What luggage do you recommend?
 

Greetings all-

I just got hired by a regional the other day! However, this means that I will have to quit towing around those crummy suitcases that break after 3 flights. Any suggestions for something that will last for a long time, yet not break the bank? And what size? I'm thinking carry-on size is best, but just thought I'd ask. Thanks in advance for your help!

Kansas

Both my Travelpro and Atlantic have held up fairly well, and it won't break your bank. Check out the wheels, as well as the zippers, on whatever you buy. You want a bag that has wheels like they use on inline skates, as well as a bag with #10 zippers (the heavyweight zips) I would go with something 22 inch or below if you're not doing long trips and layovers, and then a smaller bag that you can piggyback on to your bag with wheels. Make sure that your main piece has a piggyback option, in the event that you want to strap a duffel, flightbag, or laptop to it when you're moving with your luggage.

I'm a big fan of the Purdy Neat (PNT) bags from luggage works. 4 years of regional airline flying plus another year of corporate use and still no worse for the wear. Had a travelpro before the PNT bag that I liked, but they don't make em like they used to (IMHO)- none of the recent travelpro bags I've seen for sale hold up as well as the PVC PNT bags.

I had to take it in for a tune up once when the fabric handle on top came loose- dropped by the stopover store in DTW and they fixed it free of charge.

I've found it well worth the price:

http://www.luggageworksonline.com/product.asp?CatID=1

Ditto on the PNT. I've had mine for almost three years, and except for some scratches on the metal frame from where I dragged it up curbs and stairs, it's the same as the day I got it. It's not cheap, though. If you can afford it, buy it. If not, TP should work good for you.

Costco Kirkland brand, right at $100. Lifetime garantee (sp), if it breaks walk into any Costco, no receipt required, show it to them, walk back and get a new one, walk out. I know, checked my bag got it back looked like they had played football with it, and busted a zipper. Bag was 5 yrs old, didn't even ask what happened to it, just told me to go back and get a new one.

I second that. CostCo for everything. I love the return policy.

Anyone have experience with Samsonite bags? There's a Samsonite Outlet Store near me and they're always doing a "buy one, get one at 50%" deal. The price is pretty good, but I don't know if the bags will last. At least if I get 2 bags, I can have 1 sent in for warranty work and still have a back-up bag.

My exact sentiment. First travelpro lasted 4+, only thing wrong was handle broke, but no replacements. You all know, the one with the button on the side. The new travelpros are huge crap. I had to replace screws in the 1st 4weeks. I went from 100% travelpro to it sucks harder than a hooker with a $100 in the next 3 minutes. PNT is everything it's cracked up to be. And it holds a lot of crap. Spring for the handle tag so you know which one is yours

WOW!...LOL...sounds like you have some personal experience with that!...:p

I've noticed that the newer Travelpro looks a bit cheesier as well. I'll have to check out the PNT the next time I go to buy luggage.

I agree on the TravelPro line. I have a Crew 4 that I am having a helluva time getting replacement wheels, housing, and axles for. Called their offices in Boca Raton and ordering the parts was painful. Thought maybe I got a moody girl on the phone. Called back, got a different one...nope, they're all miserable and ignorant. Wrong parts showed up a month later and order was incomplete:mad:

Anyone know who sells Purdy Neat around ORD or CLT?? Lookin for a place to go in and try a few out...