Originally Posted by
John26
The amount they offer towards replacement will most likely be on the low side. It's the same with other domestic carriers (and many int'l ones). As the see it, you are getting "use" out of the new bag so they don't want to pick up the entire price of the new bag.
Personally I recommend something completely different: The Kirkland Signature bags from Costco have a lifetime warranty. No receipt required. Even when I worked for UA this is what I used (and some FAs do too since the quality is better than the TravelPro junk UA forces it's FAs to buy when they are first hired).
UA's baggage belts tore the zipper tabs off, making it just about impossible to open or shut the bags. Took 'em back to Costco and they just issued a Costco Cash Card for the original amount paid (which I used to buy 2 more bags that now are built with stronger zipper tabs).
A little off topic, but I'm always amazed when I see designer luggage in the airport (especially after seeing what the bags go through on the ramp). It's like parking your Bentley on the street in San Francisco (just waiting to get dinged).
LOL. I understand your perspective, but I don't agree with the comparison with a Bentely. Couple of reasons. Hartmann is not "designer" luggage. Little cashe associted with the brand but it is know for durablity and classic stye. Now if you were talking LV etc. I could understand the point.
The OP had an extreme case of luggage abuse. Hartmann, as a general rule is far more durable than the average luggage and the higher pice point is often more than payed back in the durabilitiy. I've had several H bags over the the years and I find I get 2 to 3 times more life out of the bags than cheaper pieces.
On a more comical (but true note), it's also important that my luggage match the overall look of professionalims and style that fits my profession and other travel accessories. Costco won't do that.
