Would you check a fabric duffel bag?

[Rosebud123]

I love bringing duffel bags because they fold into nothing in the room, and they're easy to stuff into a car trunk. However, I don't think I've ever checked one onto a plane. Any issues you can think of? I suppose if it was raining our clothes would get wet, but I could always pack outfits in Ziploc bags.

 

[Accident]

my extra bag is usually a duffel but it's not a cotton one, it's more like the smaller shoulder bags that come with luggage material. You just need a way to make sure the zipper stays closed and a name tag is on it. use a plastic bag or two as a liner if your concerned abuot getting wet (and you should be, you never know when someone elses luggage has a poorly packed bottle of something in it that leaks onto your luggage.

 

[BadPinkTink]

agree with PP. Just make sure it is securely tied, you can get TSA approved padlocks which the TSA can open if they have to. And make sure you have an identification tag on it too. I have seen all sorts of luggage bags on the carousals, not just the generic wheelie suitcases

 

[xlxo]

Luggage belts would help. Personally I prefer hard suitcases to protect valuables, but soft suitcases do last longer for crushable clothing.

 

[pooch]

Been using one for years. Only once had a small old one fall under the baggage tram. Got dragged & ripped. SWA put all my stuff in another duffle and paid me $200 to replace the bag & a couple of items. But that was once over 10 years worth of trips. I use heavy twist ties, like the ones used to secure electronics cords to keep the zippers closed. And I always put a luggage tag inside the bag as well as on the outside.

 

[dis_guy]

And I always put a luggage tag inside the bag as well as on the outside.

A very good practice. We have our personal contact inside the bag at all times. Each trip we also add another sheet with the address of where we'll be staying. Haven't needed it yet, knock on wood.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Out of necessity last trip I trasfered from my Donald Hard wider 26" into a 24" duffel. I couldn't get the hard wider in the trunk with everyone else's bags. I used my EBags packing cubes so it fit really well. I had a toiletries, cosmetic bag in the center of the cubes. Then a pair of crocs and sandals in the outer zip pocket.

 

[mieuxmew]

I have a North Face large duffle. Anyone checked this bag before?