Let's talk luggage: what do you use/carry?

[Flaxbee]

I need a new suitcase and I think I might actually break down and buy a wheeled one - I used to despise the wheelies because it seems like someone was always running into me, running the damn thing over my foot, tripping people as they drug the damn thing behind them through the airport. But, I'm getting to hate having my duffel bag and briefcase hang off my shoulders and figure a wheeled case would be a good solution.

What do you use, and do you like it? I want something small enough to carry on - I've seen people with wheeled luggage big enough to stuff themselves into and want nothing like that - I like to travel pretty light (one bag).

[LeftyMom]

1. Since Air Tran ate my borrowed suitcase, I bought a Kenneth Cole Reaction wheelie to get things home

I like it well enough, it's very nice looking (though I should have got a different color, there are more bright red bags than I thought on the baggage carousel) and wasn't terribly expensive.

They have good deals on nice luggage at outlet stores like Ross, Nordstrom Rack, etc. I would go with one of those over a discount store cheapie.

[Flaxbee]

12. hmm -- I'll have to stop into TJMaxx next time I'm in

Asheville. I live in the boonies - not much choice around here, but now you mention it, I do recall seeing a lot of luggage at TJMaxx...

I don't like to buy "status" items but I do like to buy quality - last thing I want is a poorly made piece of luggage popping open en route.

I'm looking for pink - easy to spot, not very common.

[LeftyMom]

15. Usually the quality stuff has a lifetime warranty

Probably doesn't handle stuff like the airline siccing rabid wolverines on a suitcase (as far as I can tell this is what AirTran did to mine) but at least it should handle stuff like stick zippers and bad wheels.

[bridgit]

2. you simply have to have wheels, we use a 3-piece that stores within itself...

and carries all the stuff we otherwise need plus a carry-on, we like them but you gotta have wheels you just gotta!! :)

[supernova]

3. I have a large wheelie and I'll never go back!

I got tired of carrying a large soft shapless duffle bag over my shoulder through airports, up stairs, hoisting it into cars, taxis, luggage racks.

I'm a small woman, so a large, soft duffle bag just didn't work for me on so many levels. :rofl:

Originally I went looking for the smaller business sized suitcase. But I found a good deal so bought the larger one. It stands upright, much like an old fashioned trunk, and has wheels on one end and a pull out handle on the other.

I love it! I can stuff this thing to the gills and not have to worry about how heavy it is, except for airline standards of course. I can still maneuvre it without much effort. I still might get the smaller case sometime, but between the large suitcase and my backpack I travel pretty easy. You can also get overnight/weekend sized bags w/ wheels. I like those too.

edit: Walking around with my luggage now is actually kinda fun. :-) In know, I'm weird.

[FloridaJudy]

5. Hooray for wheelies!

You can get a set that "stacks" relatively cheaply. I bought mine at The-Superstore-That-Cannot-Be-Named - bad girl I know. Ever since El-Al trashed an expensive suitcase I borrowed from my MIL (as I told baggage claim, "I expected you guys to search it, but "search and destroy" is a bit much!") I avoid expensive luggage.

Do try wheeling it around the store first, to make sure it balances. When they're off-kilter steering them is a pain. But putting wheels on suitcases is one of those "why didn't they think of this sooner" ideas. I used to travel a lot, and dragging suitcases was always an ordeal.

[supernova]

6. Good tip about wheel balance

When I bought the one I have now, I could easily tell which sets of wheels worked and which didn't. And that situation doesn't improve when you put your clothes in the case.

I am so much more graceful now with a wheeled suitcase and I don't get redfaced and tired out from lugging my luggage.

I love those stacking sets. They are so classy. :-) I agree w/ you about not wanting to use something really expensive anymore. What a shame about your MiL's bag.

[FloridaJudy]

10. Helps that my MIL was Jewish

She probably would have raised a stink had anyone but the Israeli air-line done it. It looked like they'd parked a tractor on it: completely crushed and soaked with motor oil. Even the best-made product won't survive that!

[dysfunctional press]

4. i use green canvas military c-bags.

you can get them fairly cheap at any army surplus place.

they hold a lot of stuff, and i've NEVER had my bag lost or damaged.

a lot of airline people are ex-military, and they generally treat those bags well, as they figure that the owner is either military or ex-military- even tho i'm neither.

[skygazer]

7. I use a smaller sized wheelie

I like it. Two pieces of advice - really try out the wheels to make sure they're well balanced. Some cheaper units have wheels that cause the bag to tip and that's a hassle. Also, get it in an odd color - mine's black just like 98% of the other bags on the carousel (though it is small enough to use as a carry-on). :eyes:

[Flaxbee]

8. I was actually thinking of a bright pink Samsonite

;-) - easy to find if it did have to be checked:

http://www.worldtraveler.com/jump.jsp?itemID=4275&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=4275

[supernova]

9. Hee. Macho thief repellent!

:D that bright pink.

Though I suppose the lime green would work too. :rofl: Nice set.

[billyskank]

11. I got wheels on my wagon

I got one of those stand-uppy type efforts with the handle you pull out. I got it from the supermarket for twenty quid or something ridiculous, so I don't really care if the baggage handlers stomp on it. It's already made it to Holland, Germany twice and Vancouver and it ain't finished yet.

[tigereye]

13. we bought wheeled luggage a few years ago

I will never use unwheeled again, if I can help it. It is so much easier. Just don't buy the cheapest, buy a mid range one.... due to the unbalanced wheel issue.

[trof]

14. Used to think wheelies were for sissies. Then I got 'older'.

If flying (rare nowadays), and staying for a week or two, I check one medium sized wheelie that too big for the overhead and take a smaller carry-on with my 'necessities'.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

16. I got a carryon wheelie from American Tourister that I especially like

because the wheels caster. That means I can turn it sideways and pull it on its narrow axis -- this is quite useful in narrow spaces, like the aisles of airplanes.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

17. i use them all....DO YOU THINK I OVER PACK?.....

[huskerlaw]

18. About the wheelies...

I just got back from a trip to Europe, where I was required to drag a huge-ass suitcase all over god's green earth.

My one suggestion: get a suitcase with FOUR wheels. Not two. FOUR.

You have much more control over it, it can be pushed and pulled in all directions, you don't have to tip it to make it work...did I mention get FOUR wheels? ;)