Need suggestions for suitcases

[Rocio0010 5,579]

Hello everyone,

hubby and I are traveling soon, so I’m looking for suggestions for suitcases. Where can I get them cheap here in the US? Also, the big standard one is the 28 inch right?

Any pointers are highly appreciated!

[Adventine 3,196]

I've actually had great success with my local Buy Nothing group on Facebook. I've gotten free suitcases, small appliances, even furniture. The items are usually in good condition - people just wanted to declutter. Just search for "Buy Nothing [your city]" and something should come up.

[Lil bear 4,181]

1 minute ago, Adventine said:

I've actually had great success with my local Buy Nothing group on Facebook. I've gotten free suitcases, small appliances, even furniture. The items are usually in good condition - people just wanted to declutter. Just search for "Buy Nothing [your city]" and something should come up.

I dont buy suitcases for air travel 2nd hand. You never know where they have been or who has handled it. Traces are detectable for quite a while after users last handled them.. . not interested in attracting CBP or TSA attention !! And Walmart suitcases etc are cheap ! 

[Rocio0010 5,579]

15 minutes ago, Adventine said:

I've actually had great success with my local Buy Nothing group on Facebook. I've gotten free suitcases, small appliances, even furniture. The items are usually in good condition - people just wanted to declutter. Just search for "Buy Nothing [your city]" and something should come up.

Thank you!

[Rocio0010 5,579]

12 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

I dont buy suitcases for air travel 2nd hand. You never know where they have been or who has handled it. Traces are detectable for quite a while after users last handled them.. . not interested in attracting CBP or TSA attention !! And Walmart suitcases etc are cheap ! 

Fair point. I was looking at Macy’s and they have Samsonites for $239. Im not saying they’re not worth it, but boy they’re expensive!

[Lil bear 4,181]

8 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Fair point. I was looking at Macy’s and they have Samsonites for $239. Im not saying they’re not worth it, but boy they’re expensive!

Samsonites will last a whole lot longer but not always necessary !! We relocated with 8 big cheap walmart type suitcases which actually have lasted really well for travel since then 

[MarJhi 958]

21 minutes ago, Rocio0010 said:

Fair point. I was looking at Macy’s and they have Samsonites for $239. Im not saying they’re not worth it, but boy they’re expensive!

Search "Luggage sets" on Macy's website, not individual pieces. I got a 4 piece set on there once for under $150. It wasn't a high end brand but it survived a couple of trips to and from the Philippines with no issues. I fill one of the big pieces with gifts and then leave the suitcase behind for my fiancé to use when she eventually gets to come to the US.

 

I won't spend a ton on a fancy suitcase because however nice it looks when its brand new, it only takes one flight for it to get scuffed and scratched up.

Edited June 8, 2022 by MarJhi

[Adventine 3,196]

34 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

I dont buy suitcases for air travel 2nd hand. You never know where they have been or who has handled it. Traces are detectable for quite a while after users last handled them.. . not interested in attracting CBP or TSA attention !! And Walmart suitcases etc are cheap ! 

 

I deep cleaned the suitcases and searched all the pockets, but hey, whatever works for you!

[MarJhi 958]

Invest about $10 on some bright colored, neoprene luggage handle covers in some bright colors. I bought some for my last trip in a flourescent green because my luggage looks the same as everyone else's. When it came time to get my bags at the luggage carousel in the airport I could spot my bags from a mile away. I found those on Amazon and it was definitely worth the $10.

[TBoneTX 45,222]

Estate sales.  Period.

 

Tie colorful yarn or ribbon around the handle for ready ID at the baggage carousel.

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,090]

I'm still using one I got in London the year before I met Anastasia after my luggage was stolen at Heathrow. After buying some clothes the day after I landed, I realized the next day I had nothing to carry them in on the way home.

 

I'm sure the thief was very disappointed to find nothing but a the clothes of a then-40-year-old American guy with inexpensive tastes, as my laptop and anything else of value (and, fortunately, a change of clothes) was in my backpack.

[Rocio0010 5,579]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

on a similar note, does anyone have any suggestions for decent but not-so- expensive travel insurance?

[mam521 2,052]

So, you sort of have two schools of thought:

1. Buy cheap because it could get destroyed

2. Invest and it will last for a really long time.  

 

I had a Swiss Gear suitcase that did pretty good.  Lasted about 2 years with some pretty heavy mileage.  Bought a super cheap suitcase in KL because we bought too much stuff - it's handle didn't make it past the layover Narita.  We've since upgraded to Victorinox and Osprey and man, the one Victorinox suitcase has been across the world and back again a zillion times in the last 10 years and is now starting to show some wear while my Osprey bag just finally had a clip break.  

 

For consideration: 

1. The handle:  Many of the handles pull out and are rectangular shaped.  This is handy if you want to strap a backpack or something to your bag as you roll it.  We have one suitcase with a single, t-shaped handle and it's AWFUL.  I dread using it because of that stupid handle.  

2. The wheels: Many people love these suitcases with the wheels that swivel like and IKEA shopping cart so you can essentially push the bag rather than pull it.  Personally, I hate it because I can't tip the bag and if you're travelling and need to do the ole stackeroo, this isn't convenient.  Also, those swivel wheels are more prone to baggage.

 

Also consider the material of the wheels.  My one roll aboard had ####### wheels that we replaced with rollerblade wheels...best decision ever.  

 

As for Travel Insurance, on a FB page I'm on, the most frequent recommendation seems to be GeoBlue www.geobluetravelinsurance.com