Rigid or flexible, carry on or to check: how much does a bag cost?

With the tourism industry severely hit by the coronavirus crisis and plummeting demand, how much does it cost to buy a suitcase today?

The offer is diverse. Variety of colors, brands and materials. But there are two key elements to be able to decide: weight and size. This is essential so that those who travel by plane can avoid excesses in the allowed limit and can make the most of the carry on space.

Variety

The Karpatos company offers six models. Three of rigid material and three of fabric, which vary in size and price. As can be seen on the website www.karpatos.com.ar/valijas, the values ​​range from 13,900 to almost 22 thousand pesos.

The smallest bag made of hard material is made of high-resistance polypropylene, has a two-year guarantee and is expandable. It weighs 2.80 kilos and measures 50 centimeters high by 40 wide and 20 deep. It has a value of 17,900 pesos. The one that follows in size has the same characteristics, but its measurements increase by 10 and 5 centimeters respectively and it weighs 3.40 kilos. It costs 19,900 pesos. The widest of that line is at 21,900, which makes it the most expensive of the brand. Its measurements are 70x50x30 centimeters and it weighs 4.40 kilos.

The other three models are made of fabric and are cheaper than those already mentioned. The smallest of 45 centimeters high by 35 wide and 25 deep is at 13,900 pesos. The intermediate one of 60X40X25 centimeters has a value of 17,000 pesos and the next one with 70 centimeters high costs 19,000 pesos. Unlike the hardtails, this line is smaller and has external pockets.

"They all have an aluminum trolley, reinforcement throughout their structure, four wheels that make them super easy to transport and a TSA lock," said Gabriel Billalo, a seller of the brand. The peculiarity of this type of lock is that it is approved by the United States Transportation Security Agency and allows airport customs personnel to open them to inspect luggage.

Karpatos has agreements with different banks that offer discounts when using their cards. They also work with the payment plans Now 3, Now 6 and Now 12.

On the website you can see even more suitcases than the six mentioned. "We are representatives of Valigeria Roncato, this Italian company is dedicated to the marketing of luggage worldwide and has representation in the main capitals of the world."

The models from the old continent are more numerous and the price range is between 13,000 and 25,500 pesos. “One of the best-selling suitcases is the ultra-light Flight rigid. It is made with high resistance materials. It also has an attractive, functional design and an international brand guarantee”.

That line comes in three different sizes. The smallest, intended as hand luggage, costs 23,500 pesos. The median with 68 centimeters high and 45 wide weighs 3.40 kilos and costs 25,500 pesos. The largest one has the same value, but is 10 centimeters higher and 5 centimeters wider and weighs 80 grams more. They are all expandable, have internal organizers and their wheels can rotate 360.

with USB port

Another of the brands specialized in suitcases is Delsey Paris, which is present in several provinces of Argentina such as Córdoba, Chaco, Formosa, Entre Ríos, La Pampa, Mendoza, among others. The offer is wide in every way. From colors, features and designs. Prices range from 12,900 pesos to almost 45 thousand.

According to the website www.delsey.com.ar, one of the new models is the Turenne Premium whose great added value is that it has a USB port. On the outside, it is rigid and comes with a recessed TSA lock on the top, among other things. Inside, it has a bag for dirty clothes and another for shoes. It weighs 2 kilos and costs 41,500 pesos.

Another option for frequent air travelers is the limited edition New Envoll Air France, created based on the maximum dimensions allowed by that airline. They come in three sizes, the largest one costs 28,900 pesos, the medium one costs 28,500 pesos and the smallest, specially designed for the airplane cabin, costs 27,600 pesos. In addition, the set of the three suitcases can be purchased for 76,500.

“The best lines have a double lock to prevent theft due to vandalism. They also have a locator system in case luggage is lost. It is like a patent that must be registered in the brand. The Turenne model, for example, has a built-in scale,” said Mariana Ramírez, a salesperson from the store located in Recoleta.

Lagos luggage, which is rigid, is one of the most popular. In the branch, the largest suitcase is 15,500 pesos, the medium one is 14,900 pesos and the cabin model is 13,900 pesos. Buying through the website you can access the benefit of paying the product in 6 installments without interest, and shipping is free if you exceed 6 thousand pesos. At the stores, most items are discounted due to the end of the summer season. In addition, you can pay in person with Now 12.

coronavirus crisis

The market was hit by travel restrictions imposed to try to control the pandemic.

"Before, all the tourism came, but now without the presence of people from Brazil or Europe, those who buy are from the area or are people who saw something on the website and come to ask."

Billalo from Karpathos said: “Due to the closure of borders and airports, the demand for luggage by foreigners and local customers was greatly affected. Currently, a slight improvement was seen in the purchase of bags and suitcases for domestic tourism destinations. We had to largely migrate to online as well as product promotion on social media. We also implement face-to-face payment methods such as the QR code”.

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