Buying a new bag is good for my own environment as there is less faffing about. But it is ecologically a disaster to throw out what is otherwise a perfectly good bag because the handle doesn't work. It is a contradiction and one that I do find hard to square away.
To be fair this is the first time I have had my checked bag damaged having taken over 270 flights so far (pre COVID most were carry on but during and post-COVID it was all checked due to the time savings involved). So I have no comparison about whether this is appropriate or not. I cannot tell you that the response so far is better or worse than when I flew Air Canada, United or FinnAir, because I haven't had them break my bag on me. Is it difficult to fix a handle which has separated from one of the rods connecting it to the case? Again, I am no suitcase expert, that's what I was hoping the gent at the baggage claim desk could help me with (but they didn't). I found a luggage repair place in Perth but it was a decent drive and they weren't sure they could fix it without me first taking it into the store.
It's for these reasons why I think I will purchase a higher quality luggage next time. Rimowa luggage whilst pricey (checked bags start at the $1400 range), do offer a lifetime warranty including for wear and tear on functional items. They