This post is part of a series in which ladies on the road offer a review of their suitcases. Today’s Briggs & Riley suitcase review comes from Jenny.
Hello! I’m Jenny. I’m a consultant and a graduate student. I spend about 80% of my time traveling for work and the remaining time trying to cram in as many last minute weekend trips that my schedule will allow. I’m looking forward to sharing a little about my weekly sidekick!
Tell us about your suitcase brand, style and price.
I travel with the Briggs & Riley Domestic Carry On Expandable Upright, which retails for $499.
>> Check out the Briggs & Riley Domestic Carry On Suitcase on Amazon. Please note we are an Amazon affiliate, and any purchases made through this link will result in a small commission to this site, at no additional cost to you.
Is it too big, too small or just right?
The suitcase is the perfect size for me. I’m typically a light packer. For winter travel, I can manage a week long trip with this suitcase and two week trips during the summer time.
Is it fabric or hard shell?
Fabric – nylon shell
Spinner or roller?
Roller bag
What made you choose your brand and style of suitcase?
After the wheels of my previous suitcase broke off, a friend recommended the Briggs & Riley suitcase. I researched numerous options and after seeing this bag in person, I knew it was the one because of its classic design and incredible features. The suitcase is extremely well constructed and has a unique expansion/compression system which allows an additional 25% more volume, perfect for when you make a few too many purchases on a trip and need extra space.
In addition to this, the suitcase allows for flat packing since the handle is located on the outside of the bag which maximizes the interior space. Finally, Briggs & Riley has an incredible lifetime guarantee, which even covers airline damage.
What features of this luggage do you love? Are there any you would like to see changed or improved?
I love the expansion system – brackets on the interior of the bag which allows you to pull up to provide that extra space for packing and once you’re done, close the bag and press down to compress. I rarely check luggage so having that ability to pack extra stuff and return the bag to its original carry-on size is an amazing feature.
For me, I would personally have the suit compartment removed. Even with my business travel, I never use this feature and would find it more useful to have additional pockets in its place. It would be great to have additional suitcase colors as well. This suitcase is extremely common amongst business travelers. You wouldn’t believe the number of times someone has picked up my suitcase by accident thinking that it was their bag.
Can you carry this suitcase onto airplanes?
This model is a domestic carry-on suitcase. Briggs & Riley also makes a similar carry-on for international travel.
What sort of traveler and trip is this suitcase perfect for?
Frequent business travelers but it’s perfect for any frequent traveler looking to invest in a carry-on roller suitcase.
Would you recommend this suitcase to other traveling females?
I have already been recommending the Briggs & Riley suitcase to my friends and even had a friend recently purchase this suitcase after she tested mine out.
About the author: Jenny is a management consultant, graduate student and avid traveler. She’s constantly on the go and always dreaming of her next destination. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog.
I have the smaller international size one, which I bought after a long search for a new rolling carry-on. As Jenny describes, it addresses several common problems: The expansion system not only allows you to pack extra but also to compress it as much as possible, the adjustable-length handle is great for us shorties (I’m 5’2″), and the outside-mount handle provides a truly flat base inside, so it’s like packing a drawer rather than trying to tuck things awkwardly around the bars.
My trusty old carry-on was a $20 job from a warehouse store, and I loved its simplicity. But since it finally bit the dust, I’m happy to have replaced it with something truly high quality, and compared to others I’ve used, the Briggs & Riley really is well made.
I have used Briggs & Riley luggage for over 20 years. I have a large checked bag with a sub compartment and a smaller duffle carry on. The Brand is indestructible. The zippers are sturdy, locking aspect great and the overall durability is par none. Mine have traveled the world and will be going on another adventure to NZ in October. Great bags and worth the extra cost.