We usually travel with 2 checked bags and 2 carryons. Our carryons are old, but continue to give us good service.

Our check luggage has been so badly beaten up, that it has been replaced often.

Our last trip to Switzerland did in our $200 (net cost) Samsonite hardsided luggage piece. The spine is twisted and pops open. Those bands that you ratchet around a bag got us thru the trip but no further. When it popped, clothes were everwhere!

We have one Softside Samsonite 26 1/2x18x10 (expandable to 13). We need to buy one other large piece. We want a large suitcase, but do not want to pay oversize charges. In the past, we had status on most of the lines we flew and flew in bus or 1st. Status is gone and the points are getting low. Most of our future travel will be in coach so no special allowances. Expect to do some more international, but mostly domestic. No suits to pack. No special items. Clothes and paperwork (broshures, iteneries, etc)

Would like a roller type bag.

We do not know what is the largest size, that is acceptable for "all" airlines? Should we consider buying another softside or a hard side with one of those TSA accessable locks? We keep our valuables in our carryons.

Generic to specific recommendations would be appreciated.

For all airlines, a humble "good luck".

You need to check the British Airways forum for the new rules about 2nd checked bags. You may decide that having one isn't worth the doing. Other airlines likely to follow soon.

uh? why would other airlines follow?

Don't forget... 2 PAX still = 2 checked bags without charge

Same reason other countries follow the TSA rules. Logic doesn't come into play here. It's a race to the bottom.

Not every airline follows every cost-cutting measure/service downgrade of every other. AC does not let pax on their cheaper fares select seats. This has not been followed by others. Most European airlines have not followed the policy of US carriers to charge for booze on inter-continental flights just to give a couple of examples. I have not seen anything to suggest that BA's policy on this issue is likely to be followed by others.

747LWW, yes all airlines. We have the answers between us. We just need to post what we know...Coach passenger no status on x airlines traveling a) domestic and b) international. When done this could serve a lot of members for future unknown flights and airlines.

I am fearful you are correct...by the way, I love Econdido----

Found this site, a bit dated data (9-1-06)

http://www.thetravelinsider.info/tra...allowances.htm

Still would like to hear about locking luggage with approved ATA locks???

Suggestions?

Most still seem to allow 2 bags each of 50# and 62 inches each. As we only take one each, the weight is often near 50#, so we need to watch the weight or get more bags (not). Our current bag seems okay for "all".

cheap luggage so that you don't care when destroyed

If you use Marriott alot... they have a promotion whereby you can get a free 20" Samsonite RED suitcase with $1,000 giftcard purchase or a 28" Samsonite RED suitcase with $2,000 giftcard purchase.

If you would spend that money with Marriott anyway... a nice way to get "free" luggage.... no shipping charge either. You get the bag in about a week... we got two.

William