Keep Calm and Carry Your Bag On

Tired of paying hefty fees for checking your bag? With airlines charging anywhere from $20-$50 for your first checked bag, many travelers have made the switch to a carry-on bag, even for longer trips. Plus you can head out of the airport as soon as you disembark the plane, rather than trudging down to baggage claim to wait for your luggage.

Irv’s Luggage has been giving expert advice to travelers for over 72 years. Read on:

• While 4 wheel spinner cases are popular and convenient, 2 wheel cases give you more interior packing space. With a 4 wheel spinner, in order for the case to meet the overall allowable carry on dimensions, the case has to be smaller to allow for the 4 wheels. Takeaway: buy a 2 wheel carry on, gain more interior packing space and save BIG on baggage fees AND time.
• Softside vs. Hardside? Softside every time, for added space and flexibility in packing plus the convenience of having outside pockets. Most softside cases we sell have USB ports for charging your phone – you don’t need a hardside case for that!
• Packing cubes and packing folders have revolutionized the way we pack.
  • Save a substantial amount of space by organizing your items and packing everything in a packing cube or folder.
  • Packing folders are perfect for larger items like pants, or folded shirts. The wings fold in for maximum compression.
  • Buy cubes with compression zippers that further compress your clothes saving additional space in your case.
  • Using Ziploc bags in your luggage? Invest in packing cubes made of durable material and quality zippers because they will last forever, they stack better in your luggage, your clothes will be less creased and they’re easier to access.
• Bringing really bulky items, like sweaters and jackets? Check out Compression Bags – different than compression packing cubes.
  • Compression Bags are made of durable plastic. You load your bag, seal the top (usually these have Ziploc tops), and then roll the bag squeezing out all the air. Using your body weight and rolling the bag on the floor will give you the best results.
• Bring interchangeable wardrobe items that give you multiple outfits.
  • Choose basic pieces that work together and reduce the overall quantity of what you bring while still having options to change up your outfits.
  • Wear your bulkiest shoes or boots on the plane and pack the smaller pair in your carry on.
• Invest in a compact toiletry kit with multiple pockets for keeping things organized.
  • Use TSA compliant bottles or buy travel sized toiletry items.

So many carry ons to choose from – how do you choose?? I’m going to break it down and give you my top 3 favorite bags.

1. Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry On: at 22”, this carry on is the largest size you can take on the plane, giving you the most amount of space. The features and overall design of this bag are second to none; hanging section and a flat roomy interior. This is our best selling carry on, hands down.
2. Travelpro Crew VersaPack Max Carryon: This New collection from Travelpro is expandable, has garment bag features so you can hang items if you choose, and offers various zip in organizers to make this versatile bag perfectly suited to the way you travel.
3. Eagle Creek Expanse Hauler Convertible Carry On: This amazingly versatile carry on is perfect for the traveler that is moving around a lot and needs to have a roomy, lightweight bag along for the ride. This carry on converts easily to a backpack, with padded backpacks straps. Tuck the backpacks straps in and use the padded shoulder strap. Grab handles all around the bag make it easy to grab & go. Insanely great pockets everywhere.

With hundreds of travel accessories to help make your trip easier, more comfortable and more efficient, Irv’s Luggage is your 1 stop travel shop.

Rolling briefcases: a commuter’s best friend

 

Did you know that over 3.5 million American’s take the train to work every day? For these people, this often means lots of walking in all types of conditions and having to carry all sorts of items with you, such as laptops, tablets, files, lunch, even a change of shoes and clothes. Trying to pack all of this into a conventional briefcase is daunting, plus the idea of carrying all of this weight on your shoulder makes my back wince. For people who travel to work like this every day, a rolling briefcase is a lifesaver. Here are a few of our favorites.

If you are a daily commuter who has to travel in all sorts of conditions, then durability should be your primary concern. Our favorite wheeled briefcase is Briggs & Riley’s medium expandable brief. Every Briggs & Riley item comes with the Simple as That® guarantee which covers all the functional aspects of the case. The wheels can even be changed with a free self-repair kit. Other features include a padded, removable laptop case, RFID pockets, and an expansion that can be used for extra files or a change of clothes. This is truly a road warrior’s best friend.

For the woman who is looking for a wheeled brief that is stylish and still durable, we recommend Cabrelli’s line of rolling cases. Every case is constructed of durable faux leather or PVC and rollerblade wheels and includes separate compartments for laptops and tablets. In addition, all Cabrelli cases can be attached to a larger piece of luggage if you wish to use this bag as your carry-on. Styles change so check our website frequently for the new colors.

People who work in the legal profession and salespeople who carry samples need more room for larger items. The good news is that these cases don’t need to be basic and boring. The Mosiac 18’’ wheeled leather catalog case features durable black matte leather, a deluxe telescoping handle, and a built-in padded tablet pocket. For security, it even has two included combination locks.  Even more good news: it is now 30% off, so it’s a great value.

Do you have a friend or family member who is struggling with their commute? Then a wheeled briefcase makes a perfect gift for the holidays or a birthday. Trust us, their back will thank you.

Briggs & Riley’s Transcend line of accessories; a buyer’s guide

One thing we love about Briggs & Riley is their selection of accessories. Each one is designed to work with their luggage perfectly and with their new line of Transcend luggage, they have a redesigned their accessories to match their fashion-forward designs. Let’s take a look at three new products.

Transcend Shopping Tote

The Briggs & Riley shopping totes have always been a big seller and with the new design, this is sure to continue. The first thing I noticed is pockets, lots and lots of pockets. There are four outside pockets and each one has a different use. There is a large front pocket that has a place for a Kindle, Ipad or a Tablet, a place for a passport, another small elastic pocket, and a zippered pocket inside this pocket. A second smaller front pocket has an orange lining that is perfect for tickets or any other item you want easy access to. The side pocket is PVC lined which is easy to clean, making it perfect for a water bottle, umbrella, or even toiletries. The back has a small privacy pocket that is perfect for a phone and a sleeve that will allow this bag to fit over just about any luggage handle. The main compartment is open except for a 13’’ laptop sleeve and two small elastic pockets. This is a perfect place to keep a wallet, sweater or light jacket, even a change of shoes. The best thing about this bag that it’s the perfect size to fit underneath just about any airplane seat.

Transcend Clamshell Cabin Bag

Briggs & Riley’s has reconcepted the classic cabin bag for the modern era. Their new cabin bag is a flexible enough that it can be used as either an overnight bag, business case, or a personal item for the airlines. The front pockets are similar to the shopping tote’s main pockets, only wider. The back also has a sleeve to go over other luggage as well. It is the main compartment that separates this bag from anything else on the market. The main area opens like a clamshell which allows for many different configurations of packing. On the left side it is open except for two small elastic pockets. It’s easy to see that this area can either be used for files, magazines, or a change of clothes. The right side is zippered and has one pocket on the lid that would make a perfect place for cords or medication. Inside the zippered pocket there is room for shoes or a full-size laptop. With the padding you won’t even need a sleeve.  With a detachable comfort shoulder strap; this is a bag that is ready to go.

Transcend Cargo Backpack

For the first time ever, Briggs & Riley is offering a backpack in their Transcend line.  Backpacks are the hottest accessory for both business and travel and this item is perfectly suited for both. There are two front pockets, similar in layout to the tote and cabin bag but in this item the small pocket is on top and the lower pocket is the organizer pocket with room for a tablet, passport, and other travel necessities.  The back pocket is designed for a full-sized laptop but also can be used for files or even shoes. There is also a sleeve in this bag. The main compartment unzips completely so that it can lay flat for easy packing. The lid side has a small zippered pocket and a pocket that can stretch to hold files, shoes, even a second smaller laptop. The main compartment has no pockets so clothes will fit perfectly.

In addition, there is a wheeled tote (which I will cover in another blog) and a toiletry kit. Every one of their accessories comes in all three colors (rainforest, merlot, and slate) so they will match your new luggage. Best of all, every product Briggs & Riley has their simple as that® guarantee so no matter what happens to your bag, it is covered.

 

IRV’S LUGGAGE JOINS NATIONAL LUGGAGE TRADE-IN CHARITY INITIATIVE FROM BRIGGS & RILEY

Irv’s Luggage joins with Briggs & Riley for a trade in event to benefit local charities.

Mount Prospect, IL – FEBRUARY 11, 2016 … Irv’s Luggage joins Briggs & Riley’s national charity initiative “A Case for Giving,” taking place in both of our locations at 2200 S. Busse Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL and 3139 Dundee Rd., Northbrook, IL from February 11– February 29, 2016, benefiting two local charities, Journeys, The Road Home and DCFS of Illinois, as part of a nationwide cooperative effort.Briggs & Riley’s “A Case for Giving” works in cooperation with more than 250 retail partners to get your gently used rolling bag to someone in immediate need in local communities around the country.  “A Case for Giving” salutes more than 100 charity partners of Briggs & Riley’s retailers including Ronald McDonald House, Treehouse for Kids, Make A Wish, Goodwill and local women’s shelters, men’s homes and coalitions for the homeless.  Briggs & Riley is known for innovation, dependable durability, and service that have earned them a fanatical and loyal customer base of frequent travelers who demand bags that perform.

“We are very pleased to re-introduce ‘A Case for Giving’ for its second year, and we expect to be even more successful and to exceed the 2,000 bags collected for the needy last year during our first luggage trade-in program,” said Briggs & Riley CEO Richard Krulik.  “The idea was sparked by conversations with foster care leaders who made me realize what a wonderful added purpose our products can have,” Krulik continued.   “We’ve put our support behind making sure that those in need can transport their belongings securely, whether it be a child leaving foster care, or a woman getting out of a shelter, or a family who must travel for medical treatment.”

A CASE FOR GIVING – HOW IT WORKS:

Think about a gently used rolling bag you own.  It might have even been sitting for years gathering dust in a closet.

Bring your used bag into Irv’s Luggage between February 11^th and February 29^th, 2016.

Receive $100 credit on a new Briggs & Riley bag if you donate a used Briggs & Riley bag, and a $50 credit on a new Briggs & Riley bag if you donate a used bag from another brand.

Leave your used bag behind knowing it will bring joy to someone who needs it.

Veronica Resa from DCFS in Illinois said, “Thank you for your generous offer to donate used luggage to children in the care of DCFS. As you can imagine our need is great and ongoing.”

Irv’s Luggage is both honored and humbled to be able to contribute to two worthy organizations working to help those in need.

About Irv’s Luggage

Irv’s Luggage is a family owned and operated business serving traveler’s needs since 1947. Irv’s Luggage has two retail stores in the Chicago suburbs as well as a premier website with over 15,000 items spanning 150 brands, making us the destination of choice for travelers, students and business people throughout the United States and Internationally.

We stock the best brands you can buy including Briggs & Riley, The North Face, Samsonite, Delsey, Hartmann, Bosca, Travelpro and many more. Irv’s Luggage prides itself on providing expert, up to the minute travel and baggage advice as well as superior customer service. In addition, Irv’s Luggage offers competitive pricing every day and will never be undersold!

Irv’s Luggage has the largest onsite luggage repair center in the Midwest. Luggage, handbags, business cases and leather bags can be dropped off for repair at either of our Irv’s Luggage locations or you can ship your bag to the Irv’s Luggage repair center via UPS. Whether it is a broken wheel, torn zipper, or a handle that needs repair Irv’s Luggage offers a complete and competent repair by trained luggage technicians.

We hope you will support small business in the US and shop Irv’s Luggage!

About Briggs & Riley Travelware

Briggs & Riley is the international brand of luggage and business cases whose fanatical customer base speaks loudly in the two way dialogue that embodies the company’s mantra – Engineered for Reality, Guaranteed for Life.™  Briggs & Riley’s main focus is making sure travelers are equipped with a durable product and a dependable relationship required for today’s travel realities.  Owned by US Luggage LLC, a privately owned and operated family company with headquarters on Long Island, New York, Briggs & Riley and its parent company are acclaimed for innovations such as the first ever wheeled luggage, a differentiating Outsider® handle, the first compression/expansion luggage, and backing every bag they make with an unconditional lifetime performance warranty, the only one of its kind in the industry.  Briggs & Riley collections and products can be found in North America, the UK, Japan and China at more than 600 fine specialty retailers, select high-end department stores and online, with online ordering and a store locator at http://www.briggs-riley.com.

Locations:

Irv’s Luggage

3139 Dundee Rd.

Northbrook, IL 60062

847-205-5585

 

Irv’s Luggage

2200 S. Busse Rd.

Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

847-437-4787

 

Top 10 Carry On Bags

Are you going somewhere for a weekend getaway soon? You’re going to need a carry on luggage bag, but there are hundreds of different carry on bags so which one should you get? I’m going to try to make your decision easier by narrowing your choices down to ten.

 

1. Samsonite L.I.F.T. 21″ Expandable Spinner (20.5″ x 15″ x 7″; 7 lbs)

Samsonite is made with high quality materials and is one of the top luggage brands at Irv’s Luggage. This Spinner Boarding Bag received several reviews at Irvsluggage.com and they are all five stars. There is a lot to like about this bag.  It has four multi-directional spinner wheels which allow 360 degree upright rolling so there is no weight on your arm. Integrated into the bag is top and side carry handles.  It includes tie down straps that keep the bag’s contents in place.

 

 

 

 

2. Delsey Helium Aero Carry On Expandable Spinner Trolley (21″ x 14.5″ x 10.5″; 8.4 lbs)

The Helium Aero Spinner Trolley from Delsey has many great features. This hardside upright is made with 100% polycarbonate which is good because it makes the case durable enough to keep your travel items safe and it makes the case lightweight too. The spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees to assure multi-directional rolling. Do you need to buy a TSA lock for your trip? You don’t need to worry about getting one if you have this carry on bag because a 3-dial TSA accepted combination lock is built into the case.

 

 

 

3. David King Vacquetta Leather 20” Large Duffel (12” x 20” x 12”; 3.5 lbs)

Your carry on bag doesn’t need to have spinner wheels and several technology features. A simple duffel bag can work great as a carry on bag. David King has some good duffel bags. This 20” bag is made with durable and long-lasting vacquetta leather and has a roomy main compartment with a u-zip closure. Don’t worry that this duffel won’t have enough pockets for your small items. It has front and back zip pockets and two side zip pockets.

 

 

 

4. Olympia Casual Sports 22” Rolling Carry On Duffel (22″ x 13″ x 9″; 6.7 lbs)

Maybe you don’t take many weekend trips and don’t want to spend a lot of money on a luggage bag you plan to use only a few times. This rolling carry on bag from Olympia is less expensive than the other bags on this list, but it has enough good features to make it a good carry on bag. The main compartment is roomy and with eight pockets, it shouldn’t be difficult to pack all of your essential items.

 

 

 

5. Wenger SwissGear Scan Smart Backpack (18.5″ x 15″ x 8.5″; 3.5 lbs)

Backpacks are great carry on bags for short trip. This Wenger laptop backpack should have all of the features you need. It has Scan Smart technology that allows you to travel through airport security without having to remove your laptop from the backpack. In addition to the organizer and accessory pockets, the backpack has pockets for a water bottle, sunglasses and mobile phone.

 

 

 

6. Briggs & Riley Torq International Carry On Spinner (21.4” x 14.3” x 9.4”; 8.9 lbs)

At 8.9 pounds, this Briggs & Riley spinner is not one of the lightest carry ons on this list, but it has many great features. It has a scratch resisting hardside case that will protect your belongings including a laptop and iPad. The gusseted, zipperless design sits flush with bag when closed, allowing an easy fit into the overhead compartment. The wheels are recessed double spinners for a lower center of gravity and effortless 360 degree navigation. Fodor’s named this carry on as one of the best carry on luggage bags for 2013 on their website.

 

 

 

 

7. Lipault Paris 2 Wheeled Foldable 22” Carry On Packing Case (22” x 14” x 8”; 5.33 lbs)

This Lipault carry on case has a feature that none of the other carry on bags on this list has: it can fold. If your biggest problem is that you have no room in your closet to store a carry on, this case fixes that problem because when it is not being used, it can fold up and go under your bed. It also has some good features that include two inline wheels, several zippered pockets, a combination lock and two interior adjustable straps for your clothes.

 

 

 

 

8. Victorinox Mobilizer NXT 5.0 22” Expandable Wheeled Carry On  (22” x 14” x 9”; 9.9 lbs) $259.99

The NXT 5.0 carry on from Victorinox has the features you would want every carry on bag to have. It has two front pockets for items that you can easily access without having to open the main compartment of the bag. If you need more room, it expands 2.5 inches for 29% extra packing capacity. You can carry your laptop inside the case and secure it with the Travel Sentry Approved luggage lock.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Travelpro Crew 9 21” Expandable Spinner with Suiter Luggage (21” x 14” x 9”; 9.3 lbs)

Do you want a carry on bag that has spinner wheels, expands, will last for a long time and is easy to maneuver? This Travelpro Crew 9 carry on is a luggage bag you should consider. It is made with microballistic nylon fabric with Duraguard fabric protection and has a removable suiter system.

 

 

 

 

 

10. Atlantic Compass Unite Wheeled Tote (13″ x 16″ x 8″; 6.1 lbs)

The last carry on luggage bag on my list is this wheeled tote from Atlantic Luggage. It is one of the smallest carry on bags on this list, but it has plenty of room for your accessories and has a front pocket for quick access to your wallet, iPod, keys and airline tickets. The high-sheen Poly fabric provides exceptional resistance to wear and tear. It might be too small for a trip that lasts more than a couple days, but it looks excellent for a one or two day trip.

 

Any one of these ten carry on bags should be great for a weekend trip. These bags and many more are available at Irv’s Luggage.

Briggs & Riley Torque Polycarbonate Hardside Luggage

Briggs & Riley’s Torq International Carry On Spinner Suitcase provides a great solution for one of my biggest concerns about using 100% polycarbonate hardside luggage: the lack of a front pocket. Their carry-on version from the collection addresses the need for an easily-accessible front pocket that is common on most other nylon/cloth suitcases, but lacking from hardside luggage. 

Until I got a polycarbonate hardside luggage of my own, I had no idea how much I took that front pocket for granted. I no longer had a place to easily access my magazine, notebook, snacks, or anything else while at the airport terminal; I either had to put it in my personal item (which is already loaded down with my laptop, possibly souvenirs, or work-related collateral) or constantly access my carry-on by opening it up, making a huge production number out of simply wanting to read.

 

 

This video shows just how easy it is to now have some extra storage on the Torq Interational Carry On.

The Briggs & Riley Torq Carry On Spinner certainly has a great feature in that front panel for storage, but the rest of the collection in medium and large has plenty more to offer. The Briggs & Riley Torq International Collection focuses on global travel with numerous security features and organizational options. The 100% polycarbonate hardside body is just the beginning when you consider the Smartlink™ system strap you can use to transport two or more bags as one (saving you from dragging a suitcase with each hand, an integrated ID tag to protect yourself and your bags, a molded compression panel to keep clothing flat, minimize wrinkling, and prevent contents from shifting while traveling, and so many more features to protect and organize. Spinner wheels and the high level of quality you’d expect from Briggs & Riley is icing on the cake.

 

 

Prices for the Briggs & Riley Torq Collection starts at $479.00, available in Ruby, Cobalt, or Graphite (availability may vary depending on size of luggage purchased) in carry on, medium, or large. Given the simple solution of an external pocket for a 100% polycarbonate hardside carry on to address a smaller issue, you can be sure to handle any travel snafu, environment, or situation with this luggage when it comes to larger issues. And as always, enjoy free shipping with orders over $99. Give the gift of travel this holiday season!

 

Traveling Soon? Tips for buying good luggage!

After six weeks of frequent airline travel (six airline trips in six weeks) I’ve been in a lot of airports and seen a lot of luggage.  I worked for Irv’s Luggage for over five years and now have a new job and travel quite a bit. Over the last six weeks of traveling I acquired an entirely new perspective on airline travel and more importantly for Irv’s Luggage, a brand new perspective on luggage. I guess that I have now been upgraded to a frequent flyer, as the flight attendants now know my name.  Traveling with good luggage can make a huge difference in your trip and a huge difference in how you feel about traveling.

Three things to consider when purchasing new luggage.

First, how do you travel? Do you check your bag or are you more of a carry-on luggage person? For me, I really like a carry-on, cabin bag. I had to wait this past Sunday, while one of my traveling companions  waited for her large, wheeled checked bag came off the airline carousel.  The wait wasn’t terrible, but how do you find your bag among the sea of black bags?  Impossible. Plus, no matter how pristine the luggage is when  you check it, it comes out smashed, dirty and often something is damaged or scratched.  So whenever I can, I carry my luggage on board. My choice for the best carry on luggage? Easy: Briggs and Riley 21 inch wheeled carry on bag. Durable, easy to wheel and made of ballistic nylon, this rugged carry on is my first choice for a carry on bag.  And, good news, right now the Briggs & Riley Baseline 21″ Carry On Expandable Upright Chocolate – Discontinued  is on sale at 35% off.

Second, warranty. Let’s face it, luggage gets damaged…frequently. Look for luggage that offers a lifetime warranty, or a ‘no questions asked’ type of warranty. Briggs & Riley was one of the original ‘lifetime luggage warranty’ companies, and now many luggage manufacturers offer either lifetime warranty or a ten year warranty.  Hartmann Luggage, Samsonite, Victorinox, High Sierra and even Eagle Creek offer wonderful warranties.  And, should your luggage get damaged… first, if the airline damaged the bag, then stop at the ticket counter immediately and file a claim.  Second, Irv’s Luggage offers luggage repair on virtually every major brand. So, if you need luggage repair for wheels, zippers, handles, or seams, bring it to Irv’s Luggage for all your luggage repairs – no matter what the damage is.

Last, thought… right now spinner luggage is hugely popular (vs. the typical two – wheeled luggage).  My preference of spinner luggage verses the traditional wheeled luggage: spinner luggage.  Spinner luggage is easier to wheel in an airport, down the center aisle of the airplane and virtually everywhere. And, if your luggage gets damaged, and you lose a wheel, you still have three others!  I love my new spinner luggage. If you want something other than Briggs (see paragraph above) I am also a huge fan of the new Samsonite Hyperspace Spinner 21.5″ Expandable Upright (SM 47166). Offered in black, teal and pink, this is rugged, spinner carryon luggage is spacious, durable and lightweight.

Back on the road again on Friday to lovely Memphis. This trip, my Samsonite Hyperspace will be traveling with me!

 

 

Valentines Day Gifts for Him – Briefcases for Men, Carry On Bags for Men

Valentine’s Day is almost here, have you figured out what gift to get that terrific husband or boyfriend of yours?  Come on, it is a two way street, although they won’t admit it, they too look forward to feeling special on Valentine’s Day; but remember, no flowers for the guys either ;). (See blog dtd 1/31/12)

Read on to find some unique briefcases for men, leather wallets and a golf bag any guy would love.

The 2012 top selling men’s gifts for Valentine’s Day are:

1. Kenneth Cole Leather Briefcases – Sharp, stylish leather briefcases at very affordable prices from Kenneth Cole; including the very popular Show Business, Mind Your Own Business, Long Story and Flappy Gilmore styles!

2. Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s Leather Wallets  –  The Altius 3.0 from Victorinox Swiss Army Luggage is one of our top selling wallet collections and offers many different styles and designs including the best selling Barcelona and Athens wallets! The Antwerp Card Case has been a huge hit too!

3. Briggs & Riley Chocolate Luggage and Briefcase Collection – Briggs & Riley is the favorite brand of road warriors the world over, both for their fabulous luggage and briefcase lines too!  Check out these terrific chocolate brown Baseline and @Work pieces on closeout for that special business man in your life!

 

4. Johnston & Murphy Briefcases  –Quality high-end leather pieces with 150 years of  craftsmanship and know-how behind them;  Johnston & Murphy briefcases, American-made leather goods at their finest!

 

5. Hartmann Luggage and Wallets – The oldest luggage manufacturer in America, the Hartmann Luggage name is synonymous with reliability, superiority and excellence.  To really let your Valentine know you care, go with a Hartmann!!!

 

6. Athalon Golf Bags – The perfect gift for the golfer in your life who is also a big football fan, the Athalon NFL Golf Trunks and the NFL Wheeled Golf Cover Bags are sure to be a winner!
7. Crown Edition by Heys USA BioCase – The BioCase Collection is a technological innovation for luggage that puts biometric technology to work for you. Biometric technology requires fingerprint technology in order for you to access your bags. Whether you travel for business or pleasure, you can relax knowing that your valuables and important documents are safely secured in your BioCase. Biocase is made of 100% German Polycarbonate, and is nearly indestructible.

 

Luggage Trends in 2011

Continuing with my series of “Staff Picks”……. this week I interviewed Irv’s Luggage’ top luggage buyer, Phil.  Phil has been in the luggage business for over 30 years, and he too definitely has his opinions on travel luggage. In my interview however, Phil chose not to talk about his “favorite picks”; instead, he focused on the three trends he sees emerging in the luggage industry and the current buying philosophies of the 2011 consumer:  1) the rise of larger lightweight luggage 2) purchasing luggage with a lifetime warranty and 3) the rise of spinner luggage.

As Phil explained, while carry-on bags continue to be big sellers, he has seen a shift from purchasing moderate (24” – 25”) sized bags to larger (28” – 30”) bags.  This is primarily due to the changes in fees being charged by the airlines (many are now charging high fees for a second bag) and the lightweight technology that allows consumers to fit much more into one larger bag while staying under the 50 lb weight limit; making  these “larger bags” a much better choice for today’s travelers.  The larger 28” bags previously weighing 17 lbs. are now weighing-in at 7-9 lbs lighter.  Thus the benefits of carrying a 24” or 25” bag no longer exists. Three top lightweight lines Phil recommends are Antler Luggage – New Size Zero, Samsonite L.I.F.T and High Sierra Elevate collections.

The second trend in luggage buying Phil sees is consumers buying higher quality / higher priced luggage that comes with a lifetime warranty.  Purchasing one of the four brands that will repair or replace your luggage no matter what the cause (Briggs & Riley, Boyt Luggage, Hartmann and Victorinox) is a long term buying philosophy /savings approach many more consumers are now making.  They spend more money up front but will now own the same bag for a lifetime, with a huge savings on the back-end of their purchase!

Finally, while Phil notes the huge marketing campaigns promoting spinner luggage and the rising trend of purchasing spinner luggage, he does not necessarily agree that spinners are the  best option for today’s luggage consumer.  While the spinners offer some benefit with greater ease of travel, he does not feel the maneuverability advantage outweighs the hassles that accompany 4 wheeled spinner’s higher rate of repair (with two additional wheels and the wheels sticking out further on the bag, the bags are damaged more easily).  In Phil’s opinion you are better off with the traditional 2 wheeled pieces.

In conclusion, this is very interesting and useful information for today’s luggage consumer, thanks Phil….. but  I’m still kind of curious to know which are your favorites. I guess there is always next week’s blog…..until then…… happy trails from Irv’s Luggage!!

The Best Carry On Bags for International Travel

Ten years ago, a carry-on bag was a carry-on bag was a carry-on bag. You could use your “carry-on” bag on whichever airlines you chose and wherever you traveled throughout the world.  There also weren’t that many luggage brands to consider: Samsonite, Delsey or International Traveller Luggage. Today, things are a little different. What may be considered a “carry-on” by some airlines may not be considered a “carry-on” by others.  What most people do not realize is that many of the 21” and 22” bags being sold on the market today as “carry-on” bags cannot be “carried-on” all international flights.

If you want a carry-on that will get you through 70% of airports you need to go with a 20” bag; and not to complicate matters but not all 20” bags will work either. Unfortunately some of the newer 20” wide-body carry-on bags will not make it through all the smaller U.S. airports because of their width. The best 20” choice is the Travelpro Crew 8 20” Rollaboard. The Travelpro Crew 8 20” is a terrific piece of luggage; with 43 linear inches of packing space, 1050D nylon fabric with DuraGuard fabric protection and weighing in at 8.7 pounds this bag is extremely durable and well designed. With multiple organizational pockets and a computer sleeve in the full featured business organizer and the removable, sealed, waterproof ball-bearing inline skate wheels, this carry-on is smaller but has it all!!

However, if you want to make it through 90% of airports, you will have to go with something even smaller; with a piece of luggage measuring in at no greater than 17.7 x 13.4 x 7.9 inches.  What is your best choice here? The Briggs & Riley Baseline Wheeled Compact Tote;  with a front wet/dry section with multiple organizer pockets and a flat packing section with a garment securing panel to minimize wrinkling, this is the best bag to combine both your personal and business packing needs when doing extensive travel around the world.

In conclusion, for all you very serious globe trotters out there, who want a “carry-on” bag that works practically everywhere in the world, check out the Travelpro Crew 8 20” and the Briggs & Riley Baseline Wheeled Compact Tote at Irv’s Luggage today!