Suitcase recommendations

[Nina1]

Hi...our current set of suitcases is starting to split at the seams. They've lasted a very long time, so I can't complain. We've decided to use some Christmas money to purchase a new set. So, I'm looking for your recommendations. We'd like to keep the cost around $300 if possible, but since we haven't bought any in a long while, I'm not sure if this is realistic. We definitely want a wheeled set that the wheels can move in a circular motion, not just forward and back. And of course, durability is the most important feature. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[KarenAylwood]

I swear by Samsonite but I know they can get expensive. We always buy at TJ Maxx or Marshall's - they're usually really discounted. I got a small travel suitcase marked $120 originally for $30 after markdown.

 

[ssawka]

We got a set of Heys @ TJ Maxx. We bought a huge one and a medium sized one. They are hard-sided plastic and very light! We paid $180 for the two of them.

 

[Bildmouse]

Agree with Marshall's or TJ - got a medium Hey Disney (actually Donald) for $80 - the large Mickey was $100
I prefer medium size so we don't go over weight limits!

 

[redrosesix]

I'm sorry but I used to work in an airport and even the baggage guys used to say it didn't matter what you bought, they can ruin anything especially at security.

Their advice on luggage was to look for good wheels and buy your luggage on sale (since you might have to replace it after one trip). Also, don't buy black - everybody has black.

 

[ssawka]

Agree with Marshall's or TJ - got a medium Hey Disney (actually Donald) for $80 - the large Mickey was $100
I prefer medium size so we don't go over weight limits!

But the Heys' are really light. Our large one only ways 7 lbs. We could put 43 lbs. of stuff in there. Our old cloth suitcase weighed 15 lbs.

 

[Taja]

I like TravelPro.

My BFF picked up my rolling laptop case and boarding bag (they hook together to make one carry-on bag, but can be separated) at Marshall's for about $15 each, and two years later found a 24" 4-wheeler rolling upright to match (bright red!) for $25. I packed everything I needed for a long weekend in the two original cases, flew to Los Angeles and picked up the upright! *LOL* It also gave us a good excuse to visit for a few days. And, thanks to Southwest, I was able to check the larger bag with the boarding bag in it and just carry on the laptop bag on the return trip!

That's her luck, though. Mine isn't as good. I always tell her she should be a professional shopper! *LOL*

I also like Atlantic luggage, as well as Heyes (Hays?--never can remember how to spell it!) and Samsonite.

 

[sherry7]

Every time this question pops up on the DIS, I always recommend the same bag. Go to Ebags.com and look for the Mother Lode eTech Jr 25" duffel. Watch the video about it, as it is very informative. http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/mother-lode-etech-junior-25-wheeled-duffel/54633?productid=622580

I have 2 of these bags, and they've been through baggage handling almost 30 times, and still look new. There's also a bigger bag just like this, but I recommend the Jr. version. The other one is so big that you'll definitely go over the 50 lb weight limit if you pack it full. Ebags does 20% off pretty often, if you google for a coupon code.

 

[DebMcDonald]

I absolutely LOVE Eagle Creek. They can be pricey, but you can also find good sales. They are very very lightweight and very sturdy.

 

[englishteacha]

If you don't mind a duffle, LL Bean rolling duffles are close to indestructible. After 10 years working at a summer camp, I've seen lots of luggage take major abuse, and the LL Bean bags have really stood the test of time. (I've also seen 6' tall teenage boys climb into the large ones and get rolled around. Entertaining!)

 

[GenieCat]

Overstock.com frequently has very good deals on brand name luggage.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Ditto on the Heys and we also just bought a Delsey which is very light-weight and has 4 spinning wheels. Have never bought a set--just pick the pieces we need.