Best Checked Luggage for Hassle-Free Travel

Traveling can be exciting, but packing can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right checked luggage. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your needs. In this article, we will explore the world of checked luggage and help you find the best option for your next trip.

When it comes to checked luggage, there are several factors to consider. The first and most crucial factor is size. Most airlines have specific size restrictions for checked luggage, so it’s important to choose a bag that meets those requirements. The second factor is durability. Checked luggage is often subjected to rough handling, so you want to make sure your bag can withstand the wear and tear of travel. Finally, you want to choose a bag that is easy to maneuver and has enough storage space for all your belongings.

After researching and testing various options, we have identified the best checked luggage on the market. Our top picks are not only durable and spacious but also offer features that make traveling a breeze. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, our recommendations will help you find the perfect checked luggage for your needs.

Best Checked Luggage

We know that finding the perfect checked luggage can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best checked luggage options out there. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just taking a long vacation, our list has something for everyone. From durability to style, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best checked luggage.

1) Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable checked luggage, the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels is a great option.

Pros

• The 28″ size maximizes your packing power and is perfect for longer trips.
• The ultra-light and ultra-strong shells make it withstand the rigors of modern travel.
• The four multi-directional double spinner wheels allow 360-degree upright rolling, making it easy to maneuver.

Cons

• The price may be higher than other checked luggage options.
• The recessed TSA combination lock may not be as secure as a regular lock.
• The unique shape may make it difficult to pack certain items.

We recently used this luggage on a cross-country trip and were impressed by its durability and maneuverability. The 28″ size allowed us to pack everything we needed for a week-long trip without worrying about weight restrictions. The ultra-light and ultra-strong shells also held up well against the rough handling of airport baggage handlers.

The four multi-directional double spinner wheels made it easy to navigate through crowded airports without any strain on our arms or shoulders. However, the unique shape of the luggage made it difficult to pack certain items, such as shoes or bulky items, which required some creative packing.

Overall, we highly recommend the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable with Double Spinner Wheels for anyone looking for a reliable and durable checked luggage option.

2) Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

If you are looking for a durable and lightweight checked luggage, the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The micro-diamond polycarbonate texture makes it scratch-resistant, ensuring that your luggage stays beautiful even after multiple trips.
• The side-mounted TSA locks provide added security and give you peace of mind while traveling.
• The four multi-directional oversized spinner wheels make it easy to move around and maneuver the luggage.

Cons

• The telescoping handle may feel a bit flimsy and wobbly.
• The luggage may tip over when packed unevenly, causing inconvenience.
• The glossy finish may show fingerprints and smudges easily.

We recently used this luggage for a two-week trip, and it exceeded our expectations. The luggage is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and lift. We were able to pack everything we needed for our trip, and the expansion feature provided added space when needed. The luggage is also scratch-resistant, and we did not see any visible scratches after multiple flights.

The side-mounted TSA locks provided added security, and we felt confident that our belongings were safe. The four multi-directional oversized spinner wheels made it easy to move around, and the luggage glided smoothly. However, the telescoping handle felt a bit flimsy and wobbly, which was a minor inconvenience.

One thing to note is that the luggage may tip over when packed unevenly. We had to be careful while packing to ensure that the luggage stayed upright. The glossy finish of the luggage may also show fingerprints and smudges easily, which may require frequent cleaning.

Overall, we highly recommend the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage for anyone looking for a durable and lightweight checked luggage.

3) SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Check-In Spinner Luggage

If you’re looking for a durable and spacious check-in luggage, then the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Check-In Spinner Luggage is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Maneuverability: The 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels and locking retractable push/pull handle make it easy to navigate through crowded airports with ease.
• Organization: The luggage bag comes with a removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket for holding small items and accessories, making it effortless to stay organized while traveling.
• Durability: Made from a durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric with fully lined interior, this expandable travel case gives you ample packing space and also features adjustable tie-down straps for securing garments in place.

Cons

• Limited color options: The luggage is only available in black, which may not be appealing to those who prefer more colorful luggage options.
• Heavier weight: At 9.5 pounds, this luggage is slightly heavier than other options on the market.
• Limited interior pockets: While the luggage offers great organization options, it does not have as many interior pockets as some other luggage options.

Overall, the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Check-In Spinner Luggage is a great option for those looking for a durable and spacious check-in luggage that can help keep them organized while traveling.

4) Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

If you’re looking for a lightweight, durable checked luggage for your next long trip, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Weighing only 7.3 lbs, it’s a half-pound lighter than its predecessor, the Maxlite 4, which makes it easy to maneuver and pack more.
• The 4-wheel spinners rotate 360 degrees for a smooth roll, and the patented contour grip with rubberized touch points on the PowerScope Lite handle makes it comfortable to hold and maneuver.
• With a high-tensile-strength expandable zipper, it can expand up to 2 inches to maximize packing space for impressive flexibility.

Cons

• The side accessory pocket may not be big enough to hold larger items, such as a laptop or tablet.
• The front pocket may not be as sturdy as the rest of the luggage and could get damaged easily.
• The luggage may tip over if it’s not packed evenly, especially if the front pocket is loaded with heavy items.

We recently took the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner on a week-long trip, and we were impressed with how easy it was to pack and maneuver. The lightweight design made it easy to lift and put in the overhead bin, and the 4-wheel spinners made it easy to roll through the airport. The expandable zipper was a nice feature that allowed us to pack more than we thought we could.

The interior of the luggage is spacious and well-organized, with adjustable hold-down straps to keep our clothes in place. The H20 Guard also protected the interior lining from moisture, which was a nice touch. The only downside was that the side accessory pocket was too small to hold our laptop, but we were able to fit it in the front pocket instead.

Overall, we would recommend the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner for anyone looking for a durable, lightweight checked luggage for their next trip.

5) Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Checked-Large 28-Inch, Midnight Black Checked-Large 28-Inch Midnight Black

If you’re looking for a durable and spacious checked luggage, the Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The polycarbonate brushed-texture shell is scratch-resistant and looks great on any trip.
• The four multi-directional oversized dual spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver.
• The expansion feature allows for added capacity when needed.

Cons

• At 10.8 lbs, it’s not the lightest option on the market.
• The price point may be higher than some other options.
• The 28″ size may be too large for some travelers.

We recently used the Samsonite Omni 2 on a long international trip and were impressed with its durability and functionality. The shell held up well against the inevitable bumps and scratches of travel, and the spinner wheels made it easy to navigate through busy airports and hotel lobbies.

The interior of the luggage is spacious and well-organized, with plenty of room for clothes, shoes, and other essentials. We especially appreciated the expansion feature, which allowed us to pack even more items on the return trip.

While the weight of the luggage may be a concern for some travelers, we found that the other features more than made up for it. Overall, we highly recommend the Samsonite Omni 2 for anyone in need of a reliable and spacious checked luggage.

6) Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Indestructible Hardshell Expandable Spinner Luggage

If you’re looking for a durable and reliable checked luggage option, the Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Indestructible Hardshell Expandable Spinner Luggage is a great choice.

Pros

• The polypropylene hardshell is abrasion-, scratch-, and water-resistant, making it incredibly durable and long-lasting.
• The spinner wheels provide 360° rolling maneuverability, making it easy to navigate through crowds and airports.
• The expansion gusset provides up to 2″ of extra space, making packing a breeze.

Cons

• At 8.24 pounds, it may be heavier than some other checked luggage options.
• The hardshell may not be as flexible as a soft-sided option, which could make it more difficult to fit into tight spaces.
• The black color may show scratches and scuffs more easily than a lighter color.

We recently used the Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Indestructible Hardshell Expandable Spinner Luggage on a cross-country trip and were impressed with its durability and ease of use. The hardshell exterior held up well against the rough handling of airport baggage handlers, and the spinner wheels made it easy to maneuver through crowded airports and tight spaces. The expansion gusset was a great feature, providing extra space when we needed it without compromising the integrity of the hardshell.

The interior of the luggage was well-designed, with multiple zippered pockets and compression straps to keep our clothes in place. The self-mending #10 zippers were a nice touch, adding to the overall durability of the luggage. The telescoping handle was easy to use and the rubber carry handles made it easy to lift and carry the luggage when necessary.

Overall, we would highly recommend the Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Indestructible Hardshell Expandable Spinner Luggage to anyone in the market for a reliable and durable checked luggage option.

7) Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside Spinner, Orange Orange 28-inch

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable checked luggage option, the Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside Spinner is a great choice.

Pros

• The extra-thick ABS hard shell provides reliable strength and durability, making it a great option for travel.
• The scratch-resistant Orange finish helps keep the luggage looking new even after multiple trips.
• The four double spinner wheels and telescoping handle make it easy to move through airports and other travel locations.

Cons

• The luggage is a bit heavy, so it may not be the best option for those who are looking to pack light.
• The interior organizer and divider are not as sturdy as some other luggage options, so they may not hold up as well over time.
• The luggage is not as expandable as some other options, so it may not be the best choice for those who need extra packing space.

Overall, we found the Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside Spinner to be a great option for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable checked luggage option. The luggage is sturdy and durable, with a scratch-resistant Orange finish that helps keep it looking new even after multiple trips. The four double spinner wheels and telescoping handle make it easy to move through airports and other travel locations, and the interior organizer and divider provide ample space for packing. While the luggage is a bit heavy and not as expandable as some other options, we still found it to be a great value for the price.

8) American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels

If you’re looking for a stylish and durable checked luggage, the American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The rugged and durable ABS shell ensures that your belongings are safe and secure during travel.
• The multi-stage ergonomic trolley handle makes it easy to maneuver the luggage even when it’s fully packed.
• The expansion feature provides additional packing capacity, making it perfect for longer trips.

Cons

• The luggage may not be as protective as some other hardshell luggage options.
• The single spinner wheels may not be as smooth as some other luggage with double spinner wheels.
• The zipped modesty pocket in the main compartment may not be as secure as a lockable pocket.

We recently had the opportunity to travel with the American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage and we were impressed with its overall quality and design. The luggage features a sleek hardside exterior that comes in a range of eye-catching colors, making it perfect for those who want to travel in style.

One of the standout features of this luggage is the multi-stage ergonomic trolley handle. It’s comfortable to hold and easy to maneuver, even when the luggage is fully packed. The single spinner wheels also provide a smooth ride and straight roll every time, making it easy to navigate through crowded airports.

The book opening case with mesh divider and cross straps in the main compartment is also a great feature. It makes packing and organizing your belongings a breeze. The zipped modesty pocket is also a nice touch, although it may not be as secure as a lockable pocket.

Overall, the American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels is a great option for those who want a durable and stylish checked luggage. The expansion feature also provides additional packing capacity, making it perfect for longer trips.

9) Suitour Hard Suitcases With Wheels

If you’re looking for a durable and spacious checked luggage, the Suitour Hard Suitcases with Wheels is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The suitcase is expandable, providing extra storage space when needed.
• The TSA lock and sturdy zipper provide enhanced protection for your luggage.
• The suitcase is crafted from lightweight and durable ABS material, ensuring it is tough enough to withstand travel.

Cons

• The suitcase may not be as scratch-resistant as advertised.
• Some users reported that the handle can be difficult to maneuver.
• The suitcase may be too heavy for some travelers.

We recently took the Suitour Hard Suitcases with Wheels on a long trip and were impressed with its features. The expandable design allowed us to fit in extra items without having to worry about exceeding baggage limits. The TSA lock and zipper provided peace of mind knowing that our belongings were secure. The suitcase’s lightweight and durable material made it easy to maneuver through airports and train stations, and the double spinner wheels rolled smoothly in all directions.

However, we did notice some scratches on the suitcase after a few uses, so the scratch-resistant claim may not be entirely accurate. Additionally, the handle can be slightly difficult to maneuver, especially when the suitcase is fully loaded. Lastly, the suitcase’s weight may be a concern for those who tend to pack heavily.

Overall, the Suitour Hard Suitcases with Wheels is a great option for travelers who need a spacious and durable checked luggage. The expandable design, TSA lock, and lightweight material make it a reliable choice for long trips.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best checked luggage, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features that we recommend looking for when shopping for checked luggage.

Size

The first thing to consider is the size of the luggage. Make sure to check the airline’s size restrictions for checked luggage, as they can vary between airlines. Additionally, consider how much you typically pack and choose a size that will comfortably fit all of your belongings.

Material

The material of the luggage can greatly affect its durability and weight. Hard-shell luggage is typically more durable but can be heavier, while soft-shell luggage is often lighter but may not provide as much protection for your belongings. Consider the type of travel you’ll be doing and choose a material that best suits your needs.

Wheels

Wheels are an important feature to consider when choosing checked luggage. Look for luggage with sturdy, smooth-rolling wheels that can handle different types of terrain. Additionally, consider the number of wheels – four-wheeled luggage can be easier to maneuver, while two-wheeled luggage may be more stable.

Handles

Handles are another important feature to consider. Look for luggage with comfortable, sturdy handles that are easy to grip and won’t dig into your hands. Additionally, consider the number of handles – luggage with multiple handles can be easier to lift and maneuver.

Security

Security is a top concern when it comes to checked luggage. Look for luggage with a secure locking mechanism, such as a TSA-approved lock. Additionally, consider any additional security features, such as reinforced corners or anti-theft zippers.

By considering these features, you can choose the best checked luggage for your needs. Remember to check airline restrictions and choose a size and material that suits your travel style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top features to look for in checked luggage for international travel?

When it comes to choosing checked luggage for international travel, there are a few key features to keep in mind. Look for luggage that is durable, has ample storage space, and is easy to maneuver. Other features to consider include built-in locks, expandable compartments, and sturdy handles.

How do I choose the best carry-on that can also be checked?

If you’re looking for a carry-on bag that can also be checked, look for a bag that is small enough to meet carry-on size restrictions but still large enough to hold everything you need. Look for a bag with sturdy wheels and a telescoping handle, as well as plenty of pockets and compartments for organization.

Which checked luggage brands are known for their durability?

There are several luggage brands that are known for their durability, including Samsonite, Travelpro, and Tumi. Look for luggage made from high-quality materials, such as polycarbonate or ballistic nylon, and with sturdy zippers and handles.

What are the advantages of lightweight luggage for international travel?

Lightweight luggage is a great choice for international travel because it allows you to pack more without going over weight restrictions. It’s also easier to maneuver through airports and onto planes. Look for luggage made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum or polycarbonate.

What size of suitcase is typically allowed as checked luggage without incurring extra fees?

The size of suitcase that is allowed as checked luggage without incurring extra fees varies by airline, but most airlines allow suitcases that are up to 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weigh up to 50 pounds. Be sure to check with your airline before you travel to ensure that your luggage meets their requirements.

How do I decide between hard-sided and soft-sided checked luggage?

When choosing between hard-sided and soft-sided checked luggage, consider your travel needs and preferences. Hard-sided luggage is more durable and offers better protection for your belongings, while soft-sided luggage is more flexible and easier to pack. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference.