The 14 Best Luggage Brands of 2024, According to Travel Writers and Fellow Editors
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In decades of travel that ranged from quick weekend jaunts to days-long journeys halfway around the world, I've learned a few things about travel, like how you'll appreciate springing for a flight that doesn't land at rush hour. And how there's no need to bring a book when you're traveling with children. And most of all, how you're really doing yourself a disservice if you jet off carrying inferior luggage. Yes, you're all excited about your next vacation or wowing the sales team with your PowerPoint, but unless you've shopped for the luggage that's good-looking, durable and full of the features you prefer, you're self-sabotaging the whole experience. That's why I've spent the last week sorting through the best luggage brands on the market today, including checked luggage, carry-ons, hardside and softside collections, and in a wide range of prices.
No need to thank me—just remember that, as a survivor of broken suitcase handles, torn tote bag straps and lost passports (I swear it fell out of my zipped carryon), I want better for you. In selecting these brands, I considered a wide range of attributes that matter most in luggage, including range of styles, durability, value and warranties. (Our best overall brand, Away, is an industry innovator that offers an extra-sturdy build and lifetime limited warranty, and we were impressed with some other legacy brands and stylish newcomers, too.)
The Best Luggage Brands at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How I Chose the Best Luggage Brands
I quizzed the well-traveled and demanding PureWow staff about their luggage preferences, consulted luggage makers and sales staff about product attributes and combed through user reviews to determine the top brands. Notably, I am committed to calling out brand weaknesses as well as strengths. For example, when an editor first declared her Away carry-on as her “ride or die” carry case, I noted VP of entertainment Phil Mutz's caveat that "everyone at the airport loves them too. Definitely wish they offered more designs so that my black Away doesn't get lost in a sea of other black Aways at baggage claim.” (Note to Phil: Away has granted your wishes with a recently expanded color selection including tango red, sorbet orange and a groovy limited-edition soundwave pattern.)
1. Away
"I heart Away! I've had my suitcase for 5 years and aside from the scuffs, you wouldn't know it's so old," says Marissa Wu, associate SEO editor. "It's held up so well on transatlantic journeys. It's the perfect carry-on but also withstands the cargo hold. Super easy to maneuver, and I love the ejectable battery, which makes it easy to get thru security. I can fit a week's worth of clothes in it (at least). They also do fun collabs; mine is from when they did Minions in 2017!" While many hard-sided cases are made of both molded ABS and polycarbonate, the Away suitcases are 100 percent polycarbonate, making for a stronger, more shatter-proof exterior. The 360 spinner wheels are partially recessed, which helps protect them from too many blows in case you decide to check it, and there's both a 100-day no-questions-asked return guarantee and a lifetime guarantee for repair or replacing the bag if something happens to make it unusable.
2. Amazon Basics
"I have the Amazon Basics carry-on size and I love it," says PureWow entertainment director Phil Mutz. "The outer shell is surprisingly durable and the expandable option means it really does fit more than you'd expect. Also, it comes in cute colors so people are often surprised when they compliment my luggage and I say, 'It's Amazon!' The 21-inch size is perfect for fitting in the overhead compartment on a flight and fits all my stuff for a weekend away." That explains the more than 34,000 five-star reviews for a carry-on suitcase priced well under $100. That's how the Amazon Basics brand rolls. The collection includes hard cases, soft sided luggage, petite underseat carry-on bags and tri-fold garment bags, all well-priced and most available with two-day Prime shipping. Have a last-minute business trip or weekend getaway and no suitable luggage? Amazon Basics is your go-to solution.
3. July
"I am obsessed with my July carry-on pro! (I actually check it in most of the time though.) It's been on at least seven trips with me, and it impresses me more and more each time," says associate sales and deals editor Destinee Scott. "Just like how the SnapSleeve comes in handy for organizing my laptop and essentials, the interior is suited and booted with a twin-strap compression system and pockets to help me pack like a pro. It also holds quite a bit of stuff without feeling too heavy. I personalized mine, and I must say it does give it extra charm."
Chalk this love up to the cultural tradition of Aussie wanderlust, or the assiduous market research that led to company owners doing a deep dive into thousands of traveler gripes about existing luggage makers. Whatever the inspo, Melbourne-based July has hit a home run with their suitcases and travel bags. The super-sturdy polycarbonate hard cases have reinforced rounded corners for extra durability and a matte finish to stay scuff-free longer. And there's even a carry-on model that has an outer snap/zip system that fits your laptop in a padded compartment on the outside of the case. Rounding out the brand are backpacks and weekenders with trolley sleeves, accessory kits for toiletries and all your cords and personalized luggage tags.
4. Samsonite
"I've had the same Samsonite bag since high school," says senior food writer Katherine Gillen. "I can't speak to the newer features like the USB port, but the brand is very durable—considering mine is almost 15 years old, it's in great condition for a soft-sided bag. They also have great customer service—I once sent it in for a repair because it got a hole and they fixed it up no problem." Samsonite began 100 years ago as a trunk maker, and today makes low-to-mid-price bags that are long on durability and value. The softside bags with spinner wheels include a wet pack for when your little one just has to take that last swim in the pool before you make your way to the airport. And in a clever design innovation, the smallest spinner bag has a rear strap that lets you stack it on top of the largest spinner bag, so that you aren’t going mad at the airport chasing multiple bags (a godsend, especially if you are chasing multiple children). Parents will appreciate newer features such as the USB port for charging devices, because you won’t always be near an airport charging center.
5. Bagsmart
I can't even believe how sturdy this lightweight case is, since it only weighs 6.83 pounds empty, and I am a chronic overpacker so I'm cramming up to the limits of 40 (carry-on) or 50 pounds (checked luggage) when I use it. But the zipper holds strong, the double-rod retractable handle hasn't ever gotten stuck and the wheels even support my sitting on it, because I'm always staking out the far reaches of the airport near the charging stations. It's made of polycarbonate, which is the slightly more rigid and more durable material alternative to ABS plastic—a wonder that this is priced under $100. PureWow readers love this maker's smaller cases (like the electronics travel organizer, in case you're wondering what to pack in a carry-on), and I am always toting the Bagsmart carry-on backpack. With this new hard-side case, welp, looks like it's another home run for the brand.
6. Béis
"I really like the Béis carry-on. It has tons of interior organizational features, including multiple zippered compartments and two laundry bags, and the cushioned handle is a nice and comfy touch," says wellness director Sarah Stiefvater. She tested it by toting it through seven U.S. and European airports on a 15-day trip that spanned three countries, so her respect for it was hard-earned. Its wire-framed top-opening design makes accessing contents easy, and the padded laptop compartment inside and dedicated shoes/laundry compartment down below keep everything organized. The zippered pass-through sleeve on the outside makes it easy to slide the bag right on top of your wheeled luggage, and the vegan leather trim everywhere looks expensive. And it's so roomy, it seems to be perfect for squeezing in those last few little trinkets for the trip home.
7. Calpak
Calpak has really revolutionized how I travel, from the underseat Hue Mini Carry-On which at 16 x 14 x 8 inches won't get gate-checked even if I'm in the last group to board. And the Luka Duffel ($128), with its on-trend puffy material slides right over any carry-on bag's handle, so convenient and still chic. Calpak has a full range of colorful polycarbonate and soft-sided luggage and travel accessories, including matching luggage organizers. Across the line, you'll find cute colors (like sky and latte), and the pieces are complete with all the organizational extras, including zippered interior pockets and TSA-approved locks.
8. Paravel
Paravel’s vegan leather accents reminded me of the understated elegance of classic T. Anthony luggage—at less than a third of the price. And with greater eco bragging rights, since it is constructed with recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum and recycled vegan leather. I reviewed it and gave it a stellar 95 out of 100 for its sturdy yet lightweight shell made of recycled plastic water bottles. Vegan leather trim is set into the exterior of the cases and bags, as well as fashioning the top and side handles. And with Paravel, the inside of your case is as great-looking as the outside: There’s vegan leather trim there, too, as well as a zip compartment and internal compression board that keeps your pressed clothes crisp in transit. This line gets top marks for its refined styling paired with high-tech performance—for example, the Pacific Tote ($295) is spillproof, thanks to a protective silicone covering, which makes even a spilled cup of coffee wipe right off without staining.
9. Briggs & Riley
"I was gifted a set of Briggs & Riley luggage when I studied abroad in Italy, and I put the soft-sided carry-on to use every weekend, hopping from city to city aboard planes, trains and automobiles. Now, nearly 16 years later, I am still using the same set, and even though the exact models have been updated and I've been tempted to update to a trendy brand of the moment, I have no need!" says PureWow executive editor Dara Katz. "My bags, especially my carry-on, still work (and look) great. I've never had a zipper issue or a fabric rip—nada. The only problem I did have came after my soft-sided duffle had a particularly rough cross-country baggage check, and came out of the baggage claim with a broken handle. I assumed it was time to go luggage shopping, until I was reminded that these bags have lifetime warranties. I brought it back to a local vendor (shout out to Irv's Luggage!) which participates in the Briggs & Riley lifetime warranty program. They fixed my bag for free...16 years after purchase!"
9. Tumi
"I love my Tumi Continental carry-on," says PureWow VP of entertainment Phil Mutz. "It's super sleek, and people are always complimenting me on it." The luxury luggage brand, Tumi, deserves its rep with thoughtful design and a sturdiness that makes it the suitcase you’d grab if you needed to look chic while racing through an airport at the end of the world. Both hard-sided and fabric cases are in the lineup; we especially hold the lightweight aluminum case in esteem. It's got the patented impact-resistant X-brace telescoping handle that won't get stuck as you hurriedly fold it up, a removable garment sleeve to keep your clothes from wrinkling, compression straps and interior pockets with security zippers so that you don’t have the entire contents spilling out when you’re just poking around to make sure you remembered your jewelry case. To top it all off the Tumi tracer program means that your lost luggage can be traced back to you, a sense of security that’s priceless.
10. Delsey Paris
“We received one large and one carry-on Delsey bag as a wedding gift and eight years later, both bags are still going strong," says PureWow executive editor Alexia Dellner. "These bags (the carry-on in particular) have been on dozens of flights, including 10+ international ones, since both of our families live abroad. The quality is excellent and they’re very roomy. For example, we’ve traveled as a family of four with the large one and even packed a pack-and-play in there!” This Parisian company is a historic leather camera bag maker that introduced its first hard-sided case 50 years ago, and still specializes in hard cases today. A scratch-resistant twill finish and lightweight, durable polycarbonate shell makes this a durable and stylish option in the mid-price luggage range. Minimalist inner design is utilitarian but simple, which means lightweight—elastic tie-down straps and a mesh divider. And for the vacation collectors among us, Delsey's cases expand up to two inches for your trip home.
11. Royce & Rocket
I appreciate the way I can use this bag during a week-long trip to see everything I brought, since the drop-down shelves are there to keep me organized. " Made of luxe polycarbonate and gliding along on sturdy, smooth Hinomoto Lisof Silent Run 360° wheels, the Royce & Rocket carry-on is worth the cost just for its looks and in-airport performance alone. But as we note in our PureWow review, the organizational secret inside the case is its superpower: two drop-down shelves where, once you reach your destination, you stack your t-shirts, shorts, swimsuits, whatever for at-a-glance ease. The mom-daughter duo behind this brand have a patent pending on the shelves, which are somehow strong yet lightweight, and support clothes as bulky as jeans. Inner zippered sections and lots of pockets keep everything else in place in transit, in both carry-on and checked luggage sized bags.
12. Travelpro
"Great bag! It fits in all overheads with no problem, very sturdy handles, zippers, lots of inside space," writes reviewer Aris Smith. "I really like all the different pockets and compartments in this bag. I also love that it's lightweight, so it’s easy (as a smaller-framed person) to lift and pull around." Created by a commercial airline pilot more than 30 years ago who needed an extremely durable and ultra-light bag that was not ultra-expensive, Travelpro is the bag of choice for working aviation professionals. Also, the little details here are so well thought-out: An exterior pocket fits laptops up to 16 inches and the four spinner wheels are self-aligning, so travelers can avoid forward-movement freezing due to wheels pointed every which way, as so often happens on other spinners. Oh, and did we mention the lifetime warranty?
13. Coolife
"So far, this is by far my best set of luggage!" write reviewer Laura V. "We have taken them on a few trips so far. Very good when handled at the airports. Great maneuvering with the wheels. The material is very durable. Plenty of room inside." Value, looks and performance are the sell for this line's sets, which feature multiple hard and soft cases for $209 or less on Amazon. We love the soft case trio, which distinguishes itself from the herd of polyester-clad soft cases with fabrication that's 1680 denier oxford cloth and 210 denier nylon lining. And additional sets have duffel bags with pass-through straps to slide onto wheeled luggage, as well as backpacks. Throughout the collection, multi-directional spinner wheels and sturdy telescoping aluminum handles make moving even the largest pieces, stuffed with lots of vacation purchases, easy to maneuver to the check-in counter.
14. Rimowa
"Absolutely the best luggage! Light and durable. Couldn’t ask for more. Some old-schoolers may be afraid of zippers and lightweight but they don’t know new materials," writes one reviewer. "This is awesome luggage. Ours has survived planes, trains, automobiles and ferries. Lots of space, ease of use and gorgeous." At less than five pounds, the ultra-lightweight Essential Lite carry on demonstrates how a super-strong case doesn’t have to be super-heavy. Ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axles glide along as you pull the telescopic monohandle, and there are zipped mesh dividers inside to make sure everything stays just as neat as when you packed it. Plus, the glossy colors really stand out in the overhead bin, from the lipstick red to the glossy green options. And there’s a history of quality behind this case: The styling of this polycarbonate iteration is based on the original Rimowa high-end aluminum suitcase launched in Germany in 1950.
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