The Best Checked Luggage, Tested & Reviewed by Our Editors

Weight: 10.1 lb.
Capacity: 80–90L
Dimensions: 26.5" × 18.5" × 11.2" 
Expandable: Yes, 1.6 inches of extra space 
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny has tested a few different luggage styles from Monos over the years and shares how much she appreciates the brand’s consistency and attention to detail when designing the interiors of its suitcases. When traveling with the Monos Expandable Check-In Medium, specifically, she took advantage of the useful, well-organized compartments. “One side of the suitcase features a zippered compartment with a large mesh section that lets you keep your items organized and separated,” she says. “On the other side, I kept my clothes in packing cubes and used the divider and compression straps to help everything fit.” Even as a self-professed overpacker, she said the straps, plus the expansion feature (which adds 1.6 inches of depth), gave her “plenty of room to spare” on a weeklong trip. And if your trip is even lengthier? Kenny says you’ll be covered: “You can easily fit several pairs of shoes, bulky sweaters, packing cubes, and even larger toiletry bags and hair tools inside.”

Pros: Expandable zipper, dent-resistant shell with a sleek design, adjustable telescopic handle with four height settings
Cons: Minimal color options

Weight: 10.4 lb.
Capacity: 68.8L
Dimensions: 26" x 18.5" x 11"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Away is known for its minimal yet functional luggage; it’s a reliable go-to for light, spacious suitcases that get the job done. Over the years, the brand has released upgraded versions of several of its classic bags, including The Medium, which associate editor Charlie Hobbs describes as the kind of bag made for “young people on the go.” After bringing The Medium on a trip to Rhode Island and Martha’s Vineyard, he confirmed it held enough clothes for a full two weeks (without doing laundry), and its four 360-degree wheels ensure the luggage is easily maneuverable. The suitcase’s interior features three mesh pockets as well as a small hanging pocket, so you’ll be able to maintain a certain level of organization—even without packing cubes. The only downside of The Medium is the highly scuffable polycarbonate hard-shell. Frequent travel, particularly air travel, may result in a less-than-flawless look.

Pros: Durable and easy to maneuver; the underside grab handle comes in handy when lifting the suitcase
Cons: Scuffs easily

Weight: 10.5 lb.
Capacity: 99.5L
Dimensions: 30" x 20" x 12" 
Expandable: Yes, one inch of extra space 
Warranty: Five year limited warranty on rolling luggage

Even travelers who rarely check a bag—like travel bookings editor Jamie Spain, who calls herself “not really a check-in luggage person”—occasionally need a larger suitcase for extended trips. She took Arlo Skye's Zipper Check-In Large out for a few spins while transporting things in New York City and found it’s a great bag for overpackers or travelers embarking on a trip of a month or more. The main compartment design is, in her words, “nice and basic,” which allows for flexibility in packing technique. “You can fit so much inside without any pockets limiting how you pack. One side zips fully closed, with a zipper pocket on top of it, while the other side buckles closed with two zippered pockets on top,” she says. Before you pack the suitcase to its full 99.5-liter capacity, though, note Spain’s warning: “The shell is somewhat thin and light, and because of this it is definitely harder to roll and transport the suitcase once it's fully packed.” So while it would perform well for a domestic trip, you may want to reconsider bringing it on a European adventure, as carrying it up and down stairs could be difficult.

Pros: Unique color options, antimicrobial interior lining. comes with shoe and laundry bags
Cons: Not particularly sturdy, some difficulty rolling when fully packed

Weight: 10.2 lb.
Capacity: 78L
Dimensions: 28.3" x 17.7" x 11"
Expandable: Yes, 2 inches of extra space
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

“For the first time ever as an overpacker, I had room to spare,” says Kenny, who traveled with the Béis Medium Check-In Roller on a nine-day trip to Italy. A large part of that spaciousness comes from the hard-sided suitcase’s many compartments and its ability to expand an additional two inches to accommodate more volume. On one side, a U-zip flap and its two zip pockets keep contents securely packed away; the opposite side uses a detachable compression flap with another U-zip pocket and four-point compression straps to provide security and stability. There are also two more pouches—for small valuables and for dirty or wet clothing—which Kenny likens to having “built-in packing cubes.” One more handy feature: The suitcase features a weight limit indicator to ensure you don’t go over any weight limit specifications when flying.

Pros: Weight indicator, separate pouches included, compression flap
Cons: For two-week trips or longer, opt for the larger 29" style

Weight: 11 lb.
Capacity: 90.9L
Dimensions: 29.9" x 20.1" x 11"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

If city escapes or resort vacations are in your future, you’ll do well with the Carl Friedrik Core The Large Check-In. Associate editor Matt Ortile, who has traveled around the world—from Canada to Saudi Arabia—with the bag’s heavier predecessor, tested this version on a six-day trip to Las Vegas and was immediately impressed with its high-quality materials (a polycarbonate shell, vegetable-tanned leather detailing, and recycled polyester lining) and overall slim nature. As for his absolute favorite aspect of the suitcase? It’s all about the structured interior layout. “Even though the clamshells are more shallow than the original suitcase, both sides have entirely zipped compartments (plus pockets on the zip-covers), meaning I didn’t have to wrestle with compression straps to secure my packing cubes,” he says. His final assessment came courtesy of the thick carpet in a Las Vegas casino; the suitcase’s 360-degree Hinomoto wheels rolled over it smoothly.

Pros: Light, maneuverable; design details ensure it’s easy to spot at baggage claim
Cons: Would benefit from added compression straps

Weight: 12.6 lb.
Capacity: 69L
Dimensions: 26" x 18.9" x 10.6"
Expandable: Yes, 1.75 inches of extra space
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty; we recommend reaching out two-to-three weeks prior to travel for replacement orders

When Away debuted its brand-new line of soft-sided suitcases last summer, we immediately got to work testing the bags’ functionality. Global audience development manager Abigail Malbon brought the Softside Medium on a short train trip, and she shares that the material was surprisingly durable. “It’s made from a handy wipe-clean fabric that’s also water-resistant, so if you get stranded in the rain you don’t need to worry about your belongings getting wet,” she says. The inside of the suitcase is also thoughtfully designed; it’s outfitted with a compression pad system, which Malbon “found useful to stop the case from bulging so much,” a laundry bag, and two accessible pockets on the front of the suitcase. Available in five classic Away colors—coastal blue, black, navy, cloud gray, and clay pink—it easily fits a week’s worth of clothes and shoes. “There’s an option to unzip and extend the size of the case, which means most people could probably travel for two weeks with it,” says Malbon. And with time, she’s actually gotten to love the suitcase even more. On a trip early this year, she took it to Mexico for two weeks. “Me and my partner shared the luggage, so we did manage to fit in a lot,” Malbon says. “It expands really well and I’ve found the wheels to be pretty hardwearing.” While she confessed that the suitcase did get absolutely filthy in the hold of the plane recently, she finds that is what comes with having a lighter color and softer fabric, in general.

Pros: Made of water-resistant, wipe-clean fabric
Cons: Slightly heavier than other similarly sized suitcases

Weight: 12.3 lb.
Capacity: 91L
Dimensions: 28.3" x 17.3" x 14.5"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty; product warranty registration required

Associate articles director Megan Spurrell gave the Solgaard Check-In Closet Original a “big yes” after testing it on a three-week trip to Peru and a weeklong trip to Mexico. The “genius” built-in shelving system is incredibly effective for keeping the contents of your suitcase orderly and neat. On one side, the removable accordion clothing organizer (similar to what you’d hang in a closet) holds folded shirts or sweaters. In Spurrell’s experience, it can be “packed full, then condensed to fit right into the suitcase.” Upon arrival, she says, “you can either stand the suitcase up and hang the contraption from the top of the handlebar, or string it up in the closet wherever you’re staying (my preferred method).” The other side of the suitcase is just as convenient; it features two shoe pouches and a mesh closure, plus room for other items that didn’t fit on the “closet” side. Sturdy, smart, and spacious, this bag is ideal for someone who appreciates organization—and having a variety of outfits to wear on their travels. “It’s my go-to for big trips,” Spurrell says. “The wheel has gotten a little loose but it can be fixed with a screwdriver.” Otherwise, it’s “super durable” and she “loves how all of [her] stuff fits in it.”

Pros: Clever shelving system, range of muted but fun colorways
Cons: A bit bulky to move around (though the side handle is helpful for carrying the bag up steps)

Weight: 11.8 lb.
Capacity: 77L
Dimensions: 18.25" x 11" x 28"
Expandable: No
Warranty: 10 year limited warranty for manufacturing defects

First tested while we were on the hunt for the best hard-shell luggage back in 2021, Paravel's Aviator Grand suitcase passed with flying colors. It's a solid, elegantly sleek, eco-friendly suitcase that's great for extended travel and business trips. Inside, it's spacious if minimalistic, with two open sides—you'll want to use packing cubes for added organization, though there are two zippered compartments on either side (one of those acts as a compression flap to secure the items underneath). It has since gone on three more international trips; associate commerce director Madison Flager notes that “for the size of the bag—without an expansion system to add room—it fits quite a bit,” about 10 to 14 days' worth of clothes. While the double spinner wheels have continued to hold up well a few years in, the recycled polycarbonate shell “does scuff easily.” Though with the help of a Magic Eraser, you can polish your bag back up if the marks are bothersome.

Pros: Spacious, perfect for trips longer than a week
Cons: Lighter colorways show a significant amount of scuffing after use

Weight: 10.8 lb.
Capacity: 122.3L
Dimensions: 20.4" x 30.9" x 13.4"
Expandable: Yes, 2 inches of extra space
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty; register for warranty online within 30 days of purchase

If you have a few international trips on the horizon, consider bringing along the Antler Icon Stripe Large Suitcase—which research associate Anna Gladwin describes as a “hard-wearing yet stylish case with a significant amount of storage space.” After traveling with the recycled polycarbonate suitcase to Turkey, she confirmed it’s fully outfitted with all the most valuable features for a long-haul trip: zippered mesh compartments (which are great for keeping items, like dirty laundry or shoes, separate), a TSA-approved lock, an adjustable top handle, and an expander zip for additional depth. It isn’t until you’re packed and in transit, however, that you’ll notice its standout factor—the 360-spinner wheels. “It feels far smoother to roll than any other suitcase I have used,” says Gladwin. This capability is particularly important when you’ve stuffed the bag to its full capacity. The only issue she found with the suitcase is one that’s pretty typical for hard-shell suitcases: Expect scuff marks after use, especially if you’re carrying a lighter colorway.

Pros: Wheels ensure it rolls smoothly and quietly
Cons: Shell scratches easily

Weight: 9 lb.
Capacity: 67L
Dimensions: 27.17" x 15.75" x 11.81" 
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Some trips result in more luggage wear and tear than others—international flights, multiple layovers, and cross-country moves, to name a few. If you’re expecting particularly grueling journeys over the next couple of years, invest in the Herschel Heritage hard-shell. A few European adventures later, the impact-resistant suitcase has “held up very well” for Kenny: Scuffs are minimal, and there were no issues with the zippers or locks. Typically, two wheels are better for navigating cobblestones and less-than-even surfaces, but she noticed that the suitcase’s four inset Hinomoto wheels “rolled easily and quietly” through both the airport and the bumpy streets of Florence. “Herschel's medium hard-shell suitcase is pretty simple in design—it's not trying to reinvent the wheel here, but that's sort of what I like about it,” Kenny says. “It glides effortlessly, holds plenty for a weeklong (or longer) vacation, and resists scuffs pretty well.” She recommends it to the traveler seeking a practical, durable suitcase that you can rely on trip after trip.

Pros: Wheels glide smoothly, durable, reinforced corners
Cons: No expandable feature

Weight: 6.8 lb. 
Capacity: 91L
Dimensions: 25" x 18.5" x 11.5"
Expandable: Yes
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

As much as she tries not to be, Traveler contributor Lauren Dana Ellman says she is a chronic overpacker. That’s why she prefers soft-sided suitcase when traveling: “It offers more flexibility and, consequently, more space.” She’s been using the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Soft-Side expandable checked luggage for years—”funny enough, it was originally a 30th birthday gift for my husband, but I’ve since claimed it as my own,” Ellman says. “This suitcase has accompanied me across the globe—Hawaii, France, Alaska, Italy—and I’m constantly impressed by how much it holds despite weighing just over seven pounds.” She finds the four 360-degree spinner wheels make it “a breeze to maneuver through carpeted airports,” and that the expandable feature “adds an extra two inches of space,” which is especially handy when souvenir shopping. “Plus, with two exterior compartments, an interior pocket, and a side accessory pocket, staying organized on the go is effortless.”

Pros: Expandable, water- and stain-resistant, lightweight 
Cons: No built-in laundry garment bag, sometimes my handle can get stuck, requires maneuvering

Weight: 11.9 lb.
Capacity: 87–104L
Dimensions: 27" x 18.5" x 11.5" 
Expandable: Yes, increases capacity by 25 percent
Warranty: Lifetime gaurantee with repair kits, repair centers, and option to send in for replacements

Commerce writer Jessica Chapel tested the Briggs & Riley Sympatico Medium Expandable Spinner while traveling domestically to Montauk and New Orleans with her partner, and internationally on a weeklong solo trip to Florence last summer. Her findings: If you’re willing to pay the $739 price tag—which she says is worth it for the lifetime guarantee—you’ll have a spacious, transportable (even on the cobblestoned streets of Italy), and stylish suitcase by your side for years to come. As its name suggests, the expandable bag comes with a “game-changing” feature that will be appreciated by every overpacker: one-touch expansion. Chapel says the simple process of pressing the two expander buttons and pulling up the sides of the suitcase is “satisfying and useful.” Along with the extra capacity option, the bag features adjustable garment compression panels that she found to be effective for preventing the contents from shifting or wrinkling while in transit. If you’re searching for one more reason to invest in this style, she also shares that it’s perfectly suitable for a solo traveler on a journey longer than a week, or for a couple who only wants to check one bag.

Pros: Easy expansion system, can be monogrammed
Cons: High price point, lacking in organizational features

Weight: 13.7 lb.
Capacity: 90L
Dimensions: 28.5" x 15.5: x 14.4"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Lucy Bruton, social media manager of Condé Nast Traveller UK, recently used the Carl Friedrik Hybrid trunk case on a luxury train trip around Italy. While only a five-day trip, it required multiple outfit changes to cover a wide range of activities. “We had boat trips in Portofino and luxurious dinners in Venice on the cards, and as we were traveling during the off-season, I needed to bring multiple coats to be prepared for all weather conditions,” Bruton says. “With four deep, roomy compartments, this case comfortably fit everything in with plenty of room to spare, and the included packing cubes (not something I’ve seen before in any suitcase, adding some value for money) made it easy to keep everything organized.” She appreciated the easy convenience of the trunk given she was staying on a sleeper train rather than in a hotel, so unpacking wasn’t really feasible. “The polycarbonate shell is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and the square trunk shape worked far better than a regular-shaped suitcase for train travel, as it was much easier to slot into a tight space in my compact cabin,” she says. “On a style level, it’s totally befitting of a spell on the Orient Express, with its leather trims and scuff-friendly deep grey body.” And according to Bruton, the case left the trip with her “looking good as new.”

Pros: The main compartment fits large bulky items, thanks to its 80/20 partition
Cons: Expensive, scuffs easily

Weight: 12.3 lb.
Capacity: 108L
Dimensions: 30" x 18" x 13.5"
Expandable: Yes, two inches of extra space
Warranty: Platinum Elite warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship

Before departing for a two-week trip around Europe, associate social media manager Kayla Brock confirmed the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Spinner was able to fit “about 14 different outfits,” in addition to holding a few more items in each side’s mesh interior pockets. Alongside its roomy main compartments, the polycarbonate hard-shell suitcase has a built-in TSA-approved lock, external USB A and C ports, and an external access battery pocket, which Brock found useful for charging her phone. Though the nearly $470 price is steep, she says the overall quality of the bag makes it worth it. Not to mention, it comes in seven different colorways, so you can get one that matches your personal style to a tee.

Pros: Impressive capacity, multiple interior pockets for organization
Cons: Somewhat difficult to roll when entirely full

Weight: 15.5 lb.
Capacity: 103L
Dimensions: 31" x 21.5" x 11.5”
Expandable: No
Warranty: 10 year limited warranty

Traveler contributor Claire Volkman is always looking for a bag that’s both compact and easily organized—which is why the Royce & Rocket Castle Classic caught her eye. “This 31-inch bag isn’t just large, it comes with foldable shelves,” Volkman says. “As someone who rarely unpacks, the built-in shelves have been a game changer when it comes to day-to-day organization.” According to Volkman, the shelves simply prop up when you need them and fold away when you don’t. She finds the luggage to be a tough bag, with an exterior made of polycarbonate, holding up as her travel companion on over 20 flights. “I got the rich burgundy color, and am constantly complimented on it,” she says, with a note of a few downsides: “At almost $700, this bag is a mega-splurge, and I don’t think it majorly outperforms its cheaper alternatives.” And given the weight, at almost 15 pounds, Volkman says that you have to be more mindful of how much you pack, so you don’t massively exceed most airlines' 50-pound checked bag limit.

Pros: Built-in foldable shelves, 360-degree wheels, interior pouches
Cons: Expensive, shows scratches and dings quickly

Weight: 8.9 lb.
Capacity: 92L
Dimensions: 29.92" x 15.75" x 13.39"
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

The Herschel Heritage Softshell Medium suitcase earned our stamp of approval for two key reasons. For starters, research director Alexandra Sanidad found it to hold up well on a weeklong trip to San Francisco. She also said the two-wheeled, soft-side suitcase’s “zippered mesh storage on the luggage flap and main compartment with garment straps that pull tight” are helpful on the organization front. Notably, however, the rest of the luggage’s features are “pretty basic compared to other luggage” she’s traveled with. Don’t expect this one to perform on a particularly rugged adventure, but it will work just fine for all other types of travel, from work trips to road trips. According to Sanidad, the luggage has held up well, but she “wouldn’t say it's [her] go-to, just because [she] likes to pack light.” When she does travel with it, though, “people always compliment me on how cute it is,” she says.

Pros: Comfortable grab handles, no scuffing or scratching, low price point 
Cons: Basic design lacking in unique storage features

Weight: 8.3 lb.
Capacity: 80L
Dimensions: 26" x 18.75" x 11" 
Expandable: No
Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Spurrell brought this on a handful of long-haul trips—Peru and Antarctica—and says this bag rivals pricier options on this list. “This July number is light, easy to lift, and a spacious interior means I can fit quite a bit inside,” Spurrell says. “It seamlessly pairs with two carry-ons I have, too—both navy blue, from Paravel and Arlo Skye—for a stylish set when I’m traveling heavy on a longer trip.” She notes that the wheels glide smoothly, particularly for a larger bag, and the solid, durable exterior means that it’s been able to take a number of rough unloadings. However, when rolling it on a cobblestone street last summer, one of her wheels did break off. She used the lifetime warranty process: “They sent me a wheel and it took a while to arrive, so I couldn’t use it [the luggage] for a bit,” Spurrell says. “But from a sustainability perspective, I’m happy they have a warranty service at all.” And while the suitcase itself is “simple in design,” she says, the bright colorways (especially the lavender, clay, and moss) are easy to spot at the baggage carousel. Some features, like the handles spanning over 20 different heights, feel nonessential, and the interior material, while spill-resistant, is stiffer and less luxe than pricier picks. The odor-resistant laundry bag and compression pad are welcome perks, though.

Pros: Unique range of colors available, corner bumpers to prevent scuffs, stain-proof laundry bag included
Cons: Interior material feels cheap, slow warranty processing time