Recommendations for Decent Suitcase (Check in Luggage) 23kg Weight Limit and Carry on and Travel Insurance

parallelparadox on 30/08/2023 - 11:45

Hi all,

Will be traveling to the US with family and will be looking to take 2 x checked in baggage (23kg allowance) and 2 x carry on.

Unsure which suitcases are good, I don't want to pay too much but at the same time I want a decent suitcase that wont fall apart or will be very easy to open/break locks by strangers.

Also, haven't used travel insurance as I have not traveled abroad in the last few years, what would be a good provider to use for a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids) with decent cover and ease of making claims when needed.

Thank you in advice for your help and suggestions.

Travel Insurance Luggage North America Suitcase Travel Insurance United States

Comments

    • parallelparadox on 30/08/2023 - 13:02

      Thanks for sharing, I have read up on the luggage thread and needed more suggestions if possible please. I guess i was after deals/decent bags on sale/discount at the moment.

      The Insurance thread I missed somehow. Thank you for sharing this one.

      • sumyungguy on 30/08/2023 - 14:14

        Go for 68-75cm expanding spinners, avoid the 80cm ones - they're too bulky. As you appear not to have complimentary credit card travel insurance, consider a medical-only policy.

    • sumyungguy on 30/08/2023 - 13:56

      I'm not trolling OP, but waiting for today's "which laptop should I buy?".

  • mskeggs on 30/08/2023 - 12:00
    +1

    What do you think the bags are made of that the lock would be the weak point?

    • Gdsamp on 30/08/2023 - 12:29
      +2

      in fairness most suitcase locks & travel padlocks can be opened with by the same TSA key, realistically theyre just handy to keep the zips from flying open

      • jasong on 31/08/2023 - 09:36

        a TSA key may not even be needed. I forgot an old suitcase lock code and after a quick google was able to get in and reset the code. Tested on all my luggage of various brands and the same method worked :|
        (agreeing the lock is not for security, rather to keep the bag closed)

        • Ridiculous Panda on 05/09/2023 - 11:46

          Thieves usually choose the easiest target. If one bag had a lock and another didn’t, they’ll likely target the one without a lock.

  • Ryanek on 30/08/2023 - 12:28
    +3

    Check out SCTI. I've found their prices to be really competitive. You also need to check the fine print, there are some policies for example that don't cover lost luggage if the airline is the one that lost it.

  • tabz on 30/08/2023 - 12:46

    For travel insurance, you might already have complimentary travel insurance if you booked your flights with a credit card that offers it. Otherwise, CoverMore is a popular provider. For families, I've found InsureAndGo to be pretty competitive. With all insurance policies, read the PDS thoroughly to see what's covered as they're not all the same.

    • parallelparadox on 30/08/2023 - 13:03

      Thank you.

    • Tiller76 on 31/08/2023 - 09:50

      Insure and Go are competitive, however making a claim is currently proving very difficult. I am constantly getting requested for more information after providing the last batch of info they want. Now they want a copy of my passport for a claim to do with a domestic hotel. I do not recommend them at all. Covermore were far easier to deal with in the past.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 30/08/2023 - 12:48

    wont fall apart or will be very easy to open/break locks by strangers.

    They're going to steal your bag, not picklock it Mission Impossible style …

    • parallelparadox on 30/08/2023 - 13:06

      People i know have shared stories of bags being opened and only some items stolen and not the whole bag (i.e. expensive shoes/perfumes/handbags etc).
      This way things go unnoticed until it is too late.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 30/08/2023 - 13:08
        +1

        Where exactly did Tom Cruise accomplish this and how did they not notice him (I know he is a tiny man, but still)

        • parallelparadox on 30/08/2023 - 13:11

          I dont know why poor Tom is being blamed here.
          I asked for suggestions, if you cant help please leave it be.

          I have had stories shared of LV bags etc going missing from luggage so going based off that. You may not have had it happened to you but that doesnt mean it doesnt happen out there.

          • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 30/08/2023 - 13:24

            @parallelparadox: Happy to help if you do the initial research and come back with a shortlist.

          • GG57 on 30/08/2023 - 14:08

            @parallelparadox: Perhaps consider not taking expensive items on the trip, unless they are absolutely necessary.
            Risk mitigation.

        • El cheepo on 30/08/2023 - 13:14
          +3

          Happens a bit in asia, although not usually for theft. More so for idiots putting things like battery packs in checked luggage and the airport staff opening bags and taking them out before the flight.
          Which ends up with people claiming x was stolen.

          Also, cheap bags can have the zips opened with simple things like the tip of a pen and then resealed by pulling both zips back up/down.

        • l0nglive on 30/08/2023 - 14:17

          The luggage handlers in some Asia Airport have ample time to steal from bags. I lost perfume once

  • cupcake on 30/08/2023 - 13:21
    +2

    Google Myer.

  • omguleh on 30/08/2023 - 14:26
    +2

    American Tourister bags are well made, been using one for the last 13-14 years and still good.

  • George Washington on 30/08/2023 - 20:08
    +1

    Learn from the Asians.. Cardboard boxes pack light and new cardboard box and tape

    • Poor Ass on 31/08/2023 - 12:04

      Maybe can get one of your slaves to assemble it

  • Jaxy on 31/08/2023 - 09:57
    +2

    Don't buy anything! In fact, don't travel TO the USA with anything!

    Instead, with only the clothes on your back, you will clear customs quickly. Then find a Ross/Marshalls/Burlington/TJ MAXX store and buy a hardshell suitcase there for cheap (less than $100). While you're there, buy a new wardrobe, clothes there are dirt cheap and name brand.

    It's what I did the last time I traveled (2019). Concerning travel insurance, my credit card provided complementary insurance via Allianz. I would consider looking at your cc provider first (you ARE taking one with you, right?) Preferably you want a credit card that doesn't charge Foreign transaction fees.

    • parallelparadox on 31/08/2023 - 15:49

      That is actually a brilliant idea.

      Yes I am taking a card with me, but for purchases I will be using a Wise Debit card which only charge very minimal conversion fees and provide the mid market rate for AUD —> USD which alot of other cards dont. You end up saving more at the end.

      • Jaxy on 01/09/2023 - 02:41
        +1

        Wise is great, you get good rates and they charge next to nothing to convert. I think ATM fees are free if you need cash but only the first couple of instances per month.

  • MJR on 03/09/2023 - 00:08
    +1

    I would have said American tourister until 3 days ago. I had an 81cm case and left just over a month ago for a trip. The night before, I used one of those hanging scales to weigh it and the handle snapped. So, we spent the trip lifting it from the side handle. Night before coming home, lifted it again to weigh, and the other handle snapped. At neither time was it really heavy, no more than 24 kg, but I had to race down to the shops to get a new case to come home. Thank goodness for TK Maxx

  • adspiv78 on 08/01/2024 - 23:07

    What did you end up buying?

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