The 9 Best Checked Luggage of 2023

When it comes to traveling, having the right luggage can make all the difference. Checked luggage is especially important for those who plan on taking longer trips, as it can hold a lot more items than a carry-on bag. However, not all checked luggage is created equal.

In this post, we’ll explain what you should consider when purchasing checked luggage and look at some of the best luggage options on the market.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

What to Consider When Choosing Checked Luggage

Before we dive into the specific brands and models of checked luggage, it’s important to understand the factors that are essential to consider when making a purchase.

Durability

When it comes to checked luggage, durability is key. You want a suitcase that can withstand the rough handling that comes with air travel. Look for luggage made of high-quality materials, such as polycarbonate, ABS, or aluminum. These materials are strong and can withstand bumps, drops, and even some weather elements. Also, make sure that the luggage has strong zippers, sturdy handles, and reinforced corners.

Size

Typically, the maximum size for checked luggage is around 62 inches (length + width + height). However, it’s always best to check with your airline for specific size restrictions.

Weight

Wheels

The type of wheels on your suitcase can make an enormous difference in its maneuverability. Look for luggage with four wheels, also known as spinner wheels. Spinner wheels allow you to move the suitcase in any direction, making it easy to navigate through crowded airports. Some luggage comes with two wheels, also known as inline wheels, which can be more difficult to maneuver but can be more durable in some cases.

Handles

Handles are another essential feature to consider when choosing the best checked luggage. Look for luggage with a telescoping handle that can adjust to different heights. You’ll also want to make sure that the handle is sturdy and can withstand the weight of the suitcase. Some luggage also comes with extra handles, such as a top handle or a side handle, which can make it easier to lift and carry the suitcase.

Security

Design

The design of your luggage may not seem like a critical factor, but it can make a difference in your overall travel experience. Look for luggage with a design that reflects your style and personality. You’ll also want to consider the color and pattern of the luggage, as this can make it easier to spot on the luggage carousel.

Brand Reputation

Finally, when choosing the best checked luggage, you want to consider the brand reputation. Look for luggage from reputable brands that are known for producing high-quality, durable luggage. You can read reviews online to get an idea of how well a particular brand’s luggage holds up over time.

Our Top Picks for the Best Checked Luggage

Best Overall: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable 28″

The Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage is a top-rated checked luggage choice for many travelers. It features a lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell that protects your belongings. The luggage also comes with a built-in TSA lock, ensuring that your items remain secure during travel. Additionally, the suitcase is expandable, providing extra packing space when needed.

Pros

• Durability: The hard-shell exterior of the luggage is made of polycarbonate, which is known for its durability and resistance to impact.
• Expandable capacity: The luggage comes with an expandable feature that provides an additional 1.5 inches of packing space, allowing travelers to pack more without having to compromise on the quality of their items.
• Maneuverability: The luggage has four multi-directional spinner wheels, which makes it easy to move around and maneuver through crowded airports or train stations.
• Security: The luggage comes with a TSA-approved combination lock that provides added security for the contents of the luggage.

Cons:

• Weight: The luggage itself weighs around 11pounds, which can be a significant weight to add to your overall luggage weight limit.
• Scratches: While the polycarbonate exterior is durable, it is also prone to scratches and scuff marks, which can make the luggage look worn out over time.

Best Budget: Amazon Basics Hardside 30″

The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner is a budget-friendly option for those in need of a spacious and sturdy suitcase. With its hard-shell exterior and spinner wheels, it provides ample protection and maneuverability during travel. However, it lacks some of the bells and whistles of higher-end luggage, such as a built-in lock or interior organization compartments. Overall, it’s a reliable and practical choice for travelers on a budget.

Pros

• Durable: The hardshell exterior of this suitcase provides excellent protection for your belongings. The material is resistant to scratches and impacts, ensuring that your luggage stays intact throughout your travels.
• Spacious: The 30-inch size of this luggage provides ample space for your belongings, making it an ideal option for longer trips or travelers who prefer to pack heavier.
• Maneuverability: The four spinner wheels on this luggage make it easy to navigate through busy airports or city streets. The 360-degree rotation allows for smooth and effortless movement, even when the bag is fully packed.
• Affordable: As the name suggests, Amazon Basics products are typically priced lower than other brands, making this luggage an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.

Cons

• Heavy: The hardshell construction of this luggage adds weight, which can be a disadvantage for travelers who want to avoid baggage fees or prefer to travel with lighter luggage.
• Limited organization: The suitcase doesn’t come with many compartments or pockets, making it difficult to organize your belongings. This may be a drawback for travelers who like to keep their items separated and easily accessible.
• No lock: This luggage doesn’t come with a built-in lock, which may be a concern for travelers who want to ensure the security of their belongings. However, it’s worth noting that you can easily purchase a lock separately.

Best Lightweight: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable 29″

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner is a lightweight and durable luggage option that comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This luggage features a water-resistant coating and a polyester fabric exterior that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. It also has four multi-directional spinner wheels that provide easy maneuverability, and an expandable option that allows you to pack more when needed.

Pros

• Lightweight design: One of the standout features of this luggage is its lightweight design. It weighs just 8.5 lbs., making it easy to lift and maneuver, even when fully packed.
• Expandable capacity: The suitcase can be expanded up to 2 inches, providing additional packing space when needed. This is particularly useful for longer trips or when you need to bring back souvenirs or gifts.
• Durable construction: The suitcase is made with high-quality materials, including a water-resistant coating, which helps to protect your belongings from the elements. The zippers are also strong and durable, and the handles are reinforced to withstand heavy use.
• Smooth maneuverability: The spinner wheels make it easy to navigate the suitcase through airports and other busy areas. The telescoping handle is also comfortable to grip and easy to adjust.

Cons

• No built-in lock: The suitcase does not have a built-in TSA-approved lock, which can be inconvenient for some travelers.
• Limited organization features: The interior of the case is one large compartment, instead of being organized into two halves.

Best Softside: SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 29″

The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage is an excellent choice for travelers who need ample space for their belongings. The luggage is made of durable materials and features a spacious main compartment that can be expanded for extra storage. The bag also comes with multiple pockets for easy organization, and the smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to maneuver through airports and other crowded areas. The only downside is that the bag can be quite heavy when fully packed, so it may not be the best option for those who are looking for lightweight luggage. Overall, this is a high-quality and reliable luggage option that is perfect for long trips and frequent travelers.

Pros

• Spacious: The 29-inch size of this luggage provides ample space for packing all your essentials and more.
• Durable: The luggage is made from durable polyester and has reinforced corners to prevent wear and tear.
• Expandable: The luggage features an expandable zipper that allows you to increase the packing capacity by up to 2 inches.
• Smooth rolling: The four 360-degree spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver the luggage through crowded airports and hotel lobbies.
• Comfortable handles: The luggage has both a top and side handle, making it easy to lift and carry.

Cons

• Heavy: The luggage weighs around 11 pounds, which may add significant weight to your overall baggage allowance.
• No built-in lock: The luggage does not come with a built-in lock, which may be a concern for some travelers.
• Zippers may be difficult to close: It can be difficulty to close the zippers, especially when the luggage is fully packed.

Best Hardside: American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside 28″

If you’re on a budget, the American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage is a great option. It’s made from a durable, hard-shell exterior and features a telescoping handle and spinner wheels for easy maneuverability. It’s also expandable, so you can pack more items if needed. Despite its affordable price point, it still comes with a 10-year warranty.

Pros

• Durable and lightweight: The luggage is made of durable ABS material which can withstand rough handling during travels. It is also lightweight which makes it easy to carry around.
• Spacious: With a 28-inch size, the luggage provides ample space for packing all your essentials for a long trip. It also has an expandable feature which increases its capacity by 1.5 inches, providing more space for souvenirs or additional items.
• Smooth maneuverability: The spinner wheels provide a smooth and effortless maneuverability on various surfaces, making it easy to move around even in tight spaces.

Cons

• Limited organization: The luggage lacks internal pockets or compartments, which can make organizing your belongings a bit challenging. You may need to use packing cubes or other organizers to keep things in order.
• Susceptible to scratches: The hardshell material can easily scratch or scuff, which can be a cosmetic issue for some people.
• No TSA lock: The luggage does not come with a TSA-approved lock, which may be a concern for those who prioritize security.

Best Midrange: American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable 28″

The American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Luggage is an affordable and reliable checked luggage option. It features a hard-shell design made from polycarbonate material, making it durable and resistant to impact and scratches. Additionally, it is expandable, providing extra packing space when needed.

Pros

• Durability: The hardside construction of this luggage provides excellent protection for your belongings. It can withstand rough handling during travel, ensuring that your items remain intact and undamaged.
• Expandable: The expandable feature allows you to increase the packing capacity by up to 1.5 inches, giving you more space to pack souvenirs or other items you may have picked up during your trip.
• Maneuverability: The four spinner wheels make it easy to move the luggage in any direction, even in tight spaces such as airplane aisles or crowded sidewalks.
• Stylish: The luggage comes in a variety of colors and designs, allowing you to choose one that matches your personal style.

Cons

• Heavy: The luggage itself is relatively heavy (10.43 pounds), which may add extra weight to your overall luggage load.
• Limited organization: The interior of the luggage has limited pockets and compartments, which may make it challenging to organize your belongings effectively.
• Scratches: The hardside exterior is prone to scratches and scuffs, which may affect the overall appearance of the luggage over time.
• No lock: The luggage does not come with a built-in lock, which means you will need to purchase one separately if you wish to secure your belongings.

Best Durable: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable 28″

The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage is a great choice for travelers in need of durable and spacious luggage. The hardshell design provides excellent protection for your belongings, while the spinner wheels make maneuvering through the airport a breeze. The expandable feature allows for extra packing space, and the interior compartments and pockets keep everything organized. The only downside is that the luggage can be heavy when fully packed, but overall, it’s a reliable and stylish option for any trip.

Pros

• Durability: The hardside exterior of the suitcase is made of polycarbonate material which is scratch-resistant and can withstand rough handling.
• Spacious: The 28-inch size provides ample space to pack for a long trip, and the expandable feature allows for extra storage.
• Maneuverability: The spinner wheels allow for easy movement in any direction, and the telescopic handle provides a comfortable grip.
• Security: The suitcase has a TSA-approved lock to ensure the safety of your belongings.
• Stylish: The suitcase comes in a range of colors and has a modern design.

Cons

• Weight: The hardside material can make the suitcase heavy (11.68 pounds), even when empty.
• Price: The Samsonite brand is known for its quality, but the Omni PC 28-inch suitcase is relatively expensive compared to other luggage options.
• Scuff marks: While the hardside material is durable, it can show scuff marks over time.

Best Stylish: Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable 29″

The Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage is a stylish and durable checked luggage option. It features a hard-shell design made from polycarbonate material, making it resistant to impact and scratches. The suitcase also has four spinner wheels, providing easy mobility around the airport. Additionally, it comes with a TSA-approved lock, ensuring that your belongings are secure.

Pros

• Durable: The hard-shell design of the Helium Aero Spinner provides excellent protection for your belongings, ensuring that they stay safe and secure during transport.
• Spacious: With a capacity of 135 liters, this suitcase offers plenty of space for all your travel essentials. It’s ideal for long trips or family vacations where you need to pack a lot of items.
• Maneuverable: The four double spinner wheels make it easy to navigate through crowded airports and narrow hallways. You can easily glide the suitcase in any direction, making it effortless to move around.
• Stylish: The Helium Aero Spinner has a sleek and modern design that makes it stand out from other suitcases. It’s available in several colors, including brushed charcoal, brick red, and peony pink.

Cons

• Heavy: The suitcase weighs 12.1 pounds, which can make it challenging to lift or maneuver for some people, especially when it’s fully loaded.
• Price: At around $200, this suitcase is on the expensive side. While it is durable and stylish, it may not be the most affordable option for some travelers.

Best Premium: Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable 29″

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner is a premium luggage option that comes with a lifetime warranty. This luggage features a ballistic nylon exterior that is abrasion-resistant and can withstand heavy impact. It also has four double spinner wheels for easy maneuverability, and an expandable option that provides up to 25% more packing space. The luggage also comes with a CX compression-expansion system that allows you to pack more while still meeting airline requirements.

Pros

• Expandable design: The one-touch CX expandable feature of this suitcase allows you to easily increase the packing capacity by up to 25%, providing more space for your belongings.
• Durable materials: The suitcase is made of ballistic nylon, which is a tough and resistant material that can withstand wear and tear.
• Smooth mobility: The four double swivel wheels ensure smooth and stable movement, making it easy to navigate through busy airports or crowded streets.
• Lifetime warranty: Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the suitcase, including airline damage, making it a great investment for frequent travelers.

Cons:

• Heavy: The suitcase weighs 13.6 pounds, which can be quite heavy for some travelers, especially when fully packed.
• Expensive: The price of this suitcase is higher than many other luggage options on the market, making it a considerable investment.
• Limited color options: The suitcase is only available in a few colors, which may not suit everyone’s taste.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best checked luggage can make your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free. There are many factors to consider when deciding on the best piece of luggage for you. Whether it’s storage space, weight, hardsided or softsided cases, this list will have something to suit your needs.