After three uses in less than a year, my newest suitcase, a red Heys lightweight plastic case with fully rotating wheels, is in the trash.The suitcase was never over-packed. It was underweight for each flight. The damage probably happened while being transported from a bus to my cruise ship room. I didn't notice the crack till I was packing to leave.
At the airport, the check-in clerk smacked a "fragile" sticker near the spot and had me sign a slip absolving the airline of responsibility.
I contacted Heys when I got home. The suitcase was still under a 1-year warranty. I had the original bill. I e-mailed them a photo of the damage. They replied: "Our warranty covers all handles, wheels, zippers, side feet, bottom feet and stitching." Not the plastic case itself.
Would I buy a super-lightweight Heys plastic-bodied set of luggage again? A duffel bag is easier to squeeze in a car trunk on a road trip. My Samsonite fabric-sided case is heavier but has endured years of airline and boat travel.
If you do buy a plastic Heys suitcase pack a roll of duct tape. And maybe look for one with a warranty that covers the complete case, not just the handles, zippers, stitching and feet.
