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Briggs & riley, bric's, luggage faqs, the 11 best luggage brands of 2024, tested by experts.

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The best suitcases let you roll through the airport quickly and confidently, with assurance that your items are well-protected and sturdily organized within.

We selected our picks for the best luggage brands based on years of hands-on testing by several travel editors who regularly take up to 50 flights a year. Since the size of luggage you'll need will depend on your specific travel plans, we focused on the best brands rather than specific pieces. Our top picks are known for making sturdy and reliable luggage, with smart extras to make packing and traveling a breeze. 

Read on for our top choices for the best luggage brands at various price points to consider. If you're specifically looking for hand-luggage, check out our guide to the best carry-on bags . 

Our top picks for the best luggage brands

Shop all luggage at Samsonite

When it comes to value, Samsonite makes excellent luggage at some of the best prices, which is why we named it our top overall pick for the best carry-on . Samsonite offers numerous options for roller bags, including both hard-side and soft-side carry-ons and checked luggage, as well as wheeled underseat bags and even roller duffels. 

Samsonite also sells several two- and three-piece sets if you want to pair small, medium, and large roller bags together. In addition to traditional roller luggage, Samsonite also offers classic backpacks, wheeled backpacks, duffels, briefcases, wallets, dop kits, and more. There are even some cool wheeled garment bags that can fit under your seat and will fit far more than your typical folding or hanging garment bag. I've owned a Samsonite bag for over three years now and it's held up incredibly well.

You can read our full Samsonite Centric Carry-On review for more info.

Worth a look:

Shop all luggage at Away

Away has multiple options for roller luggage, including hard-sided, expandable, and aluminum. Bags are available in both neutral hues and bright, eye-catching colors.

Away's stand-out feature used to be the removable battery pack for charging your electronics on the go, which was previously available as an add-on to its carry-on bags. While the brand retired that feature, we still think its bags have thoughtful extras like in-bag compression, built-in TSA-approved locks, and a removable washable lining. 

In addition to roller bags, the brand also a range of other bags and travel accessories, including backpacks, duffels, pet carriers, totes, packing cubes, and more. I've personally owned Away luggage for years and can attest to its durability and practicality. 

Read our full Away luggage review and Away Carry-On review for more.

Shop all luggage at Travelpro

Travelpro mostly makes soft-side luggage and rightfully earned its spot as our top pick for the best soft-sided carry-on . I personally love the clear attention to detail that comes with a Travelpro bag, from the whisper-quiet spinner wheels to the tear-resistant material and sturdy buckles.

In addition to rolling luggage, Travelpro has options for underseat bags (rolling and not), toiletry bags, backpacks, foldable duffels, garment bags (which often come included with a carry-on), luggage tags, laptop bags, and more.

Read our full Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On review for more.

Shop all luggage at Monos

Monos is a newer start-up that doesn't have as many suitcase options as the other luggage brands on our list, but it's worth mentioning since it's one of the best suitcases on the market with a hard front pocket that gives you an easy place to safely store laptops and extras. Monos suitcases are durable, come in an array of colors, and are well-priced. Plus, all of the luggage comes with a 100-day trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. The same brand also makes some of our favorite durable packing cubes .

Currently, Monos has two sizes of carry-on that either come with a front pocket or not depending on your preferences, plus a medium-sized roller bag and a checked luggage option. Monos also make a backpack, duffel, and folio kit.

You can read our full Monos luggage review for more.

Shop all luggage at American Tourister

Many of American Tourister's carry-ons start under $100, and while they may not last you a lifetime, they certainly won't break down anytime soon either. The hard-sided bags are made from a sturdy ABS material, and the spinner wheels aren't quite as high-end as premium options but still easily roll on most surfaces. While these suitcases don't come with tons of extras (be aware that some don't come with built-in TSA locks), the interiors are still thoughtfully designed for easy packing. 

American Tourister has numerous roller bag options in varying sizes, including both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases. There is also a line of Disney luggage that kids especially might love. While there are also some nice wheeled underseat bags, American Tourister hasn't branched out much from classic roller bags, so you'll want to look elsewhere if a duffel or weekender bag is more your aim.

Shop all luggage at Rimowa

When it comes to high-end luggage, Rimowa is a consistent standout that uses premium materials to create long-lasting and recognizable pieces. Its ribbed aluminum luggage, which comes in every color from simple silver to a cherry red, is particularly popular — though it will cost you upwards of $1,000. However, thanks to heavy-duty construction that still manages to be lightweight, the rollers might be worth it if budget isn't an issue for you.

For a slightly more cost-effective (though still pricey) option, I particularly love the Essential Lite collection, which I named the best high-end hard-side carry-on thanks to the fact that it's incredibly durable but weighs less than five pounds. Unfortunately, if you're a fan of soft-sided suitcases, Rimowa is not the brand for you, and there aren't as many accessories available as some other brands. 

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Shop all luggage at Briggs & Riley

We named Briggs & Riley our top pick for the best high-end soft-side carry-on. I particularly like the super-smart interior features that truly elevate these suitcases, from a special CX compression-expansion system that increases packing capacity by 25%, to making sure the adjustable handle is entirely on the outside of the bag so no packing room is lost to the poles. These suitcases are certainly investment pieces, but they're built to last and also come with a lifetime warranty.

While I find the soft-sided bags to be some of Briggs & Riley's best options, there are also some nice hard-sided carry-ons and checked bags for those who prefer to go that route. In addition to roller bags, Briggs & Riley also makes backpacks, duffels, weekends, laptop bags, and travel accessories of all types, including packing cubes, bag ID tags, laundry bags, and more.

Shop all luggage at Bric's

Bric's is probably best known for its high-end Bellagio collection of luggage, both recognizable and revered for its durable, but ultra-light polycarbonate exterior with leather trim that gives it a nostalgic trunk feel. It's the little details that set this Italian brand apart, including Hinomoto wheels, matching interior linings, and premium zippers. That's why you've likely seen a luxury travel guru wheeling this bag through the airport, or, if you're an eagle-eyed "Schitt's Creek" fan, may have caught Alexis Rose using this collection to pack up her belongings. 

However, for those not ready to spend $600 on a carry-on, Bric's also has several more affordable suitcases in both hard-sided and soft-sided options. The Capri collection features striking exterior detailing in a wide range of colors at a mid-tier price point, while B/Y Zeus will appear to soft-sided fans.

The brand also has a sale section where you can sometimes score premium collections that typically start at $650 or more for under $200. 

Read our full Bric's Capri luggage review .     

Shop all luggage at Tumi

Like Rimowa, Tumi luggage pieces are an investment. But they're a worthy one since these suitcases will likely last you years, if not decades. With numerous options of all sizes for both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases, Tumi has bags to suit just about all tastes. 

Its well-thought-out suitcases include premium spinner wheels, heavy-duty zippers, scratch- and tear-resistant exteriors, and well-designed interiors that help travelers maximize every last inch of space. In addition to roller luggage, Tumi is also well known for its premium totes and briefcases, and also makes travel wallets, backpacks, duffels, care kits, travel umbrellas, and more. 

Shop all luggage at Victorinox

Victorinox luggage falls in the mid- to high-tier of pricing but its durability makes it a good value choice. The brand also frequently has luggage on sale during big shopping holidays when you can score suitcases for less. As you might expect from a Swiss Army company, the interiors of most suitcases are also thoughtfully designed to maximize packing space. 

Victorinox offers both hard-sided and soft-sided roller bags of numerous sizes including classic carry-ons, checked bags, medium-sized suitcases, and smaller wheeled underseat bags that can fit laptops and accessories. Beyond roller bags, Victorinox also offers briefcases, duffels, backpacks, totes, toiletry kits, garment bags, and more.

Shop all luggage at Delsey

If you like the look of Bric's cream suitcases with leather trim, you may also want to consider Delsey's Chatelet line of hard-sided luggage. While these suitcases start around the same price as Bric's, they can be found on sale more frequently, often for half the price. Delsey's Titanium suitcases are also a fan-favorite option since they are ultra-lightweight but incredibly durable. 

Delsey has numerous options for roller bags for domestic and international travel in both hard-sided and soft-sided variations (though more hard-sided), as well as several luggage sets. It even has an eco-friendly line of laptop bags and duffels using recycled materials.  

Is hard-sided or soft-sided luggage better?

There are pros and cons to each. In general, hard-sided luggage offers more protection for your belongings than soft-sided luggage.

For checked bags, you're best bet is hard-sided luggage, since it can withstand tough handling and having other items stacked on top. Soft-sided luggage may be a good option if you want more flexibility, since fabric-made suitcases have a lot more give. Soft-sided pieces are a good option for carry-ons because they can flex and compress to fit into tight overhead bins.  

What size luggage should I buy?

We think it's best to start with a carry-on size, since it offers the most flexibility, whether you want to keep it in the cabin or check it. Most US airlines cap carry-on size at 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels.

When it comes to buying a checked bag, you'll want something between 25 and 29 inches long. Airlines typically charge a fixed fee for checked bags up to a certain weight, so it may be tempting to think a bigger suitcase is always better. However, bigger pieces of luggage come with more weight of their own, don't protect your items well when they're underpacked, and encourage overpacking, which can lead to higher baggage fees (or the dreaded airport floor repacking). 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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The Best Carry-On Luggage

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

Traveling well is not always easy. Keeping your suitcase with you when you fly not only protects your belongings from loss or damage but may help you avoid extra fees as well.

If you decide to do so, you need a good carry-on bag.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve handled, tested, and traveled with 67 bags from more than 35 brands, and we remain convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of value and quality for most travelers.

It packs five days’ worth of clothes into standard US carry-on dimensions 1 and has premium touches you might expect from a $600 bag at about half the price.

It’s a bag that you can rely on for life, even if it’s damaged by airlines —a rarity at any price.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The best soft-sided carry-on.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, plus high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability.

This two-wheeled carry-on bag isn’t as maneuverable, but it offers slightly more space, a garment folder, and larger, more durable wheels.

Away The Carry-On

The best hard-sided carry-on.

This great-looking and relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line components—including wheels as smooth-rolling as any we’ve tested.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Slightly more room, but you might get checked.

With more capacity than Away’s standard carry-on, this suitcase is sized appropriately for most flights. On smaller planes, though, you may get gate-checked.

Budget pick

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Lightweight and appealingly inexpensive.

Remarkably well priced for a reputable brand, this is an ideal lightweight pick and provides many features of luggage costing nearly twice as much.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

A soft-sided carry-on that fits more in less.

This carry-on bag offers superlative build quality, plenty of expandable room, and a uniquely effective compression system. It’s a buy-it-for-life suitcase.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On

More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability.

If you’re willing to give up maneuverability for more space and bigger wheels, this is also a great option.

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

A more luxe hard-sided carry-on.

Luxury touches and a strong polycarbonate and aluminum design give this bag a standout look with exceptional feel and performance. It does cost nearly $200 more than the comparably sized Away bag, though.

Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage

A bag built for tough conditions.

A polycarbonate back and rugged wheels make this design suited for rougher travel over difficult surfaces. However, it has a limited warranty, and it’s somewhat unwieldy to handle.

What to consider

Four-wheel bags, aka spinners, are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two-wheel bags will always be more durable .

Hard-sided looks better to most people, but soft-sided luggage withstands the bumps and knocks of travel for longer .

Plenty of reputable brands offer lifetime warranties; it’s generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind .

Depending on where you travel, you might need to look for specialty luggage sizes .

We’ve also included picks that stood out for their form and individual functionality: an upgrade with best-in-class compression, a pick made of polycarbonate , an upgraded hard-sided case with latch closures and an aluminum frame, a rolling soft-top hybrid , and a budget pick that’s also the best ultra-light suitcase we can find.

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line of luggage is still our top pick after 10 years of testing. It addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price while offering the best warranty against potential airline damage in the industry (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase, which you can do in minutes).

The Platinum Elite features smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, as well as solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. Instead of chasing the smart-bag moment, Travelpro added an exterior pocket with a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And weighing less than 8 pounds when empty, the Platinum Elite is dead in the center of average weight for bags this size.

In our view, soft-sided luggage lasts longer and shows less wear, but if you prefer the look of a hard-sided bag, Away’s The Carry-On is our choice. Like our other picks, this bag stands out for its high-end components: YKK zippers, smooth-running wheels, and a well-braced handle. Its strong but flexible polycarbonate shell shows scratches—however, after seven years of using the Away Carry-On, our testers have found that it is capable of enduring most of the trials of travel with fewer knocks than other similar models we’ve tested.

Away also makes a slightly larger version of the same model: The Bigger Carry-On . It conforms to carry-on size for most major airliners, but you might be asked to gate-check it on smaller planes.

Similar to our soft-sided picks, this Away bag is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. And though the coverage doesn’t explicitly protect against airline damage, it does apply to any damage that an airline could possibly dish out—specifically, but not limited to, the shell cracking or wheels breaking off.

Some companies have tried to shave off a few pounds from their standard luggage designs to make so-called ultra-light luggage. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is the best of these bags we’ve seen, and it comes with the pedigree of our top pick but not quite as strong a warranty.

The Maxlite 5 is just over 2 pounds lighter than our top pick—that’s the weight of two or three pairs of jeans. It’s not a huge difference, but if you have trouble lifting luggage over your head and prefer an easier-to-manage suitcase, the Maxlite 5 may be your choice. This bag is also the best one we’ve found under $200, with almost all the benefits of luggage nearly twice the price.

For the more frequent flyer who is willing to invest in a higher-quality bag, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On . Every detail of this bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested.

Briggs & Riley boosts this extra capacity with a ratcheting compression system that easily presses an entire extra outfit (if not more) into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. It’s simple, impressive, and unmatched by any other brand’s compression system.

The Expandable Spinner version is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder, which helps shirts and pants stay wrinkle-free if you pack them well. If things go awry, Briggs & Riley has a catalog of replaceable parts and a global network of repair centers , as well as a reliable lifetime warranty covering repairs for airline damage.

For some people, Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On may be worth the extra cost. Behind the maturity of Italian leather accents and polish of higher-end Hinomoto wheels, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On bypasses the biggest compromise in most polycarbonate designs: the stitched-in zipper. Incorporating an aluminum frame around the center of the case and two latch locks, it feels comfortingly secure and well structured where other luggage tends to sag or bend away.

There’s a potential catch, however: The flex in a polycarbonate design (and most luggage, incidentally) is its strength. The more robust a piece of luggage becomes—by replacing, for instance, a zipper with an aluminum frame—the greater the chance that if something hits the case hard enough, the frame can bend or break. That said, you need to hit a frame like this with an extreme amount of focused force for that to happen. And Carl Friedrik provides a lifetime warranty that appears to cover airline damage in the event that an airline doesn’t compensate you within 14 days.

The Yeti Crossroads 22”/35L Wheeled Luggage represents the best of a relatively niche type of luggage design. Call it a hybrid model—a blend of a soft-sided luggage on top and hard-sided luggage on the back—that lends itself to fairly specific circumstances. It’s ideal for tough roads, broken streets, and slamming your luggage into uneven curbs with abandon. Do most people need this kind of luggage for their day-to-day travel? Absolutely not, and it can feel heavier than it really is. But if you do, this is the best there is—at least for the moment.

The Yeti Crossroads has everything you might expect from a brand that has built its reputation for over-the-top toughness and durability. The two heavy-duty wheels are among the largest and broadest that we’ve seen. Externally, Yeti blends a polycarbonate shell back with a water-resistant 700-denier nylon front and waterproof zippers. However, Yeti backs its luggage with only a three-year warranty and no mention of airline damage. That’s very limited protection, especially for the conditions this bag was designed for and definitely in comparison with the standards that our other picks set.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, our pick for the best carry-on luggage: travelpro platinum elite, our pick for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage: away the carry-on, budget pick: travelpro maxlite 5 carry-on spinner, upgrade pick for the best carry-on: briggs & riley baseline essential, upgrade pick for the best hard-sided carry-on: carl friedrik the carry-on, also great for tough conditions: yeti crossroads 35l wheeled luggage, other good carry-on luggage, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ m a senior staff writer at Wirecutter, and ha ve been covering luggage and travel bag design here for about a decade. I’ve written guides to everything from packing cubes and checked luggage to duffle bags and underseat luggage .

For this guide, I’ve done the following over the years:

• I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags.
• I’ve spoken with plenty of experts: flight attendants for major airlines, product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies, and travel and gear writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.
• Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards .
• In accordance with Wirecutter standards and to avoid any conflict of interest, I don’t own stock or have any other financial interest in a company or industry that I cover or am likely to cover.

In the 10 years we’ve been covering this category, luggage has evolved, and so has our thinking about what makes the best carry-on for most people. After spending well over 200 hours doing research and interviews and easily twice that time conducting hands-on testing, we’ve seen a few truths become clear.

First, at a certain threshold—roughly over $200—most luggage is fine. It will more than likely get you from point A to point B without incident many times a year for many years. What distinguishes great luggage from everything else is mostly an attention to detail—the quality of a bag’s handle, its wheels, the frame, and stitching—and a company’s guarantee that it will stand behind its product.

Every year we try to refine our testing and find new ways to consider what it means to be the best luggage. We’ve weighed and measured suitcases, comparing our results with company claims. We’ve calculated true internal capacity with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls 2 and some decently complex math for a writer to scratch out. We’ve packed and unpacked more bags than I care to remember. We’ve studied and compared wheel bearings, wheel sizes, pocket counts, pocket quality, the curious subtleties of garment bags that will (or more often won’t) keep your clothes wrinkle-free, the strength of warranties, and repairability.

We believe that any maximally sized carry-on should be capable of holding enough clothes to last you five days with room to spare for miscellaneous necessities. Most years we aim to have two testers, one male and one female, pack two bags individually as if headed to the same wedding. 3 What we included isn’t representative of a family traveling or a couple splitting a bag, but we erred on the side of bulky, and we hope it gives you a clear idea of how much of your own stuff these bags will hold.

We looked at how each bag loaded. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? Did it have compression straps to keep things in place? Were the straps thick enough to avoid creasing the clothes? Just how much would the bag compress? How much room was left over? Once packed, was the bag prone to tipping over?

Over the years I’ve torn bags apart to see how the frames were put together, taken apart wheels, dismantled handles, and more or less treated luggage as poorly as one person could. I’ve wheeled loaded bags around many neighborhoods, looking at how well each bag rolled and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. I’ve dragged bags up and down two flights of concrete stairs, noting how easy this task was and how much damage the bags sustained. For our finalists, I’ve repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route because I like the sound that polycarbonate luggage makes when it bounces down cavernous stairwells.

In fall 2023, we asked a panel of paid testers with a wide range of body types, dexterities, and mobilities to examine our picks and share their perspectives. We’ve incorporated their feedback in this review.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is our pick for a soft-sided carry-on; if you need a little more room, we also recommend the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard .

It has a history of great performance. Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line has been our top pick for almost every iteration of this guide because it addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price: In addition to smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, it features solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid 7.8-pound internal chassis. Travelpro backs it all with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase).

It’s sized to maximize your space, but you do have options. Officially, the Platinum Elite measures 23 by 13.5 by 9 inches. Some sharp-eyed readers will notice that these actual dimensions, which include the handle height, exceed the 22-inch height limit for carry-ons on most domestic airlines. In reality, any luggage manufacturer maximizing its overhead allowances will push handles into the gray area between a case’s stated dimensions and its true overall dimensions. Travelpro, if anything, is being more honest in reporting the bag’s true 23.5-inch height than many other brands. As you can see in the photo below, the Travelpro’s frame fits into the American Airlines baggage caddy located at check-in, as it does in most standard-size caddies.

I’ve personally traveled with Travelpro carry-ons this size for more than 45,000 miles spread across 50 flights, from regional to long-haul to international routes, and I’ve never had an issue fitting within gate-side luggage sizers. If you’re nervous about getting caught at the gate or often fly in very small regional planes, Travelpro makes a 20-inch Platinum Elite as well as a slimmer international size, but they hold less (naturally) and lack a suiter insert.

It moves well across most surfaces and through most situations. The spinner bag’s configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moving. The small tracking assistance makes a large difference when you’re navigating the Platinum Elite through a crowded airport or down a busy street. It also has an easy-to-use, removable garment bag. After years of testing, we think the superior maneuverability of spinner luggage, along with improvements in manufacturing processes, makes four-wheel bags a better choice for most people. However, if you prefer slightly more packing capacity (the equivalent of squeezing in two more sweatshirts), larger wheels that run more smoothly over rough terrain, and a more protective built-in garment folder, 4 you may appreciate the two-wheeled 22-inch version of the Platinum Elite. One of our paid testers, who’s 6-foot-6, told us that although he could see the appeal of a spinner, “I would still choose the two-wheeler. It has a little more space, and when you’re my size, packing is just so horrible.”

It keeps clothes compacted but not creased. Inside, the Platinum Elite has a pair of tie-down straps and two broad panels with pockets that cinch down, similar in design and function to what you’d find in much more expensive Briggs & Riley luggage . Compared with the simple tie-down straps you often find in cheaper luggage, the panels do a great job of keeping things compacted without creasing clothes—a problem we’ve encountered in numerous other bags we’ve tested. Beyond that, the Platinum Elite’s internal organization system is about average. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means there’s no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. One long mesh pocket sits on one of the bag’s sides, and a smaller removable transparent plastic bag sits on the other side for easy TSA inspection of toiletries.

It’s tough yet flexible. The exterior is made of a hard-wearing nylon fabric, a key feature of all the bags we’ve tested. It hides scuffs and scratches, and it’s much more versatile than hard-sided bags. An expansion zipper lets you increase storage by about 30% in a pinch—although the bag is no longer carry-on compliant at that point. We prefer to use the expansion zipper as something of an ad-hoc compression system: We unzip the expansion zipper while packing the bag and then zip it at the end, tamping everything down tight. The Platinum Elite carry-on also has a variety of convenient exterior pockets, including two in the front, suitable for a sleep mask and other small miscellaneous items, and one on the side for a battery, though it can fit a bit more if necessary. It also has an accordion pocket on the front for magazines and electronic tablets.

In total, the Platinum Elite has an 1,856-cubic-inch interior, which we measured using hundreds of Ping-Pong balls . In real-world terms (the needs of Ping-Pong champions notwithstanding), the Platinum Elite swallowed up five days’ worth of clothes with no problem and had a good deal of room to spare—and that’s without our resorting to the expansion zipper.

It has an excellent warranty. Should anything go wrong, you can take advantage of Travelpro’s generous lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage  and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the bag within 120 days of purchase). The sole other company we’ve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose carry-on suitcases start at about $500. Travelpro has multiple repair centers . To get repair service, you can either drop the bag off at a repair center or ship the bag to Travelpro, the cost of which the company will cover. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic wear.

It’s important to note that the Platinum Elite’s warranty coverage is “better” than the standard Travelpro warranty (including the one offered on our other pick from Travelpro, the Maxlite ) and most forum discussions we’ve read covering the subject over the years seem to agree that Travelpro’s service was prompt and painless. Of course, it’s better if nothing breaks in the first place.

Travelpro has a history of fixing production errors remarkably quickly. In 2019, we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. We reached out to Travelpro, and a representative told us that a production error expanded the capacity of the front pocket of the Platinum Elite; this allowed travelers to overpack the pocket, which put excessive strain on the zipper. Travelpro identified and fixed the issue before it had reached the threshold of more than a few comments online.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.8 pounds Volume: 46 liters

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After nearly a decade of testing the Platinum Elite line of bags from Travelpro, we have yet to encounter a single serious issue. The fabric exterior brushes off scrapes and is easy enough to clean. Simply, it is a remarkably built bag that continues to travel well, year after year.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though the Platinum Elite rolled well in general, we are still concerned when dragging the bag up stairs. Some of the other bags we tested had long plastic bumper strips running most of the way up the length of the bag; this Travelpro model’s skid plate isn’t as big or as protective. I haven’t had an issue, but if you’re particularly rough on your luggage or uncomfortable lifting the bag over curbs or up stairs, it’s something to be aware of.

• In 2018, Travelpro added a USB-A pass-through cable to the Platinum Elite as a way to compete with so-called smart bags. We like the battery pocket, but the built-in cable itself, which routes from the pocket to a USB port less than 6 inches away, is an unnecessary item, which at best adds a potential point of failure to the bag—USB cables do not last forever. Does it ruin the bag? No. Is it a feature? Not really.
• Some vegan readers may dislike the leather accents.

If you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage or the security of knowing that you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Carry-On is the carry-on we recommend. If you want to maximize your available carry-on space, it also comes in a slightly larger size: The Bigger Carry-On .

It can take wear and tear. Most travelers are still better off with one of our soft-sided picks than a hard-sided carry-on; soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But the Away Carry-On’s wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than that of hard-sided competitors.

We’ve tested the Away Carry-On for six years, traveling with it ourselves across the country and lending several units to testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using the bag. Its polycarbonate feels similar to that used on more high-end (and significantly pricier) suitcases such as the Rimowa Essential Cabin , which is more than three times as expensive.

You have options if you need extra space. Away makes a similar model of suitcase with an expandable zipper, The Carry-On Flex . The Flex is the same bag as the standard Carry-On except for the expanding center zipper and the price (it’s about $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers on suitcases. It feels like just one more thing to break. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

It feels great to use. The bag itself feels good in the hands, and the wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we tried. Away also uses YKK zippers, outclassing our top pick in that regard (Travelpro moved to Supra zippers in 2015). At this point, we’re pretty comfortable saying that years of debate over the best zipper are largely redundant, but YKK still sets the standard.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Away has sparked more imitators and outright duplicates than any other brand in the past decade, in part due to its appeal with younger travelers. I’ve thought about why, and as best as I can guess, a simple polycarbonate cube dripped in limited-edition soft hues does exude a certain calm; the fact that some of those same colors also coat the exteriors of pills ending in suffixes -ax and -il is not, one assumes, accidental.

It has a great warranty. The Away Carry-On is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. Though the warranty doesn’t specifically mention airline damage, the damages it does list—cracks or breaks in the shell, wheels or handles becoming unusable, zippers that don’t work, fabric tears that render any pocket unusable—basically outline anything an airline could possibly dish out. For the most part, our online searches looking for user experiences with Away’s warranty have turned up overwhelmingly positive results.

Dimensions (for The Carry-On): 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.5 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• The Carry-On’s sleek style comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks.
• It lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have.
• The clamshell design, which splits down the middle and opens into two parts, can make the bag frustrating to pack and unpack. Packing cubes help, but after years of packing and unpacking soft-sided luggage with a single lid, I personally find a clamshell design to be more finicky when packing.
• Crain’s New York Business reported last year that Away is possibly exploring “strategic options including a sale,” which may muddy the waters around the brand’s overall future somewhat.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is one of the lightest pieces of luggage we’ve tested, at a great price.

It’s lightweight. We have a hard time imagining how anyone could make a suitcase much lighter than this without breaking certain laws of physics. A few years ago, I took apart a Maxlite suitcase to see how the internal frame was built. What I found beneath the fabric was a clever lattice of plastic supporting the frame, which offered the best balance between weight-saving and structure.

For some people, especially those with limited upper-body strength, a lighter bag—even by just a few pounds—may be easier to lift or manage. That said, most people don’t need extremely light luggage, but just to pack less. For all the innovative design, the Maxlite 5 shaves only 2.4 pounds off the weight of our top pick. That’s the equivalent of a couple of pairs of jeans.

It’s inexpensive. My general advice to friends is to spend more than $200 but less than $500 to get good, if not great, luggage. The Maxlite 5 is the one piece of luggage I’ve found that breaks that rule. You can usually find it for about $150 or less, which is a remarkable price considering the bag’s quality.

Simple is good. This model doesn’t have any real bells or whistles—no battery pass-throughs or magnetically tracked wheels, as with our other Travelpro picks. Instead you’ll find two simple front pockets, a few well-placed handles, and a cavernous main compartment with a couple of pockets and two light straps to hold your stuff in place.

It comes from a trusted brand. We haven’t covered, examined, and interrogated a single luggage brand at Wirecutter for as long as we have Travelpro. For a decade, Travelpro has done a premier job of maintaining trust with its customers and with us—we’ve watched the company make small changes in design, catch flaws quickly, and address warranty concerns promptly. This is not something we say lightly: Travelpro is a name you can trust.

Dimensions: 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 5.4 pounds Volume: 46 liters

• The Maxlite 5’s warranty isn’t as robust as that of our top pick: Manufacturing defects in the wheels, zippers, and handles are covered for as long as you own the bag, but airline damage and shipping to a Travelpro repair center are covered only for the first year. (And you do need to register the bag.) Considering that this bag costs half the price of the Platinum Elite, this makes sense, but it’s something to be aware of.

If you’re a frequent flyer and willing to invest in higher-quality gear, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner (also available in a two-wheeled version with more capacity).

It’s the best of the best. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found that it had a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. Briggs & Riley keeps its design consistent, adding, at most, small improvements such as this year’s upgraded lifting handle. Our 6-foot-6 paid tester pointed out that the Baseline Essential’s handle extended an inch and a half farther than that of the Travelpro Platinum Elite, which made it less likely to hit his heels as he pulled it.

Although the wheels don’t snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth-rolling and easy to maneuver. If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worthwhile to invest in luggage that goes beyond merely being sturdy and actually improves your overall travel experience. That’s why we’ve been recommending it since we first covered this topic in 2014. The Baseline Essential is one of the best carry-on luggage options available today.

Its compression system is truly a marvel. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Essential bag is its CX expansion and compression system. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2.5 inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed. Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. It’s a unique design and very satisfying to use.

It’s the easiest to pack. Briggs & Riley placed the tracks for the Baseline Essential handles on the outside of the bag, which allows for a flat surface in the interior of the bag, with no small crevices to work around for simple packing. And in our tests, after packing 10 bags and trying to figure out strategies for each nook and cranny, packing on a broad flat surface felt like a luxury. According to our measurements, the bag, unexpanded, offers 1,905 cubic inches of storage room (and that accounts for the space occupied by the wheel wells and such). Expanded, it can stow 2,110 cubic inches. That’s remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested.

The Baseline Essential spinner is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder. It’s similar to the folder in Travelpro’s two-wheeled Platinum Elite bag, and that’s a good thing. It’s easy to pack and has an anchor point for hangers. Each of the three folds has a bit of padding that helps to keep a suit from pinching onto itself and creasing, though much of that depends on how well you pack. You can fit a week’s worth of clothes in the Baseline Essential, including some puffy gear for colder weather. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package.

It’s understated. On the outside, the Baseline Essential is pretty unremarkable. There’s nothing eye-grabbing about the bag, which is good if you’re trying to avoid being gate-checked (or having it stolen). Its outer, nylon fabric seems to be of a tighter weave than that used on the other bags we’ve tested. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK.

Similar to our top pick, the Baseline Essential includes a charging pocket. However, Briggs & Riley skipped the internal USB wiring, instead opting for a simple pocket arrangement (video) on the back of the bag for discreetly storing a charge pack and your phone. It’s an elegant solution.

It comes with an excellent warranty. All Briggs & Riley bags come with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the “functional aspects” of the bag, even if caused by an airline (like Travelpro, Briggs & Riley does not cover cosmetic wear or cleaning). Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, you do have to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers . Briggs & Riley emphasizes that returning your bag to you in its original condition, even after repairs, is not always possible. The bags are easy to service and repair, so you can also order the parts you need and replace them yourself at home.

We’ve put in the miles, and the Baseline Essential is in a separate league. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter founder Brian Lam carried a two-wheeled Baseline Essential carry-on while traveling 150,000 miles and farther. After considering all the bags in our test and logging an additional 40,000 miles with a similarly priced bag by Tumi, he was convinced that this model is the best for anyone who’s always on the move. “I love this bag. It carries so much,” Brian said. “Sometimes I check it. Sometimes I carry it. It always fits.”

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 (expands to 11.5) inches (HWD) Weight: 10 pounds Volume: 37 liters (expands to 48 liters)

• Despite the plastic shielding, the exposed rails on the exterior could use more protection. While dragging the bag up stairs (which we don’t advise doing), we felt more scraping than we’d like.
• At first glance, the handle feels too loose for a roughly $700 bag. We spoke to Briggs & Riley representatives, and they explained that this is a deliberate choice: The looser tolerances allow for the handle to retract by itself when you click its button, without your having to force it down. In practice, this is very helpful for scaling stairs and could save you some hassle in tight quarters, such as in the aisle of an airplane.
• At 10 pounds, the Baseline Essential is the heaviest bag we recommend. In this price range, weight often equals durability, which equals quality. But if you’re uncomfortable with a heavier bag, this isn’t the best pick for you.

Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On is an impressive polycarbonate case that improves in areas where most other companies tend to cut corners.

It’s robust and durable. It improves the usual hard-case design primarily by replacing the zipper with an aluminum frame sealed with two metal latches incorporating TSA locks. This trim makes the case feel far more robust, which is a very satisfying feeling when you’re wheeling luggage around an airport.

Clasping shut an aluminum frame with a metal lock is pleasing—it feels like closing a safe and locking it tight. The polycarbonate shell has an equally rigid feeling but exhibits plenty of flexibility under strain. Although it’s difficult to compare polycarbonates between brands, higher-end polycarbonate feels dense to the touch even as the material flexes; in this piece of luggage, Carl Friedrik offers impressive quality.

Additionally, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On has YKK zippers internally and Hinomoto spinner wheels from Japan—both considered the top of their class.

It’s thoughtfully styled. The soft leather accents and bolted frame all have a certain maturity that’s often lacking in other, competing cases. This look carries to the inside of the luggage as well. A simple gray polyester lining accompanies two sets of compression straps and a removable compression pad, which has a zippered pocket.

It has an excellent warranty. As you might expect for the price, Carl Friedrik backs up its luggage with a lifetime warranty that protects against airline damage (assuming the airline hasn’t responded to your request for compensation within 14 days).

Dimensions: 21.6 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8.6 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• This is a brand-new pick—so far we haven’t found any flaws, but we’re keeping an eye on the latches. Luggage latches are small, complicated mechanical devices that have a myriad of ways to fail.
• The handle feels just a touch loose, which, as with our upgrade pick from Briggs & Riley , can be a benefit. It can also sometimes be a hazard. Again, we’ll continue testing it.
• Like our top pick, the Carl Friedrik uses real leather accents, which may be a dealbreaker for some.

Hybrid designs like the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage aren’t for everyone, but if you like the flexibility of a soft-sided luggage with the hard-hitting ruggedness of a polycarbonate back and two large fixed wheels, then this bag is just right.

It’s made from tough materials and easy-to-repair parts. Yeti has a reputation for using tough, sometimes cutting-edge, materials in all its gear. The Crossroads is no exception. The 700-denier nylon is one of the better nylons we’ve tested—tightly woven and exceptionally durable. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.)

The Crossroads comes in only a two-wheeled design, which is usually able to withstand more damage than a four-wheeled design. The wheels are also easier to service on the road and often replaceable. 5

It’s well organized. It includes a front panel organizer, similar to that of modern laptop backpacks, with two slots for your laptop and tablet plus a mesh pocket for spare gear. Fully packed, it still has room for a few magazines as well, if you like. Internally, the soft top has a zippered main compartment with a decent amount of packing space, as well as two mesh organizing pockets. In fact, it’s this organization that separates the Yeti from—and makes it better luggage than—other top contenders in the duffle category, specially the Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel . However, Patagonia has a lifetime (and legendary) warranty. So if longevity is your priority, the Patagonia is our next best pick.

It’s a pleasure to pack. As the Crossroads is built around a molded polycarbonate base, the entire suitcase becomes, in essence, a large tray to pack and then zip shut. It’s a very satisfying design—easier to manage than many of the clamshell designs that are currently popular. Yeti’s packing cubes are designed to fit snugly in the Crossroads’s main compartment, and the bag does come with one small cube. But if you choose these, you’re spending a premium for additional packing cubes when almost any packing cube will work.

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• We’d love to see a better warranty. Three years is very limited when compared with other luggage brands selling similarly priced suitcases—especially for a bag that claims to be as tough as the brand’s reputation.
• Occasionally, Yeti’s tough-gear reputation veers almost into absurdity, as with the inclusion here of self-sealing zippers on a bag that isn’t actually waterproof—merely weather resistant. They’re top-of-the-line zippers. But self-sealing zippers can be hard to operate and require regular lubrication, which most people aren’t used to providing.
• The front-facing laptop organizer is woefully unshielded. If you’re traveling with a laptop, place it deep within the bag if you want it properly protected.
• The bag feels heavy—by our measurements, it weighs about a half pound more than Yeti’s 7.5-pound estimation. It’s not the heaviest of our picks, but something about the weight distribution and shape of the bag makes it feel heavier when you’re swinging it around.

If you need a hard-sided budget bag: Look at the Gregory Quadro Hardcase 22″ , an unexpectedly high-quality suitcase from an outdoor-gear company. Gregory offers a lifetime warranty with service and repair. Although the warranty doesn’t explicitly mention airline damage, Gregory’s good reputation speaks for itself in this matter. However, the Quadro Hardcase is a pound heavier (at 6.5 pounds) and about $60 more than our budget pick.

If the Away Carry-On is sold out: Consider the Monos Carry-On Plus . Picking between these two models came down to splitting some very fine hairs. Both use YKK zippers. Both have lifetime warranties. The handles and interiors are almost identical. Monos even hides the stitching that attaches the zipper to the polycarbonate frame, which is a nice aesthetic touch. The difference came down to the Away Carry-On’s wheels, which spun just that much more freely in our testing, and the underside handle, which made it easier to pull out of overhead bins. And we’ve tested the Away Carry-On for longer. However, if it’s unavailable, the Monos model is a good, nearly identical substitute.

If you want an adventure duffle with a lifetime warranty, but not much organization: Try the Patagonia Black Hole Matte Wheeled Duffel 40L . While more duffle than suitcase, this bag is sized for carry-on, comes with Patagonia’s excellent lifetime warranty , and it’s well constructed. It’s made of 100% recycled fabric, which includes the TPU laminate. And the wheel axle is easily repaired by anyone in the field, assuming they have spare parts. However, it lacks the organization of the Yeti Crossroads , with its many different compartments and pockets.

If you want a bag made of recycled materials: We suggest the Paravel Aviator Carry-On . Paravel is attempting to design luggage with recycled materials and some environmentally minded transparency to the company’s production methods. However, you pay a premium for the effort. Quality-wise, the bag is similar to our other hard-sided picks, for about a hundred more dollars. And much of the Paravel branding is built on carbon offsets, which we are deeply skeptical of (though we wish they worked).

If you’re an infrequent adventurer: Try the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller , which could almost be an also-great pick under our hybrid pick . It’s cheaper, has a better warranty (but no explicit coverage for airline damage), and is made from recycled materials. However, the overall build quality is wanting. For example, the polycarbonate shell doesn’t fully cover the tubes for the extendable handle as it does with our hybrid pick. It seems an oversight for bags that are built to knock around.

If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, and money is no object: The Vocier C38 Carry-On Luggage is worth a look, despite a few flaws and an $800 price tag. The C38 takes a unique, fold-free approach to packing clothes. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. This packing method creates no creases and therefore no wrinkles. The case is protected by a limited lifetime warranty that doesn’t cover airline damage.

We hope to take a look at the European brand Floyd , which is currently popular on Instagram. At first glance, it’s another piece of luggage looking to appeal to a younger mass audience. But the easy-to-replace polyurethane wheels and bearings—similar to skateboard wheels—do have “user-serviceable parts inside” curb appeal.

We’re considering expanding our coverage to include equipment cases like those made by Pelican . Though their appropriate use is very specific, when you need to travel with high-end gear or fragile valuables, Pelican cases are the first and almost only choice.

What about Rimowa? I admit that over the last decade I’ve hadmthe occasional perverse urge to see if a $1,500 carry-on suitcase is worth the price. Rimowa is famous for a few things. The company has made aluminum luggage for nearly 100 years, and it invented the polycarbonate suitcase in 2008. So it is true that in many ways Rimowa has set the standard in two separate centuries.

Soft-sided carry-on luggage

Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag : We’re generally fans of Cotopaxi’s Allpa line, but this two-wheeled bag falls short. Specifically, the bottom of the bag is split by the zipper, which gives the bag an unstable feeling when it’s standing upright.

Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 4-Wheel 22″ Carry On Luggage : If this bag were about $150 cheaper, it would be a good price for the quality. We like the recycled materials, but the bag lacks framing.

Solo Re:Treat Carry-On Spinner : I appreciate any bag made entirely out of recycled materials, but this model (from a brand owned by the same company that manages Briggs & Riley) felt awfully flimsy. Even with its five-year warranty, I just don’t trust that this bag can go the distance.

Thule Subterra : The clamshell design—similar to the ones you find on hard-sided bags—makes this bag difficult to close if you’re trying to fill it to its full capacity. It just isn’t as easy to use as our soft-sided picks.

Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller : The balance on this bag was decent, and it stood up well unloaded or loaded. Its wheels had a cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter, though, and the abundance of zippers and internal compartments made it tedious to pack.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller : We considered this is a possible alternative to our Yeti hybrid pick . However, the overall build quality is wanting. For example, the polycarbonate shell doesn’t fully cover the tubes for the extendable handle as it does with our hybrid pick. It seems an oversight for bags that are built to knock around.

Travelpro Versapack+ and Crew Luggage lines: Both the Versapack+ and Crew luggage designs are absolutely fine: Consider them slightly stripped down versions of our top pick, the Platinum Elite. However neither have the extra warranty coverage—including against airline damage—that comes with the Platinum Elite.

Tumi Aerotour International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On : At about half the price, this would be a great bag. But paying nearly $700 for a five-year warranty and a bag that doesn’t do nearly as much as a Briggs & Riley suitcase seems a bit silly.

Hard-sided carry-on luggage

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner : This bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for about $90. However, its ABS plastic shell is not as tough as a polycarbonate shell. It’s worth investing more in your luggage—the bag you choose will last longer and work better.

Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On : The Arlo Skye carry-on is a decent piece of luggage, but it’s hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than our pick from Away .

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition : 10 pounds! At this weight, you’ve lost a quarter of your allowable luggage weight to the suitcase alone, unpacked. And it’s nearly as expensive as our upgrade pick, with a much less satisfying compression system.

Briggs & Riley Torq and Sympatico : Though these collections seek to solve a different problem, neither is as impressive as the Baseline series.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage : We preferred sturdier polycarbonate shells over Calpak’s blended ABS polycarbonate shell. Also, the bag’s handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces.

Delsey Rempart Expandable Spinner Carry-On : At just around $200, the Rempart is a decent budget option. However, the external styling (like layers of pressed sheet pans) is an odd choice. It has some practicality, but only if you’re stacking identical Delsey cases one on top of another, which might happen, I suppose, at some point … maybe.

July Carry On : In the lineup between July, Monos, and Away, July falls just short. We appreciate the lifetime warranty, YKK zippers, and flexible but dense-feeling polycarbonate. But the overall design doesn’t do much to improve on the category (as the Monos bag subtly does).

Level8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On 20″ : This is potentially a decent budget pick at just around $200. But the one-year warranty and the somewhat fiddly TSA lock and front latching panel give us pause.

Level8 Voyageur series : This model features an extra-wide handle, which looks striking but doesn’t seem to offer many advantages over a regular handle—at least for carry-on luggage. In larger checked bags, we did notice that the wide handle offered a little more leverage when handling a bigger bag, but it seemed to hinder us with a carry-on.

Lojel Cubo Medium : Although we liked the uncommon top-loading design, the internal organization of the lid made packing this carry-on difficult. We also weren’t impressed by the zippered expansion system, which made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks.

Lojel Voja Medium : An odd suitcase, this would be a great children’s suitcase or a budget pick—especially if it were under $200. But its current price is steep for a polypropylene blend with a couple of latches.

Paravel Aviator Carry-On:  Paravel is attempting to design luggage with recycled materials and some transparency as to the company’s production methods. However, you pay a premium for the effort. Quality-wise, the bag is similar to our other hard-sided picks, for about a hundred more dollars. And much of the Paravel branding is built on carbon offsets, which we are deeply skeptical of (though we wish they worked).

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Chris Ryan.

Airline policies vary, but a general rule is that the bag must be under 45 linear inches—the total sum of the bag’s length, width, and depth. Here’s the current sizing breakdown among the major US airlines:

• Alaska Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Allegiant Air: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• American Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (the dimensions of soft-sided garment bags are allowed to add up to 51 inches)
• Delta Air Lines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Frontier Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches (and less than 35 pounds)
• Hawaiian Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• JetBlue Airways: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Southwest Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches
• Spirit Airlines: 22 by 18 by 10 inches
• Sun Country Airlines: 24 by 16 by 11 inches
• United Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches

We double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers’ listed volumes by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly 0.5 pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents approximately 2 cubic inches (PDF) . After weighing each piece of luggage three times to establish an average empty weight, we filled the bags as full as we could with Ping-Pong balls and measured the change in weight. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space.

His five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 two-piece linen suit on a hanger
• 1 dress shirt on a hanger
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of khakis
• 5 medium-weight to lightweight shirts
• 1 heavy sweater
• 2 flannel shirts
• 5 pairs of boxer briefs
• 5 pairs of sport socks

Her five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 dress on a hanger
• 1 blazer on a hanger
• 1 blouse on a hanger
• 1 pair of heels
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of light sneakers
• 5 pairs of underwear and 3 bras
• 1 pair of yoga pants
• 1 flannel shirt
• 1 hair dryer
• 1 curling iron
• 1 jewelry/makeup kit
• 3 pairs of sport socks
• 4 lightweight shirts

You use a garment folder by laying a suit or dress across the panels, folding them into themselves, and zipping up the inner compartment. A folder should be wide enough that a suit isn’t cramped, and it should include hanger straps (which should fit around everything, even larger plastic hangers) to keep things from shifting around too much. Some folding boards have 0.75-inch-diameter foam rolls in them to help prevent creases along the packed clothes’ fold lines. When you aren’t traveling with fancy clothes, you can take the whole apparatus apart and use it as luggage dividers in the main bag itself, or leave it at home, converting the suit/dress compartment into an extra packing cube.

Yeti doesn’t seem to have an easy way to order replaceable wheels. But the 3.5-by-1-inch wheels are fairly common, and we’re looking at the best possible alternatives.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.

We’ve Loved Luggage From Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Line for a Decade. Here’s Why.

Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion.

Are Away Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

Although we still prefer the better durability of soft-sided luggage, if you want the look and feel of a hard-sided case, we recommend the Away Carry-On .

The Perfect Luggage for Avoiding Airport Chaos Is Here

Because stress-free travel starts with having the right gear.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

TRAVEL SHOULD ALWAYS be on the table, no matter what time of year it is; and whether you're gearing up for a family road trip , a quick weekend getaway, or finally taking that overseas vacation you've been saving your precious PTO for, making sure you have the proper luggage is the vital first step at setting yourself up for smooth sailing.

But choosing the best luggage is not always as easy as it seems. The variety of options on the market can make shopping for a new large suitcase or carry-on feel like driving through a dark tunnel without a navigation system. This guide here on the best luggage brands will help shine a little light on your trek, aiding you in choosing the right luggage for your budget.

Best Overall Luggage Brand

The Close Second

The Frequent Favorite

Which brand of suitcase i s best.

The editors and writers at Men's Health are constantly on the go. From working assignments in LA to taking tropical vacations in Madeira, we make it a point to test all the best luggage brands in our adventures. Over the past four years alone, we've tested well over 40 different luggage brands to find the perfect piece. Here, we bring you the 17 best luggage brands of 2024 in one clean list, with Samsonite commanding our top spot of the best luggage brand overall due to the brand's outstanding durability, clean design, and wallet-friendly price.

No matter if you’re looking for a one-size-fits-all bag or an entire luggage set, these are the best luggage brands on the market that will get you cruising without the stress of schlepping some raggedy old case. Ready to see the list?

Travel Awards | Best Travel Gadgets | Best Travel Shoes | Best Travel Pillows | Best Travel Pants | Best AirTag Wallets

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: 10 years

Samsonite makes the best affordable suitcases and luggage sets in our eyes. While the brand is in just about every major department store, the best place to buy Samsonite luggage is on Amazon. The retailer carries some of Samsonite's highest-rated products that won't burn a hole in your wallet. You can score an entire hard-sided set for under $300 or shop the brand's durable nylon singles . The items might not be as feature-loaded and reinforced as some of the other brands, but you will be surprised at how far your luggage will go before you need replacing.

When asking Justin Crabbe , the CEO of Jettly, a private jet charter service, about his go-to luggage brand, he mentioned Samsonite as one of the most well-priced and reliable brands that come to mind. "With lightweight yet durable material, superior design, and multiple compartments for packing with ease, it is a traveler’s dream come true," says Crabbe.

Our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, always seems to find himself traveling with Samsonite too. " Time and time again I think I need to upgrade my luggage, and then I come back to my softside Samsonite carry-on I've held onto for over 5+ years," he says. " It [my carry-on] has been my companion with me through many adventures, from high altitude camping trips in Colorado to overseas adventures in countries like China and Germany." Thompson also notes his Samsonite's all-black fabric body has resisted scratches and marks over time, which makes it suitable for business trips as a clean piece that will blend in among the other bags—and not stand out for being all mangled and disheveled.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: Lifetime

You must be living under a rock if this is your first time hearing about the magic that is Away luggage. The simple-yet-modern design makes you actually love to carry the brand's bags. Away's claim to fame comes from the brand's built-in battery packs that can power up your devices. Our Fashion Director, Ted Stafford, is a huge fan of Away due to the brand's attention to detail in the design process. " The interior of the suitcase has a streamlined design, which offers ample space to fit all your necessary items in an uncluttered and organized way ," says Stafford. " Plus, Away’s suitcases are extremely lightweight, so you can easily maneuver to and from your destination without pulling your muscles or overexerting unnecessary energy—to me, that kind of ease is invaluable at a price that’s very fair.”

The carry-on sizes come in a traditional option and a bigger carry-on for certain airlines that allow it. The brand also innovated on its hard-sided luggage collection, and now makes a full line of soft-sided durable ballistic nylon and outer pocket additions.

Read more: Long Flight Essentials

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 10 years

What would the best luggage guide be without TravelPro? The legacy brand has been a longtime favorite of frequent travelers, soft luggage fans, and, yes, even pilots and flight attendants. TravelPro sets are wallet-friendly and its bags are constructed with function in mind (we especially love how durable the 360-wheels and handles are on its pieces).

Nadia Podrabinek , a travel writer and founder of Why This Place, is a huge fan of her expandable soft side Travelpro carry-on due to the high quality of design for an affordable price. "The lightweight construction that does not sacrifice on quality, allowing you to travel with peace of mind; and the four-wheel spinner design makes maneuvering through airports easy, while numerous pockets help keep your items organized," Podrabinek says.

Travelpro might not be the most flashy brand, but there's a reason so many travel writers (and flight attendants) love the brand.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Both | Warranty: 5 years

Tumi is for the slick traveler on the move that appreciates design as much as they do function. The longtime brand founded back in 1975 makes sure every new piece of luggage helps aim to solve common travel qualms. Tumi's carry-on bags and backpacks are made with several easy-access zippered compartments to help breeze through TSA lines, and the brand's add-a-bag sets are designed to lug around two to three bags at one time with one hand.

Adam Mansuroglu, a former Style & Commerce Editor at Men's Health is a Tumi fan. "I've had my Tumi 19 Degree carry-on case for a few years now ; and whenever I want to feel a bit fancier and pretend like I live that jet-set life, I make sure to carry that silver stunner," Mansuroglu says. " I t not only looks sleek and stylish—it can hold a surprising amount of shoes for a fashion editor who can't seem to ever travel light."

It's no secret Tumi is one of the more expensive luggage brands around, but if can pony up the investment you'll be happy knowing you'll have a sleek bag that's going to last you for many years to come.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 3 years

Calling all gearheads. If you're an adventure traveler, Yeti has your back (literally, with the brand's first Crossroads backpack series). In this line of luggage, you'll find dry bags for white water rafting, carryalls, and classic rolling luggage and duffels that can withstand just about anything without showing much wear and tear. These bags are made for utility and function with a willingness to get tossed around and dirty with an easy clean.

Due to the tough construction of Yeti luggage, it's no wonder the bags have become a favorite for adventure tourists in the past few years. Geordie Mackay-Lewis , co-founder of Pelorus , a bespoke agency that plans exotic travel and yacht experiences, loves to pack Yeti bags for client excursions. " For our more adventurous trips, we pack our soft and fully waterproof Yeti bags, which can easily be thrown into a RIB or helicopter ," Mackay-Lewis says. " They also have great camera bags, which we’ve been using on client trips and reconnaissance missions for years."

It's worth mentioning only some of the Yeti bags are completely waterproof, but most are water-resistant.

Read more: Best Backpacks for Men

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: 5 years

Calpak’s popularity is right up there with AWAY, but a major difference is the organizational approach of each brand. Almost all of Calpak's luggage has separate sleeves for shoes, zip pockets for smaller items, compartments for magazines, and straps to hold it all in place. Plus, they make some of the best matching luggage sets around, including a full line of accessories that make packing easier.

Christen Nicole , a FORA Travel Advisor and travel blogger, told us the Astyll 3-Piece Set has been her current go-to for travels for the past two years. " I've loved how the polycarbonate shell has kept my belongings secure, and how the spacious interior pocket dividers have kept everything in its place," Nicole says. When it comes to naming her favorite bag in the set, she finds the carry-on to be the best piece overall due to its combination of generous space (up to 45 liters) with a light build (6 pounds in weight).

If you're someone who has to frequently sit on your suitcase to close it, then opting for Calpak will help turn you into an efficient packing pro. The brand's packing cubes and organizers are excellent at categorizing items, and the suitcases are deep and roomy.

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Peak Design

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetime

Smart, sexy, and functional as heck, are three words we'd describe Peak Design luggage. The West Coast-based brand originally started in making camera equipment—like carbon fiber tripods—but over time started venturing into camera bags, then everyday bags, then actual travel bags. Products like the Travel Backpack and Travel Duffel offer durable, water-resistant protection for everything from clothes to electronics.

We love how Peak Designs keeps things simple for the look of each bag, making sure to omit tacky logo placements and over-the-top colors, and instead go with a classic all-black look, plus a few natural color combinations on some specific bags.

Samara's luggage pieces are as sleek and stylish as they come. And while they look beautiful from a design standpoint, the one area that deserves recognition is their high level of functionality. We're talking about a strong aluminum frame, 360-degree spinner wheels, and telescopic handles. Plus, all Samsara luggage comes with Tag Smart, which is a unique design configuration made in the luggage to allow for easy placement of your Apple AirTag.

Our Senior Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson, likes to use his Samsara carry-on whenever he wants to switch over to a hardshell suitcase. "Right now, there's no other brand making such a well design AirTag holder for keeping tabs on its suitcase," Thompson says.

We also found the built-in portable charger is easy to pop out and use, and it works great when powering bigger electronics like laptops and over-ear headphones .

Read more: Best AirTag Wallets

Eagle Creek

Eagle Creek is known for its no-nonsense and affordable gear that caters to outdoor adventurers. The brand makes some of the best dang packing cubes one could buy, and if you follow up the product ladder you'll land on the different luggage pieces those very cubes can be stored inside. Eagle Creek makes only soft luggage, but the materials are often super tear resistant and the designs offer lots of utility and opportunity for smarter configurations of how to store everything from clothes and hiking essentials to camera gear.

Jackson Groves , travel photographer, adventurer, and founder of the travel blog journeyera.com, told us his personal favorite Eagle Creek bag is his Gear Warrior roller suitcase. " The Gear Warrior's rugged construction and water-resistant materials ensure that my belongings stay safe and protected even in challenging environments; and its spacious main compartment and multiple interior and exterior pockets offer ample storage space for all my essentials, allowing me to stay organized on the go," Groves says. " The durable wheels and retractable handle make maneuvering through airports, trails, and uneven terrain a breeze."

What we love the most about Eagle Creek is they have a no questions asked warranty policy, so if something were to get damaged on your travels, the brand will make sure either repair or replace your bag.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetiime

Osprey makes a number of trusted duffle bags and backpacks that are suitable for minimalist travelers and adventure junkies. The brand shines brightest in its travel backpack offerings. Yes, the packs work amazing for actually backpacking, but due to Osprey's commitment to loading its products with tough materials and premium features—like carrying belts and smart pocket configurations—we've found the backpacks work seriously good for fast weekend getaway trips, no serious outdoor adventuring required.

Scott Cundy, Founder of Wildland Trekking and Intrepid Travel Director of Marketing, The Americas, swears by his Osprey Aether Plus 100 for everything from wilderness backpacking to conventional travel. " It has fantastic capacity at about 6,000 cubic inches, is durable, has an extremely robust hip belt which keeps the weight off my shoulders, and any great pockets," says Cundy. "M y favorite feature of this pack though is how the top loader is removable and becomes a very useable day pack."

The best part about traveling with an Osprey backpack is you can fit your laptop inside with two to three days of clothes and never have to worry about hauling a carry-on or duffel bag to your destination.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: 2 years

OGIO can transport a wardrobe quite well, but what the brand is truly exceptional at is transporting gear. Whatever equipment you might want to take with you on your next big trip, an OGIO bag will work as a checked luggage option to get your prized possessions from point A to point B.

This prior notion is especially true when it comes to traveling with golf clubs, as pieces like their ALPHA Travel Cover help you roll your clubs through a terminal without any snagging or other inconveniences. "G reat product to carry clubs. Kept everything safe and has lockable zippers," said one Amazon reviewer.

Read more: Best Golf Bags

Price Point ($-$$$): $ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: 2 years

Coolife prides itself on constant innovation. The company was started in the '80s and has evolved to be as modern and relevant as today's big players, like AWAY and Calpak. The aesthetic is quite similar to such brands, with minimally-hued hardshell cases that protect your precious goods and spin nicely. While you don't get the popular brand name, you will get a far better price point, (we're talking under $200 for a two-piece set), making Coolife luggage a major bang for the buck you're spending.

Plus, the Amazon reviews on Coolife luggage are exceptional. " It [the set] cost less than a single suitcase in other stores and includes perfect sizes with the largest being expandable; don’t hesitate to buy these when you need luggage," said one Amazon reviewer. The three-piece set has over 1,000 five-star reviews alone.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: Lifetime

For over 120 years, Rimowa has been making hard-sided luggage, first starting with wooden suitcases and then moving to sturdy aluminum bags. Now, RIMOWA uses ultra-lightweight polycarbonate in its bags. The brand is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Though they come in at a luxury price point, these bags will last for well over a decade. Just take a look at this review a Rimowa buyer left at Nordstrom.com: " On our first trip using this suitcase, my entire family fought over who got to roll the Rimowa because it was just SO MUCH LIGHTER and maneuverable than our other suitcases. It’s sleek, sturdy, light and has great details and added features." The hard-sided shell might look intimidating at first, but once you feel how lightweight and easy this is to the wheel, you'll wonder why you haven't invested in it sooner.

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Price Point ($-$$$): $$ | Hardside or Softside: Hardside | Warranty: Lifetime

If you're looking for unique luggage that will stand out in baggage claim, look no further. Not only are Roam 's designs multi-colored, the brand even offers the option to make it uniquely yours in their own design studio. Roam makes the best-checked luggage for that reason along with being light in weight, easy to wheel around, and extra secure with a locking system. "I was an early adopter of the Roam Journey. I traveled all over the world with it. It is lightweight and the customization options really make it pop on the conveyor belt. No more episodes of other people accidentally grabbing my mundane black bag," said one Roam reviewer.

We had thoughts about the carry-on looking small when we first got our hands on one, but the bag can surprisingly fit many days' worth of outfits. The only con about the carry-on thought is it comes without outer organizational pockets, so you'll have to store smaller belongings and electronics inside the bag.

You're probably going to be most impressed by Monos on this list. The Canadian brand makes luggage with a cool minimalist aesthetic that is efficient in packing space thanks to organized internal compartments and packing cubs. It seems as if the brand has thoroughly thought of every travel hiccup and created its products to solve those common issues. The Monos carry-on features a fold-out tech pocket that doesn't compromise the unbreakable aluminum and polycarbonate hybrid shell. The result of all of this: durable aluminum, lightweight polycarbonate, and soft-sided organization features. The wheels are virtually noiseless, and the brand's accessories snap perfectly into place among the entire line of luggage. It all looks and feels expensive, probably because it isn't cheap—but it will make your travel dreams so much better.

Price Point ($-$$$): $$$ | Hardside or Softside: Softside | Warranty: Lifetime

Filson has captured the hearts of travelers who love timeless rugged design. While the Seattle brand doesn't carry any hard luggage, Filson does make some grade-A soft luggage. Everything from their duffle bags to messenger bags is perfect for short trips and for carry-on duties. One Filson review mentioned how well his duffel bag performed on a trip abroad. " Used it on a 10-day trip to Europe in winter; paired it up with a carry-on and this was perfect to fit bulkier items like boots, sweaters, and jackets," said the Filson.com reviewer.

The initial investment on any Filson bag is a pretty penny, but the quality materials like USA-sourced leather and tear-resistant canvas point to your bag lasting a long long time—and look better with every new sign of wear and tear, no less.

July is another luggage brand that's made a splash in recent years. The attention to detail in design, combined with stylish silhouettes, has brought forth a line of pieces that look great standalone and even better together. "The suitcase packed a lot of clothes very nicely as I traveled all through the Middle East, France, and Amsterdam. It rolls so easily it made the whole trip quite enjoyable. It seems very sturdy, and it is great looking," said one July reviewer.

July luggage comes in a ton of colors and—best of all—the brand offers small personalization services like monogramming and images of your pets. Yes, you heard that right pet parents.

Read more: Best Sling Bags

Why Trust Us

• In order to keep up with new innovations and product releases, the Men's Health editors and writers are continually testing the latest travel gear. Aside from covering travel gear in our evergreen roundups, we also highlight the best new travel gear in our gift guides and annual Travel Awards .
• When it comes to luggage, we make sure to line up real-world testing opportunities anytime we're on assignment or traveling for pleasure. Then, we bring the luggage back to our office to thoroughly inspect each bag to determine what design notes surprised us, and what could use more work.
• We consider how luggage brands appeals to specific types of traveler, as opposed to making generic assumptions that every traveler's needs are the same. We take into account everything from checked bags to carry-ons, to duffel bags and travel backpacks. Travelers who come to us will gain a full understanding of the luggage landscape and how it fits their lifestyle.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

How to Find the Right Luggage

Like your favorite pair of jeans , your favorite piece of luggage is going to come from a brand that fits your lifestyle. When looking for the best suitcase brand, you're going to want to write down what quantities you desire in your luggage. Here's what you should look for.

Frequency of Travel

The right luggage is going to fit with how you travel. If you're only going out of town a handful times a year, then you don't necessarily need to splurge on a super expensive suitcase or suitcase set. In fact, we'd recommend going for a wallet-friendly suitcase or set from brands like Samsonite or Coolife if you're not traveling that often, as these brands will hold up for years with light to medium use and not cost you very much upfront. If you're traveling a lot (for pleasure, business, or both) then you're going to probably want to lean towards making an investment in a piece of luggage that's made to handle continuous wear and tear. "When it comes to buying the right piece for your travel needs, my advice is always to opt for something that fits your lifestyle and budget," says Justin Crabbe.

How You Travel

After estimating how much you will be traveling throughout the year, you can start to write down your travel habits, or how you travel. Do you pack heavy or pack light? What features do you want or need? This is where features like TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, special laptop compartments, built-in portable chargers, and more are to be considered. "Look for ways to elevate your internal organization, like dividers, pockets, and sections that will help you keep your belongings organized and easily accessible during your travels," says Sean Oblizalo. Another note: if you're into adventure traveling, look for a bag that's more flexible, lightweight, and made with weather-resistant materials is your best option. "Look for sturdy fabrics such as nylon or polyester, reinforced stitching, and strong zippers to ensure your luggage can handle the demands of outdoor adventures," says Jackson Groves.

You also want to consider how much you are willing to pay for your suitcase. Some suitcase brands are expensive because they get grouped into high fashion, but suitcases can also be expensive because they're known to last a long time (it's worth mentioning the best luggage brands have a kind of timeless style attributed to them). A few of the best suitcase brands that require a significant investment include RIMOWA, Tumi, and Filson. If you're looking for suitcase brands that provide the best overall value (for the price you pay), consider makers like Samsonite, TravelPro, and CooLife.

Lastly, take note of each luggage brand's warranty. A warranty will help get your suitcase replaced or fixed should it have any issues (like a broken off wheel or damaged handle). Most luggage brands have pretty good warranties these days (usually 5-10 years) but the best warranty you can get on a suitcase is a lifetime warranty. Warranties can be huge for frequent travelers, as your suitcase will wear down with high usage. If you are a frequent traveler, or if you're someone who simply wants the best warranty you can get, go with a suitcase that has a lifetime policy. Premium luggage brands are more likely to have lifetime warranties, so this can be another benefit to going up and investing in an expensive suitcase.

Is Hardside or Softside Luggage Better?

The most popular luggage comes in either a hard-sided or soft-sided structured bag. Like mentioned earlier, the pros and cons of both depend on what you prioritize when you pack. Soft-sided luggage typically has more room for movement, more organizational pockets, and can compress to fit into tight spaces (like the overhead of an airplane). They open with a top flap zip, placing the bulk of storage at the bottom. Softside luggage offers more packing room, but it can throw off the balance of your goods when it’s tossed around and stowed away by airline employees. Basically, soft-sided luggage does not provide as much protection as hard-sided bags—but they are roomier.

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Due to advances in making polycarbonate more durable and lighter, hard-sided bags started gaining popularity in the past few years Hardside luggage features a 50/50 split opening (also called a book opening), making each side an equal stabilizer with an outer shell of hard protection. Polycarbonate shells are typically better for business travel. They stack easily but are usually rigid with zero room to expand like a soft-sided bag. The latest hard-sided bags look sleeker and are easier to clean and move—but they require you to be more strategic in your packing.

Other features that you’ll want to consider are weight and wheelability. Many modern suitcases are designed in the lightest possible form, along with four spinner wheels that can swivel 360 degrees to make rolling around the airport, pavement, or hotel floor a breeze.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested & Reviewed By Our Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Carry-ons are arguably the piece of luggage travelers pull out most often, whether it's the only bag coming on a weekend trip or used in tandem with a checked suitcase. It also spends the most time with us in transit, which means the functionality is even more important: Are your belongings easy to get to if you need to retrieve something while waiting at your gate? Is there a space to stash whatever item you remember on your way out the door? These are a few of the things Traveler editors considered when sifting through the seemingly endless options on the market. We set out to find the best of the best—bags that are lightweight but still sturdy, have enough space to house clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories, and will hold up for many trips to come. After months of testing, these are the pieces we've deemed the best carry-on luggage of 2023.

What we considered:

When testing out carry-on luggage, we asked editors and contributors to consider several factors: How light a bag was on its own, how much it could fit, whether the design and organizational factors were helpful (and aesthetically pleasing), how well it held up in transit, how easy or difficult it is to roll and pick up, whether it's worth the price point, and if there are any unique features that set it apart from other carry-on suitcases or bags they've used.

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler' s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

What size can a carry-on bag be?

It depends on which airline you're flying with, but typically, dimensions are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high for domestic airlines (Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines adhere to these figures; American Airlines allows for an extra inch of height, while and Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines's max is 24" x 16" x 10" and Spirit Airlines's allotment is 22" x 18" x 10"). Some airlines provide a single number; dimensions must add up to that number or below to be considered compliant.

International airlines tend to have slightly different size requirements; 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" is typical, but here are some exact specifications by airline:

• Air Canada: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9"
• Air France: 21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8"
• British Airways: 22" x 18" x 10"
• Emirates: 21.6" x 15" x 8.6"
• Lufthansa: 21.6" x 15.7" x 9"
• Qatar Airways: 20" x 15" x 10"
• Singapore Airlines: 45 total inches

What can’t I take in my carry-on?

Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are not allowed in your carry-on. Additionally, firearms and other potentially hazardous items are prohibited. Check TSA's website for specific items you may have questions about.

Are carry-on bags free?

Again, it depends on which you're flying with and what kind of ticket you purchase. These airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item), regardless of what level ticket you bought:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

While these airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item) to all travelers except those who purchased a base fare:

• United Airlines

Top recommendations:

• Best overall carry-on: Paravel The Aviator Carry-On
• Best lightweight carry-on: July Carry-On Light
• Best budget carry-on: Béis The Carry-On Roller
• Best expandable carry-on: Away Carry-On Flex
• Best softside carry-on: Travelpro Platinum Elite softside spinner

Weight: 8.2 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Glides smoothly even when fully packed, unique look and feel Cons: No external phone charger included, could use an interior pocket along the length of the bag

Luggage brand Paravel has built a dedicated following thanks to its retro Wes Anderson–style designs and use of sustainable materials. The Aviator Carry-On is no different: Available in shades like scout tan, safari green, and scuba navy, it has a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and an interior lining made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles. It's a favorite of senior editor Megan Spurrell : “This is one of two carry-on roller bags I have used regularly for nearly three years—we’ve traveled everywhere from Lisbon to Mexico City to Los Angeles together.” Spurrell has used it for weeklong trips, and notes that it's still in good shape after years of use: “It has definitely gotten scratched up from being thrown into the hull of planes (I have checked it before, even though it’s carry-on), but it has held up well otherwise—there are no cracks in the shell, zipper issues despite how much I have stuffed it, nor sticky wheels.” The one minor flaw: The top handle placement is a bit counterintuitive, placed on the side of the suitcase further from your body.

Weight: 8.36 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 16" x 10"

Pros: Comfortable handle, fairly easy to clean Cons: Although the beige color is incredibly pretty, it gets dirty very quickly; I would recommend a darker color

With a pretty, ribbed design and thoughtful features like a cushioned silicone grip on the handle, you wouldn't guess this is one of the most affordable suitcases on our list. It's been tested by commerce producer Paris Wilson , who used it to pack for her and her boyfriend on a weeklong trip to the Florida Keys; with the help of the expandable zipper, it fit at least 14 outfits as well as four pairs of shoes and two purses. The wheels have stood up to bumpy roads—“We live in downtown Manhattan where cobblestone streets are a staple and we still managed to make it to the subway without any hangups”—and the included pouches come in handy for dirty clothes or even souvenirs. “I’m tempted to buy the remaining luggage to create a set; I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in building their luggage collection but might not know where to start.”

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity

Away recently upgraded a few of its core suitcases, including The Bigger Carry-On. Updates include an additional zipper compartment, a color-matched interior made of recycled polyester, and an underside grab handle for easy overhead bin lifting. Tested by editorial assistant Jessica Chapel , who has taken it on a flight to New Mexico, a bus ride to New Jersey, and in cars on weekend trips from New York, it's one of the lighter bags on the list at under eight pounds. Compared to her previous suitcase, “It does wonders. Prior to this luggage I often traveled with a checked bag. I can fit almost as much in this suitcase, and it's way more practical—and feels more swift, given the 360-degree wheels.”

Weight: 3.9 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 14" × 7.5"

Pros: I enjoy the ease with which you can move this piece of luggage around; it feels very zippy Cons: The telescopic handle sometimes sticks

July calls this the lightest double-wheel suitcase in the world, and it is the lightest we've tested here at Traveler at just under four pounds when empty. Research director Alexandra Sanidad has brought it on planes to Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon, and on an Amtrak to Woodstock, New York; she says “it's very cute and fits nicely in tight spaces,” and is a “good price for a sturdy, colorful, functional suitcase.” As for what it fits, light packers can fit a week’s worth of clothing in here; if you’re bringing multiple day and night outfits, plan for a weekend’s worth.

Weight: 11.1 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 9"

Pros: Extremely functional and stylish, glides smoothly even when full Cons : It’s a little large for a carry-on; I've had to check it twice so far

Tumi bags are an investment—at over $1,000, this is one of the priciest bags on our list of the best carry-on luggage—but for frequent business travelers or those looking for a lifelong investment piece, it might be the bag for you. It's gone with former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian on trips to Mexico, Italy and France, a bachelorette party at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, and Boston. She calls it “the most beautiful suitcase I’ve owned,” and appreciates the “zipper expansion that drastically increases the depth of the suitcase,” as well as the “sneaky zipper around the front that allows you to pull out clothes quickly.” It is one of the heavier bags on the list, though, and Erdekian says she's had difficulty lifting it overhead when full. Also of note: It comes with a five-year warranty, and can be customized with a monogram or set of “pop of color” accessories.

Weight: 6.53 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Budget-friendly, very lightweight Cons: Since its design is pretty plain, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing suitcase on our list

This hardside carry-on with spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock has racked up rave reviews on Amazon, like this one: “It fit an odd amount of stuff in it. It's like a clown car. It has compartments and zippers that keep things separate and organized. It holds up well and is really good looking. It's absolutely worth every penny. I'm purchasing more for the rest of the family.” Traveler editor Meaghan Kenny agrees, calling it an overpacker's dream bag. The hardside spinner comes in black, navy, bright blue, and orange.

Weight: 8.1 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10.3"

Pros: The front zipper is such a plus, with lots of sections for organizing Cons: The color range isn’t huge—I wish they alternated in more shades

This Arlo Skye zipper-front suitcase has gone on many trips with Spurrell —she alternates between this and a Paravel carry-on, and this one has been to Peru, upstate New York, and Montauk: “I take it as a carry-on for most flights—from weekend trips to weeklong getaways—because it’s surprisingly roomy, with an organized front pocket that I can easily stow essentials like my laptop, book, and magazines in.” Sleek yet durable, it comes with a removable charger (boasting both USB C and USB A ports), two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a cotton storage cover. The aesthetics are a plus, too: “I love the design of this bag—it feels like a reliable, sleek rolling bag, with design you’ll never get tired of.”

Weight: 7.8 lbs. Dimensions: 23.5" x 14.5" x 9"

Pros: Expandable design, multiple exterior pockets Cons: Some travelers may prefer a clamshell opening; may be too large for some international flights

Every inch counts—especially if you're traveling with just a carry-on—and softside luggage offers a little more give than hard-shell bags. This expandable pick has a telescopic handle, spinner wheels for easy gliding, and an external USB port for charging your devices. It's earned an “Amazon's Choice” distinction thanks to its consistently high reviews and competitive pricing (its larger size, which has many similar internal features, is a favorite of former Traveler editor Louis Cheslaw). The suitcase is available in several shades (including black, Bordeaux, and true navy) and three carry-on sizes (19-, 20-, and 21-inches).

Weight: 8.15 lbs. Dimensions: 21.7" x 13.7" x 9"

Pros: Expandable, easy to roll Cons: Scuffs easily, no exterior pockets

Go one step further, space-wise, with this expandable suitcase, which gives you an additional 2.25" of packing space when needed. Traveler 's global associate director of audience development Lara Kramer has used this bag for trips as long as a week (including a trip to London ), and noted how smoothly it rolled across almost any surface, thanks to its 360-degree spinner wheels. “The joy of this luggage is its simplicity,” she says. “It's a pretty straightforward design, but what it does, it does very well: glide smoothly and easily with its 360-degree spinner wheels and provide the luxury of expanding to add more room if needed. Between my husband and I, one of us is always snagging it as our main carry-on.” Kramer recommends choosing a unique color for your bag, or adding your favorite sticker to the outer hard shell to help it stand out, and notes the inevitable scuffs can look pretty jarring against the black colorway.

Weight: 12.5 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Very easy to store, even in small places; soft handle grip Cons: Expandable mechanism can be tricky to lock into place

The designers at Béis knew what they were doing when they built this soft-sided expandable carry-on , a favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager . It's a big space saver for people with minimal closet or storage space, and yet still fits plenty when expanded—enough for a long weekend to five-day trips. An exterior front pocket holds a laptop sleeve, pocket to place a portable charger (and a small hole to slip the charging cord through), plus a key clip. Smooth-rolling wheels and a soft hand cushion on the underside of the handle are great touches, too.

Weight: 7.16 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Responsive handle, very lightweight Cons: No exterior pockets for added storage

Lightweight with a rugged exterior, frequent traveler Patrick Thompson noted that this bag “seems like it would hold up to the hustle and bustle of an airport, getting jammed into an overhead compartment, and any excessive packing into the trunk of a car.” He's been using it regularly for over a year, bringing it on trips as long as two weeks (Argentina and Italy), as well as long weekend trips to Utah, Georgia, and Florida, and while it has gotten scuffed, it's still in good shape, and is a bag he'd recommend to other travelers. “I love the color and that it's very lightweight. I find it to be easily rollable when traveling.” While there is “a stealth pocket on the top corner that holds smaller items, which can be very useful and convenient while trudging through the airport,” he hasn't often utilized the front exterior zipper, which is meant for easy access to the main compartment, and would prefer another exterior pocket in place of it.

Weight: 10 lbs. Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 7.9"

Pros: Built-in garment folder, interior compression system, exterior pockets Cons: Doesn't roll as easily when full

Senior features editor Rebecca Misner calls this suitcase “a professional travelers’ dream carry-on: very sturdy, and full of bells and whistles that actually make packing easier.” Briggs & Riley's signature expansion system allows travelers to press a button and pull up on a lever in the main compartment to expand the suitcase sides vertically. “Once you’re packed and zipped, you just push down on the exterior sides to compress.” Other notable features include mesh interior pockets, a built-in garment folder with a foam roll bar that keeps clothes from wrinkling, and unassuming SpeedThu pocket pockets on the exterior made to fit a passport and boarding pass—with a bright orange lining that signals when the pocket is open (meaning your important docs are at risk).

Weight: 9.9 lbs. Dimensions: 14" x 22" x 9.5" Pros: Keeps dress clothes wrinkle-free, exterior pocket to hold documents or other small items Cons: May not be large enough to be your only suitcase on a trip

Heading to a wedding or business trip ? Kramer vouches for this compact Travelpro garment bag. “The lay-flat garment bag design is the real gem of this carry-on. It holds way more than you think—and arriving with all of your dresses and shirts wrinkle-free is a huge game changer.” The durable nylon fabric, made with a Duraguard coating, is a bonus, too.

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 22.8" x 9.4" x 15"

Pros: Smooth-rolling wheels, built-in phone charger, antimicrobial lining Cons: Scratched easily on first use

Tested by destinations editor Shannon McMahon , who prefers to travel with expandable hard-side spinners, this one stands out for “its super roomy packing capacity and its smooth-rolling wheels.” It's become her go-to carry-on after first using it for a four-day getaway last year with room to spare ( even after buying souvenirs ). Smart features of the utilitarian bag include a built-in phone charger, zippered laundry compartment, oversized mesh organizational pockets, and antimicrobial lining. The exterior scratched surprisingly easily on that first trip, but beyond that it hasn't seen much damage: “It's not a fight against scratches on the outside like I thought it would be, it seems like it was just a first-use thing.” The bag's biggest pros: Its packing power and its ultra-lightweight—“it's light as a feather when empty,” McMahon says.

Weight: 6.06 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" Pros: Wheels smoothly, easy to carry around Cons: Laptop sleeve doesn't fit much else, so if not using it, feels like an unnecessary use of space

Frequent traveler Katie Thompson has been using this suitcase for over a year, bringing it to Italy, Argentina, Florida, upstate New York, and Savannah, and calls it “an organizer's dream.” The Samsonite carry-on is loaded with zip pockets and mesh nets to give every item its own place. Thompson says it “can comfortably fit a week's worth of clothing if you are a light packer, but is probably best for a weekend trip,” and notes it rolls easily and in all directions. Another perk: The hardshell exterior has built in patterns that help to hide any scratches, though it has gotten some scuffs with time. Overall, it is “sleek, unique, and compact,” though overall storage is on the smaller side: “The additional pockets on the top side make the inside smaller,” Thompson says. “It fits less than my previous carry-on, but I still managed 10 days in Italy with it.”

Weight: 8.25 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 13.5" x 9.5" Pros: Front pocket for last-minute items, plenty of interior compartments Cons: Limited color options, no expansion

Hard-shell bags with a front pocket are few and far between, but this Calpak bag makes a strong case for it. Executive editor Erin Florio says she “actually [looks] forward to packing this thing;” while she was worried about its size at first glance, after traveling with it, she says smart packers could pack for up to 10 days with it. “The inner compartments make it really easy to organize all your items, from shoes to laundry to toiletries, which helps you fit in more,” she says. As for that exterior pocket, it can fit a laptop, hardcover book, and magazines.

Weight: 6.3 lbs. Dimensions: 23" H x 14.5" W x 9.5" D Pros: Lightweight and fits a lot of clothing including shoes Cons: Hard to lift when heavy. Also hard to clean/get scuffs out

Recommended by associate social media manager Kayla Brock , this expandable carry-on has a mesh zip compartment and zip-lock compartments inside, which make organizing clothes, accessories, and toiletries easy. She has brought it to North Dakota, Europe, New York, Zanzibar, Seattle, Jamaica, Chicago, Colorado, and the Cayman Islands, packing for as long as three weeks with it (though in winter time, it's better suited for weekend trips). “Although it originally looks like my clothes wouldn’t fit (I’m guilty of overpacking), the suitcase closed with ease,” Brock says. In the year-plus that she's been using it, it has gotten some scuffs and discoloration on certain parts of the body, and the zippers have bent a little; however, Brock still strongly recommends it: “Out of all the suitcases I have this is my absolute favorite and without a doubt the one that I take with me on a trip.”

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The Best Checked Luggage of 2024, Tested by Experts

Spacious, durable and easy-to-maneuver suitcases for checking.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

If you're headed on a long trip or you identify as an over-packer (like me!), a larger suitcase from one of the best luggage brands is the key to bringing everything you'll need and more while you travel . Plus, you won't have to lug it through security, worry about gate-checking it on a packed flight or hoist it into an overhead bin. If you're concerned about losing your bag once it's out of your hands, try one of our expert-approved luggage trackers to pinpoint its location.

With so many luggage brands to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which suitcases are worth it, especially since bigger bags can cost bigger bucks. That's why, at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test luggage for all types of travel. In recent years, we've evaluated more than 100 suitcases, testing them in our Lab and sending them to consumer testers who take them on real trips to test for durability, appearance and performance properties.

Our top picks:

• Best Overall: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner
• Best Value: Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner
• Most Popular: Away The Large
• Best for Minimalists: Monos Check-In Large
• Best for Business Travel: Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Spinner

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner

After more than fifteen years of evaluating Samsonite luggage, its bags continue to stand out in our Textiles Lab tests. This style in particular is one of our favorite models, thanks to its l ightweight design and easy-to-use features . At 9.6 pounds, it's one of the lightest suitcases we tested, but it's still durable. In our drop tests, the hardside polypropylene material performed well without major dents or damages.

It's a favorite of our consumer testers who say the suitcase has smooth rolling wheels that make it easy to maneuver around corners and turns. When I evaluated the suitcase in the Lab, I was impressed by the sturdy telescopic handle that locks into place at different heights for comfortable pushing and pulling. Our testers said the carrying handles felt a little tight, but they still thought the bag was easy to pick up.

The suitcase has a butterfly opening and unzips into two primary packing compartments: one with a stretch compression strap for flexible security and one with a zippered panel to keep all of your belongings in place. You'll also find a smaller zippered pocket for additional storage. We were able to fit our entire packing load in the suitcase with room to spare. For even more room to bring home souvenirs on your vacation, the checked bag can be expanded by almost another inch.

Weight: 9.6 lbs | Listed dimensions: 13.78" x 20.95" x 31.1" | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner

With more than 46 ,000 reviews on Amazon and an average rating of 4.5 stars , this hardside spinner suitcase from Amazon Basics is solid evidence that you don't need to break the bank to buy a quality piece of luggage.

In addition to impressing tens of thousands of online reviewers, this collection of bags also wowed us and our consumer testers. The suitcase is made with ABS plastic, which isn't as durable as polycarbonate material, but it helps keep the cost low (and it's usually on sale). Plus, it performed well in our durability assessments, showing some marks in our scratch test but resisting major dents and damage in our drop test.

When our testers rolled the carry-on model through our obstacle course setup, they loved the smooth-rolling wheels, and one tester said the bag was "very easy to move." However, they shared that the telescopic handle felt notably less sturdy than other suitcases they tested. Packing it was a breeze, thanks to its spacious interior with a large zippered compartment, smaller pockets to help with organization and a compression strap to secure your things. You can even expand the bag for extra packing space.

Weight: 12.2 lbs | Listed dimensions: 30.7" x 12" x 20.47" | Material: Hardside ABS | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Away The Large

After conducting tests for our Away luggage review , we have to say that the trendy bags are worth investing in.

Its hard-shell polycarbonate material proved to be durable in our tests, but it's still lighter than even some of the soft fabric suitcases we reviewed . When we repeatedly dropped the carry-on model from our drop tester, there was no noticeable damage. It even aced our scratch tests with minimal scuffs. The bag unzips into two roomy compartments. One side closes with a zipper, and the other features compression straps that made the packing process simple in our evaluations. Our consumer testers said the telescopic handles could feel sturdier, but they gave the handle high scores for comfort, and they loved the smooth wheels.

The bag comes with a genuine leather luggage tag to help you identify your suitcase and a removable laundry bag to stash your dirty clothes. It's currently available in six on-trend colors including the featured red, navy, cloud gray and sea green. There's even an option to customize your bag with your initials for an added fee. Away offers a generous 100-day trial period, so you can gently test it out at home and return or exchange it if you decide it's not for you.

Weight: 12.1 lbs | Listed dimensions: 29" x 20.5" x 12.5" | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro was founded by a pilot who wanted to create luggage for frequent fliers who are rough on their bags, so the brand's suitcases are perfect for regular business travel.

This luxe softside bag comes in six traditional colors like rich espresso brown and Bordeaux red, and although some of our testers said the style was a bit old-fashioned, I appreciate the bag's sophisticated design elements, like chrome zippers and genuine leather carrying handles and trim . Other impressive features include a removable garment bag that's ideal for storing a work suit or dress, a TSA-compliant toiletry bag and plenty of internal and external pockets for organization, as well as a 2-inch zippered expansion that's tapered to help prevent your bag from becoming top-heavy and tipping over.

When we evaluated the carry-on model, the nylon fabric proved durable in our abrasion tests, resisting wear. In other tests, it showed no major signs of damage after being dropped repeatedly, and the zippers were water-resistant, keeping the contents inside the bag nice and dry. During our packing test, we could fit our standard load and had plenty of room to spare. Our testers said the cushioned telescopic handle had great grip. Even better, the bag's double spinner wheels are self-aligning to help you roll smoothly through the airport.

Weight: 11.5 lbs | Listed dimensions: 32.5" x 21" x 13.25" | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Monos Check-In Large

Ideal for someone who prefers a sleeker, more minimalist aesthetic, this checked bag from popular luggage brand Monos wowed both GH analysts and our consumer testers during our evaluations.

The durable polycarbonate luggage follows the brand's "less is more" design philosophy, but it isn't lacking in space or organization . We rated it highly for being easy to pack, with a roomy interior that's divided into two compartments: One is zipper-enclosed and the other has an adjustable compression panel to keep contents secure. Plus, there are three spacious mesh zippered pockets for additional organization, and you'll also receive a laundry bag and two shoe bags.

When testers rolled the suitcase through our obstacle course, they were wowed by how easy it was to maneuver and how smoothly the spinner wheels rolled. "I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this bag was to travel with," shared one tester who took the bag on a trip. "I didn't have to roll it behind me; I could roll it next to me." In our durability assessments, the suitcase managed to hold up to repeated drops without suffering major dents, but the shell did show some marks and scuffs in our scratch test. The brand sends an "eco-friendly eraser sponge" to clean more stubborn marks.

Monos also offers a 100-day trial period, which means you can test the bag at home for up to 100 days before committing.

Weight: 10.6 lbs | Listed dimensions: 30" x 21" x 11" | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused

Delsey Paris Helium DLX Softside Expandable Checked Large

Weighing in at just 10.2 pounds, this checked bag from Delsey is one of our lightest picks, but just because the bag is light doesn't mean it isn't durable or spacious.

In our durability tests, the carry-on model held up well to repeated dropping without major dents or damages, and the polyester-and-nylon-blend material withstood rubbing from our abrasion machine. During consumer evaluations, our testers said the bag wasn't as easy to maneuver as others they tried, but they gave it good scores overall during use and rated the handle highly for feeling comfortable and sturdy.

The suitcase we evaluated aced our packing tests, receiving perfect scores for being easy to fill and for holding our standard load of belongings for a long trip. We did have some difficulty opening and closing the zippers while packing the carry-on-size bag, and I personally find Delsey's zippers to be stubborn, but our testers appreciated all of the zippered compartments for organization, with one sharing, "I love the pockets." The suitcase unzips into one large opening, complete with compression straps to secure your belongings, a large mesh zippered pocket and a removable bifold toiletry bag.

Plus, there are two outer pockets, and the suitcase can be expanded by up to 2 inches for more room. The inner lining is fully removable, which makes it simple to clean, since you can just take it out and throw it in the washing machine.

Weight: 10.2 lbs | Listed dimensions: 32.75" x 20" x 13.5" | Material: Softside polyester-and-nylon blend | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Briggs & Riley Baseline Extra Large Expandable Spinner

What sets this bag from Briggs & Riley apart is its innovative design that simplifies packing for longer trips .

When you unzip the bag, it exposes one large, lined compartment to store your belongings and two mesh zippered pockets for smaller items and accessories. Hidden inside the lid of the suitcase is a built-in trifold garment folder with a hook for hangers that's perfect for storing formal attire. Our testers who tried a smaller model of this bag were impressed by how much they could fit inside, sharing that there was way more space than they expected. Plus, a unique push-button expansion system allows you to easily expand the bag for extra packing space and then compress it down to its standard size once it's been filled.

For a softside bag, it's on the heavier side, weighing 15.6 pounds, but it's made with high-quality materials and is reinforced at the corners to protect your valuables. When I put the nylon material to the test with our abrasion machine, I was impressed that it showed no major signs of wear or scratches. It was the top performer in our most recent round of drop testing; I found no major dents or damage after loading it into our drop tester and releasing it repeatedly. Our testers said the bag was easy to maneuver through our obstacle course and rated the telescopic handle as sturdy too.

Weight: 15.6 lbs | Listed dimensions: 31" x 22" x 13.8" | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

Calpak Ambeur Large Luggage

A favorite of our testers, Calpak's Ambeur collection of luggage is the ideal combination of fashion and function . It's available in four trendy metallics: silver, gold, black and rose gold, along with a limited copper color. This high-quality checked bag is made of polycarbonate and ABS composite material that's lightweight and held up well to repeated drops in our tests. It did show some signs of wear in our scratch test, but that's common with ABS composites.

When our testers rolled the carry-on model through our obstacle course, they were happy with its easy-to-use telescopic handle, with one describing it as "the smoothest handle by far," compared to other luggage being tested. Other testers said the padded handles were comfy to hold and easy to steer and lift with.

The interior of the bag is also impressive, and I find it easy to pack full of everything I need for a two-week trip. Inside, there are two large areas for storing larger belongings, complete with a compression strap and a zippered panel, as well as two additional zippered pockets and a handy removable toiletries bag. You can even expand the spacious bag by 2 inches to bring souvenirs back with you on your trip home, but there's so much packing space already that you may not even need the extra room.

Weight: 11.75 lbs | Listed dimensions: 30" x 19" x 12" | Material: Hardside polycarbonate and ABS composite | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused

How we test luggage

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly test all kinds of luggage — including larger checked luggage — with our specialized Lab equipment and by setting up obstacle courses for testers to navigate . We also share our luggage with consumer testers who try the bags on their own trips. Here's how we evaluate checked bags and other luggage:

✔️ Size and weight : We've found that listed specs for luggage aren't always accurate, so we weigh each piece of luggage while it's empty. Then we measure the luggage to see if it complies with dimension restrictions put in place by most U.S. airlines.

✔️ Ease of use : We rate how easy it is to zip and unzip (pictured) and consider the accessibility of the packing compartments.

We also evaluate important features like the telescopic handle and the wheels. After packing the bag, we practice rolling it over different surfaces, such as tile, carpet and hardwood, and lift it onto countertops to try out the handles.

✔️ Packing capabilities : We pack each suitcase with a standard load of items for a week-long trip, including shoes, clothes and toiletries (pictured). We score the suitcase based on how much it can hold and how easily we can fill it.

✔️ Abrasion resistance: We cut swatches of fabric from softside luggage and load them into our abrasion machine (pictured) which rubs the material against an abrasive surface 15,000 times to simulate extended use. We then assess the material and grade it for signs of wear.

✔️ Scratch resistance : To determine scratch resistance, we drag a wire over hardside luggage material and then visually assess any scratches, ridges, scuffs or markings left behind.

✔️ Drop durability : We fill each suitcase with a standard weight and load it into our drop tester (pictured). The drop tester releases each piece of luggage from a set height of three feet. We repeat the test in various directions, noting and scoring any damages, dents or imperfections that result.

✔️ Consumer tests: To simulate actual use, we set up a standard course that features a variety of surfaces and obstacles that testers must navigate, such as pulling the suitcase through sharp turns, lifting the bag over curbs, transitioning to different types of flooring (pictured) and more. To mimic a real travel load, each suitcase is filled with weight before being put to the test. Testers also rate factors like ease of use, comfort and sturdiness of the handles, as well as the performance and smoothness of the wheels and overall maneuverability.

We also share suitcases with testers, editors and analysts who take them on their own trips and provide us with real-user feedback about their experiences. Plus, we take the luggage on our own trips, and I have personally used several of the bags featured on my vacations and trips abroad.

What to look for when shopping for the best checked luggage

Here are some things to keep in mind while searching for the best checked luggage for your needs:

✔️ Wheels : In our evaluations, 360-degree wheels — called spinner wheels — have consistently received the best scores for maneuverability. Larger checked luggage should have four wheels, making it easier to roll, push and pull in all directions.

✔️ Telescopic handle : It may not seem like a huge deal, but a solid, sturdy handle can have a big impact on the performance of your luggage, especially when you're lugging around a heavy checked bag. If you get to examine the luggage in person, we recommend testing how easy it is to raise and lower the handle and checking to see if it can be adjusted to different heights for comfortable toting. Consider the feel of the handle as well, and note if it has a good grip or extra padding. Be sure to use the handle with care because jerking or rough use can lead to damage over time.

✔️ Top and side handles : Look for luggage that has easy-to-grip top and side handles, which can be helpful when lifting and lowering bags from higher surfaces. You may not be placing your checked bag into an overhead bin, but you'll still need to carry it down stairs, lift it into trunks or place it on a scale at the airport.

✔️ Compartments: Most larger hardside checked bags unzip and open into two sections, but softside bags tend to have one large open space for packing your belongings. For more organization, opt for a bag with plenty of compartments, whether they're larger mesh storage spaces, small zippered pockets or exterior pockets for easy access while traveling. Many checked bags will also include a built-in garment bag, toiletry bag and/or laundry bag for even more organization.

✔️ Zippers: Try out the zipper by opening and closing the bag a few times to determine if it's easy to use or if you find it to be finicky and difficult to grip. If possible, also try assessing water resistance by placing a small drop of water on the zipper to see if the water seeps through or beads on the surface.

✔️ Weight: Checked luggage can be pretty heavy, even when empty. Most checked bags, hard and soft, weigh between 10 and 13 pounds, but some weigh upwards of 15 pounds. Most airlines have a 50-pound weight limit for checked luggage with belongings inside, so a heavier suitcase can eat up valuable weight you'd normally use for your packing load.

✔️ Returns and warranties: Warranties tend to only cover manufacturer defects, which can be difficult to prove. If you're worried about committing to a piece of luggage, instead of focusing on the warranty, check to see if the brand offers an extended trial period and/or an any-reason return policy. This can be especially helpful if you're buying your suitcase online and can't try it out in person first.

Which is better: Hardside or softside luggage?

Choosing either hardside or softside luggage is really up to your personal preference. Both types of checked luggage have advantages and disadvantages, so keep these things in mind while you're making a decision: ✔️ Hardside luggage: Hardside suitcases tend to be durable, stylish and lightweight. Not all hard suitcases are the same, though. These are the most popular types of hard material:

• Polycarbonate : This is the most common material for hardside luggage because it's typically lighter than aluminum but also more durable than ABS plastic. It's able to resist high-impact drops but is more susceptible to scratches and scuffs, so manufacturers will sometimes add a special coating to prevent scratching.
• ABS plastic: It's a more affordable material to use, so most lower-cost hardside luggage is made with ABS. The material is super lightweight but not as durable as polycarbonate or metals.
• Polycarbonate/ABS composites : Some suitcases combine polycarbonate and ABS, so you can reap the benefits of both. Typically with composites, there will be a layer of ABS plastic under a coating of polycarbonate. It's not quite as strong as a suitcase made of only polycarbonate, but it's typically more affordable than solid polycarbonate.
• Aluminum: Metal suitcases made of aluminum are more durable than other materials, but they're heavy and can be pretty pricey, so it's not as commonly used.

✔️ Softside luggage: Fabric-based suitcases are more malleable than hardside bags, so they can be easier to store in tight spaces or stuff completely full while you're packing. The material is also less susceptible to scratches and dents, but it's subject to abrasion over time. These materials are often used for softside luggage:

• Nylon : Most softside suitcases are made of nylon, which is a synthetic fiber that's durable and resists wear, and it's fairly water-resistant. It's a great option for frequent fliers who might be rough on their luggage.
• Polyester : Another synthetic fiber, polyester tends to be less expensive than nylon and more lightweight. It's not usually as durable, but we have tested many polyester bags that are abrasion-resistant.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Amanda Constantine has tested and written about luggage of all kinds including carry-ons, duffels, travel backpacks and hardside luggage . Amanda also conducted some of the luggage testing for Good Housekeeping's Family Travel Awards program. For this article, she reviewed former testing data and used her related expertise and personal experience to make recommendations for the best checked luggage.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Travel lighter and easier with these suitcases

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

How we tested, other carry-on luggage we tested.

• What To Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

These days, with more and more airlines charging fees for checked bags, many travelers are choosing to limit themselves to a carry-on whenever they can. This means it’s more important than ever to purchase a bag tough enough to withstand being hauled in and out of overhead compartments—yet light and spacious enough to give you the greatest amount of packing space possible. Handy extras range from TSA-approved locks and integrated luggage scales to USB ports for keeping your devices charged in transit. 

With so many brands and styles out there, choosing the right suitcase can seem overwhelming. To make it a little easier, we tested 41 of the most popular options in our testing lab. We put them through their paces and scored them for attributes, including capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Superior movement

Built to handle rigors of travel

Effortlessly cool

Not enough zippered pockets

An instant favorite with our testing team, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is made of injection-molded polypropylene for a hardside case that’s exceptionally lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant. It stood up well to our baseball bat test with barely any scuffs—so much so that we’d feel confident if we had to check it. We loved its minimal, ultra-modern aesthetic and found that it had sufficient space for everything on our packing list, even without employing the expansion feature. 

Potential purchasers should be aware that although the expansion feature is a definite bonus, overstuffing the suitcase could make it exceed some airline carry-on restrictions. We felt the interior organization options were good, with a cross ribbon, divider, and several pockets. The only downside was that there was only one zippered pocket, meaning you’d have to choose whether to separate shoes or dirty laundry. 

The suitcase has four 360-degree double spinner wheels for flawless maneuverability, and we found that it had the best glide of any bag we tested. It was easier to operate on two wheels over bumps, but transitioning between two- and four-wheeled use was a breeze. The suitcase also features a multi-stage handle with a wider grip for added comfort; a recessed, TSA-approved combination lock; and a built-in ID tag. Colors range from classic black to silver or sky blue. Finally, your purchase includes a limited 10-year global warranty. 

Dimensions: 21.25 x 15.25 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Tamara Staples

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Travelpro platinum elite carry-on spinner.

• Capacity 4.7 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Easy to maneuver

Solid, adjustable handle

Excellent impact and scratch resistance

Capacity could be more generous

Power bank sold separately

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Carry-On is a relatively expensive option; however, a 100 percent polycarbonate shell with reinforced aluminum corner guards makes it impressively durable and, therefore, worth the investment. Even after multiple drop tests and bat beatings, we could see no visible signs of damage. The textured finish should help reduce the visibility of scuffs or scratches, keeping your luggage looking brand new for longer. Exterior highlights include an integrated TSA lock and USB-A and USB-C charge ports. 

This suitcase benefits from Travelpro’s famous PrecisionGlide System, with eight self-aligning spinner wheels and a PowerScope Lite handle with four height settings. We found it incredibly smooth and easy to navigate and particularly liked the handle’s sturdy feel and textured grip. When it came to packing, we had to use the expansion feature to fit everything in, which made it a tight squeeze getting the bag into an overhead compartment. However, we liked the zippered divider panel and water-resistant toiletries section.

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes

Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Amazon basics expandable hardside 21-inch spinner.

Minimalist, sleek aesthetic

Functional internal division

Easily handles any terrain out there

No TSA-approved lock

The AmazonBasics 21-inch spinner retails for well under $100, making it the most affordable option on this list. Despite its modest price tag, it surpassed our expectations on every test, making it an exceptional value for the money. It features a thick ABS plastic shell with a scratch-resistant, textured finish. We loved the simple sleekness of its design and the four bold colors to choose from, including black, navy blue, light blue, and orange. 

Four double-spinner wheels provide smooth maneuverability in any direction, with the suitcase performing admirably over bumps, obstacle courses, and smooth and carpeted surfaces during our testing process. The fully lined interior is expandable by up to 15 percent, although we didn’t have to use this feature to fit everything in. We particularly liked the built-in organizer with its three separate zippered pockets and the compression straps that kept all our belongings in place. The durable zippers and a sturdy handle complete the bag’s list of attributes.

Dimensions: 22 x 14.9 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.3 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Samsonite Omni PC Carry-on

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 3.8 /5

Great resilience to cosmetic damage

Ample packing space from the outset

Simple yet effective internal layout

Wheels are too small

The Samsonite Omni PC Carry-On may retail for roughly double the price of our budget pick, but it's still considerably cheaper than many of the suitcases on this list and combines durability, capacity, and lightness to provide impressive value for the money. It features a 100 percent polycarbonate shell with micro-diamond texturing for extreme scratch resistance (even after our rigorous testing, it showed no visible scratches). And it's protected by Samsonite's generous 10-year global warranty—just one of many things we love about Samsonite luggage .

We found we could fit everything in without using the suitcase's expansion feature. However, it was still a tight fit in the overhead compartment, so it's a good idea to check the exact requirements of your favorite airline before purchasing. We liked the organizational features—namely, a zippered divider and compression straps. The only drawback was the undersized spinner wheels, which caught easily on ruts (but performed well on carpet and sharp turns). The handle has two height settings, and the integrated lock is TSA-compliant. 

Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 7.05 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best Softside

Travelpro platinum elite softside expandable carry on luggage.

• Organization 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.9 /5

Made to last from premium fabrics

Plenty of storage solutions

Smart capabilities

Relatively expensive

If you’re looking for a softside carry-on, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is an excellent pick, featuring high-density nylon with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and abrasions. This showed up during our durability tests, and the suitcase survived completely unscathed. With its genuine leather accents and chrome zippers, we feel this is a quality investment likely to endure long enough to justify its high price tag. As a bonus, it includes a built-in USB charge port with an external power bank pocket that adheres to FAA regulations. 

We did have to use the tip-resistant expansion feature to make space for everything on our packing list, which made the bag significantly larger. However, we really appreciated the thoughtful interior organization features, including two separate compartments, a deluxe tie-down system, and integrated accessory pockets. There’s even a removable, quart-sized wet bag for your toiletries and a fold-out suiter. Other highlights include Travelpro’s renowned PrecisionGlide System and a choice of elegant colors such as Bordeaux and Rich Espresso. 

Dimensions: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Hardside

Samsonite outline pro carry-on spinner.

• Maneuverability 3.5 /5

Chic and streamlined 

Great choice of storage compartments

Several nice-to-have features

Rolled less smoothly than others

We loved the ultra-modern, contoured design of the Samsonite Outline Pro’s polypropylene shell, which not only looked excellent but also protected it entirely from scratches and dents during our testing process. The case also stands out for its integrated extras, including a USB charge port and a TSA-approved lock, while an interior lined with fabric made from recycled plastic bottles wins points for sustainability and a 10-year limited global warranty affords peace of mind.

We were able to pack everything without using the expansion feature and loved this suitcase’s intuitive organization options. These include a KompressPak panel to keep your belongings in place and two integrated, zippered pockets (one of which is waterproof for any damp items). The bag was slightly let down by its movement, which was clunkier than expected on all four wheels. However, the molded trolley handle is height-adjustable and infused with an additive to help reduce germs. 

Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.39 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best for Business Travel

Béis the carry-on roller.

• Durability 2.5 /5

Outstanding organization

Simple to move

Resilient, attractive exterior

Somewhat unwieldy on four wheels

The Béis Carry-On Roller is an excellent fit for frequent business travelers, with an ultra-lightweight and durable virgin polycarbonate shell that’s easy to roll, drag, and lift while also withstanding extensive rough handling. The appealing 3D stripe design and range of sophisticated colors (from beige to dusky pink) ensure you’ll also earn style points with your colleagues. We found the Hinomoto 360-degree spinner wheels turned tightly and rolled smoothly over bumps, while the handle’s cushioned silicone grip was infinitely comfortable. 

Perhaps best of all is this suitcase’s thoughtfully designed interior, which features multiple zippered flaps, pockets, and pouches for everything from small essentials to shoes and laundry. In fact, the storage options were so comprehensive our tester wished they could exceed our maximum points score on this front. Other highlights include a 2-inch expansion feature, a retractable strap for attaching your purse, a weight limit indicator, and a TSA lock. Lastly, the suitcase comes with the brand’s limited lifetime warranty. 

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.36 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

TripSavvy / Leticia Almeida

Best Organization

Away the bigger carry-on flex.

• Durability 4 /5

All around fluid movement

Great choice for overpackers

Comes with sponge for removing scratches

Not a budget pick

If you’re the traveler who always needs more packing space—for last-minute items from home or souvenirs bought on your trip—you’ll love The Bigger Carry-On Flex from Away. Built using durable polycarbonate with stylish leather details, it fits 20 percent more than the brand’s standard carry-on and expands to reveal an additional 2.25 inches of space (although utilizing it may mean you have to check the bag on some airlines). An interior compression system helps you to fit even more. 

On the inside, the lining is removable—handy for washing out any accidental spills. We enjoyed the multiple organization compartments, including a hidden laundry bag designed to keep dirty clothes separate. The suitcase survived our durability tests intact and also aced our maneuverability trials. We found that the 360-degree spinner wheels glided smoothly, turned easily, and functioned just as well whether we were using two or four of them. Choose from a range of eye-catching colors and enjoy a 100-day trial and free shipping.

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Conor Ralph

Best Sustainable

Paravel aviator carry-on plus.

• Durability 4.5 /5

Entirely carbon neutral 

Frictionless wheels for a super smooth ride

Great capacity and interior layout

No expansion feature

Paravel is a brand with sustainability at its core, and the Aviator Carry-On Plus is no exception. The carbon emissions involved in sourcing, producing, and shipping the bag are all offset—as is its first trip with you. Materials are all sustainable, from the recycled polycarbonate shell with its recycled vegan leather trim to the lining made from 15 recycled plastic bottles. And you won’t be sacrificing anything in terms of style, thanks to the chic two-tone color scheme and the test-proven scuff-hiding finish. 

Although this carry-on doesn’t expand, we were able to fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. We loved the luxurious, impeccably organized interior, which boasts a compression board, pockets, and a removable laundry bag. The suitcase was also incredibly easy to maneuver, thanks to 360-degree wheels with carbon steel bearings that rolled like a dream. Other pros include a TSA lock and Paravel’s five-year warranty, making this purchase well worth it for those with the cash to spare. 

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Design

July carry on pro snapsleeve.

• Value 4.5 /5

External laptop sleeve 

Smart features

Sturdy, quiet wheels for a smooth glide

The compression system could be more effective 

Made from crush-proof polycarbonate that stood up well to our durability tests, the July Carry-On Pro represents the next generation of carry-on suitcases. Its most exciting feature is the detachable SnapSleeve, a padded 16-inch laptop compartment with space for documents and an extra zippered pocket that uses magnets to click into place on the outside of the suitcase. Want to store your bag overhead but keep your laptop with you? No more rummaging around in the aisle.

You can also charge your laptop and phone using the ejectable battery with its USB and FastCharge USB-C ports. The bag fits everything on our packing list, with a Twin-Strap compression system and hidden laundry bag. We especially loved how well the suitcase rolled on cement and rough surfaces, with four SilentMove wheels that never caught or got stuck. Other highlights include a 20-height telescopic handle, a TSA lock, and the ability to personalize—either with text or an illustration of your pet.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Durability

Monos carry on plus spinner.

• Design 4 /5
• Maneuverability 4 /5

Durable exterior

Excellent capacity and organization

Gorgeous colors

Movement could be improved

The Monos Carry-On Plus is a looker with its premium materials, vegan leather details, and beautiful color choices like Desert Taupe and Rose Quartz. Not just a pretty face, though, it’s also incredibly tough, with an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell that withstood multiple drop tests and bat beatings without sustaining anything more than easily removable scuff marks. Its longevity is proven by the fact it comes with a lifetime warranty. All details, from the YKK zippers to the sturdy telescopic handle, are top quality. 

We loved the suitcase’s interior too. We felt it was beautifully made and were impressed with how much we were able to fit. The clamshell design features a zippered panel on one side for keeping shoes or dirty laundry separate, while the other uses a compression pad and ballistic nylon straps to keep your belongings firmly in place. The only downside was the case’s maneuverability. We felt it was relatively hard to turn, and it worked better on two wheels than four.

Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.38 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Splurge

Tumi continental dual access carry-on.

Spacious interior with superb layout

Seamlessly glides over any terrain 

Comes with Tumi Tracer

Exorbitant price tag

Retailing at more than $1,000, the Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On is undoubtedly a splurge (and one our tester found difficult to justify despite its excellent performance). However, if you’re looking for a suitcase that’s as much a status symbol as a luggage item, this is it. It features Tumi’s proprietary FXT ballistic nylon with a unique weave and special, extra-durable coating. The benefit was clear after our durability tests, of which the bag showed no evidence of damage. 

It opens two ways: clamshell style and via a front lid, both with quality security zippers. With three exterior pockets, multiple interior pockets, and dividers (including a removable garment sleeve), it’s the organized packer’s dream. We loved that we could fit everything without using the expansion feature and that it slid easily into the overhead compartment. Four dual spinner wheels and a premium telescoping handle guarantee a smooth roll over all surfaces, while extras range from a USB port to optional monogramming. 

Dimensions: 22.0 x 16.0 x 9.0 inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

The Samsonite Freeform Spinner earns first place among our testers thanks to its exceptional maneuverability, chic aesthetics, and long-lasting build. A close second, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Spinner is easy to control and includes functional extras.

All carry-on luggage was tested in our purpose-built laboratory. First, bags were packed with a prescribed list of items to reflect what one might take on a four-day sightseeing trip in the fall . During the packing process, organization features and component quality were evaluated. Once full, we tested how well the suitcase rolled over a variety of terrains (smooth concrete, carpet, and gravel) before using an obstacle course designed to simulate a busy airport terminal to test maneuverability. 

Next, we lifted the luggage into a simulated overhead compartment to check fit and how easy it was to pick it up and set it down again. Finally, we subjected the suitcase to stringent durability tests, including pushing it off the top of a shelving unit and beating it with a baseball bat. Both tests were repeated to check all areas of the bag for weaknesses. Based on these tests, we gave each product a score from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value. These scores determined our category winners. 

In all, we tested 41 pieces of carry-on luggage. The top performers are those included above. Here are some other pieces we deemed as honorable mentions:

Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket : This suitcase performed quite well in our tests, particularly in terms of durability, capacity, and maneuverability, but the internal organization could be better and the price tag was a bit high.

Bric's Bellagio V2.0 21" Carry-On Spinner Trunk : Stylish, tough as nails, and stellar organization capacity are a few things we loved about the Bellagio. Our tester subtracted some points because the toiletry bag didn't fit and the price tag leaned toward the higher end.

Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner 22" : For frequent travelers who can invest a bit more upfront for an extremely durable suitcase, this is a no-brainer. The interior featured a less-than-intuitive expansion feature and our tester struggled with the zippers.

COOLIFE Carry On with Pocket : We couldn't fault the long-lasting build or the value of this pick. Though generally a solid option, we noticed the maneuverability was lacking (performing some tasks better on two wheels and some on four), and the internal compartment made packing bulky items a bit more complicated.f

What to Look For in Carry-On Luggage

Although weight restrictions for carry-on bags vary depending on the airline you’re flying with, the aircraft size, and your travel class, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that limits can be as strict as just 11 pounds. Therefore, the weight of your empty carry-on affects how much you’ll be able to pack within it and is an essential factor to consider. Different materials and designs affect luggage weight; generally, polypropylene is the lightest choice for hardside cases, while nylon and polyester are favorite lightweight picks for softside cases. 

Maneuverability

Imagine you’re late for your plane and need to run through a crowded airport terminal , dodging fellow passengers as you go. You need a carry-on that rolls effortlessly, whether pushing it in front of you or pulling it behind you and one that can turn instantly in any direction. For the best maneuverability, always choose a suitcase with four wheels instead of two, and make sure they’re the spinning kind that offers seamless, 360-degree movement. Good quality wheels and a sturdy telescoping handle will give you the same maneuverability on various terrains. 

Organization

Even the most basic carry-ons will typically have at least one interior pouch or pocket, usually for separating dirty laundry or shoes or for stashing smaller items so they’re easy to find. More sophisticated options include multiple pockets of varying sizes and materials (perhaps a waterproof one for damp items), zippered dividers that split your packing space in two, and fold-out suiters or removable garment bags. Exterior pockets are typically reserved for softsided bags and can help stash passports and other documents you need to keep handy.

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Hardside and softside cases have pros and cons, and which is better is primarily a matter of personal preference.

Hardside cases generally offer a trendier and more modern aesthetic, provide better weather resistance, are easier to clean, and protect delicate items with their rigid frame. However, they tend to show more wear and tear on their sleek exteriors than softside bags, so if you're choosing purely based on looks, keep that in mind. Also, hardside bags tend to have fewer pockets and organizational features.

Softside cases are more able to withstand rough handling since they won’t dent or crack and are often lighter and more flexible. The latter means that you have more wiggle room if you tend to overstuff your bag or need to pack odd-shaped items. However, if you're packing fragile items in a softside bag, you need to do so with extra caution as the soft exterior won't provide much protection from drops or hard landings. For breakables, we recommend packing in a hardside bag that can better protect items inside.

Dimensions vary from airline to airline (and sometimes from plane to plane), but the IATA gives the general rule that dimensions should not exceed 22 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth. These dimensions include any exterior pockets, wheels, and handles, albeit with the telescoping handle retracted. 

A smart bag is any bag with integrated tech capabilities. Most often for carry-on bags, this means a built-in battery pack that powers a USB charge port so you can keep your electronics going throughout your journey. Be aware that the battery should be removable in case you have to check your bag since lithium-ion batteries cannot be put in the hold.

Before cleaning your bag, you should check the manufacturer’s guidelines since the process will differ depending on the materials. However, you can generally use a soft-bristled brush (softside luggage) or a damp cloth (soft and hardside luggage) to spot-clean any dirt or stains. Dry your bag entirely before storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert. After traveling across six continents for everything from scientific expeditions to gap year adventures, family vacations, and across-the-world emigration, she’s well-versed in the art of packing the perfect carry-on bag and knows which features are most helpful.

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Protect Your Trip »

The best checked luggage of 2024, tested by editors.

A checked bag is just as essential as a good carry-on.

The Best Checked Luggage

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Every traveler can use a solid piece of checked luggage that can fit enough clothing, accessories and shoes for a long trip. Durability, plenty of storage and wheels that can handle rolling a full bag easily are just a few things to look for in a reputable piece of luggage.

If it's time to purchase a checked bag that can accommodate your belongings and handle the rigor of being tossed around, read on to discover your best options. All of our recommendations have top ratings and have also been personally tested and reviewed.

Best Overall: DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Large Expandable Spinner

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Hard-sided: Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner

Best soft-sided: travelpro crew classic large check-in expandable spinner, best medium: away the medium, best large: lojel cubo large, best trunk: july checked trunk, best lightweight: lipault plume very long trip, best organization: solgaard check-in closet original – medium.

(Note: Prices and stock availability were accurate at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $209.99 or less

Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 8.25 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 117 liters | Colors: Black, green or blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 3-year limited

The soft-sided DELSEY PARIS Sky Max 2.0 Large Expandable Spinner is our top overall pick for the Best Checked Luggage thanks to its durability and excellent handling. This piece of checked luggage features double-spinner wheels; a collapsible handle for use on two or four wheels; a TSA-approved lock; and cushioned top, bottom and side handles. The bag has one large interior compartment with tie-down straps to keep everything in place and a medium zippered side pocket, plus a large zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the top of the bag, perfect for holding toiletries (or dirty clothes as your trip unfolds).

There are two large front pockets on the exterior of the bag for stashing last-minute or smaller items. The exterior of this checked bag is constructed of a polyester fabric with a twill pattern, and the bag expands quite a bit to fit in any additional souvenirs you may want to bring home with you.

What our editors say:

I am obsessed with this soft-sided checked bag – it fits an absurd amount of stuff. You can easily pack enough clothes, shoes, accessories and gear for a two- to three-week trip, and even when it's filled to the brim, the wheels and handle make it easy to maneuver the suitcase across many types of terrain. Mine has been checked numerous times, and the darker-colored fabric with its subtle design means any scuffs are pretty impossible to see and it hasn't scratched or dented at all. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $279.99 or less

Dimensions: 31.1 x 20.9 x 13.8 inches | Weight: 9.6 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days | Colors: Navy, white, gray, black or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

The Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner is a traveler favorite for good reason. This hard-sided polypropylene suitcase is impressively lightweight for its size and made to last. A built-in TSA lock protects your luggage, and it expands by 1.5 inches when you need more room. There are two main packing compartments separated by a zippered panel on one side and compression straps on the other. The double wheels will allow you to navigate any airport or destination with ease. The Freeform also comes in medium and carry-on sizes, as well as a two-piece set.

I used to only use soft-sided luggage, but I've been won over by this suitcase. I love how easy it is to maneuver and lift such a large bag during my travels. You also can't go wrong with the Samsonite Outline Pro Large Spinner , which comes in a few other colors and has a slightly different compression system inside. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Price: $349.99 or less

Dimensions: 30.75 x 18 x 13.25 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 130 liters | Colors: Black, gray or blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

Like many Travelpro luggage pieces, the Travelpro Crew Classic Large Check-in Expandable Spinner comes with a plethora of handy features. A TSA-approved lock keeps your belongings safe, and the self-aligning wheels make for easy rolling across a range of surfaces. Inside, you'll find a removable fold-out suiter for protecting clothes against wrinkles – so you won't need to bring an extra garment bag for a formal affair. There are also interior pockets (including a water-resistant one) and hold-down straps for keeping your belongings organized and secure.

This Travelpro spinner can hold plenty at 130 liters, but if you need something even bigger, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner is a great alternative with many of the same features and 143.5 liters of space.

I was shocked at how lightweight this suitcase was for its size. The fold-out suiter is a game-changer for business travel or travel that requires formal attire, like a cruise or destination wedding . – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $365 or less

Dimensions: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds Packing capacity: 7-14 days; 68 liters | Colors: Several options, including black, sea green, olive or white gloss Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Medium by Away is surprisingly large, with enough storage for about two weeks' worth of clothing. An interior compression panel and mesh pockets help maximize space, and an included laundry bag allows you to easily separate dirty and clean clothing in your suitcase. This checked bag also comes with a color-matched luggage tag. For the inevitable scratches, you can use a magic eraser to wipe the bag clean.

The Medium is so spacious that I can't imagine using a larger checked bag. I also appreciate all of the grab handles that make it easy to load on to the airport scale or pull off the baggage claim belt. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $430 or less

Dimensions: 30.5 x 21.7 x 13.4 (14.6 when extended) inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds Packing capacity: 14-21 days; 120 liters (130 when extended) | Colors: 9 options, including burgundy, black, yellow or navy Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year

The flat-top opening on this large suitcase really makes it stand out from the crowd. Given its size, the top opening makes it easy to pack and close the suitcase when you have limited space. Constructed with 50% recycled polycarbonate, this style has a durable and sustainable design. The interior of the expandable suitcase has a lid with two spacious mesh compartments and a third with a privacy panel. For added organization, there's a zip pocket and a compression divider with four zip pockets, which keeps small items organized and helps you compartmentalize your belongings while in transit.

If you're looking for a large checked suitcase that is sturdy, easy to wheel and can hold a lot of contents, this is it. I really like the variety of zip pockets on the interior to keep smaller items easy to find, and the flat-top opening is a real game changer in small hotel rooms or tight spaces. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

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Price: $545 or less

Dimensions: 28.35 x 16.34 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 13.2 pounds Packing capacity: 10-14 days; 95 liters | Colors: 11 gloss and matte options, including dark green, red or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime with 100-day trial

This trunk is constructed with a rivetless anodized aluminum frame and crush-proof German polycarbonate shell. The trunk design has an 80/20 lid opening, and it closes with twin integrated TSA latch locks. On the inside, the bag has stain- and water-resistant nylon lining, a hidden laundry bag and a Y-strap compression system to keep contents secure. For easy maneuvering, it has a multi-height adjustable soft handle, top and side carry handles, and dual-spinner wheels.

From its sleek exterior to its space-maximized interior, this trunk makes packing for a long trip a breeze. The handle is extremely comfortable to pull, and the silent wheels glide effortlessly on an array of surfaces. – Rachael Hood

Price: $329 or less

Dimensions: 31.1 x 18.1 x 12.2 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds Packing capacity: 10-21 days | Colors: Maroon, navy or khaki green Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 3-year limited

Weighing in at less than 9 pounds, this checked bag doesn't sacrifice quality or features. Its durable nylon construction wipes off easily, so you won't be too troubled by white winter salt marks or spilled coffee. The interior features two fold-down shelves, allowing you to pack it like a trunk or a traditional suitcase. There's also a mesh separation net to keep all of your belongings in place when you open the case, as well as two large interior zippered pockets.

On the front of the bag, you can make use of a spacious front zip pocket, a coordinating luggage tag and a zippered compartment that conceals and protects the telescoping handle when not in use. The spinner wheels glide easily on any surface, and if you want a coordinating carry-on, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner – U.S. News' top soft-sided luggage pick – can be stowed inside this bag when not in use.

While I try to stick to carry-on luggage, this checked suitcase is extremely impressive and perfect for when I need more space. I absolutely love the shelves that can be folded down flat when I don't want them, but also the ability to pack so I can just use the suitcase like a rolling closet. It's really lightweight, and I love that it coordinates with one of my favorite personal item bags, the Lipault City Plume 24H 2.0 . – Rachael Hood

Sharael Kolberg

Price: $355 or less

Dimensions: 24.8 x 14.5 x 11.8 inches | Weight: 10.7 pounds Packing capacity: 10-15 days; 91 liters | Colors: 13 options, including black, red, purple or precious metals Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

If you're the type of person that likes to transfer your clothes from your suitcase to the hotel dresser upon arrival to keep things organized, this Solgaard suitcase is for you. With its built-in shelving system, you don't have to unpack – just pack your clothes into the five shelves and, when you get to the hotel, hang the removable shelving system for easy access. The suitcase is made with a durable polycarbonate shell. It comes with a TSA-approved three-digit lock, and the frictionless wheels paired with its comfortable handle make this checked bag easy to maneuver.

What our contributors say:

Not only does this suitcase make it easier to travel, but I also love that it is designed with sustainability in mind. Each one is made from 100% recycled plastic that is collected in coastal communities, in order to prevent it from going into the ocean. The one downside is that the shelving does take up some room, so you might be trading convenience for maximum capacity. – Sharael Kolberg

How we tested

Taking into account durability, capacity and features, our team tested more than a dozen checked bags from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the maneuverability of the wheels and comfort of the handle on a range of surfaces from moving walkways to cobblestones. After taking these suitcases on a variety of journeys, we've selected these checked suitcases as the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Luggage Brands
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Hard-sided Luggage
• The Best Travel Insurance

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Shop on Monos

Best overall zipperless luggage

Monos hybrid check-in large.

• Impressive 97-liter volume
• 360-degree spinner wheels
• Two sturdy TSA-approved combination locks
• Aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shell
• 100-day trial
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Scuffs and scratches easily

When it comes to the best luggage, Monos is a brand that’s known for its durability and attention to detail. From the sleek designs and fun colors to the brand’s signature unbreakable polycarbonate shell, you’d be hard-pressed to find something the brand hasn’t gotten right. That extends to its zipperless Hybrid Collection . Each piece of luggage in this collection has a zipperless aluminum frame and hard polycarbonate shell that come in three luxe finishes. Our senior shopping editor, Caitlyn Fitzpatrick , opted for the Monos Hybrid Check-In Large for two recent family vacations, and while she wasn’t quite sure what to expect at first, it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with this luggage.

“Up until this point, I had never used a zipperless suitcase, so I wasn’t sure if I would feel strongly one way or the other once I did,” explains Fitzpatrick, who has always opted for soft-sided luggage . “Since this is a hard-shell model, I was concerned that the lack of flexibility would be an issue, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed.”

A self-proclaimed overpacker, Fitzpatrick was impressed by how much she was able to cram into this suitcase (the large version has an impressive 97-liter volume) and how easy it was to close. “I found that it was easier to close my stuffed suitcase with the zipperless model when compared to the soft-sided zippered pieces I’ve used in the past,” she says. To help fit even more, this bag’s interior has adjustable Y-shaped compression straps to hold clothes in place. It also has a divider with organization pockets and comes with an anti-microbial, silver ion-coated laundry bag, two shoe bags and a vegan leather luggage tag to keep everything neat and tidy while you travel.

So how, exactly, does this zipperless suitcase work? Rather than a zipper that goes all the way around the suitcase, this Monos luggage has two TSA-approved locks on the far ends of the length of the suitcase. Each suitcase comes with an initial code that you can change once you’re ready.

Shop on Amazon

Best budget zipperless luggage

Mrplum carry-on.

• Budget-friendly price
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Has a USB charging port
• Built-in TSA-friendly locks
• Has a cupholder and phone holder
• External laptop compartment takes away interior storage space on one side

These days, quality luggage can be a significant investment, especially the best zipperless luggage, which we found tends to be more expensive than traditional zippered pieces. The good news? You can snag a solid piece of zipperless luggage at an affordable price. Enter the MrPlum Carry-On . This budget-friendly suitcase features a zipperless aluminum frame, a durable polycarbonate frame with an exterior laptop pocket, a standard telescoping handle and spinner wheels.

This suitcase also has several convenient features that you won’t find on even the most luxe bags. “This is where this bag really shines,” says deputy shopping editor, Reina Galhea . “Not only does it have the aforementioned exterior laptop pocket, it’s also got a drink holder on the opposite side of the bag and a phone holder that pops out of the handle. It makes all the waiting you do while traveling so much more comfortable and hands-free.”

In addition to its convenient features, Galhea was especially impressed by how easy this Amazon luggage was to maneuver. “It rolls like a dream and is very light,” she says. Packing it, on the other hand, was a bit more challenging. According to Galhea, the interior only has half the depth on one side because of the external laptop compartment. “The items you pack on the side of the bag with the laptop compartment push outward, making the slot to place your computer rounded vs. flat,” she explains. And while you could simply place your computer in the free space of the compartment instead of the dedicated pouch, Galhea points out that it could be dangerous for delicate electronics. The solution? She advises packing flat items on that side of the bag to keep everything safe.

For Galhea, this design quirk isn’t a dealbreaker. “When using the laptop compartment, it eliminates the need to bring a separate backpack—which I always do when carrying my computer because it’s too big for a purse—so there’s give and take,” she explains and notes that efficient packers and travelers looking to travel with just one do-it-all bag will appreciate this suitcase.

Shop on Away

Best splurge zipperless luggage

Away the carry-on: aluminum edition.

• Luxe aluminum shell
• Dual TSA-approved combination locks
• Meets most major airlines' requirements for carry-on luggage
• Personalization and ejectable USB charger available
• No external pockets

If any luggage is worth a splurge, it’s Away’s The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition . This leveled-up version of the brand’s beloved Bigger Carry-On will have you traveling in style for years to come. It features a durable aluminum shell with a flat top design, an interior compression system and clip-in pocketed panel for packing more in, a removable laundry bag that folds up into a separate side zippered pouch, 360-degree wheels for a smooth ride, dual TSA-approved combination locks and a leather luggage tag. Want even more features? For an additional $20, you can add a universal serial bus (USB) charger; for an additional $50, you can add personalization.

“Overall, I really like it,” says our tester, Nancy Snyder . “It not only looks good (I received compliments on it from friends I was traveling with), it’s very compact while still holding a lot.”

When her suitcase arrived, Snyder noted that it was smaller than she had expected, however, she was delighted to discover that all of her belongings fit comfortably inside. “Thanks to its individual packing compartments, it holds more than I expected,” she says. “While I only went on a quick weekend trip, the weather was colder, so I packed some heavier coats and two sets of boots along with a plethora of layers, and it held everything nicely.” According to the brand’s website, this bag is ideal for a three- to five-day trip, and it’s designed to hold five to seven outfits.

Snyder appreciated how easy it was to access her belongings during her travels. “I love that the individual compartments help to keep items separate yet more compactly contained, thanks to the interior compression feature. If I needed to access something from just one area, I didn’t need to dig through the entire thing,” she says. And when it comes to this bag’s lack of zippers, Snyder found that she didn’t miss them at all. “I initially thought that having zipperless luggage would prove noisier, as if I was obnoxiously opening and closing a loud briefcase. But that wasn’t the case,” she explains. “It was nice not having to fumble with zippers. The buckles made it more convenient to open and close at just the press of two buttons.”

Worried about what happens if you forget the combination to your zipperless luggage? You’re not alone. Snyder explains that Away’s instructional booklet cautions, “Please note that once you set your lock, no one else will know how to get in your bag—and that includes us.” That being said, the combination locks are TSA-approved, meaning they can safely be opened, inspected and relocked by security authorities at the airport if necessary and without damage. Snyder opted not to set the combination on her locks, which also made opening them a breeze.

Shop on Arlo Skye

Best zipperless carry-on

Arlo skye the frame carry-on.

• Sized for smaller planes
• Lightweight at just 8.1 pounds
• Two TSA-approved clasp combination locks
• USB charger
• Opening the locks can be a bit of a learning curve
• Only a five-year limited warranty

If you prefer avoiding the hassles and headaches that come with checking your luggage, then a durable carry-on is a must. Arlo Skye’s The Frame Carry-On is designed to fit in the overhead bins of small, medium and large aircrafts. Caroline Lubinsky , senior shopping editor, shares, “It passed muster on a Spirit and Frontier flight, and they’re pretty stringent about having the right size.”

Lubinsky was impressed by how easy this suitcase is to maneuver, saying the wheels moved through the airport like butter. She also appreciated the bag’s convenient features, including the dual TSA-approved clasp combination locks, laundry and shoe bags and a removable USB charger, which can charge your phone to halfway in under 30 minutes. “I intend to make this my primary carry-on bag because of the handy dandy charger,” says Lubinsky.

As someone who had never used zipperless luggage before, Lubinsky points out that opening the locks can take some getting used to. “I think the way the locks opened was a bit of the learning curve because you have to push it down and then up to open after entering your code,” she explains. “Otherwise, I think it kept the bag secure, which is all I really care about.”

If you’re like Lubinsky and want to be sure your bags are secure while you travel, you’ll want to add one of these anti-theft bags to your collection.

Shop on Solgaard

Bsst zipperless closet system

Solgaard carry-on closet.

• Has a built-in shelving system
• Integrated USB charging port
• Durable polycarbonate shell
• Available in nine colors
• Meets the size requirements for all international airlines, including European budget carriers
• Lifetime warranty
• Not ideal for shorter trips

At first glance, Solgaard’s Carry-On Closet may look like an ordinary suitcase, but as soon as you open it up, you’ll realize that it’s anything but. That’s because this suitcase, which has a zipperless aluminum frame and tough polycarbonate shell, features a five-shelf insert that hangs to function as a closet on the go. “The five compartments act like packing cubes, allowing you to separate and organize your clothes,” writes Alice Chen , our tester, in her full Solgaard Carry-On Closet review .

In addition to the patented five-shelf shelving system, this suitcase boasts a two-latch system, an ergonomic handle, 360-degree spinner wheels and an integrated USB charging port to make travel a breeze. According to Chen, who managed to fit an entire week’s worth of clothes comfortably in this suitcase, it’s ideal for people jetting off on longer trips. “It can be difficult to keep things tidy when your carry-on is packed to the brim. This option from Solgaard combines compression cubes and a portable closet in one sleek and durable suitcase,” she says. “The Carry-On Closet is a spacious solution for organization while you’re away from home.”

This Carry-On Closet is available in two sizes and nine colors. Better yet, the medium-size bag, which weighs just 7.5 pounds, is accepted by all international airlines, including European budget carriers. The large-size bag, which clocks in at 8.1 pounds, is accepted by all U.S. airlines.

What to look for when buying zipperless luggage

When shopping for the best zipperless luggage, here are a few things to take into consideration:

• Size: Look for a suitcase that’ll suit your travel needs. Those who pack light or simply prefer not to check a bag should look for a carry-on that meets the size requirements for your preferred carrier. If you’re an overpacker or a parent who has mastered the art of packing cubes and packing the entire family’s belongings in one suitcase, then look for a large bag that you can check.
• Material: Most zipperless luggage is made of lightweight polycarbonate, aluminum or a combination of the two. These materials are exceptionally durable and built to last.
• Locks: Zipperless luggage uses latches and TSA-approved combination locks in lieu of zippers. This means you’ll have to either remember or write down your combination to access your luggage. Granted, you can use these suitcases without setting a combination, but then your luggage won’t be as secure.

Why you should trust us

At  Reader’s Digest ,   we’re  committed to producing high-quality content by writers and testers with  expertise and experience in their field. Luggage can be a significant investment, which is why we want to make sure you choose the best suitcase for your needs and budget. Our goal is to recommend the very best products using honest and fair testing practices and never recommend a product we don’t love, regardless of how popular the brand or model is.

How we found the best zipperless luggage

To decide which suitcases to test, our team analyzed the zipperless offerings from various top luggage brands , including traveler favorites Monos and Away . O ur editors and testers spent over 183 hours packing and traveling with these zipperless bags to assess their maneuverability, durability and overall ease of use. They detailed their experiences—both positive and negative—with each suitcase. They noted if these suitcases made packing and traveling easier and if they actually held up during the journey. Based on their findings, we narrowed down the options to the five best zipperless models.

Is zipperless luggage better?

Zipperless luggage is most often made from long-lasting, durable materials, such as aluminum, polycarbonate or a combination of the two. The hard shell coupled with the fact that there are no zippers to wrangle with (or break) mean that these suitcases will be sure to last a long time. That being said, they’re not as flexible as soft-sided luggage and not every traveler wants to worry about remembering their combination. Ultimately, it boils down to your personal preference and travel style.

Is zipperless luggage more expensive?

The zipperless options offered by each brand we tested are more expensive than the zippered models. Among the brands we tested, we found that zipperless carry-on suitcases cost anywhere from $98 to $370 more than the zippered carry-ons.

Is there soft-sided zipperless luggage?

Zipperless luggage is typically hard-sided. It’s most often made of lightweight polycarbonate or aluminum.

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Best fall deals on Tumi backpacks, duffels and more for fall travel

By Carolin Lehmann , Nina Bradley , Kaylyn McKenna

Edited By Leslie Gornstein , Fox Van Allen , Nina Bradley

Updated on: September 5, 2024 / 4:46 PM EDT / Essentials

CBS Essentials is created independently of the CBS News editorial staff. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

If you've got a fall vacation on the books, we have great news: We've found great prices on Tumi luggage . This is a luggage  brand whose sales are, to put it mildly, popular and rare. Right now, the high-end luggage brand has some steep discounts on select styles, including duffel bags, suitcases and totes of varying sizes and more.

Tap the button below to score some epic Tumi deals before your upcoming travel , or read on for our expert-curated Tumi deals.

Tumi 19 Degree short trip packing case: Save $145

The Tumi expandable packing case is a great option for short trips and weekend getaways. It includes zip entry to the main compartment, expandable zippers, compression straps and a luggage tag. The four spinner wheels and three-stage telescoping handle make maneuvering simple, while the integrated lock provides extra security. It also features a warranty.

What we like about the Tumi 19 Degree packing case:

• It has a lightweight and durable design with practical features for easy use.
• It offers smooth maneuverability with four spinner wheels.

Tumi McLaren Just In Case duffel: Save $71

The versatile Just In Case duffel bag combines function and durability, featuring a double-zip main compartment, convenient shoulder straps, top handles and an additional adjustable shoulder strap for various carrying options.

This Tumi McLaren duffel is currently $279, reduced from $350.

Why we like the Tumi Mclaren Just In Case duffel:

• It offers multiple ways to carry comfortably.
• The sturdy nylon exterior is easy to maintain.

Tumi Sport Excursion backpack duffel: Save $240

The Tumi Sport Excursion backpack duffel is a versatile and durable bag designed for carry-on or active lifestyles. The main compartment features a zip closure while the water-resistant bottom compartment helps separate items. There are multiple front pockets for easy access to necessities and adjustable backpack straps that can be tucked away when not in use.

Why we like the Tumi Sport Excursion backpack duffel:

• The water-resistant bottom compartment of this travel backpack  is perfect for keeping wet and dry items separate.
• Adjustable backpack straps can be tucked away allowing the use of leather handles for versatile carrying options.

Harrison Avondale top zip brief: Save $111

The Avondale top zip brief organizes work essentials, accommodating up to a 16-inch laptop. The exterior features a zip closure, leather top handles, a removable shoulder strap, two zip pockets, an add-a-bag strap and a luggage tag. There's also a padded laptop pocket, zip pocket, open pockets, card pockets, pen loops and a key leash. This brief includes the Tumi Tracer for tracking lost or stolen items, and warranty.

What we like about the Harrison Avondale top zip brief:

• This design fits up to a 16-inch laptop, making it ideal for work.
• The removable shoulder strap, add-a-bag strap and Tumi Tracer provide added convenience and security.

Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She's always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups and Alo Yoga workout sets.

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The 14 Best Checked Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We rigorously tested over 75 pieces of checked luggage to determine the best options for all travelers.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Liked
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

A checked suitcase is a staple for all travelers, whether you're a regular heavy-duty packer or a carry-on stalwart who occasionally needs a little more room. In either case, there's no need to buy too many checked bags — invest in a single quality piece, and it should last you quite some time. Of course, narrowing down to a single pick isn't necessarily the easiest process. That's why we tested 77 pieces of checked luggage to help find the best of the best.

In the Travel + Leisure lab, editors examine suitcases for capacity, maneuverability, and durability through rigorous tests that include navigating an obstacle course and hitting bags with baseball bats before taking the bags home to test during our travels. We also weighed other characteristics, such as organization features, aesthetic appeal, and value. These are our top picks for the best checked bags.

After our latest round of luggage testing, we added the Briggs & Riley Extra Large Trunk Spinner — one of the largest suitcases we've ever tested. We are testing more checked luggage soon and will update this article with our top picks.

Best Overall

Samsonite winfield 2 hardside.

It's lightweight, durable, spacious, and stylish — what more could you ask for of a checked bag?

The shell scuffs pretty easily, though major damage is rare.

Working our way from the outside in, the bag has a sleek polycarbonate exterior that comes in a variety of colors. It's exceptionally durable and breezed through our strenuous testing with hardly a scratch — the polycarbonate is designed to flex slightly to absorb impacts before popping back to its original form. While the bag sustained no major damage like dents or gashes when we dropped it off tables and hit it with a baseball bat, it did scuff slightly, which was our only critique. The suitcase also has a smooth maneuverability over a variety of surfaces, including carpet and gravel.

Regarding the bag's interior, it has an expandable storage system, which includes one side with a zippered mesh barrier and one side with compression straps so you can separate clean clothes from worn ones as the trip goes on. And finally, this bag falls on the lower side of the midmarket price range, making it a reasonably affordable investment. Overall, the Samsonite Winfield hit all the marks for an exceptional checked suitcase for all kinds of travelers.

The Details: 11.5 pounds | 28 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 spinner wheels

• PHOTO: Travel & Leisure / Vicky Wasik
• PHOTO: Travel & Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Away The Trunk

We love this spacious trunk for its sleek design and maneuverability.

If you don’t pack each side evenly, it can feel a bit lopsided.

If you’re a fan of traveling with trunks , this one from Away is more easy to maneuver than any other trunk we’ve tested. It’s easy to pack thanks to its deep main compartment, while you can place smaller items in the slim top lid — just make sure to evenly distribute the weight around the bag so it doesn’t feel lopsided. Your stuff won’t get lost in the large compartment either because you can use the zippered pockets on the dividers to store undergarments, socks, or toiletries. Even though the trunk weighs around 12 pounds, it felt light enough to roll around tight corners, crowds, and over rough surfaces seamlessly, the wheels rolling like a dream whether we rolled it on four or two wheels. This was also the most durable piece of Away luggage we’ve tested — it barely scuffed or scratched after we dropped it off a table and hit it with a baseball bat multiple times.

The Details: 12.1 pounds | 31.3 x 17 x 13.7 inches | 107-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Medium Capacity

Away the medium flex.

Unzip the flex feature to add an additional 1.75 inches of space, bringing this medium-size bag to a 75.7-liter capacity.

If you need even more space, Away also makes this suitcase in a larger version .

The best thing overpackers can do is get a suitcase with an expander. Even if you think you’re packing light, it’s always a life-saver to have a little bit of extra room to play with just in case you buy one too many souvenirs to take back home. This hardside suitcase has a zipper expansion that adds an extra 1.75 inches of space when you need it. We loved how spacious the suitcase is without being overly large, featuring one huge compartment on each side, as well as compression straps, a divider to hold clothing in, a mesh screen that fully zips, and a pocket for small items. The suitcase rolled smoothly on four wheels and two wheels without any effort during testing, and we found it easy to make sharp turns through our obstacle course even when the bag was fully packed. The shell on this bag also feels more durable and scratch-resistant than Away’s glossy options, holding up well to our table drops and baseball bat tests.

The Details: 10.8 pounds | 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches | 68.8-liter capacity; 75.7-liter capacity when expanded | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Large Capacity

Briggs & riley extra large trunk spinner.

This hefty trunk has the largest capacity on this list.

It’s easy to go over airline weight limits if you pack this large bag full.

If you’re packing for a long trip or multiple people, this is a substantial trunk that will keep all of your belongings secure while staying light on its wheels. Though it has a large 123.9-liter capacity and a tall height, it’s not particularly heavy before you start packing it, weighing the same as much smaller suitcases we’ve tested. It does get heavy when you pack it full (and you’ll have to be careful not to go over the 50-pound limit), so it’s essential that the wheels work well — and they do, as does the handle, which we were able to transition easily between multiple heights. It was a little more challenging to pull the trunk over carpeting and a cement curb, but the wheels held the weight well.

When you open the 80/20 lid, you’ll find two deep, spacious compartments with compression panels and zippered sections for organization. You can cinch down the garment panels to keep your clothing crisp. Though the bag and hardware seems durable, the outer material did dent when we hit it with a metal bat, but we still think it’s a worthy investment that won’t bust open on the luggage belt. 

The Details: 10.4 pounds | 32.5 x 16.5 x 15.5 inches | 123.9-liter capacity | Makrolon polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Most Durable

Roam the check-in.

You can customize the colors across different pieces of the suitcase to personalize the sturdy hardside shell.

This is a smaller checked bag with somewhat limited capacity and organizational features.

The solidity of this bag is especially nice given that our favorite thing about the bag is its exterior design. Customers are able to customize this suitcase to their specific color preferences, choosing the hues for everything from the two shells (front and back), the binding, and the wheels for no extra charge. You can also decide whether or not to add an expander to the bag, but that adds $55 to the total cost. This Roam design also earned a perfect score for maneuverability as it was very easy to move the bag around in all conditions.

The bag is certainly a good size to fit everything for a week-long trip or longer. After regularly using the suitcase for three months, we had no issues with space, and we found that everything stays put in transit. The bag also comes with a 100-day return policy even when customized, as well as a lifetime warranty for non-cosmetic damage — if something becomes nonfunctional, Roam will replace the part.

The Details: 9.3 pounds | 26 x 17.5 x 10 inches | 60-liter capacity | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Softside

Hartmann luxe ii medium journey luggage.

This is one of the most stylish softside suitcases we've ever tested.

There are very minimal organizational features included, so you may have to use your own packing cubes.

This luxurious bag is stylish and functional inside and out. It's easy to pack thanks to its depth and the roomy interior. We love the slim front pockets in which you can stash small items, and the lid of the suitcase acts as a pocket as well (perfect for laundry or accessories). The main compartment features straps to secure your items — but we do recommend investing in a set of packing cubes to help keep you organized.

The camel leather trim on the outside of the suitcase, patterned fabric, and soft material give this suitcase a high-end feel feel, and the quality construction is immediately apparent. The zippers that open and close the suitcase have an accompanying lock on the side of the suitcase, which is a great security feature, especially for long trips. The bag didn't sustain any scratches, dents, or damage after it went through our durability tests, proving that softside bags can handle a beating, and we're sure it will remain just as stylish after your trip as before.

The Details: 9.4 pounds | 27.3 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Expandable | Polyester | 4 spinner wheels

Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 28-inch Large Checked Spinner

This stunning suitcase is just as durable as it is stylish.

This suitcase doesn’t expand, so you can't overpack it.

The Delsey Chatelet Air line evokes the timeless look of classic travel trunks with decorative vegan leather trim with contrasting stitching, but it's an extremely durable and lightweight hardside suitcase. This large bag has plenty of storage space inside with separate laundry and shoe bags. We also love that both sides of the shell feature zipper closures that make it easy to throw small items in at the last minute without worrying about losing them.

The suitcase is currently available in two colorways, and while the white with brown trim is a fan favorite, the black baseball bat did leave some scuff marks on it during testing. However, these were extremely easy to rub out — you can even do so with your fingers — and there were no permanent dents even after we jumped on top of the case. Plus, the 10-year warranty does stand as a testament to the durability of the bag, and we think you'd be able to use it for a long, long time.

The Details: 11.1 pounds | 20.75 x 12.75 x 30 inches | 110-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Colors

Bric’s expandable 27-inch spinner.

This stylish suitcase is available in three blue/green colors inspired by the Italian coast.

If you’re into neutrals, this is not the suitcase for you.

This suitcase is sure to stand out on any luggage carousel, with three eye-catching colors to choose from (with interiors to match), all inspired by the blues and greens of the Italian coast. We tested the medium checked size (27 inches tall), which we thought was ideal for when you want to stay under the 50-pound weight limit of most airlines, but it’s also available in larger, 30-inch and 32-inch sizes. The 27-inch model we tested has an expandable zipper to add about 1.6 inches of extra space, and we appreciated the sleek leather details, like the grab handles and the leather logo panel on the front.

When we hit the suitcase with a baseball bat, the outer shell felt flexible rather than rock solid so the bat bounced back without denting the bag at all. Like most glossy suitcases, it did get a scuff mark after we threw it around in the lab, but no scratches or dents. It comes with a stretchy, black Bric's luggage cover that you can pull over the bag to protect it against marks while traveling. While we loved the bag for its gorgeous color options, if you’re more into neutrals, this is not the suitcase for you.

The Details: 7.9 pounds | 19 x 27 x 11 inches | 83-liter capacity | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

Best Expandable

Béis large check-in roller.

This 112-liter suitcase has an expander to add two extra inches of space.

It scuffed easily during testing.

If you want to bring your whole wardrobe with you on vacation, this might be the bag for you. It's absolutely gigantic inside with a 112-liter capacity, but best of all, you can expand it if you happen to buy one too many souvenirs and need some extra space. It has so many pockets, compartments, and removable bags for dirty clothes or shoes that it's easy to stay on top of all your belongings. Something we didn't like, however, was how easily the bag scuffed. Though it seemed easy to clean the scuffs off, it would be a pain to have to touch up the bag after every flight. But after three months of use, we do love how easy the bag is to maneuver through crowded spaces and over various surfaces.

For those who are picky about colors, it's easy to find a match with your personal style thanks to nearly a dozen fairly neutral color options, from Béis ' signature beige to the newest glossy colors that will shine at baggage claim.

The Details: 11.84 pounds | 16.5 x 29 x 11 inches | 112-liter capacity | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Wheeled Duffel

Briggs & riley wheeled duffel.

It's the lightest bag on this list, weighing under nine pounds, and you can carry it like a duffel bag if you don't want to roll it.

It has two wheels rather than four, so it's not as easy to maneuver as other suitcases on this list.

If you're headed for a remote destination that requires a flight on a bush plane or a charter bus as part of the journey, you'll likely need to pack your goods in a soft bag, or at least a bag that's soft on three sides. That's where a bag like this comes in handy. Fans of Briggs & Riley luggage will appreciate this spacious duffel, which has a capacity of 96 liters. It includes convenient straps like a normal duffel , but also a wheeled mechanism for easy transport. Just note that the bag only has two wheels, not four, so you have to pull it at an angle while maneuvering. This bag is optimal for rugged terrain — it even handled gravel well.

We appreciated the multiple pockets throughout the bag, including a PVC-lined one that's perfect for keeping dirty clothes or gear separate from the clean stuff. And the durability of the 800D ballistic nylon is incredibly impressive.

The Details: 8.6 pounds | 27 x 15 x 15 inches | 96-liter capacity | 800D ballistic nylon | 2 standard wheels

Best Handle

July large luggage.

The wheels are so smooth, and the handle adjusts to 20 different heights, making it easy as pie to navigate this large bag.

The aluminum corner bumpers tend to scuff easily.

While the handles on some suitcases only lift to one singular height, the handle on this bag has the ability to adjust to a whopping 20 different heights, making it easy to maneuver no matter how tall or short you are. This is the largest suitcase in  July’s luggage line , and though it has the same 110-liter capacity as the Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 bag on this list, the July suitcase has slightly smaller dimensions, meaning it looks a little more compact despite its large size. Sometimes large bags can be cumbersome to roll, but the wheels were as smooth as butter during testing, and the multi-stop telescopic handle felt really sturdy to hold at different heights. Even when we packed the bag full, it was easy to pull over concrete pavers and carpets without leaving a strain on our arms or back. While the outer shell felt solid and didn’t dent at all even after we hit it with baseball bats, we did notice that the July suitcases tend to scuff on the aluminum corner bumpers.

The Details:  10.5 pounds | 30.25 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches | 110-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Budget, Hardside

Kenneth cole reaction out of bounds suitcase.

It's very lightweight for a budget pick.

After six months of testing, we noticed this bag scuffed pretty heavily.

Coming in at a price point that would even be considered affordable for a carry-on bag, this suitcase gives you the best bang for your buck. Pricing aside, the bag serves its purpose well. The Kenneth Cole checked suitcase is more than roomy enough for a week's worth of clothing. On top of that, the handle, wheels, and exterior are all well-made and durable. The swivel wheels make traveling a breeze even through larger airports.

Aesthetically speaking, this is a streamlined, contemporary suitcase, though you can punch up the look by choosing a bold color like kelly green or magenta — there will be no missing your suitcase at the baggage claim. Best of all, this bag comes with a limited 10-year warranty, which is impressive for a budget pick (typically it's the more expensive bags that come with such a long period of protection). There's also a matching carry-on suitcase in this line if you're looking to buy a great luggage set that offers even more bang for your buck.

The Details: 9.6 pounds | 29.5 x 20.5 x 11.75 inches | 20.5-liter capacity | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate | 4 spinner wheels

Best Budget, Softside

Swisstech softside luggage.

The affordable softside bag can fit a huge amount of clothing and other items.

It lacks aesthetic flair, and it can be easy to overpack due to its size.

No, this bag might not dazzle with its design, but what it lacks in aesthetic value it makes up for in pretty much every other category. For starters, its low price point is extremely attractive, particularly when you consider how effective the bag is. This SwissTech roller is quite spacious, with plenty of room for trips longer than one week. Between the expander and the fact that it's a softside bag, you can really fit a lot in there. Plus, it has a number of pockets both inside and outside that make organization effortless.

The suitcase also performed well on durability and maneuverability tests, only sustaining a slight dent from the impact of a baseball bat and handling the obstacle course like a champ. After six months of regular use, the only noticeable change in quality is a missing zipper pull, but we were able to pack so much into this suitcase that it's worth the minor flaw.

The Details: 10.9 pounds | 29 x 19 x 10.5 inches | Expandable | 1680 denier | 4 dual spinner wheels

Best Garment Bag

Travelpro platinum elite 50-inch check-in rolling garment bag.

This garment bag can fit 15 items on hangers.

It only has two wheels, which might take some getting used to.

Though many travelers opt for carry-on garment bags , this heavy-duty checked model has enough space for at least 15 items on hangars, though that number will vary based on what you're packing. That makes un packing a breeze, since all you have to do is hang up everything already in your suitcase! We love that it has a number of pockets for accessories, too, from shoes to belts. All together, that makes this suitcase a perfect option for a business traveler — or simply someone who has a tendency to overpack and doesn't want any of their clothes to get wrinkly.

One thing we particularly loved about this suitcase is its solid maneuverability. Considering the bag only has two fixed wheels instead of four spinners, we were initially a little concerned about how it might handle movement. But it passed our maneuverability (and durability) tests with flying colors, making this an ideal checked garment bag.

The Details : 13.4 pounds | 24 x 24.25 x 10.5 inches | 95-liter capacity | Nylon | 2 standard wheels

Other Checked Luggage We Liked

Some of the bags we tested did not make our list of recommendations yet still stood out from the pack. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back.

Calpak Hue Trunk Luggage (hardside, 11.75 pounds) : Though it didn't top the Away trunk on our main list, we love that this durable trunk has an expandable zipper and many pockets inside to keep you organized while packing.

Monos Hybrid Check-in Large (hardside, 13 pounds) : This zipperless suitcase had tons of organizational features and glided effortlessly through our obstacle course, though one of the latches unbuckled slightly when we threw it off a table.

Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage, 29-inch (hardside, 12.5 pounds) : We loved the aesthetic of this bag, and the price is reasonable. However, we’d have liked to see some more interior organization features and better durability of the wheels and exterior shell.

Tumi Extended Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case (softside. 17.9 pounds) : Though it comes with a removable garment bag and has a stellar organization system, this spacious suitcase is almost too big. Not to mention too heavy at 17.9 pounds!

Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-inch Expandable Spinner (softside, 11.5 pounds) : This spacious bag from beloved Travelpro was deemed ideal for those traveling on extended trips — or for chronic overpackers. But the bag's style leaves something to be desired.

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-in Hardside Spinner (hardside, 8.5 pounds) : We loved how this relatively lightweight suitcase can expand to add two inches of space and how both sides of the clamshell can zip closed to keep your items from shifting around too much. The bag was pretty easy to roll, but we wish the handle had more than two heights.

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Our Testing Process

We adhered to a detailed luggage testing process that analyzed each bag's capacity, organization, maneuverability, durability, and value. The first step was weighing the empty suitcase and taking note of whether or not it felt lightweight while handling. Then, we packed the luggage with standard items for a seven-day trip, including a full wardrobe, shoes, and toiletries. We examined the bags' storage capacity, organization systems, and zipper functionality.

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Next up was maneuverability. Once the checked bag was fully loaded, we rolled it through an obstacle course that involved multiple surfaces, including carpet, concrete pavers, and simulated gravel. We rated each piece of luggage’s wheels, handles, and overall balance.

Finally, we subjected each bag to harsh durability tests. Each one was shoved off a countertop multiple times and struck with a baseball bat repeatedly. We then checked each suitcase for scuffs, dents, tears, and other types of damage. We also re-tested maneuverability to see how wheels and handles fared in the beating.

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

After testing each item in our lab, we sent the bags home to be tested during real trips, global and domestic, over a period of six months. We will continue to update the article as we test new luggage pieces and collect additional insights on durability, quality, and convenience throughout long-term testing. This is the complete list of checked luggage we have tested over time, results included.

Tips for Buying Checked Luggage

Choose a size that’s right for your travels.

Checked bags aren't subject to such strict restrictions as carry-on bags, but airlines usually cap measurements at 62 total linear inches (that is, the sum of the height, width, and depth of the luggage). Weight is a more important measurement: most airlines cap checked bags at 50 pounds for most passengers, and occasionally at 70 pounds for frequent flyers with elite status. Please check baggage restrictions with your airline before your flight, especially if you tend to pack your expandable luggage to the max.

Depending on their travel plans, some people may even prefer a checked bag that is on the smaller size so that it's easier to keep under the weight limit or easier to lift up onto trains or buses.

Softside luggage can be just as durable as hardside luggage

You might think that hardside luggage is more durable than softside luggage, but both can be extremely hardy. Softside luggage is more prone to tearing than hardside luggage, of course, but it all depends on the material. You'll want to look for softside bags made from a high-quality, high-density material that is tear-resistant for the best durability. Hardside luggage, on the other hand, might not tear, but it can be prone to cracking and denting, depending on the material.

Think about your organization preferences

Checked bags provide quite a bit of interior space, and while that means you can pack more items inside them, you'll need to come up with a packing strategy so that your suitcase isn't a mess. Some bags are essentially just empty shells, which is prime for packers who love to use packing cubes . Others provide interior organization systems within the suitcase itself via pockets or zipped sections. If you're not a cube user, this is the kind of bag you might want to check out.

Frequently Asked Questions

You are not allowed to check certain dangerous items which are potentially harmful to the aircraft. That includes flammable items like lithium batteries, electronic lighters, explosives, fuels, and liquor higher than 140 proof. You can see the full list here of what is permitted and forbidden to check in your luggage, per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Most airlines limit checked luggage to 62 linear inches (the sum of the height, width, and depth of the bag) and a weight of 50 pounds, which can also apply to items like snowboard and travel golf bags . Check with your specific airline for its specific policies.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design journalist with over eight years of experience. For this article, she analyzed feedback from T+L's vigorous lab and real-world tests to select the best checked bags for every type of traveler.

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Related Articles

My Béis Backpack Moonlights as Luggage and Gets More Use Than My Suitcase

I have a handful of bags I'm constantly rotating that all serve wildly different purposes. There's the grab-my-keys-and-go fanny pack that's glued to my chest during weekday mornings, the chic but casual weekend tote that holds everything from hand wipes to sunscreen, a crossbody bag when I want to look more pulled together, and a mini bag when I'm child-free and only need my card wallet, phone, and lipstick. While I haven't owned a backpack since college, I've been wanting a hands-free option to make kid excursions easier and figured it would also be handy for toting my laptop around when I'm not working from home. I went with The Backpack by Béis ($88) since I'm a huge fan of their carry-on roller suitcase , and let me tell you, it's living up to the hype.

What I Love About The Backpack by Béis

Like Béis's other travel accessories, the backpack is loaded with tons of thoughtful organizational compartments. There's a padded sleeve that's perfect for carrying laptops, iPads, Kindles, and other delicate tech; an equally large compartment with suitcase-like compression straps to hold clothes or packing cubes; two smaller, zippered internal compartments (one with clear plastic and one with mesh); and a smaller external compartment to stash things you need to reach for quickly (think: keys — yes, there's even a key leash — your cell phone, wallet, and even a pen). It functions like a mini carry-on suitcase you can wear on your back.

I appreciate that there are extra design elements that you don't typically find on backpacks, like two water bottle pockets instead of one — an essential feature as a mom with two kids — and even a trolley sleeve, so I can slip my suitcase handle through it to give my back a rest while traveling. I also love the backpack's minimalist aesthetic. It's monochromatic with subtle branding and has just a touch of faux leather on the water bottle sleeves and along the base. It's utilitarian but luxe and is the perfect gender neutral bag, so my husband and I can share it.

What's Worth Noting About The Backpack by Béis

This backpack is big, with an extra-large interior capacity. While it's awesome for traveling and daytime outings with the kids where we need to carry a lot, you might not appreciate its sheer bulk and seemingly endless compartments if you're looking for a more lightweight and compact option. It took me a bit to get used to wearing something so large, but it quickly grew on me.

Who Is The Backpack by Béis Best For?

If you're looking for a true work horse of a backpack that packs like a suitcase, can keep you organized, fits a surprising amount of stuff, and looks just as good with a power suit as it does with jeans and a T-shirt, this is your backpack.

Additional Details About The Backpack by Béis

• It features a two-way, zip-around closure.
• Its straps are adjustable.
• Materials: polyester, PVC, nylon, and metal.
• Colors: it comes in eight different shades.

Where is The Backpack by Béis Available?

This backpack is available at Nordstrom (in black and beige only) and Béis .

Rating : ★★★★★

Angela Elias is a contributing editor for PS Shopping. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.

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Samara city, Russia

The capital city of Samara oblast .

Samara - Overview

Samara is one of the largest cities in Russia located in the middle reaches of the Volga River, the administrative center of Samara Oblast. It is a major economic, transport, scientific, educational, and cultural center.

The population of Samara is about 1,137,000 (2022), the area - 541 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 846, the postal codes - 443000-443904.

Samara city flag

Samara city coat of arms.

Samara city map, Russia

Samara city latest news and posts from our blog:.

15 February, 2020 / Syzran - the view from above .

4 April, 2019 / Cities of Russia at Night - the Views from Space .

26 January, 2018 / Samara - the view from above .

4 December, 2017 / Stadiums and Matches of the World Cup 2018 in Russia .

21 November, 2016 / Park of the History of Equipment in Tolyatti .

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History of Samara

Foundation of samara.

For the first time, the name of the Samara River was mentioned in the notes of the secretary of the Arab embassy and traveler Ahmed ibn Fadlan as “Samur” in 921. In 1586, by the decree of Tsar Feodor I Ioannovich, the fortress named “Samarskiy gorodok” (literally “the town of Samara”) was founded on the bank of the Samara River near its confluence with the Volga.

Its main purpose was to control the vast territory of the middle reaches of the Volga and the mouth of the Samara, to protect Russia from the raids of nomads, and to provide a waterway from Kazan to Astrakhan.

During the 17th century, the fortress grew and continued to fortify. In 1688, it was renamed and became the town of Samara. After the devastating fires of 1700 and 1703, a new (so-called “earthen”) fortress was built in Samara in 1704-1706. In the 1740s, Samara became the center of the Orenburg expedition, which founded the towns of Orenburg and Stavropol-on-Volga (present-day Tolyatti).

In 1780, the coat of arms of Samara was approved with the following description: “A wild white goat standing on the grass in a blue field”. The image of the coat of arms exactly repeated the banner of the Samara regiment from the collection of banners of the regiments of the Russian Empire (1729-1730). In 1782, the first site plan for the town’s development was approved.

More Historical Facts…

Samara in the 19th - the first half of the 20th centuries

In 1850, Emperor Nicholas I issued a decree on the creation of the Samara Governorate with the center in Samara. The population of the town was about 15 thousand people. By the end of the 19th century, it increased to 90 thousand people. By 1916, about 150 thousand people lived in Samara.

During this period, the Samara Governorate ranked first in the Russian Empire in terms of the amount of harvested wheat. In 1874, the construction of the Orenburg Railway began. In 1877, it passed through Samara. The Samara pier was one of the best on the Volga River. In 1915, the first electric tram started operating.

In 1928, Samara became the center of Middle Volga Oblast. In 1929, it was transformed into Middle Volga Krai. In 1935, the region was renamed Kuybyshev Krai. In December 1936, after secession from the region of the Mordovian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, it was transformed into Kuybyshev Oblast. On January 27, 1935, Samara was renamed Kuybyshev, in honor of the Soviet statesman and party leader V.V. Kuybyshev (1888-1935).

In July-October 1941, during the Second World War, a number of enterprises from the western regions of the USSR and their personnel with their families were evacuated to this city, as well as The Council of People’s Commissars of the Soviet Union (the highest collegial body of executive and administrative authority), The Supreme Soviet of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (the most authoritative legislative body), diplomatic missions, large cultural institutions (for example, the Bolshoi Theater, Mosfilm). This city became, in fact, the second capital of the USSR after Moscow.

A special underground bunker-residence was built for Stalin, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. However, the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command, the State Defense Committee (the highest authority in the country), and the General Staff of the Red Army remained in Moscow. On March 5, 1942, Shostakovich’s Seventh Leningrad Symphony was completed and performed for the first time in Kuybyshev.

From 1940 to 1945, the level of industrial production in the city increased 5.5 times. The population grew from 400 to 600 thousand people. During the war years, about 28 thousand Il-2 and Il-10 attack aircraft were produced at its factories - about 80% of their total number.

Samara in the second half of the 20th century and beyond

After the Second World War, Kuybyshev became one of the largest industrial and cultural centers in the USSR. The city economy was based on the aviation, space, machine-building, metallurgical, electrical, cable, oil refining, and light industries. From 1960 to 1991, because of the large number of military enterprises, Kuibyshev was a city closed to foreigners.

All Soviet and Russian cosmonauts were launched into space on R-7 launch vehicles produced by the Samara enterprise “TsSKB-Progress” (JSC “Space Rocket Centre “Progress”). This also applies to the first cosmonaut of the planet Yuri Gagarin. After landing in the area of the city of Engels, he was taken to Kuybyshev for rest. From here he reported by phone to the head of state N.S. Khrushchev on the successful completion of the first manned space flight in the history of mankind.

In addition to the development of industry, there were significant changes in the socio-economic development of the city. On September 14, 1967, the millionth resident was born in Kuybyshev. In 1968, the TU-154 aircraft began to be mass-produced in Samara. In 1987, the city reached its maximum population of 1,280,000 people.

On January 25, 1991, the historical name Samara was returned to the city. In the 1990s, after the collapse of the USSR, the problem of transforming military enterprises for the production of civilian products arose. A lot of large enterprises went bankrupt. Small-scale production of goods appeared in their place, as well as shopping centers and various cultural institutions (clubs, movie theaters, bars, restaurants, etc.). The loss of jobs, the slowdown in economic growth had a negative impact on the demographic situation and the state of the city’s infrastructure.

In the 2000s, the construction segment was actively developing in Samara. At the same time, there was no general strategy for building the city, which eventually led to a deterioration in the general architectural style of the city and the quality of the infrastructure. In 2018, six matches of the FIFA World Cup were held in Samara.

Samara views

Modern architecture in Samara

Author: Roman Komissarov

Apartment buildings in Samara

Samara cityscape

Author: Dyomin Ivan

Samara - Features

Samara is located on the left bank of the Volga River (Saratov Reservoir) opposite the Samara bend, at the confluence of the Samara (hence the city’s name) and Sok rivers. The City Day of Samara is celebrated on the second weekend of September.

The climate is moderately continental. Summers are hot and rather humid. Winters are moderately frosty, snowy and long. The average temperature in July is plus 23.5 degrees Celsius, in January - minus 9.9 degrees Celsius.

Samara is a major center for mechanical engineering and metalworking, food, as well as space and aviation industries. It is one of the main scientific centers of Russia in the space and aviation fields.

The city is one of the largest transport hubs in Russia, through which the shortest routes from Central and Western Europe to Siberia, Central Asia, and Kazakhstan run. The Kurumoch International Airport located 42 km from Samara offers regular flights to Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Krasnodar, Moscow, Nizhnevartovsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Novy Urengoy, Omsk, Perm, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Surgut, Ufa, Dubai, Istanbul, and other cities.

From the pier of the Samara river station, you can go on boat trips along the Volga, cruises to cities located along the river - Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Volgograd, Tolyatti. Passenger transportation in the city is carried out by buses, minibuses, trams, trolleybuses, and the subway.

The architectural heritage of Samara that has survived to this day is one of the richest in Russia. During a walking tour of the historical center of Samara, you can see buildings of the 19th - early 20th centuries preserving the atmosphere of an old merchant city. Samara has one of the longest river embankments in Russia (about 5 km) and the tallest railway station building in Europe (101 meters) with an observation deck (Komsomolskaya Square, 1).

In Samara, the most popular urban legends are associated with underground objects and tunnels through which you can allegedly go under the Volga River and get out on its other bank or on the islands. Rumors about the presence of a network of underground communications are caused by the presence of a large cave within the city limits (The Brothers Greve Cave), as well as a large number of underground structures, such as Stalin’s Bunker, Beria’s Bunker, and the former Army Headquarters bunker.

Main Attractions of Samara

Samara Embankment - one of the most beautiful places in Samara and one of the best embankments in Russia. It stretches along the bank of the Volga for more than 4 km and descends to the river in terraces. A lot of tourists, having arrived in the city, immediately go to the embankment to see the Volga. Residents of Samara also love to come here, breathe clean air and enjoy the picturesque panorama of the great Russian river.

From the nearby pier, ships go on river cruises along the Volga. A river trip is a great opportunity to admire Samara and a good alternative to a bus tour of the city on a hot summer day. City holidays are often held on the embankment.

The embankment of Samara harmoniously combines the advantages of the beach and promenade with places for active recreation and sports. There are cafes and restaurants, benches and fountains, boat and bicycle rentals, paths for cyclists and roller skaters.

There are a lot of interesting art objects on this embankment including a monument to a heating radiator, the sculptural composition “The Barge Haulers on the Volga” and a sculpture of Comrade Sukhov from the famous Soviet movie “White Sun of the Desert”, who was a native of a village near Samara.

Zhigulevskoye Brewery - one of the most visited sights of Samara, which is the birthplace of the famous throughout Russia “Zhigulevskoye” beer. Here you can not only taste original beers, but also go on an excursion and observe the production process.

This brewery located on the bank of the Volga River is one of the oldest in Russia. It was built by the hereditary Austrian brewer Alfred von Vacano in 1881. The building of the brewery is a monument of architecture and an object of cultural heritage of Russia. Volzhskiy Avenue, 4.

Iversky Convent (1860) - a beautiful architectural complex located in the immediate vicinity of Zhigulevskoye Brewery. There are several churches here. You can walk around the territory of the monastery. Volzhskiy Avenue, 1.

Samara Space Museum - one of the youngest museums in the city opened in 2007. It immediately became one of the symbols of Samara. Here you can see a real Soyuz launch vehicle organically integrated into the facade of the museum building. This architectural project has become one of the most original and interesting in Samara.

Actually, the museum is a pedestal on which the rocket stands. Together with the spacecraft, its height reaches 68 m. The exposition is divided into two parts. The first includes space instruments and spacecraft models. The second part is devoted not so much to technology as to people in space, their way of life and everyday activities. Lenin Avenue, 21.

Stalin’s Bunker - one of the alternative locations of the headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the USSR I.V. Stalin, built in Samara at a depth of 37 meters in 1942. Until 1990, it was a classified object. Today, a museum dedicated to the Second World War is open in the bunker.

The object is located under the building of the Academy of Culture and Art, which previously housed the Kuibyshev Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. For the construction of the bunker, the design of the metro station “Aeroport” in Moscow was copied. Frunze Street, 167.

Monuments in Samara

Monument to Soldiers-Internationalists in Samara

Author: Alexandr Strogino

Monument to Sergei Kirov in Samara

Author: Razorenov Roman

Monument to Il-2 attack aircraft in Samara

Author: Nikolay Komarkov

Samara Regional Art Museum . The core of the museum collection is made up of paintings by local artists created at the turn of the 20th century and works by Russian artists of the early 20th century. Today, this museum also has such exhibits as paintings, graphics, works of the Russian avant-garde and Soviet art of the 1920-1970s, paintings by European painters.

In total, the collection has over 35 thousand paintings displayed in five permanent exhibitions. The museum is located in the very center of Samara and occupies one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Kuybysheva Street, 92.

Samara Children’s Art Gallery . This museum occupies a very picturesque merchant’s mansion that once belonged to Ivan Klodt, an architectural monument of federal significance of the 19th century. Art works created by children, students and graduates of art schools are exhibited here. The gallery also has a museum of everyday life and culture of the late 19th - early 20th centuries and a museum of arts and crafts. Kuybysheva Street, 139.

Mansion of Alexandra Kurlina (Museum of Modernism) . This Art Nouveau house built in 1903 and standing at the intersection of Krasnoarmeyskaya and Frunze Streets is one of the most interesting architectural monuments of Samara. In 2013, a permanent exhibition in three rooms on the ground floor was opened: “study”, “boudoir”, and “dining room”. The exposition presents furniture, clothing, paintings, accessories of European and Russian masters of the early 20th century. In total, the house has 22 rooms, each of which is unique in its own way. Frunze Street, 159.

Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1902-1906). This neo-Gothic building, unusual for this part of Russia, was built at the expense of the Catholic community of Samara, which consisted mainly of Poles. In 1991, the church was returned to the Catholic community. It was restored and re-consecrated. Today, it also hosts concerts of sacred and classical music. Frunze Street, 157.

House with Elephants (1908-1909) - the former summer residence of the Samara merchant and traveler Konstantin Golovkin, built in the Art Nouveau style on the bank of the Volga, an architectural monument and an object of cultural heritage of Russia. Two full-size sculptures of elephants installed in front of the facade overlooking the Volga gave this building its name. Sovetskoy Armii Street, 292.

Stele “Ladya” (1986) - a monumental white sculptural composition 20 meters high erected to the 400th anniversary of Samara. The monument depicts a stylized old sailing boat floating on the waves. In the middle of the “sail” there is a bas-relief depicting the coat of arms of Samara. This is a popular place for wedding photo sessions, meetings, festivities, and other events. Sofiyskaya Embankment (Lesnaya Street, 23).

Glory Monument (1971). This majestic monument is dedicated to the workers of the Kuybyshev aviation industry, who made a huge contribution to the victory of the USSR in the Second World War. It is a 13-meter figure of a worker standing on a 40-meter pedestal facing the Volga. The worker is holding a stylized aircraft in his raised arms. Sometimes this monument is mistaken for a monument to Yuri Gagarin. Slavy Square.

Leningradskaya Street - a tourist alley in the historic center of Samara with a length of 1.7 km. One of its parts between Galaktionovskaya and Kuybysheva streets is pedestrian. Here you can find mansions of the 19th-20th centuries, shops, boutiques, hotels, etc.

Observation Deck “Vertoletka” (“Helicopter”) . From here, stunning panoramic views of Samara, the Volga River, Zhigulevskie mountains, and the Samara bend open up. The territory is landscaped, there is a restaurant and a summer cafe. Vetvistaya Street, 1.

“The Motor World of Vyacheslav Sheyanov” - a unique museum in Russia, where you can immerse yourself in the living history of the Golden Age of motorcycles (1930-1945). Located near Samara, it has a unique collection of restored motorcycles with an engine capacity of over 750 cubic centimeters produced in Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Poland, USSR, USA, France, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan. In total, there are more than 100 exhibits here. Samara Oblast, Petra Dubrava, Klimova Street, 2b.

Samara city of Russia photos

Pictures of samara.

Bus stop and an entertainment center in Samara

Samara - the view from above

Samara - one of the centers of river cruises

Author: Yuri Gusev

Churches in Samara

Chapel in honor of Metropolitan of Moscow Alexy in Samara

Author: Franz Schiffers

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Samara

Armenian Apostolic Church in Samara

Author: Anton Starikov

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