The current set of security restrictions on hand luggage show no signs of going away and, for those of us who must fly commercial, the problem of finding attractive but checked baggage capable luggage isn't going away either.
Now granted, one can purchase perfectly acceptable ballistic nylon luggage from companies like Tumi. The only problem with Tumi is that they've been so successful that after some flights every bag on the carousel is black ballistic nylon, and there are men who like to show a bit more originality if only to improve the liklihood of arriving home with their own clothes.
Fortunately, tucked into a storefront in London's Burlington Arcade is a company called Globe-Trotter Luggage. Globe-Trotter has been making wood framed cases with a proprietary resin product called Vulcan Fibre since the nineteenth century. They're used by well-dressed men like Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, but it's visibility that we're primarily looking for today. And indeed, Globe-Trotter cases are available in just about any imaginable color.
In addition to standing out on the carousel, Globe-Trotter cases are dent resistant and easy to clean. Airport dirt wipes off with a damp cloth. Just try that with leather luggage.
I also appreciate how comparing Globe-Trotter to Vuitton makes the prices seem relatively affordable. They're not of course. A three or four piece set will set a man back five figures in depreciated dollars at Nieman Marcus, which carries the line in the United States. The price is another reason they won't be too common on baggage carousels. And that's the point.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Luggage for Globetrotters
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9 comments:
Really beautiful pieces of luggage.
Here's an alternative I have been using: UPSing or FedExing your luggage. (In unattractive cardboard boxes, per the operator's requirement, unfortunately.) Then you carry only a briefcase. Not advisable if traveling outside the US as you may find yourself explaining this strategy to the entire hierarchy of a country's foreign office just to get your clothes back.
J
Have you tried using identifiable luggage tags or a colorful cord on your baggage. Those pieces from GT look like they weigh more than an average nylon bag. With weight restrictions being what they are, you may have great looking and rare pieces of luggage but you won't have much in them if the total weight is over 50 lbs.
I would never use such lovely luggage if it had to be out of my sight. Carry-on, yes; but my father worked for a variety of airlines for more than a decade and a half and he saw that expensive luggage disappears easily. I prefer durable and nondescript. I've never had a problem, since I park myself as close to the beginning of the luggage carousel as possible and keep a keen eye on bags coming out, simply checking the address tags on the bag to be sure it's mine. I'd hate to spend so much of such a great piece simply to lose ita while later, but as I said before, carry-on is another matter entirely.
Overall I do not agree with this recommendation, I think this type of luggage belongs in the back of a Rolls Royce, not being thrown around by a flight crew.
The weight issue that Tony raised is a good point, now with restrictions for checked bags shouldn’t we turn to new materials and technology instead of going back to 'wood framed?’
I say this because I recently purchased a few new pieces of luggage and researched the purchase extensively. I went to many stores, read many consumer reports, and product reviews. Everyone concurred that Tumi is way overpriced, and consumer reports proved that they protected the contents of the bag less and fell apart faster than other less expensive brands.
Another point to consider, you mentioned that these pieces will stick out on the carousel as being positive. To me, I think it is an invitation for theft. I mean if someone is willing to spend over 1K on luggage they are packing nice things … so instead of blending in, your luggage and its contents could make a nice Christmas gift to someone else on eBay eventually.
You can see me holding my nice leather carryon duffle waiting for my incognito ballistic nylon checked luggage in the Las Vegas airport this weekend…
Just returned from a 10 day trip to the Southeast
of the US. This included a family wedding in
Tennessee. I did not check my luggage! With
plane changes en route and returning to the Bay
Area, I couldn't risk my luggage going astray,
let alone being lost forever. The luggage is indeed beautiful. However, it is probably more suited to Air Force 1 or the Royal Yacht Britannia for all the
reasons already noted.
Will
Been reading your blog for a while now, and appreciate the insight and postings on a daily basis. I like this luggage and I can understand the need for non leather products (being easier to clean) but I would have to say that saddleback leather pieces are what I truly hope to buy a full set of, one of these days. Check out the link and tell me that they're not amazing!
cheers
Lucas
http://www.saddlebackleather.com/products.asp
I use Globetrotter luggage, having bought some recently. It is incredibly light as well as strong, protects clothes much better than any soft luggage and is a pleasure to use. It hasn't been stolen yet, but then if it did the insurance would cover the cost of the bag (no recompense for sentimental value, but better than nothing).
I also think it gains character the more it is flung about, and is tough enough to handle this, as older versions demonstrate.
For tips on buying this luggage, check this link:
http://permanentstyle.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-buy-luxury-globetrotter.html
Globetrotter luggage is purely decorative. Unless you plan to have it placed in a private jet by a porter with white gloves, be prepared for it to break and leak. Times have changed since 1897.
I ordered two large cases directly from the London store: one for myself and one as a gift. The case I purchased as a gift split in half the first time it was used. When I called the store in London to see about a replacement, the person I spoke with was rude and refused to take any responsibility. In the unlikely event that a Louis Vuitton case had split the first time it was used, I would have received an apology and a new case.
While I travel quite frequently for business and pleasure, I rarely use my case because I do not trust it. The last time I used it, I opened it in my hotel and found that water had leaked in and there was a gluey substance all over my clothing.
Great article - sometimes something beautiful is impractical... I guess ultimately it's a matter of choice - and sometimes the price of true luxury?
My opinion - when it comes to luggage you really have to think carefully if this impracticality pays off. I love the globetrotter range, but they have a very ambiguous warranty, which sends a clear message that the manufacturer doesn't have a lot of confidence in their products... a bit worrying if you're flying regularly (even if it's carry on)...
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