Luggage ~ help please

[marvel]

having worked at the airport for over 10 years, i have also never put a lock on any suitcase, as they are worthless in terms of security if someone wants access. From my experience, more chance of getting hit by lightning than somone putting something in your bag. Regardless of what anyone says, never ever heard it happen.

The only time bags are accessed for non security reasons, is to steal something, and there is nothing you can do if they want access to your bag or in your bag.

i have a laugh whenever i see plastic wrapped bags.

buy the lightest bag you can afford. the super cheap ones will fall apart very quickly. and yes, they are all cheaper in the US. we have new Delsey's hard cases that we bought at Macy's at 70% off.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

I agree -shrink wrapping bags is a licence to print money for no worthwhile reason. We use removable TSA padlocks and cable ties for some extraneous zipped pockets on our small softer bags if we take those-customs can easily cut them if they want to inspect them. I second buy as light as possible. We prefer soft and squishy for stuffing in awkward spaces but that's a personal thing.

We also have downsized considerably from our massive bags we used in our first big overseas trip way back in 1984. Small and light suits us as we do a lot of moving around using public transport often, and have had too many damaged backs manhandling big, heavy cases - even on or off conveyor belts, over the years. If we buy too much OS now we buy a cheap bag to transport the extra back.

 

[sdnotto2009]

A few years ago I bought 2 soft sided duffels (with wheels and pull out handle) at Zelows. I think the brand is Marco and they were not expensive at all. They have held up on multiple trips and I still have them. I never use locks only cable ties. I think the locks are a waste of money.

 

[cola]

The bigger the bag, the more stuff you can fit in it. More stuff = more weight. If you stick to the medium sized bags they are easier to wrangle AND you are less likely to need to worry about overweight bags. And/or take luggage scales.

BUT if you know you will be shopping for a lot of bulky light weight stuff, bigger is probably better.

Back in the olden days it was 2 suitcases to USA and no weight restrictions, now there are the weight restrictions and some airlines have it down to one suitcase. Decide on airline and check the luggage rules. Some let you pre-pay at a discount for extra bags, some it's fixed. You will come back with more than you go with, the bargains are impossible to resist, unless you don't go shopping.

If you have any plans for Europe, definitely keep to medium bags, large ones are very difficult as there are more stairs, small doorways, narrow halls and cobblestones.