<p>As you start planning your next trip abroad, looking into hotels, flights and tourist attractions, don’t forget that the key to a smooth travel experience is a great piece of luggage. When you’re traveling internationally, it’s especially important to bring a suitcase that complies with airline restrictions, is comfortable to carry or roll throughout your journey and has plenty of room for all of your belongings and your souvenirs for the trip home.</p><p>With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which luggage is truly worth it. That’s why at the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a>, I and my fellow Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab analysts put luggage to the test to determine which suitcases you should invest in. <strong>We’ve evaluated more than 100 pieces of <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/travel-products/g26898407/best-luggage-brands/” target=”_blank”>luggage from popular brands</a> in the Lab for properties like packability, durability and ease of use. </strong>We also share luggage with consumer testers who are able to try it out on their own getaways and provide real-user feedback about their experiences. Whether you’re looking for <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/travel-products/luggage-reviews/g43533429/best-checked-luggage/” target=”_blank”>a large checked bag</a> for a long trip overseas, <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/travel-products/luggage-reviews/g20709039/best-carry-on-luggage-reviews/” target=”_blank”>a quality carry-on</a> for a shorter stay or <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/travel-products/g31673527/best-travel-backpacks/” target=”_blank”>a travel backpack</a> for easy toting, we’ve found an option for nearly every traveler. </p>”/>
Pros
- Lightweight
- Spacious interior for easy packing
- Easy-to-use spinner wheels
Cons
- Some testers said telescopic handle felt loose
This top-performing suitcase from our best overall luggage brand Samsonite has repeatedly stood out in the Textiles Lab’s and our consumers’ tests and is priced under $200 — an incredible value. The hardside carry-on is made of polypropylene and weighs in at just 6.5 pounds, which is one of the lightest bags we’ve tested, so it won’t eat too much into the lower weight restrictions set by many international airlines.
I was impressed by how easy it was to lift and roll the bag around, even when filled with our standard packing load. Despite the lightweight design, this carry-on is spacious with a butterfly-opening, unfolding into two primary compartments for easy packing, and there’s an additional one inch of expandable storage with the pull of a zipper.
During our Lab evaluations, we liked how easy it was to pull the bag through our luggage obstacle course. While some testers said the telescopic handle felt a bit loose, the suitcase earned high scores for maneuverability, with testers sharing feedback including “very smooth rolling” and “the wheels moved really well.” The material was more prone to scratching than some others we evaluated, but the suitcase proved to be durable overall in our drop tests, resisting major damage.
Listed dimensions: 21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10″ | Weight: 6.5 lbs | Material: Hardside polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused
Pros
- Aced our packing tests
- Smooth rolling wheels
- Performed well in drop tests
Cons
- More prone to scratching than other picks
With more than 34,000 five-star ratings, this best-selling suitcase from Amazon Basics is loved by both real users and our consumer testers who say it’s worth every penny. Made of lightweight ABS plastic, the hardside suitcase isn’t quite as durable as those made of polycarbonate, but the material helps to keep the cost low — under $100 — so I recommend it for someone shopping on a budget.
During our Textiles Lab evaluations for durability, there were some noticeable markings in our scratch tests, but we were impressed by how well the bag maintained its shape after being released repeatedly from our drop tester. Amazon reviewers who regularly use the suitcases say they hold up over time, as well.
When our consumer testers rolled the suitcase through our obstacle course, they were wowed by how smooth the wheels were, with one describing the bag as “very easy to move.” We gave the carry-on high scores for packability, as we were able to pack our standard load of belongings (clothing, accessories and toiletries) for a short trip inside with room to spare. Plus, there are interior zippered mesh pockets for easy organization, and the bag expands up to one extra inch for additional packing space.
Listed dimensions: 22″ x 14.9″ x 10″ | Weight: 7.3 lbs | Material: Hardside ABS plastic | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused
Pros
- Available in 11 on-trend colors
- Easy to lift and lower with carrying handles
- Durable polycarbonate material
Cons
- Some testers said telescopic handle felt flimsy
One of the most popular suitcases on the market, Away’s standard carry-on is definitely worth the hype. The bag is available in 11 colors, including on-trend options like green and red, along with neutral hues like gray and black.
Not only is the suitcase simple and stylish from the outside, it’s also full of functional features inside to make packing for your next international trip a breeze. The bag unfolds into two separate primary compartments to fit all of your things: one fully zippered side and one with adjustable compression straps, and there are mesh pockets to stash smaller items.
Consumer testers and GH analysts alike love to travel with the Away carry-on, including one who shared, “It fit all of the clothes I needed for a long weekend. It rolled really easily and was light enough to pop in and out of the overhead bin.” Testers said the telescopic handle felt flimsier than others they tried, but they were impressed with the bag overall, saying that it was easy to maneuver and roll over different types of flooring, including wood, carpet and tile. And it looked great after our drop and scratch tests, showing no major signs of damage or dents.
Listed dimensions: 9″ x 13.7″ x 21.7″ | Weight: 8.1 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused
Pros
- Unique expansion system
- Durable nylon material
- Built-in garment folder
Cons
- Heavier than other styles
The innovative design details of this softside checked bag from Briggs & Riley help to simplify packing for extended trips abroad. The bag features a unique push-button expansion system unlike any other we’ve evaluated, which allows you to easily expand the bag, fill it with everything you’ll need and then compress it back down to its standard size.
One tester who was impressed with the amount of space in the carry-on version of the bag shared, “It fit clothing and accessories for two people for a seven-day summer vacation.” And this checked bag offers more than double the packing capacity. Other innovative features include a built-in trifold garment folder for formal attire and reinforced corners for added protection.
At 15.6 pounds, the suitcase does weigh more than other models we’ve evaluated, but it is made with a nylon material that resisted wear and tear when I tested it in our abrasion machine. It also earned top marks in our latest round of drop testing. Along with performing well for durability, the suitcase received high scores for maneuverability, with smooth wheels and a sturdy telescopic handle.
Listed dimensions: 31″ x 22″ x 13.8″ | Weight: 15.6 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused
Pros
- Reinforced aluminum corners
- Some of the smoothest wheels in our evaluations
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Testers noted scuffs and scratches
Rolling a bag through the airport has never been easier than it is with July’s classic luggage, including this spacious checked suitcase and its popular carry-on bags. One GH analyst who took the checked bag on a vacation abroad said, “I’ve never used a suitcase with wheels this smooth.” I’ve personally traveled with luggage from the brand and was blown away by how effortless it was to roll the suitcases, even over carpet and concrete sidewalks.
The telescopic handle technically locks at 20 different heights to prevent it from falling down on its own, and most testers appreciated the slanted grip on the handle, sharing that it was comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver with.
Made with a polycarbonate shell, the suitcase is lightweight and durable, and the corners are reinforced with aluminum bumpers for an added level of protection. The bag held up well after being released repeatedly from our drop tester, but testers noted marks and scuffs on the surface after taking the bag on just one trip.
It boasts 80 liters of packing space and features one fully zippered compartment and one open compartment with a compression panel and Y-strap for security. Even more, it weighs just 8.3 pounds, which is similar to many of the carry-on sized bags we evaluate.
Listed dimensions: 26″ x 18.75″ x 11″ | Weight: 8.3 lbs | Material: Hardside polycarbonate with aluminum corners | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 100 days, unused
6
Best for Frequent Travelers
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Checked Luggage
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Comfortable handle
- Durable nylon material
- Removable wet bag and built-in suiter
Cons
- More traditional style
Travelpro luggage was created by a pilot who wanted to make bags specifically for other pilots and airline crewmembers who were always on the go. The result is a collection of highly durable, quality suitcases including the popular Platinum Elite medium checked suitcase.
Built to last, the luggage is made of heavyweight nylon material that performed well when I tested it for abrasion resistance. When I released the bag repeatedly from our drop tester, it showed no signs of damage or dents. Our testers also gave the suitcase high scores for ease of use and appreciated the sturdy feel of the telescopic handle. The suitcase does have a more traditional look, though, which some testers described as “old-fashioned,” sharing that they wished it were sleeker.
Full of thoughtful and functional features, the suitcase makes packing and traveling a breeze. The bag can be unzipped to reveal one large packing compartment with compression panels that secure your belongings in place, a removable wet bag for toiletries, a large mesh zippered pocket in the lid for breathable storage and a built-in suiter to help keep more formal clothes in tip-top shape. To prevent the suitcase from tipping over when it’s full, it’s also designed with a unique tapered expansion system, so the bag is narrower at the top and broader at the bottom.
Listed dimensions: 25″ x 18″ x 11.25″ | Weight: 9.8 lbs | Material: Softside nylon | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused
Pros
- Removable, washable lining
- Lightweight design
- Two external pockets
Cons
- Testers gave it lower ratings for maneuverability
While some softside luggage is bulky and pricey, this Helium DLX carry-on from Delsey is lightweight, as the name implies, and it’s available for a great value. The polyester material isn’t quite as durable or substantial as nylon styles we’ve tested, but the brand’s polyester fabric has performed well overall in our abrasion tests without major wear.
Two external zippered pockets allow for easy access to travel essentials like your phone and ID, so you won’t have to hold up the TSA line while scouring through your bag. While the bag unzips to expose only one main compartment for packing, it’s equipped with a removable bi-fold organizer and expands by two inches for additional room. One tester said, “I love the pockets.” Plus, the inner lining can be fully unzipped and removed for easy cleaning.
I personally carry luggage from Delsey and love the smooth wheels and sturdy telescopic handle, and our testers who tried Delsey’s luggage found the handle to be comfortable to grip and use. However, they said the bags were more difficult to maneuver through our obstacle course than others they tested.
Listed dimensions: 12″ x 17.75″ x 28″ | Weight: 8.4 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: Yes | Returns: Within 30 days, unused
Pros
- Sturdy, water-resistant polyester material
- Folds down for storage
- Plenty of space for packing
Cons
- Only two wheels, so it can be difficult to maneuver
A rolling duffel like this one from L.L.Bean is ideal for longer adventures abroad or for overpackers like me. The duffel isn’t as structured as standard suitcases, meaning you can compress it and slide it under your bed or in a closet if you’re pressed for storage space — and on the other hand, you can really fill it to the brim when you’re packing. Just be careful that you’re not stuffing it too much because it can be easy to exceed an airline’s weight restrictions.
One GH analyst who loves to travel with this bag said that it’s one of her go-to picks for family vacations. With just two wheels, our analyst said it’s a little more cumbersome to maneuver than a spinner suitcase, but you also have the option to carry the bag with the padded strap.
The bag has a wide opening for easy access to everything you need inside, and outer compression straps keep everything in place. Made of durable polyester material with a reinforced base, the duffel lasts for years and years without signs of wear, according to our analyst. Plus, it’s water-resistant inside and out — perfect for inevitable leaks or wet weather. If you’re looking for something smaller, the brand carries a variety of sizes to meet your travel needs.
Listed dimensions: 14″ x 17.25″ x 32.5″ | Weight: 8.8 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 1 year
Pros
- Tons of organizing pockets
- Sternum and waist strap
- Outperformed other bags in packing tests
Cons
- Some online reviewers had issues with zippers
When we evaluated this bag in the Textiles Lab, we were amazed by just how much we could fit inside during our packing tests. Not only did it beat out other travel backpacks we tested, it also outperformed some of our carry-ons because of its spacious interior.
The backpack has a suitcase-style opening and fully unzips to expose a highly organized interior jam-packed with zippered mesh pockets for all of your belongings. It also features a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17-inch computer.
Made of recycled nylon and polyester, the bag is durable and water-resistant. When I tested it for abrasion resistance in the Lab, there were no visible signs of wear. Details like a sternum strap, waist belt and padded mesh provide comfort and support. With backpack straps that tuck neatly inside the back of the bag and carrying straps on all sides, you can easily grab it to lift into an overhead bin.
Some online reviewers wished it was equipped with a water bottle holder and said the zippers can be finicky, but we didn’t have issues with them in the Lab.
Listed dimensions: 22″ x 12″ x 10″ | Weight: 3.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused
Pros
- Chic, on-trend design and colors
- Plenty of pockets inside and out
- Water-resistant material
Cons
- One tester noted some stitching unraveling around trolley sleeve
Able to hold everything you need for a weekend getaway, this weekender from Calpak was the top performer in our Textiles Lab tests. Not only is the bag totally on-trend, thanks to the puffy padded design and fashionable color options, it’s also full of functional features. One tester who used it as her personal item on a long trip said, “This bag fits everything I need and more!”
A GH analyst who used the bag added, “I appreciate the well-organized interior,” which includes several zippered pockets and elastic storage. Outside, there’s a separate shoe compartment, additional zippered pockets and a water bottle holder. Altogether, there are nine pockets, and the spacious bag aced our packing tests.
If you’re pairing it with Calpak’s popular luggage, this bag has a trolley sleeve that slides right over the telescopic handle of your suitcase. One tester noted that the stitching that secured the sleeve in place started unraveling a bit after just one use. The bag is made of a smooth polyester material that’s comfortable to carry and water-resistant. A tester said, “It poured while I was traveling and everything inside this bag stayed perfectly dry.”
Listed dimensions: 12″ x 16″ x 7″ | Weight: 2 lbs | Material: Softside polyester | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused
Pros
- Water-resistant material and zippers
- Convertible design
- Durable, perfect for adventure travel
Cons
- Some online reviewers wished the backpack straps were more substantial
This convertible duffel from Eagle Creek is the perfect adventure travel companion. The bag is durable, combining polyester and nylon for a water-resistant material that also held up well when tested for abrasion resistance. One GH analyst who travels with this duffel said that it still looks great after years of regular rough and tough use.
It’s structured and maintains its shape for easy packing, but the duffel can be compressed to bring inside of your suitcase as an extra bag or for compact storage at home. According to our testers and GH analyst, the zippers have large pull tabs that are easy to use, and, according to the brand, they’re covered in water-resistant strips for the ultimate protection in wet weather.
The duffel features a reinforced top handle and grab handles along the sides for carrying, and there are adjustable backpack straps for hands-free use that can be connected for an additional carrying strap or tucked inside the bag. Some online reviewers said the backpack straps are on the thinner side and weren’t as comfortable as other traditional travel backpacks, but they appreciated the convenient option.
Listed dimensions: 11.5″ x 23.25″ x 11″ | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Material: Softside polyester and nylon | Expandable: No | Returns: Within 30 days, unused
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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