How to use a spinner suitcase

Since the early 1980’s the rollerboard (2 wheel) suitcase has been the industry standard. However, in recent years more and more suitcases have switched to a spinner (4 wheel) design. Some brands, such as Samsonite and Delsey,  are now almost exclusively spinners while others, such as Travelpro and Briggs & Riley, continue to offer both.

Spinner wheels have become popular for one main reason; the ease of maneuverability. Rather than pulling the case, spinners are designed to be rolled alongside you. When properly used, a spinner case will take the weight off your back and shoulders. However, I often see people with the retractable handle at the wrong height or pulling the case. This defeats the purpose of a spinner and can cause your wheels to wear out faster and unevenly.

If you are new to spinner cases, take the time to practice walking with your new bag. Stand next to the case by your dominant arm (either right or left) and put the handle at waist height and walk with it, making sure all 4 wheels are on the ground. It should feel like walking a pet. Putting the handle too high puts stress on your shoulder so make sure the handle height feels comfortable.

Spinner cases have been a lifesaver for people with physical issues. However, they do have their drawbacks. They work very well on flat surfaces but when it comes to uneven terrain they do get harder to maneuver. You might have to pull it when walking on sidewalks and streets. In addition, with a carry-on size you do tend to lose an inch of packing space because the airlines account for the wheels in their carry on measurements. Also, if your case has an add-a-bag strap and you hang a heavy bag on it, the case could tip over. Lastly, because of the design of the bag, the wheels are more exposed and they could be knocked off by the airlines (doesn’t happen often but it does happen).

With the carry-on size, I still prefer a rollerboard design. I like having the maximum interior space, and because it is smaller, I don’t find the 2 wheels hard to maneuver. When it comes to larger check-in sizes I am more neutral. When full they do get heavy and hard to move, and walking distances (like clearing customs) after a long trip you will be happy to have a spinner. My best advice is to come to a store and try one out for a “test drive” then take one home and do a practice pack and walk around your house with your case. Only then will you know for sure if a spinner is right for you.

Heys America Luggage Meshes Pop Art and Travel

Heys America Luggage has become a global leader in luggage design with their innovative and original collections. They have created two Limited Edition luggage series, Britto and Fernando Volken Togni. Each collection combines a unique pop art design with the high standard features of all Heys America cases. These designs and patterns transform your luggage into a work of art.

The Heys America Fernando Volken Togni (FVT) Collection is unlike any other. It features three groups; FVT Cities, FVT World, and FVT USA. Togni is a Brazilian-born illustrator currently living in London. His art style is bold and unique. He uses vivid colors and sharp shapes to create a design of organized chaos. Each collection offers a three piece luggage set, such as the Heys America FVT USA 3 Piece Set, that includes 21”, 26”, and 30” uprights. All uprights are also available as single items to better suit your needs or allow you to mix and match. The Cities Collection highlights New York in the Heys America FVT Cities 30” Spinner.

The Britto by Heys America Collection, while also featuring a pop art style, is vastly different from FVT. It is designed by Romero Britto, a Brazilian-born Florida resident with a neo-pop style. Neo-pop combines pop art with graffiti. With this style, he created lively, fresh and happy designs shown on this Britto by Heys A New Day 26” Expandable Spinner. The bright colors stand out on the hardside cases. Like the FVT, this collection includes luggage sets and individual spinner suitcases, along with beauty cases and smaller travel duffels, totes and business pieces.

All Heys America collections are held to a high standard. Each suitcase, made from polycarbonate composite material, is both lightweight and durable, even the Britto by Heys Butterfly Love 30” Expandable Spinner. The impact-resistant and scratch-resistant printed exterior is protected by a layer of clear coat that provides a beautiful, glossy finish. Designed for easy maneuverability, each suitcase has four spinner wheels for an ultra-smooth and effortless 360 degree rolling. All pieces, including the Heys America FVT Cities 21” Spinner, feature a fully lined interior with built-in divider and mesh pocket. Heys included a built-in TSA lock for your safety and a zippered expansion system to provide you with 20% more packing capacity.

Pop art originated in the mid-1950s in Britain and late 1950s in America. The term was invented in 1955 by Lawrence Alloway, a British curator. Characterized by pop culture and consumerism, the concept of pop art refers to the attitude and not the art itself. It often uses images currently used in advertising, such as logos or product labels, comic books, and news. The style is bold, vibrant, and simple, and often features bright colors. Shop Irv’s Luggage for travel goods that are functional and durable as well as reflective of your style and personality.

Designer Luggage – Great Value for Fashion Conscious Traveler

Do you love traveling, but you want to do it in style? That is no problem – just bring your most fashionable designer luggage with you!

There is a great selection of designer luggage online that is offered at a great value, including hardside uprights, carry ons, and luggage sets. Due to the wide assortment of fashion luggage that is available, including brands like Nicole Miller, Tommy Hilfiger, and Jenni Chan, you will some difficult decisions to make. Take a look at your options!

If you’re looking for fun and lightweight designer luggage that comes at a great value, take a look at the options offered by International Traveller. With the International Traveller Skulls collection, you have found a great way to express yourself, plus you will have the benefit of super lightweight, spinner luggage at great prices.

If you love the look of patent leather, you will love the beautiful luggage from designer Kathy Van Zeeland. This luggage features glazed finish PVC, the Kathy Van Zeeland signature logo and spinner wheels for easy rolling through any airport.

Lastly, there is the Kenneth Cole Luggage collection, which is not only stylish and fashionable, but also features innovative, lightweight design. Kenneth Cole Reaction Luggage has a sophisticated look and feel, pockets for all of your essential travel items, spinner wheels, and many more features that will make you love your luggage.

In today’s world, luggage does not need to be boring, black and lifeless. With the designer brands available today, you can choose the one that most reflects your personal style while not compromising on the important features, like spinner wheels, interior organization and lightweight design.

Visit Irv’s Luggage and choose from the selection of luggage pieces offered for sale and enjoy your trip!

What is spinner luggage vs. suiter style luggage?

Spinner luggage refers specifically to the presence of 4 wheels on the case, allowing you to roll the bag in an upright position alongside you, instead of pulling the bag behind you. Standard rolling luggage has 2 wheels, usually in line skate wheels that offer a smooth glide, but can be more of a strain on the back and neck because you must pull this luggage along behind you. Spinner luggage stays upright next to you, with wheels that swivel as you change direction. Many people find spinner luggage to be easier to handle, with significantly less stress on the body.

Some of the top brands selling spinner luggage are Samsonite, Travelpro, and Victorinox.

Suiter style luggage is something else entirely. ‘Suiter’ refers to a compartment that is sometimes built into the case and sometimes removable, that allows you to hang garments to minimize wrinkling. This works well for suits, dresses, shirts and blouses because you lay the garments flat in the suiter compartment, and then fold it in half or in thirds, into the suitcase. This really does help reduce the wrinkling that occurs when you just fold garments and pack them in the case.

Spinner luggage can have a suiter compartment, and suiter bags can also be spinners. Briggs & Riley is a perfect example; they make luggage with the suiter feature as well as with spinner wheels.

Luggage Sets are the Best Luggage Value Around

Buying in bulk is often the best way to save money – we all know that from warehouse clubs like Sam’s and Costco, where you buy everything supersized and save BIG in the process.

Buying luggage by the set is not only a great way to save on your luggage purchase, but you can also feel like the savvy shopper that you are, knowing you have scored a great deal. Summer travel is the ideal time to buy a set of luggage. If you are looking for the best luggage at the best prices, look no further!

 

Heys USA Novus Art – Pop Collage

Hardside luggage has been around for a while and it still remains the most popular choice for travelers looking for a sturdy case with an exclusive design. Having baggage with an easily recognizable pattern not only makes it a breeze to find your checked bags but it also adds to your unique style. One of our most popular lines is the Heys USA Novus Art series. The luggage bags come in three different patterns – Hearts Rainbow, Floral Burst, and Pop Collage. You can choose from the full 3-Piece Luggage sets (22”, 26” and 30” cases) or you can decide on a 2-Piece set; either option is an exceptional value at more than 60% off MSRP here at Irv’s Luggage.

Heys USA Tribeca – Metallic Blue

 

 

 

 Another great choice is the Heys USA Tribeca Collection. For the more conservative travelers, these 3-piece travel luggage sets come not only in patterns (Brush Strokes, Ikat Hearts) but also in solid colors – Metallic Blue, and Burgundy. The sets include a Vanity Case,  a 22” carry-on and a 28” case. Most airlines will let both the carry on and the vanity case on board as cabin luggage. At a price of only $161.99 these polycarbonate sets are a steal!

Heys USA Aerolite – Yellow Hearts

 

 

For those of you who are not fans of hardside luggage, we have a large selection of traditional, softside sets for your choosing. One of the best values at the moment is the Aerolite line by Heys. The 3-piece spinner set (22” carry-on, 26” and 30” suitcases) comes in two patterns in various colors – Hearts in Yellow, Pink, and Blue, and Herrington Flowers in Fuchsia and Blue. During the luggage sale at Irv’s Luggage, get the Aerolite sets for more than 55% off MSRP.

Disney by Heys USA – Toy Story

 

 

 

The little travelers in the group may enjoy a cute kid’s luggage set based on Disney’s Toy Story. The 2-piece combo includes a wheeled backpack and a duffel bag, both featuring the iconic duo – Buzz and Woody. We bet that a kid’s happiness is worth more than the $29.97 this set is on sale for.

 

 

Crown III Elite by Heys USA – Charcoal

Business travelers and those looking for a bit more luxury may be interested in the Crown III Elite by Heys USA. This 3-piece spinner set (21” carry-on, 26” and 30” suitcases) features a jelly-padded signature carry handle which provides an easy grip while minimizing strain on your arm and a fully lined interior with mesh zippered divider and extra wide compression straps. The hard polycarbonate shell is sure to protect all your belongings from weather and airport handlers alike. Irv’s Luggage offers an incredible deal on the Crown III Elite line – pick up a full set of deluxe luggage in Charcoal, Orange, or Red for only $349.97, more than 77% off MSRP. Hurry, quantities are limited!

Top 10 Travel Essentials For the Holidays

Holiday travel is coming!  Here are our Top Ten Essentials to have in your luggage when you head out to the airport or on the road.  We cover a wide array of items from RFID blocking accessories to TSA approved laptop bags.  Are you prepared?

• Packing cubes are essential whenever I travel.  They are versatile in organizing/compressing clothes, functioning as a travel kit, consolidating souvenirs, and so many more applications.  They also act as a 2^nd barrier if something spills in your bag, adding just that extra level of protection and peace of mind as well.  Eagle Creek offers packing cubes that are just perfect to fit in luggage and hold your belongings.

 

 

 

 

 

• A speedthru laptop bag/case will make getting through TSA easier.  No fumbling around with your netbook in your carry on or messenger bag, a speedthru laptop makes accessing your electronics so much easier.  And it frees your hands up from holding your laptop while in line; easy in, easy out, easy through, and you can get to your shoes, belt, spare change, etc. a lot easier.

 

 

 

 

• TSA approved travel bottles allow you to bring some of the comforts from home with you, without risk that TSA might toss your amenities.  Travelon makes travel bottles sized to TSA security specifications; these bottles hold your shampoo, body wash, or any other liquids you may need from your home bathroom.

 

 

 

 

•  An expandable lightweight luggage carry-on, such as the Lucas Vortex Lite, is easier to carry than most other bags due to its lighter frame, but it can also save you on checked baggage fees!  4 Wheel Spinner luggage is easier to maneuver than other wheeled luggage, making the entire piece high on mobility, low on overall cost to you.  Carry more, spend less, and an even lower risk of your checked bag getting separated from you!

 

 

 

 

 

•  A luggage scale is another way to combat luggage fees, by addressing any weight limits for your airline.  The Victorinox Digital Luggage Scale is a good option to use when you want to avoid overweight luggage fees.  You can save yourself a few dollars and especially some time by testing your luggage before you leave for the airport, and meeting the necessary guidelines.

 

 

 

 

 

• A great anti-theft bag (especially the anti-theft bags made by Travelon) can be invaluable in this day and age.  Thieves employ more and more sophisticated methods to take your information or possessions, and you have to travel smart to be prepared for such instances.  Gain peace of mind that your personal electronics and items such as wallet and passport are kept safe in a slash-proof, RFID-protected, and securely fastened cross body bag or something similar.

For more information on RFID/Anti-Theft, see Travelon’s video on this anti-theft bag here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGehipX9hF4&feature=share

 

 

•  An RFID wallet is less visible than an anti-theft bag, but no less important to your safety.  It will keep your ID and personal information protected from IR scanners and other devices intended to pick up your info while you are unaware.  Definitely a great purchase if you don’t own one yet.  It would also make a great gift for someone else!

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Sometimes an electric wall outlet just is not available while you’re out and about, or you have to recharge while on the move and cannot afford to sit still for 2 hours waiting for your device to charge.  A mobile charger/battery pack is an invaluable item to carry with you, to get your electronic device charged when you might need it the most.  In a pinch, you could reach who you need when you need, and that’s one less worry for you in an emergency! Irv’s Luggage offers a wide variety of tech accessories.

 

 

•   A waterproof bag for your iPad, cell phone, or any other electronics can handle inclement weather, accidents, spills, nature, the oceans, life and adds one more protective layer for devices necessary to you when you travel.  You wouldn’t have to be mindful of what’s in your pockets when caught in a downpour or dropping your phone in the snow, it would all be tucked away and secure in a sealed waterproof container.  There are a lot of preventable accidents that can disable one’s electronics while abroad, be ready for some of them and ultimately save yourself the expense and trouble of a replacement.

 

 

 

 

•  Personal organizers work much like the packing cubes, only a more proportionate size for what you need in it. A jewelry organizer would keep your earrings, necklaces, rings, and other assorted accessories together and matched up in one place without risking losing them in a baggie, dropping them somewhere, or breaking while sitting in your suitcase.  Toiletry kits are a necessity for keeping your bathroom amenities in one place and packed together tightly, rather than have your shaving kit or hand mirror sliding all over the inside of your luggage and at risk to spilling or breakage.  Everything is so much easier to find, keep track of, and travel with peace of mind regardless of how your luggage may shift.

 

 

 

 

These 10 items are our top picks for what to take on vacation.  They’ll make traveling more organized, efficient, smoother, less worrisome, and add to the overall experience for veteran and rookie travelers.  You can worry less about certain details and definitely enjoy and focus on where you are, what you’re doing, and the family you’re spending time with.  While you can’t always predict what will happen on a trip, these accessories will make sure you’re more prepared and organized for whatever may happen.

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!

 

Top Hardside Luggage – Samsonite Fiero

 

The Samsonite Fiero Hardside Luggage Collection is one of the newest arrivals at Irv’s Luggage. As a Samsonite Luggage brand, there is a lot you should expect. Given the quality of other Samsonite hard sided luggage as the Winfield 2, Silhouette Sphere, L.I.F.T collections, Fiero Hard Side Luggage carries on the legacy of quality, durable hardside luggage that Samsonite has come to personify. Reengineered spinner wheels, a diamond textured 100% pure polycarbonate hardside luggage shell, TSA-approved lock, super lightweight construction, and expandable functionality certainly make these hard sided cases a confident buy for any traveler.

If you’ve never been sure why spinner wheels are so important, see here:

 

The hardside luggage is composed of a polycarbonate shell; it’s “diamond” pattern helps prevent scratches and scuffs. That is common with hard side luggage, and Samsonite wants to ensure that your case will hold up under whatever conditions you encounter. Seeing your checked bag visibly deformed or squished, possibly scratched/torn would be a thing of the past. The spinner wheels and lighter weight make hardside luggage easier to move and pull alongside you rather than behind you, so you’re not tripping up fellow travelers or getting your handle/hardside luggage caught on a corner. You may pack a lot for your trip, and the lighter weight of the luggage itself and the spinner wheels help you stay on the move regardless of the contents (within reason!) Expandability allows for room for almost everything from laundry bags to electronic device chargers, so that no necessity is left behind. Or so you can bring back plenty of souvenirs.

Hopefully, the Fiero hardside luggage would limit mad dashes because you ran late dragging a heavy non-spinner wheeled case. Hopefully, the Samsonite Fiero hard sided luggage will save you on additional baggage fees because they fit everything you need. The Samsonite Fiero is available in 20”, 24”, and 28” to ensure you have just enough room for any kind of trip and hopefully, you look as good and flawless while traveling, as your scratch-preventive polycarbonate hardside luggage should.

 

Free Antler Carry on! Limited time only.

Irv’s Luggage Highlight – Atlantic Compass Unite Expandable Spinners

The Atlantic Compass Unite Expandable Spinner from Irv’s Luggage is an impressive line of luggage.  It is full of features, perfect for family travel  and people on extended stay vacations.  The Features:

• Link2Go™ system connect luggage back to back with Velcro straps and roll two pieces with just one hand, or comfortably roll four pieces at once!
• 360-degree 4-Wheel Spinners
• Durable crash-guard wheel housings, skid bars and corner guards
• Built-in zippered wet pocket
• Adjustable interior hold-down straps
• Removable hanging laundry or shoe bag
• Locking retractable handle has two stops at 38” and 41”, providing a comfortable grip for users of different heights
• Integrated accessory clip on top carry handle

The best part is the Link2Go™ system; you can attach two pieces of Atlantic Compass Unite spinner luggage together and roll them as one piece.  The spinner wheels assure the upright movement of the luggage, so you can keep one hand free or for your child if they travel with you.  For parents and travelers on the go, this is one way to make life much easier rolling through an airport.

Regardless of size, a carry on with Link2Go will fit against a larger piece with Link2Go technology.

 

 

 

 

The included laundry/shoe bag helps keep your clothes separated as necessary, and the accessory clip makes for an extra hand when needed.  Atlantic Compass certainly thought of everything with this spinner luggage, and it shows.   Also an expandable luggage, you’ll have the space you need for what you leave with, and what you bring back.

 

Factor in the tough poly fabric and 10 year warranty, this is an innovative and useful piece for all travelers.  The Atlantic Compass Unite Luggage is available in 21″, 25″, 29″, and tote sizes at our guaranteed low prices, make your summer travel a lot easier when you travel united.