The 12 very best luggage brands we tested in 2024

Embarking on a journey, whether it’s across the globe or just a weekend getaway, begins with the right luggage by your side. With a myriad of options flooding the market, finding the perfect travel companion can be a daunting task.

Don’t worry — we explored a curated selection of the best luggage brands that combine durability, style, and functionality.

From sleek carry-ons to spacious suitcases, these brands have mastered the art of crafting luggage that not only withstands the rigors of travel but also makes a statement wherever you go.

RELATED: Best duffle bags

There are tons to consider: design, warranty, overall quality (zippers, wheels, handles) and then, of course, optimal interior space that meets both your needs and airline requirements. We considered it all and bring you our list of the best luggage brands for carry-ons, checked bags and more.

Going on a plane for a *really* long time? Check out our guide to the best long flight essentials for more shopping.

Best Overall: Monos

Let us introduce you to Monos, the luggage brand that transformed our travel experience. With its sleek, minimalist design and premium materials, Monos luggage isn’t just functional — it’s a style statement. Every trip feels effortless with Monos; its lightweight construction and smooth-gliding wheels make navigating everything from airports to cobblestone streets a breeze. Plus, the attention to detail and durability ensure that our belongings stay safe and secure no matter where we go.

We tested the Check-In Large Suitcase ($355) and found it to be smooth to maneuver and surprisingly lightweight with ample packing space and flexibility for overpacking. Seriously — it’s already a huge suitcase, but the way it’s able to flex around a mound of items within it to effortlessly zip closed is nothing short of amazing.

The Post Wanted team also tested the Monos Backpack ($180) and continue to love its performance. “I immediately fell in love with the color and material, opting for the brown vegan leather,” Sophie Cannon, associate manager of commerce strategy and development, shared in her standalone review. “The bag felt soft, like I like my leather to be, but the actual structure of the bag was stiff enough to stand up on it’s own while I packed. It also felt supportive and protective enough for my belongings, including a padded laptop sleeve and zipper pockets that felt secure.”

Best Budget: Amazon

Amazon’s luggage selection is like stepping into a traveler’s paradise. From affordable carry-ons to luxurious suitcases, they offer an extensive range of options to suit every budget and style. What we love most is the convenience of shopping from home and having our luggage delivered straight to our doorstep. With Amazon, we can browse through countless reviews and find the perfect travel companion without ever leaving our couch. Brands include Amazon Basics, Samsonite, American Tourister, and more.

We tested the Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner ($75) and found it to be durable and easy to maneuver. The orange hue was never difficult to spot in baggage claims, but it wasn’t as chic a carry-on as would be ideal. Be it because of the color or the finish, scuffs were minor and, on some trips, didn’t even seem to happen.

Best Splurge: Rimowa

Luxury meets functionality with Rimowa, the luggage brand favored by discerning travelers worldwide. From its iconic grooved design to its lightweight yet durable construction, Rimowa luggage exudes sophistication in every detail. Traveling with Rimowa isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s about embarking on a journey in style. With its unmatched craftsmanship and timeless elegance, Rimowa luggage has become an essential part of our travel repertoire.

We tried the Essential Sleeve Cabin Carry-On ($1,050) and found it to be our absolute go-to for how smoothly it rolls, how easy it is to lift, how convenient the removable interior dividers are, how chic its appearance is, and how helpful the outside sleeve is (which all but replaced our need for another personal item). And we swear it’s what got us into a lounge once without having to pay a fee…lucky charm or status symbol?

Best Organization: Solgaard

Solgaard offers the crème de la crème of luggage options and this one is our current favorite. The Carry-on Closet Suitcase can easily fit essentials, as well as those “just in case” items and is as durable as they come. Its exterior has an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, which keeps it in pristine condition in baggage claim. The interior’s patented built-in shelving system stores clothes perfectly — no stuffing or squeezing necessary. The suitcase also features an integrated USB charging port, a three-digit lock, and frictionless wheels for quiet transport. Available in nine different colors.

We were blown away by the thoughtfulness behind features like the built-in shelving system and the removable battery pack for charging devices on the go. With Solgaard, we not only travel with purpose but also with a sense of pride knowing that our luggage contributes to a greener planet.

We tried the Original Carry-On Closet ($275) and found it to be extremely helpful in the way of organization and its built-in USB charging port. It was also unique enough to be recognized easily in baggage claims and stylish enough to make its serious functionality seem like a bonus.

“Solgaard’s Carry On Closet is by far the most unique suitcase I’ve ever used,” Angela Tricarico, Decider commerce writer/reporter, shared after testing. “It’s perfect for weekend trips, but savvy packers could probably make the case work for longer trips than that, too. It’s all thanks to the Carry On Closet insert that you pack outside of the suitcase, then compress and insert into one side of the open case.”

The best part? Once you reach your destination, you can take it out an unpack in seconds, since everything is already folded neatly into a hanging organizer.

Best Carry-On: Away

Away luggage is not just about the sleek design and fashionable colors — it’s about functionality and convenience. Whether it’s the built-in USB charging ports or the thoughtfully designed interior compartments, every detail of Away luggage is crafted with the modern traveler in mind. With Away, we feel confident knowing that our luggage can keep up with our jet-setting as well as our personal style.

We tried the small Carry-On ($295) and found it to be attractive, easy to roll and lift, and we loved the ability to personalize it with our initials, which made it a cinch to find in the baggage claims (otherwise, it might be hard because of how ubiquitous Away suitcases are these days). Here’s a more in-depth review of Away luggage, too.

Lo & Sons isn’t just a luggage brand; it’s a lifestyle. Their meticulously designed bags blend fashion and function seamlessly, making them a favorite among frequent travelers like us. The clever organizational features, such as the detachable compartments and hidden pockets, have revolutionized the way we pack. What’s more, the timeless yet contemporary designs ensure that our Lo & Sons bag is always on-trend, no matter where we go. With Lo & Sons, we’re not just traveling; we’re making a statement.

We tried the O.G. 2 ($262) and found it to be yet another go-to for every trip because of its suitcase handlebar sleeve, comfortable straps, elegant appearance, ability to be stuffed to the brim, secret shoe compartment, and outer laptop sleeve. It’s got it all and is made with materials that make it last.

As seasoned travelers, we rely on TravelPro for its unmatched durability and clever organizational features. Its ample storage compartments and rugged construction ensure that our belongings stay secure, even during the most demanding journeys. With TravelPro, packing becomes a joy rather than a hassle, allowing us to embark on adventures with confidence and ease.

We tried the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Compact Carry-On Spinner ($525) and found it to be robust in construction yet lightweight enough to lift, even when full. It was also very organization-friendly with removable pouches, pockets, and dividers and lasted through 7 international trips and is still going strong.

Béis Travel, which was launched by actress Shay Mitchell in 2018, features a variety of trendy but chic luggage pieces for many different occasions and purposes. The brand offers more than just luggage; it’s a lifestyle choice for the fashion-conscious traveler. From trendy designs to thoughtful features, they’ve mastered the art of combining style and functionality. Whether it’s chic carry-ons or versatile accessories, Béis Travel has us covered. With Béis, we travel in style without breaking the bank, making every trip a fashion statement.

We tried the Medium Check-in Roller ($308) and found it to be highly organization-friendly with removable pouches and dividers as well as bags for laundry or what have you. It’s good-looking, as promised by the label’s branding, but also impressively waterproof, surviving being stranded in the rain while awaiting a train.

Additionally, The Weekender is another fan-favorite option and one we reviewed as well. “TSA with my weekender was a breeze, as I easily found my laptop in the padded pocket and removed my baggy of liquids from the main inside compartment,” Cannon noted in her standalone review. “The bag did just barely fit in the provided bins at the airport, but the bag does have little feet on the bottom and can ride on the conveyor belt alone, pending your airport’s rules.”

Best for International Travel: Tumi

Tumi, a luggage brand founded in 1975 by Charlie Clifford after a stint in the Peace Corps in Peru, has been a cult favorite for decades. The brand offers a variety of suitcase sizes ranging from weekender bags (with wheels and without) to mega-large duffle bags. Plus, they have a warranty of five years on most of their products.

Tumi’s reputation for premium quality and innovation has made it our top choice for luxury travel essentials. The exceptional durability and advanced features, such as TSA-approved locks and impact-resistant materials, offer unparalleled peace of mind on every trip. With Tumi by our side, we travel with confidence, knowing that we’re equipped with the best-in-class luggage that’s as stylish as it is functional.

We tried the Alpha Small Compact 4 Wheeled Brief ($775) and found it to be everything we needed in a roller briefcase, from its highly organized dual-layer interior to its surprisingly robust amount of space for overnight essentials. It was perfect for day trips and even commuting to the office and is clearly built to last.

“Tumi has one of the most well-made luggages I’ve used on a trip, completely taking my travel stress away,” Victoria Giardina, commerce journalist and content strategist, said after testing for a year. “The brand’s 19 Degree Extended Trip Expandable Wheeled Packing Case is spacious, comes with quality mesh pockets and is ultra-secure. While a splurge, I know it’ll last for so many years.”

Best Sets: July

Born in Melbourne, Australia — July luggage is beautiful and durable. Many of their suitcases feature a unique eggshell design to protect your goods, anodized aluminum corner bumpers to protect from hard drops, an integrated TSA lock so your contents are always secure and much more.

July’s modular design and premium craftsmanship have transformed the way we approach packing and organization. The customizable sets and intuitive features, like removable laundry bags and compression straps, adapt to our changing travel needs effortlessly. With July, we enjoy the flexibility to create our ideal travel companion, tailored to suit every destination and adventure, making each journey a personalized experience.

We tried the Carry On & Checked Set ($558) and found it to be the perfect pairing for long-haul trips. The corner bumpers made knowing the checked bag would survive even the harshest of baggage handling while the carry-on was lightweight enough to lift in aircraft cabins. The carry-on also nests perfectly into the checked bag which makes shopping trips (or storage) effortless. The hidden laundry bags were also a huge plus.

How we tested

Testing luggage brands involves several key considerations to ensure comprehensive coverage and fair evaluation. We tested one (or more) styles from each brand, typically among the brands’ best-sellers, to judge each label. Each carry-on, checked bag, or duffle was tested on at least 2 trips over the past 6 years. Here’s a breakdown of our testing criteria during those trips:

• Wear and Tear: Does it scuff easily? How well does it protect its contents? How durable is the handle? Can it be overstuffed regularly?
• User Experience: How easy is it to carry, roll, or maneuver? Does it have special features that make travel easier?
• Style: Does it look good? Does it have a unique, classic, or basic look?
• Longevity: Is it built to last? Are its materials durable?

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

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