@Hayden
I pretty much impulse bought my Briggs + Riley and I have yet to regret it. Initially, what sold me was the internal garment bag/compartment and the smoothness of the wheels. I only travel a few times a year now, but I appreciate my bag every time I do.
@Hayden
We used some of our wedding gift money years ago for Briggs and Riley luggage based on the reviews. More than a decade and many trips later, they are still going strong.
I’ve had other cheaper suitcases (that’s what I could afford) that would fall apart.
@Hayden
Yup this is it. This is one of my two go-tos. My Briggs and Riley carry-on has over 3 million miles on it and still looks amazing after 10 years of abuse.
It’s one of the few products in the market that has an actual enforced unlimited warranty.
@Hayden
Costco used to guarantee stuff forever.
Not to my knowledge - they have a lifetime return policy, not a lifetime guarantee.
Not to my knowledge - they have a lifetime return policy, not a lifetime guarantee.
Same same.
Costco.ca has Briggs and Riley available now. I believe it’s always been available in the US at Costco.com.
I bought the Costco two-set of hard-side suitcases and I’ve had them for about 15 years, and I travel a lot. They are scuffed on the outside a little, but they are in great shape. I put my name on the side in iridescent nail polish. They were $120. Well worth it.
For context, I have top-tier status in One World, Star Alliance, Companion Pass in Southwest, and an okay status on LatAm.
Carry-on: find something that works for you. The “hot” ones, like Away, are way overpriced. Go to Costco or Marshalls, Woot. I refuse to spend over $100 for a carry-on.
Checked: They will ultimately break. Get something that meets your needs at the moment that you can afford and that you won’t be upset about WHEN it breaks. If you can afford it and have the space for it, buy multiple checked luggages according to your trip (spinner; duffel) and size.
Make sure it’s light. Shove it across the floor and see if it rolls straight. Wheels should have a rubber strip, not all plastic. Pull the handle out and see if it’s firm, not wobbly. Zippers seem to be fine on cheap suitcases, so not really a concern.
Monos are very good. Their 20-inch is an easy carry-on.
Blake said:
Monos are very good. Their 20-inch is an easy carry-on.
Monos definitely the best and has amazing warranty.
Blake said:
Monos are very good. Their 20-inch is an easy carry-on.
I travel quite a bit, and many times I need all the suitcases (two large and one roller board) for costume-heavy trips. They have been fine, and they are very lightweight.
If my parents’ experience can teach us anything, it’s that a fancy $1000 suitcase is going to get destroyed by the airlines just as quickly as the cheap stuff I buy.
Other than that, I agree with others: go lightweight.
@DetourDynamos4
But it has a “lifetime warranty” but you need to ship it or go to one of their “authorized dealers” which probably aren’t near you because it’s a niche and leads to a “turnaround time”.
@Fisher
If you live in London or another city with multiple shops you can take the bag to - it is worth it as they’ll replace it quickly!
For hard-shells, polycarbonate is a winner—lightweight, tough, and handles impact well. If you’re leaning toward a soft-sided bag, look for tightly woven nylon or polyester. Check the construction too: reinforced seams and sturdy corners make all the difference on bumpy travels, and high-quality zippers (like YKK) are worth it.
Smooth spinner wheels are a must, and telescoping handles that don’t wobble make life easier. Personally, TSA locks are not a must-have. A well-made suitcase feels sturdy, with everything—from zippers to wheels—working smoothly. The right one balances durability and convenience for wherever you’re headed.
I use Samsonite for my checked luggage because it can take a beating.
Monos with the laptop pocket is my carry-on luggage preference.
I was in management consulting, flying return weekly for over 10 years along with hundreds of other consultants in the same industry. You’re looking at a sample size of millions of flights. For hand luggage, the top brands for popularity and durability are BY FAR Rimowa, then Tumi, then Samsonite.
I myself got a Samsonite hard-shell case for hand luggage and Samsonite soft-shell cases for checked-in. Lightweight, quality wheels, and quality zips are the most important. You can distinctly tell a good wheel from a bad one when you’re pushing these things through airports twice a week for many years.
Always take 4-wheelers.
It says Samsonite on the side.