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For the past few months I’ve been researching luggage. From forums to Youtube videos I feel like I’ve become an expert on top rated luggage, or at least an expert on what not to buy. I figured with all my searching I would share the top bags and how to find deals on top rated luggage! After the long hunt and compiling all the data, the verdict really comes down to personal preference and how much you travel.
If you never fly and are only packing up the family car for road trips, the luggage you pick really doesn’t matter. The true test for luggage is for folks flying with checked luggage. Your bag will have everything thrown at it, literally. Now you want to consider buying name brands that offer extended warranties, plus bags with lots of 4-5 star reviews showing it survived the test of airport baggage handlers.
Once you get your luggage, check out 11 ways to save on plane tickets!
Everything below is for bags that have shown they have what it takes to handle air travel, car travel and all the cobblestone roads in between.
A few things to consider first:
- For air travel, you don’t want to get a bag larger than 25 inches, which many sites call “medium”. Going larger than this generally means the bag is oversized for checked luggage and will cost more, plus the larger bags are too easy to over fill past the 50 lb weight limit.
- Hardsided luggage is waterproof and feels super secure, but they are the bags that break the most with airport travel. Read reviews to see how they held up and also understand the bag warranty for cracked sides.
- Most warranties do not cover damage caused by airline handlers or normal wear and tear. There are only a select few manufacturers that offer “no questions asked” warranties, and many only do this for select bags, not all of their products.
- Carry-On sizes for US and International flights are different. You don’t want a bag larger than 21 inches total if you plan to go overseas. You’ll end up having to pay to check your bag and regret that extra inch!
What Are the Best Brands?
I have no doubt that any list I make would bring people sharing that another brand should be listed or that they had a bad experience. That said, these brands have the most positive reviews and the least horrible reviews (you always need to consider the best and worst). In no specific order yet:
Travel Pro – the brand used by most flight crews
Samsonite – one of the oldest and most trusted brands
Eagle Creek – one of the best warranties
Briggs & Riley – the best warranties and reviews, but good luck affording it
Delsey Paris – an older brand known for style and function
Before paying $700+ for a suitcase consider how many cheaper versions you could buy. While they will eventually have to be replaced, four replaced Samsonites could get you through the next 20 years…
Current Deals on Top Rated Luggage
Highest Rated Affordable Option:
Samsonite Hyperspin 4 Softside Spinner Luggage, 21 inch – $143.99 (reg. $159.99)
-15% off with GOSHOP15
makes it $122.39 + $20 in Kohl’s Cash back
Samsonite Hyperspin 4 Softside Spinner, 25 inch – $179.99 (reg. $199.99)
-15% off with GOSHOP15
makes it $152.99 + $30 in Kohl’s Cash back
Samsonite Ziplite 5 Hardside Spinner Luggage, 20 in – $167.99 (reg. $279.99)
-15% off with GOSHOP15
makes it $142.79 + $20 in Kohl’s Cash back
Samsonite Ziplite 5 Hardside Spinner Luggage, 25 in – $215.99 (reg. $359.99)
-15% off with GOSHOP15
makes it $183.59 + $30 in Kohl’s Cash back
Mid Range Semi-Affordable Option:
These bags have integrated TSA locks, more pockets (6 compared to 2 on the Samsonite) and longer telescoping handles. You’ll find lots of Delsey options and most have great reviews. Be careful with their hardside cases unless you go with more expensive titanium or non-plastic options.
Delsey OptiMax 2.0 Softside Spinner Luggage, 20 in – $111.19 (reg. $279.99)
or in black
Delsey OptiMax 2.0 Softside Spinner Luggage, 24 in – $135.99 (reg. $339.99)
in blue or black
Best Warranty & Options – Higher Prices
If you go with Travel Pro Platinum Elite luggage you’ll get the warranty of Briggs & Riley but save a couple hundred dollars on full size bags. Travel Pro bags are trusted by most flight crews and can handle everything you test them with.
Going with the Platinum Elite also gives you all the features of higher bags including travel locks, compression packing, and hangup clothing storage.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Carry on, 21 in – $314.49 (reg. $369.99)
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Checked Luggage, 25 in – $365.49 (reg. $429.99)
Note: They make various levels and even bags for Kohl’s, Nordstrom and others. These have a typical warranty of other companies though they do have great reviews and slightly lower prices. You might as well grab the Platinum to have the true “no questions asked” warranty.
Briggs & Riley – the best way to save is through Costco Next. Go through Costco.com and you’ll end up shopping directly on the Briggs & Riley site but with exclusive discounts. The two above are $150 off the regular price!
Eagle Creek – I feel like Eagle Creek should be mentioned because they also offer a “No Matter What” warranty. Their bags are not quite like other styles but will be exactly what some folks are looking for.
What’s Not Mentioned
You’ve probably seen a lot of social media ads, influencers and even “reviews” mentioning brands like Away and Monos along with many others. These might be wonderful bags, but when you really dig into reviews that aren’t hosted on their pages like travel forums you’ll find the real truth is many are just another suitcase with so-so quality and so-so customer service. My personal opinion, don’t pay for all the advertising behind them and stick with suitcases that aren’t trying to convince you to buy them…
