mjb24

I started traveling for work 1 year ago. I flew about 70 segments now after doing this for a year, all domestic or Canada. After 1 year the bag I have been using a American Explorer looks in dire need of replacement(I think I got it for free years ago) I measure it at 14" x 23" x 9". The size has been more than enough for me.

I check my bag about 90% of the time. I have free bags with AA and Delta. I fly mostly AA and Southwest. I prefer checking my bag when I can and only carry on when needed.

So if I want a bag that can be checked and not damaged terribly, or should I say the damage won't bother me.

Price under say $400, wouldn't mind buying through AA shopping for some miles.

I would like to stay at my current size or slightly smaller.

It is hard to find recommendations on here since most carry on sized bags people don't seem to check which I much prefer to do.

Barks

Have you looked at eBags? They have their own brand of luggage, and from what I understand, it's rather good. I once ordered the TLS Mother Lode Junior (which is a backpack cum suitcase) and found the quality to be good. I returned it, but only because once it reached me, I found that it was too large for what I wanted. If you want wheels, what about something like this?
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/t...uctid=10186881

If you're interested, and ready to make a decision, they are offering $25 off a $100 purchase until this evening, I think.

mjb24

Thanks, I ordered one and got 7/miles per dollar through AAdvantage. I like I could get odd colors which will make it easier to find in baggage claim. Ordered some packing cubes too. Always wanted to try some. I like that they have free returns.

mbece

Good call ordering from eBags since a decent warranty comes in handy for checked bags.

Barks

I should be their packing cubes poster child. I have tried the slouchy EC (can't remember the line) and some others, and I really prefer the eBags. My husband and I have color-coded sets (his a staid charcoal and mine a fun leopard) and I have decided that I cannot live without them.

I hope you've signed up for emails from eBags. They can be somewhat irritating with their frequency, but I've used some of them for some great discounts.

ShopAround

I always make my eBags purchases through Ebates. The last bag I bought from them had a 10% rebate and the bag was around $150ish, so the extra 10% on top of the Friends and Family discount that was offered at the time made it a pretty good deal. ^

davie355

Travelpro, but not their lightweight collections.

airsupply

American express has been running their AMEX sync offers for ebags seems like every 3- 4 months so watch out for those. Also there is currently Samsonite statement credit offer for $ 30 if you spend $ 150.

oldpenny16

eBags YES. I try to wait for the 15 AA miles per $ via AA eshopping. I have to have one checked bag. For several years that has been the eBags Motherlode Junior. That and many packing cubes by eBags which I prefer to the other brands as they are lighter in weight and machine was very well. Keep on lookout for special limited edition for eBags brand stuff.

mjb24

I just got back last night on my first trip with the new eBags TLS 22". This was only a 3 day trip vs. My usual 5 day ones. I checked it both ways, got the green one by the way. Still looks new.

I really liked the bag and also the packing cubes. I bought a 3 pack of medium but want some more sizes now as well.

And I did sign up for the emails and may buy some more soon.

Thanks everyone for the help

Barks

You are most welcome. I'm glad it performed as you'd hoped.