Luggage Shopping fun.
Aug 5, 2012, 10:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: AA, United
Posts: 280
Luggage Shopping fun.
My 10 year old Travelpro Platinum II 22 inch has finally gotten to a point where I think it is time to replace it. So after reading all the threads here I decide to go out shopping. Keep in mind that I do fly to Asia a couple of times a year and fairly frequently inside the US.
When I was at costco yesterday I looked at the kirkland rollaboard, looks pretty neat, but it looks like it would not fit into every overhead and it is a bit heavy.
Costco also had a pallet of the BR 20 widebody rollaboard as well. But in a color that I don't think I could look at for the next 10 years.
Today i decided to go look at both the newest version of my Tavelpro (Plat 7) and some Tumi. So I head to Union Square in San Francisco to do some looking.
First stop the Tumi store; tell the counter guy what I want and he shows me the continental carry on and the 22 inch. I actually really, really liked the Lightweight Continental carry-on and I hit the first of what will become a recurring theme. The sales guy tells me that 20-25% of the people who buy a widebody carry-on tell him that they cannot bring it on board.
Almost next door to Tumi is a Porsche design store, I stop in and look at some great looking luggage, but I would imagine that it would not survive any hard travel. Asking if they have hard side cases (thinking they might have Aluminum) gets me the response, we have these which have a frame. Thanks.
Next stop Macy's which turns out to have the travelpro and the same Tumi that I had before, they also have Victorinox. Side by side in 22 the TP is smaller than the Tumi. This store also features some new information from the sales person. Travelpro is closing out Platinum 7 soon, that is why we have them on such super sale. She also tells me that a widebody is a bad idea because 20% of her customers have returned wide body luggage, and that Tumi, travelpro and BR are going to stop selling wide bodies because they are a flop.
Finally head out and end up at Edwards luggage; they have Rimowa Topas; which is awesome. So I get the sales guy to open it, and the carry on (the spinner was small), wow this thing is small. The guy also tells me Rimowa is now making Topas in Canada (and he shows me the made in Canada stamp).
So I have him show me the wide bodies and he tells me that same 20-25% of his customers have issue carrying them on.
so at this point I head home empty handed and still don't know what to buy.
I wear a 46 suit jacket and travel with jackets and suits for 4 day trips fairly regularly. I do a couple of international trips a year so that is less of an issue, but I want something that I can always get on a domestic.
Anyone have any thoughts on widebodies either getting phased out or how well they carry on?
When I was at costco yesterday I looked at the kirkland rollaboard, looks pretty neat, but it looks like it would not fit into every overhead and it is a bit heavy.
Costco also had a pallet of the BR 20 widebody rollaboard as well. But in a color that I don't think I could look at for the next 10 years.
Today i decided to go look at both the newest version of my Tavelpro (Plat 7) and some Tumi. So I head to Union Square in San Francisco to do some looking.
First stop the Tumi store; tell the counter guy what I want and he shows me the continental carry on and the 22 inch. I actually really, really liked the Lightweight Continental carry-on and I hit the first of what will become a recurring theme. The sales guy tells me that 20-25% of the people who buy a widebody carry-on tell him that they cannot bring it on board.
Almost next door to Tumi is a Porsche design store, I stop in and look at some great looking luggage, but I would imagine that it would not survive any hard travel. Asking if they have hard side cases (thinking they might have Aluminum) gets me the response, we have these which have a frame. Thanks.
Next stop Macy's which turns out to have the travelpro and the same Tumi that I had before, they also have Victorinox. Side by side in 22 the TP is smaller than the Tumi. This store also features some new information from the sales person. Travelpro is closing out Platinum 7 soon, that is why we have them on such super sale. She also tells me that a widebody is a bad idea because 20% of her customers have returned wide body luggage, and that Tumi, travelpro and BR are going to stop selling wide bodies because they are a flop.
Finally head out and end up at Edwards luggage; they have Rimowa Topas; which is awesome. So I get the sales guy to open it, and the carry on (the spinner was small), wow this thing is small. The guy also tells me Rimowa is now making Topas in Canada (and he shows me the made in Canada stamp).
So I have him show me the wide bodies and he tells me that same 20-25% of his customers have issue carrying them on.
so at this point I head home empty handed and still don't know what to buy.
I wear a 46 suit jacket and travel with jackets and suits for 4 day trips fairly regularly. I do a couple of international trips a year so that is less of an issue, but I want something that I can always get on a domestic.
Anyone have any thoughts on widebodies either getting phased out or how well they carry on?
Aug 5, 2012, 11:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
A " wide-body " carry-on.
This is a new term to this reader, unless you are speaking about carry-on specifically for a wide-body aircraft. It sounds like you are trying to describe a larger size carry-on case, similar to your 10 year old Travelpro. Luggage allowances unfortunately have tightened in recent years, to a smaller size that has not as yet been universally accepted by IATA, or the airline industry. And if they want to they can gate-check your new cabin-case into the hold at the last minute, another recent trend, they do.
The one consistent gem of wisdom you mention in your thread is the repeated rejection stated by the sales staff regarding large sized cabin luggage. Yes, if one reads the various comments here on FT, it is increasing more and more. I would listen to what the sales representatives have to say on the subject if I were making a purchase.
One may think, hope, pray, and light candles on the street corner with offerings, that your new larger or wide-body case, which looks like it will hold more items, MAY somehow be accepted as carry-on by an airline, but today chances are that it will not pass inspection. Not coincidentally there are new "creative" fees for luggage one or two centimeters off, or a slightly overweight, that the airlines have ready for you to pay. New fees are cocked and ready when you approach the counter today.
I think it safe to say that the new smaller minimalist cases, manufactured for airlines (not cars, boats, or jungle-cruises) , are accepted as carry-on up to 21 or 22 inch models for most aircarriers.
Having a number of Rimowa Porsche cases large and small, I must tell you that they are intended for the vehicles first ( in the boot or cargo area ) and airlines not even second, but a distant maybe. I have done it a few times with a Panamera case described as carry-on, but I was taking my chances here. That case is back in the car in the place where it realistically belongs.
Regarding your jacket and a suit, that has changed too. I wear a sized 60 European, which is roughly a 52-54 US. I wear it on, and then fold it and place it over the case in the overhead bin once in my seat. It is either that or inside a garment bag in checked luggage. A good silk or wool blend will handle light folding. Never a problem, but fewer aircraft today have the closet space or even a closet for a garment bag.
This is a new term to this reader, unless you are speaking about carry-on specifically for a wide-body aircraft. It sounds like you are trying to describe a larger size carry-on case, similar to your 10 year old Travelpro. Luggage allowances unfortunately have tightened in recent years, to a smaller size that has not as yet been universally accepted by IATA, or the airline industry. And if they want to they can gate-check your new cabin-case into the hold at the last minute, another recent trend, they do.
The one consistent gem of wisdom you mention in your thread is the repeated rejection stated by the sales staff regarding large sized cabin luggage. Yes, if one reads the various comments here on FT, it is increasing more and more. I would listen to what the sales representatives have to say on the subject if I were making a purchase.
One may think, hope, pray, and light candles on the street corner with offerings, that your new larger or wide-body case, which looks like it will hold more items, MAY somehow be accepted as carry-on by an airline, but today chances are that it will not pass inspection. Not coincidentally there are new "creative" fees for luggage one or two centimeters off, or a slightly overweight, that the airlines have ready for you to pay. New fees are cocked and ready when you approach the counter today.
I think it safe to say that the new smaller minimalist cases, manufactured for airlines (not cars, boats, or jungle-cruises) , are accepted as carry-on up to 21 or 22 inch models for most aircarriers.
Having a number of Rimowa Porsche cases large and small, I must tell you that they are intended for the vehicles first ( in the boot or cargo area ) and airlines not even second, but a distant maybe. I have done it a few times with a Panamera case described as carry-on, but I was taking my chances here. That case is back in the car in the place where it realistically belongs.
Regarding your jacket and a suit, that has changed too. I wear a sized 60 European, which is roughly a 52-54 US. I wear it on, and then fold it and place it over the case in the overhead bin once in my seat. It is either that or inside a garment bag in checked luggage. A good silk or wool blend will handle light folding. Never a problem, but fewer aircraft today have the closet space or even a closet for a garment bag.
Last edited by Swissaire; Aug 5, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Aug 5, 2012, 11:50 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: BUR
Posts: 769
wide body
I think the OP's meaning of wide body is the 15.75 to 16.5 inch wide suitcases instead of the 14 to 14.5 inch that are typically touted as the standard US domestic carry on. I think they are OK. In fact I'd use them if I were a slim guy (or use a time machine to go back about 15 years when I wore size 40 suit jacket). My current 44 size jacket shoulders pinch when I lay it out flat on 20 inch widebodys (unless I do origami technique on the jacket) so I end up preferring the 22 by 14 by 9 which is US domestic size (for the most part).
Checking with the Asian carriers their stated carry on dimension is typically 55 by 40 by 20cm which is 21.7 by 15.7 by 8 inches aprox.
The Tumi lightweight intl 22909DH is almost perfect that purpose..... (notwithstanding any durability issues with Tumi's lately....)
Checking with the Asian carriers their stated carry on dimension is typically 55 by 40 by 20cm which is 21.7 by 15.7 by 8 inches aprox.
The Tumi lightweight intl 22909DH is almost perfect that purpose..... (notwithstanding any durability issues with Tumi's lately....)
Aug 6, 2012, 12:52 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Berlin and Buggenhagen, Germany
Posts: 3,509
Swiss, I am surprised you haven't heard of the wide body type yet. The idea, as Mellon said, is that the bags have the same linear inch measure but are not 14" wide but rather 16". They cut off 2" from the 22" height.
The idea behind it is that it will then fit better wheels first into the bin.
The whole thing came up, IMO, as a result of people wanting high capacity luggage AND wheels. So manufacturers said it was a 22" suitcase but then still had to add wheels and handles. This often made the suitcase too tall to fit wheels first, which we can mostly observe in cheap luggage when boarding. So they cut off two inches on top and added them on the side.
The result is that you lose this nice long 22" dimension to fit a suit or at least fit it easier.
The other result is that it will fit the sizer in one position but not in the other, just as before. So nothing has been gained.
I think the only reasonable thing to do is to perhaps increase depth by one inch and take that inch from the height, giving you a bag that is 21x14x10. This will result in easier wheels first fitting, it will give you almost 200 cubic inches of added space while keeping the same linear measurements and it will not cut the "shoulder room" too severely. Also, most bins in jets the size of a 737 and up can take another inch in depth (10 instead of 9) but are indeed pretty maxed out at 22".
As the Rimowa expert, didn't Rimowa notably come up with such a variation of the cabin case? It's bigger than the IATA and the increased size comes mostly from the depth.
Till
The idea behind it is that it will then fit better wheels first into the bin.
The whole thing came up, IMO, as a result of people wanting high capacity luggage AND wheels. So manufacturers said it was a 22" suitcase but then still had to add wheels and handles. This often made the suitcase too tall to fit wheels first, which we can mostly observe in cheap luggage when boarding. So they cut off two inches on top and added them on the side.
The result is that you lose this nice long 22" dimension to fit a suit or at least fit it easier.
The other result is that it will fit the sizer in one position but not in the other, just as before. So nothing has been gained.
I think the only reasonable thing to do is to perhaps increase depth by one inch and take that inch from the height, giving you a bag that is 21x14x10. This will result in easier wheels first fitting, it will give you almost 200 cubic inches of added space while keeping the same linear measurements and it will not cut the "shoulder room" too severely. Also, most bins in jets the size of a 737 and up can take another inch in depth (10 instead of 9) but are indeed pretty maxed out at 22".
As the Rimowa expert, didn't Rimowa notably come up with such a variation of the cabin case? It's bigger than the IATA and the increased size comes mostly from the depth.
Till
Aug 6, 2012, 8:57 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: AA, United
Posts: 280
Couple of clarifying points, since I in rereading I was distracted by happenings around the house while posting.
1. I do actually mean the 20" widebody carry-on luggage. there are several of them out there. This was more of a question about what experiences have been had trying to get them on the plane, since every sales person was telling me that they had had customers come back and say that they were not allowed to carry them on.
2. I travel with more than one suit on trips where we have extended customer visits, I would prefer not to check but the idea of specialist luggage for that is a great one.
3. Swissaire; I have read your posts re: rimowa with great interest, from a pure form perspective they are unmatched. I was taken aback with how small the carry on was (it was the Topas spinner) and didn't think that I could get all of my trip stuff in it. But when you clarify with the multi-bag strategy it makes sense as to why it is sized the way it is.
Thanks and I hope that this makes more sense.
1. I do actually mean the 20" widebody carry-on luggage. there are several of them out there. This was more of a question about what experiences have been had trying to get them on the plane, since every sales person was telling me that they had had customers come back and say that they were not allowed to carry them on.
2. I travel with more than one suit on trips where we have extended customer visits, I would prefer not to check but the idea of specialist luggage for that is a great one.
3. Swissaire; I have read your posts re: rimowa with great interest, from a pure form perspective they are unmatched. I was taken aback with how small the carry on was (it was the Topas spinner) and didn't think that I could get all of my trip stuff in it. But when you clarify with the multi-bag strategy it makes sense as to why it is sized the way it is.
Thanks and I hope that this makes more sense.
Aug 6, 2012, 11:54 am
#6
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...
Finally head out and end up at Edwards luggage; they have Rimowa Topas; which is awesome. So I get the sales guy to open it, and the carry on (the spinner was small), wow this thing is small. The guy also tells me Rimowa is now making Topas in Canada (and he shows me the made in Canada stamp).
...
Finally head out and end up at Edwards luggage; they have Rimowa Topas; which is awesome. So I get the sales guy to open it, and the carry on (the spinner was small), wow this thing is small. The guy also tells me Rimowa is now making Topas in Canada (and he shows me the made in Canada stamp).
...
It looks too large to be just a distribution centre. So having assembly in Canada would qualify Rimova units made in Canada to enter US duty-free
Aug 6, 2012, 12:01 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
Thank you for clarifying your thread Brentley.
A suggestion: I have a Rimowa garment bag + hanger which fits and velcros into the top lid of the larger aluminum cases. I've found it good for shirts & slacks but only one of my suits. Anything more and I'm in need of a steam iron or cleaners to remove the wrinkles in the fabric.
I can pack a few shirts, a pair of slacks, and one pair of my big shoes in my newer carry-on cases. Not much more in these times of diminishing sized cabine luggage. One might project that in these times of reduced air travel on allowances, we are soon approaching the point of amenity cases on wheels.
Although the Rimowa garment bag is too wide for a carry-on case, it might be helpful to you consider the merits of one to be used in a checked case.The garment bags are the same slippery material as the case liner fabric, include hangers and a poly frame which can be removed, and are sold with a choice of colours.
A suggestion: I have a Rimowa garment bag + hanger which fits and velcros into the top lid of the larger aluminum cases. I've found it good for shirts & slacks but only one of my suits. Anything more and I'm in need of a steam iron or cleaners to remove the wrinkles in the fabric.
I can pack a few shirts, a pair of slacks, and one pair of my big shoes in my newer carry-on cases. Not much more in these times of diminishing sized cabine luggage. One might project that in these times of reduced air travel on allowances, we are soon approaching the point of amenity cases on wheels.
Although the Rimowa garment bag is too wide for a carry-on case, it might be helpful to you consider the merits of one to be used in a checked case.The garment bags are the same slippery material as the case liner fabric, include hangers and a poly frame which can be removed, and are sold with a choice of colours.
Aug 6, 2012, 12:16 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: ua Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Gold, National Executive, Avis First
Posts: 203
There's a 10 page thread about a page back in this forum on the Briggs and Riley 20 inch wide body you can read. I don't believe there are reports of the B+R not fitting non-regional jets. There is a post about the Tumi wide body not fitting Delta's 767. Otherwise I haven't seen the 20-25% numbers.
Aug 7, 2012, 12:26 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
Good evening, as it is 8:27 PM here now.
Yesterday and today I spoke with various Rimowa and LH Worldshop stores regarding any luggage product officially described as " wide-body, " as used in this thread. Had I missed something ? This included a call to the Rimowa store in Beverly Hills, California USA on Rodeo Drive, who were as always most helpful. All quite helpful in fact, but a little bemused by that term.
Alas, no. In short, officially there is no Rimowa " wide-body " product being sold in Europe or North America in French, German, Italian, or English. 14 inch or 16 inch included.
I was told by one Rimowa store employee that " perhaps this is an invention of advertising in the US: Certainly nothing we have officially. " LH Worldshop thought the term was amusing.
Somewhat akin to the wildly exaggerated terms " Ultimate (meaning at the time or until 6 months from now), Approved (by whom ?), Space-age technology ( In what era ?), and Technically Superior " (compared to what, or so stated by which inspection agency).
So I am going to conclude the evening after writing this helpful clarification with a " Wide Body " Nespresso, using "Space Aged technology, and served in a "Approved, Technically Superior " cup.
Officially, it still remains a Nespresso Decafe.
Yesterday and today I spoke with various Rimowa and LH Worldshop stores regarding any luggage product officially described as " wide-body, " as used in this thread. Had I missed something ? This included a call to the Rimowa store in Beverly Hills, California USA on Rodeo Drive, who were as always most helpful. All quite helpful in fact, but a little bemused by that term.
Alas, no. In short, officially there is no Rimowa " wide-body " product being sold in Europe or North America in French, German, Italian, or English. 14 inch or 16 inch included.
I was told by one Rimowa store employee that " perhaps this is an invention of advertising in the US: Certainly nothing we have officially. " LH Worldshop thought the term was amusing.
Somewhat akin to the wildly exaggerated terms " Ultimate (meaning at the time or until 6 months from now), Approved (by whom ?), Space-age technology ( In what era ?), and Technically Superior " (compared to what, or so stated by which inspection agency).
So I am going to conclude the evening after writing this helpful clarification with a " Wide Body " Nespresso, using "Space Aged technology, and served in a "Approved, Technically Superior " cup.
Officially, it still remains a Nespresso Decafe.
Aug 7, 2012, 2:59 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: AA, United
Posts: 280
Good evening, as it is 8:27 PM here now.
Yesterday and today I spoke with various Rimowa and LH Worldshop stores regarding any luggage product officially described as " wide-body, " as used in this thread. Had I missed something ? This included a call to the Rimowa store in Beverly Hills, California USA on Rodeo Drive, who were as always most helpful. All quite helpful in fact, but a little bemused by that term.
Officially, it still remains a Nespresso Decafe.
Yesterday and today I spoke with various Rimowa and LH Worldshop stores regarding any luggage product officially described as " wide-body, " as used in this thread. Had I missed something ? This included a call to the Rimowa store in Beverly Hills, California USA on Rodeo Drive, who were as always most helpful. All quite helpful in fact, but a little bemused by that term.
Officially, it still remains a Nespresso Decafe.
http://www.briggs-riley.com/category...CXW&sec=travel
Is an example of a wide body. Rimowa does not make one; my comments re: Rimowa were about the lack of interior space in the carry on spinner.
enjoy your coffee.
Brentley
Aug 7, 2012, 6:27 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Northern Italian Lakes
Programs: BA, *A, Hertz Goldstar, Mucci wannabee, Waitrose, safari Oleg
Posts: 1,545
If anyone's curious, I suggest you enter "wide body" as a search term onto the home page of ebags.com. A very respectable selection of wide body luggage will then pop up. Cheers. 
Aug 7, 2012, 9:02 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: AA, United
Posts: 280
Honestly I am not sure that I could get a Rimowa even if they made a wide body since I would want a Topas stealth (and my wife would most definitely not want me to have one).
Aug 7, 2012, 11:34 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,305
Now at 07:30 AM (European Summer time GMT+2 ) it is full strength, JP 4.
If you want a Stealth case, it can be done. Find one in alu on Ebay and I'll send you a can of black matte spray finish. Instant stealth. I won't tell a soul.