What size suitcase?

[snoopy5386]

It's time for a new luggage purchase and I can't decide what size suitcase to get. Basically I'd like to get the largest case possible that isn't going to have me sweating the 50 lb luggage allowance every trip. I'd also love to fit all our clothes in one checked bag. We're a family of 4, we are DVC members and we do lots of laundry when we are at Disney, we probably run a load every other day, so we don't need to pack tons. We almost always fly Southwest. Advice?
29''? 26"? 24"?

 

[dis_guy]

We have 26 inch ones. Packed them pretty full for a Europe trip this summer and came in around 35 pounds or so. We have gotten over 50 pounds in these ones so you still need to pack carefully, especially if you buy a lot of stuff on vacation. I think you'd be more likely to go overweight with the 29 inch one. I'd suggest getting a luggage scale so you can check the weight at home/hotels instead of being one of those poor people repacking at the airport.

 

[rwdavis2]

Since it's Southwest why sweat the number of bags? I'd go for 2 bags at 24" that way you won't have to worry about the weight limit.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

2 @ 26 check at Overstock .com and Amazon, for Daisy, Donald, Tinkerbell. I wouldn't go any smaller then 26 in because of shoes, and souvenirs.i. Found a luggage scale at he Samsonite outlet $7.00. They are orth the investment.
A good guess though, if you can barely lift it, it's at least 45 to 50 lbs.
I bought a light weight 28 in Teal hard sider at SAMs Club, about $110 with five year warranty. It scratched after several trips, but no dents or zipper issues. The second one is same material in Silver 26 in with Donald on it for a steall.

 

[snoopy5386]

We've got two little kids, so strollers, car seats, a carry on wheeled suitcases and 4 personal items to haul, one suitcase is the best way to go vs 2.

Thanks!