2018 Rimowa is a huge step backwards
#17
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 107
I just purchased my first Rimowa Cabin-S. With high expectations, I am disappointed. It does not seem as high-quality. The interior fabric was coming off on corners, looks like it is just glued there. The exposed aluminum edges look unrefined and the amount of plastic on this bag does not seem to justify the $1100 cost. Maybe at half the price I would use it but I think it may go back.





#18
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: FRA, ATL, IAD, CLT, CHS
Programs: M/M
Posts: 144
What you have pointed out are valid downfalls of the RIMOWA trollies and the assembly process.
The exposed aluminum edges from the titanium or stealth (gold or black) alumnium trollies is a result of the color applied, only to the surface of the aluminum sheets.
Unfortunately, all aluminum for their trollies arrives in industrial rolls, at their factories, in their original aluminum finish.
Yes, the interior lining is applied and fixed with adhesive bonding.
If the lining is coming undone, I noticed that you have the current generation Cabin; bring the trolley in-store for a warranty repair request to have the lining repaired.
After their last price increase, I would never pay full retail price for their trollies. As you have pointed out, I do not see the value with the MSRP applied.
At 30-40% off MSRP, RIMOWA is my primary choice, all the way.
The exposed aluminum edges from the titanium or stealth (gold or black) alumnium trollies is a result of the color applied, only to the surface of the aluminum sheets.
Unfortunately, all aluminum for their trollies arrives in industrial rolls, at their factories, in their original aluminum finish.
Yes, the interior lining is applied and fixed with adhesive bonding.
If the lining is coming undone, I noticed that you have the current generation Cabin; bring the trolley in-store for a warranty repair request to have the lining repaired.
After their last price increase, I would never pay full retail price for their trollies. As you have pointed out, I do not see the value with the MSRP applied.
At 30-40% off MSRP, RIMOWA is my primary choice, all the way.
#20
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: FRA, ATL, IAD, CLT, CHS
Programs: M/M
Posts: 144
I'm a fan of RIMOWA (pre-2018 LVMH acquisition), and Tumi (pre-2017 Samsonite acquisition; prefer pre-2001 quality).
However, i'm not a fan of their current collections or line-up. For both brands, never full retail, only at a discount. I can't justify the price point of Tumi, when their products are manufactured in China. RIMOWA is more understandable with higher labor costs in Germany and Canada.
Both brands travel with me consistently, each with their pros and cons.
However, i'm not a fan of their current collections or line-up. For both brands, never full retail, only at a discount. I can't justify the price point of Tumi, when their products are manufactured in China. RIMOWA is more understandable with higher labor costs in Germany and Canada.
Both brands travel with me consistently, each with their pros and cons.

#22
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: FRA, ATL, IAD, CLT, CHS
Programs: M/M
Posts: 144
City Stickers are available at flagship retail RIMOWA stores.
Selection is limited, as not all city stickers are available at each store.
You do have to pay for the city stickers, unlike before LVMH-acquisition when the stickers were free.
However, I do like the post-LVMH sticker designs more, they just come at a price now.
I do have extra "Cologne" city stickers.
Selection is limited, as not all city stickers are available at each store.
You do have to pay for the city stickers, unlike before LVMH-acquisition when the stickers were free.
However, I do like the post-LVMH sticker designs more, they just come at a price now.
I do have extra "Cologne" city stickers.

#23
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: home since March
Programs: BA Meltdown soft-landed Silver, OZ♦+ (BR/UA), B6 Mosaic, WoH♦, Mlife Noir, TR 7*
Posts: 5,645
I agree with others that paying MSRP is very poor value.
#24
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK, EWR)
Programs: Delta Gold, AAdvantage Gold, Marriott/Hilton Gold, AMEX Membership Rewards
Posts: 2,093
After several years, it is time for me to replace my IATA Polycarbonate Cabin - i need the larger size, and the wheels are starting to go. A new aluminium Rimowa seems like it would be a good choice. I own a new-stock polycarbonate, but it doesn't seem as study as my old one. It is difficult to justify $1,000+ for the Rimowa when the Away Aluminum costs $500...
I may just stick with Rimowa Polycarbonate as I don't like how the Away bags look...
I may just stick with Rimowa Polycarbonate as I don't like how the Away bags look...
#25
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: NW Ohio & Sri Lanka
Posts: 332
Dubai Titanium Edition of Cabin Carryon
Wife and I were in Dubai last week with the grandkids and while at the Dubai mall, I just had to go into the Flagship Rimowa Store. They had things I never seen before like phone covers, luggage straps and many many stickers from around the world to add to your luggage. I am going to try and post picture here of what I came home with if my pictures show up... Yes full retail, however we did get back 88% of tax back at airport on the spot credited back to me CC.. They make it very very easy to get your tax refund. One of those luggage belts set me back USD$250.00
Last edited by bulbmogul; Jul 30, 19 at 3:30 pm Reason: pictures not loading
#27
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: NW Ohio & Sri Lanka
Posts: 332
For some reason I am unable to get my pictures to show up at all. I signed out and signed back in but with no luck. Well they are Straps that go around your luggage for keeping the case secure if maxed out I assume. They come in all different colors and to me are more for looks then anything else. They are made extremely well but surely not $250.00 worth..

#28
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: NW Ohio & Sri Lanka
Posts: 332
Wife and I were in Dubai last week with the grandkids and while at the Dubai mall, I just had to go into the Flagship Rimowa Store. They had things I never seen before like phone covers, luggage straps and many many stickers from around the world to add to your luggage. I am going to try and post picture here of what I came home with if my pictures show up... Yes full retail, however we did get back 88% of tax back at airport on the spot credited back to me CC.. They make it very very easy to get your tax refund. One of those luggage belts set me back USD$250.00


