Originally Posted by
vs_itsallgood
Here's my earnest advice to you. Go with two or three smaller bags. Why?
First, a fully-loaded beach-bound bag that size is a gutbuster to lift. Empty it has serious heft. Full it's a hernia in progress. A bag this size won't even GET on many carriers if you choose to go ex-domestic without some serious money changing hands, if they choose to take it at all. Then you'll get dinged for the weight on top of that. You're going to be flirting with the domestic weight limit as it is, and a heavy bag just means more moolah you'll spend with the airline. Wouldn't you rather spend it after arrival?
Second, most cars in Hawaii and other vacation destinations are subcompacts-unless you are paying for a larger vehicle a bag this large just won't fit in. Two smaller ones usually will. Don't even think of getting something this size on public transport. Add the cost of private transport in and you'll quickly see one big bag is a bad bargain.
Third, if everyone's belongings are in ONE bag, guess which bag on your flight will go to Sweden while you're in Kauai? If it's spread out in two bags, and you pack items for all family members in each bag, you'll have at least a limited wardrobe for everyone to last until the second bag shows up. Never ever pack items for only one member of a family in one bag on a family trip - ditto for toys and child-friendly items. Mom or Dad or Number One Son/Daughter might be all set, but the rest of you will have a miserable time. Spread it out. Do the same for carry-ons as well. Trust me.
Fourth, unless you have a pressing need to store such a behemoth in your house, never underestimate the sheer annoyance of that one big bag to drive you nuts the 50 weeks of the year it's not in use.
Big is not always better. Oldpenny16 is right - use that child baggage allowance and everyone will be much happier!
In general your points are all well and good but I think you overestimate the size of a 29 incher like what he proposes. I have three bags that are more than 65 linear inches (the usual max check-in size). The biggest can be a pain in the trunk of a mid-size car and in public transport. The second biggest (a Rimowa multi-wheel trolley) will fit in the trunk of a mid-size car and is alright to be rolled over large distances and easy to maneuver even on public transport. The third bag is the EC ORV Super trunk which I recommended above. It will fit in the trunk of even a small car and thanks to its small footprint will not be bothering anyone on public transport.
I have never had any problem checking these bags for size. Not once. I did overpack once or twice, the first time when they changed the luggage limit from 32 to 23kg. I was ripped off at the time because I should have said that I bought the ticket under the old rule but didn't think of that. Ever since I weigh my luggage at home.
I would recommend a 26 incher or even two expendable 24" models over a single 29", just like you, though, and for the same reasons.
Till