Cash-strapped fashionistas have been renting their favorite designer purses for years, so renting high-end luggage seems like the next logical step. Travel store Flight 001 is making it possible with its new Baggage Claim for Hire program.
The initiative allows jetsetters to rent out luxury luggage for days or weeks at a time. It’s not only a great idea for travelers on a budget. It’s also a real space saver for apartment dwellers. It also allows you to test-drive that sexy suitcase you’re drooling over, alerting you to any flaws before you lay your money down.
“Instead of compromising by buying a cheap, disposable piece of luggage, this will allow customers to rent first-class luggage only when they need it, skipping the hassle of storage,” said Brad John, Flight 001 co-founder and director of merchandising.
Right now the selection’s a little lean, with only silver or black Rimowa luggage to choose from. Hopefully the range will expand as the initiative finds its feet.
The service debuted at the company’s flagship store in New York’s West Village this month, but we can expect to see it nationwide by the end of the year.
