[manaboutown]

I have used Costco (Kirkland), Samsonite and Travelpro, the latter being what I see almost all AA flight crews using - maybe they are given a special deal on them, I don't know. I had a Costco carryon bag that flew at least a million miles with me over fifteen years. Finally the telescoping handle gave out and would not fully extend. Truthfully, I was embarrassed to take it back to Costco for a refund as it had served me long and well. The refund guy at Costco looked up when I had bought it. He handed me cash for the amount I had paid. I still feel funny about taking the money but I bought another Kirkland bag from Costco within an hour. A Southwest flight attendant I had dated years before had told me Southwest flight attendants bought Costco bags and returned them otherwise I never would have tried.

I bought the Travelpro at a luggage shop where I compared several "full size" carryons to obtain the smallest as I fly on AA Bombardier 900s and the bag just fits in their overhead compartments if I do not overfill it. The male flight attendants know this and let me bring it on board without question. The women flight attendants want me to gate check it usually - but not always - let me take it on when they see my 2 Million miler tag on it and I tell them it has fit in AA Bombardier 900 and even some Bombardier 700 overheads a few hundred times.

As a previous poster mentioned go with a four wheeler which is what most now are. I still use an old large two wheel Kirkland bag to check as my up to 50 pounder that has not yet given up the ghost but find it a pain to control compared to a four wheeler.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Aces4

We recommend and had a great shopping experience with online store, Luggage Pro. Chose highly rated Travel Pro Magna Spinner series. We really like Travel Pro and maybe Amazon undercuts Luggage Pro prices now. I think there is a Platinum Spinner series now.

I second Travel Pro Magna Spinner. After many years and tons of airline travel, this is the brand we settled on that actually lasts. Worth the money--not cheap but won't break the bank either.


Be careful of sizes. Airlines are restricting sizes of even checked baggage. We each have a 22" carry-on spinner and a 26" spinner that we check. It's really all we've ever needed outside of our personal item.

[Weavej2718]

If you are really serious about quality, the kind that never leaves you stranded. Club Glove....made in America...you won’t like the price...she will love to travel w this stuff...a lifetime product. There is a large duffel on amazon for $350....

[2ndchance]

Well, after reading everyone input I decided to go with Costco. They had $50 off for a set of three. It was a matter of playing it safe. If my daughter doesn't like the luggage she can return it for full refund and get what she wants. Thanks all.

Mike

[bowlingal]

garage sales usually have luggage for sale

[sharonl7340]

I would ask her what she would like in a piece of luggage. I know the kind of features I want in a bag and it isn't always what someone else would pick for me. Get here a gift certificate so she can choose for herself.

[Smith811]

Which ever brand you decide to buy on Black Friday there will be good deals on luggage.

[Jgabriele]

Go to TJ Maxx. They have name brands for less.

[mjkspear]

Our kids got us some Amazon Basics soft side luggage. It's been durable, wheels well, and quite light.

[Jane G]

I have done quite a bit of research on luggage. My favorite luggage by far are “Ebags”. They are very efficient, the company is wonderful, they are reasonably priced, and there are lots of choices for what type of luggage fits you individually. There are containers you can also order (think of them as drawers) to keep your items organized. Check them out at ebags.com and happy travels!

[holmesperdue]

Just be sure to get 4 wheels: European trains have narrow aisles and you need to slide thru sideways. Get what color you want but put bright orange tape all the way around. You'll find them quickly tha way.

[beachgirl]

Be sure all luggage comes with a lock or has the ability to be locked with a TSA-approved luggage lock. I lock any carryon that has to go in an overhead bin on an airplane.

[guppyvii]

I lived in Japan for 11 years and have traveled over 600,000 miles. The choice of luggage depends on the person and how much they travel and how far they travel. I bought my son a set of Amazon basic recently, it’s hard side but has the zipper which is better in my opinion. There were several pieces including a shaving kit and the price was reasonable. When I buy for myself the first thing I look for is weight Because you don’t want 8 pounds of your allowed luggage to be an empty suitcase. The second thing I look for is ease of rolling and spinning, the wheels need to be sturdy but not big. I also like a hard side because of their weight and because of their protection of what you are carrying and a zipper closure as well as a TSA approved built in lock. I use Travel Pro for roll aboard and carryon for under the seat. Samsonite has checked all my boxes for a middle price set and their guarantee is great! I buy in person so I can feel the weight and test the roll snd I buy from their outlet store. But the Amazon Basic would be my go to for a gift for my adult kids!

[eywvicki]

Hartman online. I have used it a lot (million miler) and it still looks great.

[pmken2]

Watch when Kohls out their hard size Samsonite on sale. It is usually 50% off. I have it and bought a set for my husband. It is great and we travel a lot.