I bought a set of American Tourister hard shell a few years back. They've been to Ireland, England, all over America and to Sydney and Brisbane. Still going strong and no issues at all.Of course they get marked through being tossed around by baggage handlers, but the cases themselves are sturdy. ...

Last year I flew AA from Dallas to Vegas, then Vegas to LAX. Both ticketed first class and both didn't grant access as they were domestic flights. Apparently only international flights allow access to lounges (at least that's what the lady at the desk in the lounge told me).