Luggage

I'm a big fan of TravelPro bags- MaxLite 5- they seem to be used now by most airline crews.

I got our larger TravelPro bags at kohls.com believe it or not-- with a 30% off coupon-- but found our carry on size at either Ross or Marshall's? for about $70
Amazon also has for about $99

I like the 4 wheel swivel, and soft sided

In case you aren't aware, there is an entire 'packing' forum. You could benefit from reading all the multitude of threads of the opinions on luggage.
I refuse to shop for luggage online unless I have seen it in person. posted measurements are improving, but you want to go to a store with a measuring tape and luggage scale. Make your decisions from that. Personally, I go cheap as I now airlines just continue to get restrictive in size and weight allowance, so it will continue to change. You also need to make up your mind about 2 wheel, 4 wheel, no wheel or backpack.
You also need to consider what airlines you are flying. European lines are less forgiving on weight and size and it is more difficult to find their sizes in the US.
Here is a good article for helping you decide, as well as measurements and weight allowances by airline.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/airline-carry-on-luggage-size-guide

Thanks Maria, I didn't know about the forum. I definitely need to pay a visit to TJ Maxx and Kohls. Plus Costco too, I didn't realize there are specific International sized bags. Good thing I'm researching!

Exclusive to Macy's. I like the Travel Pro "Walkabout 3 -Close Out" 22 inch - two wheeled luggage. With the wheels, it comes in about 22 -1/2 inches. It has been on "close out" for about two years now. It is first quality, no seconds.

The ongoing sale is good, but at times, Macy's discounts even more. I got Purple and Blue for much less a couple of years ago - one was about $70 and the other about $59 and change - sales, coupons and extra bonus coupons are what were applied.

• Lightweight (about 6 pounds)
• Durable
• Sturdy telescopic handle
• Plenty of room
• Expandable
• Rugged wheels and secure wheel base (in-line ball-bearing wheels)
• Stands out on the luggage carousel (I also put strips of orange duct tape around the handle and wheel base to spot it faster.)

I took it to Rome last year. It would have fit British Airways' OH bin, but I chose to check it free. (I had a smaller carry on and purse.) It held up excellent - Bos to LHR to FCO and in reverse.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/closeout-travelpro-walkabout-3-22-expandable-carry-on-rolling-suitcase-created-for-macys?ID=2584988&CategoryID=16908&swatchColor=Dark%20Purple#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D7%26ruleId%3D78%26kws%3Dtravelpro%20close%20out%26searchPass%3DallMultiMatchWithSpelling%26slotId%3D6

I refuse to shop for luggage online unless I have seen it in person.<<

Good advice. In my case I found the small bag first so was familiar with the quality, etc. I comparison shopped online including comparing kohl's listed measurements with the actual TravelPro site.

https://travelpro.com

Not all of us have the luxury of shopping in person- from where I live it's a good hour to get to any decent stores!

Take a look at the Rick Steves bags here on this very website (under Shop Online, on the left). You'll get an idea of sizes that work. Everyone has opinions all over the map on what works best - hard or soft, roller or backpack. Personal preference is a deciding factor.

Glad I could help. Do keep in mind that a lot of European airports are firm about weighing bags and testing it in those metal sizers. It might fit in an overhead, but that spare 1/2 inch not fitting into a sizer means an expensive 'at gate' checking fee. Plenty will say it didn't happen to them, but you have to decide on your level of risk. I take something light (IT luggage) and utilize the space under the seat in front with a tote bag as my personal item that slips over the suitcase handle.
To be honest, however, I now take advantage of the free international checked bag option - even with a 22 inch suitcase. Airports are big and luggage can be a hassle if transferring flights.

ownedby3- we also have a Rick Steves convertible back pack carry on that we quite like- if a backpack interests you- you can pack a heck of a lot in this bag
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/carry-on-backpack

wait for a sale if you have time!

Thanks, I'm flying Delta from NY. Travel Pro looks like the way to go. The International Spinner is 1 inch difference (21) then the regular spinner at 22. Hmmm! Hoping I can find at TJ Maxx or with a coupon elsewhere. I'll keep an eye on Macy's too.

Another vole for the TravelPro Max Lite. Mine is a 21" spinner. I usually do carry-on only on the way to Europe, then check it on the way back. It still looks like new, and the wheels are holding up well. Have only taken it on three trips, but did a lot of walking between train stations and hotels and the wheels didn't give me much trouble on cobblestones. I got mine on close-out at the local AAA store (same price range as TJ Maxx).

Hoping I can find at TJ Maxx or with a coupon elsewhere. I'll keep an eye on Macy's too.

Travel Pro is popular with a lot of us on the forum. It is very nice, sturdy luggage compared to other lightweight brands.

Depending on the TJM, you know it is a hit or miss. Demographics with collections play a role in the store's inventory. Between MA and NH, in my corner of the Country, there seems to be a TJMaxx "everywhere."

From past experience, a TJM store associate has been able to call "surrounding area" stores to see if they have a particular item in store. They will hold it for about a day or two.

Macys.com has a very generous return policy as well as Customer Service in stores and call centers. If something is not right, they work with you to keep you happy.

Perhaps check https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/index.jsp - Of course, the stores are always better to see "merch hands on."

Don't forget to measure the wheels, as they count in the 21" size carry- on cases.
That actually makes the actual case about a 19-inch size by the label.
Go to the stores with a measuring tape....after researching all the airlines you are taking, and their own carryon size limits.
It could be smaller than you think.