TexasAggie

Hi all,
I believe it's only taken me 11 years to post my first message in the Air Travel forum ;-).

Our big suitcase (28" x 19.5" x 14") that we've used for a decade finally bit the dust on our trip through Denver last week.

Seeking recs for your favorite durable, lightweight, big rolling suitcase (ambivalent re: spinner wheels). We're headed to Italy in May with our 2 yr old and 4 yr old sons. With young kiddos, we find it easier to have one or 2 big pieces of luggage rather than several smaller pieces - leaves us each with a free hand to hang onto one of the boys.

Thank you for any insight you have!
Best,
TA

jacketwatch

We got a nice deal at Costco. Two suit cases, one smaller and one the size you asked about were $119.00 for both IIRC. Its that lightweight material too. of course you have to be a member and have a Costco by you.

travelgourmet

Hard-sided will be lighter than most fabric suitcases. How light is somewhat a function of how much you want to spend. I believe that these are about the two lightest large cases available:

http://www.rimowa.com/en-us/salsa-ai...onate-suitcase
http://shop.samsonite.com/Firelite-C...s/b/7012228011

Both are super expensive.

DebitNM

http://www.ebags.com/product/delsey/...uctid=10240973


http://www.ebags.com/product/delsey/...uctid=10240985

simpsonc510

My DH really lucked out on happening to find a Hartmann polycarbonate BIG suitcase at a T J Maxx in Las Vegas for about $150. T J Maxx gets luggage from a variety of manufacturers and you can get some amazing deals.

janisj

TJMaxx/Marshall's/Ross/Steinmart all carry name brand luggage at big discounts -- TJMaxx and Marshall's usually have the best selection. I've seen Hartman, Delsey, Samsonite, Travelpro, Tumi etc etc.

TexasAggie

Thanks for all the tips, all! I just happen to have an unused TJ Maxx gift card collecting dust in my file cabinet. I'll truck it out, bring a tape measure with me to make sure I stay under 62" linear inches, and see what I can find .

travelgourmet

Be very careful on the weight. A big suitcase that weighs 15 pounds is a waste because you will invariably top 50 pounds when you fill it. In our experience, a fully loaded 28" or 30" bag will mean 40-45 pounds of "stuff", so a 15 pound bag will be too heavy.