Need to buy suitcases - advice please

[pricefamily]

Hi guys

I need to buy some suitcases in the new year. My old ones are 15 years old. Any advice?

Hard side or soft side ?
Light ones or mre substantial ?
Expensive or cheap and cheerful?

Our current thinking is to go for cheap and cheerful... with soft sides... wheels and handles... and not be worried if they get wrecked.

If so.... any ideas on the best place to buy?

Interested in your views.
Cheers
Andy

 

[sadeeyore]

Hi Andy
If I was buying new cases I don't think I would buy them with combination locks on - as the airlines are usually saying not to lock the case,
Our cases are the hard bodied ones with combination locks on (bought them at Clarkes in Arnold). We have used them twice to go to Florida and will use them next time. Only thing different will be I'm going to write the code of the lock on the outside of the case so that customs won't have to force the cases open.
Helen

 

[Disney owl]

I'd go with cheap & cheerful as long as they have wheels & handles.

Do you have a Matalan near you ????

They usually hve good deals on luggage & ours is still going strong.

WEnt to WDW this August & "locked " our cases with tie raps & took spares with us . Worked fine.

 

[Ellay]

Another vote for Matalan,

I bought two new largish (26 or 28 inches) cases, with handle and wheels, in their summer sale this year. They are hard, but not metal, with a locking zip around and also expand for all those extras you tend to bring back . They cost only £15 each (half price), so I won't be too worried if they get bashed about a bit.

 

[Danauk]

I personally use 3 samsonite hard cases when we go to the USA. I usually pack one of the smaller cases and put it in the large case so I have a spare case to bring things back that I buy. I bought them as they were a good make and the hard case protects any valuables inside. Also as they are a good brand you can get matching cases in many good stores. All 3 cases have been bought in diffrerent countries, the first in Paris, the second in the UK and the third in Las Vegas last year (I bought too much stuff and needed to get another case the day we left to take everything back in ehich is why I take a spare case now!!) I don't see anything wrong with cheap and cheerful cases (although mine are cheerful, I put pictures of my cats on the outside so I can spot them easily at baggage claim!) but I do believe eventually you get what you pay for. With these cases if anything breaks on them e.g the wheels you phone them up and they will send you a spare free of charge.

 

[JohnnySharp]

We have three large Delsey 'volume' hard suitcases.

Have never had the locks forced open yet and would never change back to 'soft' cases.

 

[yourwelcome]

Would recommend Matalan also.

Better still take the bare minimum with you and buy in Walmart.

we saved quite a bit this way.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wendy_uk]

Samsonite cases really have done a good job for us, our locks are still ok, hoping they don't force them open this time when we go.

 

[Pootle]

This is a debate that runs in my home all the time. DH is a frequent flyer with at least 2 flights a week under his belt and belongs firmly to the 'cheap and cheerful' camp and is often replacing cases. I have Samsonite soft sided cases which have been work horses for years and worth every penny IMHO.

In September he bought a new small trolley case from Wal-Mart which he takes inside the cabin with him and the zip has gone. He's still reminding me that it only cost $10 but I think it was $10 wasted!

No scientific study this though - he still thinks he's right and I KNOW I am