Fave Carryon Suitcases

[Anonymous]

I recently asked this question after 14 years of heavy travel on basic Samsonite, and did a lot of subsequent research. I bought a monos with the front laptop pouch. I could barely fit anything in it so decided to try to return it (never left my house with it and they claim satisfaction guarantee). They wouldn’t take it back because I didn’t have the original box. Bought a new cheap Samsonite soft side on Amazon and it works well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I recently asked this question after 14 years of heavy travel on basic Samsonite, and did a lot of subsequent research. I bought a monos with the front laptop pouch. I could barely fit anything in it so decided to try to return it (never left my house with it and they claim satisfaction guarantee). They wouldn’t take it back because I didn’t have the original box. Bought a new cheap Samsonite soft side on Amazon and it works well.

Good to know. No on Monos.

I had a Samsonite that took me through 12 years of heavy travel working for a development agency and in other major work travel arenas. Now I just got a TravelPro after hearing good reviews. I'm happy so far.

[Anonymous]

I still have an Atlantic (bought by Travelpro) that I bought when I graduated from college in 2001. It is great except for the wheels.

[Anonymous]

If you plan to be walking train to hotel, I strongly recommend a 2 wheel bag (vs4). The two wheel bags are much easier on sidewalks and cobblestones. My personal fave is the ebags roller because it has a built in strap for attaching a second bag. The bag rolls like a dream with the second bag lower to the ground.

Alas this bag is not made any more, but look for a 2 wheeler and get a strap to attach 2nd bag.

Overhead space on transatlantic flights is usually generous but connecting flights might be different…

[Anonymous]

You know you can lug a 4 wheel bag like a two wheeler.
100% with you though about the storage space. Overpacking is pure misery unless you have private cars and drivers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know you can lug a 4 wheel bag like a two wheeler.
100% with you though about the storage space. Overpacking is pure misery unless you have private cars and drivers.

The wheels are smaller and flimsier than on 2-wheel bags, and 4–wheelers roll themselves all over airport floors and transit. -dp

[Anonymous]

I also did a lot of research and posted a similar question a while back. I ended up springing for the Briggs and Riley International size spinner which I like, but I found it a little too small for a long international trip. As others have said, the issue is the internal flights in Europe where they are very strict about carry on sizes. Otherwise, I tend to prefer my Away Bigger Carry On Flex for most travel. I also don’t love the zipper in the middle, but if you are organized about how you pack, it’s generally not an issue. And I can also vouch that Away customer service is great. We have gotten 2 free replacements due to broken zippers in the past several years without any issues.

[Anonymous]

I’ve heard so many good things about away customer service, but is it a little concerning that so many people have issues with the bags?

[Anonymous]

I know the TravelPro is highly recommended, but I don’t love mine. It’s heavier than my Brics and doesn’t seem to hold as much. The zipper pocket on the front takes up space, but it doesn’t really hold anything that’s much thicker than a lap top. It also doesn’t roll very well. Maybe I just got a lemon, and maybe they have newer lighter models, but these are things I would look at if I was buying a TravelPro.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know you can lug a 4 wheel bag like a two wheeler.
100% with you though about the storage space. Overpacking is pure misery unless you have private cars and drivers.

The wheels are smaller and flimsier than on 2-wheel bags, and 4–wheelers roll themselves all over airport floors and transit. -dp

I travelled for business for years with a two wheeler and got tired of having to lug it around. There were also many zipper instances. I caved and bought a Rimowa. The wheels are a good size and versatile. It has useable pockets, great locks and zippers, auto expandable middle, compression flaps with mesh storage and a life time guarantee. Sometimes a higher price for quality is worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know the TravelPro is highly recommended, but I don’t love mine. It’s heavier than my Brics and doesn’t seem to hold as much. The zipper pocket on the front takes up space, but it doesn’t really hold anything that’s much thicker than a lap top. It also doesn’t roll very well. Maybe I just got a lemon, and maybe they have newer lighter models, but these are things I would look at if I was buying a TravelPro.

I don’t love my travel pro either— zipper seems poor and doesn’t seem designed well enough to get checked regularly (which I often do, depending on where I am flying).

[Anonymous]

I just bought the away. They’re on sale plus if you search you can get a $40 off referral code. I was able to stack the discounts.

[Anonymous]

TravelPro makes several different series/lines iof luggage. Those different series have different materials, design, and construction. I

I am happy with my TravelPro "Crew 19" rollaboard. Sturdy, large wheels, lots of space inside. Even fits in European luggage sizers. I have not tried any of the other series sold by TravelPro. I got mine at some pilot store online.

Colleague who is into luxury stuff got Briggs & Riley 2-wheel rollaboard and says happy with that. Spent much more than I did.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know you can lug a 4 wheel bag like a two wheeler.
100% with you though about the storage space. Overpacking is pure misery unless you have private cars and drivers.

Usually a 2-wheel bag will have larger and more sturdy wheels than a spinner / 4-wheel bag. Worth checking into before buying.

[Anonymous]

Tumi