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We interviewed twenty travel experts to find out their top suitcase recommendations. Read below to discover the best luggage brands for travel and why they love them!
Best Luggage Brands For Travel
Table Of Contents
What are the best luggage brands for travel?
Here is a quick list of the best luggage brands according to top travel experts:
- Samsonite
- Travelpro
- Delsey
- Coolife
- Briggs and Riley
- American Tourister
- Osprey
- Eagle Creek
- Tumi
- Monos
- Away
- Calpak
- July
- Beis
- Paravel
- Quince
Keep reading the article below for more information about each of the top luggage brands and the most recommended styles for each one!
Top Luggage Brands Reviews
We’ve organized our top luggage brands reviews based on different categories, such as value for money and business travel. In addition, we’ve also listed the specific suitcase recommendations and styles recommended by the travel experts we interviewed. Remember, no matter what suitcase you choose, there’s no substitute for packing smart!
Best Luggage Brands for The Money: Samsonite
Family travel and lifestyle blogger, Erin Bender from Explore with Erin, shares why Samsonite ranks on her list of the top luggage brands for family traveling.
“We chose 4-wheeler luggage. Not only is it great to push with one finger, but the kids can ride on it, too, which saves us from losing them in the airport. Go with the Samsonite with latch closures; bags with zips break too easily and fragile pieces are in better care in a hard case.”
Sarah-Jane Begonja with Chasing the Donkey also agrees that Samsonite is one of the best luggage brands. “My arthritic spine and fingers always appreciate my 4-wheeler. It rolls along easier and I’ve been known to use it to stack my bottles of booze on top.”
The Samsonite Omni Collection is a popular hardside luggage which is available in a variety of colorful hues perfectly suited for a family.
Samsonite Winfield 3-Piece (20/24/28) Suitcase Set
Choosing a lightweight suitcase enables you to pack more without surpassing airline weight restrictions. Four spinner wheels come in handy as you maneuver your bag through the airport.
Planet Lew says: “I have a set of Samsonite 4-wheel spinners. The smallest is cabin size and I use it for up to week-long trips. The middle size is good if I need to take more stuff, and the largest is a bit ridiculous.”
Time and time again, travelers agree that Samsonite is number one on the list of top luggage brands, making it one of the most consistent in terms of suitcase recommendations. It seems as travelers particularly like their sets similar to the Winfield 3-piece set, shown above.
These good looking hardside suitcases are lightweight and easy to travel with. The wheels are smooth and are durable enough to last over the years. As a bonus, this set is water-resistant.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Suitcase
Best Luggage Brand According to Our Readers: Travelpro
The founders of Travelpro actually invented the wheeled suitcase so there’s no question about this brand’s reputation. The Maxlite is one of their best selling styles. The Maxlite 5, shown above, is a softside suitcase with a roomy interior featuring both top and side handles for ease of use.
It has plenty of space and is great if you’re looking for a suitcase that fits in the overhead bin on most planes. A couple of our readers have even used this bag to travel carry-on only for two weeks in Europe and another reader took it traveling for three months in Southeast Asia.
Cherene Saradar from the Wandering Redhead says, “My Travelpro Maxlite international-sized carry-on suitcase is currently my go-to bag for most types of travel. I use it for both long and short-term travel. It is stylish and versatile and meets the standards for carry-on sizes for most airlines.”
Travelpro Maxlite Air 21″ Hardside Expandable Carry on Luggage,
If you’re looking for a hardside one from Travelpro, this Maxlite Air is a perfect choice. The polycarbonate shell is very durable, and the spinner wheels are smooth on any surface, plus the room inside can fit everything without things spilling out!
Read this Travelpro Maxlite review and find out if this popular brand makes the cut!
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero Titanium 29″ Trolley
Best Luggage Brand for the Price: Delsey
We’re particularly fond of their hardside suitcases such as the Helium Aero shown above. It comes in different sizes and also has a convenient expandable feature, making it one of our best suitcase recommendations.
Along with the Chatelet and Helium Aero, the Sky Max 2.0 is a popular Delsey softside luggage option. This luggage is great for the organized techie. It features a double padded neoprene sleeve that fits a tablet and a 15” laptop, and it even has a dedicated neoprene power bank pocket and cable port so you can charge electronics on the go.
This brand is amazing and our readers agree!
DELSEY Paris 28″ Chatelet Hardside Luggage
Though this company wasn’t previously on our list of the top luggage brands, Delsey has low price points and stylish suitcases that have become one of our readers’ favorites!
If you want a luxe look without a high price tag, the Chatelet collection is gorgeous yet well-priced in comparison to similar styles on the market.
For a carry-on, our favorite is the Chatelet 21″ with the ivory cream exterior lined with a lovely red interior but this black color featured above is absolutely adorable. They also have a wheeled underseater and a shoulder bag, too!
Coolife Hardside 21″ Spinner Luggage
Best Luggage Brands for a Budget: Coolife
Coolife has amazing and affordable luggage, you can find classic luggage styles for bargain prices, proving that you can travel on a budget!
When you’re looking for a reliable yet no-frills roller suitcase, the Coolife Hardside Spinner Luggage is a go-to pick. At 20”, it’s a great carry-on size that is easy to tote around with you, whether you’re headed on a weekend getaway or an international adventure.
This suitcase is also available in a set that includes a 20”, 24”, and a 28” that’s expandable.
Coolife Luggage Expandable 3 Piece Sets
The protective hard shell has a scratch-resistant finish and is made of extra-thick ABS+PC for enhanced strength and durability. The fully lined interior features a divider and interior organizer with three zippered pockets for easy organization.
One happy user says, “Traveled to Italy and packed for 10 days. We were on the go and stayed no longer than 2 nights at one place. Luggage was super durable, easy to transport, and did pass the carryon requirements with Air Canada; not by much; (requirements are somewhat smaller compared to other airlines). Overall – very happy with this purchase.”
Briggs & Riley Baseline Expandable 22″ Carry-on
Best Luggage Brand for Domestic Air Travel: Briggs and Riley
Briggs and Riley is one of the top suitcase brands loved by many jetsetters who travel for both leisure and business. Nancy D. Brown says, “I’m a Briggs and Riley carry-on girl unless I’m traveling longer than two weeks”.
The Briggs & Riley Baseline suitcase shown above is one of their best selling carry-on styles and we think it looks amazing! It’s a sophisticated bag that features the brand’s CX™ expansion-compression system that increases packing capacity, and then compresses down to keep contents secure. It also has a built-in-tri-fold garment folder with foam roll bar for those delicate items you don’t want wrinkled.
Briggs & Riley 22″ ZDX Luggage
Lindsay Taub, of Voyage Vixens, spent years in search of the perfect bag. She found it and is sharing her recommendation. “The Briggs & Riley Baseline Duffle weighs only a few pounds and easily converts from a shoulder bag to a cabin bag. It also passes for carry-on size, so there’s no need to check a bag.”
If you want a rolling duffle, the Briggs & Riley ZDX 22” has plenty of packing room and is excellent for domestic trips. For me, this is absolutely key because it gives you flexibility while traveling and there’s no chance of your luggage getting lost when you travel carry on.”
American Tourister Moonlight 21″ Hardside Spinner
Best Cheap Luggage Brand That’s Good Quality: American Tourister
Vienne Cheung, of VienneMilano, loves American Tourister and so do our readers. She says, “after much searching, I found a small, 20” suitcase similar to the Llite Max Softside Spinner (currently sold out). It was big enough to carry all of my products for my traveling pop-up events and spacious enough to fit a week of wardrobe for New York fashion week. Since I pretty much live in my suitcase, I am super happy!”
American Tourister offers a balance between quality and price. If you only travel occasionally and want a low cost option, the Moonlight Spinner is a good choice on our list of suitcase recommendations. We love the book opening case with its mesh divider panel that features additional packing compartments. The side-mounted TSA locks can deter theft, too. Buy it here!
American Tourister Moonlight 3-Piece Set
If you’re in the market for luggage sets, the American Tourister Moonlight 3-piece set is highly recommended! One user says, “This 3 piece (21/24/28 inch) hardside is just what I’ve been looking for. The two larger pieces have a strap on one side and a mesh on the other inside space. I find this better than just mesh on both sides like many products. So far I’ve done 2 trips and the outside zippers performed well.” Buy it here!
Osprey Ozone 42L Wheeled Luggage
Best Luggage Brands for Durability: Osprey
Osprey is one of our all-time favorite travel brands and we’ve written many articles about this brand, which you can read about here.
If you’re planning to travel extensively, go on a round-the-world backpacking trip, or jetset full-time, this is the absolute top luggage brand to securely house your belongings. Other travelers agree:
Jacquie Whitt, the co-founder of Adios Adventure, has been using the Osprey Sojourn (currently sold out) bag for the past five or six years, and it tops her list of suitcase recommendations. “It features wheels as well as hidden shoulder straps, should I be in a place without roads. One of the reasons I like Osprey is their guarantee. My first bag wore out after four years of traveling around South America and when I took it in for repair, they replaced it with a new bag.”
Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack
Vanessa of Turnipseed Travel says, “I’m currently trying out the Osprey Porter 46, a soft-sided travel bag with backpack straps that weighs just over two pounds. Everyone focuses on the size of their bag, but the weight is just as important.”
Inma Gregorio, of A World to Travel, uses and recommends the Meridian, a wheeled, convertible 45L backpack with a 15L daypack attached.
As a long-term traveler, I couldn’t imagine traveling with any other brand. I’ve owned the Farpoint Backpack, Meridian Convertible and most recently the Osprey Ozone.
The Ozone is perfect for organizing your essentials. The easy access zippered top liquids pocket allows quick access to your toiletry kit while hidden zippered sections store travel documents, a wallet or a passport, and the large mesh pockets are perfect to hold snacks, headphones, or other small items. Buy it here!
Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 22” Carry On Luggage
Best Luggage Brands for Frequent Travelers: Eagle Creek
When you embark on a long-term trip, you need a bag that’s built to last. Larissa Milne, of Changes in Longitude, recommends Eagle Creek as one of the top luggage brands for long-term travel.
Larissa says, “For my year-long RTW trip, I packed a wheeled Eagle Creek Hovercraft Upright 22” (no longer available) and still managed to fit in five pairs of shoes.
I also used a Baggalini Avenue Tote computer bag with a sleeve for sliding over the Hovercraft handle. The Baggalini is very light and multifunctional to use as a beach bag, too. For a purse, I used a small Pacsafe Citysafe.”
The Eagle Creek Gear Warrior suitcase is perfect for this type of travel. It’s constructed with durable and heavy-duty fabric that protects against friction and weather. The shell is a lightweight polycarbonate, so your luggage is safe without adding weight. It also has 4, oversized and heavy-duty wheels and a durable kick plate for smooth mobility and durability, which is essential when you’re going over the cobblestones in Europe or getting off the beaten path in Southeast Asia. Buy it here!
Tumi Alpha 3 Expandable Carry-On
Best Luggage Brands for Business Travel: Tumi
Jill Jacinto, Managing Editor at WORKS, recommends Tumi as one of the top luggage brands for frequent flyers.
“If you are frequently traveling for work, I’d recommend getting a Tumi carry-on piece like the Alpha 3 Continental. Tumi bags are pricey, but they can withstand wear and tear from constant travel.”
Elegant and spacious, the Alpha 3 is truly made for frequent flyers as it includes a convenient compartment to hang your clothes making unpacking and repacking a breeze! Buy it here!
Tumi 22” 19 Degree International Hardside Spinner
Tumi has great travel protection and a warranty. They’ll replace your wheels within a year and they offer a complimentary two-year warranty for all other wear and tear issues.
Another reader recommendation is the Tumi 22” 19 Degree hardside which is expandable in case you need to pack more for a business trip, including sturdy zippers and a lever lock system. It’s pretty too!
Jill also recommends sticking to a subdued neutral color if you’re traveling for work. Choose black or gray, especially since you will mainly only travel carry-on. Buy it here!
Best Luggage Brands for a Hardside: Monos
Monos is a hardside luggage brand that’s been increasingly popular with our readers, no doubt for its sleek designs, outstanding quality, lifetime warranty, and reasonable price!
While they boast many great features, including super sturdy wheels and handle, anti-microbial interior fabric, and great organization, their unbreakable polycarbonate shells are what really make these suitcases stand out. One reader says, “I’ve traveled with two Monos bags. Lovely luggage! They’re very lightweight and glide perfectly. Very sturdy and well made, too.”
The 22” Carry-On is a reader favorite that’s designed to fit in most overhead bins. A reader gives a rave review of this piece, “I just used my Monos carry on to travel to Europe and had no trouble with it fitting in the overhead bin. The quality of that bag is outstanding! I’ve had it for 4 years and it still looks and functions as if it’s brand new.” Buy it here!
Be sure to check out the Carry-On Pro, too, which uniquely offers a built-in front compartment that can hold a 15” laptop and other travel must-haves. A reader says, “I really love the design and look of it. I love the outside pocket and how easily it rolls.”
TFGs say Monos are sturdy, beautiful, and practical for whatever adventure you have in mind. Buy it here!
Best Luggage Brand for International Travel: Away
So many of our readers love Away and claim they make the best suitcases for international travel. Readers report that their polycarbonate hard shells will not only protect your belongings, but hold up incredibly well and stay looking great, even after lots of rigorous travel.
One reader says, “I have replaced all of my luggage with Away bags. They are all I will buy now. I travel internationally frequently so they have been put through the wringer.” Another TFGer shares, “I managed two weeks in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with the standard carryon (and some careful planning!). I just got back from two weeks in Thailand with my husband and used it, plus one of their Medium Checked suitcases. You can really get a lot in, and they look great and feel very high-quality.” Buy it here!
Check out what’s inside the Away suitcase in this video review!
Readers love Away for international travel because they’re incredibly resilient and dependable, plus their extra features like a water-resistant laundry bag, an optional USB charger, and an excellent compression system will make your travels all the easier! Away fans in the TFG community always rave about the space and how much you can pack in these suitcases, too. They hold a TON, and no matter the weight, are always easy to roll around and maneuver.
Their 21” Carry On is the top pick among readers, as it’s super spacious yet meets the international carry on size limits. The Bigger Carry On will give you a bit more room, and is great for major airlines with bigger overhead bins. If you frequently check bags, you can choose between The Medium and The Large and have complete peace of mind that your belongings will be as safe as can be. Buy it here!
Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage
Best Luggage Brands for the Weight: Calpak
Calpak is one of our top suitcase recommendations for ultra-lightweight luggage because it is extremely practical in design, maximizing every square inch of space while having minimalist details lowering the weight of the overall bag.
This lightweight carry on weighs only 6.6lbs with 41 L packing capacity. Featuring two front pockets and a 17″ laptop compartment that can hold your electronics and more, the Luka soft sided luggage is the perfect piece for a work trip or quick out of town getaway. Buy it here!
One user says, “I’m headed to Italy for a month and wanted carry on only luggage. I thought this was the best option for me. I like the color and lightweight materials. I also purchased the Large Luka Tote to take on as a personal item, I just put my purse inside upon boarding.”
Another popular pick is the Trnk Carry-On. The interior is described as spacious and neat looking and it’s a 20” that only weights 7.4 lbs for a hardside. As a major plus, Calpak luggage is also incredibly affordable, making it one of the best luggage brands for cheap suitcases. Buy it here!
Best Luggage Brand for Sets: July
Our readers LOVE the July hardside luggage and ranks as one of the top luggage brands for sets. It has such a sleek look, and its incredible design and functionality allow you to stroll through the airport with style and ease.
Designed to nest perfectly inside each other, so they’re easy to store while you’re planning the next holiday. The handle turns to make it comfortable to hold as you run through the airport, and it has sufficient pockets to make it easy to sort and find the items you’re looking for.
At nearly $900, the July Classic Family Set shown above isn’t the most budget-friendly, but it’s a great investment for the frequent traveler or for family travel. Their suitcases will last you forever thanks to the break-resistant 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shells. While water resistant and stain proof nylon lining with leather finishes on the nylon straps and hinge.
The set includes the Carry On, Checked, and Checked Plus. Buy it here!
Béis The 21-Inch Carry-On Roller
Best Luggage Brands for Style: Béis
Another luggage brand gaining popularity with readers, Béis offers multiple bag and luggage options. Their adorable 21” carry on suitcase is raved about by readers for its look, interior zip pockets, drawstring pouches, great compression system, and the built-in weight limit indicator that you can test just by holding it up! It’s also fairly light, at 8.36 lbs.
The price point is great, too, especially given the stellar quality. One reader says, ‘I used my Béis carry on for multiple 14+ day trips and will not buy another brand of luggage because of the amazing quality!”
If you want some bigger options, try out the Béis 26” checked roller suitcase. One users says, “This suitcase is wonderful for travel. It fits perfectly in airplane overhead compartment, rolls smoothly, and is great looking! I also bought the matching tote – just slip handles over and go!!” Or if you want even more space, the 29” rolling suitcase is also popular. Buy it here!
Paravel Aviator Grand Checked Luggage
Best Sustainable Luggage Brands: Paravel
Paravel is an up-and-coming luggage brand that’s been getting praise from travelers for its gorgeous luggage that’s designed with sustainability at its core by using recyclable materials and conscious sourcing.
The Aviator check-in option is not only a stylish piece but is made from extremely durable polycarbonate, aluminum handles, and tough zippers, all of which are recycled. Travelers highlight the effortless spinner wheels, interior organization, including a laundry bag, scuff-hiding finish, and vegan leather details.
One happy user says, “Held so much more than my fabric luggage – and avoided overweight charges for once! Easy to manipulate through airports, and easy to clean with Magic Eraser. Very happy with Paravel” Buy it here!
Paravel also has great luggage sets, for anyone who wants more freedom with their suitcase choices. The Avaitor 2-piece luggage set consists of a 21” and a 28”, and is great for long stays with the ability to to fit 14 days of clothes.
One reviewer says, “Love the layout of the suitcases. Very easy to pack and keep things in their place. Minimizes shifting. And very easy to wheel around. And guess what? you can also personalize your sets too.” Buy it here!
Quince Hard Shell 20” Carry On
Best Compact Luggage Brands: Quince
A major favorite in the TFG community for their travel-friendly clothing, Quince also makes luggage that’s affordable and high quality. The 20” hardside carry-on is a dream for short getaways or expert minimalist packers and is compliant with all major domestic and foreign airline requirements. Despite the compact size, travelers say the lightweight polycarbonate design makes the interior super spacious, aided by the interior compression.
This bag is also equipped with a water-resistant lining, smooth 360° spinner wheels, a removable laundry bag, and a TSA lock. While travelers have raved about its resilient construction, it’s amazingly lightweight at 6.2 lbs, and the exterior dimensions are 22″ x 14.4″ x 9.1”.
Quince also has a 21” suitcase if you want a bit more room. This one weighs a mere 6.7 lbs, so pack it to the brim! Its dimensions are 22.8″ x 15.6″ x 9.8”. Buy it here!
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
Pro Packing Tip
Whether or not you choose to travel carryon only, always use packing cubes to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space.
Use luggage organizers such as packing cubes to maximize the space in your bag so you can fit in all your belongings in an organized and efficient way using minimal space.
Many of our readers use Compass Rose Packing Cubes to organize and compress their clothing and other items they plan to bring. These packing cubes are the only ones on the market with a number and color-coded system, so you know where you packed everything.
And now the Compass Rose Packing Cubes are offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13” x 5” x 2.8”, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8” x 13” x 8.5”. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase. Users say the medium size is great for bulkier items!
If you want to learn how to use packing cubes, watch the video below.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video!
They’re truly the best packing cubes. Our readers rave about them! Buy them here!
Compass Rose Digital Luggage Scale
Not many people are familiar with luggage scales, but they’re incredibly helpful when you’re a frequent traveler.
We recommend bringing along a lightweight luggage scale to weigh your cases before going to the airport. This will ensure you are below the weight limit and avoid extra charges.
With a compact luggage scale in hand, you’ll never have to worry about excess baggage fees!
What do you think are the top luggage for travel brands? Share and comment below!
For more suitcase recommendations, please read:
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It was so helpful to read info on the luggage. There were some considerations i hadn’t thought of. Like, the pros and cons of soft luggage vs the newer hard ones. Great website. Can spend hours here!
I really need a new suitcase and your blog has so many great suggestions!
I love my Tumi luggage but I do think it is a bit heavy. I doubt I’ll ever replace it but, if I do, I definitely want to check out the Briggs & Riley.
I am looking for the carry on bag with the most internal space. I don’t care about style, etc. For past 15+ years, i used the Kirkland carry on (which i think was made by travel pro). But, after weekly travel for 15 years pre-covid, it is worn out. But, every bag i had tried to replace it with doesn’t hold nearly as much. I don’t see in the lists above, best luggage for maximum amount of stuff. What do you recommend?
I love all your suggestions. So helpful.
My hardside Samsonite bag cracked on this last trip (air, bus, ferry, etc..) This one replaced a Travelpro softside that had one of its spinner wheels crack off. Now that I’m flying business class and have a higher weight limit, I am going back to my heavy Pathfinder softsider that is indestructible.
Thanks for the great info!
I’ve been in search of the perfect bag for years, and this article is a great help!
Surprised Away luggage is not among the best. Affordable, well-designed, hard-sided luggage. My travel agent swears by them.
I love the recommendations and reviews all gathered in one spot. I’d like to invest in a great carry-on suitcase, but it is so overwhelming the options and features, especially when spread across multiple sites. Having them all gathered here along with reviews for each option makes comparison so much easier!
I need to replace my carry on, and this article is full of great ideas for a new suitcase. Thank you!
Have you reviewed July carry on?
This was a great informational post. When we had to replace our luggage, I started here and it saved me so much time.
What a great list of suitcases that also look stylish. I love hard sided suitcases for added security of not having exterior pockets to worry about pickpocketers.
Really enjoy your emails and your website, very informative and helpful. I started shopping for a new suitcase some time ago but wasn’t sure what brand(s) was the best value (sturdy, long-lasting, etc.). Now I have an idea where to start! Thank you!
I ordered the Travel Pro Maxlite carryon per TFG recommendations along with numerous other travel clothing and accessories.
I feel less stress and so, so much more prepared for traveling now.
This is great!
I’m heading to Italy in 4 days and this information was so useful in deciding on day packs to tennis shoes
I bought a lightweight TravelPro which I learned about on this site. My husband and I traveled to 50 countries in 5 years (BC-Before Covid). This carry-on bag served me well. Since Covid we have been living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which is lovely but very hot this time of year. To scratch the travel itch again, we recently drove to the central highlands and are now in San Miguel deAllende, an exquisite town! The crazy thing about this is my packing. I brought everything I could ever want with me, including the kitchen sink, as they say. So many clothes, a dozen pairs of shoes, dresses, pants, tops, jewelry, electronics, you name it. You know what I wear? The same clothes I would have brought in just my carry-on! (I’m embarrassing myself with this story.)
Great post! Thanks so much.
I so appreciate this comprehensive review. I am finally going to buy new luggage based on this fabulous review!
I have coollife 24″ locking no zipper really like it. Also love my sologaard 22″ with builtin closet packer.
Looking for a new carry-on – seems that every second person I talk to has had recent challenges with lost luggage, so going to keep my belongings close! Thanks for the research – great list of choices!
Love my Delsey Helium Aero spinner! And now I’ve got my eye on that GORGEOUS Delsey Chatelet. Who knew luggage could look so chic! Great post TFG!
Thank you for all of your help in picking the perfect suitcase, packing cubes and showing us how to pack, you’re the best!
I purchased the Delsey International Carryon per Alex’s recommendations. Very lightweight & I love the color. Also purchased Samsonite. Your recommendations are very helpful! Thanks!
I bought the Delsey based on this article and it has served me well. I recommend it to my friends and coworkers because I’m so happy with it. Carry On Forever!
Thank you for this great article. I have been trying to decide on new luggage.
I enjoyed this article on different kinds of carry on luggage. I’m always looking for the “perfect” bag!
Love my Delsey!
I finally needed to replace my carry on after 10 years and hundreds of trips (I traveled for work…a lot). Using recommendations from TFG I purchase the TravelPro Maxlite and LOVE it. It’s lighter weight than my old one and it rolls like a dream. Thank you!
Great list! Value for money and quality, check! Thank you!
Thank you, so pleased you enjoyed the article!
Thank you for this great list! I absolutely love my Delsey Chatelet and have had them for years. I am looking to finally replace them and it’s good to see other great options as well. I am surprised not to see any Away choices in here though.
Every one of these bags, when I look on the Amazon site, indicate from user comments that with the handle and the wheels, they exceed the size limits for American Airlines. I am at a loss. I cannot seem to find a carryon that I can travel carryon only that is the allowable size.
Hi Gail, thank you for your question. I am not sure of the extant size dimensions for American Airlines, but you may find a carryon which meets the requirements here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-carry-on-suitcases-for-traveling-europe/ I would also highly recommend that you join TFG’s free facebook community and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous group of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share and I am sure one our amazing readers would be able to help. Hope this helps you on your search for a new suitcase! ?
Great list (as usual). I would also add Away Travel. I have used Away exclusively for years across four continents for business and family travel and it has never failed me. Definitely holy grail along with my Amazon Basics and Travel Fashion Girl packing cubes. By the way I really love my TFG packing cubes for the kids things on family trips!
Hi Crystal, thank you for sharing your recommendation of luggage with us! Yay, so happy to hear you love your packing cubes!!! ?? Happy travels!
Great reading however spend half my time googling to convert your weights and measures into metric. Spoils my read but like neverthe less.
Love your tips! My question: I’m going on my first trip to Europe, and the travel company states that the checked luggage cannot be bigger than 62″ Length x Width x Height and cannot weigh more than 23kg/50lbs. Where do I find one with those specific criteria?
Hi Clare, thank you for your lovely comment, so pleased you enjoy the blog!! Have a look at this article, particularly have a look at the section about luggage size: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-101-step-by-step-guide-to-choosing-the-right-travel-luggage/ You may also find this article useful: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/baggage-allowance-how-to-pack/ Hope this helps! Have an awesome trip to Europe! 🙂
Dilemma?
Eagle Creek or Osprey?
Seeking robust lightweight bags for family of 3 (girl aged 10) – thought perhaps convertible might be the way to go? As can use any way that best suits …are straps removable, put in when required etc
Hi Sonya, have a look at this post for some help in buying new luggage: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/suitcase-101-step-by-step-guide-to-choosing-the-right-travel-luggage/ For TFG’s review of the osprey bags, have a look a this: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-osprey-backpacks/ Hope this helps! 🙂
Tumi used to be excellent, it’s not the case anymore, their products are not resistant enough for people who travel a lot. Their handles break (got it repaired twice, each time Tumi charged us $150 dollars, for suitcase that are a few years old). The seam are taking some beatings. Now they refuse to change the handle because the luggage line is discontinued. We are talking about the handle only! I don’t believe they are up to their reputation anymore. We decided to switch brands, we will review your article with great care before making our choice. Thank you.
Hi Valerie, thank you for sharing your review of the Tumi luggage brand with us! 🙂
Love my Lipault 22 inch carry on with the matching 17 in cabin bag. I have been to Europe 9 times with this luggage. Holds up well and I can get a lot of clothes in it!,
Anyone try the RImowa electronic ?
I bought a Ricardo Sausalito Super Light set for my first trip to Europe. I am elderly AND disabled, so it had to be luggage that I could manage by myself in certain instances. It was perfect, easy to lift, easy to wheel, and with the bright print easy to spot quickly on luggage carousels. They had the proper smaller carryon size for European airlines, and the pieces all piggybacked easily. I loved them, still use them, and recommend them to my friends.
Love that brand, thanks Paula!
Of course one can fit A LOT into those little suitcases but the issue is the severe weight restrictions at least in the EU. They won`t allow bags over 7 kg as carry on and airport personell is very attentive to enforce that rule. they usually weigh the bags before you enter security and are very strict if the bag is overweight.
Good point Gudrun, try one of these bags instead: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-lightweight-luggage/
Where I can buy this ? Do you have online stores?
Hi Gladys, you can click on any of the items to be directed to the online store. Thanks!
What about the swiss luggage bag? Is it good?
Great brand as well Adia!
One bag, various companies: Mulholland Brothers Small Hippo Duffel, Tortuga Air, Whipping Post Rolltop Backpack, Rough & Tumble 1904, Best Made Company Kevlar Gear Bag. If my trip is gear-intensive for work, I’ll use the larger bags. Otherwise I pack very light using the backpacks.
Thanks for the recommendations!
I use American Tourister and according to me this is amazing.
Also one of our favorites 🙂
Briggs & Riley is AWESOME. You can’t beat the lifetime warranty. The Exchange 20 Convertible Duffle is my go to! It is small enough for ALL budget airlines. I prefer a backpack if I’ll be moving around a lot during the trip. It was perfect for 10 days in Belize an my 10 day trip to Italy and Germany. I love that there are no assigned sections so it maximizes the space inside.
Also they go on sale often.
Thanks for sharing Telicia! Glad you’ve found one perfect for your travels!
That’s a great article. I prefer Samsonite, as they tend to be more durable and functional than the average luggage. Brigs and Riley are also pretty good, albeit slightly more expensive.
Thanks Rachel 🙂 Glad you like it!
I’m looking for VERY lightweight luggage. Flying across the country for 2 weeks and I’m NOT a light-packer, so if the luggage is light perhaps I can get more clothes in there.
Hi June 🙂 I totally agree, as I think lightweight luggage would be a great help for you! Check out this guide to choosing the right luggage for some more help http://bit.ly/1YsZd7w
Fascinating article. I appreciate the various points of view!!! Personally, I travel in South America, A LOT–primarily by bus. LOL So, I’m perhaps somewhat outside the “norm” of most travelers. Sidewalks, say, when they exist, are like minefields. So, rollers/wheels are problematic, though INSIDE a bus station, you’re typically in business. LOL Also, I shy away from “nicer looking” luggage. I travel with “everyday” folks, folks who can’t afford the airfare, and so travel for 2 nights and 3 days, say, from Lima to Santiago by bus. (Come to think of it, I can’t afford the airfare either!!! LOL)
Anyway, I’m entertaining the idea of something like a rolling duffle now. Traveling throughout Chile, Peru, Ecuador, etc. is TOUGH–on luggage and travelers alike.
Thank you! (There’s nothing quite like folks who have BEEN THERE and used the product you’re researching.)
Thanks for your feedback Michael! 100% agree for South America a backpack or wheeled suitcase would be best.
I am a huge fan of Crumpler luggage & bags because they’ve thought of everything to do with travel. Love the bonus shoe bags, security and expandable features most. Am loving this whole site and appreciate your advice.
Thanks for the suggestion Sal! Glad you love the site 🙂
I have been traveling for years and have been using different brands of luggages. My favorite set of luggages are Monos luggage.
They are made with German Makrolon polycarbonate – a lightweight, aerospace-grade material that is nearly impossible to break. They are very light and the whisper-quiet 360º spinner wheels glide effortlessly.
Patagonia MLC. Soft sided. Has backpack straps.
Great choice!
This list is not very helpful without listing weights for each product. I’ve been tempted before by brands that sound great, then when you look at their suitcases, they come in at like 10 pounds. No thanks.
Thanks for your feedback Carrie, Next time I do these types of interviews I’ll make sure to ask the travelers this question. Thanks again!
Hard sided backpacks might be the best fit who seeks a bag that doesn’t bulge out even if loaded full. Unfortunately they always come with extra pounds. If you really want light weight you have to count some extra bucks 🙁
Lightweight bags are actually many times cheaper because they have less bells and whistles. Check out Delsey bags 🙂
I’m constantly hearing great things about Briggs & Riley, so much so that (even though I’ve never bought one of their cases) I find myself recommending it to others whole heartedly. You just don’t hear bad things about their company! And that has to amount for something.
Eagle Creak and Samsonite seem to do their job pretty well also, but I’m on the fence when it comes to Tumi. They get about as many rave reviews as they do harsh ones so I don’t really know…
Hi Juanita! It sounds like your best bet is to go with Brigs and Riley since it has similar price points to TUMI but better reviews. You can find some great deals right now during the holidays and the after Christmas sales too. Thanks for reading!
I bought the travel pro carryon about 8 years ago. It has served me well, and held up great. It’s a great value for the money, and although it’s not the lightest, u can manage it on my own.