Classic Samsonite seems to wear extremely well and is nearly indescructible (like those old Ma Bell phones you rented instead of bought), but we're not happy with their newer lines. My husband bought a fairly expensive piece from their Samsonite Black line. It's less than a year old and has had to be repaired three times. The zippers are small and flimsy and the fabric is pilling at various spots. So no more new Samsonite pieces for us--my parents' well-used 1960s hard sided three-suiters are in better shape, but they're too heavy and don't have wheels, so they've been retired from circulation and given to a local theatre company where they've found a second life as props for period plays.

I HATE my luggage.

I bought the Delsey Lite line for myself and my daughter. The 22" rollers will not stand up alone when full. Those stupid things will topple over as soon as you let go of the handle.

My husband has a Samsonite that has lasted through 3 overseas trips and still looks great.

OK does anyone have an opinion/experience with cheap luggage? I just got a piece of Samsonite Aspire Lite from ebags and was pleased with it until...... I find just about the exact thing at Wal-Mart for 20 bucks!!!

The Samsonite was $80. free shipping. It is a wheeled tote and weighs only 5 lbs. the wally-world tote is just an oz. or 2 shy of 6lbs so it is close. Getting a light & easy to stash piece of carryon was my goal on this search for a new bag. The wheels and handles look to be equal in quality, the fabric on the Samsonite bag is probably a slighly better grade but not by much.

So now I have 2 bags at home while I try to decide to send the Samsonite back or return the wal-mart bag. Even paying to ship back it would be about $55. difference. any thoughts? lynda

My local TJ Maxx has Delseys from 25" and up, starting at $89.99. Don't know that they will be everywhere but worth a try, if that is your brand of choice. I was surprised by how light they were with that hard outside. Unfortunately, I am looking for a 22" so no bargains for me.

lyndash, do you read my post? I'm on the tenth year with a $25 from the Christmas store.

Thanks so much for all this advice! I just found a Delsey Helium Lite at Marshalls and knew to pick it up quick.

Got hold of a JanSport Footlocker 30" with retractable claw handle from REI some time ago. Three compartments: one anti-bacterial cover between the two main compartments and a smaller compartment for shoes/dirty clothing. Love it! I only bring this luggage for a whole month of travel (business and vacation). Very solid and easy to maneuver. Used to have a four-wheel hard-case Samsonite that I could sit on while waiting in line ;-) Unfortunately they stopped that line long ago.

American Airlines did their best but my Samsonite took a lickin and is still tickin.
http://wellsmaine.com/Airlineluggage...ge-damage.html

My K-Mart $19.99 roll-on suitcase lasted for about 20 years of abuse, overpacking, banging around, being checked, being dropped from heights, rain and more. It finally started separating at one seam about 2 inches long. I think I got my money's worth out of it. Maybe with duct tape I could have eaked out another couple of years!

i love my Tumi 22 & 24!!!! They are so durable and they have nice wheels that roll really well! They have plenty of room for everything plus a suit section that is removable. If you buy them from Nordstrom...they are pretty much lifetime guarantee. The expansion features is great...snaps right into place! Also...the front pockets...looks like two small pockets...it is one big giant pocket behind a smaller pocket. Make for great shoe packing!

http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/g...?modelid=50116

http://www.tumi.com/travel_luggage/g...?modelid=50117

As far as I am concerned...they are worth every dime. They have survived business travel as well as fun travel. I have friends that have Victorinox Pink luggage...yes it is very nice and very durable but what bugged me and my friend is that they(The airline) throw around your luggage...its get dirty and tattered looking...if that doesn't bother you...it is mid price option to Tumi. I won't go over a 24 since there are weight maximums and I am too small to carry anything bigger.

I had International Traveller...I liked it but there was only thing i did not like about it...did not like the direction that it opened and it unzipped right in the halfway mark of the suitcase. Made it difficult to just sit against the wall at the hotel and just live out of it(sometimes...u don't get the priviledge of unpacking into a dresser when u are sharing with 3 other people. I also have a friend...who's brother has been traveling for business for the last twenty years overseas. He goes to Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan alot!!! He has had the same Tumi the entire time and he is still using it!

If you get Tumi...u won't regret it!!!!