Rick Steves Rolling Carry on-

I'd read a few complaints about the zipper breaking and some people complaining that nothing was done to fix/replace. It made me hesitant to order one but I did anyway (it'll get it's first run in 6 weeks when we go to France). Glad to hear they replaced it for you.

The zipper on my RS 21" roller bag broke in June in Europe. I was glad to see your post on RS reply. I will be taking my bag up to their headquarters in Edmonds, WA, which is only about a 30 minute drive from where I am staying in Seattle. Years ago, the handle on a previous RS 21" roller bag came loose and I took it up to their headquarters and they replaced the suitcase saying it was an obvious manufacturers defect. This type of customer service should be copied by other companies.

I've used this particular bag on three trips to Europe and counting. Nothing broken on it so far. Happy with it in every way.

I have the same bag, and have used it on about six flights so far (checked, not carried on). Not a single problem or sign of wear. I am pleased.

I just used mine on a recent trip, but want hauling it around everywhere. I do think the handle seems a little flimsy. I'm haven't read anything about it breaking, so I will cross my fingers.

Reading this post about the zipper just reinforces for me to take large safety pins? I'm assuming we can carry those on?

I recently downsized to the 20" rolling bag (from the 22"), it feels less stable (especially the cloth handle at the top) when empty but it worked fine on its maiden voyage, on and off trains every three or four days for 89 days. Placement of contents is important for any bag and over the years apparently I have gotten very good at it (received a compliment from the security agent at AMS on how well packed it was).

Zoe, I have the earlier edition 22" bag. How is the downsize to 20" working for you?

There aren't any Steves in stock locally to eyeball. It's probably not as bad as going from a 22" 2-wheeler to a 20" spinner (spinner wheels are tall!), but I still worry about losing the storage space.

On the other hand, I had to give up the 22" Steves (except when used as checked luggage) in favor of the Backdoor Pack due to strict weight limits on Asian flights (7 kg). So who knows, aybe a smaller bag would help me make the 7kg weight limit and get the weight of the Backdoor Pack off my back.

Also, have you ever put your 20"edition "wheels first" into an Airbus A330-300? Even my ginormous Costco would fit wheels-first on Boeing jumbo jets, but IIRC, the Airbus has very shallow bins and even the 20" Steves rolling carry-on would probably need to go in sideways.

Any additional comments on the downsize would be helpful, thanks in advance.

MWebb, the 20" holds enough for 89 days (plus the Civita day bag). I can now lift it into the overhead bin myself. No problem putting it in wheels first on any aircraft so far.

It makes the 22" look huge! I have both and when they are side by side, it's a laugh.

The very same thing happened to my bag! I took the required picture and they sent me a new bag. The other one is usable so they suggested donating it. I had a quick response but I think they need to get on the manufacturer! I do like the bag.

I've made 5 trips each to Europe with a RS Convertible and an Essential Carryon bag without any zipper problems, but then my bags aren't stuffed full. I really thing that not putting a lot of stress on the zipper is key to it's lasting.

Lee, thanks for your input. You are, of course, talking about two different pieces of luggage than what is being discussed in this forum. The original post was primarily to express appreciation for Rick Steves Store standing behind their products.

Zoe -- can you provide link to the exact bag you are using? I have been having problems finding a light one with wheels that meets AirFrance and Alitalia's specs which are smaller than Delta's.

I just used my new RS rolling carry on while traveling to Texas for the holidays. I was very pleased with it. I feel better about using it on my 6+ week trip to Europe this spring. I like my convertible bag, but my back just can't handle it any more.

Mediaohio, The bag is at the RS travel store site, sorry I can't get the link to work.