Best Products Style Travel Bags The 11 Best Checked Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Our testers raved about Samsonite's stylish Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage. By Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek Instagram Twitter Website Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design journalist with expertise in aviation, meteorology, and polar regions. She was a former editor at Architectural Digest, TripAdvisor, and ArtNews. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 3, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Others We Tested Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson A checked suitcase is a staple for all travelers, whether you're a regular heavy-duty packer or a carry-on stalwart who occasionally needs a little more room. In either case, there's no need to buy too many checked bags — invest in a single quality piece, and it should last you quite some time. Of course, narrowing down to a single pick isn't necessarily the easiest process. That's why we had our team of travel experts test 27 pieces of checked luggage to help find the best of the best. The process had us examine suitcases for capacity, maneuverability, and durability through rigorous testing that included navigating an obstacle course and hitting bags with baseball bats. We also weighed other characteristics, such as aesthetic appeal and value for money. Our top pick for the best checked luggage is the 28-inch Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage, a stylish, durable, and spacious suitcase that checks all the boxes for an essential piece of your travel kit. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Samsonite Hardside Luggage at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Kenneth Cole Reaction Hardside Suitcase at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hardside: Travelpro Check-In Expandable Hardside Spinner at Amazon Jump to Review Best Softside: SwissTech Softside Luggage at Walmart Jump to Review Best Lightweight: July Checked Bag at July.com Jump to Review Best Style: Paravel Aviator Grand at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Staying Organized: Beis Large Check-in Roller at Beistravel.com Jump to Review Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside Luggage at Amazon Jump to Review Most Durable: Roam The Check-in at Roamluggage.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Tumi Alpha 3 Packing Case at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Office Depot Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It's lightweight, durable, spacious, and stylish — what more could you ask for of a checked bag?What to Consider: The shell scuffs pretty easily, though major damage is rare. Our testers rated this hardside spinner suitcase an impressive 4.9 out of five, making it the top checked bag on our list. Working our way from the outside in, the bag has a sleek polycarbonate exterior that comes in a variety of colors. It's exceptionally durable and breezed through our strenuous testing with hardly a scratch — the polycarbonate is designed to flex slightly to absorb impacts before popping back to its original form. Our testers noted that while the bag sustained no major damage like dents or gashes, it did scuff up slightly, which was their only critique. Testers also praised the suitcase for its smooth maneuverability over a variety of surfaces, including carpet and gravel. Regarding the bag's interior, our testers praised its expandable storage system, which includes one side with a zippered mesh barrier and one side with compression straps. "The expansion and the divider are SO incredible. I use it to separate my clean clothes from worn ones as the trip goes on," wrote one of our testers. And finally, this bag falls on the lower side of the mid-market price range, making it a reasonably affordable investment. Overall, the Samsonite Winfield hit all the marks for an exceptional checked suitcase for all kinds of travelers. Price at time of publish: $310 Weight: 11.5 pounds | Dimensions: 28 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches | Expandable: Yes | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel & Leisure / Vicky Wasik Travel & Leisure / Vicky Wasik Travel & Leisure / Jhett Thompson Best Budget Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 28-Inch Hardside Suitcase 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstromrack.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It's very lightweight for a budget pick.What to Consider: Its wheels don't handle gravel well and the handle isn't long enough for taller travelers. Coming in at a price point that would even be considered affordable for a carry-on bag, this suitcase gives you the best bang for your buck. Pricing aside, the bag serves its purpose well. Our testers found the Kenneth Cole checked suitcase more than roomy enough for a week's worth of clothing — one tester even suggested this bag could be used for a one- or two-month trip. On top of that, the handle, wheels, and exterior are all well-made and durable. "My favorite feature of the luggage is how well it rolls and maneuvers around as it's very easy to take across longer airports," one tester said. "I've had many bags that don't swivel the wheels, which leads to a lot of awkward pulling and yanking as you go around." Aesthetically speaking, this is a streamlined, contemporary suitcase, though you can punch up the look by choosing a bold color like kelly green or magenta — there will be no missing your suitcase at the baggage claim. Best of all, this bag comes with a limited 10-year warranty, which is impressive for a budget pick (typically it's the more expensive bags that come with such a long period of protection). Price at time of publish: $130 Weight: 9.6 pounds | Dimensions: 29.8 x 20.5 x 11.75 inches | Expandable: No | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson Best Hardside Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Expandable Hardside Spinner 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Macy's View On Travelpro.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: It's the most easily maneuverable suitcase that we tested.What to Consider: It ties for the second heaviest bag on this list. The first thing that caught our eye about this suitcase was its striking exterior. Though it's made of polycarbonate, the shell almost looks like expensive aluminum. The trompe l'oeil is forgivable, though, since polycarbonate is one of the most durable materials out there for hardside suitcases. In fact, our testers noted no damage save for a few superficial scuffs. "I love the capacity and the durability of this suitcase," one tester said. "When it first arrived, I remember thinking this suitcase is a tank — it's large and seemed really durable, meant to last for years. And those two initial assumptions held up on my trip." But perhaps more impressively, this bag is a dream to handle, with our testers rating its maneuverability a five out of five. Its hardware can tackle anything from direction changes on a dime to the textures of all sorts of surfaces. The only downside of this bag is that it's on the heavier side at just over 12 pounds. Still, our testers didn't find the bag to feel too burdensome, though potential purchasers should note that heftier bags mean you'll be able to fit fewer things inside when it comes to the weight limit. Price at time of publish: $470 Weight: 12.1 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 18 x 13.5 inches | Expandable: Yes | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Softside SwissTech Executive 29-Inch Softside Luggage 4.8 Walmart View On Walmart Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: The bag is highly affordable and can fit a huge amount of clothing and other items.What to Consider: It lacks aesthetic flair and it can be easy to overpack due to its size. No, this bag might not dazzle with its design, but what it lacks in aesthetic value it makes up for in pretty much every other category. For starters, its low price point is extremely attractive, particularly when you consider how effective the bag is. Our testers reported that this SwissTech roller is quite spacious, with plenty of room for trips longer than one week. Between the expander and the fact that it's soft-sided, you can really fit a lot in there. Plus, it has a number of pockets both inside and outside that make organization effortless. The suitcase also performed well on durability and maneuverability tests, only sustaining a slight dent from the impact of a baseball bat and handling the obstacle course like a champ. "This was my favorite bag that I tested today. I feel that it is way better than some of the very expensive ones," wrote one tester. Price at time of publish: $129 Weight: 10.9 pounds | Dimensions: 29 x 19 x 10.5 inches | Expandable: Yes | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Best Lightweight July 26-Inch Checked Bag 4.3 July View On July.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 3.5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It: Its wheels are extremely quiet.What to Consider: The compression component isn't the most sturdy. At 8.3 pounds, this bag is, impressively, lighter than some carry-ons. And less suitcase weight means more item weight, making this one perfect for overpackers. That said, it's more of a medium-size bag than a large one — fortunately, it has compression straps to help you squish everything inside. One of its standout features is its extra-quiet wheels, which were designed in-house. But our testers did note that they performed better on hard surfaces than carpet or gravel. We also love that you can add personalized text (and emojis!) to the top, side, or back of your bag, with 10 fonts and 18 colors to choose from. However, customization does void the 100-day return policy. Still, the July Checked has a lifetime warranty for manufacturing faults, which we appreciate for a product in the mid-tier price range. The one big weak spot for this suitcase is that the lighter colors show scuff marks and damage far more quickly than the darker colors. Our testers strongly suggest purchasing a deep hue, unless you don't mind that "been through the ringer" kind of look. Price at time of publish: $325 Weight: 8.3 pounds | Dimensions: 26 x 18.75 x 11 inches | Expandable: No | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Best Style Paravel Aviator Grand 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Tourparavel.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.7/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It: Leather detailing adds a luxe quality to the hardside bag.What to Consider: It's low-capacity considering how large the bag looks from the outside. It's hard for hardside suitcases to stand out unless you purchase one in an unusual color. But this bag immediately draws the eye, thanks to the narrow-set ribbing between two leather stripes. Our testers couldn't get enough of its classic look. Unfortunately, this suitcase does have a bit more style than substance. "It doesn't perform particularly better than the other suitcases on this list," wrote one tester. We noticed that while it moved fairly well on hard flooring and carpet, it gets off-balance quickly in gravel. The Aviator Grand was also quick to show minor damage after our durability tests, which definitely changes its polished aesthetic. But if you don't mind your bag showing a little wear and tear, you really can't beat this suitcase when it comes to style. The Aviator Grand also has another major perk that might make it worthwhile for some purchasers: it's carbon neutral, thanks to offsets purchased by Paravel. The company also purchases offsets for the first trip you take using your suitcase. Price at time of publish: $475 Weight: 11.8 pounds | Dimensions: 28 x 18.25 x 11 inches | Expandable: No | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Best for Staying Organized Beis The 29-Inch Large Check-in Roller 4.4 Beis View On Beistravel.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: Its exterior is very chic and the entire bag is lightweight.What to Consider: It's easier to roll the bag on four wheels rather than two when it's full. This suitcase has a minimalist exterior that uses the texture of ombre-style ribbing to create a unique look. And while the outside is eye-catching, the interior is what shines about this bag. Our testers found its storage system to be particularly helpful for staying organized. The Beis roller opens like a clam shell: on one side, a zippered divider with two pockets keeps items tucked away neatly, while the other has a compression flap with one pocket. The bag also comes with two detachable zip pouches that can be used for smaller items or dirty laundry. Oh, and it comes with a weight limit indicator, so you don't need a separate scale to figure out how heavy your bag is. Our testers did find that the bag was slightly off-balance when full, which makes it easier to maneuver in the upright rather than tilted position (i.e., on four wheels rather than two). We also noted that the lighter bag colors show more scuffing than the darker options. Price at time of publish: $298 Weight: 11.84 pounds | Dimensions: 30.5 x 8.75 x 12 inches | Expandable: Yes | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik The 9 Best Luggage Brands of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Expandability Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside Luggage 4.4 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Briggs-riley.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It: It has an effective organization system.What to Consider: The handle doesn't feel that sturdy. On its own, this bag is great for packing a week's worth of clothing, shoes, and toiletries. But its expander provides an extra two inches all around the bag, which equates to a 25 percent increase in total interior space. (Though very useful, the expander is a little confusing to operate, according to our testers.) We also love that within all this space, the storage system provides a dedicated spot for every essential. There are several zipped pockets on the interior, in addition to compression straps to keep clothing packed flat. One tester was particularly impressed with how sturdy this bag is. "This is an incredibly durable suitcase," they said. "I've checked it in multiple times now and it has barely scuffed at all, whereas my other checked bags are completely scuffed after several trips. The capacity is also super impressive and it's worth checking it in for the amount it fits." Our testers did note, however, that the handle did not feel all that sturdy, though they were still able to maneuver the bag effectively on all surfaces except gravel, which required a little dragging action on two wheels. They also commented on the zipper pulls — since they're designed to lock the suitcase, they're a little cumbersome to use. If you enjoy the security of a locked bag, the slight discomfort of the zippers may be worth it. Price at time of publish: $699 Weight: 13.5 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 12 inches | Expandable: Yes | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Most Durable Roam The Check-in 4.6 Roam View On Roamluggage.com Our Ratings Capacity 4/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It: You can customize the colors across different pieces of the suitcase.What to Consider: This is a smaller checked bag with somewhat limited capacity and organizational features. "No scuffs, no nicks, no destruction! So sturdy and no damage on the edges," wrote one of our testers after putting the bag through a beating. The solidity is especially nice given that our favorite thing about the bag is its exterior design. Customers are able to customize this suitcase to their specific color preferences, choosing the hues for everything from the two shells (front and back), the binding, and the wheels for no extra charge. You can also decide whether or not to add an expander to the bag, but that adds $55 to the total cost. Our testers also gave this Roam design a perfect score for maneuverability — they reported that it was very easy to move the bag around in all conditions. "The bag is certainly a good size to fit everything for anything from a weeklong trip and longer," another tester said. "I've had no issues with space thus far, and everything fits nicely and stays put in transit." The bag also comes with a 100-day return policy, even when customized, as well as a lifetime warranty for non-cosmetic damage: if something becomes nonfunctional, Roam will replace the part. Price at time of publish: $595 Weight: 9.3 pounds | Dimensions: 26 x 17.5 x 10 inches | Expandable: Yes | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Best Splurge Tumi Alpha 3 Short Trip Expandable Packing Case 4.6 Tumi View On Amazon View On Tumi.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 3.5/5 Why We Love It: It comes with Tumi Tracer, which can help recover lost or stolen bags.What to Consider: It's the heaviest bag on this list and the wheels aren't as stable as on other bags. Overall, our testers thought this bag would be best for frequent travelers who would get the most mileage out of it, which is crucial given the expensive price (it costs three times as much as average mid-tier suitcases). But our testers believe that it's worth the splurge due to the high-quality construction. Despite being the heaviest bag on this list, we found the Alpha 3 to be very easy to maneuver in all conditions. We also thought all the small details, from the zipper pulls to the bottom and side grab handles, were well-designed and comfortable to use. We also applaud this bag's storage system, which includes a series of internal and external pockets. "My favorite thing is how much it holds," one tester said. "I can fit four or five decently sized packing cubes in the lower half alone. I easily fit ten days' worth of clothing, shoes, and toiletries in it for an October trip to Australia (plus plenty of room leftover to bring back gifts and souvenirs )." The detachable garment bag, which is great for business travelers or travelers heading to a formal event, also impressed us for minimizing wrinkles. And we adore Tumi Tracer, a program that helps customers recover lost or stolen bags, which is included with this suitcase. Price at time of publish: $1,195 Weight: 15.4 pounds | Dimensions: 26 x 19 x 13 inches | Expandable: Yes | Smart: No | Wheels: 4 spinner Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik The 17 Best Personalized Luggage Tags to Gift in 2023 Best Wheeled Duffel Briggs & Riley ZDX Upright Rolling Duffel Bag 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Briggs-riley.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 Why We Love It: It's the lightest bag on this list.What to Consider: There aren't very many color options. If you're headed for a remote destination that requires a flight on a bush plane as part of the journey, you'll likely need to pack your goods in a soft bag, or at least a bag that's soft on three sides. That's where a bag like this comes in handy. This spacious duffel, which has a capacity of 96 liters, includes convenient straps like a normal duffel, but also a wheeled mechanism for easy transport. Just note that the bag only has two wheels, not four, so it must be pulled at an angle while maneuvering. Our testers did note that this bag is optimal for rugged terrain — it even handled gravel well. Our testers also appreciated the multiple pockets throughout the bag, including a PVC-lined one that's perfect for keeping dirty clothes or gear separate from the clean stuff. And they appreciated the durability of the 800D ballistic nylon from which the bag is made. Price at time of publish: $499 Weight: 8.6 pounds | Dimensions: 27 x 15 x 15 inches | Expandable: No | Smart: No | Wheels: 2 Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Other Checked Luggage We Tested Four of the bags we tested did not make our list of recommendations yet still stood out from the pack. They all had positive attributes, but a few things held them back. Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage, 29-inch (hardside, 12.5 pounds): Our testers loved the aesthetic of this bag, and the price is reasonable. However, we’d have liked to see some more interior organization features and better durability of the wheels and exterior shell. Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-inch Expandable Spinner (softside, 11.5 pounds): This spacious bag was deemed ideal for those traveling on extended trips — or for chronic over-packers. But the bag's style leaves something to be desired. Arlo Skye the Zipper Check-in Large (hardside, 10.5 pounds): Our testers applauded the amount of space inside this bag, as well as its chic look, but they felt the bag is too expensive for a piece of luggage that is not extremely durable. Briggs & Riley Baseline Expandable Spinner 26-inch (softside): Despite its boxy shape, which was an aesthetic no-no for some of our testers, we found this high-quality bag to be quite easy to maneuver. However, our testers were stymied by a confusing storage compartment that didn't seem to have a distinct purpose. Our Testing Process Our testers adhered to a detailed process that analyzed each bag's capacity, organization, maneuverability, durability, and value. The first step was weighing the empty suitcase and taking note of whether or not they felt lightweight while handling. Then, our testers packed the luggage with standard items for a seven-day trip, including a full wardrobe, shoes, and toiletries. They examined the bags' storage capacity, organization systems, and zipper functionality. Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Next up was maneuverability. Once the checked bag was fully loaded, our testers rolled it through an obstacle course that involved multiple surfaces, including carpet and simulated gravel. They rated each piece of luggage’s wheels, handles, and overall balance. Finally, our testers subjected each bag to harsh durability tests. Each one was shoved off a countertop multiple times, then struck with a baseball bat repeatedly. Testers then checked each suitcase for scuffs, dents, tears, and other types of damage. They also re-tested maneuverability to see how wheels and handles fared in the beating. The Ultimate Long-trip Packing List Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Tips for Buying Checked Luggage Choose a size that’s right for your travels Checked bags aren't subject to such strict restrictions as carry-on bags, but airlines usually cap measurements at 62 total linear inches (that is, the sum of the height, width, and depth of the luggage). Weight is a more important measurement: most airlines cap checked bags at 50 pounds for most passengers, and occasionally at 70 pounds for frequent flyers with elite status. Please check baggage restrictions with your airline before your flight. Softside luggage can be just as durable as hardside luggage You might think that hardside luggage is more durable than softside luggage, but both can be extremely hardy. Softside luggage is more prone to tearing than hardside luggage, of course, but it all depends on the material. You'll want to look for softside bags made from a high-quality, high-density material that is tear-resistant for the best durability. Hardside luggage, on the other hand, might not tear, but it can be prone to cracking and denting, depending on the material. Think about your organization preferences Checked bags provide quite a bit of interior space, and while that means you can pack more items inside them, you'll need to come up with a packing strategy so that your suitcase isn't a mess. Some bags are essentially just empty shells, which is prime for packers who love to use packing cubes. Others provide interior organization systems within the suitcase itself via pockets or zipped sections. If you're not a cube user, this is the kind of bag you might want to check out. Frequently Asked Questions What items are not allowed in checked luggage? You are not allowed to check certain dangerous items which are potentially harmful to the aircraft. That includes flammable items like lithium batteries, electronic lighters, explosives, fuels, and liquor higher than 140 proof. You can see the full list here of what is permitted and forbidden to check in your luggage, per the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Is there a size limit for checked luggage? Most airlines limit checked luggage to 62 linear inches (the sum of the height, width, and depth of the bag) and a weight of 50 pounds. Check with your specific airline for its specific policies. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design journalist with over eight years of experience. For this article, she analyzed feedback from T+L's vigorous lab and real-world tests to select the best checked bags for every type of traveler. The 10 Best Waterproof Backpacks of 2023 Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Instagram Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit