Luggage question - help settle an argument
 

Hello all!

While I currently own a perfectly functional 26-inch rolling bag, I have to admit that the current luggage sales EVERYWHERE have me casting my eyes to a new Samsonite or (in my dreams) Victorinox piece. The argument begins here... my husband says that should I up-size to a 28-inch or larger bag that said bag, when filled with clothing and other various travel items will far exceed the current 50-pound weight limit for airlines. Taking into account that NO, I would not fill the suitcase with shoes, but that I am a plus size women (and thus the clothes do weigh a bit more) - is this a valid argument? I have never gone over-weight (well, with my luggage) :) using the existing 26-inch bag, but I also usually have a smaller carry-on bag as well. Sometimes this is checked and sometimes I actually do "carry it on" - depending on destination.

The larger bags these days seem lighter to me, and being able to get everything into one bag has definite appeal, as I see a certain amount of luggage schlepping to be done by myself in Venice. No train travel will be involved this time around, so that's not a factor.

So, I humbly ask the opinions of the Fodorites on this issue and thank you in advance for you advice!!

TinaLee

If you want my opinion, a 26 inch is the max you should have for yourself for traveling. I think you are right that luggage is a little lighter weight than previously, or that some brands are, anyway. I would think a full 28 inch bag could easily go beyond 50 pounds.

I don't know -- I understand your point that sometimes it is easier to have things in one bag rather than several. I have a friend that feels that way, whereas some other people prefer two smaller bags. If you are the kind of traveler who just takes a taxi to your hotels and only are going to one city per trip, then I don't think it matters so much what you get, but you may go beyond 50 pounds.

I have a 25 inch bag, and when very fully packed, including shoes, it comes in around 38 pounds, so I think a 28 inch could well be over 50.

I suspect you could buy one, take it home and put a bunch of stuff in it and weigh it to find out -- without removing any of the tags, etc. And if it did, you could return it.

Well, I'm a 22-incher myself, but I must say that train travel is much easier than rolling bags up and down bridges all over Venice.

I would downsize the luggage a bit if I were you.

I have a 29-inch suitcase that I've taken on 3 trips and only once gone over the weight limit (when my relatives loaded us up with various types of alcohol and other gifts!). The suitcase itself is 8 kg (17 lbs.) and weight limits are often set at 26 to 30 kg, so I wanted to get something lighter.

I handed that suitcase over to hubby and bought myself a 28-inch Samsonite Spinner. I haven't used it yet, but will for the first time in 3 weeks when we go to Northern Germany and Amsterdam. It's lighter than the other suitcase and seems very easy to manoeuvre. I'll have to see just how easy it is once it's full.

My reason for staying with a bigger case is that we're planning on having a family and I'm thinking ahead to travelling in the future with kids. I doubt we'd be travelling around a lot with children, so I'd prefer having as few bags as possible.

My 25 inch suitcase weighed in at 42 pounds coming home loaded with souvenirs, but I'm sure I could have added at least another 6 pounds if I had opened the expandable section. I assume you considered an expandable suitcase? It was easy to roll along the corridors of trains.

Tina, we had a 29 inch bag. We sold it in a yard sale a year later.

Can you manage a daypack as your carry on bag? This leaves both hands free to manage the 26 inch bag. Personally, if anything I would try to teach oneself to go smaller, not larger. You could even pack so as to have room for the daypack squished into the bigger bag, if you wanted just one bag.

Also, as we all invariably get older, not younger, every pound of luggage feels that much heavier with the passing of time, or so it seems to me. This negates any improvements by the manufacturer with respect to weight.

But in the end, it is, of course, your bag, your trip. Have fun with your decision.

I'm also a 22" fan. That is plenty big enough for anyone (in my humble opinion).

I have downsized to a 24" bag and a 21" carryon. I like the idea of having two bags only because I want to have a change of clothing in my carryon for when my main suitcase is lost, as it inevitably is.

I also like the fact that I can pack the 21" and bring it into each hotel as we travel and not have to schlep two suitcases in and out.

Though I have packed with only the 21" for several days, unfortunatly my camera equipment takes up half of the suitcase so I am forced to take two. My preference is still the 21" & a smaller large handbag style carryon.

TinaLee, I am plus size and travel all the time, 2 week trips and more, with a 22-inch bag and a shoulder strap carry-on. I wouldn't get any suitcase bigger for myself--to unwieldy on trains and such. I won't use a bag I can't lift above my head fully packed without help. Take less and wear it more.

I travel out with one 28" Samsonite double-sided spinner, which usually has about 6 pairs of shoes, and can generally keep the weight under 50lbs. Best suitcase I have ever owned! I bring an extra soft bag for my return.

I travel for 10-14 days at a time, have both business and pleasure clothes. I know some people are brilliant at packing light, but I am not one of them. I could not manage with a 26 inch. If you buy the "spinner" (there are two versions and I highly recommend the double-sided), you don't have to drag it, you just "walk" it - no stress on your back.

Here's the model:

http://us.samsonite.com/webapp/us/se...pinner&pc=


Make sure you understand the rules re total weight for your particular airline.

Something else to keep in mind - clothes actually travel better if they move around less, so having things packed a bit more tightly in a smaller bag is not a bad thing.

Trust me, the smaller the bag you have for Venice the better. You have to get it on and off the boats, possibly up and down stairs on the bridges, and over cobblestones. And then there is the possibility if it rains you will have to walk on those platforms.

Perhaps it depends on how deep your bag is, but I would think that it would be entirely too easy to exceed the weight allowance with a 28 inch. My Tumi is only 24 inches, but is 12 inches deep including the suiter and I could easily exceed 50 lbs using it. DH's 26 inch bag is usually over the 70 lb. BA limit on the return trip and he has to off-load into a duffle.

Choose wisely - you'll be living with your investment for a long time!

Personally, I do not own any suitcase larger than 26". Large ones tend to be unwieldy to move around with. If I need to pack a few more things, I take a carry on (which I may have to check). I also always put one of those collapsible bags inside my suitcase just in case I need it when returning.

Do not take more than 2 pairs of shoes and a pair of flip flops and you can easily use a smaller bag. Also, you can always get laundry done once a week somewhere. There are many laundromats where you can just leave your clothes off and they will wash, dry and fold them for you.

Do not bring anything that needs to go to the dry cleaners.

TinaLee - I'd have to agree with your husband. I have a 29" suitcase currently gathering dust in my garage that I consider good for storing comforters and pillows only, because the last time I packed it, it wasn't even close to full when it hit 50 lbs.

Get a 22" expandable to 24" and be creative in packing. Love my Atlantic--has made many trips of multiple weeks.

My oversize suitcases, by the way, were cleaned out of the attic a long time ago. They went to a consignment shop. I didn't bother registering to get a few dollars. I just donated them and got them out of the house. When packed, you just can't lift them.

24" if you are checking, 21" or 22" if you carry on - are all the bigger one needs.

By the time you get up to 28" you are almost automatically over 50lb - and that is where most airlines are headed for standard weight allowance. Plus big bags are hell to get on/off trains, don't fit in European car trunks, are really hard to carry on the metro/tube/buses or lift off the luggage carousel.

Hi TinaLee, I am another one that has a 29inch suitcase. It now is used to store my extra bed pillows. I too donated all my other luggage a couple of years ago.

I am going to buy a 24inch suitcase. I was thinking of buying a 22inch but in that "what will be allowed as carryon in the future?" I have decided a 24inch will be better and yet a size I can handle. I will check it in of course and than deal with whatever is allowed for carryon.

The largest suitcase I use for traveling is a 22". I have a 26" that has only been used for moving. It sits in the closet otherwise.

LoveItaly--I love your idea for the big suitcase! Why didn't I think to make it useful??? LOL!

mms, I also use them for out-of-season clothes.

Hi mms, it was Starrsville that gave me the idea for using that piece of luggage for storing extra bed pillows. Not a "travel" hint but a good one..and it works perfect, lol.

Well, see there you go mms, Starssville is still giving good advice!! Travel related or not ;;)

Well, one more then :-) (Can you tell I have LOTS of pieces of luggage?) I also have used them for clothes that I THINK I am ready to give away, but not quite ready to let go. A while ago I lost weight and moved about the same time. I packed up the "old wardrobe" in old suitcases and waited ... just to see. Sure enough, a few months later donated the whole kit and caboodle to a local charity. I pulled out some very expensive pieces and offered them to my storage unit manager who had been so helpful to me - all in a rolling carryon. She was thrilled to get the clothes. In fact, I just found two suitcases full of clothes in a storage unit ready to give away. If I have no idea what's in there - I don't need it! :-)

I've also been buying vintage suitcases to use as underbed storage in my guest room. Saw the cutest idea in a magazine last week - a vintage suitcase converted into a dog bed! I have my grandmothers' train cases as extra storage pieces in a closet too.

Ok, not sure how I missed that...but thank you Starrsville!!! My husband will be VERY happy if I can make more room in our closet:)

I have learned to use a 22" softsided expandable which I am delighted with, but I always tuck an inexpensive and lightweight, vinyl Samsonite spare suitcase into it. It folds completely flat in the bottom between the ribs, and is a lifesaver in case I end up buying more than I can fit in for my return as I sometimes do. Sometimes it goes unused, but I have used it several times just for dirty laundry and put my new or breakable purchases in the rolling suitcase - always bring a length of small sized bubble wrap, it comes in handy.

This last trip I filled the spare with candy, cookies, tea and other food goodies from Russia and London and simply checked it through. In the past I would have carried-on all sorts of last minute bulky packages - now we can not do that any more. I am not plus sized, but after this haul I very well might be!

By using the 22", I am learning to co-ordinate and plan my clothes better which allows me to bring less. I actually had extra room in it when I left home for two weeks in Europe. It has resulted in less effort and stress lugging and managing a big bulky suitcase - even one that rolls beautifully. I hope never to use the larger ones again. They live nested inside one another in my basement.

For me it depends a little on the trip I am planning to take. If we are staying in one place, bigger is easier but if we are moving then a big one is too heavy for countries without elavators and escalators - learned the hard way! I am downsizing for a trip in 3 weeks so we'll see how it goes, I have a 21" to check and a backpack that zips on to the suitcase as my carryon. I am certainly becoming an advocate of backpack suitcases for those times it is easier to haul than roll - my arms just aren't strong enough - or may be full of toddler.

Another idea is to carry a compact bag to pack clothes in so souveniers will fit in your suitcase. I have been very glad to have my extra bag several times. Just be sure to pack your clothes in the extra bag so nothing gets broken (yes learned that the hard way too).

So stay small or downsize. I liked the opinion that said she had to be able to lift it over her head without help - good advice.

Sara

I have a high-quality 26"suitcase that I haven't used for 6 years.

I spent nine weeks in Europe this summer with a 22" suitcase and a smaller shoulder strap carry-on for my electronics (hair dryer, curling iron, and odds and ends). I am also a plus-size woman, but if I coordinate carefully I have plenty of space. I take only 2 pairs of shoes, one for walking and one for dress.

Getting on and off trains can be a nightmare if you're a weakling, as I am. On the other hand, if I'm doing most of my traveling by car, I will allow myself to take a slightly larger (expandable 22").

I don't go to Europe to look pretty (too late, anyway!). I go to see Europe, so looking chic isn't a high priority for me.

My recommendation is two "reasonable" bags, versus one. A 24-25" holds a LOT more (such as a third pair of shoes, two plus the pair you wear) than a 21-22" and is not that much that heavier or larger. But, larger than that is surely probably too heavy and large, given the additional depth as well. The second bag (for me) is for electronics and toiletries, along with tour guides/paperwork, which I carry on on the way over, but check on the way home.

Best is to find the perfect two bags that "nest" perfectly and are well balanced for dragging along streets, up/down stairs. I've found that a second bag, the same width as the main bag, works best.

I pack all black bottoms (microfiber, cotton/poly slacks, a skirt), along with dressy white/ivory tees, and a few (light, medium heavy) cardigan sweaters.

Minimum shoes for me are TWO pairs of blissfully comfortable walking shoes (one slides, one other) and a pair of comfortable "dressy" shoes. I'm always sorry March-October if I don't bring my most comfortable and attractive sandals...

We do fine with 22" bags on trips of up to 12-14 days or so. Usually move up to 26" suitcases for trips over 2 weeks. Haven't had any problems getting around with the 26" suitcases whether by air, rail, car, bus, or vaporetto.

As to places like Venice--if we were to take our filled suitcases and haul them around with us every day while we're there, then I would be concerned about suitcase size. But just to get to and from the hotel with them on arrival and departure day is not a life-changing experience. Though it might be for someone very small or in poor physical condition.

We got rid of our 28" bags over 15 years ago. We found that they were just too much to carry up 3 floors and to put in and out of the trunk of a car. We changed to 26" and have been very happy with the change.

TinaLee -
You have great responses but I'll add my two cents.

I routinely use a 21" for two weeks in Europe. I've learned to roll my clothes and can fit an amazing amount.

Using this strategy of rolling (I layer pants with shirts, for example, and then roll them up) I was able to pack my daughter's 22" expandable for the college move.

I ended up packing:

38 T-shirts
8 pr of jeans
30 undies
4 bras
2 sweatshirts
8 shorts
two pr running shoes
blow dryer
straigtening iron

To be fair, both my daughter and I are small, size 2-4. But I'm still able to pack an amazing amount using the rolling technique. Even my oft traveling husband does this.

A 24" with a couple inches expandable capability is my biggest suitcase and perfect for all trips imo.

Watch out for those Victorinox (or any new piece you buy) they were heavy empty when I looked at them.

I'd go with the 26-er you already have and save your money for other things. Added advantage I think you get to know how to pack a certain suitcase best, one that you've used before. I feel the same about not taking new purses or totes on a trip... so often they simply do not work out as you hoped.

a 28 inch or larger is TOO BIG to get on and off the airport carousel just for starters

As far as sizes and packing, I believe it is more important about fabrics. A size 24 silk tunic takes no more space than a size 2 pair of jeans for example.

A warning: some 22" suitcases may, technically, be too big to be a carry-on. Most airlines impose a 45" (depth + length + width) limit. I've seen some 22" -sold as carry-ons- that measure 46".

I would suggest NO getting a 28 or 29 inch. I have one ( not sure if it is 28 or 29) and it can easily hit 60+ lbs. Last time I used it to fly was 2 or 3 years ago when they were not as picky about weight of luggage. I have a new bag (24 or 26 inches cant remember) and am worried it may be more than 50+ ?