In short
The Bank family from FPM Milano comprises four main lines: Bank and Bank S with a shell made of 100% aluminium and snap locks, and Bank Light and Bank Zip Deluxe made of lighter polycarbonate. Aluminium is particularly sturdy and develops signs of use over time, but weighs more. Anyone wanting to travel lighter should choose Bank Light or Bank Zip Deluxe.
FPM Milano (Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano) suitcases stand out thanks to their ribbed shell, distinctive locks and coloured details. Here you'll find out how the lines differ, how much an aluminium suitcase weighs, which accessories are available and how to care for the surface.
The FPM Milano lines at a glance
| Line | Shell | Lock | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank | 100% aluminium | Snap locks, TSA lock | Leather handle on top, leather strap inside, two padlocks |
| Bank S | 100% aluminium | Snap locks, TSA lock | Non-slip handles, coloured handles and locks available as accessories |
| Bank Light | Polycarbonate | Snap lock, TSA lock | Reinforced corners, removable lining |
| Bank Zip Deluxe | Polycarbonate | Zip, TSA lock | Aluminium corners, leather handle on top |
Details according to the manufacturer's product data. You'll find all models at FPM Milano.
Bank and Bank S: the aluminium suitcases
Bank and Bank S are FPM's classic aluminium suitcases. The shell is made entirely of aluminium, and instead of a surrounding zip, two wide snap locks close the suitcase. Inside, removable packing boards and adjustable straps keep clothing in place.
- Bank: the fully equipped variant with a top handle made of soft leather, leather strap inside and padded lining. In addition to the integrated TSA lock, two padlocks are included.
- Bank S: more understated, with non-slip carry handles. The Bank S in particular can be personalised with coloured handles and TSA locks from the accessories range.
FPMFPM Milano Bank Aluminium Spinner 76Aluminium, 90 l, 75 cm
FPMFPM Milano Bank S Aluminium Spinner 76Aluminium, 90 l, 75 cm
FPMFPM Milano Bank S Aluminium Spinner 84Aluminium, 115 l, 85 cm
Bank Light and Bank Zip Deluxe: the lighter lines
Anyone who wants the FPM look but is watching the weight should choose the polycarbonate lines. The shell flexes elastically on impact and springs back instead of staying dented.
- Bank Light: polycarbonate with a snap lock and reinforced corners. The suitcase looks like the Bank, but weighs less.
- Bank Zip Deluxe: polycarbonate with a zip, aluminium corners and a leather handle on top. Inside there are straps and compartments.
FPMFPM Milano Bank Light Spinner 68Polycarbonate, 68 l, 68 cm
FPMFPM Milano Bank Zip Deluxe Spinner 76Polycarbonate, 90 l, 76 cm
Weight and volume compared
Aluminium is sturdy, but heavier than plastic. At the same volume of 90 litres, the aluminium Bank is around 2 kg heavier than the polycarbonate Bank Zip Deluxe. That matters if your airline limits checked luggage to 23 kg.
| Model | Material | Height | Volume | Empty weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank Spinner 76 | Aluminium | 75 cm | 90 l | 7.4 kg |
| Bank S Spinner 76 | Aluminium | 75 cm | 90 l | 7 kg |
| Bank S Spinner 84 | Aluminium | 85 cm | 115 l | 8 kg |
| Bank Light Spinner 68 | Polycarbonate | 68 cm | 68 l | 5.4 kg |
| Bank Zip Deluxe Spinner 68 | Polycarbonate | 68 cm | 70 l | 4.7 kg |
| Bank Zip Deluxe Spinner 76 | Polycarbonate | 76 cm | 90 l | 5.5 kg |
Details according to manufacturer data. For guidance on which size suits which length of trip, see the guide Suitcase sizes at a glance.
Aluminium or polycarbonate: which suits you?
| Feature | Aluminium (Bank, Bank S) | Polycarbonate (Bank Light, Zip Deluxe) |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | very dimensionally stable, protects against pressure | elastic, absorbs impacts |
| Signs of use | dents and scratches remain visible | scratches possible, dents barely |
| Weight | heavier | lighter |
| Lock | snap locks | snap lock or zip |
| Look | metal, becomes individual over time | FPM look in various colours |
An aluminium suitcase is worthwhile if you value maximum dimensional stability and a metal surface, and signs of use don't bother you. If every kilo counts, polycarbonate is the better choice. More on comparing materials can be found in the guide Hard shell or soft shell. More models can be found among the aluminium suitcases, the hard shell suitcases and the large suitcases.
Accessories: handles, locks, vanity case
FPM offers matching accessories to protect, extend or add colour to your suitcase. Handles are available for cabin size and for suitcases from 68 cm upwards.
FPMFPM Milano Accessories HandlesPair of handles for Bank S from 68 cm
FPMFPM Bank S Accessories PadlocksTSA locks, pair
FPMFPM Milano Bank Aluminium Vanity CaseAluminium, 15 l, leather handle
You'll find more in vanity cases, suitcase locks, protective covers and travel accessories. For how a TSA lock works and how to set the code, see TSA lock: explanation and instructions.
Aluminium suitcases as hand luggage
Aluminium suitcases are also available in cabin size, for example from Porsche Design. Bear in mind the empty weight: many airlines limit hand luggage to around 8 kg, and an aluminium suitcase already accounts for a good part of that when empty.
Care: how to keep your aluminium suitcase looking good
- Cleaning: with a soft, slightly damp cloth, using a little mild washing-up liquid if needed. No abrasive cleaners or hard sponges.
- Drying: wipe dry after cleaning so that no water marks remain.
- Protecting: a protective cover guards against scratches and knocks on the luggage belt.
- Checking: occasionally check that the wheels, handles and locks are securely fitted.
Frequently asked questions about FPM Milano suitcases
Are all FPM Milano suitcases made of aluminium?
No. Bank and Bank S have a shell made of 100% aluminium. Bank Light and Bank Zip Deluxe are made of polycarbonate and are therefore lighter; the Bank Zip Deluxe additionally has aluminium corners.
What is the difference between FPM Bank and Bank S?
Both are made of aluminium and have snap locks instead of a zip. The Bank has a top handle made of leather, a leather strap inside and two additional padlocks. The Bank S features non-slip carry handles, for which coloured handles are available as accessories.
How heavy is an FPM aluminium suitcase?
According to manufacturer data, the 75 cm Bank with 90 litres weighs 7.4 kg, the same-size Bank S weighs 7 kg, and the 85 cm Bank S with 115 litres weighs 8 kg. The polycarbonate Bank Zip Deluxe weighs 5.5 kg at 90 litres.
Does an aluminium suitcase get dented?
Yes, aluminium gives way under hard impacts, and small dents and scratches remain visible. Many see this as part of the character of an aluminium suitcase. If you want to protect the surface, use a protective cover against scratches and knocks.
How do I clean an aluminium suitcase?
With a soft, slightly damp cloth and a little mild washing-up liquid if needed. Abrasive cleaners, hard sponges and harsh cleaning agents damage the surface. Wipe dry afterwards so that no water marks remain.
Do FPM Milano suitcases have a TSA lock?
Yes, the trolleys in the Bank, Bank S, Bank Light and Bank Zip Deluxe lines have an integrated TSA lock. Security staff in the USA can open it with a master key without breaking it.
