Daniel and his red Ricardo Beverly Hills carry-on at check-in.

At a glance: Daniel Castro, a station manager at LAX and SFO, has traveled with the same red Ricardo Beverly Hills softside carry-on for about 25 years. In that time it has been checked on more than 2,500 flights with 105 airlines across 65 countries, and it has never been lost.

Every so often, a letter lands in our inbox that stops the whole office. This one came from Daniel Castro, a station manager for ground operations at LAX and SFO, who has carried the same red Ricardo Beverly Hills carry-on for about 25 years. We've arranged his letter as a conversation, in his own words, with a few follow-up questions.

How did your red Ricardo Beverly Hills carry-on come into your life?

Daniel: About 25 years ago, my mother-in-law gave me a red Ricardo carry-on as a gift. At the time, neither of us could have imagined the incredible journey it would take with me over the next quarter century.

How far has the suitcase traveled?

Daniel: Since then, this suitcase has traveled with me to 65 countries and has been checked on more than 2,500 flights with 105 airlines around the world. Through countless airports, baggage systems, weather conditions, and adventures, it has never been lost and has remained an incredibly reliable travel companion.

• 25 years on the road
• 65 countries visited
• 2,500+ flights as a checked bag
• 105 airlines around the world
• 0 times lost

What do your coworkers and friends think of the red bag?

Daniel: My coworkers and traveling partners have always laughed about how I've been using a red bag for so many years, especially in its unique condition. I have turned down many offers of new bags as gifts from friends and family, all because of my loyalty to my red Ricardo bag!

What condition is the suitcase in today?

Daniel: Today, after 25 years of faithful service, the suitcase naturally shows the signs of its remarkable life. It has significant wear and tear, particularly on the wheels, and a few areas have been damaged over time. Yet, incredibly, I still use it every other day as I continue to travel.

Why do you think it has lasted so long?

Daniel: I believe this suitcase is a true testament to the quality of Ricardo's engineering, materials, craftsmanship, and manufacturing process. In an era when many products are replaced after only a few years, my Ricardo luggage has exceeded every expectation.

What would you like to say to the people who made your suitcase?

Daniel: I hope you will share this story with your employees. They should be proud to know that the work they do has created products capable of lasting decades and accompanying customers on a lifetime of memories. It has carried not only my belongings but also countless memories from around the world. Thank you for building luggage that truly stands the test of time.

A note from Ricardo Beverly Hills

We've been designing luggage since 1978, and stories like Daniel's are why we sweat the details: the materials, the stitching, the wheels, the handles. Still, 25 years and 2,500 flights is beyond anything we could have promised. Daniel, message received. Your letter has been shared with our team, and it made a lot of people very proud.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ricardo Beverly Hills luggage last?

It depends on how often you travel and how you care for your bag. Daniel Castro's Ricardo Beverly Hills carry-on has lasted about 25 years and more than 2,500 checked flights, and he still uses it every other day.

What wears out first on a well-traveled suitcase?

On Daniel's bag, the wheels show the most wear after 25 years, along with a few damaged spots on the body. Even so, it is still in service every other day.

Has Daniel's suitcase ever been lost?

No. Across more than 2,500 checked flights on 105 airlines in 65 countries, it has never been lost.

Can I still buy the same suitcase?

No. Daniel's red softside carry-on is a discontinued style from about 25 years ago. If you're shopping for a carry-on today, explore our current carry-on collection.

Share your story

Has your Ricardo Beverly Hills bag been everywhere with you? We'd love to hear about it. Share your story with us (just mention "Real Travel Stories" in your message) and you might be featured in a future Real World, Real Travel, Real Stories post.

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