parsley

This 70 year old male is going to Europe for a month. I always travel light. Considering the new airline baggage rules, I'm at a loss as what to buy. Haven't bought any for a while so I imagine there's some new stuff. Also, I will be moving around a lot so nothing too cumbersome for public transportation. I will appreciate any help. Brand names, sizes, dos and don'ts. Many thanks.

suze

I would buy the absolutely lightest weight empty, 21-24" rolling suitcase, that you can find. As long as it has good wheels and handle mechanism, I don't believe brand matters.

Are you planning to check it on plane ride, or you want to be able to carry-on only? (In that case a 19-21" would be your max. size).

cruisin_tigger

I usually travel with a checked bag and a big bulky backpack that I try to shove under the seat so my stuff is handy, ipod, magazines, etc. I found this item on ebags.com that I am going to order for my next trip. Its a wheeled backpack, but comes with a smaller detachable daypack. Backpack is sized for a carryon so can go in overhead bin. Detached daypack acts as my personal item, so that will carry all my personal stuff, but is much smaller to fit under the seat.

http://tinyurl.com/8hskc

BarbaraS

I got a new Samsonite 21" bag with 360º wheels for my Italy trip last month and it was fabulous! It fit well in the overhead bins and was so easy to push/pull/turn. It had lots of pockets and accessories and was expandable. I'd buy another in a heartbeat!

h2babe

I love my 26" Delsey light, and I take them for extended trip (2 wks or so). If you will be moving around a lot, I would recommend that you don't go above 21", it also depends on how tall you are. If my memory serves me correctly, the 21" shouldnt exceed 12 lbs empty. I picked Delsey because it was the lightest one that I had seen when I was looking for a new suitcase.

I have been told that the guideline is that I should be able to comfortably lift this luggage above my head as if I were storing them on the overhead compartment for train travel in Europe. So obviously, for different people - this would result in a different size of luggage. Good luck.

yk

<< the 21" shouldnt exceed 12 lbs empty. >>

No, it should not. A few weeks ago at REI, their 21" rollaboards are around 7-8 lbs empty. I wouldn't buy anything heavier than that.

For me, a full 21" (which is what I use) weighs about 22lbs or so (+/- 2lbs). That is pretty much the max weight for me to carry it easily up 2 flights of stairs and hoist it above my head to overhead bin space.

maile

Has anyone tried the Zuca Pro? It was mentioned in the NYT this past Sunday. But I worry about the lack of space for an extended trip? I have been travelling with the Eagle Creek Load Warrior 22 at a little over 6 1/2 pounds. And would like to go even smaller.

h2babe

I think that was how much mine weigh at 26".

maile

Just looking at luggage ads ... the Titan 4 wheel 22" looks ideal except for the price at $435. Could it be worth it? My 22", even though it is light, just doesn't pull well and gets heavy lugging all over. Do the wheels make such a big difference?

BarbaraS

The wheels make a huge difference - the 360º are great!

cheryllj

The wheels make a huge difference - the 360º are great!

Agreed!

I bought a new Samsonite 21" 360 "spinner" for my last trip and it was GREAT.

It was much easier on my shoulders and back than my old traditional roller. On inclines it just rolled by itself and all I had to do was steer. And fully packed (and I do mean fully), it carried plenty for two weeks (or even longer) and still came in under the 15kg airline limit.

Cassandra

For those no longer willing or able to mess with heavy, bulky bags, it's sometimes a good idea to have two smaller bags instead of one large one -- and in your case, I'd suggest a very lightweight 21" (or smaller) rollaboard plus a shoulder-overnight case with wheels and a handle that, nonetheless, can be stacked on the rollaboard in a pinch.

Sometimes, it's just a whole lot easier to pull two smaller and lighter-weight cases on wheels around and sometimes it's more convenient to have one over your shoulder or hooked onto the other one. In any case, splitting the load keeps your back from screaming the way it would with one heavy bag.

Cassandra

A quick online check of various luggage collections reminded me to explain that what I had in mind for the shoulder bag is often called a "rolling briefcase" or a "rolling underseat bag." Under current luggage rules, you are still allowed (in the US) 2 carryons, one of which is "personal" (i.e., for a laptop -- so the "rolling briefcase" is perfect -- has room for toiletries, underwear, etc.

doug_stallings

If you like Titan luggage, take a look at the Heys Xcase. It's practically the same thing for a fraction of the price.

ncounty

I love the type of system that cruising tiger recommends with a detachable backpack. I put everything I need on the flight in the backpack and detach it when I get in my seat and put the main unit in the overhead and the backpack underneath the seat in front of me. I can access my music, dvd player, books, etc. I don't check in luggage and travel light so this works for me.
Samsonite may have some good new stuff but I have had negative experience with them recently in terms of warranty and standing behind their product. I would say buy them if the product is unique but for a standard item it is not worth the extra price. I'd buy the lightest weight lowest cost item. My other choice is a rolling light duffel bag.