DELSEY PARISParis Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels

Four months ago, I bought another brand of spinner suitcase sets that isn't full polycarbonate (they're ABS and just not strong enough) and after just three trips inside the US, the 29" suitcase had a big crack near one of the wheels and I wasn't taking a chance on it breaking open on the next trip and losing my stuff or leaving me with three wheels instead of four so I bought this one based on the NY Times' Wirecutter recommendations.Wirecutter recommends this one because it's 100% polycarbonate (like the cheaper hard-sided bags from the high-end brands like Rimowa and Salsa) - it's their budget pick, but I'm not paying $300+ for their top picks which are both soft-sided because I prefer hard-sided. This suitcase feels much more substantial and the wheels are closer in to the body, protecting them a little better when being shoved into cargo holds. And while all the hard-sided suitcases are prone to scratches, this one had much less after my first trip with it than the other cheaper luggage set I'd bought before. I like the blue color too, it's pretty and stands out well in carousels, especially when they tell us to wait at #2 but then deliver our bags across the baggage area at #12. I like the built-in locks too although it can be a bit tricky getting both into the lock while pushing in the button. If the lock ever breaks, you can put a regular suitcase lock on it, thread it thru the holes in the zipper pulls. This 29" suitcase is roomier than the 29" from the cheap set I bought and I haven't needed to use the outside expansion at all. And it's just slightly better quality all around, the zip cover for one side has a pocket on it to segregate your stuff and the belts on the other side are stronger and tighten more easily.I've bought the 25" for shorter trips too. I noticed that both bags had a rather strong smell when I first opened them but it went away fairly quickly. It doesn't bother me - reminds me of new car smell and it didn't transfer to my clothes at all. But if you're sensitive, you may want to open them outside first and let them air outdoors or in a garage for a day or two.Note: Wirecutter's review says "Delsey Helium Aero" but the links for both 25" and 29" lead to these Delsey Paris Aero suitcases. Google NY Times Wirecutter Delsey to see the review. Also, click on the different colors, they have different prices. I bought the 25" in same blue color and it was $40 cheaper than the other colors, shipping was free, not prime but it still arrived in less than a week. I was lucky to get the same color but would have bought a different color for that much of price difference (I won't ever travel with both bags anyway).

First I can't be any more happier about this purchase! I got the 29" on Amazon warehouse deal ( used open box) for less than a $100. It came in great condition, only minor blemishes, scratches to the outside ( only because it has a glossy finish) with all tags attached and everything in good working order. The handles are nice and sturdy with rubbery feeling to them. The wheels are awesome. The zippers and interior fabric is nice and more thicker than other flimsy polyester fabric used in other luggages. My only issue is that the strap inside the compartment isn't elastic. In every large suitcase I've seen, this strap is better when elastic especially if it's in X shape. Another minor issue is how in the product description it says, scratch resistant. This is not true at all. This luggage has a beautiful, smooth, glossy finish and obviously it will scratch easily and mine already has many minor scratches since it's a return item. I wish the shell was made with matte finish with tiny embossed pattern on the shell, so it could resist any scratches. And last but not least the case doesn't have any rubber feet on the long side (pic 2) or on the broad side ( pic 3) when it's going to be open on the floor to help protect the glossy finish. As you can see, it's already picked up fiber and dust from my carpet. These are very minor issues and this is a beautiful, stylish luggage but it would fantastic to improve those issues, especially since Delsey is reputable luggage brand. TIP: don't pull the pull out handle to the max, it is flimsy as in every other luggage I've seen. Watch the Video.

I bought this luggage for a European trip. When it was unboxed and opened, there was an extremely strong, plastic-type chemical smell. We put the open luggage in the back porch with a fan for 24 and then 48 hours thinking that the smell would dissipate. It did not. So we did not take it on the trip. On return several days ago, the chemical smell is still there. We do not know if this is a manufacturing defect (such as an accidental excess of dye or other product used in manufacture) or simply the material that is now used in producing the luggage. It is inconceivable that someone would use the luggage with the smell since it would infiltrate clothing. There is a note that the material used in manufacture is a carcinigen in California. Notably, the exact same suitcase that we ordered in red some time ago did not have this problem. This is a very well-made and perfectly sized small suitcase, so this experience was discouraging.

Overall, this seemed like a great bag on my first use. I got the large carry-on size, which is only approved on a couple of airlines. It has a shiny finish that scratches easily and shows the scratches. If the bag is packed in the upper section, I had trouble extending the handle. Opening the bag a little bit relieved the pressure on the mechanism and I was able to extend it. This is not really something you should have to do in the middle of an airport.On my second trip with the bag, the zipper got stuck. I tried to carefully pinch it together, but I wasn't able to resolve the problem. It only got worse and worse. The zipper misaligned itself in two places to the point where I could no longer open or close the bag (and eventually that became 4 places). The bag is completely unusable. I attempted to contact Delsey support several times in hopes there's a way to replace the zipper (or the whole bag if necessary).UPDATE: Delsey customer service contacted me and replaced the bag with a similar (presumably newer) model at no cost to me. It took a few unanswered emails, a bad review, several photos, a serial number wild goose chase, and a couple of weeks to get a response. But, once I did get in contact with them, they were quick to just send me a replacement without any argument.

Even when it’s empty the handle gets stuck in an upright position. I am disappointed. I have never owned luggage by the company. The company must know this because many have complained about this issue. You can’t have the handle get stuck upright while boarding on a plane. I would love my money back or a new one sent to me because it doesn’t pass muster. I bought this in July July 2021.