Cheap Bags vs Quality???
Oct 23, 2014, 3:10 pm
#16
Join Date: Sep 2007
Programs: DL Silver, AS MVP, UA Silver, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, National Exec Elite
Posts: 3,883
The more I think about it (and it probably contradicts my previous statements a bit), for a checked bag I'd probably grab one of the Ricardo polycarbonate spinner bags from Costco ($99 for the 26" + 20" set)... they use the same/similar Hinomoto wheels as Rimowa/B&R/Hartman/Muji, seem to be fairly well molded, and should hold up for several trips before you have to swap for a new one at your local Costco (or get a refund). I'm starting to see that paying-up for polycarbonate spinner luggage looks to be somewhat a waste of money in a way much different from nylon luggage.
Oct 24, 2014, 4:30 am
#17
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SNA
Programs: UA 1K, HH LTD
Posts: 1,782
I used to buy cheap Samsonite bags and the likes, but had to replace them every 6 to 12 months. Since I travel almost every week, it got annoying to have to deal with repairs/replacements. Then I got a Tumi Alpha bag and I have been traveling with it for 5 years without any problems. But as always, YMMV.
Oct 24, 2014, 1:22 pm
#18
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 95
I guess I'll be the one to ask the question on how to go about finding a decent price on more quality luggage, because I'm having a difficult time figuring out how $500 for a checked bag makes sense. I'm thinking that luggage makers debut new bags yearly, and so at some point put their older stuff on clearance/close out. Where do I look for these items? And around what time of year does this generally happen?
You can also find them online, I bought my most recent TravelPro Platinum that way. Web suggests March is the time this will happen.
Regards,
Mike
Oct 24, 2014, 4:12 pm
#19
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
Programs: Amex Plat, AA, BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Choice Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,749
That's right, when new models come in, old ones are put on clearance. You can find them at the local favorite discount store that deal in better brands.
You can also find them online, I bought my most recent TravelPro Platinum that way. Web suggests March is the time this will happen.
Regards,
Mike
You can also find them online, I bought my most recent TravelPro Platinum that way. Web suggests March is the time this will happen.
Regards,
Mike
Oct 25, 2014, 5:15 am
#20
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Anwhere ex-MAN
Programs: A3 *G, BA Silver
Posts: 2,706
For me, eBags own brand is the right balance between performance, price and warranty.
Also not too "flash" to attract baggage envy or attract the unwanted attention of any nefarious baggage handlers.
Also not too "flash" to attract baggage envy or attract the unwanted attention of any nefarious baggage handlers.
Oct 31, 2014, 9:41 am
#21
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SDF
Programs: UA, HH
Posts: 692
Read the review here few weeks back about Ricardo carry on, went to Costco to get it. Saw a set of Ricardos - 20" + 26" - for $99, started to think about that one but decided to wait. Also saw a Samsonite Gravtech set of 21" + 28" for $99, but could not find any reviews or additional info.
Yesterday went to Costco ad noticed that Gravtech set was on sale for $69.99 Could not resist and grabbed it, especially counting Costco's return policy.
Not too concerned about the carry-on, since it is handled a bit better than checked luggage. Have few trips coming up, so will see how it goes.
Yesterday went to Costco ad noticed that Gravtech set was on sale for $69.99 Could not resist and grabbed it, especially counting Costco's return policy.
Not too concerned about the carry-on, since it is handled a bit better than checked luggage. Have few trips coming up, so will see how it goes.
Oct 31, 2014, 10:38 am
#22
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Pt, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC
Posts: 6,091
Good warranty is important to me, whether it's through costco or the manufacturer, as I travel frequently for business.
For family luggage, we travel 1-3x per year, so top of the line stuff is honestly not as important. I feel completely comfortable getting some decent Samsonite or TravelPro stuff on sale. Even if they're only good for 25 trips, that's still a good decade or more of use. If my business luggage lasted 25 trips, I'd be looking at replacing them at least every year or more. We bought some cheapo Samsonite stuff when we were married 11 years ago and are only now getting around to replacing them (although I did use them for business travel for a few years, so they've held up well).
For family luggage, we travel 1-3x per year, so top of the line stuff is honestly not as important. I feel completely comfortable getting some decent Samsonite or TravelPro stuff on sale. Even if they're only good for 25 trips, that's still a good decade or more of use. If my business luggage lasted 25 trips, I'd be looking at replacing them at least every year or more. We bought some cheapo Samsonite stuff when we were married 11 years ago and are only now getting around to replacing them (although I did use them for business travel for a few years, so they've held up well).
Nov 5, 2014, 10:02 pm
#23
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: LAX
Posts: 301
This is essential. I'd always go for quality, but I don't think twice about buying a cheap product if I know it has a great warranty and reputation, because even if I have issues with the quality, there is a peace of mind associated with knowing replacements would be hassle free.