Best Luggage
#91
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
#92
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Florida
Programs: DL Diamond // Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 169
Delta - md88 & BR 22"
I have a B&R #U422NX expandable 22" rollerboard. I love the bag but the REAL size is 8.5 x 14.5 x 23". It does NOT fit in 2/3's of the overhead compartments wheels in first. I have to put it sideways. Fortunately for me I get priority boarding so so far it hasn't screwed me over but I'd bet it has screwed someone else over at some point. One time someone did flip my bag wheels in first after I put it in sideways. I very closely almost got screwed.
I wrote B&R and they replied:
"Briggs & Riley measures our luggage by the packing capacity. Most airlines have a 45 linear inch rule. This means that if you add up all three dimensions you need to get 45” or less. The total measurement of the bag is 44.5 linear inches. Therefore, making the luggage a carry-on. "
United has this as well as the normal 9x14x22". This bag conforms to neither of those restrictions. Yes, I should have tried it out ahead of time but I feel the labeling of this bag is flat out wrong. I continue to use the bag but wish others had pointed this out to me and stupid for taking B&R's word on it.
Anyone else have this experience? (note, I did try wheels up/down, wheels in first/outward and all combinations, none work)
I wrote B&R and they replied:
"Briggs & Riley measures our luggage by the packing capacity. Most airlines have a 45 linear inch rule. This means that if you add up all three dimensions you need to get 45” or less. The total measurement of the bag is 44.5 linear inches. Therefore, making the luggage a carry-on. "
United has this as well as the normal 9x14x22". This bag conforms to neither of those restrictions. Yes, I should have tried it out ahead of time but I feel the labeling of this bag is flat out wrong. I continue to use the bag but wish others had pointed this out to me and stupid for taking B&R's word on it.
Anyone else have this experience? (note, I did try wheels up/down, wheels in first/outward and all combinations, none work)
#93
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MEL/LAX
Programs: AAdv GLD(MM), QF LTS, UA MP_nada, HH Gld, SPG, GoldenCircle Jade
Posts: 4,472
#94
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 1999
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 15,352
I have a Briggs and Riley. It's been sent back for repairs 3 times and each time I had to do without my bag for a few weeks.
My current favorite is a Tumi Gen 4 ballistic nylon. Tumi is expensive, but I find it better made than B&R. Everyone always talks up the B&R warranty, but it's not something I want to use again and again and again and again.
I have a 22" rollaboard Tumi, a small briefcase, and a wheeled briefcase. Both briefcases fit on top of the rollaboard and are balanced perfectly when wheeled.
My current favorite is a Tumi Gen 4 ballistic nylon. Tumi is expensive, but I find it better made than B&R. Everyone always talks up the B&R warranty, but it's not something I want to use again and again and again and again.
I have a 22" rollaboard Tumi, a small briefcase, and a wheeled briefcase. Both briefcases fit on top of the rollaboard and are balanced perfectly when wheeled.
#95
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,123
I'd have to go with Tumi also. I have a couple of Tumi pieces one of which is designed to be "lightweight" and it very much is. ^^
I check it regularly, and other than normal scuffing and cosmetic issues you expect when checking a bag, it has held up far longer than my other pieces of luggage. I remember when I first bought it, how impressed with how well it is made, especially since it is supposed to be a "lightweight" model. Best yet - I bought it for half price at the Tumi outlet. My only regret is that I had a few other Tumi pieces that I paid full-price for before I discovered the outlet.
I used to be a TravelPro junkie and now I view that line as a bunch of junk compared to Tumi. Even if you just visually compare the two, there is a striking difference in how much better made the Tumi is.
I check it regularly, and other than normal scuffing and cosmetic issues you expect when checking a bag, it has held up far longer than my other pieces of luggage. I remember when I first bought it, how impressed with how well it is made, especially since it is supposed to be a "lightweight" model. Best yet - I bought it for half price at the Tumi outlet. My only regret is that I had a few other Tumi pieces that I paid full-price for before I discovered the outlet.
I used to be a TravelPro junkie and now I view that line as a bunch of junk compared to Tumi. Even if you just visually compare the two, there is a striking difference in how much better made the Tumi is.
#96
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
I'd have to go with Tumi also. I have a couple of Tumi pieces one of which is designed to be "lightweight" and it very much is. ^^
I check it regularly, and other than normal scuffing and cosmetic issues you expect when checking a bag, it has held up far longer than my other pieces of luggage. I remember when I first bought it, how impressed with how well it is made, especially since it is supposed to be a "lightweight" model. Best yet - I bought it for half price at the Tumi outlet. My only regret is that I had a few other Tumi pieces that I paid full-price for before I discovered the outlet.
I used to be a TravelPro junkie and now I view that line as a bunch of junk compared to Tumi. Even if you just visually compare the two, there is a striking difference in how much better made the Tumi is.
I check it regularly, and other than normal scuffing and cosmetic issues you expect when checking a bag, it has held up far longer than my other pieces of luggage. I remember when I first bought it, how impressed with how well it is made, especially since it is supposed to be a "lightweight" model. Best yet - I bought it for half price at the Tumi outlet. My only regret is that I had a few other Tumi pieces that I paid full-price for before I discovered the outlet.
I used to be a TravelPro junkie and now I view that line as a bunch of junk compared to Tumi. Even if you just visually compare the two, there is a striking difference in how much better made the Tumi is.
I think B&R has a sensational warranty policy and good construction but I think they are relatively incompetent at design. I have a B&R 21" vertical garment bag which I wanted for short trips with 1 suit. It rumples one suit. The center of gravity of the bag is awkward so it is not nearly as easy to maneuver as the Travelpro. I looked at the B&R compact garment bag and it is not quite long enough for my suits (I'm 6'1" or so, which is tall but not unusually so).
I'm still working on a bag that will carry both my laptop and one suit that will fit in the UK sizers for when I go to and through Heathrow. Unfortunately B&R appears to make two of the three that might work.
Last edited by shawbridge; Sep 30, 2007 at 10:58 am
#97
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,123
Well, I first became a TravelPro fan because my first roll-aboard TravelPro bag purchased more than 10 years ago has really stood up. Since then, I've purchased a large suitcase, another 2 rollaboards, and a rolling garment bag. Unfortunately, I think TP is just starting to make junk now, in contrast to the original pieces they used to come out with.
One of the TP roll-aboards fell apart with only 8 months of use, the rolling garment bag's zipper came off the track after only 3 uses. The other (small) roll-aboard and the orginal TP bag I still have and can still use, but these are older models, and probably made when TP used to care.
Since then, I've purchased a medium sized Tumi suitcase, a roll-aboard, and laptop bag. I find that the Tumi rolls easier and smoother and seems to take much more abuse in handling than my newer TP's. Also, the way things are fastened and secured (like the handle, trim, wheels, etc) seem much sturdier and more secure. So far, I'm sold.
As an aside, duffle-bag wise, I've been very happy with LL Bean versions, both wheeled and unwheeled. These things have taken a lot of abuse (including being carried up Kilimanjaro by porters and carted around on camels in India, as well as numerous diving trips and being checked-in many times over the years) and every duffle I have is near-new condition. (My oldest duffle is more than 10 years old) Where some of my other duffles have fallen apart having not even been checked in, the LL Bean duffles have really withstood the test of time and rigourous use. I highly recommend them. (I have four LL Bean bags purchased over the years - 2 Large (one wheeled and one without) and 2 Medium (one wheeled and one without))
One of the TP roll-aboards fell apart with only 8 months of use, the rolling garment bag's zipper came off the track after only 3 uses. The other (small) roll-aboard and the orginal TP bag I still have and can still use, but these are older models, and probably made when TP used to care.
Since then, I've purchased a medium sized Tumi suitcase, a roll-aboard, and laptop bag. I find that the Tumi rolls easier and smoother and seems to take much more abuse in handling than my newer TP's. Also, the way things are fastened and secured (like the handle, trim, wheels, etc) seem much sturdier and more secure. So far, I'm sold.
As an aside, duffle-bag wise, I've been very happy with LL Bean versions, both wheeled and unwheeled. These things have taken a lot of abuse (including being carried up Kilimanjaro by porters and carted around on camels in India, as well as numerous diving trips and being checked-in many times over the years) and every duffle I have is near-new condition. (My oldest duffle is more than 10 years old) Where some of my other duffles have fallen apart having not even been checked in, the LL Bean duffles have really withstood the test of time and rigourous use. I highly recommend them. (I have four LL Bean bags purchased over the years - 2 Large (one wheeled and one without) and 2 Medium (one wheeled and one without))
#99
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: AA EXP 2.2M, SPG Platinum
Posts: 61
Has anyone looked into the Tourbach line from Victorinox? I was bored the other day and stopped in Bag n' Baggage to check out the latest and greatest. The sales rep told me that in his opinion, the Tourbach line of bags is currently the best on the market. I looked at various Tumi, B&R, and Victorinox and the bag did seem pretty well put together and thought out. Supposedly, the warranty is designed to compete with B&R. From the Victorinox website, here is the warranty:
"The Carry With Confidence™ Guarantee also covers repairs of a functional nature if the damage is caused by a common carrier through abuse or mishandling of your bag. This guarantee does not cover damage from ordinary wear and tear or the contents of your product."
Anyone care to share their thoughts on this bag?
"The Carry With Confidence™ Guarantee also covers repairs of a functional nature if the damage is caused by a common carrier through abuse or mishandling of your bag. This guarantee does not cover damage from ordinary wear and tear or the contents of your product."
Anyone care to share their thoughts on this bag?
#100
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Florida
Programs: DL Diamond // Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 169
Sumdex 22"
http://www.ebags.com/sumdex/altitude...?modelid=67096
Solo / US Luggage 22"
http://www.ebags.com/us_luggage_solo...?modelid=55718
Briggs & Riley @Work 20" Upright Business Traveler
http://www.ebags.com/briggs_riley/wo...?modelid=60000
or even Ebag's own
http://www.ebags.com/ebags/pilot_plu...?modelid=63463
Victorinox Tourbach™ 22" Expandable Upright
http://www.ebags.com/victorinox_swis...?modelid=79577
Victorinox Swiss Army Mobilizer NXT® Collection Mobilizer 22in.
http://www.luggageonline.com/allrevi...roduct_ID=4701
You probably find cheaper prices if you search on ebay or google product section
I would be interested in what you decide.
Cheers
Last edited by fb3003; Oct 6, 2007 at 3:34 pm Reason: add another option
#101
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Florida
Programs: DL Diamond // Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 169
Has anyone looked into the Tourbach line from Victorinox? I was bored the other day and stopped in Bag n' Baggage to check out the latest and greatest. The sales rep told me that in his opinion, the Tourbach line of bags is currently the best on the market. I looked at various Tumi, B&R, and Victorinox and the bag did seem pretty well put together and thought out. Supposedly, the warranty is designed to compete with B&R. ...
on ebag website, it says:
"Front, quick-access pocket with custom removable key ring is perfect for boarding passes and other small items that need stashing"... do you remember if this was big enough to fit few liquid items for quick access for security line?
bit on a pricey side too!
#102
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
Perhaps, these 2 might help
Sumdex 22"
http://www.ebags.com/sumdex/altitude...?modelid=67096
Solo / US Luggage 22"
http://www.ebags.com/us_luggage_solo...?modelid=55718
Briggs & Riley @Work 20" Upright Business Traveler
http://www.ebags.com/briggs_riley/wo...?modelid=60000
or even Ebag's own
http://www.ebags.com/ebags/pilot_plu...?modelid=63463
Victorinox Tourbach™ 22" Expandable Upright
http://www.ebags.com/victorinox_swis...?modelid=79577
You probably find cheaper prices if you search on ebay or google product section
I would be interested in what you decide.
Cheers
Sumdex 22"
http://www.ebags.com/sumdex/altitude...?modelid=67096
Solo / US Luggage 22"
http://www.ebags.com/us_luggage_solo...?modelid=55718
Briggs & Riley @Work 20" Upright Business Traveler
http://www.ebags.com/briggs_riley/wo...?modelid=60000
or even Ebag's own
http://www.ebags.com/ebags/pilot_plu...?modelid=63463
Victorinox Tourbach™ 22" Expandable Upright
http://www.ebags.com/victorinox_swis...?modelid=79577
You probably find cheaper prices if you search on ebay or google product section
I would be interested in what you decide.
Cheers
#104
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Florida
Programs: DL Diamond // Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 169
Based on my own exp and what I have read, most bags advertise the inside dimension, which is kind of misleading...
Thanks..
#105
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: BOS
Programs: BA GLD for LIfe, AA PLT 2 MM miler, B6 Mosaic, Star GLD; HH Diamond; Marriott PLT, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,368
would appreciate it if you could let us know of its "true" dimensions and not the advertised one. Meaning if you place the bag against the wall, what is the distance from the top of the bag to the bottom of the wheels. Same with W and D.
Based on my own exp and what I have read, most bags advertise the inside dimension, which is kind of misleading...
Thanks..
Based on my own exp and what I have read, most bags advertise the inside dimension, which is kind of misleading...
Thanks..