The best rolling upright carry-on
 

I've done a search and haven't seen this topic recently, hence my post:

My rolling carry-on for the last eight years has finally started to show its wear after many, many miles. I travel a couple time a month on both domestic and international business travel and my carry-on is very important to me. I try to avoid checking anything, even for longer international trips (provided I can do laundry while traveling).

The bag that I'm going to have to give up is ideal for me: it's exactly 22x14x9 and basically box-like for ultimate packing flexibility inside.

In my shopping for a new carry-on bag, I've noticed that most of them are not exactly 22x14x9, even though they are advertised as such. In some cases, the depth is as little as 6.5". I suppose you could stuff it full and get to the 9", but I'm really looking for a bag that's like my old one.

Does anyone have a suggestion for the best constructed, most reliable, and maximum sized rolling carry-on suited for a frequent traveler?

Thanks in advance for your opinions...

peaks

This is an area that you must see and feel. Is the bag too heavy? Are the wheels to close together (and wobbles as a result if you walk too fast).

For checked luggage, I prefer cheaper luggage because all luggage get roughly treated. For carryon luggage, such as a smaller rollerbag, one could justify a more expensive bag if it has good features.

I can't say its "the best" but I've been very happy with the Costco bag that was about $89. Great wheels, and when you take all the inserts out, a decent amount of room. After a couple of years, its still in very decent shape (maybe 250K to 300K miles including plenty of wheeling around eurostreets). I'm sure that there are $300+ bags out there that are "better" but I don't think I'd be spending that kind of $ when $89 works very well.

My carryon is plastic hard-sided silver color. But the beauty is it has 4 swivel wheels on the bottom. It NEVER tips over. Right, left, foward, back, at an angle, or in circles.

In Coach you can wheel it down the aisle, at your seat just push it sideways,lower the handle, then roll it under the seat.

It was a emergency purchase in Italy.

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lili,
shopping her way to first class

For rollaboards,definitely TUMI. Unfortunately a bit pricy but definitely woth it IMHO.

I agree with the above poster regarding checked luggage though, no need to spend too much in that department as it will certainly get roughed up very quickly.

Also Costco provides money back refund if the bag fails prematurely. I spent $40 for a Ross rolling luggage that fits very nicely in all large jets except CRJ's, and has taken tons of abuse and still works great. It's the best $40 I've ever spent in my life.

I purchased a Skyway bag at ebags.com last year which is very similar to the one you described... and the capacity is 19x13x9, which only loses an inch. It also has a zipper for expansion if you need it. I've been very happy with it and paid around $65.

The bag you want is the Briggs & Riley 21" expandable vertical with garment carrier. Note that it is not officially approved as carryon because it's really 22" long. However, you won't have any problem.

Sturdier than Tumi, lifetime warranty, and if you have too much crap to bring back it expands and you can check it.

Many FlyerTalkers swear by B&R. It's currently on sale at EBags: http://www.ebags.com/products/index....0_Link=Details

I am somewhat of a luggage junkie and take a visit to the luggage stores to window shop any chance I get. My current roll-aboard (by Connections) has been quite a trooper and it's a very simple case.

Here are the features I always look for:

1) Try the handle on the suitcase. Does it release easily? Many of the new Samsonite cases have buttons that must be pushed to release the handle -- I find these awkward. Also, make sure the handle is long enough so you aren't kicking the suitcase as you walk along. Does the handle click or lock into place when fully extended? Sometimes I like to lean lightly on it while I'm waiting and don't want it to fall back into the suitcase. The locking mechanism should be sturdy. How is the handle itself attached to the extending bars? Make sure it is firmly attached with screws -- sometimes those puppies can just fly off as you're running down the concourse!

2) Examine the wheels. Obviously, this is the most important part of a roll-aboard suitcase. I've always found that wheels literally built into the case itself (i.e. only a small portion is showing) are the best. Wheels that protrude too much or that are simply fixtures break off too easily with rough baggage handling. Plus, they take up more room in the overhead bins.

3) Look for a "rounded" frame. That's my own term. Most of the suitcases these days are built with a frame that goes around the width of the suitcase. I've always found that suitcases with a frame around the length of the suitcase (a) look more streamlined, (b) are sturdier, and (c) fit into overhead compartments much easier.

4) Make sure you get a good size. Size is important in these days of luggage sizers and surly FAs... especially internationally where the overhead bins are smaller and the FAs more scrutinizing. Not only how big the bag actually is but also how big it looks. You want a bag that looks small, but can hold a lot. You seem to have a good handle on the size you want. Attempt to find something that is ultimately no bigger than 22". Another feature I hate are the "expandable suitcases." This is luggage where you can undo another zipper and, voila, you have an extra inch or two to pack in. While a good idea in theory, this adds weight, bulk, and makes the bag look ugly, IMO. I can hear the Lufthansa FAs now: "That will not fit in our overhead bins. Give it to me now and I will check it in."

4) Pay attention to those outside pockets.. This may be personal based on your travel habits. I always like to get a small outside compartment at the top for tickets, passports and keys; and then a larger compartment at the bottom for novels, my journal, and any medication, earplugs, or personal items that might need to be quickly accessed during the travel time. Stray away from bulky ones so you won't find yourself trying to cram it into a bin because the compartments let you pack too much.

5) Obviously, get personal features that are important to you. If you travel with suits, a roll-aboard with a foldable suiter is a great feature, but it does take up precious space in the main compartment. A lot of companies are diverging out of the standard black colour for luggage -- so have some fun here!

The best constructed suitcases are made by Tumi, as has already been mentioned here. But you pay for it. I've always like Samsonite luggage, and I'm not complaining about my Connections bag either! Occasionally, stores such as Marshalls, Ross, or TJ Maxx will have great deals on Samsonite and other brands. Once you get past the technical stuff, the important thing is to find a bag that suits your needs. That doesn't always mean you need to dish out $400 for a suitcase; maybe a $79 special will do just fine. Mine has been going for 250,000 miles so far!

Hope that helps! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif As you can see, I get pretty picky when it comes to luggage.




[This message has been edited by JohnnyP (edited 12-11-2002).]

I just bought another Costco rollaboard. My previous one lasted almost 5 years and probably 300k miles, mostly via short hops so there was a lot of banging in and out of overhead bins, rolling around airports and being abused in the trunk of my car.

The new ones are made of a super heavy duty balistic nylon and have very very nice, smooth rolling, barely protruding in-line skate wheels.

Lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defect and only $89!!

I have never had any problem with it on any airplane.

My wife and I just baught new luggage to replace our Samsonite which was 8 yeras old and looked it! Finally settled on Pathfinder in ther second teir line. Mainly because 1st teir was very expensive and not much difference. Was going to by Samsonite hardside but was talked out of it...glad we did. We have loved our new peices as they are very rugged all roll and have good space.
Just my $0.02 worth.

JohnnyP, thanks for your wonderful analysis of the situation. I am also a baggage 'collector'. My current favorate I purchased at a Tom Thumb grocery story. $39.95!

I use a small carry-on bag. I'm tired of trying to figure out which airline has which rule. I am a huge fan of SpaceBags. You can get a lot more in a bag....but it weighs more.

I highly recommend Briggs & Riley. I have two rollaboards, basically one with the garment bag and one without. They'll give you the interior room you want, although the garment carrier takes up a significant amount of space.

Whether you get the expandable one is up to you.

The best thing about B&R besides the high quality is the lifetime unconditional guarantee covering everything, including airline-caused damage.

When you shop ebags keep in mind they partner with several FF programs, so shop via your airline website and get miles too.

It was a bit pricey but I've been extremely happy with my TravelPro. Sturdy and durable, with integrated garment bag. It also has an expansion top, which makes it too large for a carry-on when in use but comes in handy for car trips when I tend to splurge and pack extra. I bought it after noticing that many FA's use this brand--figured they probably knew their stuff.

I was so upset when I had to retire my old roll aboard called "the smuggler" http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif but now that i have a new one ive grown to love it isnt so bad! I just bought at Marshall's a Samsonte Silhouette 6 serious roll aboard for $79. I actually suggest you go to someplace like that because they have a huge selection. You will find you have tons to choose from. I chose mine based on the standard wheels (my old rollaboard had a broken wheel which could not be replaced easily), the strong retractable handle, as well as the other handles (which are superior on this model). It's always hard to see the luggage get inevitably scratched up so that is why i dont spend too much usually. I did have a WONDERFUL experience with Costco on a full set of luggage I bought. They will refund you cash if you have a problem no matter how long after the purchase it is.