Air-Travel-Worthy Suitcases

[torrento]

Hi all:
My family and I are traveling to South Asia later this year. The four of us will need to buy a total of 8 suitcases (with sizes typically allowed by airlines).

We are looking for sturdy suitcases that's not gonna break after one journey. I looked at "Air Canada" and "Heys" at The Bay but the prices there are crazy $150 - $200 a piece. Buying 8 suitcases at $150+tax is like buying a fifth air-ticket.

I visited a flea market in the area. Their prices are much better $50-ish but the suitcases look very sketchy. Plus there's not warranty on them.

I looked at Costco - it seemed they only sell "sets" but I just need the large suitcases.

Any suggestions where I should look for suitcases? I am hoping to get them $75ish a pop.

Thanks!

[Pete_Coach]

Firstly, all luggage is "Air-Travel Worthy".
A point to remember though, weight. Considering you will be limited in the weight each bag can be (or in some cases total baggage weight), you will want suitcases that are light to begin with. That way you can put your stuff in the bag and not just a heavy empty bag. Get one of those hand held scales and weigh the bags.
Something like this but there are lots of them out there
http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=xscale
The scale will be good for weighing the bags afetr you pack too. You will be surprised how much you will be chaged for an overweight bag. No matter if it is 1 pound or 20 it may cost you $100. Some regional carriers will not even take a heavy bag.

[torrento]

Firstly, all luggage is "Air-Travel Worthy".

Oh.. you'll be surprised by how they are handled at LHR and DXB! In the past, I have seen my luggage:
- zipper completely open
- damaged back support (the steel/aluminum beams where the handles are)
- broken plastics on the inside sides of the bag
etc etc.

A point to remember though, weight. Considering you will be limited in the weight each bag can be (or in some cases total baggage weight), you will want suitcases that are light to begin with. That way you can put your stuff in the bag and not just a heavy empty bag. Get one of those hand held scales and weigh the bags.
Something like this but there are lots of them out there
http://shop.heys.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=xscale
The scale will be good for weighing the bags afetr you pack too. You will be surprised how much you will be chaged for an overweight bag. No matter if it is 1 pound or 20 it may cost you $100. Some regional carriers will not even take a heavy bag.

The weight is a good point. I am flying Emirates. Their official policy is 2x 23kg bags flying out of Toronto. But usually they don't mind if the bag is 24-25kg. I don't want to get big bags cuz if there's empty space inside the bag, it's more likely they will break when put in those airplane luggage containers.

[Pete_Coach]

Oh.. you'll be surprised by how they are handled at LHR and DXB! In the past, I have seen my luggage:
- zipper completely open
- damaged back support (the steel/aluminum beams where the handles are)
- broken plastics on the inside sides of the bag
etc etc.


The weight is a good point. I am flying Emirates. Their official policy is 2x 23kg bags flying out of Toronto. But usually they don't mind if the bag is 24-25kg. I don't want to get big bags cuz if there's empty space inside the bag, it's more likely they will break when put in those airplane luggage containers.
I travel by air very often (once or twice a month), through Canadian, American and European airports. For the past 6 years, I am quite satisfied with my Air Canada luggage.
I am thinking of getting new stuff now and Heys is high on my list, but only when it is on 1/2 price or more sale. The problem with Heys is attaching carry ons to the main luggage, it is not easy and it means you will have to carry it separately.

[blink]

I like my TravelPro bags but they are not cheap.

[pmc]

Samsonite, Sears has a sale on right now.

[RobDek]

The Bay has a sale on luggage until July 2nd...65% off. They didn't have the Air Canada bag I wanted....

[emchiasson]

I've had Heys, AC, Samsonite and i've had cheap no name luggage & it always seems to return to me in the same shape - that dragged behind the airplane down the runway look!!

The Heys was the 4 wheeler style - not very convenient after you lose a wheel from it plummeting down to the baggage carousel...

Maybe i've just had bad luck - thinking a Hockey Bag might be the way to go LOL :)

[Pete_Coach]

Weight is becoming a very big issue. The baggage weights are changing all over the world. I have read that over in Europe (some European Airlines) are limiting the carry on bags to 5 Kg and only one bag per person.
Me, I am in favour of the one bag per person (on any airline, anytime, anywhere) but the 5 kilo limit will concern me.

[terri009]

Samsonite is good, very sturdy I think. And someone mentioned there was a sale, so even better!

Weird things happen to checked in baggage...I have a friend who had her suitcase completely taken a part and then put into a clear plastic bag ,tied with a knot. I guess airport security had to go through to check her luggage, broke her suitcase in the process, and didn't bother to put it back together? Or even my suitcase...I think someone unstitched one of the sides to see if I was smuggling some sort of drug in the lining...

[jackrabbit000]

I use both Samsonite and AC luggage and have never had a problem with any of them. Just a bit of advise, make sure that you get luggage that has wheels. It makes it so much easier to move around.

[cqdx]

Biggest issue lately seems to be inspections. They are in such a hurry that if your zipper does not go back right they either just leave it open, tape it, or worst, force the zipper and break it. I know the bags need to be inspected, but I wish they would take a few more seconds and not bust the suitcases doing it. FWIW, I've had 2 bags wrecked in the last 6 months and they were all pretty decent brands with good zippers and closures, etc.:cry: