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Best Luggage Brands of 2025: 19 Suitcase Companies We Trust

From Affordable Favorites to Luxury Icons, These Luggage Brands Go the Distance

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Here's the thing about luggage: some suitcases look incredible in photos but fall apart the second a baggage handler gets their hands on them. Others are built like tanks but cost as much as the flight itself. We've spent way too many hours researching the best luggage brands across every price point—yes, from the $50 Amazon Basics specials to the $1,500 Rimowa status symbols—to figure out which ones actually hold up. Whether you need the best carry on suitcase for frequent flights or best travel luggage for annual vacations, the right brand depends on how often you travel and what you're willing to spend.

Here are the 19 best luggage brands 2025 has to offer:

  1. Samsonite – Best overall luggage brand
  2. Travelpro – Best for flight crews and frequent travelers
  3. Briggs & Riley – Best lifetime warranty
  4. Away – Best direct-to-consumer brand
  5. Monos – Best minimalist design
  6. Rimowa – Best luxury luggage
  7. Tumi – Best for business travelers
  8. Delsey Paris – Best French heritage brand
  9. Calpak – Best for colorful styles
  10. Amazon Basics – Best budget-friendly option
  11. Eagle Creek – Best for adventure travel
  12. Osprey – Best backpack-luggage hybrid
  13. American Tourister – Best for families
  14. July – Best Australian design
  15. Solgaard – Best eco-innovative features
  16. Béis – Best influencer-designed luggage
  17. Victorinox – Best Swiss engineering
  18. Ricardo – Best Canadian value
  19. Arlo Skye – Best luxury carry-on

All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.

December 8, 2025

Written By:Allison Wall

Product Expert:Brittany Brainard

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01

Samsonite – Best Overall Luggage Brand

Samsonite has been around since 1910, which in luggage years basically makes them ancient. But here's why they're still one of the top luggage brands: they've figured out how to deliver solid quality without charging Rimowa prices. While all the trendy direct-to-consumer brands have been quietly raising their prices year after year, Samsonite's stayed pretty consistent. You can still snag a decent carry-on for $150-$200, which feels almost quaint in 2025.

The Omni 2 and Freeform lines are where we'd start. Both feature scratch-resistant shells (huge if you're tired of your black suitcase looking beat up after one trip), smooth spinner wheels, and expandable zippers that give you extra space when you inevitably overbuy souvenirs. Plus, their selection is massive. Want hot pink? They've got it. Need a 32-inch monster for moving abroad? Also got it. Samsonite doesn't do minimalist Instagram aesthetics, but they do reliable bags that won't let you down.

Best for: Literally anyone who wants dependable luggage without drama  

Price range: $100-$400

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02

Travelpro – Best for Frequent Travelers

If you've ever noticed that flight attendants all seem to use the same luggage, it's probably Travelpro. The brand was literally started by a pilot (Bob Plath) in 1987, and he invented the whole concept of a rolling suitcase with an extendable handle. Wild that this wasn't always a thing, right?

Flight crews still use Travelpro religiously, which tells you everything about durability. The Platinum Elite line has these self-aligning magnetic wheels that somehow stay smooth even after you've dragged your bag through hundreds of airports. The Maxlite series is shockingly lightweight without feeling cheap or flimsy, which is kind of a miracle for softside luggage.

Travelpro isn't going to win any Instagram aesthetic awards—these bags look professional and understated, not trendy. But they have exterior pockets for easy access (underrated!), smart expandability, and lifetime warranties on the premium collections. When your bag is still rolling smoothly after five years of heavy use while your friend's expensive Away has a wonky wheel, you'll get it.

Best for: People who fly a lot and want luggage that lasts  

Price range: $100-$700

03

Briggs & Riley – Best Lifetime Warranty

Briggs & Riley's warranty is honestly kind of insane. It's not one of those "lifetime warranties" with a million asterisks and exceptions. Their Simple As That® policy literally covers everything—including airline damage, which most brands specifically exclude—for as long as you own the bag. No receipt needed, no purchase date interrogation, just "your bag is broken, we'll fix it." You can even get it repaired anywhere in the world, which matters if you're not trying to ship your suitcase back to corporate HQ from Barcelona.

The bags themselves back up the warranty confidence. Their CX compression-expansion system is genuinely clever: expand the bag when you need more space, then compress it back down so it still fits overhead. The ballistic nylon construction can take a beating, the wheels roll smoothly, and everything feels thoughtfully designed rather than just feature-stuffed.

At $400-$900, these aren't cheap. But if you travel more than a few times a year, the math starts making sense. Buy a $200 bag every two years, or buy one Briggs & Riley that lasts forever? The Baseline collection is classic and professional; the Torq line is sleeker and more modern. Both are bulletproof.

Best for: Frequent travelers ready to invest in one really good bag  

Price range: $400-$900

04

Away – Best Direct-To-Consumer Brand

Away basically invented the whole "Instagram-famous luggage" category when Jen Rubio and Steph Korey launched in 2015. Suddenly everyone had the same sleek suitcase in dusty rose or navy, and honestly? The hype was mostly deserved. These bags look great, but they're also legitimately well-made.

The shells are polycarbonate, so they hold up to baggage handlers without looking destroyed after three trips. The interior compression system seriously helps you pack more efficiently (not just marketing fluff). The 100-day trial removes the usual "am I really going to like this expensive suitcase?" anxiety, and the lifetime warranty backs up their quality claims.

Their Bigger Carry-On is one of the best carry on suitcase options if you want maximum overhead bin space while staying under airline limits. The company discontinued their ejectable battery feature (RIP, thanks to shifting airline regulations), but the bags are still excellent without it.

Prices run about $200-$700, which isn't exactly cheap but also isn't Rimowa territory. If you want something that looks good and works well without going full luxury, Away delivers.

Best for: People who care about aesthetics but also want their stuff to work properly  

Price range: $200-$700

05

Monos – Best Minimalist Design

Canadian design meets Japanese engineering with Monos, and somehow it all works. The brand launched in 2018 and immediately won over the minimalist aesthetic crowd—think clean lines, vegan leather details, and a color palette that doesn't scream "airport baggage claim."

What really matters beyond looks: these polycarbonate shells are light. Like, noticeably lighter than a lot of competitors, which helps when airlines are strict about weight limits. They use Hinomoto wheels from Japan, and the difference is real when you're speed-walking to your gate. Everything just glides.

The Carry-On Pro has a front laptop pocket that'll make you wonder why more brands don't do this. No more digging through your entire bag at security. Monos offers a 100-day trial, too, so you can take a few trips before deciding if you're keeping it. Among good luggage brands in 2025, Monos strikes the best balance between design and functionality. Prices run $250-$425. Definitely not budget territory, but you're getting quality that competes with brands charging twice as much.

Best for: Design lovers who want something sleek without going full luxury  

Price range: $250-$700

06

Rimowa – Best Luxury Luggage

You know those grooved aluminum suitcases that look like they cost a month's rent? That's Rimowa. The German brand has been at it since 1898, and when LVMH bought them in 2017, it confirmed what everyone already knew: this is luxury luggage, full stop.

Their Original line uses aluminum construction that's built to outlast you. Heavy? Yes. Worth it if you want something that'll survive decades of travel? Also yes. The Essential line offers the same grooved aesthetic in polycarbonate, which is lighter and slightly less "I'm carrying a small fortune through the airport." Both come with lifetime warranties.

Let's talk prices. The Original Cabin starts around $1,425. The Essential Cabin runs about $950. Larger checked bags can easily hit $1,800. This isn't luggage—it's an investment piece and a flex. If you fly constantly and want something that makes a statement while lasting forever, Rimowa delivers. Just don't look at the price tag too long.

Best for: First-class travelers who view luggage as an investment piece and status symbol  

Price range: $700-$1,800+

07

Tumi – Best for Business Travelers

Walk through any airport business lounge and count the Tumi bags. The brand has been the go-to for business travel since 1975, mostly because their ballistic nylon is nearly impossible to destroy. We're talking military-grade fabric that laughs at baggage handlers.

Organization is where Tumi really shines. The Alpha collection has more pockets and compartments than you knew luggage could have. Laptop sleeve? Obviously. Separate shoe compartment? Got it. Random small pocket for charging cables? Somehow yes. Everything expands when you need extra space, which is clutch when you're bringing back stuff from a business trip.

They also run this tracer program where each bag has a unique number. Lose your suitcase, and whoever finds it can help return it to you. Prices range from $700 for carry-ons up to $1,500 for the full-size options. The Alpha line is classic business professional; the Continental collection skews more modern and casual. Either way, you're getting bags built for people who basically live in airports.

Best for: Business travelers and professionals who need serious organization  

Price range: $700-$1,500

08

Delsey Paris – Best French Heritage Brand

Delsey has been making luggage in France since 1946, and they've figured out how to make hardside bags that don't look generic. Their Chatelet collection is proof—vintage-inspired design with leather details and colors like champagne and chocolate instead of the usual black or navy everyone else does.

The Helium Aero line goes completely different direction. Ultra-lightweight, modern, perfect if you're trying to stay under airline weight limits without sacrificing durability. Both collections feature expandable zippers that truly give you useful extra space and double-spinner wheels that maneuver better than cheaper alternatives.

Delsey's real strength is balancing weight and build quality. These bags feel substantial without being heavy, which sounds impossible but somehow they pull it off. For travelers searching for the best travel luggage with European sophistication, Delsey delivers without the luxury price tag. Prices run $150-$400 depending on size and collection. That puts them below Away and Monos territory but noticeably more refined than standard Samsonite. Good value if you want European design sensibility without the European luxury pricing.

Best for: Travelers who appreciate European design and want lightweight bags  

Price range: $120-$450

09

CALPAK – Best for Colorful Styles

If your suitcase needs to be an Instagram moment, you will love CALPAK. The LA-based brand has been around since 2008 but really took off when they started doing collaboration collections—think Disney characters, floral patterns, and colors that aren't variations of black and gray.

Their Hue and Ambeur collections are wildly popular, and for good reason. Bright colors, fun patterns, actual personality. But they're not just pretty faces—these bags have compression systems, expandable zippers, and TSA-approved locks like any other decent suitcase. The hardside shells hold up well, and the spinner wheels work smoothly even when you've loaded the bag to capacity.

Prices typically fall between $150-$350, which feels reasonable for what you're getting. This is leisure travel luggage through and through. Not trying to be business professional, not gunning for minimalist chic. Just fun, functional bags that make you smile when you see them on the carousel. Perfect for vacations, terrible for corporate client meetings.

Best for: Leisure travelers who want personality and aren't afraid of color  

Price range: $150-$350

10

Amazon Basics – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Look, sometimes you just need a suitcase and don't want to spend $300. Amazon Basics delivers exactly that: no-frills hardside luggage that costs $50-$120 and does the job. You get spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and basic expandability. Nothing fancy, nothing Instagram-worthy, just a decent suitcase.

The quality is... fine. These aren't going to last ten years of heavy travel, but they're also not supposed to. Think of them as starter luggage or backup bags. The shells scratch easily and the wheels aren't as smooth as premium brands, but for occasional travel or budget-conscious students, they work.

Luggage through Prime means you can get one delivered fast, which matters when you suddenly need luggage for a trip next week. The hardside spinners come in 20-inch, 24-inch, and 28-inch sizes, plus they offer some basic color options beyond black.

Expectations matter here. Don't compare these to Away or Samsonite—they're not competing in that category. But if you travel twice a year and need good luggage brands that won't break the bank, Amazon Basics handles it.

Best for: Budget travelers, students, occasional trips, or backup bags  

Price range: $50-$120, look for an Amazon promo to get the price even lower

11

Eagle Creek – Best for Adventure Travel

Eagle Creek makes luggage for people who travel rough. Founded in 1975, they specialize in gear that can handle outdoor adventures, not just polished airport terminals. Their No Matter What lifetime warranty backs up that durability claim—they'll repair or replace anything, no questions asked.

The Cargo Hauler series is legendary among adventure travelers. Convertible duffels that transform between backpack mode and wheeled mode, weather-resistant materials that don't care about rain or dirt, and construction that survives getting tossed onto safari trucks or river boats. The Expanse collection offers more traditional wheeled luggage but with the same rugged build quality.

These bags also have gear loft organizational systems that are game changers for adventure packing—separate compartments for dirty clothes, shoes, and wet gear. Not the sleek minimalist design you'd take to a business meeting, but exactly what you want when you're hiking between hostels or exploring remote areas.

Prices run $200-$850 depending on size and style. Cheaper than premium business luggage, more durable than fashion-forward brands. If your trips involve more trails than terminals, Eagle Creek ranks among the best travel luggage for adventure seekers.

Best for: Adventure travelers, outdoor trips, anyone who travels to rough terrain  

Price range: $200-$850

12

Osprey – Best Backpack-Luggage Hybrid

Osprey built their reputation making technical hiking backpacks, so when they entered the luggage category, they brought that outdoor expertise with them. The result? Convertible bags that work as backpacks when you need them and wheeled luggage when you don't.

Their Fairpoint and Farview collections are genius for certain types of travelers. Cobblestone streets in Europe? Use it as a backpack. Smooth airport floors? Deploy the wheels. The suspension systems come straight from their hiking packs, so wearing these actually feels comfortable even when fully loaded.

The All Mighty Guarantee is their version of a lifetime warranty, and like everything Osprey does, it's comprehensive. Break something, they'll fix or replace it. The bags themselves use durable materials that handle abuse well—think weather-resistant fabrics and reinforced stress points.

Running between $200-$500, these aren't cheap. But you're paying for versatility. Backpackers who occasionally need wheels, travelers hopping between cities and hiking trails, digital nomads who can't decide between a backpack and a suitcase—Osprey solves that dilemma. Traditional roller luggage? Go elsewhere. Multi-modal travel? This is your brand.

Best for: Backpackers who need wheels, adventure travelers, versatile trip styles  

Price range: $200-$500

13

American Tourister – Best for Families

American Tourister is Samsonite's fun younger sibling—same parent company since 1933, but with way more personality. Where Samsonite plays it safe with professional designs, American Tourister goes for playful patterns, bright colors, and whimsical prints that even kids get excited about.

The Moonlight and Stratum collections offer solid hardside construction at family-friendly prices. We're talking $80-$200 for bags that include TSA-approved locks, spinner wheels, and enough durability to survive family vacations. The shells aren't as scratch-resistant as pricier brands, but at this price point, you're not crying when your kid drags it across a parking lot.

They make dedicated kids' luggage too, with characters and designs that make packing less of a battle. Disney collaborations, superhero themes, the works. For family travel where you need multiple bags without spending a fortune, American Tourister delivers. Just don't expect luxury features or lifetime warranties—you're getting good value, not premium quality.

Best for: Families, kids' luggage, budget-conscious leisure travel  

Price range: $80-$200

14

July – Most Sophisticated Design

July came out of Australia in 2018 with a simple pitch: luggage that looks good and works better. Their "suitcase that follows you" marketing is a bit much, but the bags themselves are genuinely well-designed.

What really stands out: the internal organization is smarter than most competitors. Compression boards that keep everything flat, built-in garment folders, compartments that make sense. The 360° Japanese wheels are noticeably smooth, and the color palette (think sage, sand, navy) feels more sophisticated than the usual black-or-bust options.

They offer a lifetime warranty, which is solid considering prices run $225-$395. The Carry On and Checked sizes both maximize space while staying within airline limits. July has that modern direct-to-consumer vibe—clean aesthetic, thoughtful features, prices that aren't cheap but feel justified.

The bags photograph beautifully, which matters if you care about that sort of thing. But they also function well in actual use, which matters more. As one of the best luggage brands 2025 has to offer, July balances gift-worthy design with real practicality. Australia might be far from most of us, but their luggage ships worldwide and arrives ready to impress.

Best for: Modern travelers who want smart organization and clean design  

Price range: $225-$395

15

Solgaard – Best Eco-Innovative Features

Solgaard takes sustainability and adds tech, which sounds gimmicky until you see what they're actually doing. The brand pulls plastic waste from coastlines and oceans, then turns it into luggage. Their shore-to-sky mission is legit, not just marketing fluff.

The Carry-On Closet is their standout product, and it's genuinely different. Built-in shelving system that keeps clothes organized and wrinkle-free, solar-powered USB charging on some models, modular compartments that make sense. It's like they asked "how can we innovate luggage?" and meant it.

Materials are all upcycled ocean plastic, which you can feel good about, but the bags also need to work well. They do. Durable construction, smooth wheels, expandable designs. Prices run $250-$400, sitting in that mid-premium range where you're getting both eco-credentials and functional quality.

Best for: Eco-travelers, tech enthusiasts, anyone who loves smart organization  

Price range: $250-$400, but you can snag some extra savings with our Solgaard promo codes

16

Béis – Best Influencer-Designed Luggage

Shay Mitchell launched Béis in 2018, and it immediately became the luggage brand for people who organize their lives via Instagram stories. But here's the surprising part: these bags actually have features that make sense beyond looking good in photos.

The built-in weight indicator is genuinely genius. A small display shows red when you're over airline limits, saving you from surprise fees at check-in. The glossy and matte finish options both photograph beautifully and wipe clean easily. Everything expands an extra two inches when you need space, and the interior includes compression straps plus a separate dirty laundry pouch.

Their Carry-On Roller runs around $200-$270 depending on which collection you choose. Check our BEIS discount codes for current deals before buying.

The influencer angle could easily feel gimmicky, but Béis delivers actual functionality. These bags work for organizational obsessives who also want their luggage to look current. Not business professional, definitely trendy, surprisingly practical. The weight indicator alone justifies considering them.

Best for: Trendy travelers, organizational enthusiasts, people who Instagram their packing  

Price range: $200-$370

17

Victorinox – Best Swiss Engineering

The Swiss Army knife people make luggage, and yes, they bring that same precision engineering to suitcases. Victorinox has been around since 1884, so they know a thing or two about building stuff that lasts.

Their bags feature expandable technology that actually works smoothly—not the janky zippers some brands use. Quality standards are noticeably high, from the materials to the construction details. The Spectra 3.0 and Werks Traveler collections both have that understated professional look that works for business travel without being boring.

These aren't flashy bags. No bold colors, no Instagram-bait designs. Just well-made luggage that does its job reliably. The multi-functional features make sense rather than feeling tacked on, and everything feels built to withstand years of use.

Prices sit between $250-$600, landing them in the premium category. You're paying for Swiss quality standards and durability that matches their knife reputation. Among top luggage brands for 2025, Victorinox appeals to travelers who appreciate craftsmanship over trends and want luggage that'll outlast cheaper alternatives.

Best for: Quality-focused travelers, business professionals, Swiss precision admirers  

Price range: $250-$600

18

Ricardo – Best Canadian Value

Ricardo has been making luggage in Canada since 1956, and they've mastered the art of offering premium features at mid-range prices. Their 10-year limited warranty is longer than most brands in this price category, which tells you something about build confidence.

The Aileron and Seahaven collections deliver both hardside and softside options with solid construction that punches above its price point. You're getting quality materials, smooth-rolling wheels, and thoughtful organizational features without paying luxury brand premiums.

Canadian heritage matters here—the brand understands durability requirements for serious travel while keeping prices accessible. These bags look professional without trying too hard, function reliably, and last longer than you'd expect for $150-$400.

Ricardo doesn't chase trends or influencer collaborations. They just make dependable luggage that represents good value. For budget-conscious travelers who still want quality, or Canadians supporting local brands, Ricardo checks the boxes. Not exciting, not trendy, just solid bags that do their job well.

Best for: Budget-conscious quality seekers, Canadians supporting local  

Price range: $150-$400

19

Arlo Skye – Best Luxury Carry-On

Arlo Skye launched in 2016 targeting the luxury carry-on-only traveler, and fashion magazines immediately took notice. Vogue, GQ, all the usual suspects featured these bags because they photograph beautifully.

What makes them different: the front pocket on a hardside bag. Sounds simple, but having quick laptop access on a polycarbonate shell is rare and incredibly useful. The aluminum frame option feels substantial and premium, while the polycarbonate versions offer the same design at slightly lower weight. Leather accents and designer collaborations position these firmly in the fashion category.

Prices run $450-$795, putting Arlo Skye in luxury territory below Rimowa but well above most direct-to-consumer brands. The Carry-On and The Frame are both bestsellers, maxing out overhead bin space while maintaining that sleek aesthetic.

These bags are investments for people who care deeply about design and only travel with only a carry-on. The editorial appeal is real—you'll see them in magazine travel spreads and on influencer feeds. But they're also legitimately well-made with thoughtful features. If you're looking for the best carry on suitcase with luxury credentials, Arlo Skye delivers minimalism that actually functions, not just looks good in photos.

Best for: Luxury minimalists, fashion insiders, dedicated carry-on travelers  

Price range: $450-$795


How to Choose the Best Luggage Brand for You

Your travel habits matter way more than brand hype when choosing luggage. Someone flying twice a month needs completely different bags than someone taking one beach trip per year. Here are the things to consider before making your luggage picks.

1. Start with how often you actually travel. 

Monthly flyer? Briggs & Riley or Tumi make sense because their lifetime warranties mean something when you're racking up miles. A few trips per year? Away, Monos, or July will last you 5-10 years without costing Rimowa money. Once or twice a year? Honestly, Samsonite or American Tourister work fine and won't make you nervous about dings and scratches.

2. Think about where you're going. 

Business trips need organization—Tumi has pockets for everything, Victorinox keeps suits looking sharp. Vacation mode? Calpak and Béis bring the fun. Hiking between hostels or exploring places without smooth sidewalks? Eagle Creek and Osprey handle rough treatment. International flights with strict weight limits? Delsey Paris and Monos keep things light.

3. Hardside or softside?

This used to be a big decision, but most brands now make polycarbonate hardshells because they're tough and lightweight. Softside still wins if you need exterior pockets or want to squeeze bags into tight spaces. Travelpro does great softside if that's your preference.

4. Warranties are wildly different. 

Briggs & Riley covers literally everything—airline damage, wear and tear, whatever—no receipt required. Osprey and Eagle Creek do similar lifetime coverage. But most "lifetime warranties" exclude airline damage and normal wear, which is kind of the whole point of a warranty. Budget brands give you maybe 2-5 years. Always read what's actually covered.

5. Carry-on sizing varies more than you'd think. 

If you only do carry-on, measure your bag against your favorite airline's rules because they keep changing them. Most brands do 21-22" carry-ons, but some are pushier about those limits than others.

Pick based on your real travel life, not the one you imagine having. Be honest about trip frequency and spend accordingly.

Luggage Brands by Price

Here's how these 19 brands shake out by what they'll cost you.

Under $150

Amazon Basics and American Tourister live here. Basic spinner wheels, TSA locks, hardside shells. Nothing fancy, but they work for occasional travel. You'll probably replace them in 2-5 years, but at these prices, that's fine. Good for students or anyone who needs a backup bag yesterday.

$150-$300

Samsonite, Travelpro, Ricardo, Delsey Paris, Eagle Creek. This range gives you the most bang for your buck. Samsonite has been reliable forever. Travelpro is what flight attendants use in real life. Delsey brings style. Eagle Creek handles adventure travel. You're getting quality that lasts without paying luxury prices.

$300-$500

Away, Monos, July, Solgaard, Béis, Calpak, Osprey. All the direct-to-consumer darlings cluster here. Away started this whole category. Monos perfected the minimal look. July organized everything cleverly. Solgaard went sustainable. These brands compete on design and features, and honestly, they deliver both.

$500-$800

Briggs & Riley, Tumi, Victorinox, Arlo Skye. Now we're talking investment pieces with real warranties. If you travel 10+ times a year, spending here starts making sense. Briggs & Riley's warranty alone pays for itself over time. Tumi lasts forever. You're buying once instead of replacing cheaper bags every few years.

$800 and up

Rimowa and Tumi's fanciest stuff. That grooved aluminum Rimowa everyone recognizes? Starts around $1,000. These aren't practical purchases—they're statements. If you want luggage as a status symbol that'll outlive you, this is the tier. For everyone else, probably overkill.

Spend money on the pieces you’ll use the most. Carry-on only? Invest there. Check bags constantly? Maybe go cheaper since they take more beating anyway.

What to Look for in Quality Luggage

Some luggage features make all the difference. Others are just marketing talking points that sound good but don't change your experience.

1. Wheels are everything. 

Seriously, this makes or breaks how you feel about your suitcase. Four spinners are standard now, but quality is all over the place. Japanese Hinomoto wheels (what Monos and Away use) or Travelpro's magnetic self-aligning system will still glide smoothly after dozens of trips. Cheap plastic wheels start wobbling or cracking after a few uses. When you're speed-walking through an airport with a full bag, good wheels make a massive difference.

2. Check the zippers. 

YKK zippers are what you want—they handle snags better and last longer. Most quality brands use them. Budget brands cut costs here, and it shows fast. Double zippers with expandable sections are common now, usually giving you an extra 2 inches of space when you need it.

3. Material matters.

Polycarbonate hardshells dominate luggage now because they're light and tough. Away, Monos, Samsonite all use it. Rimowa charges extra for aluminum, which is more durable but heavier. Tumi and Travelpro still do ballistic nylon softside—it's flexible and classic but weighs more.

4. Handle considerations.

Telescoping handles seem boring until yours breaks. They should extend smoothly without wobbling. Multiple height settings help if different people use the bag. Side and top handles need reinforced stitching since you're constantly lifting bags into overhead bins.

5. Interior organization varies a lot. 

Compression straps are baseline. Better bags have laundry pouches (Béis does this), shoe pockets, garment folders (July's are good). Solgaard went all in with shelf systems. Don't pay extra for organization you won't use though, think about what makes the most sense for you. Two-inch expansion is standard but still useful—roughly 15-20% more space for souvenirs or whatever you buy on trips

6. Safety features.

Built-in TSA locks beat aftermarket ones. They just work better and TSA can open them without destroying anything.

7. Warranty fine print matters more than the headline. 

Briggs & Riley covers everything including airline damage, anywhere in the world, no receipt needed. Most brands say "lifetime" but exclude airline damage and wear, which pretty much defeats the purpose. Budget brands give you maybe 2-5 years. Actually read what's covered before assuming you're protected.

8. Weight differences add up. 

A bag weighing 7 pounds versus 9 pounds empty gives you 2 extra pounds for your stuff within airline limits. Polycarbonate typically beats aluminum and heavy nylon here.

Focus on features that match how you travel. Business travelers need pockets and organization. Adventure types need durability. Leisure travelers can go for design. Skip features you won't use.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Luggage Brands

So which brand has the best luggage? All these brands, priced from under $100 to $1,800, and the answer is still "it depends." How often do you actually travel? What's your budget? Those two questions matter more than anything else.

Frequent flyer? Briggs & Riley, Tumi, or Travelpro make sense because they're built for heavy use and have warranties that back it up. Few trips a year? Away, Monos, or Samsonite will last without breaking the bank. Rare traveler? Amazon Basics or American Tourister work fine.

Be honest about your travel reality. Match your actual trip frequency to what you spend. The right bag—whether it's $150 or $1,000—makes traveling less annoying, and that's worth something.

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