My trusty Costco special checked suitcase finally broke after many years of service. It's a hardside, and it finally cracked.

I do not travel much by comparison to many here. (Might finally miss the bar for Delta Silver Medallion this year.) However, when I travel I often pack a bunch for outdoor activities and sometimes go over 50 lb. I like the appeal of a lifetime warranty because I'm probably fairly hard on luggage.

I've had this old FT thread bookmarked for many years for when this day came. However it seems that the Travelpro warranty isn't what it used to be from some comments here.

For those with the Platinum Elite, how has the service been for getting repairs? There's a Travelpro repair center in town that would be convenient for dropping off and not having to pay shipping.

I was eyeing this PlatinumŽ Elite Large Check-In Expandable Hardside Spinner. (I see that the NYT Wirecutter recommends the soft-sided luggage but they use leather accents.)

Or is it worth it to just go full bore and get the and never have to worry about a checked suitcase ever again? Is the B&R warranty worth an extra $470 more?