Where to buy unzipped suitcases

sharktale

Hi all, just got back from Portugal and I need to get some new suitcases, I have a set which are unzipped, they have key locks at the front each side and a combination lock in the middle. I'm looking for similar cases but they are nearly all zipped, the only unzipped ones are a major brand and very expensive. Anyone know of anywhere that sells cases like this that are not massively expensive? Thanks:)

Alidolly

Try TK Maxx as they normally have a great selection of suitcases of various styles at reduced prices. Only drawback is they might not have a set but singles. Still worth a look though (have some online usually but more in store)

dickydonkin

I think it is a case (excuse the pun) of you get what you pay for so buying a 'branded' model could actually be better value in the long term.

I purchased two Samsonite Oyster suitcases over 20 odd years ago, and I can assure you they have been well used and other than having to replace a lock on one of them, they have served me well.

Like you, I would not consider a zipped case for hold luggage, although a determined thief will manage to defeat most locking devices on an item of luggage.

sharktale

Looked at samsonite, one thing that put me off was that it weighed 4.9kg, we are only allowed 20kg so it takes quite a bit off the allowance. We ended up travelling with the medium case we have as when we packed the large one we were 3 kgs over! My large case weighs 5.9kgs. Now the wheel has broke on my medium case:doh: we have had these cases about 15 years (they are not samsonite). I'm going away again in 8 weeks so need to get sorted. I will definately have a look at the samsonite ones. I will also have a good look at tk maxx aswell, I never thought of them:beer:

jonesMUFCforever

I was reading the financial pages of the Daily mail today - the finance editor had a note put in his suitcase (locked) stating the US border/imigration people had opened his case to have a look inside.

The only answer IMO is not to put anything expensive in your hold luggage.

meer53

I've had the note in my suitcase from US border/immigration a couple of times. I never lock a suitcase any more. If someone wants to open it, they will, whether it's locked or zipped. I never put anything of real value in a hold suitcase, i've never had anything stolen.

littlereddevil

I've also had the note in my suitcase, and they left it unlocked!

dickydonkin

What I do is leave the case unlocked, but buy one of those cheap locking straps to put around the case and also secure that with a cable tie. If TSA need access, I don't have a problem if they need to cut the strap or smash the lock on the strap.

Replacing a strap is much cheaper than replacing a suitcase combination lock and I accept that the strap would not deter someone with ill intent getting into the suitcase, but hopefully because of the strap, they would pick another one to steal from.

Not ideal, but as others have suggested, don't place items of value in your hold luggage.

Contessa

A tag was attached to a handle saying that my case had been opened at the departure airport. I don't think it was the TSA but an agricultural department checking that no plants, seeds etc. were inside the case.

My case has a lock which the TSA can open without damage. Probably not that good for security of contents but I don't put valuables in hold luggage.

The case does have a zip ad for years I wouldn't use them because I considered them too easy to break into. A few years ago my trusty, but heavy, zipperless, case was damaged during a flight. The airline replaced it but with a zippered case.

I don't think I can afford a good zipperless case but am happy with my new case as it has four wheels and is so easy to handle.

photome

dickydonkin wrote: »

What I do is leave the case unlocked, but buy one of those cheap locking straps to put around the case and also secure that with a cable tie. If TSA need access, I don't have a problem if they need to cut the strap or smash the lock on the strap.

Replacing a strap is much cheaper than replacing a suitcase combination lock and I accept that the strap would not deter someone with ill intent getting into the suitcase, but hopefully because of the strap, they would pick another one to steal from.

Not ideal, but as others have suggested, don't place items of value in your hold luggage.

With that in mind why wouldn't u consider a zip in the hold if you leave your case unlocked.

I always leave mine unlocked as well but do use a cable tie

novelty-socks

Little point in locking your case in my opinion. Most locks are trivial to unlock and I've always thought they could serve as a signal that there's something worth stealing in your case.

(There's probably an argument that a lock on the ends of your zipper help to stop the zipper opening accidentally.)