+1 for Costco bags. I'm on bag number 3, having only paid for the first one (in fact, I was refunded money last time, as the price had gone down!). Bring it in if something is broken and exchange it right then and there.

Wow, I almost bought one of those a couple months ago. Guess it's a good thing I didn't since I'm a lowly commuter pilot.

+1 on on Sherpas.

http://freedompasspensionista.files....8/sherpa-3.jpg

Although this picture might be a senior flight attendant who packed for a two day, can't tell.

The first thing I do when i get a new Luggage Works bag is to go straight to the skate board shop and buy some slide rails. I alter the slide rails and I install them just above the wheels in 6 inch strips. I also install another right in the center of the kick plate. That part of my bag has always looked brand new. I just sent mine in to get refurbished because the side rails were bent in, the handle only locked up on one side, and the seams were coming apart. There were also holes in the bottom of the pockets. All of the cardboard inserts that make up the majority of the interior were all falling apart. My zippers were all fine.

Skateboard rails and locktite go a long way. But Luggage works is VERY MUCH living on the name of a great product that they once built.

I bought a 22 in Pelican case. It works great, if you dont have to carry a brain bag. If you carry a brain bag the extended handle is springy. I am considering making a new handle out of billet aluminum. With that scenario, the Pelican might be the perfect crew bag. Water tight, air tight, lifetime guarantee all for $150. Amazon.com: Pelican Black Case 1510NF w/out Foam 1510-001-110: Camera & Photo

X

I need a like button for that one

Think you missed my point. I too have been blessed with a regional position. Knew someone would find a way to get offended. Just read a little further into where I was going with the whole thing.

Pretty **** attitude, to be honest. Gone are the days of needing to pay through the nose for good quality branded luggage.

Zippers, bendable frame, crappy foam grip are absolutely not the product of keeping the product within $300. They are a product of a crap quality, badly manufactured bag, which (by a long chalk) doesn't warrant half it's current price tag. Who in gods name tries to justify that if you're not paying $300+, the grip will disintegrate and the bag will bend? Don't make me laugh.

As others have said, you can buy ones which will last just as long for under $100, with exchange/repair services, etc. TJ Maxx, even less. I've had a LW, and it was outlasted by a generic Delsey freebie from my company. In my view, given that you can go cheap ($100) and acquire a good, long lasting bag with service to boot, one will either take that option, or go proper premium, like Tumi or Rimowa, and spend far more. I use a Tumi document bag, and Rimowa suitcase. Expensive? absolutely, but to try and compare the LW product or service with either is hysterical. They also don't look embarrassingly tacky and cheap.

Blue collar rubbish, if you ask me.

ETA- my experience comes from being an extensive traveller in my past life, being in the Military, and now a long haul pilot.

Might I clarify that I really don't care if you hate on LW or not. It doesn't matter to me actually. I'm only trying to get some info on some realistic problems. Some people tend to beat around the bush and or comment on things that might be somewhat not well thought up. That's all.

Some are commenting on the older PNT bags being premium and such. That's not the premium that I'm talking about though. When I mention premium I'm talking about a bag that performs exactly the way you want. No problems, and some fancy schmancy stuff too. A custom more practical design geared towards the user instead of a generic design. All this of course will be at a premium price. If you went to a luggage store and asked about their premium bag selection they would start you off in the $1000 range. $300 for a bag is actually pretty cheap. If you are into Costco and lower end things that rely on warranty only and sell the product at a loss just to get you as a loyal customer well this discussion really doesn't apply. Nothing personal but it's just not your style.

At the moment I handle over 150 LW bags a month from pilots all over the east cost. I repair an refurbish these bags. Some people think these bags are junk, some see them as nothing else compares. I find it interesting though how two pilots working for the same company can have the same exact bag for the same amount of time yet they come to me in completely different states of condition. It's all in how you take care of it. Doesn't matter who makes the bag.

I have had my LW NG for 6 years now and have never had to fix a zipper or repair anything on the fabric. I'm mean honestly all I have done is replace the wheels, foam grip and the j-hook. And it's still in great condition. I work for a regional and put it to the test. But I also treat it like a $300 bag. Not a $700 that was designed 100% to take the abuse.

There is nothing that can withstand constant abrasion and impact. Nothing economical that is. And there is no reason to expose your bag to that kind of abuse. If that is what you intend to do then yes I totally agree the cheaper low-end product is a better route. Especially if it has a life-time warranty.

Seriously man? Thanks for your post. Pretty weak but thanks anyways. Sweet! We have another one that rather than come up with something constructive and intelligent to add, had to go the cynical and personal route.

About 15 people before you have already commented on the flawed zippers, frame, handle etc. I get it. If you read a little more into the thread instead of the instant criticism you would see that the whole point was to get a little feedback on if these problems were addressed, eliminated and then some would the bag be somewhat more desirable. And other than those issues what OTHER things might work better two suit you as a regular user.

Simple. Directions and picking up on sarcasm (that's what those little smiley faces mean) were never your strong point I see.

+2 for the Costco bag. The zippers are almost indestructible, the bag is light and it puts up with major abuse. I've had my current bag for almost five years. I thought about the PNT bag but its quality is poor for the money. Same complaints as everybody else... Bad handle design, kick plate, and horrible zippers. I'm in shape, but weight is still important to me. The PNT is just way too heavy.