Luggage repair / purchase

[Ironhorse]

You know, the stuff we put our clothes and things in that is then transported in the belly of the airplane and magically appears on a conveyor once you get to your destination.

Anyway, I have an American Tourister that has been a great bag thus far. Large, in-board wheels, sturdy and everything. However on my last few trips one of seams in one of the corners where the canvas is sewn to a zipper (I think) has started to come apart; it looks like it is just the thread that is separating. I think someone with an industrial sewing machine and the correct know-how could very likely fix it. Can anyone here recommend such a place?

[calgarywinning]

Handy Luggage Sales & Service Ltd
Manhattan Road Southeast
Calgary, AB T2G 4B5

Seconded for Handy. (I feel like I've said that before, but in a different situation?)

When I sold luggage, they were our go-to guys for repairs on our higher end stuff. Would it be worth it to just buy another unit, or are you trying to get another 10 years out of this one?

[Ironhorse]

I looked at buying a new unit, but the vast majority of them all have these ######ed little four wheels under them that I can't see lasting through more than a couple of trips through the hands of baggage handlers. No-one seems to sell large inboard wheels anywhere. If they can stitch the corner on mine back together, I'm good for a few more years.

[taco.vidal]

The new wheels are called spinners versus the old school inline wheels.

I was skeptical about the spinners as well but gave them a try when replacing a suitcase recently and so far so good.

The reviews on spinners seemed pretty good for quality bags. Some of the lower end stuff I have seen does look pretty crappy.

One thing to remember is the wheels count as part of the dimensions that are measured when determining oversized luggage. So some bags that the box itself might be regulation size is in fact oversized when measured the way the airlines do it. This is something to remember to keep in mind in general when buying baggage. Many bags that are sold aren't regulation size for carry-on or are big enough to be considered oversize for checked baggage.

Edit: I think there is still quite a bit of selection available in the older inline style. Even checkout the Bay online to see what they have as a starting point.

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

I looked at buying a new unit, but the vast majority of them all have these ######ed little four wheels under them that I can't see lasting through more than a couple of trips through the hands of baggage handlers. No-one seems to sell large inboard wheels anywhere. If they can stitch the corner on mine back together, I'm good for a few more years.

[Ironhorse]

Follow up: had the stitching redone at Handy, quick turnaround and only $22. Excellent service!