Thinking about investing in Tumi luggage. Thoughts?

I have a thing about luggage, in part because I now travel weekly for work (mostly 2-3 day trips and via train travel) and well, luggage also makes me think of Vegas. I am also struck but the fact that good quality luggage really seems to stand out -- whether I'm at the airport, train station, or in a subway -- and based on the many, many reviews I've read online, on average it does seem to last much longer and therefore the expense can be justified given the lengthier use. Lastly, I have so many pieces of luggage of different kinds, quality and price points -- a lot of which I don't use -- that I could have just purchased one or two pieces of more expensive luggage and been ahead at this point.

So, bottom line is that I'm thinking about taking the plunge. I understand luggage, like clothing, is a matter of personal choice but for those of you who use Tumi or other similar brands of lugguage I'd appreciate your experiences/reviews, both good and bad.

I'm looking at three different options. I like the styling of the newer Arrive line the best though it is the most expensive. (I found a place, however, where I can get can 20% off. ) I looked at one of the roller carry-on pieces recently and it is literally a work of art while seemingly very durable at the same time. I could see using the one bag for everything, from work travel (both short/weekly and longer trips) and personal travel.

I also, however, like the Alpha Bravo line. The black color is more classic but I also like the green. I find the green elegant and a bit more unusual. The line is less expensive and lighter in weight (both pros) but it also has a more casual look (okay for personal travel but a maybe a bit of a con depending on the purpose of my work travel).

Lastly, I haven't ruled out the standard Alpha line. The options there are the greatest but I also know that line is the most popular, which is a bit of con in my book but not a big one. I could personalize the luggage, however, with the free monagrammning Tumi offers.

Thoughts/experiences appreciated.

I'm a luggage-hoarder. LOL At least my husband thinks so.........but I'm constatly getting
new/improved pieces.........and I give away the gently used pieces I don't.

However, One thing I don't do, is buy Expensive luggage. I just won't.
I don't want mine to stand out with a possiblity of being stolen, etc. Plus it just gets trashed over time.

Yesterday, HSN had a Today Special of 3 pieces of luggage for $139- Very lightweight/fashionable.
and 4 wheels for spinning. 5-6 color to choose from. YOu would have LOVED the Olive color!!!

I love the 4 wheel 21-22" pieces that can Spin. Soooooooo much more easy to use. Only kind I buy now.

Noahcat has Tumi, but she won't be back on the boards for a couple weeks.
So, FF, Whatever floats your boat.
You can always get some, and see how you like it.........?

Your cheap luggage friend, CLV

CLV. God you know me too well. The HSN show you mentioned also aired today (Sunday, June 3rd) and I watched it in its entirety while surfing the boards. It went off the air about 90 minutes ago and, OMG, you are so right; I was seriously looking at the olive set. That is indeed what I would have purchased. I liked the cream as well but after one use it would probably be a hot mess with dirt and marks.

Part of me was thinking about getting it but given the weekly travel for work I wasn't sure how long it would hold up as I was checking the reviews of that line and the durability reviews were mixed. I could see, however, using that luggage basically just for Vegas, but then I'm back to multiple sets. Decisions, decisions.

Tumi makes a good product. A nice piece of luggage is a joy anytime I go in a trip. Many years ago I had a friend that was a fellow musician playing with Sha Na NA. For their costumes they used an Andiamo Garment Bag . I bought one over 20 years ago and it is still like new. I also bought a Briggs and Riley Carry on about the same time. It has also been a joy. When I lived in Seattle the repair center was 15 mins from my house. I have admired Tumi for some time. As one who will place either a $20.00 or a Hundred dollar bill into a machine without much thought. It is a good reality check to just go for it and buy nice things weather it be a wallet , luggage or to blow some money on a nice meal. For my 2 cents worth I say go for the Tumi if it excites you. One brand of luggage that can be less and is up with the premium brands in terms of workmanship and quality is Kirkland Signature from Costco. I bought my mom a Kirkland Signature carry on when she retired about 10 years ago. I lost my mom last year and have an affectionate feeling every time I use her carry on which is now mine.

Tumi's an excellent product and lasts, plus the manufacturer stands behind its workmanship, same with Delsey. The ex got me hooked on quality luggage. I have a piece by Dakota (made by Tumi) and one by Delsey. They've outlasted any less expensive piece I've ever had.

CLV, are you referring to the Samantha Brown luggage set?

Jazzlover and Lisa, Many thanks for the advice and sharing your experiences. Appreciate it. I think I will take the plunge.

Jazzlover, Sorry about the loss of your mom. I like the fact that you sometimes use her carry on. I'm sure she's always with you in spirit but having a piece of something with you that she enjoyed is nice.

Lisa, the luggage was by Joy Mangano. I saw reviews of her previously advertised luggage on HSN (though I usually watch QVC when I do watch these shows) and the reviews were very mixed re: durability though the colors were great and the luggage looked very lightweight. And the price was great.

Speaking for myself, I would certainly go with Tumi if my budget allowed. I wouldn't hesitate. (But, since my budget doesn't allow it, I can't speak to the specifics.)

On the other hand ...

luggage scene

You are right on FF. That luggage was on the air til last night. I watched another showing of it. LOL
Hard for me NOT to buy it. I liked the Olive too. And it did look lightweight.

I agree, you probably need more durabliity than me. But then again, I don't mind buying the latest,
greatest pieces, when a New Kind comes along. lol

I've bought Joy Mangano luggage before, and it held up fine. But it only had 2 wheels, so guess what?
Mom wanted it, so gave to her. lol

My feeling, I would only buy Tumi IF the piece had 4 wheels, AND Lightweight!!!
I hate starting with a heavy piece, cuz its downhill from there.
4 wheelers are a MUST now.

My latest pieces (forget the brand, doesn't matter, lol) but I found it at Walmart & One at Target! lol
I went thru the luggage row Lifting all the 4 wheelers, until I found the LIGHTEST ones., with the size
I wanted. (21-22" max)
Next I went thru the Zippers, and checked the pockets for the kind I like.
Want to find the sturdiest, lightest, best handles, and then Best deals...........then I Buy.

I've given away several pieces because I'm spoiled now, and refuse to use the 2 wheelers anymore. meh.
Good luck FF.

A subject near and dear to my heart....

Have three pieces of Tumi luggage, a computer bag and a portfolio. Always thought that the quality was better and with a lifetime guarantee what could possibly go wrong?

Slight stipulation....when the animals handling your checked luggage destroy it, that's not covered under the warranty. I'm traveling with a large (29") piece now that has two broken zippers and a cracked plastic inset where the handle retracts into. These are not covered under warranty.

I fly 2-3 times per week so I realize that your results may vary but I'm moving away from the expensive luggage into something more reasonably priced. I'm also traveling right now with a Delsey rollaboard which I believe from experience to be less money and more durable.

I know one can argue that rough handling isn't normal wear and tear but the bag needs to be durable given the environment. A 29" suitcase is ALWAYS checked so they have to know that it needs to stand up to rough treatment. Tumi luggage is 2X the price or more than some that will last equally long.

I wish I could give it a resounding endorsement but I'm just about done with the added cost for not considerably more durability.

Dan

There are brands of luggage?