checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

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Topic Author
gips
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checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by gips »

hi,

I used to travel quite a bit for work and had a good very good/expensive suitcase/suiter. Once I retired and we started traveling as a couple, I researched luggage and, perhaps based on a consumer report recommendation, purchased two delsey hardside bags, both crushed after the first flight. Delsey refused a refund, the airline refused a refund, not a happy experience. since then we've been using old Samsonite bags that gave up the ghost last trip. We take around 6 trips a year, some in the car, some are on flights.

I mostly trust wirecutter reviews, here's their review of checked luggage where they recommend the travelpro elite platinum for $416:
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/revi ... d-luggage/

I've read a couple of forum threads where people have recommended the travelpro maxlite which is $186 on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Travelpro-Luggag ... fe633&th=1

and in general, we've had pretty good luck with amazon basics products but mostly it's been their casual clothing, still, it's hard to ignore the price difference of this $86 bag:

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-30 ... fe633&th=1

as I've gotten older and our financial position has solidified, I've been willing to spend more for quality/longevity but $416 for something that can be had for $86 or $146 just rubs my boglehead the wrong way.

thoughts?

ps my wife is set on checked rather than carryon. what's the line from brother where art thou? something like "I've spoken my piece and counter to three". :)
Last edited by gips on Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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simplesimon
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by simplesimon »

I have an older Travelpro that has held up for almost 10 years. I would not hesitate to buy the one Wirecutter recommends. I got my wife the Briggs & Riley suitcase they recommend and it's just a pleasure to use.

I find it is easy to ignore price differences once I feel how cheap a cheap item is.
tibbitts
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by tibbitts »

I just bought luggage. Travelpro has eliminated most of their mid-sized two-wheel bags in the past year, and cheapened the ones they still have (fewer pockets, for example.) I bought their economy model on sale during the holiday, 26" for $140+tax. It's exactly the same size/style as my ancient American Tourister (broken frame, but was a good bag for decades) but has only 1/4th(!) as many pockets. The cheap Travelpro "feels" exactly like my American Tourister. I tried a cheaper bag from Amazon; it didn't feel nearly as robust (but maybe it would have been) as either of them. Many of Travelpro's better consumer bags have, I believe, a more robust handle and frame, but also waste (for me) lots of space and weight with non-removable(?) organizer features inside. If I recall their commercial line of checked bags ends now at 24", which seems odd since the standard commercial rollaboard model is 22". Why they wouldn't make a 26" instead seems mysterious, unless the point is to make something that crews can still carry on board without being too blatant.
Last edited by tibbitts on Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:28 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Topic Author
gips
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by gips »

simplesimon wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:19 pm I have an older Travelpro that has held up for almost 10 years. I would not hesitate to buy the one Wirecutter recommends. I got my wife the Briggs & Riley suitcase they recommend and it's just a pleasure to use.

I find it is easy to ignore price differences once I feel how cheap a cheap item is.
thanks, actually, a colleague who traveled to NYC every week for three years had the Briggs & Riley, he thought it was money well spent.
GoldStar
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by GoldStar »

I would NOT get the Amazon Basics but also would Not spend over $400. TravelPro has some great flight crew lines that aren't quite as expense.
DoubleComma
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by DoubleComma »

I have used a TravelPro Crew for 10+ years of business travel. Easily 12 flights a year. The bag has held up well and I would not hesitate to buy it again.

I don't have experience with the Elite line, but I do trust the brand.

My wife likes her Away bag as well. I think the styling of Away is nice, but I appreciate having exterior pockets on my bag and I don't value having a charging port on my suitcase.
Last edited by DoubleComma on Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cletus Davenport
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Cletus Davenport »

I don’t trust wire utter reviews anymore. They got bought a few years back, and can no longer be relied on like they were in the last.

I do still check them from time to time, as a starting point for research. But I’ve bought a few things they recommended, and was very disappointed with the products.

Having said that, we have been very impressed with the “AWAY”brand. (It is recommended by wirecutter as well….). We got ours from Amazon. Incredible wheels…..
Last edited by Cletus Davenport on Tue Jan 28, 2025 3:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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BrooklynInvest
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by BrooklynInvest »

I like Away.

My case expands from domestic "usually fits in the overhead" to International carry on, plus I like the backpack that matches it. Not snazzy, but solid and have taken some abuse with aplomb.
Mr. Buzzkill
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Mr. Buzzkill »

My philosophy on luggage is that checked bags get abused and eventually ruined no matter what brand or model. I’ve witnessed horrible handling by ground crew who just don’t seem to care.

So I by the cheapest of the highly rated bags for checking through to destinations. I have used an eBags model (no longer made) for ten years that is frequently checked and it’s held up well. eBags is owned by Samsonite which also owns Tumi, but not having to replace it, I don’t know what the current reviews are like.

I do carry a stylish (read: expensive) but low key Tumi laptop bag as personal item for carryon to maintain a professional appearance because I have many business meetings with C-level executives.
The past does not equal the future so plan accordingly because… Murphy’s Law
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lthenderson
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by lthenderson »

gips wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:11 pm thoughts?
Like someone mentioned, I treat my checked luggage as something to be abused. I've seen them tossed from the baggage cart to the concrete near the luggage conveyor more than once so we bought hard sided luggage the last go around some 13 years ago. They were discounted bags post holidays at a TJ Max and cost us about $40 each. They still work well though I have no idea who made them. The riveted on label says Bass but I've tried googling them to buy another couple (we have two but are a family of four) but haven't ever seen then for sale online.

The best feature of them that I would highly recommend is that they weren't black, blue or some other dark non-descript shade of color. We have a red and orange one. I've never been confused or had to look at the tag to verify it is mine before picking it up at baggage claim. They stand out in a very mono colored crowd of luggage.
stan1
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by stan1 »

I can report that we bought two TravelPro Platinum Elite 25" soft side 4-wheel spinners in 2024 and have so far taken them on two international round trips. They have a built in suit/dress carrier which we've made use of. It works well, just leave the clothing on their hangar and inside a dry clean plastic bag. They have held up, and have made it easier to maneuver at the airport and while doing transfers. We intentionally got 25" size so that we would not over pack and stay under weight limits. The bags have been full for our trips, but not overstuffed. If you are checking bags 6 round trips per year that is not infrequent by 2025 standards. I would go with the Elite or Briggs & Riley with that usage but I have not bought an Amazon bag to compare. The lower cost Travel Pros are clearly inferior when compared side by side which we did.

Spouse has a TravelPro Elite 19" spinner that is handy as a carry-on. I will say the wheels work well but we are careful with our luggage and could probably take more risk here with something lower cost.

We still have some 25 year old TravelPro and Samsonite luggage that is nearing end of life. I've replaced the wheels but other leather, fabric, and plastic parts are deteriorating more due to age rather than usage.

We are not fans of the hard sided clam shell luggage. The soft side gives instead of breaking.
isubrama
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by isubrama »

You may find the branded luggage for a fair price at Costco/TJMaxx/Ross stores. Samsonite and Ricardo (from Costco) work good for me.
TrogdorsPeasant
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by TrogdorsPeasant »

We used to buy 25" checked luggage in the $90-$125 range. Some lasted a year or two, some had the top carry handle rip off on the second flight, leaving raw screw ends sticking out of the top, and they had to be replaced.

We finally gave up on that pattern early last year and went for 2 of the exact Travelpro Elite 25" you're linked to (it was on sale at the time on Amazon with a $50 off coupon per bag) and have been loving them. The bags are completely intact after multiple flights around the world, and getting dragged across the cobblestones of Florence multiple times. Probably the biggest different is in the details, like quality of the top carry handle, the extentable handle, or the magnet aligned wheels. When you're running it in 4 wheel mode through an airport, it's clearly easier to guide then a typical bag without the feature. My wife always hated dragging luggage around through airports, and she complains far less now with the handling qualities of these bags.

We're super happy with the choice, even with the $ investment. If they hold up for 5+ years, versus the average 1.5-3 years we got out of a cheap bag being abused by the airlines, we''ll be even happier. So far it seems like that won't be a problem..
bogwrangler7
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by bogwrangler7 »

I like Away. Have their carry on size, use it 20-30 times per year since I travel a lot for work + fun. I've had variations of it for going on 7 or 8 years, the only reason I got a new one is Frontier lost my bag when I checked it! Since then, I've shied away from checking and have done multi-week trips just on a carry on, since I'd rather not risk losing my bag. My parents who travel sparingly only use checked luggage - I think it's a generational thing.

I'd also consider cost per use and figure out how that plays into the decision. If you're only traveling a handful of times a year, I'd maybe go cheaper. But if you're going frequently, makes sense to spend a bit more. I would not go with a lesser brand. My general take on these types of purchases is 'buy once, cry once'. Ideally whatever you pick will last you at minimum 5 years of traveling.
lazydavid
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by lazydavid »

I have the Platinum Elite 19" carryon that my wife and I share for our respective business travel, and it is a delight. I particularly love the wheels, which roll very smoothly and straight thanks to magnetic orientation. That and the lifetime warranty against carrier-induced damage are probably the two biggest differentiators of the Platinum Elite, while MaxLite is truly focused on having the lowest possible empty weight. Full comparison of all their lines can be found here: https://travelpro.com/pages/comparison-chart
10001110101
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by 10001110101 »

I've had really good luck with OGIO bags and Luggage, and they don't break the bank.
https://www.ogio.com/
Keebtree
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Keebtree »

A vote for the Away brand. I like hard shell bags, the bags are good quality (I took 58 flights in 2024 and the bag held up great).

It’s not cheap but not as expensive as some of the other brands mentioned. Only downside to me: a lot of people have the same colors so make sure you mark it somehow so it’s easy to pick out from a crowd…
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quantAndHold
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by quantAndHold »

The last time I needed a large hard sided bag, I found one at the Goodwill for $25. It worked fine.

Mostly, I like to travel lighter than that, so I donated it back when I was done with it.
Lambert Strether
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Lambert Strether »

I have a few TravelPro pieces that have held up well. A few months ago, I bought a TravelPro Maxlite, and I was disappointed by its rather small size.
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PottedPlant
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Soft, not hard

Post by PottedPlant »

Go soft, as in backpack.
Don’t care about “crush”.
Mashed or Baked Potatoes?
sctrojan
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by sctrojan »

I highly reccommend this set. I have two of the sets and they have held up well. Hinomoto wheels and polycarbonite construction. Some have speculated its really a rebrand of Away luggage.

Also there is a Members Mark guarantee which you can utilize if any issues. I had a small issue with the rubber bumper falling off. They could not replace the part so they just refunded my money.

I also have a set from Costco which are Ricardo. Frankly they work but have started to show damage. I got maybe 3 years of travel out of them.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/prod ... se%20Color
toomanysidehustles
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by toomanysidehustles »

sctrojan wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 8:29 pm
I also have a set from Costco which are Ricardo. Frankly they work but have started to show damage.
The Ricardo suitcases are awesome. I bought 4 a few years ago for the family, and on my last trip one of the zippers started blowing out. I took it back to Costco, they took it back no questions asked and I got the current version of the same suitcase for $20.00 less. Costco for the win.
Opalmanta
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Opalmanta »

We have a really ugly nylon wheeled duffle that we bought from Costco about 8 years ago. Won’t hold up forever, but so far so good for 2 trips per year where we check baggage. At a cost of about $80 at the time it’s performed well. We also have 2 Samsonite carryons that occasionally get checked, get used at least 4x year and are also doing very well. We looked at travelpro, couldn’t stomach the cost. Second the idea of getting colors other than black.
hunoraut
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by hunoraut »

-soft-sided luggages are more durable than hard-sided. theres more absorption available.
-any luggage is liable for damage, if not the primary panels, then accessories like zippers and handles and wheels
-the only guard against that is with lifetime warranty from manufacturer or the store

thus, its best you buy luggage from places like costco (which also sells delsey), or orvis or rei. note, the latter tightened up their generous satisfaction warranty, but should still be very consumer friendly.
dcabler
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by dcabler »

I traveled internationally for years for work. Early on after paying attention to what pilots and flight attendants used, I went with TravelPro and never regretted it. There are often deals to be found away from Amazon, including at outlet stores. Pretty sure I bought one or two of ours at Tuesday Morning, back when they were still in business.

Cheers.
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Ependytis
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Ependytis »

I bought my soft sided four wheel Samsonyte suitcase at Ross dress for less for $60. I have used it for years including going on many international trips. I can’t imagine what people do to their suitcase that it doesn’t last for years. Paying a premium for Travel Pro just doesn’t make sense to me. The only thing I ever had go out on a suitcase suitcase was the wheels. For the price of a Travel Pro, I could carry a spare set with me.
lazydavid
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by lazydavid »

Ependytis wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:02 am I bought my soft sided four wheel Samsonyte suitcase at Ross dress for less for $60. I have used it for years including going on many international trips. I can’t imagine what people do to their suitcase that it doesn’t last for years. Paying a premium for Travel Pro just doesn’t make sense to me. The only thing I ever had go out on a suitcase suitcase was the wheels. For the price of a Travel Pro, I could carry a spare set with me.
I've had to retire numerous suitcases due to wheel failure of one sort or another. 3 Samsonites, 1 Kenneth Cole, 1 other brand I can't recall, typically around the 8-12 year mark depending on how often that specific piece was used. They typically limped the last few years before finally becoming totally unfit for purpose.

In most cases, the wheel modules (only one was designed to allow replacement of just the wheels, albeit not easily) were either not available on the open market, exceedingly difficult to replace (drilling out and re-welding plastic attachment points), or both. Luggage repair shops quoted me on average $70 per wheel to do the repair for me.
hunoraut
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by hunoraut »

Ependytis wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:02 am I bought my soft sided four wheel Samsonyte suitcase at Ross dress for less for $60. I have used it for years including going on many international trips. I can’t imagine what people do to their suitcase that it doesn’t last for years. Paying a premium for Travel Pro just doesn’t make sense to me. The only thing I ever had go out on a suitcase suitcase was the wheels. For the price of a Travel Pro, I could carry a spare set with me.
Most people don't do anything bad to their own luggage.

But when a suitcase loaded with 15kg of goods is tossed onto the floor, onto the trolley, into the airplane cargo bay, from a height of , say, 3ft, and lands on a corner instead of its side, its bound to get damaged. Wheels are fixed with no suspension for the impact. A large exposed zipper pull can be ripped from continued abrasion.
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gips
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by gips »

thank you for all the replies!
- Away: if we hadn't had the terrible experience with delsey that I mentioned in the OP, we'd give them a try but it was a little traumatic to see both bags come out of their maiden voyage cracked/dented in the same place. So for this go round, we've decided upon soft sided.
- Travelpro Elite: Turns out one can get a 10% discount on their website by signing up for their emails. drops the price to about $385
- Travelpro Maxlite 5: lot of recommendations on this site and other travel sites for this $186 bag
- Cheap bags (ie amazon basics): we've decided to move away from these bags, we've had wheel and handle failures abroad and spending time solving those problems while abroad can be costly and time consuming.

so we're still thinking about it but looks like it will be one of the two travelpro bags.

thanks again!
FoolMeOnce
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by FoolMeOnce »

We have an Amazon Basics hard-side checked bag that has held up well for a decade. One design annoyance (the expandable side is the one with the inner zip cover, that is, the side you flip to close. Makes it more annoying to use the expanded space), but otherwise it has been great.
bloom2708
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by bloom2708 »

Checked bags are beat up and often broken. Tossed about like nobody cares.

We go to the local "Savers" Thrift store and buy a suitcase for $4-$6 if/when the wheels or zippers break on our suitcases.

They always have a rack of 10+ suitcases on the cheap.

Just another idea.
artpennypacker
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by artpennypacker »

I have several of the platinum travelpro that come with the 4x magna wheels. They are amazing for wheeling anywhere of length. I'd have a hard time paying $400+, I think I got the 21" spinners for about $180, and the 25" for about $200.

2 I have are a merlot color, and the airlines have abused them. They look very dirty, despite my attempts to clean them with warm water and dish soap. They're also over 10 years old and have gone international ~10 times. But the wheels are still going strong. I would look to replace them with something similar when they go out.

The interiors aren't anything special, compared to the samsonite, etc I've had previously.

2nd place for wheels is a brand that escapes me, but it's a two wheel with skateboard wheels. But I like the 4 wheel for going through tight spaces.
wandering_aimlessly
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by wandering_aimlessly »

Our Amazon basics hard sides have been checked through over a dozen international trips and held up great. The small one has done many more as carry on but that treatment isn't nearly as bad. The only issue is one large suitcase was dropped on a corner from a decent height (and wife packs to a full 50 lbs). The corner crushed in but was re-expanded with minimal noticeable damage. The wheels have all held up very well. I am not sure of the zippers as we do pack heavy but we also use straps as those also make them easy to recognize on the belt. The "basics" name is also less attractive to anyone looking to think a nice suitcase might contain something nice. It appears you are looking to soft sides so this won't matter but one limitation to hard sides is they may not fit under a cruise bed, we have left ours open to be able to store them under low lying beds. The fancy innards to a suitcase never made as much difference to me as using packing cubes. Just my experience.
Scotttheking
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Scotttheking »

lazydavid wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:17 am
Ependytis wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:02 am I bought my soft sided four wheel Samsonyte suitcase at Ross dress for less for $60. I have used it for years including going on many international trips. I can’t imagine what people do to their suitcase that it doesn’t last for years. Paying a premium for Travel Pro just doesn’t make sense to me. The only thing I ever had go out on a suitcase suitcase was the wheels. For the price of a Travel Pro, I could carry a spare set with me.
I've had to retire numerous suitcases due to wheel failure of one sort or another. 3 Samsonites, 1 Kenneth Cole, 1 other brand I can't recall, typically around the 8-12 year mark depending on how often that specific piece was used. They typically limped the last few years before finally becoming totally unfit for purpose.

In most cases, the wheel modules (only one was designed to allow replacement of just the wheels, albeit not easily) were either not available on the open market, exceedingly difficult to replace (drilling out and re-welding plastic attachment points), or both. Luggage repair shops quoted me on average $70 per wheel to do the repair for me.
I did a wheel replacement in my wife’s approx 15 year old travel pro. Can’t buy replacement wheels but rollerblade wheels work great as long as size is matched.

We use good carryons. We also very rarely check them. Our checked bags are a mix of cheap up to Briggs and Reilly.
The kid’s suitcase my 7 year old got lasted 3.5 years, maybe 30 flights. Was just replaced with a travelpro maxlite.



To question above about why not much 27”, the answer is weight limits. A packed 24” can get close to the 50lbs limit, 27” would get too heavy, so not much demand.
TN_Boy
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by TN_Boy »

hunoraut wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:31 am
Ependytis wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:02 am I bought my soft sided four wheel Samsonyte suitcase at Ross dress for less for $60. I have used it for years including going on many international trips. I can’t imagine what people do to their suitcase that it doesn’t last for years. Paying a premium for Travel Pro just doesn’t make sense to me. The only thing I ever had go out on a suitcase suitcase was the wheels. For the price of a Travel Pro, I could carry a spare set with me.
Most people don't do anything bad to their own luggage.

But when a suitcase loaded with 15kg of goods is tossed onto the floor, onto the trolley, into the airplane cargo bay, from a height of , say, 3ft, and lands on a corner instead of its side, its bound to get damaged. Wheels are fixed with no suspension for the impact. A large exposed zipper pull can be ripped from continued abrasion.
Agreed. The owner can maybe abuse the zippers a bit or drag the wheeled bag over cobblestones too much, but most of the problem is the airport baggage handling. Watching them unload a plane and tossing luggage around is an eye opening experience.
TN_Boy
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by TN_Boy »

bloom2708 wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 8:44 am Checked bags are beat up and often broken. Tossed about like nobody cares.

We go to the local "Savers" Thrift store and buy a suitcase for $4-$6 if/when the wheels or zippers break on our suitcases.

They always have a rack of 10+ suitcases on the cheap.

Just another idea.
That costs out okay, but it is annoying when the suitcase is damaged on the way out .... so now you are maybe hauling around a big suitcase where the wheels don't work, or work badly. Which is has happened to us.

Granted this could happen to even very good luggage, but the stronger, better quality stuff is more likely to resist baggage handling mishaps.
optimize_daily
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by optimize_daily »

Dear OP,

I purchased the Amazon Basics orange suitcase and happily used it for 3+ or so years. I never check bags and traveled once a month. It was light enough for me to lift up (Female, 115 Lbs), roomy and pleasant enough to use. BUT..... in the last 3 months, the telescopic handle has been catching as I push it down. It's very annoying and something I found that happened with my last Samsonite bag as well. It appears the telescopic handles are the first thing to show wear and tear. For my next bag, I am going to invest in something with a long-lasting, well-built handle. :).

P.S. I haven't checked to see if simply oiling the handle will give it a few more years.

Best of Luck.
stan1
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by stan1 »

The older 2 wheeled models were designed to be repairable, taking out some screws and sliding a new skate wheel on to a hub. I'm trying to keep several bought in the early 2000s alive that way.

The newer models have foregone that simplicity, and now have proprietary wheel modules that are harder to repair. And the spinner wheels are even more proprietary. Sometimes you can search on Amazon for spare parts from non-OEM sources.
doob
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Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by doob »

Did not see anyone mention this, so wanted to chime in. The Travelpro "Crew" line made for airline professionals is of an entirely different grade, build, and just overall quality. They are also far less fancy, but built to last and more functional. You can often get them online from retailers that sell to airline crews, but are willing to sell to the general public as well. My wife and I live to travel and easily take 6-7 long haul international trips each year. Our Travelpros (crew grade) have lasted for more than 20 years and are still going strong.

After Travelpros are Briggs & Riley and Tumi, but the latter both are in a different price category altogether.

Oh, and we swear by carry-on only (have not checked in for 20+ years, except for gate check-ins due to very small aircraft, etc.), so cannot speak for checked-in luggage.

My wife used to be in the checked-in category as well. But after she saw the flexibility carry-on-only accords, including a) unofficial priority by customer reps when rebooking during IRROPS; b) of course no lost luggage issues; c) ability to walk off airports when others are still waiting for their luggage; d) on several occasions change destination on the fly at the airport because we missed our connection (did I say we live to travel?). :happy

Oh, and one more thought - get rollaboards (two wheels) instead of spinners (four wheels); there is a reason (or a long list of them) you will generally not see flight crew and other pro travelers carry spinners and Travelpro's crew line also generally does not carry spinners. :D
gips wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:11 pm hi,

I used to travel quite a bit for work and had a good very good/expensive suitcase/suiter. Once I retired and we started traveling as a couple, I researched luggage and, perhaps based on a consumer report recommendation, purchased two delsey hardside bags, both crushed after the first flight. Delsey refused a refund, the airline refused a refund, not a happy experience. since then we've been using old Samsonite bags that gave up the ghost last trip. We take around 6 trips a year, some in the car, some are on flights.

I mostly trust wirecutter reviews, here's their review of checked luggage where they recommend the travelpro elite platinum for $416:
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/revi ... d-luggage/

I've read a couple of forum threads where people have recommended the travelpro maxlite which is $186 on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Travelpro-Luggag ... fe633&th=1

and in general, we've had pretty good luck with amazon basics products but mostly it's been their casual clothing, still, it's hard to ignore the price difference of this $86 bag:

https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-30 ... fe633&th=1

as I've gotten older and our financial position has solidified, I've been willing to spend more for quality/longevity but $416 for something that can be had for $86 or $146 just rubs my boglehead the wrong way.

thoughts?

ps my wife is set on checked rather than carryon. what's the line from brother where art thou? something like "I've spoken my piece and counter to three". :)
ondarvr
Posts: 563
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2020 5:03 pm

Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by ondarvr »

Traveled extensively for work for the last thirty years, as in flights and hotels virtually every week. Currently have a Travel Pro, it's lasted 10 years or so and is still in great shape, but haven't purchased another one after that. Kirkland from Costo was another good performer, but didn't last as long as the Travel Pro, the wheels are what gave out on those and they weren't replaceable easily.

For just vacation type use I would go with Costco again if they're still available, good price and fairly durable. Plus returnable if you don't like it.
TN_Boy
Posts: 4689
Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2009 11:51 am

Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by TN_Boy »

doob wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 2:28 pm Did not see anyone mention this, so wanted to chime in. The Travelpro "Crew" line made for airline professionals is of an entirely different grade, build, and just overall quality. They are also far less fancy, but built to last and more functional. You can often get them online from retailers that sell to airline crews, but are willing to sell to the general public as well. My wife and I live to travel and easily take 6-7 long haul international trips each year. Our Travelpros (crew grade) have lasted for more than 20 years and are still going strong.

After Travelpros are Briggs & Riley and Tumi, but the latter both are in a different price category altogether.

Oh, and we swear by carry-on only (have not checked in for 20+ years, except for gate check-ins due to very small aircraft, etc.), so cannot speak for checked-in luggage.

My wife used to be in the checked-in category as well. But after she saw the flexibility carry-on-only accords, including a) unofficial priority by customer reps when rebooking during IRROPS; b) of course no lost luggage issues; c) ability to walk off airports when others are still waiting for their luggage; d) on several occasions change destination on the fly at the airport because we missed our connection (did I say we live to travel?). :happy

Oh, and one more thought - get rollaboards (two wheels) instead of spinners (four wheels); there is a reason (or a long list of them) you will generally not see flight crew and other pro travelers carry spinners and Travelpro's crew line also generally does not carry spinners. :D
gips wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2025 2:11 pm
snip

ps my wife is set on checked rather than carryon. what's the line from brother where art thou? something like "I've spoken my piece and counter to three". :)
Re: carry-on versus checked. If convenient, I'll go with carry-on, but many times this doesn't work for us. I am usually packing hiking boots, regular shoes, various layers of clothing for outdoor stuff, including rain jackets and pants, maybe some camera gear (the cameras themselves will be carry-on, not so for things like a tripod), etc etc. Depending on access to laundry facilities, I might take more changes of clothing than I really want to (and yes I can do the "wash in the sink thing"). Often I'm thinking ... I could fit all this into a carry-on. But ... I can take stuff that will make the actual trip easier if I check a larger bag. Plus it is nice taking things like pocket knives, etc for some trips which cannot be carry-on.

The need for multiple pairs of shoes (and I'm not a size 7 ...) is one of my main pain points when packing. That and camera gear.

If taking minimal camera gear I can often stuff everything into a carry-on. Even then, I have to be careful, since if I put $$ camera gear in the carry-on and get gate checked, that is bad.

All that said, if carry-on works, it absolutely makes certain things faster and low stress. I have a small rolling backpack for weekend type trips and we have larger backpack only (no wheels) carry-ons as well. The latter maximize capacity, since the wheels do take up interior space.
Ependytis
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Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2016 11:10 am

Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Ependytis »

lazydavid wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:17 am
Ependytis wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2025 6:02 am I bought my soft sided four wheel Samsonyte suitcase at Ross dress for less for $60. I have used it for years including going on many international trips. I can’t imagine what people do to their suitcase that it doesn’t last for years. Paying a premium for Travel Pro just doesn’t make sense to me. The only thing I ever had go out on a suitcase suitcase was the wheels. For the price of a Travel Pro, I could carry a spare set with me.
I've had to retire numerous suitcases due to wheel failure of one sort or another. 3 Samsonites, 1 Kenneth Cole, 1 other brand I can't recall, typically around the 8-12 year mark depending on how often that specific piece was used. They typically limped the last few years before finally becoming totally unfit for purpose.

In most cases, the wheel modules (only one was designed to allow replacement of just the wheels, albeit not easily) were either not available on the open market, exceedingly difficult to replace (drilling out and re-welding plastic attachment points), or both. Luggage repair shops quoted me on average $70 per wheel to do the repair for me.
For my spare Samsonite, I had to drill holes per YouTube video, but didn't have to re-weld any plastic attachment points. It really wasn't that bad and I bought a spare set to go in the luggage, just in case. Note the axle for the new wheels just requires a Phillips screwdriver to remove.
Afty
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Joined: Sun Sep 07, 2014 5:31 pm

Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by Afty »

I have the 29-inch version of that Amazon Basics suitcase. I purchased it in 2017 and use it 1-2x per year. It's held up remarkably well given the cost. The only issue it has is that the front zipper has broken. All the wheels and everything else are intact, still rolls very smoothly.

I also have several of those Travelpro Maxlite 5 suitcases in the 21-inch (carry-on) size. They've been great as well, very durable.

If you are cost sensitive, I'd say the Amazon Basics bag is a great value.
cubs1999
Posts: 714
Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2022 11:40 pm

Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by cubs1999 »

I have a Travel Pro that I bought in 2019. It is the largest size possible that fits the Frontier Carry-on limits. It won't fit in the Spirit sizer. I did damage it slightly when I was trying to force it into the Spirit sizer during a layover ( gouged a piece of the plastic trim so it was just cosmetic damage). The carry-on is still great and the cosmetic damage is barely noticeable. I just this thing a lot including dragging it for a 6 mile walk once.
bagle
Posts: 410
Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2011 4:59 am

Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by bagle »

Happy with Travelpro Maxlite 5 spinner (and checkin). Can’t compare it to Amazon but Butter than Samsonite. Too cheap to pay for Elite model.
rich126
Posts: 4959
Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2018 3:56 pm

Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by rich126 »

Although I do have a Briggs and Reilly suitcase it is too big for a carry on. Years ago I was looking for a lightweight carryon suitcase and ended up with a fairly cheap eBags suitcase and it still is working well. I've learned not to pay a lot for items that I can't control who touches them or I need to leave in public spaces.

Unless something has a very good lifetime warranty I would rather go the cheaper route unless the item looks like it won't last at all. My Eddie Bauer backpack I've had for 20+ years and finally has a rip which means I"ll need to fix it or finally get a new one. Hard to get rid of some stuff since you are used to the pocket layout and you have a system of storing stuff. Getting a new one means retraining my brain :)
----------------------------- | If you think something is important and it doesn't involve the health of someone, think again. Life goes too fast, enjoy it and be nice.
cubs1999
Posts: 714
Joined: Tue Jun 07, 2022 11:40 pm

Re: checked luggage: amazon basics ($86) vs travelpro elite ($415)

Post by cubs1999 »

Wow, I went through my Amazon account to see what the exact model I bought was and I saw i bought it for $185 in Nov or 2019 and it's currently $365. I have the 21". This is the exact description copied from Amazon

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage, 8 Wheel Spinner Suitcase, USB Port, Suiter, Men and Women, Bordeaux Red, Carry On 21-Inch

I am also happy with my High Sierra backpack I bought in May of 2015. I have used this on every trip as a personal item since then. Apparently Amazon doesn't sell it anymore. The lining between two interior sections finally ripped last month but it's not enough of an issue for me to seek a replacement yet. The wipes or toiletry bag that I put in that pouch can now make its way into the man bag area but that's not a big deal to me.

High Sierra Scrimmage Backpack, Blue, 19.25 x 13.5 x 9.5-Inch
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