Most of my trips are fairly short and the dress is fairly informal (work takes me into gravel pits, concrete yards and asphalt plants), so my gym bag does me fine. (Just hang the clothes in the bathroom when showering to smooth out the big wrinkles).

I've got some longer trips on the way, so I need something better (larger). I gotta have carry-on to fit in the overhead compartments (I keep my laptop under the seat).

I'd appreciate any recommendations from all road warriors. Thanks much!

Oh yeah... Price is a factor, so if you wouldn't mind divulging price (both suggested and what I could expect to actually pay)

Jon Toner, do a search on luggage. There was a long thread on it a few months ago.

You might check out the Travel Smith web site and ask them for a brochure. They have some pretty cool looking luggage options. Their website is:

www.travelsmith.com



[This message has been edited by Punki (edited 04-23-99).]

Jon,
Best investment I made was to purchase a Hartmann rolling hanging bag (41in. Mobile Traveler Garment Bag). I got it at the outlet store so the price was much cheaper that at a luggage store 600 vs. 300. Why is it such a bonus? It fits perfectly in the overhead compartment, (CO's at least) has wheels and an extending handle for other bags/briefcase, will hold suits, shirts, in the hanging bag and has internal and external compartments for t-shirts etc...
The caution I will give you is that large carry-on bags work well if 1) you are elite and get to board first (Plenty of overhead space) and 2) you are not prevented by the airline from bringing it on-board (cutouts on the X-rays).
Early boarding is a wonderful benefit for getting overhead space. This bag also works very well as checked luggage, I had to find that out a number of times too.

As an added endorsement, after letting them borrow it now my Mom, Dad, Finacee and Brother have all dropped hints about what they want for their Birthdays... my bag.

BSL

PS. Get at good bag, if you are going to be traveling you will get your money's worth out of the ease of use and the warranty WHEN it gets damaged.

This is simple-- go to http://www.landsend.com. Lands' End is the BEST place for luggage at a reasonable price. And it's unconditionally guaranteed! They also have great oxfords, for those times when the casual stuff won't do.

I like the Lands' End Oxfords a lot because they are so versatile. It's casual with jeans, and business attire with dockers or dress slacks. They also look good a lot longer than regular dress shirts.

My boss is talking about getting us some embroidered company shirts - I've been pushing Lands' End Oxfords and so far it seems like I'm winning!

I've used their Corporate Sales department before, also. They do great embroidery work on just about anything you can think of, from t-shirts to oxfords to attache cases. Of course the same guarantee applies and the service is always great. I must admit, I'm a little partial to Lands' End, since I am a native of Wisconsin.

Since we're on this topic, anyone know where to get co-branded luggage? (IE: w/ AA logo/name brand, I saw this a few years ago, but haven't been able to find it sinece.)

I vote for Hartmann also---it holds up well. I have a garment bag that I have had for about 10 years--about every 3 years I take it to the nearby place in Chicago (Irv's Luggage in Des Plaines on Oakton) and for about $25 they refurbish it (usually just re-stitch the flaps). I don't want to bother with the warranty--it is so much easier to just drop it off and stop by a week later. Also Irv's has irregulars from Tumi and Hartmann. A good place to shop. (Very close to ORD)

I've found both TravelSmith and Lands End very good sources.

I live and die by my TravelPro suiter rollaboard. Sturdy and affordable and fits in the smallest carry-on template. The problem with some of the bigger Hartmann's and others that folks are talking about here is the inability to get them through some luggage templates. You may find yourself forced to go back to the United ticket counter to check a bag that would otherwise fit on a Continental flight. I never know when a last minute change occurs that necessitates a change in a/l at the airport. On the other hand, if you regularly check luggage then this doesn't matter. (I avoid checking luggage like I avoid rude people and tax audits)

If you're willing to spend the money (once, and never again), Briggs and Riley is a very good option. Their products come with a lifetime guarantee, *including* airline damage. They have a wide range, and though their products aren't cheap, they are competitive at the high end of the market. I have the expandable roller, which comes with a garment bag and satisfies airline hand luggage size restrictions. It can expand to give an extra 3 inches of depth (great for fitting in all the Swiss chocolate...) The construction is sturdy, and it comes with all the extras that one would expect from the high end bags. Having used cheap luggage in the past, I can assure you that good quality luggage is worth its weight in gold: cheaper bags are okay for infrequent travellers, but they are not designed to do 100k miles.

Hear, Hear!

B&R are very nice. Mine is the one that with the extra outside suit zip up section comes in at 9x14x21. They look pretty sharp too. The biggest difference between this and my last �budget affair� is the size of the wheels. While well hidden, their circumference allows for more distance per amount of pulling power. Very smooth roller.

[This message has been edited by mjm (edited 05-02-99).]

When picking luggage, especially something you want to carry on, start with the limits that your carrier (s) have so that you can use that otherwise perfect bag suggested elsewhere. You might even consider trends in carry on rules and balance with use as a personal travel container.