Best Checked Luggage for Travelers in 2024 reviewed

Key Features:
Size: 25” x 18” x 11”
Weight: 7.3 lbs

First up, this luggage is extremely light. How light, you might ask? Well, it's lighter than the majority of carry-on suitcases available in the market. Its 0.5 lbs lighter than its predecessor in the same series. This is a huge plus considering that the Maxlite 5 also feels quite sturdy. You also have padding at the base that gives you some crash protection.

The wheels on this model are not as good as the MagnaTrac wheels on the Platinum series, but they still roll quite well on a variety of surfaces. No durability issues with respect to the wheels were reported, but replacement parts can also be found with relative ease, which is a pro for us.

The main telescopic handle, or the Powerscope Lite handle as Travelpro calls it, is another difference between the current model and its predecessor. The Powerscope Lite has multiple stop points at 38" and 42.5," making it more comfortable to use. The handle also features a contoured design with rubberized touch points, which give you much better grip when you maneuver.

The outside is made from a polyester fabric that offers good stain-resistance and water-repellency. The interiors are pretty basic but provide plenty of packing space and two tie-down straps. There is a large mesh pocket and a smaller pouch inside for organizing your belongings, as well as an easy-access pouch outside for items you need to grab quickly. The only downside with the Maxlite 5 is that it offers very little protection against violent impact if you happen to have fragile items. The overall structure is not as sturdy as some bags, like the B&R or hardside cases.

The available warranty is also a bit better with Travelpro with their limited lifetime warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship and a one-year trusted companion promise that even covers damage caused by airlines. As part of the companion promise, the company also takes care of shipping costs in case the luggage needs to be shipped to a Travelpro facility for repair.

Finally, the reason we chose the 25" over the 29" option is that you can still pack a substantial amount for a 1-2 week trip in the 25". The packing volume ensures that you won't exceed standard airline weight limits, even when you expand it. The 29" variant is just as good if you require more space or would like to travel for longer.

Key Features:
100% Polycarbonate make with Nylon lining
Size: 29” x 19.5 x 12.5 inches
Weight: 12 pounds
3-dial combination lock
Available in 6 colours

It’s not often a hardside suitcase is expandable, and the Delsey is one of the few that are. It can be expanded by two inches. It also comes with numerous helpful features, like locks, a zippered divider, and more. The Delsey looks stunning aesthetically and its excellent build quality makes it a durable option, too.

The things we didn’t like are pretty common to most hardsides, particularly their tendency to accumulate scratches on the surface. The build quality of the wheels is very good and can handle some rough conditions. Size wise, you should have no issues passing airline requirements, despite the suitcase not being the lightest option around. This model also comes with a 10-year limited warranty, which is a plus.

Key Features:
Size: 20 x 10.5 x 28 inches
Weight: 10.9 lbs

While the CX compression-expansion system gets all the attention with the Baseline series, the construction quality is what really makes this suitcase one of the best (if not THE best) on the market. The 1600D ballistic nylon exterior with a lightweight fiberglass frame makes this an impressively durable product. The Baseline will last you many years---it’s built to resist wear and abrasion and to maintain structural integrity.

The CX compression-expansion system is very unique, allowing you to expand your luggage by 26%, pack more stuff in, and then compress it back to its original size. The interiors are even more impressive with a lot of packing space and a garment bag that can hold 1-2 suits easily. You can easily pack many weeks’ worth of clothing with ease. The handle’s location on the outside rather than the inside of the case facilitates the Baseline’s packing space.

The handle is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, a top-of-the-line variety, and you can really feel the difference when you move around with this suitcase. It can also be adjusted to four different heights, making it comfortable for both taller and smaller travelers. Despite being a two-wheeled model, it doesn’t tip over at all. It does roll well but can be hard to move sideways around tight corners at times.

So, why isn’t everyone owning the Baseline? It’s a bit on the pricier side, for one, but it is built to last you a decade and much more.

Key Features

Size: 25" x 18" x 11.25" (case)  ,28" x 18.5" x 11.75" (overall)
Weight: 9.8 lbs
Available in 4 colors (we recommend the grey)

The Platinum Elite is another fantastic option for frequent flyers, business travelers & those who simply want to buy 1 suitcase and be done with it. The interiors are fairly spacious with a capacity of 97L so you can fit a week's worth of clothing extremely easily. There is a larger 29" variant available for those who want to travel longer than a couple of weeks. Both come with a fold-out suiter, pockets for toiletries and other accessories, and a mesh style tie-down system so that your clothes don't wrinkle.

The exterior is very impressive with genuine leather detailing along the handles and front-facing zipper. The suitcase is mainly made from high-density nylon and has a Duraguard coating which makes it resistant to abrasions and stains. The Platinum Elite makes use of SUPRA zippers instead of the YKK found on many other models. The SUPRA zipper heads we found to be just as good as the YKKs. You have a couple of front pockets to store items for easy access. This suitcase also comes with an inbuilt TSA lock.

The powerscope handle has 4 stop heights( 36", 38", 40", 42.5") which makes it quite comfortable for many different scenarios. The leather handles which are present on the top & the sides, also feel extremely sturdy despite being bolted down with just 1 screw on either side instead of 2.

The wheels on the Travelpro are definitely one of its strongest selling points. The self-aligning MagnaTrac wheels definitely fare much better than any others we've seen. The MagnaTrac wheels essentially realign themselves every time so you can move your suitcase in any direction effortlessly. They roll smoothly on multiple surfaces and are certainly built to last.

Overall, the combination of exemplary build quality, competitive price & an excellent lifetime warranty makes the Platinum Elite an option you simply cannot ignore. The only drawback was that the Platinum Elite is a bit on the heavier side. It weighs 9.8lbs when empty and this is more akin to other 29" models. As a result, it can be quite easy to hit the 50-pound weight limit. (subject to your preferred packing style/ items) This is the only real concern for us with respect to the Platinum Elite. It's also important to note that you need to register your suitcase within 120 days of purchase to take full advantage of the trusted companion promise associated with the warranty.

Key Features:
Size: 28” x 20” x 13.25”
Weight: ~10.96 lbs
Available in 5 colors

The Winfield 3 DLX certainly has some big shoes to fill when it comes to replacing the ever popular Samsonite Winfield 2. The newer version does retain the superior build quality & fabulous aesthetics. The zippers, locks, wheels we found to be of extremely high quality. The zippers are sturdy and they don't tear off easily. 

Made from 100% polycarbonate the Winfield 3 is extremely sturdy. The textured exterior facilitates better abrasion resistance and scratch marks are not very readily visible. This is something that the newer model does better. This spinner does roll well on most surfaces too.

Weightwise, both the Winfield 2 and 3 are quite similar & light for its size. You can expand this suitcase by 1.5" too. A trait that is similar to the Delsey. You are definitely not left wanting in terms of packing room that is for sure. 

A downside with the Winfield 3 is that the handle can be flimsy, which is not great considering that hard shells can get very heavy when full. Some buyers did mention an issue whereby the thread on the interior lining comes loose. Overall, as far as hard-sided suitcases go, the Samsonite Winfield 3 is definitely one of the more fashionable and functional suitcases on the market today. It's also a slight improvement on its predecessor. 

Key Features:
Size: 25.25 x 18.0 x 9.5 inches (packing), 28.5 x 19.0 x 11.5 inches (Overall)
Weight: 8.9 pounds
Available in 3 colors

The interiors are quite thoughtfully designed with small pockets for stashing your tickets and papers. There is a USB-A charging port (Only on the carry-on version) but we did not find it particularly useful. Most modern devices also have switched to USB type C too! (Many buyers shared the same opinion) 

The spinner wheels roll upright, meaning you don’t experience too much pressure on your shoulder or arms. They are sturdy & roll well even on tricky pavements. We are definitely a fan of the twin wheel design. You have a standard mesh section & a compartment for toiletries too. The smart fix buckles that keep the tie-down straps out of the way when packing are handy. 

There's quite a lot of packing room especially if you plan on going for extended trips.you can also get these a set if you prefer multiple sizes. The Solyte's feels much sturdier & elegantly designed when you compare it to previous generation samsonite cases like the Xlite which preceded this on our list. Everything from the handles to zippers feel sturdy which makes it well worth the price tag. 

Key Features:
Size: 28 x 20.9 x 13.4 inches
Weight: 10.71 lbs
Available in 3 colors
Expands 2"

Traveling as a family? Like to minimize the amount of luggage you take? The Werks 6.0 is one way to do that.

The construction quality on the 6.0 (which replaces its predecessor the werks traveler 5.0) on our list is simply exemplary. This case is 1” larger than its predecessor but weighs almost the same. The 6.0 makes use of YKK self-cleaning RC coil zippers. The Ballistic Nylon on the outside is tough, abrasion & water resistant. The finish along the seams & stitching are fantastic. Even with the presence of a large front pocket and 2 smaller pockets on the outside, this is by far one of the better-looking cases in the market.

The external handle can lock into position at 3 heights, there is a TSA lock and padded side handles all of which is a given with top of the line suitcases. A feature we found particularly intriguing was the hidden ID tray in the handle bezel that also has room for a pen & a sim card replacement tool. The wheels are also a unique feature as they make use of Lisof silent tires and roll effortlessly.

The interiors bare the same rich premium aesthetics as the exterior with Victorinox’s pack more system in place. The x-shaped compression straps are fairly standard. The removable suiter is sure to come in handy for those traveling on business. Despite the presence of the pack more cube, the suiter 7 2 mesh pockets there is a lot of packing space inside making this a great option for those who want to travel for extended periods.

This is quite a pricey suitcase, though, especially when you consider that the warranty only covers airline damage for the first year, after which it becomes a limited warranty for the next 9. (Visit the Victorinox website for the specifics) While its sheer size can be a bonus for some, we found that it's pretty easy to go over the weight limit after expansion when it’s fully packed.

Key Features:
Size: 19.5” x 11.5” x 29”
Weight: 11 pounds
Nylon and polyester material

The biggest plus about the BRX is that it has a lifetime warranty; it’s not often that warranties cover airline damage, but this one sure does. When you factor in the price, for a frequent flyer, this could turn out to be quite a bargain in the long run. It is quite feature-packed on the inside with high-quality interiors and compartments for papers, toiletries, and more.  Not many suitcases out there are as roomy as the Briggs & Riley BRX, with a whopping 100L capacity. This is facilitated by the handle’s location on the outside of the bag.

The expansion system on this suitcase is much more straightforward and does not employ the CX system found on other B&Rs. Another difference from the Baseline is that, while it is also abrasion-resistant, it does not have the same fiberglass structure to help maintain its shape. Despite the frame differences, the zipper and handle quality is as impressive as that of the Baseline series and it certainly is built to last.

While it is packed with helpful features for a check-in bag, it does come at a high price. Another con is that the case has a rather flimsy feel. B&R’s attempt to make the luggage as light as possible probably resulted in some flimsiness in parts like the wheels and the handle. Aesthetically, hardly any suitcases even come close to the BRX shown here. In short, this is a fabulous suitcase for those who like to travel long-term and would like a warranty that covers airline damage as well.

Key Features:
Size: 28" x 14" x 14"
Weight: 8.97 lbs
Capacity: 80L

If you like spending 2-3 weeks exploring the Outback, backpacking through Europe, or going on a safari in Africa, this would be a great choice. To say that this bag is "feature packed" would be an understatement. Let's start with the base, the high-road chassis offers good clearance and the extra large 4.25" wheels make sure this bag can handle everything from airport carpets to mud-laden gravel roads. The base is fairly wide and provides some level of stability but the bag does tend to tip over especially if the heavier items are not packed right at the bottom.

This wheeled luggage is fairly light for its size thanks to an aluminum frame. The main handle is also made from Aluminum and is fairly easy to operate. Some buyers mentioned that it doesn't extend well enough for taller people. The inside has a good amount of packing space for an extended trip and compression straps to keep your items secure. While there aren't too many pockets on the outside, there are plenty of mesh pockets on the inside to store different items like toiletries and stay organized.

The construction quality is what ensured the Sojourn had to be on our list. The design is well thought out. There is a zippered pocket for quick access items at the top & padded handles on the bottom and the top. The Sojourn is made mainly from 420D Nylon with the Accent's fabric being 1680D Ballistic Nylon. A combination that ensures that the Sojourn is well equipped for rugged terrain & tough conditions.

Another highlight is that the Osprey Sojourn is a convertible. There is a padded air mesh in the hip belt & a mesh in the back area so you have good stability when carrying heavier loads and a level of comfort during hotter conditions. While not mentioned as being expandable, you do have the option of removing the suspension elements at the back to gain even more packing space should the need arise.

Finally, with respect to the price, the Sojourn will set you back a bit more than some of our earlier picks but its versatility and Osprey's claim to repair any damage of any defect for any reason free of charge is what really makes this a more than worthwhile investment. You can read more about Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee here.

Key Features:
Size: 29" x 17" x 12"
Weight: 7.82 pounds
Available in 2 colors

The exterior is not too fancy with a basic but large easy access zippered section. The AmazonBasics soft side rolls surprisingly smoothly as noted by a number of buyers. The 2 main positives we noted were to do with its weight and packing space. Thanks to the simple fabric lined interior & upper mesh section you can pack a lot in here.

The concern with having too much packing space at times is that you can go overweight but that’s an uphill task given that the AmazonBasics Spinner weighs a mere 7.8 pounds. While the AmazonBasics even gives the Travelpro Maxlite a run for its money in the weight department it can leave you wanting in others.

While the quality control is reasonably okay its long term durability is the main question mark for us. The 150D polyester and the lining we thought could be better. This luggage doesn’t offer you too much by way of impact protection either. The case can also expand by 1 to 2 inches, not the 25% mentioned. (many buyers mentioned this as well)

Despite a mixture of pros & some cons in our eyes, the price & weight combination makes the AmazonBasics one you simply cannot ignore. (Especially if your 2 main criteria are “economical” & “super light”)