Will Cheap Luggage Suffice?

Will Cheap Luggage Suffice?

According to Consumer Reports (August 2005), cheaper priced luggage fails in one key area: durability.

Of those tested, "none could likely withstand the rigors of airline travel."

Consumer Reports evaluated rolling upright bags (25" to 28" tall) with retractable handles, each packed with 35 pounds of towels.

Then they put the bags through their paces by sending them through the CR luggage tumbler, which simulates rough baggage handling.

In sum, cheaper luggage...

...is inexpensive

...looks good

...handles well in general

...is not waterproof

...is not durable

...is not likely to last long

Final Recommendations

Of the luggage CR tested, following are the ratings, from highest to lowest:

• E-Bags Optima Rolling Set (fair durability, very good features)
• Sears Pierre Cardin Expandable (fair durability, very good features)
• Kohl's Sonoma Express (poor durability, very good features)
• Target Ridgecrest Worldbound (poor durability, good features)
• WalMart American Tourister (poor durability, good features)
• WalMart Skyline Venetian (poor durability, poor features)