Lightweight but sturdy luggage

It's no secret that the airlines now charge fees for checked bags. This is making packing more difficult, especially for long trips. My wife can't place her liquids into our carry-on bags due to TSA restrictions. She has learned to travel with small sizes of her cosmetic products. But by the time we pack her liquids into our check-in bags, it leaves less room for clothing if we want to avoid exceeding the 50 pound limit.

We have a very sturdy set of bags made by Atlantic. "Sturdy" means that the airlines have been unable to destroy them over a number of years. But they are heavy - even empty, we are already well on our way to the 50 pound limit. I have started thinking of purchasing a new luggage set. The goal is to find something LIGHTWEIGHT and also STURDY. Lighter luggage will make it far easier to get her liquid stuff in and then some additional clothing. But it needs to be sturdy because the airline baggage handlers are not known for gentleness.

Any suggestions?

A Guide to Must-Have Lightweight Luggage


Richard

Travelpro TPro Xtreme Lite 25" Expandable Upright

We bought this before a trip to Aruba a few weeks ago... very lightweight. It worked great for us, and was very recognizable on the luggage belt...

http://www.ebags.com/travelpro/tpro...pright/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=97222

GetawaysRus said:

But by the time we pack her liquids into our check-in bags, it leaves less room for clothing if we want to avoid exceeding the 50 pound limit.

Any suggestions?

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How can liquids in the carry-on add significantly to the weight and space? Isn't it limited to the one standard size (Qt.), TSA-approved, not exceeding 3 oz. per bottle? Wouldn't large liquid bottles or quantites need to be placed in a checked bag?

We had Atlantic luggage set (about 9 yrs. old) and we recently purchased the Delsey Helium Signature carry-ons from Macy's, on sale. Quite lightwgt. and seem durable, well-constructed frame.
We'll see how tough they are on upcoming trip....good luck

GetawaysRus said:

"Sturdy" means that the airlines have been unable to destroy them over a number of years. But they are heavy - even empty, we are already well on our way to the 50 pound limit. I have started thinking of purchasing a new luggage set. The goal is to find something LIGHTWEIGHT and also STURDY.

Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

My suggestion would be any lightweight luggage from Briggs & Riley.
http://www.briggs-riley.com/. They might be a bit pricey, unless you find them on sale but they are extremely sturdy. The important part is that their guarantee covers any damage at all. The damage can be something you did or something done by the airline, even zippers. Most other luggage companies don't cover zippers at all.

GetawaysRus said:

My wife can't place her liquids into our carry-on bags due to TSA restrictions. She has learned to travel with small sizes of her cosmetic products. But by the time we pack her liquids into our check-in bags, it leaves less room for clothing if we want to avoid exceeding the 50 pound limit.

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The OP does say liquids in check in bag. You must have missed it,

I buy the cheap ones with wheels and they are the lightest

I spend under $30 and get a cheap suitcase with wheels. The cheap ones are always light and they seem to hold up well. I figure the cost of replacing them several times averages out to less than one expensive model that lasts forever. My cheapos last a surprisingly long time. Plus no one will bother to steal you supper cheap luggage.

Kay H said:

The OP does say liquids in check in bag. You must have missed it,

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Oops ...sure did as OP indicated "check-in" bags vs. carry-on.
Do you know from experience if Aruba customs personnel (their version of TSA) implement greater scrutiny on liquids placed in checked luggage?
I heard they rummage through the checked cases so I was wondering if they may open liquid containers for inspection. Just hoping they close anything they open and return to my bag (no leaks).

Victorinox Werks 2.0 (discontinued but if you find any the price is much better0 or 3.0.

I bought these last year for the same reason. They are well built, lifetime warranty even against airline damage and, most importantly, have a unique ergonomic handle system.

With normal luggage the rectangular pull up handle requires you to outwardly rotate your arm and drag the luggage behind you. If you have a second piece (even a wheeled carry-on) it requires awkward and sometimes uncomfortable positioning of your upper arms and even your upper back to pull the luggage. These pieces have a unique single pole with a rotatable handle at the end, so that you can position your arm in an anatomically neutral position at your side while dragging the cases. I find it MUCH more comfortable. Definitely designed with proper body mechanics in mind.

Last year around this time they had a friends and family sale with a huge discount. Maybe they will again so I'd keep on checking. The parent company that ran the sale was TRG.