Making this thread into a luggage thread would be cool..cos I'm also looking for a new one and would be good to get first hand feedback on the different makes.

I don't have a American Tourister but a Samsonite, and agree with the comments that it lasts. I'm a frequent flyer (almost every week) and so far haven't koyak or crack. And if you're lucky during the sale the price differential wouldn't be too much.

I do have my eye on this baby but not sure if I'm ready to splurge yet: