Right. The 26" is just a pain that way.

Sure, one can "stand their ground/be assertive". But when commuting/non reving/JS'ing even the best social engineers can be stopped by an agent that simply feels like being difficult/obstinate.

I've been JS'ing on the Airbus or 75 and told by the agent there's no room for my bag as I go down, remind them I'll be in the front, and they're STILL a PITA to deal with.

Own both the Metal frame and Plastic frame LW "22 bags-
Only complaint about the metal version is the weight.
LW now makes a lightweight version of the metal frame bag!

Like I said, the only time I ever had a problem was with my 22" bag. Never had an issue with the 26". Not even finding space. And not everyone carries the same things you do, so space is an issue for some whereas it might not be for you.

Just fashion. Like many have said, the metal frame LW is ugly as hell and way too heavy. My first year I knew I was going to be commuting and walking to a crashpad during the winter, that's why I got the LW with the metal frame... the thing got destroyed in about 10 months. I got it rebuilt and I don't commute now, but it is already all dented and scratched after 2 years. I also own a plastic LW, which seems a lot better (haven't used t much), but I'm not sure if its worth what they charge for it.

Huh? How did a metal LW get destroyed in 10mo? Did you drive over it with your car? I've been commuting with mine for 7 years and aside from one failed zipper, some scratches and dents it's still going strong. 3 of those years were on a Saab where the rampers threw it in and out of the baggage compartment 7 times a day. The Travelpro I bought when I started was destroyed after 2 months of Saab abuse.

I'm not saying the plastic is bad, it is also great, and with my bag no longer being dealt that abuse is what I'd buy now, but the metal is not fragile like you imply.

Yes, the metal is fragile. Twice in three years both the side frame and bottom metal frame were bent. I suspect they were either dropped or caught in a lift or bag loader.

Correct.

Call the stop over store in MSP or DTW ask them about repairs to the
bags. They will say the plastics are easier to repair but not as strong.
75% of pilots use metal. Most have tried the plastic and have returned
to the metal. Its plastic not carbon fiber. I was kidding earlier about
26 don't get it.

Fashion? Hardly. And if you destroyed your LW in 10 months, your issue is caring for things that cost money, not the bag itself. I know guys who have been using their metal LW for 7-10 years and they are still working just fine.

I recognize that the metal LW is heavier than most, but if you're struggling to load yours into an overhead bin, you can always ask the 50 year old sweet lady gate agent to lift it for you.

Ouch. Roasted.

I use a LW 22" stealth. I have had the same bag for 11 years and have sent it in twice to get refurbished. When I commuted on RJs, that bag got the hell beat out of it by the ground crew and the "tag it and leave it at the door" policy.

I got it refurbished when I went to mainline, the back is good as new. I commute still, but no longer on RJs. This bag is a tank. If it is "too heavy" because of the metal then you need to go to the gym.

Both times I sent it in for refurbishing through the stopover store. I got a loaner and the bag came back looking brand new for ~$125. If you send it in for a refurb during the first three years it is free as most of the parts are under warranty. If you're a career airline pilot and want a bag that can stand up to just about anything, LW 22" is the way to go. When I switch to intl, I'll probably opt for the 26", but until then I am happy with the 22".