I was fortunate enough to get this set when it was discounted, and have been very happy with it. As per my headline, the set had a tough maiden voyage, from Australia to USA and back,... this would have taxed even the most expensive of cases. Happy to say, that despite a few scuffs and slight black marks, all 3 cases held up VERY well. This type of wear and tear is exactly what I would have expected. Here are the pros and cons I have noted, to date:
Pros
- Great color! (bought the gold and its a lovely true gold color.. not too yellow and brassy at all.). Highly visible on the luggage carousel among the vast sea of black and navy cases. Had no problem at all identifying my bags.
- They hold a LOT. OK, caveat here... I had to buy an extra case while I was in Australia, but that was only because I think I bought out half of the stores in that country. I was a bit concerned at first when I got them because of the inner ridges of the cases are fairly prominent. I learnt through multiple packing and re-packing experiments that the best thing to do was to roll smaller clothes and line the inside of the ridges, then pack as normal once they were filled. Its surprising how much those ridges actually ended up holding.
- They are light and easy to maneuver. This, coming from a woman who had a full leg cast on, and had to travel alone with 2 children under the age of 9. The 9-year-old wheeled the smaller case and her little bag, and I had my handbag and the 2 larger cases. I had no problem getting them to and from airports and hotels by myself.
- The carry-on sized case is the correct size for INTERNATIONAL carry-on requirements. I found that it was challenging to find a set online that met those specifications. Please note that there are many other sets out there, but the carry-on size will only be acceptable for Domestic flights. Please check the specifications re carry-on luggage with your airline before traveling on an international flight, particularly if you are used only traveling Domestic. They are very strict on International flights, and WILL make you check it if its too large to fit in the overhead compartments.
Cons -
- I can see that eventually the lighter tan plastic surrounding the zipper area will come away from the case. I think it would be fairly easy to repair, but that part of the case is a little cheaply done. That said, what do you expect from a set this inexpensive? Even if they last for only 2 or 3 more adventures, they have been well worth the cost.
- I wish that the smaller carry-on case had some kind of outside compartment, although I realize that this would increase the price of set. I was able to carry a large handbag that held all of my travel documents, but I think I would have felt a lot more secure if they were off my person and in the carry-on.
I hope this helps any would-be purchasers. Feel free to ask any questions, if you would like.
1st trip - Australia/USA return - Held up well!
I was fortunate enough to get this set when it was discounted, and have been very happy with it. As per my headline, the set had a tough maiden voyage, from Australia to USA and back,... this would have taxed even the most expensive of cases. Happy to say, that despite a few scuffs and slight black marks, all 3 cases held up VERY well. This type of wear and tear is exactly what I would have expected. Here are the pros and cons I have noted, to date: Pros - Great color! (bought the gold and its a lovely true gold color.. not too yellow and brassy at all.). Highly visible on the luggage carousel among the vast sea of black and navy cases. Had no problem at all identifying my bags. - They hold a LOT. OK, caveat here... I had to buy an extra case while I was in Australia, but that was only because I think I bought out half of the stores in that country. I was a bit concerned at first when I got them because of the inner ridges of the cases are fairly prominent. I learnt through multiple packing and re-packing experiments that the best thing to do was to roll smaller clothes and line the inside of the ridges, then pack as normal once they were filled. Its surprising how much those ridges actually ended up holding. - They are light and easy to maneuver. This, coming from a woman who had a full leg cast on, and had to travel alone with 2 children under the age of 9. The 9-year-old wheeled the smaller case and her little bag, and I had my handbag and the 2 larger cases. I had no problem getting them to and from airports and hotels by myself. - The carry-on sized case is the correct size for INTERNATIONAL carry-on requirements. I found that it was challenging to find a set online that met those specifications. Please note that there are many other sets out there, but the carry-on size will only be acceptable for Domestic flights. Please check the specifications re carry-on luggage with your airline before traveling on an international flight, particularly if you are used only traveling Domestic. They are very strict on International flights, and WILL make you check it if its too large to fit in the overhead compartments. Cons - - I can see that eventually the lighter tan plastic surrounding the zipper area will come away from the case. I think it would be fairly easy to repair, but that part of the case is a little cheaply done. That said, what do you expect from a set this inexpensive? Even if they last for only 2 or 3 more adventures, they have been well worth the cost. - I wish that the smaller carry-on case had some kind of outside compartment, although I realize that this would increase the price of set. I was able to carry a large handbag that held all of my travel documents, but I think I would have felt a lot more secure if they were off my person and in the carry-on. I hope this helps any would-be purchasers. Feel free to ask any questions, if you would like.