Briggs&riley can be quite expensive. For carry ons, I really like them and rimowa's pokycarbonate international spinner carry on. Super expensive but really really worth it if you travel a lot for business. I really like the 4 wheeled spinners otherwise as it is really much more convenient to roll around and navigate in the airport. With the airlines charging baggage fees, investing in lighter polycarbonate luggage seems to be a good idea. I have found good prices on overstock and amazon.

I have a few pieces of B & R, for a few years and they wear well and look good.

But honestly, I picked up a 29 inch 4 wheeler at Macy's last month, a Samsonite, it's so light, and it looks very solidly constructed.
Macy's often has 70% off Samsonite luggage so although I prefer the looks of the B & R, for whatever little I paid for the Samsonite, you should check them out.

I travel a lot and so far over the years I see no difference in the durability of expensive luggage ( Hartman, B & R) and the mid priced Samsonites or Delseys (which get very deeply discounted), it's really more about the better look, and extra zippers inside and compartments, but for me all I want is a big cavity to pile my stuff in.

I feel like my less expensive/attractive luggage is less likely to attract attention.

I'm a real handbag snob though but I'm the only one handling those so I splurge more on the handbags, less on the luggage now.
4 wheelers are the way to go !!!

For my recent trip to Florida, I picked up a 20" Samsonite Cityscapes (Polycarbonate) Spinner. It was awesome. It sailed through the airports with ease. I walked it like a dog instead of trailing it behind me. Plus it was distinctive. I knew it was my suitcase. Lightweight, perfect balance and didn't cost a small fortune.

Sandy traveled with her red, two wheeled case. It looked so similar to everyone else's case that someone grabbed it from the overhead at USO instead of theirs. What a nightmare! Took her two days to get her stuff back.

I second the notion that very expensive luggage may become a target for theft.

Here is a link that might be useful: Samsonite Cityscapes

When shopping for a garment bag a few months ago I asked the Sales Associate at Robinson's Luggage in Philadelphia to recommend a quality brand of luggage. She recommended Briggs & Riley and told me that many of her frequent travelers swear by it. I think she also said that many flight attendants use them too.

But if you don't travel frequently then I'm not sure it's worth paying the extra for B&R.

Olliesmom--I buy inexpensive luggage as well. The cheaper stuff when stuffed doesnt tend to put you over on weight limit so easily in my opinion. The kids are so rough on luggage....

My last couple of sets have come from Kohls when they have a good sale and I have a good coupon.

Food for thought.

I knew I would get some good responses since many of you are frequent travelers!

My girlfriend has a Briggs and Riley and she has had other brands, for instance, Brics and she said her B&R is much better as far as keeping clean looking and wear and tear. She does has an Osprey carry-on she likes, but likes the B&R better and I did like the way it opened up, but, I know there are other brands that open that way also. I don't mind paying less (would prefer) but I do want quality.

We aren't a family who travels overseas much, we make frequent fights to Las Vegas, California (Beach mostly) and Kentucky a couple of times of year, so I am more interested in the size and packability-is that a word? Anyway, I welcome all comments-cheap or expensive! LOL

I've looked at Burton, for my DS, they looked fun, and not as expensive.

goldie, I have a small brown croc one like the one you posted-don't know the brand off-hand, but it is nice for a carry on.

marie, I guess I need to go to a store around here that carries B&R. I missed out on a good buy on ebay earlier today, a brand new 28" Expedition sold for $152.00, sells new for $320.00, but I hadn't done much research and was afraid that one was too big. Now, I'm kicking myself!

I think the wheels are suppose to be really good on the B&R also.

I have some great Bree luggage that is German and very well made. My carryon is square, it does fit in the overhead but the shape means the capacity is larger and just different for packing. The exterior is gray boiled wool, it looks as though I am walking a pet through the airport.

I would check out ebags.com. They have all brands, and you can sort by customer review. They also list all the dimensions and weight of each piece. Also check out TJMaxx, Ross and Marshalls for great prices on luggage.

kswl, that's a beauty; I have a Bree smallish wheeled carry on in a silver tone vinyl that I love. It's more like a tote bag on wheels, I bought it to carry my laptop and cords and a few file folders.

Thanks, mitchdesj, I have really enjoyed it. My favorite winter coat is a gray boiled wool knee length with brass buttons, and I actually have gray flats with small brass buttons.... have to admit I love "wearing" all three at the same time, lol! I have seen those almost totes and they are a really useful size. Bree has the best colors and materials, hands down, imo.

kswl, love that Bree! That is really nice and I love the color!

Personally I can't see investing in any luggage that doesn't have spinner wheels. They make a huge difference. Also, weight matters.

my husb has a couple of tumi bags which seem to be really well made and durable.... the wheels on them are very strong!

agree that weight of the bag is very impt! (esp if you check luggage!)

Terriks--great website!

Thanks for posting it. Looks like a great place to purchase luggage.

I just bought some new LIGHTWEIGHT luggage ... Lipault. I got the turquoise color and just LOVE it :)

Bought online without ever seeing this anywhere (nearest place that carried it was Neiman Marcus at Somerset Mall) Read MANY reviews and decided to chance it. It's gorgeous and has the 4 wheels (spinners). Can't wait to use it (cruise and FL vacation in March) .... everyone says you can just keep stuffing it :) Ebags carried it, if you're interested in seeing what it looks like!

jody

I don't know exactly what size mine are. One is carry on size that is expandable to be too thick to carry on. The expando feature is very handy. I also have a larger one - maybe 26 or 27 inches. And I have one of those rolling computer/briefcases.

You can buy much cheaper luggage but if you travel much and check your bags you need something heavy duty that will hold up to baggage handling abuse unless you don't mind frequent repairs/replacement.

I got a relatively good deal on all of mine at an outlet mall.

jjean, I've never heard of Lipault and looked it up, the turquoise is beautiful, I am impressed with the foldable collection also. The picture shows how flat they get for storage.

Before I retired to be home with the kids, I travelled a great deal on business. I have been through my share of bags!

I find a lot of the high end ones are too masculine and blah. I have done the Tumi and Hartman route.

The one I have now is a TAnthony. I have had it maybe 5 years. It is so well constructed, I'm very happy with it. I usually carry on (even on three week trips!), and this one fits in most overheads, even internationally (outside of the US a lot of domestic routes have skimpy overheads).

I think my favorite part is the unusual, feminine, and distinctive color. I can always spot my luggage! It is a sort of blue heading toward purple.

Here is a link that might be useful: My favorite suitcase

mitchdesj .... I have drooled over this luggage for the longest time .... every time I got one of those catalogs from Travel Smith or Magellan's.

Wanted the spinners and found a sale online that put the Lipault at the same price as the Samsonite I wanted to the mall!!! Love it!!! I even Scotch Garded it (in hopes it will stay nice longer!!)

jody

jody, thanks for the info, I'll be looking out for those !