Looking for Luggage

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I wouldn't spend a ton of money, our suitcase came off the plane with the zipper broke. Airline told us, we don't cover zippers, wheels or handles, what is left on the suitcase.
ours is a samsonite their warrenty does cover zippers either unless faulty not by the airlines handling damage.

It's amazing the extent of damage the airlines consider "normal wear and tear." Checking bags? Get cheap luggage.

 

[wiigirl]

I wouldn't spend a ton of money, our suitcase came off the plane with the zipper broke. Airline told us, we don't cover zippers, wheels or handles, what is left on the suitcase.
ours is a samsonite their warrenty does cover zippers either unless faulty not by the airlines handling damage.

 

[MomToOne]

I wouldn't spend a ton of money, our suitcase came off the plane with the zipper broke. Airline told us, we don't cover zippers, wheels or handles, what is left on the suitcase.
ours is a samsonite their warrenty does cover zippers either unless faulty not by the airlines handling damage.

I disagree. I think this is a classic case of "you get what you pay for". If you want luggage that will stand up over time and that the manufacturer will stand behind no matter what - a sign that they know they are producing quality product - then you have to not look at the cheap luggage brands most of us buy these days.

Here's a good post on FlyerTalk that discusses which manufacturers cover airline damage in their warranty: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/1040885-luggage-unconditional-life-time-warranty.html.

The bags I have paid a lot for - Briggs and Riley, and a few Travelpro Platinum pieces - have stood up to the test of time (and airline luggage handlers). They are all still going strong. They aren't pretty - they are scuffed and dirty - but they are all fully functional, with no tears or broken zippers. It nearly killed me to pay such high prices for these pieces, but I have been using them all for at least 10 years, and several pieces for 15 years - and those years included several years where I was flying just about every week either cross country or to Europe on business. My sister - who travels overseas 4-5 times a year, and domestically more than that - swears by these brands as well. I use cheap brands only for carry-ons.

I do admit, however, that if you are checking baggage just once every few years or so, investing in these types of pieces may not be worth it. But I think if you travel by air even just once or twice a year, in the long run, it will save you money to buy better pieces like these.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I get my luggage from Costco. They have bargain prices and mine have held up very well.