We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. When traveling by plane, carry-on suitcases come in two basic types: hard shell with a durable exterior or soft shell suitcases made of fabric. Hardside suitcases provide added protection for valuables, but are less malleable than luggage made from fabric. Travelers who prefer the hard shell for their carry-on bag have a variety of options that come with TSA-approved locks, unique designs, and spacious interiors. In addition to features like locks, zipped compartments, and dividers, it's also important to consider the size. If you're more of a carry-on type, then a smaller option is the way to go, while a larger, sturdier piece of luggage is suitable to handle being checked. Read on for our picks of the best hardside luggage bags available. The Rundown Best Overall: Away The Bigger Carry-On at Away Travel "Here's a suitcase ideal for travelers who have a tendency to overpack." Runner-Up, Best Overall: Delsey Aero Expandable Carry-On at Amazon "One of the best features on this case is the roomy front compartment." Best Budget: Samsonite Winfield 2 at Amazon "This budget friendly hard case meets many domestic airline’s carry-on restrictions." Best Checked: Arlo Skye The Zipper Check-In at Arloskye.com "Built with a lightweight, 100 percent polycarbonate shell for scratch resistance." Best Set: Away Set of Three at awaytravel.com "At home, this set fits neatly inside each other so they don't take up your entire closet." Best Splurge: Briggs & Riley International Carry-On Spinner at briggs-riley.com "Between the polycarbonate material and a useful hinged exterior pocket, this suitcase serves up major points for functionality." Best Style: Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable "It held up just fine over a week of traveling, and I felt stylish rolling it around." Best Carry-On: Victorinox Airox Frequent Flyer Hardside Carry-On at victorinox.com "The butterfly-opening system makes packing and accessing your items a breeze." Best Lightweight: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin at rimowa.com "This weighs less than five pounds, making it easy to lift or maneuver in all spaces." Most Versatile: The Olympia Apache Carry-On Spinner at Amazon "The affordable luggage has added features that make it a more versatile travel option." Best for Durability: Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus at Paravel "The materials create a sustainable luggage that can seamlessly make its way through the airport, cargo, and more." 4.2 What We Like Large capacity Unique colors Compression panel What We Don't Like Charging port is hard to access Away Carry-On Review: This Trendy Case Is Everything Instagram-adored Away makes some of the highest-quality suitcases on the market — and the Bigger Carry-On is no exception. Measuring a very spacious 22 inches, this top-notch carry-on is ideal for travelers who have a tendency to overpack. Its durable polycarbonate shell is both sleek and highly functional; you won’t have to worry about it getting scuffed up or damaged during a bumpy plane or cab ride. Conveniently, the hardshell luggage comes with an ejectable battery that charges your phone while you’re on the go, as well as a TSA-approved combo lock for extra security purposes. On the inside, you’ll find a compression system and a laundry bag that’s ideal for keeping your clothes neat and organized. Our tester particularly loved the interior panel that made it easy to compress garments and fold the suitcase. Plus, for your peace of mind, Away offers a 100-day trial and lifetime warranty.You can snag one in more than ten shades. Size: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds| Capacity: 48 liters Tested by TripSavvy For a five-day trip, we easily fit two pairs of shoes, two pairs of pants, two dresses, four shirts, a sweater, underwear, and a small dopp kit into The Bigger Carry-On (other team editors have no problem fitting similar amounts into the standard size). One interior side has a zippered mesh compartment for items like shoes and toiletries; the other has straps and a removable panel that evened out the surface so the two shell halves came together smoothly. We sat on the suitcase, kneeled on it, and kicked it around enough to be confident it won’t crack or dent under normal abuse. The sides are very flexible—more flexible than we’d expect (or maybe want?) from hard-sided luggage. The telescopic handle wobbled a bit, though apparently this is for shock absorption. It can extend to nearly 3.5 feet for taller travelers. The suitcase has 360-degree double spinner wheels and rolls nicely on most surfaces. Device charging happens under the telescopic handle. We simultaneously charged two iPhones to full power without issue. The flip-top cover on our battery port was impossible to open with bare hands, however, and we had to pry it open to charge. —Joy Merrifield, Product Tester 4 What We Like Wheels are easy to maneuver Expandable Affordable What We Don't Like Shows scuffs Delsey AERO 19” Carry-on Review: Luxury at a Low Price Made of 100 percent polycarbonate, the Delsey Luggage Helium Aero International Carry-On has a durable build and asleek compact look with a glossy, metallic finish. One of the best features on this hard case luggage is the roomy front compartment that has a built-in padded sleeve for up to 15.6-inch laptops (which is easily accessible when going through TSA), as well as two zippered mesh pockets for toiletries, phone chargers, and other small items. The interior of the suitcase is lined with fabric and has two compartments, as well as elastic straps and a buckle for making sure clothes stay in place. Keeping all your valuables safe are self-repairing zippers and a three-dial TSA-approvedcombination lock, while the double spinner wheels make navigating the airport easy. In addition to the wheels, our tester appreciated the carry handles, which didn't just make it easy to hoist, but they lay flat and don't take up precious space. Colors come in black, brick red, brushed charcoal, cobalt blue, pink, teal, and titanium. Size: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Capacity: 41 liters Tested by TripSavvy We packed for a five-day business trip—two pairs of shoes, two pairs of pants, two dresses, four shirts, a sweater, underwear, and a small dopp kit—and took the AERO 19” around New York City for a week. The compression straps and zippered compartments in each side of the interior helped keep everything secure, though we needed every bit of the expanding space to fit everything. The expansion zipper has a red rubberized pull, while the other two are black, which was helpful in differentiating them. The front compartment is our favorite feature; it consists of two mesh pockets and a well-padded laptop pocket that fits up to a 15.6-inch computer. The bag sails smoothly and silently on its doubled-up spinner wheels. The sturdy telescoping handle pulls up to snap securely into two height options, and we like that both carry handles flatten out nicely when not in use. Our previous experiences with Delsey products have been great; their bags are durable and well priced. Something to consider before you buy is that a solid-color mirror finish like the AERO’s is bound to get scuffed after a while—we accidentally drop-kicked ours on an uneven sidewalk and got a little one. —Joy Merrifield, Product Tester What We Like Durable polycarbonate shell Interior dividers Range of colors What We Don't Like Can scratch easily Doesn't expand This budget-friendly 20-inch hard case meets many domestic airline’s carry-on restrictions, including United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Allegiant. It offers four, multi-directional spinner wheels so maneuvering through the airport is easy. Side-mounted TSA-friendly locks deter theft, but they are easily accessible if agents need to look in your luggage. A re-engineered case offers a lightweight solution for lifting into overhead bins. It comes with a 10-year warranty. Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 6.7 pounds | Capacity: Not listed What We Like Contemporary style Good maneuverability Included accessories What We Don't Like Prone to scratching Arlo Skye was founded in 2016 by Louis Vuitton and Tumi alums, so you know the style is going to be on point. But that alone is not what makes the brand's bags worth purchasing; when you combine the aesthetics with excellent maneuverability, thoughtful organization features, and solid durability, you get a suitcase worth adding to your luggage collection. Size:26 x 16.5 x 11 inches| Weight: 9.6 pounds| Capacity: 71 liters Tested by TripSavvy Our testers noted that Arlo Skye's The Zipper Check-In could fit a lot. They filled it with at least a week’s worth of outfits, plus a couple books, a mug, and a wine bottle). The bag also comes with two shoe bags and a laundry bag to keep your things clean and organized; it also features a stylish luggage tag. The bag was also easy to transport, gliding well over both smooth and rough surfaces. The telescopic handle has three handle heights, which we liked, but the release button could be sticky when adjusting. It's also plenty sturdy. We gave it some rough treatment—dropping it off a ladder and a ledge and even taking some swings at it with a baseball bat—and it held up very well. The outside of the case did reveal some slight scratching, but otherwise, structural damage was minimal; only one minor dent surfaced after the ledge and ladder drops. The wheels survived perfectly. —Jamie Hergenrader, Dotdash Editorial Director of Travel and Finance The Best Checked Luggage According to Our Tests | by TripSavvy What We Like Stores well when not in use 360-degree spinner wheels Includes a laundry bag What We Don't Like Expensive With this set, you’re fully equipped from a carry-on to two checked bags. At home, they fit neatly inside each other so they don’t take up your entire closet. They’re a favorite of content creator Glo Atanmo, who blogs at TheBlogAbroad.com, thanks to their durability and lifetime warranty. “It’s survived over 50 countries in the past three years,” she says. “If you're an over-packer like me, get hard-sided luggage because it'll last longer and also force you to better arrange your items inside. And though we all love a cheap price, it's worth the investment to get a more expensive suitcase that will last you for life!” Size: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds| Capacity: 39 liters The 8 Best Luggage Sets of 2022 | by TripSavvy What We Like External USB Can be monogrammed Easy access, hinged front pocket What We Don't Like Limited color options Making the choice to spend several hundred dollars on a piece of luggage is a decision most travelers don’t take lightly. That’s why it’s so important to find the perfect piece that isn’t just stylish (though that helps), but will last for quite some time. Briggs & Riley’s spinner is a major winner from the inside out. The three layers of polycarbonate are scratch-resistant, cutting down on dings and marks that seem to inevitably happen.One standout feature is the exterior hinge pocket that easily lets you access a laptop or other items you might need while traveling. The padded laptop sleeve accommodates devices up to 15 inches and there’s also a smaller tablet pocket. Also, the RFID-blocking pocket is sure to keep cards safe from being scanned. Between the 100 percent polycarbonate material and a useful hinged exterior pocket, this suitcase serves up major points for functionality. Size: 21 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.9 pounds| Capacity: 38 liters What We Like Light but durable Handle doesn't take up interior space What We Don't Like Limited colors At 5 pounds, this carry-on is among the lightest in its class. Although it’s lightweight, it’s sturdy. It’s crafted of 100 percent pure polycarbonate that’s incredibly strong and break resistant. The butterfly-opening system makes packing and accessing your items a breeze, and dual-caster wheels provide 360-degree maneuverability. Travel and wellness blogger Olivia Christine Perez, of O. Christine recommends the carry-on, which she says fits the smaller global carry-on size requirements that airlines are enforcing more strictly. “Consider your luggage size requirements and what that means in terms of weight. Sometimes they can get quite heavy,” she says. The Airox Frequent Flyer Hardside carry-on is the perfect lightweight solution. Size: 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds| Capacity: 34 liters Buy on BloomingdalesBuy on Rimowa.com What We Like Easy to lift or maneuver Glossy exterior What We Don't Like Expensive Weighing less than 5 pounds, Rimowa boasts the Essential Lite Cabin as its lightest suitcase ever. Even more, it weighs 30 percent less than the Rimowa Essential cases. The polycarbonate case is still stable, thanks to a multi-stage, telescopic handle that can easily adjust to your desired height. Smooth-rolling spinner wheels offer seamless traveling, while a TSA-approved lock will give you peace of mind. Inside, there's a flex-divider system for organized packing. The hardshell suitcase also comes in a glossy finish with colors like red, black, or blue. Size: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 4.9 pounds| Capacity: 38 liters What We Like Useful middle compartment Expandable Affordable What We Don't Like Wheels can wobble The Olympia Apache Carry-On Spinner has a slightly different design than the standard hardshell luggage bags with added features that make it a more versatile travel bag. The center of the bag has a hidden compartment that allows travelers to tuck away items such as a laptop, briefcase, and other necessities (as well as headphones or a neck pillow) while the bag is upright. The lined interior has two zipped pouches for organizing, and the exterior is constructed from sturdy ABS with four spinner wheels. The expandable bag comes in solid black with lime, orange, red, blue or purple straps, stitching, and wheels. Size: 21 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds| Capacity: 54 liters What We Like Quality, sustainable materials Telescopic handle 360-degree wheels What We Don't Like Can scuff quickly Paravel is known for its eco-friendly materials when it comes to luggage. Though the Aviator Carry-On Plus is made with recycled goods, this is probably one of the sturdiest bags you'll come across. The exterior is recycled polycarbonate, while the lining consists of more than a dozen recycled water bottles. Also, the handle is recycled aluminum. All of these materials create a sustainable luggage that can seamlessly make its way through the airport, cargo, and more. The suitcase features vegan leather trim and you can choose between six color options, including navy, silver, and safari green. Between the chic trim and hues, this luggage is sure to standout. Size: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds| Capacity: Not listed Away’s Bigger Carry-On (view at Away) isn’t an Instagram favorite for no reason. We love it for it’s slightly oversized dimensions and solid polycarbonate shell that makes it both attractive and durable. Travel and wellness blogger Olivia Christine Perez, of O. Christine, reminds shoppers to “Always check that the dimensions of the carry-on fits that of your favorite airlines!” The same is also true of checked bags. Check your bag's dimensions to see that it won't be considered oversized by airlines or you'll need to pay an extra fee. If you’re opting for a hardside case, you’ll want a material that’s unbreakable. However, durability often adds weight, so you’ll need to balance these qualities. Your luggage is only going to get heavier once full, so if it feels hard to lift or maneuver when empty, look for a lighter design. You should also make sure your bag isn't too heavy so you can be sure it won't be considered overweight once it's packed and at the airport. Qualities such as wheels that don’t squeak and move smoothly, pockets, working zippers, locks, and interior pockets, and dividers all add to the luggage’s functionality and appeal. Think about how you travel and what items you like to bring. If organization is important to you, consider bags with multiple pockets and dividers. Overpackers should consider getting an expandable suitcase or one that comes with compression straps. Frequently Asked Questions Is it better to get hard or soft luggage? This is a personal choice. If you’re packing breakable items, you may choose to use hardside luggage which is more difficult to rip open and usually has integrated locks. However, hardside luggage is also heavier than soft luggage. Many people believe it’s also easier to pack more into soft luggage. How can you protect hardside luggage? A few scuff marks are inevitable during travel; however, you can minimize damage with a few precautions. First, choose a bag made of durable material, like polycarbonate. Second, you could purchase a bag protector. Or third, you could wrap your bag in plastic. The 10 Best Places to Buy Luggage in 2022 Best Overall: Away The Bigger Carry-On
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Delsey Aero Expandable Carry-On
Best Budget: Samsonite Winfield 2
Best Checked: Arlo Skye The Zipper Check-In
Best Set: Away Set of Three
Best Splurge: Briggs & Riley International Carry-On Spinner
Best Carry-On: Victorinox Airox Frequent Flyer Hardside Carry-On
Best Lightweight: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin
Most Versatile: The Olympia Apache Carry-On Spinner
Best for Durability: Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus
Final Verdict
What to Look for in Hardside Luggage Bags
Size
Material
Weight
Features
FAQs
Which hard luggage material is the most durable? ›
Today's hard-shell luggage is made with high-tech plastics such as ABS and polycarbonate, which are lightweight and durable. ABS is the lightest, but polycarbonate is more durable. The most durable, but also the heaviest, is aluminum.
What should I look for in hard shell luggage? ›Look for a lightweight design with good maneuverability
Note the empty weight before buying a hardside suitcase, as heavier models can make it harder to lift and roll when packed full. In terms of maneuverability, four spinner wheels are ideal.
“Almost all U.S. airline crew members use soft-sided roll-aboard bags,” Patrick Smith, airline pilot, air travel blogger, and author, tells Reader's Digest. “My roll-aboard of choice is a 24-inch model from Luggage Works, a specialty luggage company that caters to airline personnel.
Which suitcase holds more hard or soft? ›Because softshell luggage has more give, a hard shell suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hardshell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like softsided bags are more apt to allow.
What size checked luggage is best? ›25 – 27” Large Checked: Generally, this is the most popular size of luggage to check as it has lots of room. Ideally, you would use this suitcase size if you wanted to check one bag for two people.
Are double wheels on luggage better? ›Two wheels are stronger for checked bags filled to the weight capacity, and are a tiny bit easier to manipulate over curbs and rough terrain because they're tilted back like a furniture dolly.
Do hard suitcases crack easily? ›Hard shell luggage pieces have been known to crack and fall apart more easily than softer cases. The good news is that companies have been making changes to improve overall quality.
Which is better for luggage polycarbonate or ABS? ›Polycarbonate is more flexible than ABS and has a higher impact resistance. As a result, it makes for a stronger suitcase. ABS suitcases are cheaper than Polycarbonate ones, but they are often heavier and do not last as long.
What is the best month to buy luggage? ›The best time to buy luggage is at the end of summer. This is because much less travel takes place when September kicks in. Retailers work around the reduced demand for travel products by offering a host of generous deals on luggage.
Does hard shell luggage crack? ›Hard shell suitcases can crack, which causes them to fall apart more rapidly than soft luggage. To avoid this concern choose a suitcase made from polycarbonate ABS that stands up to the rigors of travel. The FERGE brand makes a TSA-lockable suitcase on wheels using polycarbonate ABS.
Which is better 2 or 4 wheel luggage? ›
4 Wheel suitcases are better balanced, depending on how you pack, if the weight distribution is out of whack in a 2 wheel case they can tip over, 4 wheel cases don't have this problem. They require much less effort to 'wheel' – as they wheel along beside you rather than being dragged.
What luggage do most pilots use? ›As their regular everyday bag, pilots use a special bag called a “pilot's bag”. Essentially, it's a small wheeled suitcase, a backpack, or a handheld bag that fits next to the pilot's chair in the cockpit. Pilot bags come in various sizes, and most commonly range between 10 x 8 x 6 inches and 18 x 14 x 12 inches.
What size suitcase do I need for 7 days? ›25" - 27" Checked Luggage
These sizes are the most popular size of luggage to check. They are ideal for trips of 5 to 7 days, or longer, depending on how you pack. They have a large capacity for multiple outfits, shoes, and toiletries.
It's Incredibly Durable
It's high-strength, lightweight, and provides elasticity and resiliency. Not only is it some of the most durable luggage around, but it also can handle anything from rain puddles to being thrown onto the baggage drop, which is good news for all of your belongings inside.
Wrap Your Luggage
The most common way to protect your luggage is to wrap it in plastic cling wrap. Besides decent scratch protection, the cling wrap also keeps the suitcase from direct contact with the hands of everybody who handles your luggage.
Anything over 62 linear inches will be labeled as “oversized” and will cost you an extra 100-200$, depending on the airline. Even if you pay the hefty oversized luggage fees, there is a limit to how large checked luggage you can bring.
What size suitcase is best for 10 day trip? ›For a 10-day trip, the suitcase size that you need will be between 18 and 22 inches in length. This size is suitable as carry-on luggage. However, if you want a bigger one for extra space, you can choose a 24-inch suitcase, which is recommended for 2-3 weeks' worth of travel but needs to be checked in.
How big is too big for a checked bag? ›Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27" x 21" x 14".
Is it better to have bright colored luggage? ›Why Should Your Luggage Stand Out? The main argument for bright-colored luggage is that a green or pink suitcase will stand out from other bags, making it easier to identify. You'll spend less time scanning luggage carousels for your bags, and you're less likely to misidentify someone else's bag as your own.
How can I avoid paying extra luggage? ›- Pay for additional weight in advance. It's nearly always cheaper to book extra hold luggage in advance rather than paying excess baggage fees at the airport. ...
- Pool baggage with a travel buddy. ...
- Use lightweight luggage. ...
- Maximise your hand luggage allowance.
Which suitcase is best plastic or cloth? ›
Less protection for the items inside, a hard suitcase will absorb the impact from bumps and knocks, a soft suitcase won't so much. Fabric is more prone to wear and tear than plastic, for example fraying, pulling or ripping, in many instances it won't compromise the function of the bag but in some instances it might.
Which is better abs or polypropylene luggage? ›ABS (5500 psi) has a higher tensile strength than that of polypropylene (4000 psi), making it stronger and harder. However, this doesn't convert to more durable luggage. This is because the rigidness of ABS makes it more prone to cracks, thus decreasing its lifespan.
Does polycarbonate luggage crack easily? ›Polycarbonate is a very lightweight material with great strength quality. It is impact resistant, which a very desirable quality in luggage.
Which polycarbonate suitcase is best? ›- Rimowa.
- Royce & Rocket.
- Samsonite.
- Away.
- Monos.
- Paravel.
- Roam.
- Delsey.
Does polycarbonate scratch? It does, as do all plastics. But it's more resistant to scratches than other materials used to make hard shell suitcases. In addition, ROAM dyes our polycarbonate shells all the way through the material, so any scratches on your personalized luggage will be less noticeable.
What is a good price to pay for luggage? ›You might be buying an overpriced designer brand luggage that costs over a thousand dollars but it may not last as long as a 200-400$ suitcase that has better quality. If you're looking at durability, suitcases that cost around 150-300$ should be a good enough benchmark.
Is hard shell luggage heavier? ›Weight. Soft-shell luggage tends to be a tad lighter than hard-sided, which lets you carry more contents without exceeding the airline weight limit.
How many wheels is best on suitcase? ›Four wheels provide better maneuverability on smooth surfaces because the wheels are designed to rotate 360° while the bag sits upright and rolls next to you. This lets you weave around obstacles as you move through airports or crowded streets.
Which luggage is better mono or away? ›As far as quality, the general consensus is that Monos offers a bit better quality than an Away suitcase. Many agree that Monos offers a more sturdy, durable handle as well as wheels. Moreover, Monos offers a more well-designed inside. The compartments are in the perfect spots.
What month does luggage go on sale? ›The best time to buy luggage is at the end of summer. This is because much less travel takes place when September kicks in. Retailers work around the reduced demand for travel products by offering a host of generous deals on luggage.
Which size of luggage bag is best? ›
The most popular size check-in luggage is 25- to 29-inches tall and various widths. Medium-sized check-in luggage measures 25-26” tall and around 18” wide. * One medium-sized suitcase will generally hold what you need for a week-long getaway.
What size luggage is best for traveling? ›25" - 27" Checked Luggage
These sizes are the most popular size of luggage to check. They are ideal for trips of 5 to 7 days, or longer, depending on how you pack. They have a large capacity for multiple outfits, shoes, and toiletries.
The Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner is a lot cheaper than the Away Medium, and it has more internal capacity without sacrificing on weight. So If you're looking for a suitcase that's light and easy to roll around, but you don't need it to be the sturdiest, the Samsonite Freeform is definitely the bag we'd recommend.