Talk to me about luggage

I need new. Mine is old and cheap and it doesn't have the 360 spinner wheels so as I am pulling it behind me it's falling over or smacking me in the ankles etc.
Just a huge PIA to travel with.

So what's better? The hard shell type or the soft type? Is the hard shell heavier?

I know the airlines toss the luggae around like it's garbage so I just want something that will hold up well, has the 360 degree spinner type wheels and won't break the bank.

I also want a set- like maybe 3 different sizes.

Any suggestions or ideas?

Message edited 5/19/2016 9:43:48 AM.

Talk to me about luggage

I don't like the ones that have a hard shell. TJ Maxx has a good variety and good prices.

Talk to me about luggage

i dont like the hard shell either... my mom got a huge dent in hers.

Mine are from BBB

Re: Talk to me about luggage

Yes I thought the hard shells might dent or get banged up when they toss them around.

So I will stick with soft side I guess....

Talk to me about luggage

I don't like the hard shell because when you open it, half of your stuff is on each side. I prefer a "regular" suitcase where the top opens and then you have one big space to put your stuff in.

DH prefers (and has) the hard shell. It has never gotten dented, but I just find it so annoying to pack and unpack.

Message edited 5/19/2016 9:56:17 AM.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

DH and I bought a set of Atlantic brand luggage in 2008 at Macys. We use it at least twice a year on airlines and cruises and it is holding up pretty good.
A couple of marks here and there and one external zipper pull has broken off (glued the zipper shut so it won't open the pocket) but nothing major that would make me toss it.

I prefer soft side luggage, my set has an expansion zipper if I need just a bit more space. It also has a garment keeper in the lid - it opens up so I can fold longer items like dresses and trousers around it, and even use hangers. A wet pocket for damp items.
So far have never had anything break and anything liquidy is sealed in ziploc bags. (Ever see a foaming suitcase, funniest thing I have ever seen.)

Hard side luggage used to weigh a lot, but the case may be different now.
Be careful about the really large pieces. With 50 pound weight restrictions, it is really easy to go over. I think my big pieces are 26 inches, and I average about 48 pounds without over stuffing.

We bought the set at Macys, got a pretty good deal back then with sale prices and coupons.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

I have this luggage in a couple of different sizes from Kohl's that I bought with a 30% off coupon a couple of years ago. I really like it. It's not heavy, it has 360 degree wheels, it's really great, and my kids can push them also.

link to luggage

I also have a couple pieces of Vera Bradley luggage that are really nice also. But, they aren't expandable, so I really only use the small carry on piece.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

We waited for a good sale at Kohls with 30% Coupon and bought Samsonite.

DH has had his Samsonite Suit bag for longer than I know him (He used to fly a lot for business) and it held up nicely. I have been buying pieces of luggage here and there and they are crap bc I'm too cheap to spend $$ lol

So we went more $$$ but with a good sale. And So far so good. It's light, fits a ton of stuff and rolls so smoothly

Talk to me about luggage

I prefer soft sided. I jsut bought a new set last year from Century 21- great prices. They all had al the big name brands, much cheaper than other stores.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

Talk to me about luggage

I have a soft suitcase I bought at Target. It was probably about $90.

I travel at least 10x a year (both work and personal). My suitcase looks brand new. I think its american tourister

Similar to this

http://www.target.com/p/american-tourister-21-carry-on-delite-2-0-luggage-spinner-sapphire/-/A-16346779#prodSlot=_1_24

oh and I found the key to spinners is not to drag it behind you. Keep it on all 4 wheels next to you. Learned this after tripping over myself and the luggage fr a few trips.

Message edited 5/19/2016 10:26:45 AM.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

I bought my parents 2 large pieces from the Samsonite Levit8 Lite collection and they LOVED THEM. They just used them on a cruise and said they were fantastic.

I got the set at kohls.com, with coupons, kohls cash, free shipping, blah blah blah

Re: Talk to me about luggage

I am a hard shell convert. I find it protects things better (especially when we bring wine back from somewhere). They aren't very heavy and I find them more durable.

Some cons:
They do get scuff marks
There aren't as many pockets either.
You need more space in your hotel room to leave it open. I guess this would only matter if you don't unpack like me.

ETA: I like Samsonite. I've also bought some cheap ones that have held up really well, such as Benetton and Eminent.

Message edited 5/19/2016 11:56:06 AM.

Talk to me about luggage

I like soft sided luggage. We only use the 25 or 26 inch size plus a carryon (without wheels). Just got a spinner for our last trip. Not sure if I like it better. It has a little less room than my rollaboards.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

Re: Talk to me about luggage

Talk to me about luggage

We have a bunch of tumi luggage. Some we registered for our wedding. Recently bought the super light soft kind. Very easy as carry on. DH has the garment bag and acessory bag that stacks.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

I love my hard suitcases from brookstone. the price is right so if something doe happen the it, I won't cry. I love The rimowa brand but I dont want to spend the $$for it

Re: Talk to me about luggage

I love my IT luggage. It is super light but very durable. I got it at TJ Maxx for a reasonable price.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

I like our Samsonite soft luggage. Got it at my bridal shower 6 years ago and it still looks great, and we travel fairly often.

Re: Talk to me about luggage

Re: Talk to me about luggage

Talk to me about luggage

I prefer soft side. I get luggage anywhere but most of the time, Kohl's or BBB with coupons..
It's a waste to spend a ton of money when it just gets thrown around.