Luggage Questions (Plus a CCW ? !!!)

[Mister Jinxy]

Hey Ya,
I'm a FLEO and have been doing a lot of international traveling lately. Now that I've got some $ I'm looking to invest in some good luggage. This last trip to Port Au Prince was a pain in my fourth point of contact trying to lug 5 bags through the airport. I'm looking one BIG piece that I won't have any problems with the airlines when I look to check it in. It has to be able to fit my clothes, plus all of my radio gear and equipment. Something like a Pelican case, perhaps? I want to be able to keep it down to about 3 pieces - a carry on bag, a bag for my suits, and a big case that I can check in that will hold everything else. Any recommendations? I'll ask around here at the office, but I know someone out there has an opinion.
Speaking of opinions that have been beaten to death, I'm also looking to get a concealed carry weapon. Been reading up a lot on the board, but am still vascilating between getting something extremely light that I could easily carry around (S&W 340PD, 342PD, KelTec P11) and something more substantial (Glock 26, Sig P239).
I know it's personal preference, but I'd appreciate some advice. Thanks. Nice to be back on the board.
Jinxy

[FedLass]

Based on personal experience and the opinions of flight attendants and pilots, there is nothing better than TravelPro for lasting through the perils of airport travel. The come in all sizes from a very small bag with handles to a huge suitcase with wheels (they all have telescoping handles and wheels). The bigger bags also have the "suiter" area that will keep your nice clothes from getting wrinkled. The lifetime warranty is excellent also -- they fix all kinds of things from zippers to handles. If you buy one, they can be super-expensive, but do not pay full price -- you can find them at luggage outlets and even TJ Maxx sometimes.

One thing to remember when you are buying a bag is the weight of what you want to carry. Most airlines have a weight restriction of 40-50 pounds per bag and they with charge you a fee if you exceed that limit ($25-100+). If you do a lot of travel that can add up.. but as you know, so can excess baggage fees.

[Junkyard Dawg]

This last trip to Port Au Prince was a pain in my fourth point of contact trying to lug 5 bags through the airport.

Ahhh, the airport at Port Au Prince. Brings back memories. I'm sure you enjoyed the circus atmosphere both in terminal and out. Must have been about 10 guys clamoring and outright fistfighting for my bags and that conveyor belt, geesh. Once you get outside the fence surrounding the terminal, God help you.

Did enjoy the steel drum band playing upon arrival though.

[universible]

Hey Ya,
I'm a FLEO and have been doing a lot of international traveling lately.


Hahahha, what? You think people don't remember YOU! :D :p "I'm a FLEO" LOL!

;)

[UsualSuspect]

Jinxy -- Tumi is an excellent brand with a large variety of sizes of bags. Do google search and you should find tons of stuff on Tumi. Or a good luggage store. These bags are unbelievable in their durability, convienence and craftsmanship (wow I sound like a luggage salesman :D ) As a DSS you are allowed to choose the concealed weapon you want, or do they mandate several to choose from? There was an earlier post on this (several days ago) and most were praising the small Glock models. The P239 was also well spoken of.


Warning: Tumi's tend to be quite expensive, but they will last you for the next 10-15 years.

[krellum]

I bought a Briggs & Riley bag when I was flying a lot - flew 5-6 days a week for almost 9 months and the bag was (and still is) indestructible.

Expensive (about $400.00), but any bag that you can put suits and clothing in on one trip for a friend's wedding, then turn around and shove 80 lbs. worth of disassembled folding kayak parts, paddles, survival gear, etc. on another trip and load it into/out of a bush plane in Alaska - and still comes back for more - is worth it, in my opinion.

You might also want to check out Blackhawk - the company in VA that makes tactical gear. I haven't seen their luggage up close, but I have 4 or 5 pieces of other gear that they make and it's all top notch, heavy-grade ballistic nylon.

k

[Reservoir Dog]

I recommend Travel Pro luggage, as well. I was a DS agent for about 3 years, and my two Travel Pro bags went to 15 different countries, as well as numerous domestic trips. They are still in excellent condition. I have a "suiter" which holds 2 to 3 suits and a few shirts, and a 26" inch roller suitcase. Even though they are not hard-sided, I never had a problem transporting my gear; I just sandwiched all that between the clothes witin the bags. Travel Pro is expensive (I paid about $650 for my two pieces), but they are, in my opinion, well worth the money. They come in a variety of sizes. Give them a look.

[aznxtacy]

Travel Pro is the best!

[dmclark]

One thing you see in all these posts. Whatever brand you choose, a good piece of luggage is not cheap. DON'T go the way of cheap. You buy the same piece 3X, versus buying something good just once.

I've got a Tumi briefcase and Tumi carry-on suiter. Expensive, but it's lasted for over 4 years of extensive travel and is as good as new. Spend once and get what you want. DM