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.
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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.
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.
As an experienced globetrotter and senior travel editor, I’ve put a lot of suitcases through their paces. To find the best luggage of , I assembled a panel of Forbes Vetted’s most seasoned frequent flyers—including myself—to travel with 23 highly rated contenders and evaluate their performance. (Plus, we’ll continue to test these and other suitcases, then we’ll update this story throughout the year.) The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On, which we rigorously tested for nine months, came out on top because of its sturdy construction and easy maneuverability. If you prefer a hardside suitcase, I like the Away Bigger Carry-On, which offers impressive packing space in a durable polycarbonate shell.
After conducting in-depth research, reviewing our panel testers’ feedback and weighing in with my own hands-on experience, I selected the 10 best pieces of luggage for all your travels.
“Selecting the right luggage really comes down to the type of trip you’re planning, how you typically travel, which features matter most to you, and how you want to express your personal style,” says Raquel Tirado, design director of luggage at Away. Each piece of luggage was evaluated based on its size, weight, warranty, quality of construction and thoughtful features. Our final list includes everything from compact carry-on luggage ideal for short getaways to larger checked bags made for longer excursions. I also included a range of hardside suitcases, softside options and duffel bags—all from established, top-rated luggage brands like Samsonite and Travelpro. Below, check out the best luggage to check (or carry) in .
Travelpro’s Platinum Elite carry-on spinner won high marks from our testers across the board. It’s made from sturdy and weather-resistant material, offers generous capacity and compact design and has smooth-rolling wheels that never snag. “It’s very simple to maneuver around, even on concrete,” one of our testers says. Speaking on its exterior, she says, “I haven’t had any tearing or scuffing yet.” The softside suitcase is also smartly outfitted with compression straps, a USB port, accessory pockets and a water-resistant toiletry bag.
Its contoured-grip rubber handle was one of the most comfortable handles we tested, and it comes with four adjustable heights for travelers of all sizes. Our tester mentions that it’s “not super sleek or minimalist like other trendy luggage brands out there,” but for an excellent, all-around basic suitcase, it scores high marks.
If you prefer extra durability, this suitcase also comes in a hardside version. Those embarking on long-haul trips can also find it in a medium or large checked size.
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Away’s polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, highly functional and relatively well-priced. Named Forbes Vetted’s top pick for Best Carry-On Luggage, the brand’s Bigger Carry-On can easily be tucked in an overhead bin while offering a bit more extra packing space than the Away The Carry-On. It also has quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle and a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes while on the road. Not to mention, Away’s signature compression system—complete with adjustable straps—allows you to pack an impressive amount inside. As for color variety, there’s something for everyone, from muted Cloud Gray to vibrant Sorbet Orange.
This is a true utility suitcase that I have personally used on over a dozen trips to a wide variety of destinations, including Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. It’s sturdy enough to get tossed around, has a comfortable grip handle and can be stuffed to the absolute brim without the zippers breaking. If you need a little more room, look into the Carry-On Flex, which unzips to create an extra 2.25 inches of space. Away also offers personalized monogramming, which is handy for identifying your luggage on the carousel. Those looking to help their suitcase stand out can also opt for a brighter color or a customized luggage tag.
Editor’s note: We tested Calpak’s Ambeur Medium, which is out of stock at the time of publishing. In its place, we’re featuring the Ambeur Large, which has the same features, just in a bigger size.
Clocking in at under $300, the Calpak Ambeur Large is a relatively affordable suitcase with high-quality features: It expands up to two inches for extra packing room, for example, and has easy-to-maneuver dual spinner wheels. One of our testers, who tried the brand’s trimmer Ambeur Medium, notes, “It’s super lightweight and so roomy, and as a chronic over-packer, I never have an issue fitting everything I need.”
There are also four zippered interior compartments (although no exterior pockets), plus a cross compression strap to make sure belongings remain in place, even when transported over bumpy cobblestone streets. Of the suitcases on this list, the Ambeur features some of the most comfortable grip handles made with a rubber lining that won’t hurt your hands as you’re lugging heavy baggage around town.
Our tester does note, however, that darker color versions of this suitcase can be prone to scuffing. “After about a dozen or so trips with it, there are very obvious white scratches in the black exterior,” she says. “It's not enough to make me stop using it—the roominess of the suitcase trumps the cosmetic issue—but I would recommend getting one of the lighter colors so scuffs are not as obvious.”
Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On offers an incredible value for its size and impressive storage capacity. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since , and its spinner is compact but expandable by one inch for when you need more packing room. While this option might not have the sleek, trendy look of a Monos or Away suitcase, its functionality more than makes up for it.
“I took this suitcase with me on short weekend trips as well as longer flights,” says a member of our testing panel. “As an overpacker, I found the expandable panel very convenient for squeezing in extra clothes.”
One thing to keep in mind: While this suitcase’s polypropylene shell allows it to be lightweight and easy to lift, it’s not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate or aluminum. If you need to check a bag on your trip, it also comes in medium and large sizes.
Thanks to its heft, unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro Plus was named the best hardside option on this list. “I was impressed with its durability, size and thoughtful design details,” one of our testers says. It features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. “The easy access was a big time-saver as I went through security,” our she mentions.
The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 16-inch laptop. Those who like to express their personality through their suitcase selection are in luck—the Carry-On Pro comes in 11 stylish shades, including Rose Quartz and Olive Green.
Keep in mind that the telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.
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Another of Forbes Vetted’s top luggage selections, Briggs & Riley is known for its durability, reliability and accommodating lifetime warranty. For those who prefer the flexibility of softside luggage, the Baseline Essential Carry-On has a lot to offer. It’s made of a ballistic nylon fabric that resists wear and tear and comes available in four rich shades that maintain their style over time.
After traveling with it on a plane, train and bus, “the spinner rolled like butter,” says a member of our testing panel. “It has no signs of fraying in the stitching or zippers, either.”
This pick is definitely an investment, but its compressive technology, built-in garment folder and shock-absorbent wheels warrant the luxury price tag. Plus, Briggs & Riley’s lifetime warranty is one of the best on the market, covering repairs for any sort of damage, free of charge for as long as you own the bag.
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At just over five pounds, Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 scored high marks as the best lightweight option that we tested. Its polyester exterior is flexible (read: great for overpackers) but it still maintains a classic, structured shape. Like the Platinum Elite, it comes coated with a water- and stain-resistant DuraGuard material; it’s also one of the more affordable options on our list. For travelers who want a bag that’s especially easy to lift, the Maxlite 5 has two secondary handles on top and the right side.
Its wheels were among the smoothest we tested, and its ergonomic handle is incredibly comfortable. “I was amazed at how lightweight and easy it was to maneuver,” says one of our testers, who took this bag on a recent trip to Madrid. “The rolling was superior—smooth on any surface. The four wheels allowed for seamless turns, spins and pulls.” This is a suitcase that’s made to be pushed around—light as a feather but durable enough for impact. If you need to check a bag, it also comes in medium and large sizes.
German luggage brand Rimowa is a calling card in the world of luxury luggage. Durable and lightweight, its bags are known globally for their craftsmanship and innovation, and its classic Original Cabin is stylishly recognizable in any airport. It has a high-end anodized aluminum exterior and a lifetime guarantee that covers any damage, meaning this is a suitcase you’ll keep for life. Keep in mind that the shell is closed with two TSA-approved combination locks rather than a zipper; for more details, read our full review of the Original Cabin.
I traveled with the Rimowa Original Cabin on a recent trip to Portland, Oregon and found it to have some of the smoothest wheels I’ve tested. I’ve been on many trips where I come home with a sore wrist after struggling to lug my suitcase over carpets and cobblestones, but this suitcase rolled like silk across every surface it encountered. It also has an impressive compression system that allows enough space for at least a week’s worth of clothing and uses heavy-duty Velcro straps instead of the usual buckles; I was able to fit so much more into this suitcase than many of my other carry-on bags.
Those looking for something lighter (and easier on the wallet) should check out the Essential Lite Cabin, which features a polycarbonate shell and T-bar telescopic handle and claimed the top spot on our list of the Best Lightweight Luggage.
Having tried the brand’s larger Carry-On Max (I found it roomy and stylish), I wanted our team to test its Carry-On to see if it met our expectations. Spoiler alert: It did. The Carry-On embodies Aer’s reputation for modernity, both in style and functionality, with rugged zippers, a built-in TSA lock and a hidden interior pocket to discretely tuck your smart luggage tracker. “It’s a really nice looking piece of luggage, and it handles nicely,” says our tester, who toted this pick on an international trip from New Jersey to Germany. “The lock was a cinch to program and the zippers held even when I crammed it full on my return.”
Its compact size is compatible with the requirements of nearly every international airline. In fact, the Aer Carry-On has the smallest dimensions of all the hardside suitcases on this list (the softside Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On is slightly smaller), if only by a sliver. If you want a hardside option—and you’re headed on an international trip where every fraction of an inch counts—this slim model is worth the consideration.
In terms of distinct style, Carl Friedrik is my choice for the most stylish luggage brand on the market right now. The brand's suitcases first rose in popularity from appearances on HBO's Succession, but this luggage is for more than just the business-inclined (although it would look great being rolled into any boardroom). With its ribbed exterior and leather detailing, the Carry-On provides a sleek and modern feel that will turn heads in any airport. My favorite color combo is the Grey/Cognac, which I've taken on trips to Mexico City and Rome.
Another great thing about the Carl Friedrik Carry-On is its spacious front pockets (which are hard to find in hardside luggage) as well as the brand’s incredible, easy-to-use lock system. The suitcase is also available in a zip version for those who prefer zippers over locks. Just keep in mind that neither version is expandable, so they’re not ideal for overpackers.
Luggage sets are smart choices for families or those who hit the road a lot, since you’ll spend less up front than buying each piece separately. Australian brand July’s Classic Family Set won as the top overall pick in our best luggage sets round-up and includes the Carry-On, Checked and Checked Plus suitcases. The variety of sizes can accommodate everything from weekend getaways to medium-length vacations to serious long-haul travel. The entire set is outfitted with smooth-rolling wheels, retractable handles, laundry bags and TSA locks.
I traveled with July’s Carry-On suitcase on trips to San Antonio and North Carolina and found it to be slim, lightweight and easy to maneuver. The set is available in several unique hues, including Clay and Forest. Another bonus: These suitcases are designed to nest inside one another, so you only need enough storage space to stash one piece of luggage, not three.
When it comes to a travel-friendly duffel bag, Calpak’s popular Luka Duffel checks every box. It’s lightweight and made from weather-resistant polyester that protects your belongings in various climates. “I love this bag as both as a weekender or carry-on item,” says our tester, who has used it on multiple trips. It features nine pockets, including a spacious shoe compartment that makes it easy to stash in an extra pair of sneakers or boots when your suitcase is at capacity. “I am a big fan of the pockets, as they help keep everything so organized and easy to reach for through the hustle of airport travel,” she adds. And it’s constructed with some of the softest and most comfortable handles of any of the duffel bags we tested, meaning you can stuff it to its absolute fullest without feeling like your shoulder is about to cave in. “The soft and cushiony fabric makes it that much more comfortable to carry,” she says.
And it’s constructed with some of the softest and most comfortable handles of any of the duffel bags we tested, meaning you can stuff it to its absolute fullest without feeling like your shoulder is about to cave in. “The soft and cushiony fabric makes it that much more comfortable to carry,” says our tester.
Aside from being relatively affordable, this bag also comes in a variety of stylish colors, ranging from eye-popping Dragonfruit and Pistachio to classic Chocolate and Matte Black.
Our editors test a wide variety of top-rated luggage. While the options below didn’t make the final cut for the best luggage of the year, they each offer specific features that could make them a good fit for certain travel styles and preferences.
The Forbes Vetted travel team has written and published dozens of luggage stories, based on rigorous research and firsthand testing.
Forbes Vetted editors and staffers—including myself—tested 23 different suitcases (and counting) from established luggage brands over a period of nine months. We provided detailed feedback on the luggage they felt truly stood out and scored each piece on a scale of 1 to 5. We narrowed down our final selections by focusing on the luggage that scored a 4.5 or higher.
We closely evaluated common variables in luggage, such as size, build quality and safety features. Our testers evaluated each suitcase’s number of pockets, zipper construction and lock placement. In addition, we took note of how well each suitcase’s handle felt in-hand and dragged each suitcase through different types of terrain to evaluate maneuverability. All of our picks are designed with TSA-approved locks so you can travel with peace of mind.
To gauge capacity and construction, our editors packed each suitcase to the brim, tugged on every zipper and weighed every suitcase to determine how heavy or light it is. We determined how many days’ worth of luggage would fit into each suitcase, based on the length of our own personal travels, which ranged from weekend trips to two-week vacations.
After each trip, our testers examined their suitcases, making note of any scuffs, stains or rips. If any markings were acquired on the luggage, we evaluated how easy each piece was to clean. We also tested the durability of the luggage’s hardware, noticing how the zippers and handles held up when the suitcase was fully stuffed.
The overall look of the suitcase was also taken to account by each tester. Our team provided observations on how each piece of luggage presents in person, and specified whether or not the luggage feels stylish. Color selection was also taken into account; our testers made note of suitcases that come in particularly appealing hues.
Should you choose a softside or hardside suitcase? Do you need lots of room, or tend to pack light? Here are some things to consider when choosing the best luggage for your travels.
The size of the luggage you buy varies with the type of trip you take. For trips one week or shorter, we recommend a carry-on suitcase, but if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, a larger checked suitcase is a great investment. The size of your suitcase needs to comply with airline rules, so make sure to check the guidelines of whichever airline you usually fly. If it varies, it may be smarter to go with a smaller option that’s likely to work across the board. Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international flights, so make sure to research them before you purchase.
It’s worth looking into the benefits and drawbacks of each suitcase’s material. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common options:
Still not sure which to choose? We’ve written a detailed breakdown of hardside versus softside materials here.
Any suitcase you choose should be able to be tossed around the baggage carousel and slid into the overhead bin without falling apart. Zippers should feel heavy-duty and sturdy, according to Tirado. In addition, she says to “look for smooth-gliding, 360-degree spinner wheels; they should roll silently and effortlessly even on uneven surfaces.” Our testers were impressed by the zippers on the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On, the durability of the ballistic nylon on the exterior of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On and the smooth rolling wheels of the Rimowa Original Cabin.
Many suitcases are designed with added features that make traveling more convenient. “TSA-approved locks are a baseline as they keep your belongings secure while still allowing airport security access if needed,” says Tirado. (All of the suitcases on our list are designed with a built-in TSA-approved lock.) Remote workers may find an external zippered front pocket to be useful, providing easy access to a laptop or charging cables while waiting in the airport. “Expandable zippers are incredibly useful, especially for return trips when you’re inevitably bringing more back,” Tirado adds.
If you’re traveling on an airline that has weight restrictions for carry-on or checked bags, you’ll want to factor in the weight of your suitcase before you commit to it. Keep in mind that certain hardside materials, like aluminum, tend to be heavier than others. If you already know you’re going to be stuffing your suitcase with heavy items like shoes or hair tools, you may want to opt for a lightweight softside bag, like the Travelpro Maxlite 5, which is just over five pounds.
To make sure you’re able to enjoy your suitcase for years to come, several companies offer warranties on their products. “A brand that stands behind its products can make all the difference in ensuring your luggage lasts trip after trip,” says Tirado. While each policy is different, these warranties generally cover the cost of repairs should your suitcase become damaged within the designated window. Depending on the brand, warranties may last two to five years; some, like Briggs & Riley’s, will cover your suitcase for a lifetime. A suitcase with a lifetime guarantee may cost more up front, but you can be confident that you won’t have to replace it every couple of years.
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