I own 5 Briggs & Riley suitcases. I've also given various B&R cases as gifts in the past. I travel internationally and have travelled extensively for decades (yea...I'm "old").  I have a relative who is now travelling more than I do and I just sent this particular bag to him as a gift.  It's his first B&R piece of luggage and his email to me upon his receipt and inspection of the bag began with: "WOW!" followed by effusive thanks.  He's taking it on maiden trip - to Australia from USA. It will be interesting to hear how the bag fares and to his reviews of it.  (I'll update this review then! HERE'S THE PROMISED UPDATE: GIFT RECIPIENT REPORTS NUMEROUS OVERSEAS TRIPS WITH THIS BAG AND ZERO PROBLEMS. HE LOVES IT! SO ALL GOING GREAT WITH IT. - update posted 1 Nov 2012)

Having purchased numerous B&R bags, and taken them to NZ, Italy, Bolivia, Switzerland, and all around USA, I found in over 20 years, that I had to use their warranty twice.  A 27" bag had zipper problems and I was out of town with it; but in major metro area. Found a local warranty serice shop, dropped it off, they had it fixed and ready for me next day - no charge.

Years later that same heavily used 27" B&R bag, suffered internal break to its frame, but exterior wasn't compromised and trip was completed. THen, I used internet to get Repair Authorization from B&R, sent it to their closest service center, and had it back fixed (no charge) before the end of the week.  LOVE THEIR LIFETIME WARRANTEE!

I initially had "no name" bags when I was a teenager. Then graduated to TravelPro.  Then Samsonite. Then some Rick Steves (2 of which I still use and enjoy); but my workhorse luggage is always the Briggs & Riley.  Yes they are pricey, but in their case, you truly DO get what you pay for!