I was traveling 150,000 airline butt-in-seat miles per year for 40 years, now maybe half that. I have Briggs and Riley Baseline and Rimowa polycarbonate, 2 of each. Both have unlimited lifetime warranties, which I've had opportunities to use.

I generally prefer the Rimowa Hybrid hardside with aluminum corners and locks (no zipper), but sometimes the B&R suits the mission better.

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I generally prefer the Rimowa Hybrid hardside with aluminum corners and locks (no zipper), but sometimes the B&R suits the mission better.

Hard sided vs. soft sided is usually also a choice between clamshell opening (half the bag on each side of the hinge) or top (or top-plus-a-little) opening. I find the clamshell design unwieldy in most hotel rooms.

Please review the new carry on size restrictions and new measurement scanners without human interpretation or mercy. Luggage today should have some signage of meeting the new requirements.

The last three suitcases I purchased were less than $25.00 each.

All were purchased at garage sales.
All got the job done.

I marked them all prominently,
None got lost or stolen .

I still have all three.