Vortex 21 Flight Crew Luggage Black

This is my second one as my first was given to my ex who loved it so much he had to have mine! Super high quality, not heavy. I love the solid sides and ample storage. Truly one of my very favorite bags (and I know my luggage being a FA).

This is an initial review after my first trip with this bag. I broke my Luggage Works Executive changing the wheels and this was the only quickly available replacement. This review is entirely relative to the LW plastic crew suitcase. It's technically the same height but because the handle tucks in the overall box is taller and the handle is longer. This is great for walking as my heels don't clip it for those times I need to draw it behind. It does fit in an overhead, just barely, with the wheels in. The hook is much easier to adjust to the right height than the byzantine LW design. I thought it would be lighter but it actually feels a bit heavier than the plastic LW. It's a tad narrower and without the side pockets fits in the 737 flight deck cage without drama. The interior compartment is completely stark with no dividers or velcro. The exterior pockets puff out annoyingly even when empty. The long collapsible handle does not feel as sturdy and the latch just feels kind of in danger of dropping the handle even though that hasn't happened yet. It doesn't quite fit the hand as nicely and dictates a hold that may prove problematic in the long run for tennis elbow. My only major criticism and it may prove to be unfounded. I haven't taken the wheels off yet to examine the mechanism, but it can't be inferior to the LW design which depends on a corrosion-prone bolt that freezes to the "replaceable" wheels. I've rolled it around the city and it handles cracks and curbs with aplomb. We'll see if the aluminum box frame gets bent and how the handle holds up, but so far I am not regretting the swtich.

My bags & fly about 150K miles a year. On average I throw away a bag a year. When I have to gate check, the rampers do a lot of damage. I decided to get this bag hopeful that I could replace parts and not have to replace bag. On Friday, the rampers smashed the sliders on the back of the bag so I decided to order parts. It is $9 for two 15" plastic pieces. Likely 500% margin, I could live with the high price but they also want $14 to ship the parts with no lower cost shipping options. Nice - a bag with replacement parts Concern - how many times do I buy replacement parts at poor pricing & shipping cost before it is cheaper to get another throw away bag

Good bag