Review of American Tourister Zoom Underseater Spinner Tote

When Joe went on his (very first) concern trip a while back, I decided to surprise him and show up at his hotel the day after he arrived. My goals were (A) to do it equally cheaply as possible and (B) for him to exist surprised and not notice out ahead of time (which, under our circumstances, was not a unproblematic task). I'thousand happy to say that both goals were accomplished ;-).

You can read near my entire planning process and how information technology all went if you lot'd like (I must say it was, to date, the best surprise I e'er pulled off). Only this mail is moreso about the luggage I used during the trip.

My flight was on Borderland, which charges you for checked and carry-on luggage, just not for personal sized bags that go under the seat in front of you. I researched what the maximum size that was (here are the measurements for all major U.S.-based airlines) and started a search for a bag that was that size or slightly smaller. Eventually, I found the American Tourister iv Kix Rolling Tote, which is within the documented limitations for American, Frontier and Spirit.

The four Kix Collection Rolling Tote is the perfect deport on solution, offering security and easy portability. Take instant access to everything yous need while traveling. Easily fits your belongs for a 1-2 mean solar day trips, including travel documents and even snacks with a quick access zilch opening. It fits under most airline seats and it [sic] user-friendly for the modernistic traveler.
• Easy interior access zip opening.
• Large main compartment with color pop straps.
• Interior mesh pocket on front flat [sic].
• Colour pop cross straps.
• Easy lift bond handles with velcro [sic] closure.
• Smart sleeve on back of tote to fit over larger suitcases.
• Smooth riding in line upright skate wheels.
• Easy grip soft molded kissing attachment pulls.
• Push button locking handle.

• Weight: half-dozen.2 lbs.

My Review

The bag is available in gray on black, gray on teal or pink on light imperial. I chose the latter because it was a few dollars cheaper and I similar bright colors (says she who drives a majestic Jeep).

The Expert

The bag held enough clothes, toiletries, etc. for me for 3 days. That existence said, I'm not a adept instance, since I'm only four'6″ tall LOL. But Joe, who is half dozen′ tall, recently used it on an overnight road trip with no bug, and he said he could easily have put in plenty dress for two nights, but probably not 3.

The zippers on the front end pocket and the within mesh portion were both easy to maneuver.

The plastic pulling handle lifted and retracted well and was comfortable when in use. It rolled well on its ii wheels when pulled. The conveying handle (at that place'due south only one on tiptop, none on the sides), which was comprised of 2 handles coming upwards from the top front and dorsum and and so held together with Velcro, was nicely padded.

Size-wise, the bag got past the gate amanuensis, both going in that location and coming home, without a second look. As opposed to when I took American…more than once.

I was able to slip the purse under the seat in front of me – no problems with it fitting, although information technology did stick out a little bit. I accept very small feet, then that wasn't an result for me. I suspect it could cause bug with human foot space for anyone with large feet.

The Bad

The pocketbook is non flawless and its bug fit into 2 categories – quality and blueprint.

Quality

Equally the old saying goes, "you get what you lot pay for." I bought the bag on Amazon for about $50, so it was absolutely cheap. And then, of course, it was cheaply made.

The retractable handle is thin and wiggly. I've had some good, solidly-fabricated bags with strong handles that lasted for 20+ years (R.I.P. my wonderful Samsonite Silhouette half-dozen EZ Cart) only I question how long this one volition brand it unbroken.

Having a carrying handle made of 2 straps and then Velcroed together is but a ticking time bomb. Velcro doesn't last forever or even a very long time if it'south used often enough – it wears out and no longer stayed connected. Also, but having ane carrying handle, not 2, is chintzy, in my opinion.

Design

If you keep the ii  straps connected and so they don't bomb effectually, you accept to pull them autonomously before you tin unzipper the bag, which is only…annoying. And again, it's going to bear on the lifespan of the Velcro.

The zipper is not a straight run from i side to some other – it's got a curve on the short end, which makes zipping and unzipping awkward.

The zipper too starts and ends about i.5″ from the corner, which makes for a rather odd "bend" in the flap. Information technology likewise ways if y'all accept the handbag flat and open, the flap doesn't stay open. I'k also pretty certain that the forced "curve" is the cause for…

The Ugly

After just 2 round trips, without whatever abnormal use, I noticed the seam on the zipper was coming apart.  I'thou pretty sure the unnatural "bend" in the flap is to blame, since it'south about centered in the seam split.

The purse is however under warranty, and then I'1000 going to put in a claim. Stay tuned for some other blog mail service on that 😉

My Recommendation

At this point, I wouldn't recommend this bag. It's non made well and the design is weird and inconvenient. If I had any doubts virtually not recommending it, the carve up zipper seam was the icing on the cake.

It's admittedly convenient to take a suitcase that fits under the seat. To have one like this? Peradventure not so much…

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary

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Source: https://yourmileagemayvary.net/2019/06/14/luggage-review-american-tourister-under-the-seat-personal-bag-size-4-kix-rolling-tote/

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