Travel Technology - What's your favorite carry-on for domestic and international travel?

Just wondering what's your favorite carry-on bag? Do you use differet ones for domestic and international travel?

This Tumi (http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/thanks_a_million/category_search/22_lightweight_frequent_traveler/product_detail/index.cfm?fuseaction=image&modelid=70229&sub_site_id=13&view=852345_xlrg&N=4005+20033051&Ne=100). Love it.

Briggs and Riley compact rolling computer case

http://www.briggs-riley.com/businesscases/rolling/243_compactrollingcomputercase.asp

it holds much more than I ever imagined it could, and fits nearly everywhere.

Just wondering what's your favorite carry-on bag? Do you use differet ones for domestic and international travel?

A cheap and cheerful very lightweight number which holds as much and weighs about half as much as my top brand name one which got wrecked (in spite of its lifetime guarantee) when I foolishly checked it once. I do use different ones for intl and domestic as as I try not to check bags for domestic, so take the largest carry-on permissible.

I like this Samonsite (in black) (http://us.samsonite.com/webapp/us/servlet/SProductDisplay?productId=240839). It's about $100 and I can fit 4 days of clothing, exactly enough for my weekly trips. When it breaks, I'll just get a new one. When I check a larger bag, I bring the samsonite as my only carry on. My computer fits inside.

I also tried a 20" Tumi rollerboard (http://www.tumi.com/tumi_collections/lxt/category_search/adventure_20_wheeled_carry_on/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=81746), too big, anonymous looking. LV Pégase 50 (http://www.eluxury.com/browse/product_detail.jhtml?styleid=10361125), it's beautiful but makes me too worried it would get damaged.

The Tumi 3 in 1. Fits all overheads, and holds everything that I need for travel-domestic and international.

Here's the link: http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/generation_4_fxt_ballistic/category_search/3_in_1_wheeled_overnighter/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=50112

This Tumi (http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/thanks_a_million/category_search/22_lightweight_frequent_traveler/product_detail/index.cfm?fuseaction=image&modelid=70229&sub_site_id=13&view=852345_xlrg&N=4005+20033051&Ne=100). Love it.

Do you ever have trouble with its size on international flights?

Briggs and Riley compact rolling computer case

http://www.briggs-riley.com/businesscases/rolling/243_compactrollingcomputercase.asp

it holds much more than I ever imagined it could, and fits nearly everywhere.

Do you always carry a computer, or do you prefer this bag even w/o a computer. I agree the size seems very comfortable for most overhead bins.

I don't like rollabords or wheeled luggage -- I have a terrific Lands' End Lighthouse foldover suiter that holds cosmic amounts of stuff and shoves easily into the overhead bin. Lands' End doesn't make it any more so I don't know what I'll do when it wears out -- no black cube with casters for me!

Do you always carry a computer, or do you prefer this bag even w/o a computer. I agree the size seems very comfortable for most overhead bins.
I almost always carry a computer (12" powerbook), and there's room for a lot more even with the computer.

I don't like rollabords or wheeled luggage -- I have a terrific Lands' End Lighthouse foldover suiter that holds cosmic amounts of stuff and shoves easily into the overhead bin. Lands' End doesn't make it any more so I don't know what I'll do when it wears out -- no black cube with casters for me!

I am in your camp. Two of the best non-wheel choices are:

briggs-riley.com/travel/totes/300_suitertote.asp
redoxx.com/catalog/carry-on/p_91018-air-boss.html

Not cheap, but what is now a days? :)

You might also enjoy reading the following series (pages are brief):

onebag.com/bags.html
onebag.com/leisure-bags.html
onebag.com/business-bags.html
onebag.com/wheeled-bags.html
onebag.com/creeping-bloat.html

My wife prefers wheels. If I had started this thread today, I would have asked for people's favorite in each category, ie, w/ and w/o wheels. Another time perhaps. :)

My dream luggage (still in my dreams because I have never seen one), is a rolling bag or duffel that looks decent and is small enough to carry on, but can convert into a much bigger bag via a zipper or something.

I know Tumi has something that expands by a couple inches, but I'm looking for a more dramatic expansion.

Has anyone seen anything like this?

Anything manufactured by the Tumi Corporation always get my top vote.

For domestic I use red oxx air boss

http://www.redoxx.com/catalog/carry-on/p_91018-air-boss.html

and a brenthaven rolling computer bag. I don't think they make the model I have any more.

For international I use B&R BR220 and have an cheap samsonite laptop bag / purse.

I understand those who don't like rolling bags. The wheel take up too much space. If I didn't have the laptop, I'd forgo the wheels.

Anything manufactured by the Tumi Corporation always get my top vote.

Agree. I have the Tumi Wheeled Compact Computer Brief (http://www.tumi.com/business_laptop_cases/laptop_cases_wheeled/category_search/wheeled_compact_computer_brief/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=86200) and I just love it. It even fits in the overhead compartment of an Avro!

I just had to check my tumi 22 inch wheeled bag yesterday for the last time at LHR. They are now making everyone who tries to carry on put their bag in the sizer. The legal UK bag is 21! So the Tumi has been officially retired, and I picked up the Briggs and Riley Compact Garment Bag - rolls, is 21 inches, and seems like it can get a laptop in it as well to handle the LHR 1 bag/jackass rule...

Anyone have experience going out of the UK with this bag? Very curious, as I havent traveled with it yet.

http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/garmentbags/313_carryonwheeledgarmentbag.asp

I just had to check my tumi 22 inch wheeled bag yesterday...The legal UK bag is 21! So the Tumi has been officially retired, and I picked up the Briggs and Riley Compact Garment Bag - rolls, is 21 inches...http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/garmentbags/313_carryonwheeledgarmentbag.asp

I have used BA quite extensively. My direct experience will not help you as I use Air-Boss, mentioned in other posts, which has no frame and, if not overpacked, can be stuffed into any sizer bin.

However, BA website says: "One cabin bag, no bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (approximately 22 inches x 17.5 inches x 9.8 inches)."

As long as your bag conforms to those, there should be no problem. It is conceivable that some manufacturers like Tumi are not including wheels or handles etc in their specs while BA is. (I don't know that, only speculating why something that meets the specs may not fit in the sizer bin.)

In practice, also keep an eye on that 9.8", because that's the side you can exceed by overstuffing your bag.

Your new B&R at 21" x 14" x 8.5" should be ok.

PS. That useless Tumi, you could always ship to me. :D

For domestic I use red oxx air boss http://www.redoxx.com/catalog/carry-on/p_91018-air-boss.html


I am also a big air-boss fan, but I have one question. My previous bag, while no match for air-boss in any other way, did have sevral convenient padded and non-padded pockets where I could keep a cell phone, charger, or even a small camera. How do you carry such items in air-boss?

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

This Tumi (http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/thanks_a_million/category_search/22_lightweight_frequent_traveler/product_detail/index.cfm?fuseaction=image&modelid=70229&sub_site_id=13&view=852345_xlrg&N=4005+20033051&Ne=100). Love it.

Do you ever have trouble with its size on international flights?

No. I usually fly C or F and mostly UA. I have flown Asiana and again no problems because it was in F. The G4s have a handle that lays down flatter than the previous rounded or oval handles.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

The Tumi 3 in 1. Fits all overheads, and holds everything that I need for travel-domestic and international.

Here's the link: http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/generation_4_fxt_ballistic/category_search/3_in_1_wheeled_overnighter/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=50112

I have been looking at this bag. What about RJs. How does it do on CR700 and EMB170s?

However, BA website says: "One cabin bag, no bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (approximately 22 inches x 17.5 inches x 9.8 inches)."

As long as your bag conforms to those, there should be no problem. It is conceivable that some manufacturers like Tumi are not including wheels or handles etc in their specs while BA is. (I don't know that, only speculating why something that meets the specs may not fit in the sizer bin.)


The tumi WILL NOT fit in the sizer. And its so close its painful when you have to make the walk of shame back to check in. The amount we all travel, checking is 90% of the time just not an option. Would love to hear from someone who actually uses the B&R and has made it work!

The tumi WILL NOT fit in the sizer. And its so close its painful when you have to make the walk of shame back to check in. The amount we all travel, checking is 90% of the time just not an option. Would love to hear from someone who actually uses the B&R and has made it work!

Tumi has a 20" "International" version of the same bag with zipper expansion.

I have both bags and the 20" version isn't really that much smaller.

Tumi 22020 (http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/generation_4_fxt_ballistic/category_search/wheeled_20_expandable_international_carry_on/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=50114)

I'm a weirdo in this one. I have a nice Samsonite rollaboard, but my favorite is my Akona roller dive backpack. If I need to get somewhere faster, I just strap it on my back and go.

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/bags/pics/Akona/AKB144.jpg

And it also helps that I dive :D

I will not take anything except the 'perfect' backpack. I must be the only one given the terrible options out there. I just don't want to drag around a camp 'suitcase', that keeps bumping me on the ankles as I pull it, and can't be used if I decide to go for a day hike around the lake at Interlaken or touring a museum in Paris.

I need to carry a laptop, a dSLR (with spare lens), a couple of books, some (A4) papers, spare clothes, my iPod, my BB, all my power cords and adaptors, some DVDs, an umbrella, spare clothes - including things that ought to remain low-wrinkle - my running gear and (if there is still space) some mints :)

I looked at the Expedition range of camera bags, but there's not enough room for non-camera/laptops. I am considering the 'Oxford' version of the Victorinox range, but would prefer something a tad bigger/longer.

Suggestions welcome

Dr. PITUK

Doesn't work at all in the RJ's I've been on. Then again, IMO, nothing works well in those small overheads.


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I have been looking at this bag. What about RJs. How does it do on CR700 and EMB170s?

I have a convertible carry-on/backpack like this one:

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&theParentId=8&id=139

Works great for me and with the backpack straps it is easy to make those plane to train connections. ^

Would love to hear from someone who actually uses the B&R and has made it work!

The Travel Insider site rates BR very highly especially the model "Expandable Upright Carry-On, #U-21NX" (thetravelinsider.info/travelaccessories/briggsandriley.htm#u-21nx). However:

* Official size: 21" x 14" x 8" (43" total)

* Measured maximum external size : 23.75" x 14.5" x 9" (47.25" total)
* Slightly larger than commonly accepted airline maximums

That's before it has been stuffed!

I am disappointed that for such a reputable manufacturer as BR, specs and actual measurements should differ so much, especially for a carry-on where they are critical.

From thetravelinsider.info/travelaccessories/internationalcarryonluggageallowances.htm: "Not only do luggage stores and manufacturers not always tell you if their bag is legally sized or not, but they also frequently mis-measure their bag. Their measurements generally are for the inside of the main compartment, and assume that any external pockets are of zero thickness, rather than stuffed full of things (which can easily add another inch or more) and ignore any external framing such as wheels and carry handle (which can also add another couple of inches)."

This may have been the problem with your Tumi too.

Probably the best thing any of us can do is to ignore specs, get a measuring tape, and actually measure the carry-ons' dimensions ourselves.

I gave up on Starbucks outrageously priced coffee (yes, its only coffee) and outrageously priced luggage such as Tumi, B&R etc a few years ago when I had to gate check a $500 Tumi and it got ruined. The nice Kirkland wheelie lineup (http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=kirkand%20luggage&N=0&Ntt=kirkand%20luggage&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search) at Costco are fantastic in quality and price.

MisterNice

used to be Tumi T3, now its my TravelPro 5, great wheels, expands (if you buy too much) and fits easily in the overhad bins (except in the RJ's).

I gave up on Starbucks outrageously priced coffee (yes, its only coffee) and outrageously priced luggage such as Tumi, B&R etc a few years ago when I had to gate check a $500 Tumi and it got ruined. The nice Kirkland wheelie lineup (http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=kirkand%20luggage&N=0&Ntt=kirkand%20luggage&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search) at Costco are fantastic in quality and price.

MisterNice
Boy, I couldn't agree more. ^
Bought one for my wife 3 months ago and it's awesome bag for 99 bucks. Blows away anything at twice the price -- and it's not black!

used to be Tumi T3, now its my TravelPro 5, great wheels, expands (if you buy too much) and fits easily in the overhad bins (except in the RJ's).

The Travel Pro Crew6 22" I use fits in the thing like a glove. It's undoubtedly the best bag for the money on the market

Have not tried my Tumi 22" Ballistic model in the UK yet, so thanks for the feedback that it doesn't fit in the sizer :eek:

BTW, which Tumi model didn't fit?

The nice Kirkland wheelie lineup (http://www.costco.com/Common/Search.aspx?whse=BC&topnav=&search=kirkand%20luggage&N=0&Ntt=kirkand%20luggage&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search) at Costco are fantastic in quality and price.

Boy, I couldn't agree more. ^ Bought one for my wife 3 months ago and it's awesome bag for 99 bucks. Blows away anything at twice the price -- and it's not black!

Travel Insider review likes the Costco bag but also says it is too heavy. Does that rhyme with your experience?

Tumi has a 20" "International" version of the same bag with zipper expansion.

I have both bags and the 20" version isn't really that much smaller.According to Tumi's specs, the capacity of the 22" is 2926 cu. in. while the 20" is 2352 cu. in. That makes the 20" nearly 20% smaller.

cheers,

Henry

According to Tumi's specs, the capacity of the 22" is 2926 cu. in. while the 20" is 2352 cu. in. That makes the 20" nearly 20% smaller.

cheers,

Henry

Uhh...Yeah???

As I said; it isn't "that" much smaller.

A third smaller is quite a bit smaller, >20% - not that much IMHO. Besides - one fits in the sizer, the other doesn't.

My carry on of choice: http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/carryonwheeleduprights/320_20quotcarryonsuperlightupright.asp

It's 20", so it's not too bad, and it handles everything easily. Lightweight too; and I can't get enough of that Simple As That warranty.

Uhh...Yeah???Hmmm. 33% is 'quite a bit' but 20% is 'not that much'??? I guess that's where your 'IMHO' comes in. I would say 2% or 5% were 'not that much' whereas 1/5 of the total volume is a pretty sizeable fraction.

cheers,

Henry

Anything manufactured by the Tumi Corporation always get my top vote.

Well, I have waited and waited and not posted my Horrible Repair Problems with TUMI, so they have gone off my list as great bags to have. If you want to know more I will post something in the Forum about it. Needless to say they did NOT remedy my problem correctly, thus TravelPro has my business now, when I have to buy any more bags.

Well, I have waited and waited and not posted my Horrible Repair Problems with TUMI, so they have gone off my list as great bags to have. If you want to know more I will post something in the Forum about it. Needless to say they did NOT remedy my problem correctly, thus TravelPro has my business now, when I have to buy any more bags.

If you are willing to pay just a little more, Briggs and Riley are reputed to be very high quality and offer the industry's best warranty.

My carry on of choice: http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/carryonwheeleduprights/320_20quotcarryonsuperlightupright.asp

It's 20", so it's not too bad, and it handles everything easily. Lightweight too; and I can't get enough of that Simple As That warranty.

Slippahs, what's your experience with this bag through LHR? Does it fit in the sizer?

Briggs & Riley Deluxe Travel Tote (http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/totes/295_deluxetraveltote.asp).

I was looking to replace my Eagle Creek something or other (about 1900 cubic inches) with a no-wheels, no-telescoping handle carry on. First I bought the Air Boss, but found it too big. The B&R tote is more rectangular (16.5 x 10.5 x 11.5 inches vs 21 x 13 x 8 for the Air Boss) but holds almost as much stuff.

Briggs & Riley Deluxe Travel Tote (http://www.briggs-riley.com/travel/totes/295_deluxetraveltote.asp).
First I bought the Air Boss, but found it too big. The B&R tote is more rectangular (16.5 x 10.5 x 11.5 inches vs 21 x 13 x 8 for the Air Boss) but holds almost as much stuff.

I do own an Air Boss. As the bag doesn't have a frame and squeezes into any space, its size hasn't bothered me even when I didn't have much to carry. I am most impressed by B&R as well and will likely get one in near future. Both bags come with "no questions asked" lifetime warranties. Red Oxx, makers of Air Boss, remind you not to forget your bags when writing your will.

Travel Insider review likes the Costco bag but also says it is too heavy. Does that rhyme with your experience?

I bought a new Kirkland 22" wheelie last week and noticed it said it was now 20% lighter. Honestly I cant tell the difference and since I load it with 20-40 lb of "necessities" an extra lb or two is really inconsequential. The tag sez it weighs 9.8 lb (4.4 kg) and my scale sez it weighs 10 lb including all the freebies (ie TSA approved combination lock, a nice zippered nylon complete garment bag for 1-2 suits, a zippered nylon bag for shoes etc). These are removable and should knock a lb or two from the total weight. I got the black one but other colors are available. Lastly I often use the expandable zipper tab to add 2.5 " to the depth and allow another 25% of volume to stuff my necessary stuff into.

MisterNice

I too have the 22" Kirkland rollaboard (old model) and in case anyone's wondering, it's been through 6 trips to LHR security (since the size restrictions were implemented) with no size issues.

Like many folks, I used to adore Tumi, but I have discovered that a lightweight rollaboard is far superior to a ballistic nylon lead weight.

I am 5'4" average-sized female and since purchasing my Eagle Creek Switchback 22" , I have not needed a knight in shining armor to assist me with getting my rollaboard (without the attachable backpack) into the overhead bin. In fact, it is so light that I feel like superwoman when i just whip it up into the bin with minimal effort!

I'm not positive, but I think all of the Eagle Creek (http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/wheeled_luggage/) products are lighter than the average Tumi. I couldn't verify this because inexplicably (or possibly for good reason) the Tumi website does not list the weight of the luggage! But when I was shopping around, I would pick up the bag (empty) and the Tumis were always so heavy while the Eagle Creek bags feel like a feather.

Also, the Eagle Creek warranty for the ES line is AMAZING. It's a "no matter what" policy. I'll just quote from the website (http://www.eaglecreek.com/company/warranty_information.php):
We call it our "No Matter What" damage repair policy. That elephant in Namibia use your bag as a teething ring? We'll take care of it. Those baggage handlers mistake your Explorer Pack for a football? We'll fix it. No matter what hell your bag went through, we'll fix it or replace it free.

used to be Tumi T3, now its my TravelPro 5, great wheels, expands (if you buy too much) and fits easily in the overhad bins (except in the RJ's).


Do you have the 22" Travelpro? Does it fit straight in (as opposed to the long way)?

Thanks!

Do you have the 22" Travelpro? Does it fit straight in (as opposed to the long way)?

Thanks!

I have the Travelpro platinum 5 and crew and they both fit straight in.

I have the Travelpro platinum 5 and crew and they both fit straight in.

Is it Crew6? How do the Crew and Platinum compare? Thanks.

Slippahs, what's your experience with this bag through LHR? Does it fit in the sizer?
Sorry, I've never been to LHR (or Europe for that matter). But I will be through STN in a few weeks... Will report back (though I may also check something larger instead since we'll be gone quite a bit).

I will not take anything except the 'perfect' backpack. I must be the only one given the terrible options out there. I just don't want to drag around a camp 'suitcase', that keeps bumping me on the ankles as I pull it, and can't be used if I decide to go for a day hike around the lake at Interlaken or touring a museum in Paris.

I need to carry a laptop, a dSLR (with spare lens), a couple of books, some (A4) papers, spare clothes, my iPod, my BB, all my power cords and adaptors, some DVDs, an umbrella, spare clothes - including things that ought to remain low-wrinkle - my running gear and (if there is still space) some mints :)

I looked at the Expedition range of camera bags, but there's not enough room for non-camera/laptops. I am considering the 'Oxford' version of the Victorinox range, but would prefer something a tad bigger/longer.

Suggestions welcome

Dr. PITUK

How about this?

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0906

Seems to get very favorable reviews. I have a couple of their other bags and am very happy with it.

How about this?

http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/100/TB0906

Seems to get very favorable reviews. I have a couple of their other bags and am very happy with it.Looks like a nice piece of kit; I really like the idea of the backpack straps. The only thing that troubles me about Tom Bihn gear is their mealy-mouth warranty. Why not build it twice as sturdily, charge twice the price and be able to say, like some of the others, 'anything goes wrong, ever, you're covered!' instead of their fine-print warning "Repairs due to normal wear and tear ... will be done at a ... charge."

cheers,

Henry

International Flights through the British Airport Authority airports (LHR, LGW, etc.) are EXTREMELY strict regarding carry ons. Only 1 piece, strict size requirements. This 1 piece means if you carry a purse, then no rolly. If you carry a laptop bag, no purse. Only 1 piece. And then the guards make you drop it in the box to ensure it meets size requirements. My rolly's handle stuck out one inch, and they made me check it.

Is it Crew6? How do the Crew and Platinum compare? Thanks.

I don't have the very latest crew, I have 1 generation ago. I think the platinium is a little better material and has the swing out handle, which isn't really that useful and eats into your luggage space. The thicker walls of the plat also eat into luggage space. I don't have a strong preference between the 2 but usually use the platinum.

This Tumi (http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/thanks_a_million/category_search/22_lightweight_frequent_traveler/product_detail/index.cfm?fuseaction=image&modelid=70229&sub_site_id=13&view=852345_xlrg&N=4005+20033051&Ne=100). Love it.

I have that one and this laptop case

http://www.tumi.com/business_laptop_cases/laptop_cases_wheeled/category_search/wheeled_deluxe_expandable_brief_w_computer_case/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=57431

Best setup ever :)

International Flights through the British Airport Authority airports (LHR, LGW, etc.) are EXTREMELY strict regarding carry ons. Only 1 piece, strict size requirements. This 1 piece means if you carry a purse, then no rolly. If you carry a laptop bag, no purse. Only 1 piece. And then the guards make you drop it in the box to ensure it meets size requirements. My rolly's handle stuck out one inch, and they made me check it.

Yup, will definitely attest to that. Yet in December, I was returning from Dubai to Toronto, flying through LHR on BA.

Being the good corporate traveller that I am, and having been through LHR several times recently, I had my single carry-on bag, and breezed through security without any issues.

BA was delayed in leaving Dubai, so I missed my connection, and to their credit, they put me on the AC flight home that night (full-fare Y ticket, which was an easy upgrade). So I'm sitting in my seat on the 767, and the guy behind me has THREE carry on bags!! ...?

Meanwhile, I just flew BA this week to Madrid, and had the abnormally anal security at Heathrow make me stuff my carry-on into the sizer to make sure it fits (the big key is having just a single carry-on; I had my laptop already out, which was a mistake on my part). Had to toss out a couple of magazines and take my book out of the bag to make it fit.

As to bags I use, for Int'l travel I tend to use one of two:

This Samboro unit, which fits easily into the sizer if you don't stuff two laptops and extra clothing into it. :D (http://www.samboro.ca/Samboro/products/C102.htm)

Or this wheeled business case from High Sierra. (http://www.highsierrasport.com/ItemDetail?itemNum=8050)

The High Sierra case is a bit better for getting through security, as laptops are easier access, and it's a bit better for access to things like pens etc, but there is more room (despite external dimensions between the Samboro case and High Sierra case being fairly close) for clothing etc.

I like both cases, and they both fit into overhead bins of Int'l flights easily. Generally I'm not a huge fan of wheeled cases, and tend to prefer the rule of "the less to carry-on, the better," but for the next couple of trips, I need two laptops with me (which would be brutal on my shoulder!)



Patrick

Anything that can turn sideways and roll up the skinny aisle! Seriously, if you are an FF, board first and always handle your own bags, anything will last forever. I got almost 5 yrs/500K miles out of a cheap Samsonite before the wheels fell off, and I checked it all the time.

Get something that looks cool, but not so cool that people will steal it, and you're good~~~;)