u/bwkgreencap

This may be old news. Been carrying a checked size travelpro hardside spinner for several years now. Bought it when it was a new style, never really had used a hardside before but wanted to try one out after decades of soft side two wheelers. I liked all the features of the Rimowas but they were about twice the price. The travelpro is a good size and the wheels track beautifully. I travel regularly and my luggage takes a pretty good beating over the course of a year, so I’d been expecting some breakage and wear to start showing up soon. Recently, I noticed a big crack growing over the flat face of the Travelpro. The metal wire that the zipper mounts to has also worn through the fabric. So, despite all that I like and still works well on this bag I’m starting to look at replacements. Does anyone have the new Away topside bags? Those look rugged and useful - and the brand seems to have a pretty good reputation. Any other suggestions of bags you’ve grown to trust and/or like?

Feeling a little dumb here. I’m a fan of Alaska Airlines but mostly fly the routes like SFO/LAS that Delta doesn’t cover. The savvy folks on this sub probably know about this trick already.
TA this morning “With your first class seat this morning, we’d like to offer you an Alaska Airlines lounge pass”. Hands me a card that looks like a pass to something. It is 5am.
Me: “Oh, that’s nice”
Yes, I know. You’re thinking I should have read the tiny words on the little card. You’re very smart. Shut up.
When I tried to check in at the lounge, the “lounge pass” card was just some minor cheesy discount on the cash price. Not on any airline anywhere have I seen this particular hustle before. It is at once innovative, embarrassing, and insulting. Do they think anyone is going to slap their foreheads and exclaim “Oh, haha. You got me. Here’s $70. I can haz lounge now?”.
I still very much like the airline but come on, that’s like something American would pull.