I have some upcoming travel planned with family and unfortunately, my large, plaid suitcase that I’ve been using for over 10-years had one of its wheels broken the last time I traveled by air. I really loved that London Fog suitcase. It was such a pretty color and was always super easy to spot on a baggage carousel.
I’m pretty sure I purchased my London Fog suitcase in either Marshalls or HomeGoods, and I remember the price I paid was reasonable. Since I have a trip coming up and need a new large suitcase, I stopped by my local HomeGoods to see what they had in stock. Whenever I’m there, they always have a huge selection of bags. After looking through the many bags they had on the floor, I ended up choosing one by a company called, IT Luggage. I was trying to avoid buying a standard black bag. My goal was to find a bag that would be easy to spot on a carousel, but not so flashy or colorful that it would draw too much attention from would-be baggage thieves. 
This bag feels super sturdy and the wheels roll beautifully. Hopefully, it will be easy to pack. I need to try that tonight as a trial run to make sure I like how it works since it is a bit different from my previous bag in how it’s designed.
I like that it’s expandable if needed. That could come in handy when traveling during cold weather and taking along big, fluffy sweaters, or if I do a little shopping while on a trip.
The other item I’ve purchased for my upcoming trip is a Luggage Scale that I plan to keep at the Ohio house, aka, the Dollhouse. I already have one in Georgia that I often use before trips where I know I’ll be checking a bag. I love the peace of mind it gives me. The last thing I want to hear when I hand my bag over to the attendant upon arrival at the airport is that my bag is overweight and that I need to pay a hefty overweight fee! This bag-weighing device is very easy to use. To weigh a bag, the strap is placed under the handle of the bag and clips back onto itself. When lifted, the bag’s weight is displayed in the window.
This bag scale device is actually a little fancier than the one I’ve used in the past. This one has a light that comes on showing if a bag is over or under the standard 50-pound weight that most airlines require. I almost always fly Delta and their check bag weight limit is 50 pounds.
If you have some trips planned this year, I very much recommend weighing your bag(s) before heading off to the airport, especially if you tend to overpack as I do. You’ll find the one I’ve purchased to use for my upcoming trip available here: Luggage Weight Scale.
Do you have any upcoming trips planned this year?
I always keep a bright 2 inch wide ribbon tied to the handle of my suitcase just in case there are other suitcases like mine. I have a turquoise and white striped grosgrain ribbon on my handle which is easy to spot.
That’s a great way to spot your bag quickly! Maybe I should tie a ribbon on this one just in case someone has the exact same bag.
Not too long ago you advocated for the Away brand of luggage along with the companion carry purse. What are your thoughts on that now?
I only have Away’s Carry-on size bag and I use it whenever I don’t need my laptop. Unfortunately, when I purchased my Away bag years ago, they didn’t offer a Carry-on bag with a front zip pocket for laptops. They do offer that now. I wish mine had the front zip pocket, although the last time I flew, I didn’t have to remove my laptop.
My son and my DIL each have a large Away full-size (check-size) bag, and an Away Carry-on bag, plus my DIL has the duffle style companion bag…forgotten what that’s called. They use them every time they travel and will be using them on our upcoming trip. Away bags are great, definitely recommend them!
Totally agree on the laptop compartment. My Away hard cover and super durable and very light. Was not as pleased with the beautiful and very expensive matching handbag with travel sleeve.
I was wondering about that too. While your family still enjoy their Away luggage, do you prefer the IT bag now as your main piece? Thank you for sharing your thoughts with those that travel a lot. I also tie on a ribbon but leave it very small and use colorful name tags.
I don’t know since I just bought it a week ago and haven’t used it yet. I’ll be using it soon, though—so I can let you know once I get back. The only Away bag I have is a carry-on bag which wouldn’t be big enough for a week long trip out of town since I always like to carry a lot with me when I travel for a week-long trip. I’ve always liked their carry-on bag since it has a built in phone charger that I can remove and take with me in my handbag.
Did they reimburse you for damaging your luggage? How is your artwork? You could always paint on your luggage or tie that bright ribbon on the handle. Decal maybe ?
Hope you have a safe trip.
Yes. I didn’t know they did that but a friend of mine told me to file a claim, so I did. I think this suitcase is different enough that I’ll be able to recognize it.
A few things. I recently read that the ribbons on the handle can get caught in the machinery and delay you getting your bag. There are straps in bright colors that you can put around the suitcase.
It’s easier to weigh your bag if you put it down on the long side and use the side handle. You don’t have to lift it nearly as high.
I had a different IT bag but it’s held up great.
I’ll remember that about placing it on its side when I get to the airport. Good tip!
Briggs and Riley luggage is guaranteed for any damage that the airlines cause. I’ve had one for probably 20 years and had it repaired twice with no hassle. It always scores highly with consumer’s reports magazine.
Delta did reimburse me. I didn’t know they did that but a friend who travels more than I do recommended I file a claim. I did and they responded promptly. Awesome that you had such a great experience. It good to have a company that backs their product that way, you rarely find that today.
Happy Travels! I have to chime in too….heard that ribbons on handles, at least long ones are not recommended. I have a really colorful, unique patterned luggage tag. There are lots out there to choose from. Have a great trip!
Thanks for that tip, Rosie!
That’s a nice looking suitcase. Assuming that you are aware of all the changes to both checked and carry-on sizes and weights for all airlines. A get-away sounds exciting; hope it’s to somewhere warm and sunny.
Yeah, I looked when I heard about that a week or two back. The airline I normally fly doesn’t seemed to have changed anything, at least that I could tell.
“Over pack, as I do,”…same…
Looks & sounds GOOD!! franki
lol Yeah, you have to be prepared for everything!
SO happy to know at least someone I know is getting away, yay. Let us know how you end up liking your new luggage, Susan.
I would also recommend a bag tracker. You will be able to see where your bag is at all times. We travel a lot and this will be very handy when your bags don’t arrive with you. It could be blessing in finding your bags. Just a thought. you can get them on Amazon.
We recently purchased luggage by Eagle Creek. To identify our luggage we also purchased from Amazon the following Luggage Tags and switched out their metal connection for silicone loops so that the metal connection wouldn’t scratch. Also we got handle wraps in the same color. Both worked wonderfully and didn’t come off the luggage after two cross country flights. Easy to spot.
5Pack Silicone Luggage Tag with Name ID Card Perfect to Quickly Spot Luggage Suitcase by Ovener
Neoprene Luggage Handle Wraps For Traveling Bright Color Luggage Tags|Handle Wraps|Handle Covers (Red)
AKOAK 50 Pcs/Pack 6.29″/160cm Clear Plastic Travel Luggage Loops PVC Name Tag Loop Straps Bag Worn Loops for Luggage Bag ID Tag
I know I am commenting a bit late after this post, but I’m looking at your new suitcase, Susan, and noticing the nylon zipper, which all luggage seems to have these days. I rarely travel, and have a beautiful old set of luggage made by the French Luggage Company, which has not been in existence for decades. It’s so old, it has no wheels like the luggage does now. It’s beautifully constructed, very unique looking and stylish. I’m digressing, but it’s very easy for thieves to take a pen, press on the nylon zipper and open up the suitcase. I’m wondering, and maybe your readers can answer this, how does one prevent items in their luggage from being stolen?