Best carry-on luggage w/wheels
 

Hi- what is your pick for the best (lightest, most durable, best priced, still available) piece of luggage that fits under the airplane seat and has wheels. thanks for youe advice. dbl

I recently picked up a very satisfactory set of luggage (including carry-on) from Target. It was "Ascot" brand, "Cypress" series, held up well on recent trip to Greece. <BR> <BR>Has 15 yr limited warranty; the thickness optionally expands another 4" with a zipper setup (but then may not pass some airline's carry-on limit); and cost about $100 for the carry-on case. One could be a lot more and *not* get a significantly better case, IMO. <BR> <BR>The cases Target had at lower price points didn't seem as rugged or durable, as this $99 case. <BR> <BR>I've also noticed cases vary in how far apart the wheels are. For best stability make sure the wheels are at the extreme widest part of the case, and not narrowly placed together. <BR> <BR>Also, the "in-line skate" style wheels are more durable & large enough diameter to handle even moderate cobblestone streets OK.

Unfortunately, lightest and most durable maybe opposing objectives. As stated above, the inline skating type wheels are important, along with a handle system that is durable that can take abuse. As a result, most times durable is not lightest. <BR>Next, you did not mention functional with your lightest, durable best priced piece. Alot depends on your intentions and use. Our 21 inch has a built in garment bag that can hold by husbands and my dress clothes, velcros out for hanging in the closet. This is wonderful since we usually pack it with 3 days of clothes in case the airlines loses the major bag. It also can expand an additional 3 inches which makes it very versatile when at home for long weekends as well as traveling. On the way over we carry it on, on the way back, less critical if they lose it for a day or two, we check it expanded and carry the trip momentos. <BR>Needless to say, the durability factor, garment bag, extra zippers do not make it that light weight but it is functional. This is a Briggs & Riley by the way in balistic nylon with a life time warranty even for airline dammage which I have already used. The warranty along with the amenities of the bag do drive up the price. It has been a couple years but I think it may have been around $250. So the question may not be as easy as you think. Good Luck.

We purchased Olympia rolling backpacks for all six of us and we travelled for five weeks with just those and small backpacks (school size) The backpack/rolling feature was excellent for all those places in Ireland and England where you can't roll. If you're used to ADA accomadations in the Us, you'll be suprised by the many places you have to take stairs in airports and train stations. The backpacks are carried by Big 5, Bon Marche, Fred Meyer and other department stores. On sale they're about $35--a great bargain. (They also have a 15 year guarantee)

The ONLY brand that you should buy for rolling wheel luggage is TRAVELPRO! It is the one that most flight crews use and has a proven record of holding up through the years.Please remember(especially for those who sit in the coach cabin) to buy the size that ACTUALLY fits under the seat!!!!!!The size tht really fits under the seat the way it is supposed to fit is the 18 inch one. The 20 and 22 inch size are made more for the overhead bins. They have various combinations(including the 3 suiter).Besides various travel magazines,I have seen them in stores around the US. Happy traveling! Debbie

donna <BR>be sure to check with your airline for size AND weight regulations on carryons for overseas flights. <BR>Just as one example, British Air <BR>limits carry-ons to 13 pounds, which is <BR>not much.

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Before our last trip we purchased Eagle Creek luggage. Inline skate wheels and convertables back pack. Mine has a zip of daypack that I use for carry one the airplane and zip back on when we get there. We are leaving next week for a 60 day rail trip. Although our bags our carryon size we prefer to check them unless we are flying on a military flight where we must check. Eagle creek luggage cost about $250 each

Ditto to Barbara's comments above. I love my Eagle Creek bag. It has smooth rolling wheels, converts to a backpack, and has a detachable daypack. I find it very versatile. Bought it last year and have been using it regularly ever since. Cost was around $250 which is higher than many, but to me it was worth it for all the features.

Another important characteristic to look for is either a full or partial plastic back (versus cloth) so that you can drag the bag up stairs. While it does add to the weight - it greatly improves durability and makes it much easier to climb stairs with your bag.