Which luggage is the strongest??

shopaholicsan

Hi all,
Just returned from holiday and ALL my luggage has been damaged. I have put in a claim with the airline but am wondering what to replace it with. I had a lightweight suitcase with a hard shell - that cracked. Padded fabric on 2 cases ripped and the plastic legs on the trolley bases snapped off. It wasn't the cheapest luggage around but do you get what you pay for or are some types stronger than others???
Any suggestions for luggage replacement gratefully received.
Thanks

malamala

I have one Samsonite (lightweight) and one Carlton (large hard shell) and they are both really good. They have travelled many places with me in the last 10 years.

Lavender13

Defo Samsonite.We have had various names over the years,and Samsonite appears to last the longest.Even though they do look a little shabby after awhile.(Scratch marks etc)
However after talking to a guy who works as a baggage handler,he says no luggage is handler proof!:whistle:

shopaholicsan

Lavender13 wrote:

However after talking to a guy who works as a baggage handler,he says no luggage is handler proof!:whistle:

That I can believe!!!!
Thanks guys - does anyone else agree/disagree with Samsonite??

geo555

A lot of airlines no longer give you a cheque for damaged luggage. They are likely to send you a new set of cases.

Mummy_Jo

My Hubby is a pilot in the RAF and his luggage has been all round the world including nasty places like Iraq & Afghanistan. He has been with the fleet for 7 years now and its still going strong despite the fact that it has been beaten up on several occasions.

Needless to say we agree with the other posters... BUY SAMSONITE if you want it to last.

sertav

I have a samsonite (hard-shell) which I adore! It has served me well over the last few years and by the looks of it now (scratches galore!) one can only imagine what would have happened to my stuff had I been using soft-sided luggage... :rolleyes:

Its only downside is the weight, just under 5kg!! :eek:

With the current checked luggage weight restrictions I could do with a lighter hard-shell but which one?

Suggestions appreciated!

Thanks

exel1966

If you want a case to last it's an easy choice ....Samsonite comes first and then Carlton. Make it a solid hard shell one, not the newer lighter flexible hard shell as they are prone to more damage especially dents in the corners.

THERE REALLY IS NO OTHER CHOICE.

fwhorn

Agree with everyone about the Sammies. I plumped for mine about 7 years ago after speaking to an ex BA hostess, she said that all the staff use black sammies so the handlers tend to be a bit gentler with them. If you live near a Macarthur glen then check them out to see if they have a Samsonite outlet, Cheshire oaks have one. Also worth noting is that it is worth ringing to see if they have any special offers on, and if you can wait till there is. A couple of years ago they did a bogof, we got some for our friends wedding. Needless to say they was very impressed.

Good luck and I hope this helps

geordiescouse

I've used the same Delsey cases for over 10 years (hard shell) and other than a few scratches I've had no problems.

shopaholicsan

geo555 wrote:

A lot of airlines no longer give you a cheque for damaged luggage. They are likely to send you a new set of cases.

I hope not. It was Virgin - does anyone have any experience of their replacement policy? They asked for bank details for the money to be credited to on the form so I assumed they intended to give me the cost back and not replacement luggage.
Thanks to everyone for the info - looks like Samsonite and a trip to Cheshire Oaks!!