, hers 24" and mine 26". I'm starting to have second thoughts about my 26". I remember it being extremely heavy last trip, and I just went into the other room to measure it. I dropped it on my toe, and thought I broke my foot. (It is empty right now.) I hope they will both fit in the trunk. Anyone know that? We will rent a midsize car like a Grand Am. Hope the trunk is big enough. The trip will be about three weeks total, with a lot of driving, and stopping. We will stay at Virginia Beach, a hotel on the way to South Carolina, Hilton Head, BCV, GF or CR (I haven't decided yet), and back to Hilton Head.

 

[shamrock30]

Our Atlantic suitcases did not hold up well. The handle broke on one after only two trips. We just replaced them with Travel Pro 22" expandable suitcases. They are heavier, but are much easier to wheel. We took them on a three week trip to Europe, and they really got a workout as we had to wheel them over cobblestones, etc. I got them at luggageonline at a close-out price, and so far, we couldn't be happier with them.

 

[BarryCF]

Luggage needs 3 things:

1. Wheels
2. A telescopic handle
3. ANY color except Black

You can't believe how many people own black luggage. Last month I stood in McCarron Intl. in LV and watched everyone on my flight except me, with green, and 1 other guy with red and blue, watch luggage go round and round trying to figure out what belonged to whom. People were grabbing at the same luggage, 3 couples all put red tape on identical bags and it took them 20 minutes to figure out what luggage went where. Oh, and one more thing, 2 smaller bags is always better than 1 large bag. Your back will thank you very much.

Cheers

 

[Tense]

I personnally prefer one large duffle style bag with wheels and handle. Reason is if you travel by yourself moving through the airport is easier lugging one bag then trying to co ordinate rolling 2 with one in each hand. I have the large soft sided duffle (try to find an odd color, mine is royal blue) I throw my carry on ..on top, and off I go.

 

[JillU-DVC]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE our Pathfinder luggage - the best that I've seen out there, and I looked at a LOT of luggage.

Things I like best:

1. Wheels - the good kind (roller blade wheels).
2. Handles - retractible, but when you put them down, they LOCK into place and won't fly up
3. Cover over the handle when it's down - velcro keeps it in place
4. Stair climbing padding near the wheels - hard bumpers so when you drag it up the steps, the luggage itself doesn't get damaged
5. Lifetime warrentee - I returned a suitcase once (one of the snaps on the inside pocket had torn out), and there was NO problem returning it to Filenes.

Check out their website at:

Pathfinder Luggage

I bought ours at Filenes, and always find it for about 60% of the retail price (with sales and coupons).