<p>Luggage is something to check on my Costco list today - hoping they have a carry on size at a decent price!</p>
<p>Take your ruler with you and make sure it’ll fit in those overheads! Nothing like standing there cramming your suitcase in and muttering to yourself.</p>
<p>I’ve found great prices on suitcases at T.J.Maxx. They seem to have some discontinued pieces for a much lower price than ebags or any other site. They do have Ricardo and Samsonite. We travel with checked-in luggage fairly frequently and I prefer to buy bags that don’t cost too much. They are reasonably reliable considering that they are not handled very carefully when you check them in. We find that we get several international trips with a bag that costs about 60-80$ and I think that’s perfectly acceptable.</p>
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<p>Non-wheeled backpacks and duffels work better as carry-ons, since they can squeeze into places just slightly too small.</p>
<p>For roller suitcases, remember that there are several ways to fit them into the overhead – wheels in and down, wheels in and up, wheels out and down, wheels out and up. The shape of the bin and cover can make some of these ways fit but others not fit.</p>
<p>Under seat spaces may vary. Window seats often have less space there due to the curvature of the fuselage. In some airplanes, the middle seat has the largest under seat space.</p>
<p>Duffles just don’t pack as well to keep things handy and unwrinkled in my experience. And they don’t stand up (literally). Of course going naked is the next trend…</p>
<p>I too am challenges in trying to pack duffles and try to have things emerge unwrinkled, though in terms of cubic feet storage, they sure can hold a lot. </p>
<p>Somehow, we have always managed to fit everything into a rollerbag that we bring on the plan plus a carry on that fits our jacket and essentials, even when traveling internationally for 3 weeks. S is even better at packing light and can fit things in even less space.</p>
<p>I wasn’t too impressed with the Costco luggage. It was fine and all, but bland looking (why have black when you can have color?!) and yep, TJ can definitely beat those prices with the same quality. I’ll be going there this weekend.</p>
<p>The biggest advantage to purchasing luggage at Costco is not for the quality or selection but the ease of returning it years later if (when) there’s a problem. Try doing that at TJM.</p>
<p>Actually, Costco’s return policy with no questions asked beats out the policies of pretty much ALL other stores I’ve ever been a customer at. I am willing to accept their more limited selection and sometimes slightly higher prices for that benefit.</p>
<p>If one is purchasing a “disposable item” that one expects to replace and doesn’t expect the item to last, than it’s an entirely different matter and fine to buy something that is “stylish” and not expect to be able to return or have a prolonged warranty or servicing.</p>
<p>I was the one who posted about buying cheap luggage from TJM. I was there this past weekend and found a TravelPro 25inch roller for 80$. </p>
<p>But I am intrigued by the Costco return that several folks have mentioned. How long is too long for the return? What do you need to be able to return the item several years down the road? Like I mentioned earlier, I usually buy luggage that I expect to last 3-4 years and then go in for replacements. But if the Costco return holds up, that would be a great deal, even if a bit more expensive to begin with.</p>
<p>All of Costco’s luggage was black. Wasn’t a fan of the overall looks. Call me vain, but I reserve the right to have a color, style, etc that is to my taste! I love Costco as much as the next person, but if the product is not what I want - in both color, brand, style, build - then it’s not for me! I also don’t want to buy an item just based on the fact that I can return it if it breaks - if I don’t like it!!! </p>
<p>I ended up buying Samsonite at TJ for $59 - a 21" (? I think that’s the right $) with outside storage, expandable area, inside pouches and a sturdy handle - in a color that will stand out - which was also a desire of mine. It will fit our needs.</p>
<p>I used to care about having a cute bag. Now that I make 15+ trips each year, all I care about is function and durability. Bags in bright colors do stand out, but they get stained and ugly after a few flights, especially if checked. A distinctive luggage tag is enough to allow me to recognize my very generic black bag.</p>
<p>I have some bright blue suitcases we bought from Macy’s on sale for under $100 apiece. We bought chocolate Briggs & Riley for $139 (normally $400). I usually have my luggage last for years after I’m tired of them and decide I rather have something different. Have only had airlines ruin a few bags in over 30 years of travel. Have bought some nice pieces from Ross as well.</p>