Amie

The telescoping handle no longer works on my Eddie Bauer rolling 20 inch duffle bag. It is 4-5 yrs old. Any thoughts on having it repaired and where? I unzipped the lining and find the button that releases the handle no longer works. I don't mind tossing it but it still looks so new.

Thanks for any suggestions.

suze

I only pay ~$50 for my suitcases. I'm guessing you won't be able to get yours fixed for less than that.

clarasong

It has been our experience that a suitcase, any suitcase (especially a heavily packed and large one), is only good for about 4 transatlantic voyages...After crossing many borders, and several plane changes, DH's bag just exploded in China when he took it off the conveyor belt..!! WOW... and his stuff was all over the terminal. Had to buy, on the spot, a cheap hard sided thing, which got us thru the trip, but wasn't any better or worse than the good ones we have purchased.

Now, with that in mind, we carry duct tape, bungie straps, and heaby belts to help 'secure' it. I never travel with more than one suitcase, so they tend to be pretty well packed. (stuff for several weeks, and different occasions.)

We tried the 'repair' route once, and it really didn't help. A weak spot in the construction, or something bent will always get worse with all the abuse in handling. Have you ever watched how they handle our luggage. ?? It's scary.

Amie

Thanks for your advice....it was exactly what I was looking for.

Fodor folks are the best!

Amie

abram

When my daughter had an Eddie Bauer backpack, it had a 100% guarantee. When something broke, she sent it back and they either repaired or replaced (their choice) at no charge. Maybe you could contact Eddie Bauer to see if they still have that type of guarantee.

suze

I have had both my suitcases for years (at least 10). I don't overstuff them, so maybe that's why I don't have a problem. I have one 22" and one 24" and use only one or the other each trip. I have never had the need for duct tape, etc. or ever had the need to make a repair.

When I quit using a suitcase it's because I change my style (from duffle to roller, etc.).

Definitely checking with Eddie Bauer is a great idea.

Since the handle is second in importance, only to great wheels, imo, I still say time for a new one

Kay2

I had two TravelPro 22" whose handles broke in different ways. TravelPro had the lifetime guarantee. One was in good enough shape to repair and the other had worn its feet off and the zipper was starting to wear so not worth it.

TravelPro had a local luggage repair shop approved where I dropped it off and picked up when new handle installed for free. I remember also asking how much to pay to repair and it was more than $50.

The luggage shop person said the handles are the first to go from picking the bags up by the handle or carrying a second bag on top of the wheeled bag leaning against the handle.

I keep mine until the zipper goes, then use them for storage of stuff in my attic or closets.