How Often Do You Buy Luggage?

We wear our luggage out. We just asked for new luggage this year because the luggage set we got as a wedding gift had the mid size suitcase bust open on our trip back from NYC. We asked for a new set for Christmas and got one, but it didn't have that middle size suitcases, so now we have two large, two carry on, and Penny's princess carry on sized suitcase. So now I'm looking at getting another medium or large one. We have two sets of two that will match and then two individual suitcases that won't match anything. Shrug. We normally travel to Disney and they take our suitcases anyway so most people don't see them

We do hodge-podge.

Among pieces we actually use are two large hard-shell cases, very sturdy, that we use pretty much every trip that lasts more than a couple of days. They have four wheels and are really easy to haul around. We also have a wheeled carry-on from an old set that we'll use if we need extra capacity or are taking a very short trip. Finally, we bring backpacks as carry-on luggage. We also have several older pieces that are inconvenient (no wheels), ancient (the suitcase my mother-in-law took to the hospital when she had her kids!), or broken, so they rarely get used.

My goal in suitcase-buying is the same as my goal in purchasing pretty much anything - buy something that will last a long time and keep it till it dies. We hope those two hard-shell cases will last many, many years.

I have matching luggage but only because it was on sale and I needed lighter cases ( my old one was really heavy). I don't intend to replace it until it needs it, not quite holes but where I know that it may no longer be up to the task. If I need to add a different size case it may not match my original pieces.

Found these beauties at WDW and couldn't resist!! DH uses Darth Vader (who's your daddy ) and I use the storm trooper. Always receive a lot of compliments! However they are carry on only.....don't trust baggage handlers to treat them with respect

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How often? As needed Basis... Sort of...

--- I still have a Giant black Suitcase in decent shape, which I think is a Samsonite, which I got twenty years ago when I was in college, that still functions. Literally, I could pack a human body in it because its just that BIG -- BUT, I never use it because its just that BIG... I can't use it since the airlines have cracked down on charging fees for "Over-Sized" and Over- weight, It would cost me a fortune to actually fly with it. I pretty much use it only when I move.

--- That said, I have two blue delsey soft-shell expandable, rollerbags (carry-on) size, which are also no longer carry-on size, because the Airlines reduced their carry-on dimensions. These are identical, and still in decent shape since I rotate their use. (these are also probably nearly 20 years old, at least 15) Although they are always checked as checked luggage because even if i had them "not expanded" It would still be a stretch to meet the current day's carry-on requirements. These are starting to show their age... but I figure, as long as the zippers and wheels work. meh..

--- That said, for my "dream" 10 day Disney trip three years ago, I broke down and bought a single new soft shell big blue suitcase (Samsonite I think), which I got on an awesome sale at Macy's. Unfortunately, a very different color than my other blue suitcases -- so Hodgepodge yes. This suitcase has become my preferred travel case, since when I visit my folks, its often for longer periods of time. And since it is bigger, I also still have to be very conscious of "weight."

--- I tend to buy "carry-on" "tote" bags or "duffle" bags, more frequently, and have taken to a few favorite brands and styles or colors (I have a huge bright pink tote, which I love -- and my parents have even grown fond of it, because that's what they look for when they pick me up from the airport - they can spot it a mile away ), which I simply replace when I wear out the straps, etc.

--I will admit to splurging on some of the Vera Bradly Disney bags, I appreciate a soft tote or duffle that can be easily folded into another suitcase, so one can expand for/with souvenirs on the way home.

But generally, I replace when a bag wears out... and I definitely have a hodgepodge.....

To be honest, we go out light, and usually, end up buying luggage to come home with, we sort of expect to end up buying a fair bit while we're out there, and don't fancy being hit with excess luggage on the return.

We have a set that we got for our honeymoon (it is 3 years old now) the largest piece somehow got smashed and the handle is coming out of the top. The other 2 pieces that came with it are still in good shape. We have a couple of small black rolling ones that serve their purpose only if I am going overnight somewhere. I always pack enough for a week even if it's one night.....

I have a couple of the Vera Bradley duffles that go everywhere with me. I also carry the reusable grocery bags with me for dirty clothes. The when we pack up to go home, those bags just go into the big bags and viola, clothes are sorted and ready to wash when we get home.

I am considering purchasing one of the American Tourister Mickey rolling cases at some point. Every time I look at them I just can't decide which one. Someday...

That's really the key to the answer to your question - Airport baggage handlers. I'm reminded of the old commercial for Samsonite I think, where they put the suitcase in the cage with the gorilla. I was very young when those commercials aired, and I remember getting such a kick out of the gorilla throwing the suitcase around. Depending on how often you travel and how others treat your stuff are probably the two biggest variables that go into answering your question.

We've really started to travel more in the last 7 years and we usually fly so our baggage does get thrown around a lot. We got a new 3 piece spinner hard case set last year and it's holding up good so far. Previous to the hard cases, we had soft ones and they were still useable after 5 yrs, but we gave them away to the Thrift store. I would expect we'll look at new ones every 5 yrs or so.

Love the grocery bag idea! We normally just unpack everything and then one of the suitcases because the "dirty clothes" suitcase but I like your idea much more! Also, I've asked for the Minnie Mouse American Tourister suitcase for my birthday...

This was literally us on our way home from NYC. They had to call us over because they had it laying on the side of the room, busted open. I guess I'm glad it happened on the way home rather then the way down, at least.

Finally caved and bought myself this beauty. It is HUGE and I am in love with it.

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I buy suitcases when the old ones fall apart- usually a broken wheel does the trick. I love the Disney Tourister collection. I don't need a new suitcase, but I' m having a hard time talking myself out of one. You bought a great one, Allie!

I got this one on the wal-mart website about a month or so ago. The 21" When I got it, it was on sale and I got an extra dollar amount off for picking it up from the store. I ended up getting it for about $50.00!!!Blondie wants one now and of course it is out of stock and the bigger one doesn't have as good of a discount.

http://shop.americantourister.com/luggage/american-tourister-disney-mickey-mouse-28%22-spinner/676094758.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwwevLBRCGARIsAKnAJve0QQlxUbJqtWKFFV23gIHE0yxfJN0NgaAEpPDCO6QFh9kIqs6mwLAaAtHWEALw_wcB&utm_campaign=825082041&utm_medium=nonbrandpla&utm_source=google

Someone had posted about that sale on a group I'm on but they were all sold out by the time I saw it! That is when I finally caved and bought the Minnie one to make myself feel better!