Over the past 40 years I've traveled with about every brand of bag there is... Lately, I'm partial to the bags I've bought at Costco... All are rollers, and some have accompanied me on all types of travel, under all types of weather conditions. Before each trip I use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten all the screws on and in each bag. I also use outside straps, unique in color (bought in China) that add another layer of security and make it easy to pick out my bags on a luggage carousel. I also always pack a soft sided bag inside in case I need more room for items purchased on the trip. Make sure you take extra straps and locks for the extra bag! As far a carry-on... I actually have changed recently from a hand-carry bag to a good, solid Timberland backpack. It gives you the chance to keep your hands free and you can pack a lot of stuff inside. Make sure you take a change of clothes and your meds... The meds should be in original prescription bottles to avoid arrival Customs problems.

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AA 3MM+ Lifetime Plat... Also UA 1.5 MM and many miles in DL, QF, CX, WN, AL, BA, HA and CO programs. My first commercial flight was an Eastern Airlines Lockheed Tristar... My second was a AA DC3! How about a Capitol Airlines DC7C, a National Lockheed Electra or a Piedmont YS11? I've flown Braniff, PSA, Pan Am and a lot of other old birds... Am I old or what?