Will this suitcase survive baggage handlers?

[sinophile888]

My daughter has spotted this suitcase. What is the opinion of AFFers re durability? She plans to buy a suitcase cover. We have had IT suitcases for many years and have been quite happy with them.

IT Samara Paris 67cm Case - Hard Suitcases (3116823)

 

[docjames]

The suitcase might well survive (in terms of durability / ability to continue to hold stuff inside it!), but is the question really how well will the graphic on the side last?

 

[jb747]

All luggage is a consumable.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Worth considering that if purchasing in Australia, it will be subject to standard consumer protection laws. The outside must be able to withstand normal wear and tear, for a reasonable period.

 

[codash1099]

Nothing will survive a determined baggage handler!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Depends on where she is likely to go?
Personally not a fan of polycarbonate.

 

[sinophile888]

Worth considering that if purchasing in Australia, it will be subject to standard consumer protection laws. The outside must be able to withstand normal wear and tear, for a reasonable period.

I just checked and according to the website, the case comes with a 10 year warranty. I certainly wouldn't expect it to last that long. So hopefully, she should be OK.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I just checked and according to the website, the case comes with a 10 year warranty. I certainly wouldn't expect it to last that long. So hopefully, she should be OK.

It may do but warranties on suitcases usually do not cover airline damage.

 

[anat0l]

It'll probably be fine. Note that generally when hard shell cases get "overloaded", i.e. it becomes really difficult to close the zip and/or the weight is very heavy, there is a greater chance that the case will crack due to adverse handling. This is why I prefer soft shell cases now; that said, if you aren't a heavy or bulky traveller, in general you would be fine.

Note that warranties will only cover inherent faults, i.e. faults that are a result of bad manufacturing, so the baggage was predisposed to fail. If the bag fails whilst on the road due to airline handling, most manufacturers and vendors will not cover that. You need to chase after the airline (or their handling representatives) and work out a process for repair or replacement.

Not many bags will survive if it gets treatment similar to a rugby ball during a World Cup grand final.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I bought my first polycarbonate in January. It's now been used for over 100 sectors and it still looks pretty good. There are a few scuff marks but all in all, I'm not disappointed I bought it. It did come with a cover and I've used that for possibly 50% of the trips and it does have a "metallic" type of sheen to it which I wondered if it would not handle the wear and tear.

 

[Cynicor]

It'll probably be fine. Note that generally when hard shell cases get "overloaded", i.e. it becomes really difficult to close the zip and/or the weight is very heavy, there is a greater chance that the case will crack due to adverse handling. This is why I prefer soft shell cases now; that said, if you aren't a heavy or bulky traveller, in general you would be fine.

Note that warranties will only cover inherent faults, i.e. faults that are a result of bad manufacturing, so the baggage was predisposed to fail. If the bag fails whilst on the road due to airline handling, most manufacturers and vendors will not cover that. You need to chase after the airline (or their handling representatives) and work out a process for repair or replacement.

Not many bags will survive if it gets treatment similar to a rugby ball during a World Cup grand final.

Good general advice on the warranties. The only manufacturer I know (because I stopped looking after finding/buying them) is Victorinox.

Love their bags and the warranty is easy, hassle free, no questions asked.

 

[sinophile888]

Worth considering that if purchasing in Australia, it will be subject to standard consumer protection laws. The outside must be able to withstand normal wear and tear, for a reasonable period.

Christmas cash was happily spent by my daughter to buy the suitcase. She also bought a cover, so fingers crossed at least for the first use. Which may be Monday.

 

[Franky]

Nothing will survive a determined baggage handler!

Was watching them load my flights in Perth and Sydney recently, and can vouch for that. Not tossing them on the conveyor, but not much TLC either.

 

[seanpodge]

Good general advice on the warranties. The only manufacturer I know (because I stopped looking after finding/buying them) is Victorinox.

Love their bags and the warranty is easy, hassle free, no questions asked.

Have found that Crumpler also are good with the warranty. Have had two bags swapped old for new on the spot no questions asked. Very impressed.