Any experience Checking one of Rick Steve's Bags?

In 2000, I bought a Rick Steve Convertible bag. I used it for 7 trips to Europe, all carry-on because I limited myself to what was below the carry-on weight limit. I also used it for one domestic trip, also carry-on. After seven trips it shows absolutely no wear.

Thanks Lee. My question is whether the bag holds up if it's checked.

I've been using the same "Rick" bag for over ten years now, and most always check it on flights. So far in over 20 trips to Europe and Asia, no problems at all. It's like brand new.

Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that it will hold up. If I had checked mine fourteen times, I could say yes, it will hold up; then yours fall off the cart and gets run over by the nose wheel of a 747. The only way to ensure that your bag won't take a beating, is not to pack it so the sides bulge, and it won't fit into the sizing box, and keep the weight down so it's not over the weight limit, and carry it on. That's also the only way to guarentee it won't get lost.

We have used three of the older style carryon bags for over ten years. We always check on the return trip so the bags have been checked many times in addition to a lot of domestic travel. The bags have held up very well. An Eagle Creek bag of the same vintage that has made all of the trips that the other bags have. It has been returned once for repair.

Michael, thanks for your input. I usually always take carry-on only, but have been forced to check it a few times because there was no more room in the overheads. This is the price you pay when you travel alone and request an aisle seat. Many airlines put you in the last boarding group and run the risk of no overhead space left. I'll research further before purchasing. Thanks everyone.

Hi Gela, We've checked our RS convertible bags numerous times on our return flights from Italy, Mexico, U.S. etc. Even had 4 bottles of wine one time and many trips home with tequila and vanilla bottles. No breakage, leakage and no evidence of damage due to baggage handling. We're off to Italy in April with the same bags. We think that they're very sturdy. Not very waterproof though. The inside of the bags did get wet while dashing to the Vaporetto during a rain storm in Venice. Fortunately, we had most of our clothing in jumbo ziplock bags. Hope that this helps. Sherry

Sherry, this is great information. Just what I was hoping to hear. I understand about waterproof. I remember a very rainy/foggy morning on the Red Line Alilaguna back to VCE. Sometimes I bring a large leaf back to wrap my luggage if it will be out in the elements (I did this a lot in Central America, while my luggage was waiting on the tarmac for 14 seat puddle jumpers).

"This is the price you pay when you travel alone and request an aisle seat. Many airlines put you in the last boarding group and run the risk of no overhead space left. " I'll have to remember that. I always request a window seat and have never (8 RT, 25 flights including domestic) had to check because the overheads were full when I got on.

Lee, I learned recently that some airlines group starting with window seats, groups traveling together, then middles seats and then lastly, isle seats. I guess this makes sense in loading passengers. I always thought it was from back to front but was suspicious when I was at the very back of the plane but was in the last group. I recently traveled during holiday season - everyone was trying to bring carryon only. It was so full that the airline went around the gate and offered to check carry-on free of charge (this was to Hawaii - domestic).

At the risk of getting off point here, until recently, most of my flights have boarded by rows, the front rows boarding first, the back rows last. Recently, I've notice the tickets have boarding numbers 1 through 4. There doesn't seem to be any pattern to the number, but I usually book early and get low fares and number 4. I think they board the cheapest tickets last.

I checked the bag many times. It always held up. I use TSA approved lock. Once the must have opened it and spilled some sticky liquid inside. I didn't have any liquid in the bag. Unfortunately I discovered it after I got home.

I have both the 21" roll-aboard and the classic backdoor bag. Both bags have survived being checked in many, many times. I always secure them closed with a plastic tie when I do so. I make sure that they are packed full/snug, with no "bumps" that can rub, and nothing that can shift. I also balance the weight and try to "nest" heavy bottles between the slats at the bottom of the roll-aboard. The classic bag usually comes home checked-in as the "dirty-clothes" bag ;-)

Good ideas, thanks Diane.