Which suitcase?

jenny-wren

We're planning a trip to North America and are considering replacing our lightweight fabric Antler cases with some new ones. The problem with one of the old cases is that the zip teeth have been damaged in the corners of the case by rough handling at Heathrow and the stitching holding the zip on is also failing.

We're not sure what sort of cases to go for - hard shell or fabric.

We'll probably be using them for long and short haul flights, can't avoid having to go through Heathrow and weight is an issue as I nearly always pack everything part from the kitchen sink when I travel! My OH's case is always full of cables and gadgets and his camera tripod as well as his clothes.

We've had Antler and Samsonite cases in the past and I have to say a more expensive Samsonite fabric case had to have a foot replaced after only two short haul flights whereas the 6-7 year old Antler cases are still intact after about half a dozen long haul and a few short haul trips.

We were shown American Tourister hard shell cases in a shop and the salesman said they are exactly the same as Samsonite (same design, same factory) so all you're paying the extra for is the Samsonite badge.

Anyone got any advice on what to buy?

phatbear

I see thousands of bags on each working day and ive lost count of the amount of broken/cracked hard sided bags ive seen, there is no give in them therefore if you have a heavy handed baggage handler and the bag is dropped/ thrown from a height it will break, unlike a soft bag that will just take the blow, only downside with soft siders is making sure you wrap anything delicate up well in your clothes etc.

dmg24

phatbear wrote: »

I see thousands of bags on each working day and ive lost count of the amount of broken/cracked hard sided bags ive seen, there is no give in them therefore if you have a heavy handed baggage handler and the bag is dropped/ thrown from a height it will break, unlike a soft bag that will just take the blow, only downside with soft siders is making sure you wrap anything delicate up well in your clothes etc.

Agreed. My parents holiday with a friend who swore by hardsided cases, until she arrived back at EMA to be greeted by a mish mash of plastic and clothing (we're not just talking a crack, it was completely smashed)!

AFAIK American Tourister is part of the Samsonite family, but that doesn't mean they are going to be the same quality. I love my Samsonite X'Ion, especially the four wheel feature (because I'm a big kid!).

As you are going to the US, would it be possible to use your old luggage to go out there, and then buy when you are there? If you can catch a Macys sale (pretty much every other week at the mo), you can get some real bargains.

phatbear

dmg24 wrote: »

As you are going to the US, would it be possible to use your old luggage to go out there, and then buy when you are there? If you can catch a Macys sale (pretty much every other week at the mo), you can get some real bargains.

And dont forget you can get a further 11% off with an out of towners discount card at macys!

luci

We've had 2 Carlton hard shell cases since 1993 when we did a month long trip to the Far East and Australia.

They have travelled 1000's and 1000's of miles as we go away 3-4 times a year, including twice a year to Vegas, and the worst damge they have suffered is a few scuff marks. They are clam shell and have no zips. They do have wheels, but aren't the trolley style as they weren't available when we bought them.

I wouldn't have any other cases.

crocodileteeth

Just seen the American Tourister ones in TK Maxx. Various prices depending on size. I was looking at cabin size ones and they were £24.00. Sorry didn't get the price of larger ones but it may be worth a look.

If anyone knows any good deals on cabin size luggage I would be interested. Have seen the Tripp ones on the debenhams website.

Ballymackeonan

I have an Eminent (Japanese) hard shell, at least 15 years old that's survived a few trips across the Atlantic, not to mention the tender mercies of UK and European baggage handling.... You sometimes see thecurrent versions in TK Maxx.

Just make sure that whatever type of case you get, the lock meets the current US specifications - it has to be of a standard type that US customs can open, apparently. Or get a luggage strap that meets the requirements..

photome

Ballymackeonan wrote: »

I have an Eminent (Japanese) hard shell, at least 15 years old that's survived a few trips across the Atlantic, not to mention the tender mercies of UK and European baggage handling.... You sometimes see thecurrent versions in TK Maxx.

Just make sure that whatever type of case you get, the lock meets the current US specifications - it has to be of a standard type that US customs can open, apparently. Or get a luggage strap that meets the requirements..

Or dont use a lock, use a cable tie

b3nton

I recommend hard shell. I have had some hammered in transit.

I recommend Samsonite

Pollycat

I prefer soft shell cases personally, but one bit of advice I'd give is to check the weight of the case before you buy.
Some cases are quite heavy before you even start to put stuff in.

spiro

Pollycat wrote: »

I prefer soft shell cases personally, but one bit of advice I'd give is to check the weight of the case before you buy.
Some cases are quite heavy before you even start to put stuff in.

I have to agree with this especially if the cases are going to be used on cheap Eu flights in the future were weight limits appear to be coming down. No good have a 15kg baggage allowance for 5-8kg being the case.