For the person who appreciates quality above all else, here's a look at some upscale luggage items. If price is not your first consideration, if you care more about quality of design and construction, you will appreciate the Briggs & Riley, Hartmann, Travelpro and Tumi brands. In the eyes of owners, some luggage really does surpass other luggage, even luggage with a very good reputation. Owners of the above mentioned luggage brands don't necessarily agree on good, better, best, so Luggage Reviews will simply look at them in alphabetical order.
As regards construction and practicality of design, Briggs & Riley has found some very loyal customers. The fact that Briggs and Riley offers packing cubes is much appreciated by frequent travelers. Packing cubes are a huge help in keeping clothes organized and as wrinkle free as possible.
Briggs and Riley luggage is super light weight and built to last, but its color choices are limited. Commercial luggage identifiers or personally crafted ones may have to be added for easier identification on the luggage carousel.
As regards price, a 20" Carry-on Superlight Upright can be found for about $ 320.00. There is also a 22" Baseline Carry-On in the same price range. Briggs and Riley's trump card has to be its Lifetime, no questions asked, warranty!
Hartmann luggage also has its loyal fans. Possibly they're impressed by the variety in construction materials and the thoughtful interior detailing. Hartmann Luggage is made to last. It's not only durable but also attractive and easily spotted on the luggage carousel. Here's what you find in their 20" Mobile Traveler Spinner:
Exceptional 360 degree four-wheel rotational movement for simple and effortless movement
Telescoping two-stage handle that locks at 37 inches and 41 inches and provides comfortable gliding
Main compartment packing area with two zippered side pockets and padded tie-down straps to hold garments securely
Front hidden magnetic slash pocket for easy access to travel documents newspaper, etc.The removable hanging travel kit with mesh zip pockets and elastic storage area for organizing toiletries includes an all-purpose drawstring bag, waterproof zip pouch and luggage tag. One feature not often found is the addition of the exclusive Global Recovery System(TM), which helps reunite owners with their lost luggage.
The $ 475.00 price tag for the above 20" Mobile Traveler Spinner compares with $ 695.00 for the Tweed 22" Expandable Mobile Traveler and $ 995.00 for the Belting Leather collection 22" Deluxe Mobile Traveler. There is also a 19" Carry on Wheeled Tweed at $ 550.00. The Luxe Collection is especially classy looking. Without doubt,this is not inexpensive luggage, but owners claim it's worth every penny.
Airline personnel use Travelpro. In the eyes of Luggage Reviews that is a great endorsement. Given the nature of their job, airline personnel give their luggage a good workout. Still, they praise Travelpro's light weight and its durable construction.
One reviewer says, "It looks nice, is durable, and best of all, it is manufactured to fit in the overhead bins. I rarely send a tavelpro to checked baggage."
As a rule, when it comes to traditional 'checked' luggage with wheels, don't skimp on quality. This is the luggage you entrust to the airline, after all. You have no idea what adventures it must endure once it disappears from view behind those black rubber slats. Here, too, Travelpro has a good reputation. A Travelpro Crew 7 Rollaboard can be had for between $ 200.00 and $ 400.00. Shop around.
Finally, theTumi line of fine quality luggage. Founded in 1975, Tumi has become a leader in luxury travel accessories. It is, without doubt, one of the brands of choice for the discerning traveler worldwide. Tumi's commitment to design excellence, functional superiority and technical innovation has resulted in great loyalty among its owners.
Tumi uses only the finest materials in its skilled production of premium quality travel accessories. Look for the Luxe Townhouse Collection and the Tumi classics Alpha Collection.
One reviewer says, "I first discovered Tumi when I was in college and about to embark on a summer trip to Europe. My father was horrified at spending 0+ on a suitcase. Fast-forward ten years and it is now the only brand he'll buy. It's really the most durable luggage out there. I've added a few more pieces on my own and I truly can't imagine using anything else. Count me firmly in the Tumi camp."
For price comparison the Tumi Alpha Continental 20" carry-on sells for $ 595.00.
Always consider the possibility that an item may have to be checked through and may not be handled with kid gloves along the way. Frequent travelers undoubtedly will fare better, if they don't skimp on quality.
