We rigorously tested over 65 pieces of checked luggage to determine the best options for all travelers.
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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 65 pieces of checked luggage to help find the best of the best.
The process had us examine suitcases for capacity, maneuverability, and durability through rigorous testing that included 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 aesthetic appeal and value for money. Our top pick for the best checked luggage is the 28-inch Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage, a stylish, durable, and spacious suitcase that checks all the boxes for an essential piece of your travel kit.
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.
We rated this hardside spinner suitcase an impressive 4.9 out of five, making it the top checked bag on our list. 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, 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 mid-market 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 | 4 spinner wheels
Travel & Leisure / Vicky Wasik
Travel & Leisure / Vicky Wasik
Travel & Leisure / Jhett Thompson
It has a built-in overweight indicator.
The telescopic handle feels a little short.
Travel trunks are known for their spacious capacities, and this one by Delsey is no exception. The bag is more than roomy enough for chronic overpackers — it's so big, we don't even think it needs an expander. But one challenge is organization, as the cavernous suitcase has just two compartments: one that has a mesh zippered flap and another with compression straps. In this case, packing cubes might be your best friend. And, while we think the telescopic handle could use a few extra inches for maximum comfort, we really loved how smoothly the bag maneuvered, even when packed full.
The suitcase has a modern ridged polycarbonate shell that comes in five colors, including jewel tones and neutrals. It also has a TSA-approved lock, an overweight indicator (that turns red when your bag is too heavy), and a five-year warranty — all for a fairly reasonable price.
The Details: 9.5 pounds | 16.5 x 14 x 29.5 inches | 4 spinner wheels
Its wheels are extremely quiet.
The compression component isn't the most sturdy.
At 8.3 pounds, this bag is, impressively, lighter than some carry-ons. And less suitcase weight means more item weight, making this one perfect for overpackers. That said, it's more of a medium-size bag than a large one — fortunately, it has compression straps to help you squish everything inside.
One of its standout features is its extra-quiet wheels, which were designed in-house. But we did note that they performed better on hard surfaces than carpet or gravel. We also love that you can add personalized text (and emojis!) to the top, side, or back of your bag, with 10 fonts and 18 colors to choose from. However, customization does void the 100-day return policy. Still, the July Checked has a lifetime warranty for manufacturing faults, which we appreciate for a product in the mid-tier price range.
The one big weak spot for this suitcase is that the lighter colors show scuff marks and damage far more quickly than the darker colors. We strongly suggest purchasing a deep hue, unless you don't mind that "been through the ringer" kind of look.
The Details: 8.3 pounds | 26 x 18.75 x 11 inches | 4 spinner wheels
It's an extremely durable bag — and if anything were to go wrong, it has a 10-year warranty.
This suitcase doesn’t expand.
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 hardshell suitcase. This large bag has plenty of storage space inside — with separate laundry and shoe bags. We also love, after three months of testing this bag during real travels, that both sides of the shell have zipper closures that make it easy to throw small items in last minute without worrying about losing them.
The suitcase comes in four colors, and while the white with brown trim is a fan favorite, the black baseball bat did leave some scuffs. However, these were extremely easy to rub out — you can even do so with your fingers — and there were no permanent dents after jumping on top of the case either. 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 | 4 spinner wheels
It's the most easily maneuverable suitcase that we tested.
It ties for the second heaviest bag on this list.
The first thing that caught our eye about this suitcase was its striking exterior. Though it's made of polycarbonate, the shell almost looks like expensive aluminum. The trompe l'oeil is forgivable, though, since polycarbonate is one of the most durable materials out there for hardside suitcases. In fact, after six months of regularly using the bag (and a bit of spot cleaning), the high-quality bag still looks brand new. We also love the capacity and the durability of this suitcase. But perhaps more impressively, this bag is a dream to handle, with its maneuverability earning a five out of five rating. Its hardware can tackle anything from direction changes on a dime to the textures of all sorts of surfaces.
The only downside of this bag is that it's on the heavier side at just over 12 pounds. Still, we didn't find the bag to feel too burdensome, though potential purchasers should note that heftier bags mean you'll be able to fit fewer things inside when it comes to the weight limit.
The Details: 12.1 pounds | 30 x 18 x 13.5 inches | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels
Despite its massive size, it's among the lightest bags on this list.
If you want to bring your whole wardrobe with you on vacation, this might be the bag for you. It's absolutely gigantic inside, but best of all, it has so many pockets, compartments, and removable bags for dirty clothes or shoes that it's super easy to stay on top of all your belongings. While it's easy to stay organized inside the bag, there are no external pockets — not a dealbreaker on a checked bag, but it's definitely something to consider. 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 trip. 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. There are 10 colors from which to choose, from Béis' signature beige to a bright orange called Creamsicle — you certainly won't miss that suitcase at the baggage claim!
The Details: 11.84 pounds | 16.5 x 29 x 11 inches | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels
After using this bag for cross-country travel over a six-month period, it seems indestructible.
The handle doesn't feel that sturdy.
On its own, this bag is great for packing a week's worth of clothing, shoes, and toiletries. But its expander provides an extra two inches all around the bag, which equates to a 25 percent increase in total interior space. (Though very useful, the expander is a little confusing to operate.) We also love that within all this space, the storage system provides a dedicated spot for every essential. There are several zipped pockets on the interior, in addition to compression straps to keep clothing packed flat. We're particularly impressed with how sturdy and durable this bag is. Over a period of six months, this bag was checked multiple times and it barely shows any signs of damage. The capacity is also super impressive and it's worth checking it in for the amount it fits.
The handle did, however, feel less sturdy than we expected, though we were still able to maneuver the bag effectively on all surfaces except gravel, which required a little dragging action on two wheels. The zipper also occasionally pulls — since they're designed to lock the suitcase, they're a little cumbersome to use. If you enjoy the security of a locked bag, the slight discomfort of the zippers may be worth it.
The Details: 13.5 pounds | 30 x 20 x 12 inches | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels
You can customize the colors across different pieces of the suitcase.
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 anything from a weeklong trip and 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 | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels
It has enough space for two people to pack together.
It's the heaviest bag on our list by nearly two pounds.
Money might not be able to buy happiness, but it can buy you a high-quality suitcase. This bag by popular travel brand Tumi is a behemoth — and it weighs as much as one, too. At more than 17 pounds, this is by far the heaviest bag on our list. Since most checked bags must weigh less than 50 pounds, the bag itself cuts deeply into your weight limit, making it better for land or sea travel instead of flights if you’re pushing its limits.
Weight concerns aside, we love this bag for its large capacity, easy-to-use organization system, and durability. Though for its list price, we'd hope that this bag would have a lifetime warranty, but it only has a five-year limited warranty. Still, we found it to be durable, even when hit with a baseball bat (thanks to the ballistic nylon material). We also love, after using the bag for three months, how easy it is to roll the bag despite its bulky size.
The Details: 17.2 pounds | 26 x 19 x 13 inches | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels
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 — this bag could even be used by light packers for a one- or two-month trip. 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 | 29.8 x 20.5 x 11.75 inches | 4 spinner wheels
The affordable 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 soft-sided, 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 | 4 spinner wheels
It's the lightest bag on this list.
There aren't very many color options.
If you're headed for a remote destination that requires a flight on a bush plane 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. This spacious duffel, which has a capacity of 96 liters, 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 it must be pulled at an angle while maneuvering. This bag is optimal for rugged terrain — it even handled gravel well.
We also 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 from which the bag is made, is incredibly impressive.
The Details: 8.6 pounds | 27 x 15 x 15 inches | 2 standard wheels
It 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 unpacking 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 D: 10.50 inches | 2 standard wheels
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.
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.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-inch Expandable Spinner (softside, 11.5 pounds): This spacious bag was deemed ideal for those traveling on extended trips — or for chronic over-packers. But the bag's style leaves something to be desired.
Arlo Skye the Zipper Check-in Large (hardside, 10.5 pounds): We applauded the amount of space inside this bag, as well as its chic look, but we felt the bag is too expensive for a piece of luggage that is not extremely durable.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Expandable Spinner 26-inch (softside, 12.5 pounds): Despite its boxy shape, which was an aesthetic no-no for some, we found this high-quality bag to be quite easy to maneuver. However, we were stymied by a confusing storage compartment that didn't seem to have a distinct purpose.
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!
London Fog Buckingham 44-inch Wheeled Garment Bag (softside, 11 pounds): This is an extremely spacious garment bag that can fit an entire week's worth of work clothes, but its square form is a little jarring to look at.
We adhered to a detailed 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 they 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.
Next up was maneuverability. Once the checked bag was fully loaded, we rolled it through an obstacle course that involved multiple surfaces, including carpet 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, then 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.
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 continued to collect insights on durability, quality, and convenience throughout these tests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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