Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
I bought a Platinum Elite instead of the B&R. It's a very nice bag at half the price. The USB gizmo is kind of pointless, but it's basically just an internal USB cable and port, so it's negligible weight. The bag does include a built-in suit organizer, and they have a video on the website on how to use it. You can buy an aftermarket backpack clip if you want one. And it does have the expansion zipper, so if you have extra stuff you can pack and close it with the expansion expanded, then sit on it or push on it and close the zipper.
Even if it doesn't last 10+ years like the B&R might, at this price you could just buy a new one sooner.
My only real issue is that TravelPro bags are all slightly oversized and foreign airlines might make you check them. But it hasn't happened to me yet.
I am leaning in same direction after much reading. After discounts, the price difference is substantial.
Incase, the TP suitcase requires repair, must I ship it or dropping at an authorized repair center is enough? Even though these might be 3rd party repair shops and not actually owned by TravelPro.... Shipping costs probably aren't really cheap for a suitcase.
Mrs CnO had an issue with her Samsonite and she dropped it at their retail store. They took it from there and few weeks later, we had a replacement bag.