How Do You Travel?
For airplane travel, familiarize yourself with the luggage rules of the airlines you plan to fly on. If you go on road trips, look for bags that are pliable enough to maximize your trunk space. On cruise ships, because baggage is stacked in the boat’s belly before departure, we’ve found that flat, rigid luggage is best. A travel backpack with a rigid back can be useful if you’ll need your hands free while walking, and don’t mind an informal look.
Shengtailuo Case &Bag Product Page
How Will You Store Your Luggage?
Once the luggage gets home, where will you put it? Hard-sided bags are the most unforgiving; you can’t squeeze them into a storage space. Soft-sided, structured bags have a little forgiveness on the front and back. If you have no place to store a stand-up suitcase, you may want to limit yourself to duffels.
What Size Luggage Do You Need?
This will depend mainly on the length of your trip and, if you’re flying, airline luggage restrictions. It also depends on what you’ll need while you’re away. If you travel for business, you’ll need enough room for business attire; for vacations, you’ll have more leeway on what to bring.
Carry-On Luggage
Carry-on bags are convenient for air travel because they typically don’t have to be checked when you fly. This type of luggage must fit either under a seat or in the overhead compartment. For domestic flights on major carriers, the standard size for carry-on bags is 22x14x9 inches (height x width x depth). Depending on the airline, there may be an inch or so leeway in those dimensions. For international flights (originating or ending outside the U.S.), the size limit is generally smaller than for domestic flights.
Measure the height of your luggage from the floor to the top of the handle in its lowered position. (If your luggage has wheels, they count toward the overall height.) Depth is measured from front to back (including the handle in the back), and width from side to side.
If you fly on different carriers, you’ll have to decide whether you want to buy several carry-on bags to conform to the various size restrictions or use one carry-on that meets the most restrictive rules. But even rule-abiding luggage isn’t a guarantee that your bags won’t be relegated to the plane’s cargo hold, because the flight crew can impose further restrictions, even after boarding has begun.
Keep in mind that if you carry spare lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries or power banks and chargers for your electronic devices, federal airline safety rules require you to keep them in your carry-on. Just be sure to place them in their original packaging, or cover their contacts with nonmetallic tape, to prevent short circuits. Check the Federal Aviation Administration’s rules for more info.
CR’s rigorous tests of popular hard-shell carry-on luggage reveal that a high-priced suitcase might not always be the best choice.
Personal Item Bag
A personal item bag has to fit underneath the seat in front of you on a plane. This category includes briefcases, tote bags, camera bags, laptop bags, and small backpacks. But you can get the most out of your allowed personal item if you buy a bag specifically designed for this purpose.
Often these bags contain compartments for your passport, , pen, and wallet, as well as a padded section for a laptop and a main section for clothes and overnight essentials. Many of these underseat bags can serve you well for a one- to two-day trip. There is no standard size for these bags. For U.S. domestic flights, the typical measurement is 18x14x8 inches; some airlines don’t specify dimensions but say the bag must fit under your seat. Small weekender bags fit the bill here, as do some travel backpacks.
Whether a personal item fits under the seat can vary even within the same aircraft. Aisle seats are notorious for having the least room underneath. Before you shop, review the under-the-seat specifications for various airlines. You can also check the aircraft’s guidelines for onboard pet carriers—a reasonable proxy for underseat clearance.
Checked Luggage
Any suitcase larger than carry-on size must be checked. The most common size options are 24 to 30 inches in height. You can find suitcases as tall as 36 inches, but check with your carrier for size limits. There’s usually a weight limit, with extra fees applied for excess weight per bag.
Checked-bag fees are common on major airlines’ domestic flights. They can run $30 for one bag, $40 for a second, and $150 for a third. (United Airlines, for example, charges $35 and $45 for the first and second bag, respectively, but shaves off $5 per bag if the fees are prepaid.) Budget airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit also charge for carry-ons, with prices ranging from $25 to $100. You may be charged more if you wait to pay at the airport. Southwest is unique in allowing two free checked bags.
What you pay in checked-bag fees also may depend on your class of service. American Airlines, for instance, charges $75 for each bag checked by passengers using Basic Economy fares on many international flights. But it charges nothing for passengers flying the next class up, Main Cabin.
Aside from paying a higher fare, you may be able to avoid bag fees by purchasing your ticket with the airline’s branded credit card. Or if you often fly on one airline, see whether it offers an annual subscription plan for checked bags.
Soft-sided luggage continues to dominate the market, but hard-shell is quickly gaining popularity because of newer lightweight materials.
Hard-Shell Luggage
Today’s hard-shell, or hard-sided, luggage is often made of high-tech plastics, such as polyethylene, ABS, and polycarbonate, which are lightweight and durable. ABS is lighter, but polycarbonate is more durable. The most durable, but also the heaviest, is aluminum. Hard-shell luggage often features a 50/50-split opening, allowing you to pack two sides equally and stabilize the contents with an X-strap, a middle divider, or both. A few hard-shell carry-ons recently tested by Consumer Reports expand in the middle with zippers and heavy fabric. Note: Because hard-shell bags close like a clamshell, you need double the surface space to open these. Most hard-sides are built this way, but some on the market have a top-lid opening.
Pros: These are best for protecting breakable contents; those with integrated locks also offer better security. Hard-shell luggage stacks easily, making it ideal for cruise ships, because luggage is typically stacked in the belly of the boat before departure. If you tend to overpack, a hard-shell piece will rein you in. There’s no chance of overstuffing it—though if you need added room, an expandable model is useful.
Cons: These can scuff and scratch easily. Also, few hard-shell suitcases have outside pockets. A hard-shell carry-on that has been expanded might not fit in an airline’s carry-on sizer, or in the plane’s overhead bin.
Soft-Sided Luggage
Soft-sided luggage is made of fabrics that yield, usually a woven nylon fabric, such as Cordura or ballistic nylon. Ballistic is the shinier of the two and over time can abrade, but abrasions will not compromise the strength of the fabric. Cordura is a little softer and abrasion-resistant, and preferable for an over-the-shoulder bag. If you consider a suitcase made of ripstop nylon, or “parachute material,” make sure that it is a high-denier fabric, which means it’s more durable.
Pros: These suitcases are usually lighter in weight than hard-shell suitcases, and often are expandable. They can flex and compress to conform to tight spaces, such as a plane’s overhead bin—sometimes even when expanded. This flexibility also enables you to squeeze in an extra outfit. These could also be easier to pack into a car trunk and store at home.
Cons: They’re not as protective as hard-shell suitcases, and they’re vulnerable to ripping.
Wheeled suitcases make up at least two-thirds of all luggage sales today. If you plan on rolling your own luggage, your first decision is whether to buy a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler.
Two-Wheel Luggage
Suitcases with two wheels, also called rollers, utilize the same type of wheels found on in-line skates—they roll only forward and backward, not side to side. The suitcase rolls behind you as you pull it from the extending handle.
Pros: Wheels are recessed, which protects them from snapping off during rough handling. For city trips, two-wheelers are better than four-wheelers for clearing curbs and rolling on uneven surfaces, such as sidewalks or cobblestones.
Cons: Some travelers complain that the dragging position causes shoulder, wrist, or back pain. Also, it can be cumbersome to drag a two-wheeler in a crowded space because you need clearance between yourself and the bag. Plus, the recessed wheels take up valuable space in the bag’s interior packing area.
Four-Wheel Luggage
Also called spinners, four-wheeled bags have wheels that each swivel 360 degrees. You can push them, pull them, wheel them alongside yourself, and turn them in any direction.
Pros: Spinners are easier to navigate in tight spaces. A heavy or large suitcase may also be easier to manage with four wheels because, unlike two-wheelers, you don’t have to drag the suitcase. Ergonomically, the spinner is a better choice than the roller because it does not put stress on your shoulder.
The company is the world’s best Fabric Suitcase Set supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Cons: Wheels are externally mounted, not recessed, so they are vulnerable to snapping off. (Wheels attached with screws are more secure than those with rivets, according to experts.) Carry-ons with spinner wheels may have less room inside than those with recessed wheels because the maximum allowable dimensions include the wheels. A spinner won’t remain stationary on an incline; you have to hold on to it or lay it on its side.
No-Wheel Luggage
You might want to forgo wheels under these circumstances:
• To ensure the maximum possible interior volume for your luggage. Wheels and handles eat into the space of a bag.
• You expect to take your bag on bumpy, rough, sandy, or icy surfaces, where wheels are difficult to manage.
• You won’t have to ever handle your own luggage—for instance, on a luxury tour.
If you shop at a walk-in store, use the following tips to make sure a piece of luggage is right for you. If you order online, carefully read the description and warranty information on the website, and as soon as you receive the item, run it through these same tests.
Break Out the Tape Measure
Ignore tags, labels, or promotions that proclaim “official carry-on luggage.” Although for domestic flights on major carriers, your carry-on can’t be larger than 22x14x9 inches, there’s no regulation that otherwise dictates carry-on size—airlines impose their own restrictions, and the limits can vary among airlines and even among aircraft. Know the rules of the airlines you plan to fly. Measure the dimensions yourself and make sure the measurements account for all parts, including outer pouches, wheels, and handles.
Hold That Handle
Check the wrist angle and the feel of the grip on the suitcase’s handle. For maximum durability, the handle should have little to no wiggling or rattling as you pull the bag. Also, check for smooth movement as you pull it up and retract it.
Wheel It Around
The suitcase’s wheels should roll smoothly and stay in place. Gently jiggle the wheels with your hands to make sure they are firmly attached.
Check the Interior Capacity
The outside measurements of the suitcase are important, but don’t forget to consider how roomy the inside is. This can be difficult to do because many manufacturers don’t disclose the suitcase’s interior volume. (Consumer Reports does, in our hard-shell carry-on ratings.) Look for these features that maximize interior space.
• Squared edges: Curved corners cut space.
• Integrated outer compartments: Outside zip compartments should be on the same geometric plane as the main part of the bag—protrusions waste space. Keep in mind, though, that stuffed outer compartments may mean less space inside the bag.
• No wheels or handles: If you really need to make the most of every interior inch, forgo wheels and handles. They reduce total packable space.
Check the Warranty and Return Policy
If you want a bag for the long haul, get the one with the best manufacturer’s warranty. A lifetime warranty to repair or replace the bag is, of course, the best option. Check the warranty for specific requirements, such as exclusions for when an airline damages your suitcase. Briggs & Riley, for example, has a generous guarantee. It’ll repair all functional (not cosmetic) aspects of its bags for each bag’s lifetime, even if you no longer have your receipt and didn’t register your luggage with the company. Away, with a limited lifetime warranty (there are exclusions), lets you "gently test" its bags for up to 100 days, and then return them, unused, for your money back.
A high-quality luggage set can be a game changer for travelers, offering a cohesive, organized solution to packing that simplifies the travel experience. With multiple sizes and bag styles, luggage sets are designed to handle various trips, from quick getaways to extended vacations, ensuring you have everything you need in one coordinated collection.
As a chronic overpacker, I find that a luggage set makes my two suitcases look more streamlined and intentional. Plus, my Calpak set’s chic marbled exterior helps me easily spot my bags in airport chaos. The suitcases also nest neatly inside each other for more convenient storage.
At Travel + Leisure, we've tested nearly 700 pieces of luggage in our lab, including 18 complete luggage sets in . Our thorough testing process evaluates each set across key factors like capacity, organization, maneuverability, durability, design, and overall value, and we send the luggage sets out for six months of real-world testing with our team members. Our favorite set comes from a brand I’ve traveled with for years: the Calpak Evry Starter Bundle. The eight-piece bundle is spacious, lightweight, and durable, not to mention beautiful. In this list, there's a luggage set for all types of travelers.
These additional luggage sets are our runners-up, with some faults that kept them off our main list.
Carl Friedrik The Core Luggage Set: The suitcases offered ample space and a sleek design, but the checked bag had a faulty handle and zipper that tended to stick.
Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Set: Though attractive and easy to maneuver, the 21-inch spinner got more dented during the durability tests than other models.
Travelpro VersaPack+ Carry-On / Large Check-In Spinner Set: The highly durable set includes shoe bags and packing cubes to keep you organized, but it’s on the more expensive end compared to other products we tested and could benefit from a more lightweight construction.
We’ve tested nearly 700 pieces of luggage in our T+L lab, including 18 luggage sets in . To test each luggage set, we began by evaluating all the items in the set for design and functionality, inspecting the exterior and interior fabrics; storage features; and hardware such as zippers, fasteners, handles, and wheels. We then packed the bags with clothing, shoes, and accessories for a winter vacation, utilizing each bag’s compression straps, pockets, and dividers when applicable. We assessed how spacious the bags were, whether the items on our packing list fit comfortably and easily, and noted any extra space provided by expandable designs.
Next, we put the bags through a series of maneuverability tests, rolling them over a variety of surfaces, including carpet, cement pavers, and curbs, to see how easy they were to handle as a set. We pulled and pushed them on both two wheels and four, made turns through our obstacle course, and observing how stable the handles were during movement. We also assessed how easy it was to hoist carry-on bags into overhead bins and under airplane seats. For durability, we conducted drop tests by throwing them off tables and baseball bat tests in which we hit them repeatedly with metal bats to determine the bags’ ability to withstand rough handling. We chose our favorite sets based on capacity, organization, design, maneuverability, durability, and value. After we tested each set in the lab, we sent it out to our team members to travel with over the course of six months for additional long-term testing.
If you prefer to travel light or you're a solo traveler, a two-piece luggage set should suffice, which usually comes with a carry-on and checked suitcase. Overpackers, families, or people heading on extended stays may prefer three- or four-piece luggage sets that include multiple checked bags or a variety of different sizes. Some sets on this list even include weekenders, backpacks, packing cubes, Dopp kits, or travel pouches, all of which will come in handy for different trips.
Softside suitcases are flexible, allowing for more expansion and easier packing in tight spaces, and they are typically lighter than hardside cases. Oftentimes, they feature convenient external pockets. However, they offer less protection for fragile items than suitcases with rigid exteriors. Hardside suitcases, on the other hand, provide more durability and better protection. They tend to be more water- and dirt-resistant but can be heavier.
Nesting luggage offers the benefit of space efficiency, as you can store smaller bags inside larger ones when not in use. This is especially useful for travelers with limited storage space at home or those who want to pack light but still have the option to use multiple bags during a trip.
Luggage sets offer several benefits, including cost savings, consistency in design, and convenience. Purchasing a set usually comes at a lower price than buying individual pieces separately, and a luggage set ensures that all your bags match, which provides a cohesive, stylish look while traveling. There are some sets on this list that allow you to choose different colors for different luggage pieces, though. Additionally, having different sizes in one set allows you to choose the right bag for each trip, whether it's a carry-on for a weekend getaway or a larger suitcase for extended vacations.
The most basic luggage sets usually include a carry-on suitcase and one to two checked suitcases, but many offer additional coordinated pieces. For instance, our favorite luggage set from Calpak includes five packing cubes and a toiletry case. Some sets, like our pick from Béis, are fully customizable, allowing you to choose the pieces that best fit your travel needs. Make sure you know what is included in the set before buying so that you can decide which assortment will suit you best.
Many luggage sets come with limited or lifetime warranties, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s details on your specific products. Even lifetime warranties have certain stipulations; they often only cover manufacturing defects rather than normal wear and tear that may occur when traveling, like scratches or dents. We recommend inspecting your luggage before traveling with it so that you can make sure everything works properly, including the handles, the zippers, the locks, and the wheels. If you're worried about your luggage getting damaged during travel, you may want to consider getting travel insurance, since all warranty rules are at the discretion of the luggage companies.
A seasoned style editor and avid traveler, Talia Ergas appreciates the intersection of style and function when it comes to choosing luggage. She has traveled with a spacious and gorgeously marbled Calpak luggage set for years. To compile this article, she spent hours poring over T+L testing notes and manufacturer details to learn the ins and outs of each product.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Are you interested in learning more about Laptop Backpack Wholesale? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!