Samsonite Aspire GRT 21″ Expandable Upright,Red/Black,One Size

63 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

Very durable, slightly large for some overhead bins, November 19, 2010

I used this carry-on for a 5-leg journey from Honolulu to Kansas and back, as well as a round-trip conference from Honolulu to Phoenix.

DURABILITY AND FEATURES:
The suitcase still looks brand new. The wheels turn so easily, even though this isn’t one of the spinner suitcases. All the zippers and straps are strong and durable. I love that the handle has a two-length option. The handles around the suitcase make it very easy to take in and out of overhead bins. Overall, I give the durability and usability of the suitcase 5/5.

PLANE USE:
Although the suitcase is within the requirements for the overall cubic space, it is one inch longer in width than most airlines will allow you to have. This presented a challenge for me in some of the crammed overhead bins. On some of the flights I was able to snag an empty bin and play around with the suitcase configuration. On one Hawaiian Airlines flight, I had to put the suitcase in and then jam it up sideways behind the bin door. (When I entered this flight, one of the attendants told me I’d probably have to check the bag, but I had friends to help me cram it in.) On the next flight, I had plenty of room and no trouble closing the bin at all. It really depends on the type of bins the plane uses. The more modern planes that don’t have the bottom latch closure are less of a problem. I give the plane use 3/5.

OVERALL:
I really do love this carry-on. However, I wish it was just a teeny, tiny bit smaller. I’m always afraid they will measure the width and insist I check the bag or that the overhead space will not permit me to place the suitcase in the bin. I definitely will keep this bag and use it on airlines where I have Premier/upgraded status. However, I will be looking into getting a slightly smaller bag for other trips where the availability of overhead space might be an issue.

24 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

love this spinner, jury out on longevity, October 14, 2010

I travel maybe 12-15 times a year, enough that I’ve gone through 2 similar Samsonite carryons in 9 years. Typically zipper rips but other mishaps too. (I often see people commenting about warranties as if they covered everything. They don’t! Stuff like I have encountered is “normal wear and tear”, or due to airline negligence, not manufacturing defects.) I have only taken this suitcase on 3 trips so I will have to check back to let you know how long it lasts. I got the red, which is a nice deep ruby color, not bright fire engine red. The VERY best part is the spinner wheels which I LOVE!!!! I have some mild disabilities which make travelling somewhat difficult at times and this HUGELY helps. Be aware that on carpet it may be easier to pull on 2 wheels, 4 wheel spinning works best on hard surfaces- but what a treat at the airport! It sails along next to me with barely a hand on it to steer! The front pockets are roomy and easy to access. there are net compartments in the sides of the case for shoes, handy; the elastic securing strap is not hard to get to after having already packed (not always the case). There are a couple of plastic compartments on the inside of the lid; the zipper pocket on the outside side is good for tucking documents into. I like the little 3-1-1 bag for liquids, since it is a sturdy clear plastic and should last longer than the typical zip/lock. There is a good sturdy rubber bumper guard around the bottom which I think will extend the life of the case. I am very pleased with the purchase. It meets carryon requirements on the airlines I fly most. Check your airline’s website(s) and the case measurements. (I hate to read low ratings and find that the buyer simply didn’t bother to do any homework.)