The media could not be loaded.
SUMMARY Out of 4 different brand pieces for overhead carry-on luggage, this is the one I kept.
———-
I need just enough space in an overhead carry on to pack for overnight (in case my check-in gets lost), my medications, my electric toothbrush, chargers, battery packs, and travel size toiletries that I don’t want to leak in my check-in bag. Plus a sweater, raincoat, and umbrella are necessary for the destinations I frequent.
I use a separate tote bag for under the seat with my wallet, keys, immediate need meds, water bottle, snacks, Kindle, iPad, phone, glasses, etc., and one battery pack. (I may be overpacking, but I take 1-2 week trips.)
I am reviewing this bag based on my trial run packing and rolling it around the house pre-trip. I will update if I have any reason to after my next trip. So far I found the following pros and cons mixed together because one man’s ceiling is another man’s floor.
- EXPANSION is pitiful. I knew this going in and don’t plan to use this, so it didn’t factor into my selection or rating. I understand why they did it this way. If it were extendable for the full height, the weight would not be centered enough for it to stay standing in one place. It would either tip over, or go rolling, depends on the surface.
- ROLLING This is my first 4-wheel luggage piece. I’m usually a die-hard 2 wheeler fan. I choose the 4-wheel design so that I can roll the luggage with my tote on top while actually on the plane (boarding…) I found the wheels resist changing direction both on and off of carpet. But using a rotation/spin action in stead of a sharp change in direction works okay. I will need to retrain my muscle memory to not try and use it as a 2-wheel design (though it does work that way, too).
- EXTENSION HANDLE. The extension handle is amazingly stable and still easy to use. This handle quality needs to be on all of their check-in size bags. I don’t know if it is, but it should be.
The down side is that the handle is so beefy that you do lose some space inside the luggage. It depends on what and how you pack. I use the hand as a divider to separate and protect things that I don’t want sliding around or getting hit sideway’s with something else that might, then I put folded garments or flat items on top.
- REMOVABLE WET POUCH. With this size bag, the inside removable wet pouch seems kind of intrusive. No problem; unzip it from where it is and use it elsewhere in or out of the luggage. I see it as a bonus organization pouch. I will be putting my pill despenser in mine.
- BUILT IN COMBINATION LOCK Since this is an overhead carry-on item, I don’t expect to see damage from baggage handling. It works as a deterrent and will keep the grandbaby and pets out. I like not needing a separate lock for this purpose. I have my reservations about durability for a check-in piece of luggage.
- INSIDE POCKETS & STRAPS I’m not the most tidy of packers. I appreciate all of the pockets inside. I will be using them. I work with what I’m given in this area so I have no comment on the inside pockets.
- OUTER FRONT POCKETS I like the outer pockets. My raincoat and an airline planet fit in the largest one. I put flip flops in one of the smaller pockets. I’m reserving the other front pocket for travel receipts.
- OUTER SIDE POCKET I love the side pocket for a battery pack. The cable that leads to the port on the back of the bag did work when I tested it. This is one of my favorite features. I will be using it on my next trip during layovers.
- CUSTOMER SERVICE TRACK RECORD In my opinion, this is the only reason why I tried so many other brands. I have owned the same TravelPro luggage for 16 years, using it 2 - 3 times a year on planes. However, TravelPro has lost much, if not all, consumer confidence in their customer service. It is entirely through email, slow, requires shipping your piece ant your expense, and responses sound like they come from an autobot. This is based on both what I have heard from others (including sales people) and my own personal long ago and recent experience with a twelve year old check-in piece that needed and still needs service. You might get better service from them if you work for an airline.
Hope this helps some of you.
