Aluminum body, carry-on suitcases were a complete mystery to me. I kept hearing about the never-ending nightmare of unavoidable dents, dings and scratches to the aluminum body shell carry-on, and they aren’t necessarily cheap. I own 3 different brands and here’s what you need to know.
The aluminum body suitcase is a throw back visual to the 1950’s golden age of airline travel, the luxury symbol of the international jet set. Actually, many of the suitcase brands listed below are fabricated from aircraft grade aluminum! What?!?
There are some incredible design forward aluminum body carry-on suitcases with price ranges from $160.00 to $1500.00. I have listed those brands and links below.
Here are the top 5 things no one tells about aluminum body cases. And out of my 3 suitcases this is my Sterling Pacific and its my favorite.
1) Aluminum body carry-on cases weigh substantially more!
My aluminum carry-on case about 30% heavier than my old Bric’s carry-on that is the exact same size! My Fabbrica Pelletterie case is a little over 12 pounds completely empty. But my Sterling Pacific pictured below is bit lighter.
Keep in mind most polycarbonate (plastic body) cases the same size are 6-7 pounds. I knew an aluminum body case was a heavier piece of luggage, and even though it rolls nicely, it’s a handful to wrestle it into an overhead bin once you have boarded your plane.
The reason the weight is an issue is twofold:
a) Even if you are not checking your luggage (if you are checking luggage you are required to weigh your luggage on scales at check-in), you need to know that there are carriers that limit the weight of carry-on luggage particularly overseas, and
b) People looking to helping you with you suitcase will unfortunately underestimate the weight as well. Bus drivers, well meaning hotel staff, even flight attendants will assume they know the weight of the case they’re moving. Just be sure to give them a heads-up on the additional weight to help head off the suitcase being dropped, adding possible scratches, dents and dings to your case.
2) There is zero flex when you are packing clothes in an aluminum body case. None!
Either it closes or it does not. With my old Bric’s soft body carry on I could let it bulge in the center then mash the sides down to get it zipped, but just know that if you depend on that “center bulge” to complete your trip packing you may have to leave a few items behind to get your new aluminum case closed.
3) It will get scratches, dents and large dings in random places.
The case will not necessarily “wear” evenly on all sides. This was the most difficult part for me even though it was a carry-on and I had zero intentions of ever checking it. I just thought, “I’ll be extra careful.” But then, after boarding the plane, a flight attendant snatched it out of the overhead bin one-handed to “reorganize” the bins before take off and she greatly underestimated the weight of my case. My suitcase dropped to the floor with a thud, denting the corner! Spending that kind of money on a suitcase which will always show wear and tear was a lot to wrap my mind around, and you need to know right now it will not necessarily “wear” evenly. You may have two big dents on one side and the opposite side is perfect! If this isn’t something you can deal with don’t buy an aluminum body case. Maybe just buy a polycarbonate (plastic) molded body case in a metallic aluminum finish.
4) Do not expect the airlines to reimburse you for damage to the aluminum body.
Most people feel this is an easy way to keep their case looking pristine, and that’s just not realistic. If you are worried about the wear and tear of travel, look into buying a case from Aelon. They have an extensive 10-year warranty that may help with some of the everyday wear and tear. I own an Aelon 21″ Classic carry-on in Bronze. It’s a totally different look than my Fabbrica Pelletterie. BUT if you’re looking for durability the case that has surprised me the most is my Sterling Pacific full body aluminum case. https://sterlingpacific.com/ with its reinforced corners and impact bearing ridges. This case not only looks incredible but…. It has held up beautifully.
5) And finally the center hinges or lack there of. This factor is a big deal.
The one thing I ABSOLUTELY HATE about my Aleon and Fabbrica Pelletterie aluminum body carry-ons is that both have hinges in the center of the case. So they are “clamshell style”. Which means that if you want items from either half of the case you have to open the case completely flat. Even though there are leather straps or dividers to hold the packed items in place it aggravates me. A suitcase that has to lay flat with center hinges takes up a lot space in a hotel room. But my Sterling Pacific has offset hinges that allow you to open the top and nothing falls out or has to lay completely flat to access items in the case.
See the difference…. Above is my Fabbrica Pelletterie and the image below is my Sterling Pacific. Oh and can we talk about the difference in the leather quality? Look how rich the leather trim is on the Sterling Pacific when compared to my Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano. And the irony is the FPM is a more expensive case.
Here are my top 5 brands with varying price points and degrees of design.
Buyer beware:
Guys, one more incredibly important detail if you’re doing your shopping online, like me… not all suitcases that have the word “aluminum” in the description are actually solid aluminum body cases!
Many brands have a polycarbonate (molded plastic body) case that simply lists “aluminum” as a color option. These are not aluminum body cases; it’s simply an aluminum metallic tone finish on a plastic molded body case.
One other note, if the brand description lists the suitcase as “aluminum frame,” don’t be fooled. That is still not an aluminum body or aluminum shell suitcase! Only the suitcases structural frame is aluminum.
Please read all the descriptions carefully so you can get exactly what you want for your money!
Forget busted zippers.
Most aluminum body cases have butterfly locks to secure the case.
Many have built in TSA approved combination locks.
All 3 of my aluminum body case have resettable combination TSA locks.
Here are a few items to look into that really set the competition apart. Yes, there are visual differences as far as design aesthetics, and also a variety of price points but don’t overlook the 2 factors listed below before you make your long term purchase and commit for the long haul.
Register your case ASAP:
As soon as your case arrives, please read the terms of the suitcases warranty and register your case as soon as possible. If you don’t register your suitcase with the manufacturer, many times your entire warranty is 100% voided. Print a copy of the warranty terms from the website AND a copy of your receipt of purchase. Some manufacturers require a receipt of purchase in addition to the registration of the warranty. Put these items in a folder in case you need to contact the company for repairs or defects.
Repairs and replacement parts:
Let’s be honest, you could easily buy an inexpensive $40.00 carry-on for a quick weekend trip. However, if you’re looking to invest in a durable suitcase, which you will use for many years to come, you need to be sure, firstly, if you need them, and secondly, that repairs can be made and parts are available.
Aluminum body suitcases are substantially more expensive than other models, and manufacturers want you to know that they stand behind their product by offering repair services and replacement parts to ensure the longevity of your purchase.
The brands listed above have a variety of options for convenient repairs. Rimowa offers in store repairs and on site repairs at various luxury hotels, so your case can be repaired before your departure.
Check into each brand to see which options work best for you.
Before you look into buying, know that regardless of which brand you select, these suitcases are a long-term investment. They are an investment in a more substantial, higher quality suitcase, built to last, hence the additional weight of the case. Embrace all the scratches, dents and dings in the aluminum case along the way… it’s a clear sign of a life well traveled!!
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