Best Luggage Brands of 2024 According to Seasoned Travellers

No matter where you're jetting off to or how often you travel, the right luggage can make or break your trip. It's not just about packing your clothes; it’s about keeping your sanity intact. The right bag keeps you organized, ensures you don’t lose your mind at baggage claim, and lets you bring home all the souvenirs your heart desires (or at least what’ll fit). But with so many options—carry-ons, checked bags, duffels, backpacks—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Welcome to the Golden Age of luggage, where we’ve sifted through the chaos for you. After testing over 508 pieces of luggage, including rolling them through obstacle courses and tossing them around like baggage handlers, we’ve nailed down the best luggage brands of 2024. Whether you’re a globe-trotting pro or just someone who’s overdue for a vacation, these picks will upgrade your travel game.

Key Factors

• Hard vs. Soft Suitcase: Hard-sided suitcases offer greater durability and protection for your belongings, especially during rough handling. Soft-sided cases, on the other hand, provide flexibility and are typically lighter, making them easier to manoeuvre and pack into tight spaces.

• Price: Your budget will play a significant role in your decision. Higher-end luggage brands tend to use superior materials and offer better durability, but there are also quality options at more affordable price points. Investing in a reliable suitcase can save you from frequent replacements.

• Airline Preferences: While airlines don’t typically have a preference for hard or soft luggage, it’s important to adhere to size and weight restrictions to avoid extra fees. Bulkier hard carry-ons may sometimes need to be checked at the gate, so consider this when planning your trip.

• Two-Wheel vs. Four-Wheel: Four-wheel luggage, often equipped with 360-degree spinner wheels, offers superior manoeuvrability, allowing you to glide effortlessly through airports and tight spaces. Two-wheel options are less flexible and balanced, making them a less popular choice.

• Key Features: Look for essential features like TSA-approved locks for security, telescopic handles for easy handling, and durable, whisper-quiet wheels for smooth navigation. These features can greatly enhance your travel experience.

• Lifetime Guarantee: A lifetime guarantee from reputable brands can be a valuable investment. It ensures that your luggage is protected over the years and through numerous trips, offering peace of mind and long-term value.

Our Favourites

Antler’s Clifton suitcase is a standout in their collection, embodying the brand’s commitment to lightweight durability and British elegance. The Clifton is beloved for its sleek, understated design paired with robust functionality, featuring a tough polycarbonate shell that withstands the rigors of travel without compromising on style. Inside, the suitcase is thoughtfully organized with dividers and compression straps, making packing a breeze. The Clifton also boasts smooth, 360-degree double spinner wheels and a TSA-approved lock for added security. Priced between $200 and $300, it’s a luxury suitcase that delivers exceptional value.

Herschel’s Trade Luggage series, particularly the Trade Large, captures the brand’s iconic blend of vintage charm and modern convenience. Travelers love the Trade series for its clean lines, durable hard shell, and spacious interior, perfect for long trips. The suitcase features Herschel’s signature striped fabric liner, which adds a touch of personality, along with a mesh storage pocket and adjustable tie-down straps to keep belongings secure. The retractable trolley handle and multi-directional wheels ensure easy navigation through airports. With prices ranging from $200 to $300, Herschel offers a stylish yet functional option for the fashion-forward traveller.

The Rimowa Original Cabin is an icon in the luxury travel world, celebrated for its distinctive grooved aluminium exterior that’s as stylish as it is sturdy. Favoured by frequent flyers and celebrities alike, the Original Cabin is designed to fit seamlessly in overhead compartments while offering a spacious, well-organized interior. Key features include a flex-divider system that adapts to your packing, noise-reducing wheels, and a TSA-approved lock for peace of mind. With a price tag starting around $1,200, Rimowa’s Original Cabin is an investment piece that exudes sophistication and ensures longevity.

Monos’ Carry-On Pro is a best-seller, praised for its minimalist design and meticulous craftsmanship. What sets this suitcase apart is the built-in front compartment that provides easy access to essentials like a laptop, passport, and travel documents, making it ideal for business travellers. The Carry-On Pro is crafted from aerospace-grade polycarbonate, ensuring it’s lightweight yet incredibly durable. It also features vegan leather details, an antimicrobial laundry bag, and a compression pad to maximize packing space. Priced between $300 and $400, Monos offers premium quality at an accessible price point, making it a favourite among design-conscious travellers.

The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX is a go-to for travellers seeking a perfect blend of durability and style. Known for its scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell, the Winfield 3 DLX is built to withstand the demands of travel while maintaining its sleek, modern appearance. Travelers appreciate the suitcase’s expandable design, allowing for extra packing space when needed, as well as its fully lined interior with multiple organization pockets. The suitcase also includes a TSA-approved lock and smooth spinner wheels for easy manoeuvrability. With prices ranging from $150 to $250, the Winfield 3 DLX offers reliable performance without breaking the bank.

The Carl Friedrik Check-In is a masterpiece of Scandinavian design, combining luxurious materials with unparalleled functionality. Crafted from premium Italian Vachetta leather and polycarbonate, this suitcase is as durable as it is elegant. Travelers love the Check-In for its spacious interior, featuring a compression system and removable lining that makes packing both efficient and stylish. The leather detailing and matte aluminium hardware elevate the suitcase’s aesthetic, while the whisper-quiet wheels and sturdy handles ensure a smooth travel experience. Priced between $600 and $1,000, the Check-In is a statement piece for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Roncato’s Uno ZSL Premium stands out for its innovative design and Italian craftsmanship. This hard-sided suitcase is constructed from ultra-light, high-performance polycarbonate, making it incredibly resilient to impacts while remaining easy to carry. Travelers appreciate the Uno ZSL Premium’s double-layer security with an integrated TSA lock and a secondary clasp lock for added protection. Inside, the suitcase is well-organized with multiple compartments and straps to keep items secure. The smooth, 360-degree wheels and ergonomic handle enhance manoeuvrability. Priced between $300 and $500, the Uno ZSL Premium offers a luxurious travel experience with Italian flair.

The Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage is a tech-savvy traveler’’s dream, blending sleek design with smart features. Its most lauded feature is the removable, airline-compliant smart charger, allowing travellers to keep their devices powered up on the go. The M5 is made from aerospace-grade polycarbonate, offering a lightweight yet durable shell that’s built to last. Inside, it features a water-resistant lining, compression straps, and a laundry bag for organized packing. The four silent Japanese 360-degree spinner wheels and premium telescopic handle make navigation effortless. With a price range of $400 to $600, the M5 Cabin Luggage is perfect for the modern, connected traveller.

Meet Timothy, a British brand dedicated to crafting premium travel goods that blend exceptional design with engineering excellence. After 15 years of collaboration with the world’s top luggage manufacturers, Timothy has perfected the art of creating the ideal travel companion. Every product bearing the Timothy name features innovative designs and thoughtful engineering, making your journeys more comfortable and effortless. Tailored for the frequent traveler, Timothy’s collection includes a range of high-quality check-in cases, cabin cases, bags, and accessories. Key features like the unique, multi-position telescopic handle ensure comfort by adjusting to your height, while the patented silent wheels glide smoothly and quietly. The Burlington Carbon Cabin Suitcase, with its sleek lines and lightweight, high-performance materials, epitomizes Timothy’s commitment to timeless elegance and modern innovation, offering the ultimate in travel sophistication.