Why I finally ditched my fabric black suitcases

As someone who has spent endless hours around conveyor belts in different airports across multiple continents, I can testify that one of the most frustrating vacation pastimes can be trying to figure out which suitcase is yours from a plethora of seemingly identical others. Now, envision that same scenario, after a delayed red-eye,  flying on a multi-segment international flight with a cranky kid with autism, and how the already complex situation can become a full blown disaster in a matter of a New York minute. My secret is buying the ugliest patterns or hideously-colored suitcases I can find and that most consumers would not consider purchasing. Moreover, I usually buy them in batches of six identical ones, four to travel with, and two extra ones that are my 'spares' (in case one breaks and my pattern is discontinued).I seek these 'hidden hideous treasures' in outlet stores like TJ Maxx or  Overstock.com.   We have recently switched to the hard-shells swiveling suitcases but have yet to take them on long-haul flights with multiple stops. I guess we'll just have to adopt a wait-and-see approach on how they weather the severe manhandling practiced in airports nowadays. I think it couldn't be worse than the time we flew back from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles and had all six fabric suitcases destroyed.