My luggage on flight few months ago to Europe was damaged. One of the wheels was broken and detached. The wheel was returned to the socket, and because weight of the luggage and content,if held upright it can be wheeled around with some care.

I filed a report with the airline.

Same luggage, two more wheels were broken on the return flight to Singapore. This time, these two wheels are nowhere in sight. Before I clear the custom, I made another report over the counter.

 

Airline replied that it cannot be repaired, offered a $200-$300 based on depreciation and estimated age of the luggage on the condition that they will take the luggage.

 

Retail price of this particular make been increasing over the years. Most luggage in the market of similar size and features would go for region of $1000.

 

The luggage shows signs of wear and tear and use but was otherwise functional as it should be.

 

Meantime, I made some enquiries, including the sales office in Sinagpore. Depanding on parts availability, it can be repaired.

With this reply on hand, I inform the airline. They replied that they will have it fixed and few days later I got my luggage back, repaired.

I find it hard to believe that it can't be repaired, and was annoyed that this well made luggage that have served us well for many years was treated so carelessly twice.

 

Once in a while, items do get damaged for whatever reasons. But I question the business practice of the very first offer. I also wonder how and why they decided on fixing it despite stating that it cannot be repaired, only to go back on their word after.

 

The only reason I can think of as to why the first claim that it cant be repaired , I am guessing that it would have cost the airline more than the amount they offered me as compensation.

 

Had I not persisted, I would have lost a well designed and constructed product, and with $250 from the air line, I can't even buy a decent cabin bag.

 

Hopefully this will benefit those who may come into similar situation.

I had a Zero inflight bag wheels wore out only 3 years or maybe 4 at most old... I went to fix but parts not avail ex stock here and 3-4 months wait plus like $300+ to repair...

 

 

I drilled out the pins, got some flight trolley castors and fix myself $35...fcuk Halliburton repairs man...DIY and better wheels to boot.

 

 

Pimp your luggage ... its not too hard.

 

 

https://www.castorwheel.com/inflight-trolleys

Good move. Contractors/repair shops charges multiple times of what I might have guess, on occasions some will try their with 10-15 times that of your average quotes.

 

I believe in paying others their dues, but some of the mark ups are difficult to stomach.

   

Can get a simple saw from Daiso to remove the old wheels ....

 

Then get wheels from lazada, aliexpress etc ...  reasonable ones about $10++ a pair ... and can save some $$$

my $24 dollar luggage hoot from Hannifa Textiles been with me coming to 10yrs. Still okay leh. Wheels still moving and intact.

Sometime when come to buying this thing, it's not just only the capacity concern, but what u pack in off to trip, back from trip, these minute details determines the life of the components.

My neighbor thot that $200 over Samsonite can tahan sibeh long, eventually gives up when the wheel dislocates just 2 3 times of usage...

Can get a simple saw from Daiso to remove the old wheels ....

 

Then get wheels from lazada, aliexpress etc ...  reasonable ones about $10++ a pair ... and can save some $$$

 

Indeed, when it was returned to me after the repair, I had a quick look at the new wheels , it does seem like a straight forward job especially those handy with some DIY.

my $24 dollar luggage hoot from Hannifa Textiles been with me coming to 10yrs. Still okay leh. Wheels still moving and intact.

Sometime when come to buying this thing, it's not just only the capacity concern, but what u pack in off to trip, back from trip, these minute details determines the life of the components.

My neighbor thot that $200 over Samsonite can tahan sibeh long, eventually gives up when the wheel dislocates just 2 3 times of usage...

 

I wonder as well if it is because of the weight as it was near the capacity, not that heavy but within what is allowed. But from this experience I will be more mindful not to go heavy with any one luggage.