New Luggage Recommendations

[Andy Travels]

Hi all

Newbie here but a frequent flyer who will be rejoining the skys again very soon.

I'm looking at refreshing my carry on luggage to a hard case. Currently looking at the Qantas branded hard cases but just wondering if anyone has any feedback / suggestions? Probably looking at around $120 mark (obviously in this field a $120 price tag is usually a RRP reduced from $250 haha)

Thanks!
Andy

 

[prozac]

I got a new checked-luggage bag the other day whilst on my constitutional walk. There out the front of a local mansion (not really a mansion) was a big Samsonite soft luggage with 4 spinner wheels. I hate spinner wheels, rather 2, but I had to check it out in-case it was full of money. It wasn't but there is nothing obviously wrong with the bag and honestly it looks in almost new condition. And it is light. I don't mind a bargain and I have little shame so I bought it home. This is when I discover one wheels is breaking apart. I call Strand Bags who suggest I bring it in and they will fix it for free!!!
I think I like my new Samsonite already.

 

[John in Melbourne]

Thats brilliant!!

 

[Seat0B]

Since 2013 I have switched to backpack cabin bag. I go for a design that has 4 different zippered sections which gives me a) Laptop and cables section. b) Clothes c) Liquids & d) Passport, paperwork. Depending on which part of the process I'm at I can go directly to what I need.

When you say "backpack cabin bag" @albatross710, do you mean just a standard backpack that meets your design requirements for zippered sections, or is there a class of carry on bags that are back packs? I am also looking to re-tool my luggage set up and am very interested in this thread.

I currently have a backpack along the lines you mentioned, but it is 12 years old and about to be consigned to the bin after being absolutely caned - because all the zipper pulls have broken off and the fabric separating the sections has torn.

 

[prozac]

When you say "backpack cabin bag" @albatross710, do you mean just a standard backpack that meets your design requirements for zippered sections, or is there a class of carry on bags that are back packs? I am also looking to re-tool my luggage set up and am very interested in this thread.

I currently have a backpack along the lines you mentioned, but it is 12 years old and about to be consigned to the bin after being absolutely caned - because all the zipper pulls have broken off and the fabric separating the sections has torn.

Can I ask all you back-pack bag people to slip them off your shoulders before you enter the aircraft? Nothing worse being seated and then being hit by a backpack when it's oblivious owner turns around.

 

[Seat0B]

Can I ask all you back-pack bag people to slip them off your shoulders before you enter the aircraft? Nothing worse being seated and then being hit by a backpack when it's oblivious owner turns around.

Yep, it is a real trap if you are not used to it! I'm always very aware having been whacked in the face a few times myself by other back pack wearers, both seated and in lines. I'm relatively short, and the location of a back pack on an average height male is perfect for smooshing my face!

Another boarding hazard for the already seated ins people with those "as large as possible" wheelie bags that bang into your seat and your elbows/arms as they try to squeeze it down the aisles with minimal clearance either side!

 

[prozac]

Yep, it is a real trap if you are not used to it! I'm always very aware having been whacked in the face a few times myself by other back pack wearers, both seated and in lines. I'm relatively short, and the location of a back pack on an average height male is perfect for smooshing my face!

Another boarding hazard for the already seated ins people with those "as large as possible" wheelie bags that bang into your seat and your elbows/arms as they try to squeeze it down the aisles with minimal clearance either side!

How hard can it be to carry your bag after you enter the aircraft? And those people who manage to board with 4 big stripey bags, how do they ever sneak them past the gate? We can start a whole new thread here.

 

[Seat0B]

And those people who manage to board with 4 big stripey bags, how do they ever sneak them past the gate? We can start a whole new thread here.

Yes!!! This!! You should start the thread @prozac. I have several hilarious things I could contribute about hand luggage fails on boarding.

 

[prozac]

Yes!!! This!! You should start the thread @prozac. I have several hilarious things I could contribute about hand luggage fails on boarding.

Might be a thread in play already.

 

[Seat0B]

Might be a thread in play already.

where should I look to find it?

 

[prozac]

where should I look to find it?

Started just for you @Seat0B - Carry-on boarding etiquette

 

[bussyboy]

How hard can it be to carry your bag after you enter the aircraft...

It's a looong way to the back of the aircraft for some of us

 

[justinbrett]

I’ve always been big on Antler but they went bust during covid. I was speaking to a lady at Strandbags today and she said their company has bought the business - so now it’s a British brand and produced but Australian owned.

 

[prozac]

MsProzac luggage is looking a little sad and she is now talking of upgrading to Samsonite. I suggested Antler might be an alternative and has a worldwide warranty. What are the thoughts of you seasoned travelers for a single checked luggage bag?
Any sales on atm?

 

[Lynda2475]

I bought new antler luggage last year (Stamford) directly from Antler au and am very happy with it, was replacing an older carry-on antler and my favourite samsonite.

I found the newer samsonites are heavier and dont have option to use your own padlock than the one I was replacing (which was donated to my parents as still serviceable). Bought it as ross at DFW outlets when i needed an extra bag coming home from the USA in 2015 USD$35 and more than paid for itself in follow-up trips.

Antler is now owned by strandbags not UK anymore. The bags come with great sacks to keep the dust off when storing.

 

[prozac]

I bought new antler luggage last year (Stamford) and am very happy with it, was replacing an older carry-on antler and my favourite samsonite.

I found the newer samsonites are heavier and dont have option to use your own padlock than the one I was replacing (which was donated to my parents as still serviceable). Bought it as ross at DFW outlets when i needed an extra bag coming home from the USA in 2015 USD$35 and more than paid for itself in follow-up trips.

Antler is now owned by strandbags not UK anymore.

I like Antler but doubt a warranty claim could be made overseas now.
Did you buy the Stamford as a set?

 

[Lynda2475]

Did you buy the Stamford as a set?

No because the largest size case is only really useable on US trips, it exceeds the standard size Qantas allows on most routes. although I see people travel with that size all the time, so doubt anyone measures them very often.

I got two medium, one in olive green and in black plus the cabin/carry-on in olive green. I liked the inside divider etc better than the Cliffton which is cheaper.

Two of them (the olive ones) have been around the world, and also on a couple of domestic/trans Tasman and doing well.

 

[blackcat20]

My Antler is 10 years old this year and still going strong. Had to have a zip fixed two years ago but otherwise no issues.

 

[prozac]

No because the largest size case is only really useable on US trips, it exceeds the standard size Qantas allows on most routes. although I see people travel with that size all the time, so doubt anyone measures them very often.

I got two medium, one in olive green and in black plus the cabin/carry-on in olive green. I liked the inside divider etc better than the Cliffton which is cheaper.

Two of them (the olive ones) have been around the world, and also on a couple of domestic/trans Tasman and doing well.

I like the Stamford too. They make quite a deal about the quality of the wheels on Stamford.
Did you buy from Strandbags? I like their willingness to look at warranty issues. Were you able to get the discount for buying a set with the 2 mediums but without the large size bag?

The other issue with a bigger bag is fitting it into a hire car. Hired a Mercedes 200 in Eu some years ago and it was an engineering feat to fit a medium, medium plus and 2 cabin bags into the boot. Had to place them in like a jigsaw to fit and couldn't go in any other way.

 

[Lynda2475]

No I purchased directly from antler Aussie website, at the time they were having a sale (and yes the more you bought the bigger the discount) that was cheaper than Strand Bags plus the convenience of free delivery.

I find the wheels really good, I can easily drive the cabin and medium back to back with one hand on smooth flooring. The handle on the cabin raises to the same height as the medium.

I ended up travelling with my travel pack (80L soft sided back pack), the medium case and the carry-on. I could balance travel pack on the medium case and still drive with one hand. But put tavel pack on if I needed two hands to carry the carry-on and medium case up stairs.

 

[prozac]

No I purchased directly from antler Aussie website, at the time they were having a sale (and yes the more you bought the bigger the discount) that was cheaper than Strand Bags plus the convenience of free delivery.

I find the wheels really good, I can easily drive the cabin and medium back to back with one hand on smooth flooring. The handle on the cabin raises to the same height as the medium.

I ended up travelling with my travel pack (80L soft sided back pack), the medium case and the carry-on. I could balance travel pack on the medium case and still drive with one hand. But put tavel pack on if I needed two hands to carry the carry-on and medium case up stairs.

Antler head office 3 minutes up the road from me. Unfortunately I don't think they accept buyers.
LoveLuggage site has Stamford Medium in Putty for $234.95 $339.00 You Save 31% ($104.05 ). This is the colour MsProzac likes so maybe that is a sign.