Why do luggage manufacturers keep making the same mistakes?
#47
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 77
What do the airline crews use? I might just look into those since they travel DAILY
I always see them with fairly sturdy looking black carry-ons with single-direction wheels..which actually says alot to me.
I think the modern trend of 360-free-wheeling wheels are quite flimsy and likely prone to wear and break if used long time. It's convenient to be able to roll a luggage upright in any direction but I think the durability suffers quite a bit and maybe this is why you never see any airline crew use these types of luggage....
I always see them with fairly sturdy looking black carry-ons with single-direction wheels..which actually says alot to me.
I think the modern trend of 360-free-wheeling wheels are quite flimsy and likely prone to wear and break if used long time. It's convenient to be able to roll a luggage upright in any direction but I think the durability suffers quite a bit and maybe this is why you never see any airline crew use these types of luggage....
#48
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: United 1K, AA Exec P, Lifetime Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Avis Pres. Club, Hertz Gold
Posts: 94
I'm sorry, but I had a tough time reading this through the self-righteousness... perhaps you'd care to try again?
True story - two weeks ago I'm in Peru on business. There's a general strike, and rather than being driven to the airport, I join a long line of travelers WALKING the last mile.
Let me remind you - I'm in Peru. Cobblestones. Narrow streets. Dirt, dust, heat - and I'm at altitude.
As it was, I popped my Gate8 Cabinmate on my back, deployed the backpack straps, and took off. Wandered right through the crowds, over the cobblestones, over the broken curbs... and caught my flight. If I solely had wheeled luggage, I'd still be there, crying in a tired, dusty heap.
#49
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,266
Other facts:
Areas where wheels are a hindrance:
- Lugging your bag unto a bus.
- taking your bag across a sidewalk.
- walking across snow.
- walking across grass.
- walking across cobblestones.
- walking across carpet.
- dealing with a broken wheel.
- navigating down a narrow aircraft aisle.
Areas where wheels are 'caveman superior'
- perfectly smooth airport terminals.
And.... we're done.
Thanks for playing.
Areas where wheels are a hindrance:
- Lugging your bag unto a bus.
- taking your bag across a sidewalk.
- walking across snow.
- walking across grass.
- walking across cobblestones.
- walking across carpet.
- dealing with a broken wheel.
- navigating down a narrow aircraft aisle.
Areas where wheels are 'caveman superior'
- perfectly smooth airport terminals.
And.... we're done.
Thanks for playing.
#50
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: 42.1% in PDX , 49.9% in PVG & 8% in the air somewhere
Programs: Marriott Ambassador Elite, UA 1K, AS MVP GLD 75K, DL Pt
Posts: 1,086
Other facts:
Areas where wheels are a hindrance:
- Lugging your bag unto a bus.
- taking your bag across a sidewalk.
- walking across snow.
- walking across grass.
- walking across cobblestones.
- walking across carpet.
- dealing with a broken wheel.
- navigating down a narrow aircraft aisle.
Areas where wheels are 'caveman superior'
- perfectly smooth airport terminals.
And.... we're done.
Thanks for playing.
Areas where wheels are a hindrance:
- Lugging your bag unto a bus.
- taking your bag across a sidewalk.
- walking across snow.
- walking across grass.
- walking across cobblestones.
- walking across carpet.
- dealing with a broken wheel.
- navigating down a narrow aircraft aisle.
Areas where wheels are 'caveman superior'
- perfectly smooth airport terminals.
And.... we're done.
Thanks for playing.
I agree that spinning wheels are more prone to breakage, but shouldn't the buyer choose with end usage and risk in mind.
It is early in my B&R life, but so far the spinners beat out my two decade hold Hartmann two wheeler I know for many $ is important, then again balance the value, sometimes you got to pay a lot for something, for some worth it, others have their other values.
#51
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: Fallen DL DM (PM) 2MM
Posts: 4,783
My bag doesn't levitate, it is comfortably on my back so when I need to get on a bus or train I just get on. When I come to some construction and am forced onto an uneven cobblestone street, I just keep going. Stairs ahead? No problem.
Somebody made a snark about chiropractors upthread -- I would guess if you routinely use a backpack style bag you likely have less chance of hurting your back -- you are exercising your core muscles as you carry. You're more likely to have issues lifting that heavy roller into the overhead.
I would say, though, that is argument is silly -- different people have different needs. If you always go from plane to taxi/Uber/Lyft to your chain hotel and back then a roller (or spinner) will work for you.
If you travel as I do (and as some of the other no wheelers who posted here) I am taking public transportation to my charming, out of the way hotel in a cobblestoned European city. A roller is a problem and a spinner nigh impossible. That is not even considering train/subway stations (or hotels) with out elevators or escalators.
The key is getting a bag with good backpack straps and good weight distribution. I got some tips from a friend who is a serious backpacker and that helped a lot.
And BTW, I am a 60+ overweight, fairly out of shape person. If I can lose the wheels then most anybody can.
#52
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SMF
Programs: MR Platinum
Posts: 407
Asian carriers commonly limit weight allowances for carry-ons. EVA allows 7kg or 15 pounds. I fly that airline enough that I have changed my carry-on to ditch the wheels. I think having a bag that can be carried as a backpack is a definite advantage.
#53
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 314
I always got the impression that weighing hand luggage was pretty common practice especially on intra country or intra region flights.
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LON, ACK, BOS..... (Not necessarily in that order)
Programs: **Mucci Diamond Hairbrush** - compared to that nothing else matters (+BA Bronze)
Posts: 15,129
Except that I consider a 9+lb bag with wheels and a handle, which reduce useable volume and add needless weight, non-functional.
And, if I do carry a sport coat, it is folded, cinched and packed such that it does not move or get wrinkled. The last thing I would want to do would be to remove it from the bag and then refold and it pack it again. Also, I do not own a sport coat that weighs 5lbs and if you do it must be lead-lined.
And, if I do carry a sport coat, it is folded, cinched and packed such that it does not move or get wrinkled. The last thing I would want to do would be to remove it from the bag and then refold and it pack it again. Also, I do not own a sport coat that weighs 5lbs and if you do it must be lead-lined.
is the fact that it has wheels, handle, and a flat base. That, the recommendations about the brand on here and the warranty were what sold it to me Whilst I'll happily admit that it isn't the lightest thing out there it is built to last. It does also come with a lifetime warranty just in case. Although this won't be to the taste of everyone it was to me.