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I’m having good luck with some PacSafe bags bought on clearance about four years back. The anti-theft features make for a more durable bag in other ways- better zippers, really tough nylon fabric,etc.
Always wonder if the quality of the TravelPro luggage sold in department stores is the same as those identical looking items that are sold in outlets only flight crew can access?
Originally TravelPro gave flight crews carryons for free for marketing purposes & it sure worked, "If the crew all has that type it must be good luggage." Visible at every airport & airline, I believe they still get a nice deep discount, a very successful & focused marketing move.
As you know they have several lines varying in quality for sale. When I started to travel several times a year, about 20 years ago, I bought a TravelPro roller, not their top line or the bottom one, I believe it was next below Platinum. After several trips I noticed that the zipper pull tabs were falling off each trip until eventually they all came off (this is checked luggage) & I had to jerry-rig zip ties to pull the zippers. The plastic/vinyl guards around the wheels - one came off & the other loosen. Finally there is a wide, flat sealed compartment in the back that I believe is for wet clothes, etc., I never even used that & after some trip the entire zipper had become torn open & was useless, flapping open.
I haven't tried TP's warranty for repairs but have noted extensive online criticism of it on business traveler forums.
I've had better luck in recent years with Victorinox for similarly priced bags, I would grab these esp. if they show up at a deep discounter like Burlington, etc... I have never owned any Tumi but again have noted on business travel forums divided opinions, some love 'em but a lot feel the ones produced in the last 10 years (China) are inferior & not worth the retail price anymore, especially since they weakened their warranty.
I've had a big Briggs & Riley for several years, they are built like a soft-sided tank & very sturdy, a bit heavier than most others & a great warranty, but pricey. The one I bought is too big for most trips I take so so I can't comment on wear & tear.
Originally TravelPro gave flight crews carryons for free for marketing purposes & it sure worked, "If the crew all has that type it must be good luggage." Visible at every airport & airline, I believe they still get a nice deep discount, a very successful & focused marketing move.
As you know they have several lines varying in quality for sale. When I started to travel several times a year, about 20 years ago, I bought a TravelPro roller, not their top line or the bottom one, I believe it was next below Platinum. After several trips I noticed that the zipper pull tabs were falling off each trip until eventually they all came off (this is checked luggage) & I had to jerry-rig zip ties to pull the zippers. The plastic/vinyl guards around the wheels - one came off & the other loosen. Finally there is a wide, flat sealed compartment in the back that I believe is for wet clothes, etc., I never even used that & after some trip the entire zipper had become torn open & was useless, flapping open.
I haven't tried TP's warranty for repairs but have noted extensive online criticism of it on business traveler forums.
I've had better luck in recent years with Victorinox for similarly priced bags, I would grab these esp. if they show up at a deep discounter like Burlington, etc... I have never owned any Tumi but again have noted on business travel forums divided opinions, some love 'em but a lot feel the ones produced in the last 10 years (China) are inferior & not worth the retail price anymore, especially since they weakened their warranty.
I've had a big Briggs & Riley for several years, they are built like a soft-sided tank & very sturdy, a bit heavier than most others & a great warranty, but pricey. The one I bought is too big for most trips I take so so I can't comment on wear & tear.
Great insight, thank you!!!!!!!!!!
The only comment I have is that I am inclined to buy Travelpro again since the first set lasted 19 years............
BTW I just remembered that back 10 years ago or so Costco's line of luggage - Kirkland - was given pretty high marks on value for dollar on those same forums, surprised me actually. I know they had an excellent return policy there but just read an article this week on changes there. I've never shopped there so can't speak much about it.
I have a couple of WW2 military duffel bags. Huge. Pack an insane amount of stuff. Not comfortable at all because must be shoulder carried, but if you're looking for longevity, these still do their job.
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