By Marylin
Chrome Hubcaps, Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 2008, photo © 2008 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
I’ll be the first to admit that I am baffled by most of the high-tech inventions that have come into our lives in recent years, so I am going to express my appreciation for one that is really low-tech. How low? Well, how about wheels? Not just any wheels. I’m talking about the ones that have made my traveling life so much easier and better! I have been an enthusiastic traveler for many years, and being a woman only five-feet tall, with mighty muscles-of-mush, the lugging of luggage has always been a challenge.
My first set of wheels was on a metal cart, in the mid-1970’s. I had observed airline attendants using these and thought they would be great; and they were. It just took time to get my bags strapped on, and a few times the bungee cord wasn’t fastened in quite the right strategic position, and my belongings gradually looked like they were about to drop off, each going its own separate way! But my skill at hooking boxes and bags on the cart improved, and I was even able to keep apace with the British Railroad cars, which only allowed ninety seconds at each stop, for disembarking!
The first wheels I saw actually attached to luggage were on bags belonging to a group of Japanese tourists. I’m sure I turned a lovely shade of jealous green, with eyes glazed over. I had to have a wheeled bag! The first one that came into our local stores only had two wheels on one end, with a strap at the other. I didn’t linger to try it out; I just handed over my money, and could hardly wait to use it.
While it did save time and I didn’t have to bother with the cart, it wasn’t entirely satisfactory. As I mentioned, I am “vertically challenged,” which meant I had to lift my end of the bag by its strap. This proved to be worthy of being an Olympic event which, unfortunately, I had not trained for and so was very tiring.
There had to be a better way. There was, or so I thought when I spied a different version. Yes, it still had a strap but it came with four wheels, one on each corner — a proper set-up for wheels, right? After all, this is where cars, trucks and buses have their wheels; it can’t miss! It rolled along behind me, smoothly, about 90% of the time. Unfortunately, the remaining 10%, it fell onto its side as if it had lost its balance. This happened at very inopportune times, usually while I was entering or leaving crowded elevators in posh hotels. The cause had to be something about going over uneven surfaces (like doorways) that made it behave like a falling-down drunk!
Two decades have passed since my quest for the perfect luggage began, and I am finally satisfied. Again, in observing flight attendants I decided to purchase the same kind of luggage they were now using — a bag with two wheels on the bottom and a rigid, collapsible double bar on top. I can pull it, push it, turn it any way I want; it follows without falling or even faltering! I love it!
In my opinion, frequent flyers should be rewarded for time spent in the airport, as well as in the air. In the meantime, I am just happy that someone thought of the “moving sidewalk,” enabling one to either rest a bit or make “double time” when racing to catch a plane. That telescoping walk-way that we now use to board the plane can only be truly appreciated by those of us who used to sprint out on the tarmac to the plane and up the stairs during a blizzard, with a wind-chill factor of minus 60 degrees!
Ah, so many inventions connected to travel to be grateful for, but luggage with wheels is still my favorite!
Marylin (aka oliverowl) is a freelance writer living in Wyoming. She has written essays for a weekly column in the Ventura Star Tribune and collaborated on two picture books for children with her grandson. She currently writes with the Cody Writers. This is her second piece for red Ravine. You can read more from Marylin in her post, Kindness.
Marylin, a woman after my own heart! I, too, have turned to flight attendants and pilots for my own tips on good luggage. I have settled on the best ever carry-on roller, not one of those that doesn’t quite fit under the seat in front of you such that when the flight is full and you’re among the last to board, you can’t fit it overhead. No, mine fits wonderfully overhead yet in a pinch, it can go under the seat in front of you.
I use it for ALL my travel, which means that whether I’m on a 3-day trip (perfect size for that) or a 2-week trip, I have to figure out how to make it work. I got into this habit in one particular job assignment where we all traveled as an intact team, and all were asked to NOT check luggage . We had to go through Customs together and meet at the same time on the other side, where our ride was waiting with a car or van. These were international trips, so I got very good at using my perfect little rollaway where I might otherwise have used a big piece of luggage.
BTW, I do usually have to do laundry at least once for international trips.
Re: the moving sidewalks, I never just stand on them. They move too slowly for my tastes, and it does perturb me when people stand in clusters, thus blocking us walking types to pass on the left. I’m accustomed to saying, On your left, as if I were a road biker. 8)
Great descriptions of those early rolling carts and bags. Sheesh, what a pain they all were! I might even do a post in coming days with my luggage experiences, as your post is releasing a flood of memory for me. Thanks!!
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p.s., And what of the matter of black bags on the carousel? The rollaway I have that I use for checking is a sort of pewter color. It stands out among the sea of black bags. The other problem is, luggage carousels ruin wheels. I know you’re at work today Marylin, but when you get a chance to respond, I want to know, are you a luggage checker or a luggage carry-on-er?
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Marylin, great piece and it fits in perfectly with our travel related theme this summer. I’m curious about the checker vs. carry-on, too, with people who travel. Which do you do?
I am a luggage checker. I have a lot of patience and just don’t want to hassle with not being able to fit my bag in the overhead bin on the plane and then having to check it. I watched a woman last year get so irate because there was no room for her carry-on (which was a full-sized suitcase and NOT really a carry-on). I mean she spewed venom the rest of the flight and, unfortunately, was sitting right behind me.
I don’t mind waiting for luggage at the carousel. It gives me time to transition. I do carry a black backpack onboard that fits perfectly under the seat in front of me. It has my laptop and camera and notebooks and pens and books and everything I need (sans clothes) should my luggage get lost. Clothes are easily replaced. 8)
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Oh, ybonesy and Marylin, would you mind divulging the brand, make and model of the “perfect” pieces of luggage that you have found? I’d like to check them out.
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Marylin, what a great post! And how about those bags on wheels made for flea marketing or attending craft shows that have everything imaginable for sale? Mom bought me one of those a few years ago. Perfect, as I could never lug around my canvas bags or have enough room for my purchases in a back pack. I found it interesting as you describe your quest for the perfect set of luggage on wheels. Now, I too, am curious to know the model of the perfect pieces of luggage. D
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Mine is a Skyway brand (LINK), probably the closest model of which is the Sigma 2. I’ve had it for about four or five years, so the models have changed. Mine isn’t expandable. It’s about the smallest of the vertical cases (about 18″).
If I want to check my luggage, I take the pewter one that is a bit bigger (nothing like those ones that truly aren’t carry-ons, QM, but bigger than my little black one). It’s already banged up, since it’s almost always checked. That one is an American Tourister, about 22″. I like Skyway better, but the other’s not bad.
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BTW, the American Tourister I’ve had probably since the mid-1990s, so it’s lasted over ten years. Nothing to sneeze at.
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Now if they would just figure out not to pave the airport floors with closely spaced tiles that make those wheels sound like frenetic runaway trains…all the better.
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YB & QM, I travel light, almost always using just a carry-on. I have American Tourister and Ascot, and like them both. I agree about the high percentage of black bags. I bought one when they first became popular, not imagining that everyone and his cousin were going to do the same! So, I attached a big, bright pink yarn pom-pom on the handle to easily spot it. Then, I bought an olive green bag, which I now use if I have to check one. My latest favorite carry-on is a colorful, French Provencal patterned, quilted cotton, that fits under the seat. I saw it in a catalog, and the brand is called “Isabella’s Journey.” On my latest flight, just two weeks ago, there were a LOT of people with medium sized bags, too small to really qualify as carry-ons. These peple were asked to tie a special pink tag on them and leave them at the gate, to be picked up as soon as they got off the plane. It really held up the boarding procedure! I think many of the airlines have already started charging for ALL bags, and that this caused the problem.
I thought this procedure should have taken place at check-in, rather than at the gate. It wasn’t fair to the travelers who paid to check their bags.
diddy, I think those “shopping bag” carts on wheels are great. I have one in my trunk, which I need if I’m going to buy stuff like caat food or Kitty Litter.
leslie, I agree, and like your description of the awful noise!
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Oops, everyone…I meant to say the bags people were trying to pass off as carry-ons were too LARGE!
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Great piece, I was smiling reading it…….I too have a case that can be wheeled and is just right……it used to belong ot my granda (she’s died), she had also quested after the perfect bag because she was old and slight and had found her ideal. I can’t remember the brand it’s in the stowaway, think it’s samsonite and it’s grey-blue. I stick strange things on the handles too so I’ll know it’s mine. I love airports, the bustle, noise, thrill of freedom (though I’m not so keen on taking off). Of course now I always fly with boys (not so much fun *grin*).
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Jo, I remember the old-style Samsonite cases of the 60’s. I had a set of dark blue. Those things could withstand any kind of beating. But boy were they heavy. I don’t know what happened to my old set. I think I finally gave it away.
Marylin, did you see Liz’s new bag with the chrome wheels when you were here? We probably spent 2 hours in a luggage store checking out bags the week before I left for Georgia. She wanted one that would fit her video tripod so she didn’t have to carry it on.
The store was having a sale so we ended up getting a Delsey Heilum Pilot (LINK) for a really good price. The model is the 17728 – Trolley Duffel and it’s 32″x15″x14″. That equals one inch smaller than being oversized and having to pay extra for that. (Liz said you add those 3 numbers together and it equals 61″ – I think the limit on oversize is 62″).
Whew! We learned a lot about luggage that day. Basically, you get what you pay for. So decide what you want and wait for a sale. The woman who helped us was a great sport. Because even when the pin and springs came out of Liz’s tripod while we were trying to make it smaller to fit into a certain bag, she helped us search on the floor for the springs.
Anyway, The Delsey Helium Pilot Trolley Duffel is the one in these photographs. The green lock is an Embark Travel Sentry. And she also got a wide rainbow strap so she could recognize it. Worked out well.
Me? I use a Target brand MODA that’s been everywhere with me. So far the zipper has held up to quite a stuffing of clothes, shoes, books, etc. to Taos, PA, GA, you name it. 8)
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Marylin, I am amazed at what people try to pass for carry-ons. And yes, that thing where the luggage are taken at the entrance to the plane and then left for pick-up as people de-plane…it can be annoying. But in some respects, I can see where the airlines don’t have much of a choice. Big-ish carry-ons take up so much room and take it up fast.
One time I checked luggage for a trip to Delhi. I was taking an extra week to go up to Agra and see the Taj Mahal. I arrived in Delhi after midnight (international flights in almost always come in the wee hours of the morning, and likewise take off in the week hours) but my luggage did not. I had to stand in long lines waiting to find out what to do. Hours later they gave me a small cash allowance to make up for any purchases I’d have to make that night, and then told me to come back same time the next night (or it would be delivered same time the next night).
Well, we were leaving the next day for Agra, so it was all a mess. We had to push out our trip by one day and instead of getting a good night’s sleep, I had to wait up until about 2 in the morning to receive my luggage. Ugh. After that I went back to not checking luggage.
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Hey OliverOwl! You do have the best little carry-on I have seen. Light, functional, distinctive & of course, on wheels!
I liked the part about needing to be an Olympian in order to handle the early wheeled bags. I thought that perhaps we could see a new Olympic sport of “Wheeled Bag Handling” at the 2012 London games. It would be a great way to continue the life of those old bags that I’m sure no one actually uses anymore. Plus it would be hilarious. Can you see some of the obstacle courses they could set up? It could happen…
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[…] a batch of Flathead Cherries a few weeks ago and sent them along with her Mom to Minnesota. (Rumor has it she toted them on board in her carry-on.) We ate some of them one by one off the stem. But Liz was in the mood to bake. So she searched for […]
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In the 60’s I was the proud owner of a matched set of white American Tourister suitcases? Remember those? Heavy, yes, but nearly indestructible. I also had one of those suitcases with two wheels and a strap and yes, yes, yes, they always fell to the side unless you were walking sloooooooowly. My latest bag, a carry-on for sure, is some no-name I got from TJ Maxx and it works just slightly better than the one I bought because I saw a pilot with it.
No more checking luggage. Carry-on and be prepared to launder.
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What an innovation. I have never had good luck with wheeled luggage. I feel like I’m pulling a wayward dog through the airport, a dog that after stops and falls over.
I was considering one of those wheeled backpacks. I have to investigate further.
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Sorry I’m behind in replying, but yesterday there was a whole lot’a painting goin’ on here and my computer was unplugged & hiding in a corner.
Jackie & Stevo; have you tried the bags with rigid handles? I believe this is what helps cure the “wobblies.” Those wheeled back packs do look interesting, but wouldn’t work for me. ( With my last infant, I tried a “papoose” style carrier for him and almost fell over backwards!) In the 60’s I had a large yellow leather bag, but after it suffered a large irreparable tear, no more expensive bags for me!
QM, no, I didn’t see Liz’s newest bag, but she is a great shopper, that I DO know.
Skywire, that camera we were looking at? I ordered it online for $175, including shipping,
so felt good about that! Thanks for your help!
The Olympic event of managing unruly bags would lighten up the events quite a bit…LOL.
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Hey OliverOwl,
Good to see your computer is back up & running.
So you got the camera!! Did you end up getting the Canon 750? I know we looked at a few of them & I think that was the model. You’ll have to let us know what you think about it. People are always asking about cameras & photo tips. It was fun to look at the options with you 🙂
The olympic bag handling would have to have obstacles like crowds of gabbing tourists on the moving sidewalks and overstuffed overhead baggage areas. Any other ideas? Does the founder of a new sport get a trademark and/or royalties? If so, we’ll have to get a patent soon.
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I have to admit that I am known for buying bags from airport shops.
I bought a laptop bag on wheels with the rigid handle, this at the Denver airport, but I don’t like it. Although I can put my carry-on on top and thus have the two stacked, it’s hard to deal with two. I much prefer a back-pack for my laptop and other stuff, which means I also need to be able to fit a small purse in my backpack. BUT, the laptop backpack I have had for years finally got a hole rubbed through the back from use. Boy, did I like that backpack!
I once bought a cool leather purse–off-white with red ribbing, long and narrow, old-fashioned–at one of those airport luggage/purse kiosks. So fashionable; I used it for years and got many compliments. I still have it.
Something about purses and luggages and laptop carriers — the airport kiosks have nice-looking products, and I’m a sucker for point-of-purchase. 8)
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p.s., Jackie, white? Wow, how long did they stay white? BTW, my off-white purse has a certain elegance. You don’t see many purses and bags in white or off-white. Not terribly practical, but oh so lovely.
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sky…yes, the Canon 750. Don’t have it yet, it’s on its way. Will let you know how I like it.
I forgot to mention that my little carry-on has a generous pocket on each side, as well as a secure,(zippered) pocket on the front, in which I carry my ticket/boarding pass & photo id. so it is very handy.
Other Olympics events…escaping from the rear of a crowded elevator; managing escaltors and stairs, especially when you have to negotiate stairs on smaller commuter planes, (this one should be done in a wind tunnel.)
T&T painted 2-1/2 walls for me, a soft, pale yellow-gold. I’ll try to get a good photo. I am so happy with it, I had to write a haiku about it! (See Daily Haiku.)
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Yes, it was white and it stayed that way for about 10 years. After that, it was gray-white and could only be restored by scouring with a scrub brush. I kept that luggage for 35 years. Finally I let it go to Goodwill for another chance at life. It was good luggage, just dated.
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oliverowl, thanks for writing with us at red Ravine. And let us know how it goes with that Canon 750 when you get it. Liz showed it to me online and it’s got a HUGE viewfinder in the back. And it’s slim and lightweight. Sounds perfect. I saw the haiku on your soft, pale yellow-gold walls. Beautiful. 8)
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