A lot has changed in the world of travel since overhead bins became smaller than ever. However, if you’re someone who has ever had a hard time packing winter coats, bulky shoes, gifts, or luggage for family travel into a carry-on sized suitcase, you know there will always be a need for oversized luggage.
The problem is finding one that doesn’t suck to roll around when it’s packed full.
I’ll be honest. When I first saw this Eddie Bauer Flatiron Check-In luggage, I thought it was HUGE. And it is. Not only does the 32″ model offer you loads of packing space (literally enough to feel like you’re moving instead of going on vacation) but everything about it just looked cumbersome. After digging a little deeper into the materials, wheel configuration and overall organization of this bag, however, I understand the appeal many travelers have when using this suitcase for extended trips, cruises, winter getaways, or anywhere else you might find yourself lugging around a bag this size.
In this review of the Eddie Bauer Flatiron Check-In Luggage I’m going to cover the craftsmanship, everyday usability, storage space, maneuverability, and find out if this beast of a suitcase is worth bringing through airport security.
Quick Specifications
- Dimensions: 32L
- Style: Softside suitcase
- Wheel Type: Spinner
- Expandable: Yes
- TSA Approved: Depending on model
- Outer Material: Polyester fabric
- Best Suited For: Extended vacations, family trips, winter trips, cruises
- Claimed Airline Compatible: Carry-On: No | Checked: Yes
First Impressions
The first thing that stood out to me about Eddie Bauer’s Flatiron luggage was that it felt functional rather than flashy.
This isn’t one of those trendy hard-sided suitcases that you just buy for Instagram airport photos. It felt practical and built for purpose. As soon as I saw the softside shell, I knew it’d have flexibility, which is more important than some people might realize when it comes to packing large objects.
Another thing I liked was that the aesthetic didn’t get too crazy. Eddie Bauer didn’t plaster the bag with branding, which helps it feel more mature and versatile than some other oversized luggage that can come across as too sporty or cheap.
The fabric itself also feels relatively sturdy for the price range. It won’t win any awards for luxury luggage, but it also doesn’t feel cheap.
Build Quality and Materials
Comfort is one reason many travelers choose softside luggage, but durability is another.
Hard shells will crack upon impact. Softside luggage fares better overall, particularly if your luggage has seen… less-than-gentle handling by airport staff.
The polyester exterior on the Eddie Bauer Flatiron feels tough enough to handle repeated travel through airport. The corners are extra reinforced, which is key: Oversized bags typically receive more abuse than carry-ons when being loaded/unloaded.
The zipper quality feels fairly heavy duty too. When oversized bags are fully packed, there’s extra stress on zipper tracks. Weak zippers become a huge problem. This one doesn’t feel weak at all, even when expanded.
Would I compare it to elite brands like Briggs & Riley or TUMI? No. But it doesn’t cost nearly as much as those bags, either.
For most travelers, it feels very well-built.
Packing Capacity and Interior Layout
And it’s these qualities where the Eddie Bauer Flatiron excels.
At 32 inches you’re afforded ridiculous capacity. I can easily envision a family splitting this bag between them for a weekend getaway. Conversely, I can picture a road warrior taking this bag on an overseas trip by themselves for a few weeks.
Here’s what you can fit inside:
- Couple jackets
- A few pairs of shoes
- Winter wear
- Souvenirs
- Children’s apparel and gear
- Toiletries
- Electronics organizers
The softside material also plays a factor because the sides expand just enough to accommodate bulky or oddly shaped objects without it feeling unnatural like you would in hard-sided luggage.
Speaking of inside…
The interior is pretty simple.
You’ll mostly find:
- One big compartment
- Compression straps
- Mesh pouches with zipper
- Inner pockets
I’m kind of glad Eddie Bauer kept it that way. Other luggage companies try to pack too much into the interior with tons of compartments that take up space you could actually use.
The Eddie Bauer Flatiron is all about giving you pure packing space, and that’s really what the majority of consumers purchasing a 32″ bag are looking for.
Expandability and Flexibility
Big suitcases already allow you a lot of space, but it’s nice to have the expandable room when you’re packing up on your way back from shopping.
Because lets face it, nobody returns home with less shopping.
The softside aspect also eliminates the “my hard case won’t zip closed” issue that many people experience when packing too much.
Which is why I believe that softside luggage continues to be useful even though hard-shell luggage has become so popular.
Real-World Travel Experience
Wheel/handle failure is an easy way to turn an over-sized suitcase into something miserable to lug around.
Fortunately, the Eddie Bauer Flatiron excels in this area.
It’s spinner wheels roll pretty effortlessly through airports, hotel lobbies and train stations. When full, this bag was easy enough to manage one-handed when rolling on flat surfaces.
Of course, gravity still applies.
When full, this suitcase is heavy. Very heavy.
You will feel it when:
- Lugging to and lifting into taxis
- Ascending/descending stairs while carrying
- Hoisting onto and off of hotel luggage racks
- Lugging to and into your car trunk
…but really that’s expected of most any over-sized suitcase.
Telescoping handle felt sturdy enough while using the bag. Nothing excessively wobbly in comparison to other luggage in this price range.
Overall, for rolling through airports specifically I’d consider it above average for this size.
Who This Luggage Is Best For
The Eddie Bauer Flatiron Check-In 32” is not for everybody.
However, if you fit into the below categories, it will make perfect sense to you.
Ideal For:
- Family trips where everyone packs in one bag
- Extended overseas vacations
- Winter getaways with heavy coats
- Cruise ships
- Students studying abroad
- Travelers packing gifts or lots of shopping
- Less Ideal For:
- Frequent business travelers
- Light packers
- Weekend getaways
- Rail and stairs travelers
- Those unable to lift heavy luggage
If you normally travel with only a carry on bag this behemoth will feel like a bowling ball to you.
But if you’re always running out of space when packing, this will truly make your travels easier.
Comparison With Similar Large Luggage
Eddie Bauer Flatiron vs Away Carry On
Away feels slightly nicer overall, but EddieBauer comes with more usable space and 5 larger pockets.
Eddie Bauer Flatiron vs Samsonite Winfield
Samsonite Winfield definitely looks and feels more high-end on the hard-shell areas and scratches far less. Eddie Bauer allows more packing versatility and feels easier to overpack.
Eddie Bauer Flatiron vs Amazon Basics Large Spinner
Amazon Basics will likely be less expensive. Eddie Bauer feels substantially more durable and high-quality overall.
Eddie Bauer Flatiron vs Travelpro Maxlite Large Check-In
Travelpro has better wheels and is lighter overall, but usually at a significantly higher cost.
Winner: Tie. Eddie Bauer for storage value.
Airline Considerations
Always verify your airline’s baggage restrictions before purchasing any 32 inch luggage.
Depending on:
- Baggage allowances
- Whether the piece is expanded
- How much it weighs when packed
A overstuffed Eddie Bauer Flatiron could almost qualify as an oversized bag.
32 inch luggage like the Eddie Bauer Flatiron is typically designed to be used as standard checked baggage. However, if you pack it too heavily you could incur overweight baggage fees.
Bulk packing with 1 large suitcase vs. several smaller suitcases for family trips abroad could possibly save you money.
Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5
Want packing space without venturing into high-end luggage territory? The Eddie Bauer Flatiron Check-In 32″ hits some sweet spots. It has lots of room, it’s reasonable, and it rolls easier than you’d think.
It’s not for carry-on or ultralight travelers. But if you’re heading on a long vacation or traveling with family, it answers the age-old question: how do I fit everything?
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Final Verdict
The Eddie Bauer Flatiron Check-In 32” gets exactly what it wants to be.
It isn’t aiming to be luxury luggage. It isn’t aiming to be ultralight. And it sure as heck isn’t aiming to appeal to minimalist packers.
What it does do is focus on being as packable as possible, with decent durability and respectable maneu-voirability at a fair price.
Boy howdy does it work at that.
Having one giant suitcase to throw everything into is the biggest perk here. If you’re someone who always overbooks themself with smaller bags before a big vacation, being able to throw everything into one huge one can be oddly refreshing.
Would I recommend this for every person? Absolutely not.
Will it be ideal for families, long vacations, winter getaways, or anyone who always packs bulky? Yes ma’am.
FAQ
Is the Eddie Bauer Flatiron too big for everyday travel?
Yes and no. It’s probably overkill for weekend getaways. But if you take extended vacations, travel through snow storms, cruise, or want the room for family trips it is WONDERFULLY spacious.
Are softside suitcases better than hard-shell luggage?
Again, it depends on what you value most. Softside luggage typically holds more and has more pockets on the outside. Hard-shell luggage is more impact and water resistant.
Does Eddie Bauer Flatiron roll easily?
Yes! Most definitely on airport floors/carpet and any smooth indoor surfaces. The spinner wheels are great, much better than I would have expected from a suitcase this size.
Would you recommend the Eddie Bauer Flatiron?
I would to people who need the absolute max amount of packing space and don’t want to spend high-end luggage prices. It’s a great value.
