American Tourister luggage- good or bad?
 

I recently saw an ad for American Tourister luggage set. I am wondering if anyone has American Tourister luggage and can tell me if it is sturdy and dependable. I want to get them whilst on sale but I don't want to waste my money.

PS- I know this isn't specifically about Europe, but this board gets the most traffic IMO, so I figured I'd get an answer sooner by posting it here. Thanks.

Hi mat,

We have a set that we have been using since 1997 and have had no complaints.

((I))

Because I needed a new (large canvas) duffel for my latest trip (it's part of my approach to bringing home heavy purchases of wine, and my last one has developed terminal broken zipper after at least a dozen uses) - - I went to K-mart, and bought one for $20; I anticipate many years of service from it.

While I was there, they also had on clearance a 22.5" rollaboard with three other accompanying pieces (medium-large duffel, foam-padded canvas "beverage cooler" - - will hold two six-packs - - and a car/roof-top canvas carrier which would hold two 26" suitcases, at least). All for $30.

I'm not necessarily negative on (more epxensive) "name-brand" luggage (we own two TravelPro rollaboards and my wife swears by hers; mine is showing a fair amount of wear from its use of 13 years or maybe more)...

... but the cheap stuff may serve your needs just as well as AT.

If it weighs more than eight pounds for the largest piece you intend to carry (hopefully you are not thinking to take anything bigger than a 22" rollaboard) - - then I would NOT get it.

Best wishes,

Rex

I can't vouch for the longevity of AmTour's newer stuff, but I have a fifty year old two-suiter that probably has a million miles on it and it's still going strong.

I'm also the possessor of a 50 yr old piece of AmTour!Got it for high school graduation and it still looks pretty darn good!

I've had a few pieces of their newer soft sided and it wor pretty well but my new favorites are the bags made for American Airlines ..they have taken a real lbeating in the last year and look great!

For buying new luggage my most important question is: how much does it weigh empty? I was looking at the Swiss Army brand recently which seemed great but they were HEAVY before you even packed them.

I have never purchased a set because I only use one suitcase. I have found mine on sale at places like JC Pennys or Marshalls and they have held up just fine. Make sure the wheels are good, that's my second most important criteria after weight.

Costco has a 22" expandable to 24" for $80 that corresponds VERY favorably to the TravelPro that our daughter had. Watch for luggage sales at Tuesday Morning. We got our Atlantic there and it has been terrific ($40 for the 22" expandable).

We just bought our daughter luggage at Tuesday Morning. We had to replace her bag that was literally torn apart in baggage handling on a trip.

Anyway, we also have two small rolling bags (19") that I bought at a similar store years ago. The kids used those for ages and tried to beat the heck out of them, but they are still in great shape. I cannot count the number of flights they have been on, as well as car trips. I paid about $10 each for them, lol!

Suze: I ditto EXACTLIY what you said. It's good if a suitcase weighs light before packing AND check for good wheels. Often the least expensive suitcases fit this category and they do fine....I have a 24" which I found to be perfect, I always check it, it expands a couple of inches. Is fairly light to start with, but for SOME reason it gets TERRIBLY HEAVY when packed. (:>)!!!!! My husband just shakes his head! (and I don't take THAT much)
American TOurister has been around along time, and is sold a LOT of places like discount stores etc. Have never heard much negative about it...and is probably similar to a lot of other brands. It would be fine.

We've used American Tourister luggage for many years, and it's held up very well. The one time an airline's handling pulled off a handle, AT sent me a replacement and directions for the nearest place to have the luggage repaired.

Resurrecting a 12 year old post to promote luggage must be a record of some type.

My heart did a little flip when I saw Rex's name, I was so excited but then realised the date... Also Robespierre was here too... Sad to see those names...