I bought my B&R 21" expandable roller in 2000. About 3 or 4 years ago the grab strap at the top broke as I was getting off a train in Bremen.

Since the wheels were beginning to squeak somewhat, I sent it in to the national repair facility in Hauppage NY.

It took 5 weeks (they contacted me by phone to warn me, saying that post-Xmas holiday was their busiest time of year).

The case came back looking as new. They proactively replaced all of the straps, re-did a zipper that had a tiny snag, and put on new wheels.

Cost? $29 for me to send it via UPS (they paid to send it back).

The imporrtant thing is, yes, you are paying for the warranty, but they do honor it (even if the airline caused the damage).