luggage: roll-aboards, spinners

[ObviouslyNotAGolfer]

Need all new luggage. Would like some recommendations for new ones that will take a beating, last a long time, and not fail me on the road! For years, I used a Samsonite hard-shell spinner, but I got tired of it on my last two trips to Europe, as it weighs probably 10-15 lbs even before you put anything in it! I have actually never had a roll-aboard, as my duffel type Samsonite bag can be either thrown over my shoulder (getting tiresome lately!) or held on the spinner with the cool loop that came down from the pull-up handle.

In any case, in addition to above durability, I would like a set in which the roll-aboard can be attached easily to the spinner, so I can wheel them both easily together and not have to wheel two pieces separately. (I also take a backpack as my "personal item")

I also am going for international/European size for the roll-aboard. I am likely going to at least Ireland and the Netherlands this year.

I looked at Briggs And Riley--these look good. Any other suggestions?

[Fomerly known as something]

I have a co-worker who loves his Briggs and Riley.  I have a mismash of types as I replace as needed.  My last purchase was from TJmaxx for a larger hard case I think from Kenneth Cole picked for being lightweight and rolling good.  Carry-on I use a Skyroll mostly I also have a double skyroll that rolls, with a backpack as my personal item.

I've bought a accessory in the past so that I can hook 2 rolling suitcases to each other so you don't need to pick a "system" with that feature.

[Trifle]

LLBean underseat-size roller.  I am going on 11 years of hard use (frequent flyer) and it is still going strong.  It is small -- but if you are a light packer it works.  I can do a week with it no problem, and longer if I am careful.  And you can carry it on nearly every plane, even the regional jets.

www.llbean.com/llb/shop/91565?feat=Underseat%20Bags-SR0&page=carryall-rolling-underseat-bag&csp=a
 

[mustachepungoeshere]

For years, I used a Samsonite hard-shell spinner, but I got tired of it on my last two trips to Europe, as it weighs probably 10-15 lbs even before you put anything in it!

Have you tried a newer Samsonite? They've also been updating them "for years". I doubt you could find a newer model that weighed that empty.

My husband travels for work 40-50 times a year (mixture of domestic and international) and loves his Samsonite hard shell and Samsonite light-weight soft-sided cabin bag.

The hard shell had to have a zip replaced after three years, but it was an easy fix. He carries photocopies of the receipts in the bags in case something fails while he is overseas. In this case we had it repaired in Sydney, a week to be sent away, no charge for the repair.

[Goldielocks]

My two bits:

Today, I would buy a small underseat roller (WITHOUT SPINNER Wheels).  The spinner wheels remove 1" of packing length from the bag, and you get more space in the old style wheels.  These usually conform to Ryan-air size of specs for carry on (check before buying).

This would be the base for attaching another duffle type or non-roller bag.  I also prefer non-rollers when i can.  (I have a strap and hook that will attach anything, or my totes / duffles have a pocket sleeve on them to fit over the handle which is great).   This small size, for me, would let me put my heaviest item (my laptop) in the roller portion, and attache or carry the lighter bag, instead of today where I carry my briefcase and have my light clothing in the roller bag.

To get stuff on board with the smaller EU allowances, soft bags are better -- hardshells don't squish that last 1/2 inch to prove that they fit the sizers before you board.   So,  you could look at a rolling duffle or a regular softshell (my preference).

I used to travel a lot for work.  I am very impressed with how the American Tourister bag (max legal carry on size) I bought held up.  I bought it in 2006, and it was my primary for years, then my husband's bag for the last 3 years.  It is great and has been through at least 100 trips and I am not gentle with it, as it was not expensive (under $100).   The handle over wrap came loose, so I suppose I could send it in for a free lifetime warranty for repair, but I just taped it.

[Valhalla]

Best advice I have is to try to avoid checking in luggage. If you avoid that, your luggage will last you almost forever.

I had a nice piece of luggage that I always carried onboard.  On one flight, due to late boarding and a full bin, I was forced to gate check it.  That one gate check caused my luggage to be smashed, tossed, and abused.  I ended up having a main broken zipper that made the luggage unusable.

[StetsTerhune]

Sorry to be this guy who totally ignores your question and tells you to do something else entirely... but I've totally sworn off roller bags. I have a Tom Bihn backpack, and have traveled full-time with it for years with absolutely no signs of wear. Mine is quite large, but still looks like a "normal" backpack that people would use as their under the seat carry on. It never gets a second glance or measured by any airline. My wife has a Tom Bihn bag that looks more like a normal piece of luggage (but still converts to a backpack).

The best part about traveling like this is that no one ever takes my luggage away from me. Not on a plane, not on a bus, not on a van, not in a cab. My bag has pretty much all my possessions in the world and the fact that it never has to be out of my sight is absolutely enormous to me.

[HenryDavid]

+1 for ignoring the original question and promoting small backpacks.

I have a Gregory Sketch 28 litre bag. Works on Ryanair as carryon.
Holds enough to travel for a week--which means forever, because after a week you do laundry.

It's important to me to have my hands free in subways, train stations, airports, lineups etc., to deal with passport requests, making change, strap-hanging etc.
Needing to put things down, let go of a roller bag etc., is not great in high-theft locations like Barcelona etc.
And it's just nice to know "it's all right here."
You can even sort-of pass for a non-tourist in some contexts.

[bortman]

Joining in on the "no rollers" hijacking (sorry, poor taste for an air travel thread).

I've been using a Timbuk2 Wingman for ~4 years. I use it predominantly as a backpack. It holds a ton, but doesn't work well as a daypack. The duffel strap is unnecessary IMO. I mostly carry-on, but I've checked it several times and it's holding up well. It's the maximum carry-on size, so I don't think it will fit under the seat. The new version is a bit different than mine, but same overall size.

Timbuk2 also makes the copilot. I considered this one but decided to remain wheeless.

[rpr]

I have used these bags and am fairly happy with it.

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/etech-20-weekender-convertible/242274

I almost always use it as a backpack. If not overpacked, I have been able to squish it underneath the seat in front. It is fairly lightweight (< 3 lbs).

[accolay]

What size are you looking for?

I've used an Eagle Creek bag for 12 years with no problems. It's probably the largest size that still qualifies as a carry-on. It is basically a duffel with back pack straps that unclip and hide away. I've used it as the sole piece of luggage for multiple week plus trips abroad.

Actually bought my wife another Eagle Creek Bag that had a small piece break, but they have an excellent warranty and it's fixed like new.

[inline five]

A cheaper but still fairly durable bag for $170, also fairly light:

https://www.flightattendantshop.com/travelpro-flightcrew5-22-expandable-pilot-rollaboard/

A better "pro" version that is still light weight:

http://www.luggageworks.com/browse-products/stealth-series/stealth-air-with-side-pockets.html

You'll never break this one, but heavy @ 15 lbs:

http://www.luggageworks.com/browse-products/stealth-series/stealth-22-bag.html


Skip the consumer stuff. IMO.

[rpr]

A cheaper but still fairly durable bag for $170, also fairly light:

https://www.flightattendantshop.com/travelpro-flightcrew5-22-expandable-pilot-rollaboard/

A better "pro" version that is still light weight:

http://www.luggageworks.com/browse-products/stealth-series/stealth-air-with-side-pockets.html

You'll never break this one, but heavy @ 15 lbs:

http://www.luggageworks.com/browse-products/stealth-series/stealth-22-bag.html


Skip the consumer stuff. IMO.

The first one weighs 10 lbs. For the second one, that web page does not list any weights. Usually carry on luggage has an official weight limit of 25 lbs. Usually this is not enforced strictly, but when it does you will have a problem. I assume that flight crew and attendants don't have to abide by the weight limits so they can bring in as much.

[inline five]

No scales at the gate.

I've had the first and last ones. I like both. The cheaper one is nice but not as durable. But the weight is really nice and light.

[rpr]

No scales at the gate.

Not yet in the US. But I'm starting to see more of this overseas. I have had some issues both in Asia and Europe. In Asia, we were made to gate check for free. In Europe, it was a discount carrier and they were charging money to gate check.

[GetItRight]

Don't be that guy, with the hard bag that wastes a tremendous amount of space in limited storage available on aircraft. Use a soft duffel, so every inch of storage can be used. Another benefit beyond being courteous and respectful of other travelers is your bag can then conform to whatever space is available and fit in far more places than a giant hard bag. Unless you are disabled or otherwise crippled there is no reason to have a rigid bag with wheels aside from being lazy and inconsiderate.

[accolay]

So...what did you go with?

[rpr]

OP -- If going to Ireland, the dominant discount airline will likely charge an arm and a leg for your carry ons.

https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Ryanair/baggage.php

[HawkeyeNFO]

OP -- If going to Ireland, the dominant discount airline will likely charge an arm and a leg for your carry ons.

https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Ryanair/baggage.php

Did you even read your own linked data?  Because your statement is not true.  Carry-ons are free on Ryanair.  Have flown them many many times over the past 2 years.

[Guesl982374]

DW and I went with TravelPro (2 large carry-on size and 1 large check only size) because at the time we paid attention to what the various flight crews and pilots were using. 5+ trips / year / suitcase (average 3-4 flights per trip) for 3-4 years now and they are still very going strong.

[big_slacker]

I looked at Briggs And Riley--these look good. Any other suggestions?

I was a fly out road warrior for years and used the combo of a B&R carry on roller and a regular 'tech' backpack. Together I had 1 week of clothes for business and casual + all my gear. Anything longer I'd wash at the hotel.

B&R is excellent quality and a REAL lifetime warranty. As in baggage handlers break it and you'll get a repair or replacement. You have to ask yourself how often you're going to fly. 100k+ miles a year yes the quality matters. 2 flights a year and your can literally buy anything and it'll last a decade. Don't blow $$ on expensive luggage if you don't actually need it.

[Maenad]

I love our Briggs and Riley bags, but for underseat carryon I use a tote from Baggallini like http://www.baggallini.com/totes/avenue-tote/AVE252-BG.html#start=1 without the laptop pocket. It has a sleeve that goes over the luggage handle of our regular suitcases.

I'm a fan of rolling luggage, I have a herniated disk that makes carrying backpacks a tricky thing.

[rantk81]

+1 to the comment about avoiding checking bags.

I only fly a few times every year on average (probably 3 or 4 times?), but nearly every single time I've checked a bag, there has been some damage to my baggage... whether it is just cosmetic (dirt/stains/minor tears/wear along the seams) or catastrophic (zippers broken, support frames smashed, etc)

The last straw was my most recent flight where the checked baggage was not unloaded onto the baggage claim carousel at O'Hare until more than 90 minutes had elapsed since I had de-planed.

I am NEVER checking bags again. NEVER.

[highflyingstache]

I travel almost every other day; there's three brands I see on the road, for crews and road warriors. Briggs, the warranty, if you get the proper one, is gold, hands down. Travelpro, also fantastic, which I use. Luggage Works (in the US) can be a bit heavier, but certainly sherman tank of bags. The cool feature of Luggage works is that they actually encourage you to buy spare parts when need be to replace bearings and handles, etc. The parts are also very inexpensive and easy to replace yourself. It's got its quirks but certainly went strong 20+ days on the road for me, walking many miles a day, for 4 years, along with many of my coworkers. They're all great options.

I can now travel up to two weeks (with a very full bag) anywhere, and have. I second the comment about duffel and backpacks, but it's not for everyone. All great options; and worth the cost to buy quality.

[rpr]

OP -- If going to Ireland, the dominant discount airline will likely charge an arm and a leg for your carry ons.

https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Ryanair/baggage.php

Did you even read your own linked data?  Because your statement is not true.  Carry-ons are free on Ryanair.  Have flown them many many times over the past 2 years.

Indeed you are correct that Ryanair allows free carry ons.

What I meant to convey was that they are known to be quite strict about the dimensions and weights. Most airlines allow carry ons with sizes 22" x 14" x 9" but Ryanairs limits are a little smaller on the longest dimension (21.6" x 15.7" x 7.8"). If your carry ons exceed these limits, then they will likely charge you for checking your carry on at the gate. And checking stuff at the gate with Ryanair and other budget airlines  is usually NOT free as is the case with most non budget airlines. You can take your chance and bring on a larger carry on and hope that they don't notice or charge you for it. For me, paying 50-60 Euros at the gate would feel somewhat painful.

[Righty]

I tend to pick a brand for something and stick with it - for luggage I've settled on Orvis, specifically the Battenkill line. I've added numerous luggage items from that series over the years but their standard overnight roller bag is my go-to. I work as a management consultant so I'm on the road at least once a week and its has held up for me. Peers use Tumi or Briggs - but I feel they both lack any sort of character. Occasionally I will see cheaper luggage but it always tends to fall apart on people (most recently a woman I work with lost a wheel off her "Victorinox" roller bag at CDG).

[englishteacheralex]

All about LLBean here. They replaced my duffel roller with worn out wheels for free, no questions asked, after 10 years of hard use. Love them.

[VoteCthulu]

No scales at the gate.

Not yet in the US. But I'm starting to see more of this overseas. I have had some issues both in Asia and Europe. In Asia, we were made to gate check for free. In Europe, it was a discount carrier and they were charging money to gate check.

Swiss airlines weighed my carry on bags and made me check the one that was over 25 lbs two years ago. Haven't flown them before or since, and I hope that practice doesn't become more common.

[marielle]

Might not be exactly what you requested but possibly could work.

If you're only going to carry-on then this would work great:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I3H91CY

SUPER light. Only 3.6 lbs. I can literally hold it up with my pinky (yes I tried). And since you'd only be carrying it with you durability is not as much of a concern. But it weighs over 10 lbs lighter than the hard shell durable luggages.