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PeterC18st t1_jd5hyop wrote

My philosophy is, if I’m gone for more than six days being checked luggage. If less than six days then only carryon.

I travel just as much as you and I’ve learned to have backups. I have 3 carryons, 2 over night bags, 2 checked bags, suit bag and a suite duffel bag. If I know I’m staying anywhere longer than my usual 6 days I bring my checked bag with me and a carry on and messenger bag. Having a double or backup is the solution here. 90% of my luggage is Briggs and Riley and I’ve had to use their repair service before. Though it may take a week or four to get my stuff back I have a backup ready to roll. I learned this the hard way of having to do a long term stint in the field and I didn’t bring any large luggage. So I lived out of my carryon. I then started my collection of luggage and if anything needs repair it gets sent out and I have the backup ready to do. American Airlines ripped my bag once and they repaired it for free just took 2 months to get it returned to me. I then said I need to get a backup and here I am with all the luggage listed above.

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Stu_Prek OP t1_jd7908n wrote

Space is, unfortunately, at a premium, so bringing a backup with me is not an option.

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PeterC18st t1_jd7ifgq wrote

There’s no luggage manufacturer that’ll do quick returns or exchanges. I’m not saying to bring the backup with you. I’m saying if your travel needs are greater than six days to bring a carryon and checked luggage. Depending on who your travel with (airline) you should have status and get free checked luggage for your first 2 checked bags. Have the backups at home. This way you minimize downtime. If you’re saying you don’t have extra space in your home for additional luggage then you’re sol. I keep my spares inside of other luggage (overnight bag inside of carryon and carryon inside of checked bag).

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