Buying guide for Best suitcases

When purchasing a suitcase, there is a lot more to consider than first meets the eye. You obviously want to buy a quality item that holds up through the years and serves you well, but there are a number of other factors that should influence which suitcase you purchase.

You need a suitcase that is sized for your needs, whether you prefer to use it as a carry-on or checked baggage. If you fly frequently, a suitcase with a TSA-approved lock is essential. A telescoping handle, four wheels, and a variety of compartments and dividers are desirable features as well.

The outer shell of a suitcase impacts the user experience, too. A hard-shell suitcase that is cut-resistant offers the best theft protection. That said, a soft suitcase is helpful if you need to squeeze your bag into a tight space.

Our team evaluates suitcases based, in part, on the amount of storage space and number of organizational compartments offered.

We look for suitcases that provide extra security inside to keep clothing and accessories separate and secure.

Most modern suitcases come complete with telescoping handles, so we look for models with the best adjustability for easy carrying.

Our researchers look for suitcases that are easily expandable to provide extra space in a pinch.

We look for suitcases that are easy to secure and open on the go.

Modern suitcases come in soft-sided or hard shell form. We think about which style would be best for different use case scenarios.

We evaluate suitcases meant for both carrying on and checking to make sure our readers find the best luggage for their traveling needs.

We pay close attention to the weight of the suitcases on our research list, as this can impact checked luggage costs at the airport.

We appreciate suitcases with added security features, like TSA-approved combination locks that keep luggage sealed and safe.

Visual aesthetics play a role in suitcase selection. Our team makes note of the models that are sleek and attractive.

Carry-on or check-in?

To check or not to check? One of the biggest questions facing airline travelers when they make plans to get away is whether to carry on their suitcase and cram it into the overhead bin or to check it at the start of their trip.

Each airline has its own set of rules for what constitutes a carry-on versus a checked piece of luggage. In addition, airlines may impose rules on the following:

• The number of bags you can bring on a domestic, transatlantic, or transpacific flight
• The dimension and weight limits of your bags
• The amount of money it costs to check your first, second, and third bag (and so on)

Are you looking to save money by carrying on your luggage? Newer carry-ons are expandable and built to hold more — especially with expert packing.

The pros and cons of carry-ons

If you choose to carry on your luggage, your bag stays with you the entire trip and is less likely to get lost.

In addition, you enjoy the following perks:

• You don’t have to wait for your suitcase at the baggage claim.
• You save the checked baggage fee imposed by most airlines.

However, if you choose to carry on your luggage, you must be aware of the following:

• Not all airlines use the same rules for carry-on sizes.
• The rules are different for international and domestic travel
• If you have a flight connection, your carry-on can slow you down.
• On smaller planes, you may have to check your carry-on due to limited overhead bin space (generally without a fee).
• Because of TSA rules, you are limited in terms of what you can pack inside your carry-on.

The pros and cons of checked bags

If you choose to check your baggage, you don’t have to worry about fitting everything you need into a small carry-on.

• You can generally pack up to 50 pounds in a checked bag. (Verify the limit with the airline first.)
• There are fewer restrictions on what you can pack in a checked bag than what you can pack in a carry-on.

However, if you check your baggage, you should be aware of the following:

• Unless you’re a designated frequent flier or riding first class, you must pay for each checked bag on most airlines.
• Checked bags are subject to size and weight limits.
• Although actual losses are relatively low, the airline could lose your luggage.
• Baggage handlers could mistreat and even steal from your luggage, so it's always best to keep anything precious with you in a carry-on bag.

Hard-sided luggage was popular decades ago, when people donned their best formalwear just to ride a plane. Today, with the advent of new lightweight composite materials, hard-sided luggage is making a comeback.

Desirable suitcase features

Wheels

How many wheels do you want your suitcase to have? Consider the characteristics of two-wheelers versus spinner wheels if you need rolling luggage.

• A two-wheeler is dragged by its handle. Generally speaking, the only downside is the difficulty you might have finagling it through narrow passageways or crowded areas.
• A four-wheeled suitcase, otherwise known as a spinner, can turn in any direction. This makes it easier to navigate spinner luggage through obstacles such as curbs and crowds.

Compartments and expandability

Smaller suitcases generally have just one compartment for the bulk of your clothes, toiletries, and other items. There may be a mesh or plastic section within that compartment to hold delicates or items that could leak. Some suitcases include an elastic belt to help secure items.

Common to suitcases large and small is a feature that allows the bag to expand. Depending on the model, expansion mode is set by opening a zipper compartment or, in higher-end luggage, a plastic bar that facilitates expansion or contraction.

For those who frequently embark on business travel, the garment section of the suitcase is important. This is the part of the case where you would place a suit or other workwear. The garment compartment can be as simple as a removable section that accommodates hanging clothing or as fancy as a suitcase that serves primarily as a garment bag.

Telescoping handles

Not all suitcase handles are the same, as some are not adjustable. The best handles are the ones that telescope to various heights. The ability to adjust the handle to suit your arm length provides an extra bit of “pull power” that makes traveling that much more comfortable.

Outside pockets

Primarily found on soft-sided luggage, outside zippered pockets add packing space and are convenient for travelers who like to add things at the last minute or store items that must be easily retrieved. Outside pockets are especially useful for carry-ons; owners appreciate not having to open their main suitcase simply to find a book, snack, or travel itinerary.

If you get a suitcase with a lock, make sure it is TSA-compliant. Otherwise, airport inspectors may have to damage your suitcase in order to get inside.

Hard-sided vs. soft-sided luggage

Soft-sided luggage

Generally made of a nylon variant such as cordura, ballistic, or ripstop, soft-sided luggage is noted for its light weight and relative durability. The nylon material is measured in denier counts, which indicate its weight.

One of the biggest advantages of soft-sided luggage is its ability to squeeze into a tight spot on a plane, namely the overhead compartment.

On the downside, soft luggage is often made of lower-quality materials that could rip or tear.

Soft-sided luggage is more flexible than hard-sided luggage, but the material may be less durable and more prone to rips and tears.

Hard-sided luggage

Much of today’s hard-sided luggage is made from ABS or polycarbonate. However, some suitcases are made of aluminum, which was also popular decades ago. The current crop of these sturdy suitcases is remarkably lightweight and sturdy.

Hard-sided suitcases are beneficial if you’re packing breakable items and want extra security for your luggage. Hard-sided spinner bags move with ease through an airport terminal.

Unlike their soft-sided counterparts, the hard shell of these suitcases cannot be easily slashed and opened. Additionally, not all hard-side material is scratch-resistant, and it may show the wear of frequent travels.

We tested soft and hard case luggage to see which stands up better on the street.

Suitcase prices

Under $50

In this budget-friendly price range, there are some good suitcases, most of which are made of a lower-quality fabric like polyester.

These suitcases will likely not last more than a few years, and they may incur a few rips and tears along the way.

You can expect to find such goodies as expandability and a telescoping handle for under $50. However, most of the suitcases in this price range only have two wheels.

Under $150

With an increase in price comes an increase in quality and number of features provided. Over the $50 price point, your choices expand to include hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases made of premium materials and, in some cases, TSA-approved locks for greater security.

Under $500

Interested in buying the last suitcase you’ll ever need? Luggage from top brands use top-of-the-line materials, and their price tags reflect as much. In most cases, these high-end suitcases include manufacturer protection against all potential damage, including airline mishaps and broken zippers.

High-end suitcases tend to offer more in terms of security and construction, but exceptional capacity and baggage size compliance can be found at all retail levels.

Tips

• Look online for an array of choices. In addition to our favorite picks, Amazon offers other high-quality brands such as TUMI, American Tourister, Victorinox, and Travelpro. Amazon Basics bags are budget-friendly options by the popular retailer. The best luggage brands offer features that simplify packing and traveling.
• Choose a telescoping handle. To minimize arm discomfort, look for a suitcase with a telescoping handle that can be adjusted to your arm length. Make sure the handle locks in place.
• Look at packing cubes. If you’re having trouble organizing multiple items in your suitcase, consider investing in a set of packing cubes. These soft boxes help compartmentalize items that might otherwise jumble together.
• Weigh your suitcases. Do this before you leave for the airport so you know your bags are within the weight limit.
• If you will be flying, the size of your suitcase matters. Airlines impose strict limits on luggage sizes, and if your bag exceeds the limit, you must pay an extra fee. An airline may charge you an increasingly higher fee for each additional piece of checked luggage, too.