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.

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.

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.

Summer Travel with Spinner Luggage by Samsonite & Heys

Are you looking for a new luggage set and cannot decide what to purchase? Try Spinner Luggage! A simple definition of Spinner Luggage is: A luggage case on four wheels that can easily move and maneuver in any direction. During the last few months we have spoken to hundreds of people in and out of the luggage field about their favorite brands and uncovered their favorites. Numbers One and Two on their list? Samsonite Luggage and Heys USA Luggage.

Spinner Luggage is made in a variety of sizes from small (19” airline carry on size) to medium (24” case) and large uprights (28” case) and even larger to accommodate extensive trips and is quickly becoming one of the most sought after types of luggage to travel with. Whether traveling by car, airplane, boat or train it is almost impossible not to notice a fellow passenger toting new pieces of spinner luggage or even spinner luggage sets around with them.

If you are in the market for durable spinner luggage with a name you can trust, look no further than Samsonite. Samsonite Luggage has come out with a new collection of spinners, Samsonite Hyperspace. Complete with 5 different sizes of luggage, Samsonite Hyperspace Spinner Luggage  is the next generation of luggage. With large main compartments, a fully featured interior, four dual spinner wheels and Rugged Poly/Nylon Blend Fabric that is both dirt and water resistant, this a suitcase you will use forever.

Another great style of spinner luggage comes from Heys USA. Heys USA Luggage is known for their hardside cases which are durable and eclectic – perfect for the traveler with a big personality! Available in a variety of shapes, silhouettes and colors, Heys USA offers dozens of luggage options with a wide range of features including a built-in TSA-accepted 3-digit combination lock, deluxe tie-down straps to provide additional support for your clothing during travel and a fully lined interior with clear-view multi-use organizational pocket for ease of packing. This is one luggage brand you will not want to miss!

Whether you are planning on traveling for Memorial Day Weekend or throughout the summer travel season, know you can travel in style with the Spinner Luggage you found at Irv’s Luggage.

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!