October 2008
Toughest travelers
Checked-bag fees ($15 for the first bag on many airlines; $25 or more for the second) make it tempting to cram your stuff
into carry-on luggage. But among the 12 small rolling suitcases we tested, there were differences in durability, capacity,
and convenience. And four don't quite meet the carry-on size limit for many airlines, so you might have to check them after
all.
How we tested
In addition to our tumbler test, we had six staffers pull each suitcase over tiled and carpeted floors, up and down stairs and ramps, and through a zigzag course.
What we found
The best carry-on luggage cost hundreds of dollars, but we paid just $77 for the Delsey. Other findings:
Bottom line
Best overall was the Tumi, $595, with more room than most and a garment bag. Several very good choices cost far less. A solid plastic exterior, as on the Heys and Titan, looks sleek but could get scuffed.
How we tested
In addition to our tumbler test, we had six staffers pull each suitcase over tiled and carpeted floors, up and down stairs and ramps, and through a zigzag course.
What we found
The best carry-on luggage cost hundreds of dollars, but we paid just $77 for the Delsey. Other findings:
- Most carry-on luggage survived our tumbler with no more than scuffs, dents, small rips, or lost zipper tabs. But two of three
Kenneth Cole bags had severe rips or a broken zipper, so the contents could have spilled out.
- Most bags we tested meet a common carry-on size limit (as a rule, length, width, and height total 45 inches), but the Victorinox,
Hartmann, Liz Claiborne, and Kenneth Cole are bigger.
- Most bags weigh 9 or 10 pounds empty. The Heys weighs just 5. The Hartmann was hardest to tip over.
- All the carry-on luggage had comfortable handles and were easy to pull, panelists said. But four of six panelists said the
Heys' pulling handle is too short.
- Most bags have two wheels that go in one direction. The Titan, Liz Claiborne, and Samsonite have four swiveling wheels that
let the bag move any which way. Four of six panelists preferred two same-direction wheels.
Best overall was the Tumi, $595, with more room than most and a garment bag. Several very good choices cost far less. A solid plastic exterior, as on the Heys and Titan, looks sleek but could get scuffed.
Posted: September 2008 — Consumer Reports Magazine issue: October 2008
