I Know What Makes a Great Checked Bag. These 7 Are the Ones I'd Buy.
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While everyone else is trying to fly with just a carry-on, I will gladly stuff my checked bag to the brim and drop it off at the counter before heading through TSA. If you're headed on a long trip or have a more-is-more packing mentality like me, a checked bag could be your travel hero.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner
A lightweight, sturdy suitcase with a spacious interior and an expandable design.
✔️ Best value: American Tourister 4 KIX 2.0 Expandable Softside Luggage
A budget-friendly, softside suitcase with convenient exterior pockets.
✔️ Most popular: Away The Large
Durable with plenty of packing space and great organizational components.
✔️ Smoothest wheels: July Checked Expandable
Glides around smoothly, and its handle locks at a comfortable height.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've tested luggage from more than 100 brands over the years, and I've personally tested over 25 checked bags in the Lab and on trips. We consider how easy the suitcases are to pack, if the wheels are smooth, whether the material will hold up to being dropped, and more.
Best Deal
Pros
- Telescopic handle felt sturdy and easy to use to steer suitcase
- Hard material looked great after being dropped several times
- Lightweight, so it won't eat into your packing weight
Cons
- Carrying handles felt snug, according to testers
Key takeaways
Samsonite's sturdy suitcases have stood out in our tests for more than a decade, and the Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner continues to come out on top. The bag weighs just 9.6 lbs, making it the lightest checked bag on our list, so it won't steal from your allotted weight limit at the airline check-in counter. Despite being so lightweight, the bag is plenty sturdy enough for frequent travel. When we dropped it repeatedly from a set height, there were no dents, and the shell looked great after we scratched the surface, with no deep markings left behind. This means it should maintain its appearance after many trips around the luggage carousel and will keep your belongings safe and unsquished inside.
The suitcase has a traditional butterfly opening with two large compartments for packing, including one side with a full zippered panel and one with a stretchy compression strap. For more organization, there's a small zippered pocket, and the suitcase can be expanded by up to 2 inches for even more packing space—perfect if you can never figure out how you fit everything so nicely inside when it's time to head home (guilty as charged).
What our testers said
Our consumer testers loved the Freeform line from Samsonite. In particular, testers appreciated the smooth spinner wheels, sharing that the suitcase felt easy to roll around sharp turns and over different types of flooring. In addition, the telescopic handle felt sturdy in our tests and it was comfortable to grip, making it easier to push and pull around a busy airport or crowded sidewalk. Our testers said the carrying handles (the smaller handles on the top and side for lifting the bag) felt a little snug, making them more difficult to grab, but they were pleased with how easy the bag was to carry overall.
Another win: The suitcase held our standard packing load with plenty of room to spare. A tester who tried a similarly designed checked bag from Samsonite commented, "I felt very organized when I packed this suitcase because of the both sides. I also felt like I could see where everything was and I didn't have to go digging because of the shallow sides on each side."
RELATED: The Best Samsonite Luggage
| Listed dimensions | 13.78" x 20.95" x 31.1" |
| Weight | 9.6 lbs |
| Material | Hard polypropylene |
| Expandable | Yes |
| Returns | Within 30 days, unused |
Pros
- Smooth telescopic handle for easy maneuvering
- Lightweight for a soft suitcase
- Small zippered pockets inside and out for better organization
Cons
- Material isn't as durable as other soft or hard-sided options
Key takeaways
If you're okay with losing some of the bells and whistles in exchange for taking a steep price cut, look no further than American Tourister. For less than half the price of other checked bags, this soft-sided suitcase is one of the best values we've come across during our luggage evaluations.
The checked luggage is made of soft polyester fabric but is on the thinner side and isn't quite as durable as other materials like nylon or hard polypropylene. That being said, it helps the suitcase stay lightweight.
There are two external pockets to stash smaller items, and the bag unzips to reveal one large packing space, so you can easily stuff what you want inside. For a little added organization, use the mesh pocket built inside the lid or the small toiletries pocket. Everything can be secured in place with a stretchy strap.
What our testers said
I personally rolled a checked bag from this American Tourister collection for a decade, and it racked up plenty of airline, bus, and car miles before I passed it along to another family member. The bag held plenty of clothes and shoes during my college years and was fairly easy to pack full, since the soft material is flexible, and it has a top-open entry.
When my team and I tested this bag in the Textiles Lab, we were impressed by its easy-to-use features, including smooth zippers and a sturdy telescopic handle. Though the handle wasn't the most durable one we've tried, it was actually pretty smooth to raise and lower and was rated higher than handles on suitcases more than four times its price.
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Pros
- Removable garment bag and toiletry bag included for organization
- Self-aligning wheels are easy to roll around
- Durable material stood out in our abrasion tests; should hold up to lots of wear
Cons
- Traditional style looks a bit old-fashioned, according to some testers
Key takeaways
Initially designed by a pilot with fellow pilots and flight crews in mind, Travelpro luggage is designed for frequent travel. The sturdy soft-sided bags have an old-school look and weigh more than other luggage we've tested, but they're built to last. While newer brands opt for sleek styles, Travelpro sticks to tradition with details like chrome zippers, genuine leather trim, and heavily padded handles for grip.
Inside, the bag is packed full of pockets and storage, ideal for business trips or long getaways. There's a foldable garment bag and a TSA-compliant toiletries bag, along with some external zipper pockets to stow essentials. My favorite part: The bag has a tapered expansion design to help it stay upright without getting top-heavy when you pack it full.
What our testers said
We were impressed by how well the material resisted scratches and pills in our abrasion tests, and it's coated in a water-repellent finish to help your things stay dry inside. Testers liked the feel of the contoured telescopic handle and said that the handle–combined with the magnetic self-aligning wheels–made it easy to roll the suitcase around.
Testers also liked the number of pockets and storage system, including one who commented, "This had better organization than any other suitcase I’ve tried."
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Travelpro Luggage Review
| Weight | 11.5 lbs |
| Listed dimensions | 32.5" x 21" x 13.25" |
| Material | Soft nylon |
| Expandable | Yes |
| Returns | Within 30 days, unused |
Pros
- Performed well in drop tests, resisting dents and cracks
- Editor favorite for long trips
- Plenty of packing space with extras like laundry and shoe bags
Cons
- Testers said the telescopic handle could be sturdier
Key takeaways
If you've traveled anywhere within the last four or five years, chances are you've seen an array of Away suitcases on the luggage carousel and in the overhead bins. This large bag's popularity is because it's incredibly spacious, durable, and easy to roll, making for a well-rounded checked suitcase. It may be one of the trendier luggage brands, but it truly lives up to the hype, and we think the bag is worth the investment.
It opens to reveal two main packing compartments, including a side with adjustable straps and a removable compression panel, as well as a side with a fully zippered panel for the ultimate security. Plus, the bags have extras like shoe bags and laundry bags to stash stinky clothes. Each suitcase comes with a luggage tag to help you keep track of your bag on the luggage carousel, and Away carries fun colors like pink and sea green for a standout style. The brand will monogram your bag for an added fee.
The suitcase material looked great after being dropped repeatedly in our tests, and it performed well in our scratch tests with minimal markings.
What our testers said
I have tried luggage from some of the best brands on the market and have settled on an Away checked bag for longer travel. My large bag is easy to pack and fits enough for a two-week trip (including clothes for two weddings, a birthday party, and a beach vacation), and I can still roll it on my own through the airport and carry it down the subway stairs.
Testers said the wheels felt smooth as they rolled the bag over different types of flooring, and they were impressed by the comfortable grip on the telescopic handle. However, they said the handle wasn't as sturdy as they were hoping.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Away Luggage Review
Pros
- Testers loved comfortable handle that locks at 20 heights
- Rated highly for maneuverability and easy to steer around
- Reinforced corners made of aluminum for added protection
Cons
- More scuffs than others in tests
Key takeaways
With July's checked suitcase, you won't have to deal with dragging a clunky bag with stubborn wheels again: These are the smoothest wheels we've ever tested. Every Textiles Lab analyst who has tried a July suitcase agrees that the wheels are unparalleled.
The brand is new but hit the ground running with its hard suitcases made of lightweight polycarbonate with reinforced aluminum corners for added protection. Thanks to the built-in expansion, this bag is perfect for taking on a long trip. It has a traditional butterfly opening with two main packing compartments, and your belongings will stay secure inside with the help of an adjustable Y-strap and zippered panel. For added peace of mind, the brand also offers checked bags with a tracking system.
What our testers said
Testers loved the wheels just as much as we did. One shared, "I've tested many, many suitcases, but I've never used luggage that glided as smoothly through an airport as July's." I particularly appreciated being able to roll the suitcase with me, rather than lugging it behind me. In our luggage obstacle course, testers said the bag was easy to navigate around twists and turns.
Another standout feature is the telescopic handle, which locks into place at 20 different heights to help you reach optimal comfort while rolling your bag. The handle is angled for gripping too.
When we dropped the suitcase repeatedly in the Textiles Lab to evaluate durability, the shell stayed intact, but the material was prone to scuffs. A tester who took the checked bag on a long-haul flight was disappointed by the number of marks she saw on her bag when she returned home.
RELATED: July Trackable Luggage Review
Pros
- Received high maneuverability scores from testers
- Unique push-button expansion with lots of packing space
- Material resisted wear in abrasion tests; can hold up to regular use
Cons
- Heavier than other picks, which limits packing weight
Key takeaways
Briggs & Riley's innovative expansion system makes packing for an international trip so much simpler. Inside the bag, there are two buttons—one on each side. Push in and lift the sides of the bag to reveal extra inches of packing spaces. Then, when it's time to zip the lid, push the buttons back down into place to compress your things. In addition to the expansion system, the bag is equipped with a garment folder and lots of zippered pockets.
The bag has a sophisticated look that looks more luxurious than other suitcases we've tested. The nylon exterior is durable, resisting wear in our abrasion tests, and it's soft and flexible, so you can stuff a lot into the bag. It is heavy though at 15.6 pounds, which really takes away from your allotted packing weight.
What our testers said
Testers who tried a smaller version of this suitcase loved how much they could fit inside. I've used the medium checked model and was able to pack two weeks' worth of clothes, shoes, and toiletries, including a suit for my husband in the trifold organizer.
In our luggage obstacle course, testers rated this bag highly for maneuverability too, sharing that it felt natural to roll around sharp turns. They liked the telescopic handle as well. In my experience, it's one of the sturdiest handles out there.
| Weight | 15.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 31" x 22" x 13.8" |
| Material | Soft nylon |
| Expandable | Yes |
| Returns | Within 30 days, unused |
Pros
- Durable outer shell to keep belongings safe
- Smooth, easy-to-roll wheels that testers loved
- Suitable for bulkier items because of deeper compartments
Cons
- Does not expand, limited packing space
Key takeaways
A trunk-style suitcase like this one is ideal for packing bulky items like sweaters, coats, shoes, or towels because it has deeper compartments compared to a traditional checked bag. Plus, the taller and narrower design is easier to roll than a shorter, wider bag.
The brand uses a hybrid design for its trunk suitcase, combining a lightweight yet durable polycarbonate shell with a sturdy, strong aluminum frame for protection against dents and cracking. Unlike most checked bags that have a zipper closure, this trunk has two TSA-approved locks that can easily be latched into place. No more worrying about sitting on a zipper bag to squish your things to keep it closed. However, this does mean the packing capacity is fixed, so it doesn't expand.
What our testers said
Monos's luggage is a favorite of GH testers. While our testers haven't tried this specific model, they love the brand's sleek, modern designs. They regularly highlight how smooth the suitcases are to roll over different types of flooring and through crowded airports. A tester who tried a suitcase from Monos commented, "I love this luggage! It is sleek, lightweight, and comes with a ton of organization." Another described his Monos bag as the "best suitcase I have ever owned."
One caveat: Monos bags scuff more than others we have tested over the years. Some of the marks remain even after being scrubbed with the included eraser sponge.
| Weight | 12.3 lbs |
| Listed dimensions | 26.7" x 14.9" x 12.9" |
| Material | Hard polycarbonate with aluminum frame |
| Expandable | No |
| Returns | Within 100 days, unused |
How we test luggage
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we regularly test all kinds of luggage—including large checked luggage—with our specialized Lab equipment and by setting up obstacle courses for testers to navigate. We also share our luggage with consumer testers who try the bags on their own trips. Here's how we evaluate checked bags and other luggage:
Size and weight
The specs listed on brands' websites aren't always accurate, so we double check by weighing the luggage in the Lab when it's empty. We also measure the luggage to determine if it will fit into the dimension restrictions that are in place at most U.S. airlines.
Ease of use
It's important that your suitcase is easy to use, so we rate how smooth the zippers are and also consider accessibility of packing departments.
In addition, we assess features like the wheels and telescopic handles. Once the bags are packed, we roll them over different types of flooring, including carpet, tile, and wood. We also lift the bag onto a standard countertop to test the carrying handles.
Packing capabilities
Each suitcase is filled with a standard load of clothing, accessories, and toiletries to determine how much the bag can hold and if it's actually easy to pack.
Abrasion and scratch resistance
If the suitcase is made with soft fabric, we cut a swatch of material and place it into our abrasion tester, which rubs the fabric back and forth 15,000 times to simulate long-term use. We asses the material and note any signs of wear or damage.
For hard suitcases, we consider scratch resistance instead. We drag a wire across the surface of the suitcase in several spots before grading the scratches, scuffs, and marks left behind.
Drop durability
To determine if the suitcase will actually hold up to being thrown in an airplane's luggage compartment or dropped onto a luggage carousel, we test each suitcase using our specialized drop tester. We pack the bags with a standard amount of weight before dropping it repeatedly from different angles at a set height of 3 feet. Any marks, dents, or breaks are noted.
Consumer tests
Most importantly, we simulate real-world use by having consumer testers roll each suitcase (filled with standard weight) through a luggage obstacle course. Testers raise and lower the telescopic handles, use the carrying handles to lift the bags, roll the suitcases over different types of flooring, and steer the bags through a set of cones before rating features like appearance, ease of use, maneuverability, and more.
In addition, we send luggage on trips with GH editors, analysts, and testers. They share feedback on how the suitcases hold up to use in planes, trains, and cars.
What to look for when shopping for the best checked luggage
When you're on the market for a new suitcase, here are a few things to keep in mind:
✔️ Smooth rolling wheels: Most suitcases are made with 360-spinner wheels that can be pushed or pulled in any direction. We always recommend choosing a suitcase with spinner wheels so you don't have to drag your bag behind you and can move it alongside you instead.
✔️ Sturdy telescopic handle: The telescopic handle is the long handle that extends from within your suitcase, allowing you to push or pull your bag. A sturdy telescopic handle makes it easier to transport your bag. If you're shopping in person, raise and lower the handle a few times and jiggle it to see if it gets caught or feels flimsy. Also consider how the handle feels—some handles are angled for a better grip, while others might be padded for comfort.
✔️ Comfortable carrying handles: The carrying handles are typically located on the top and side of the suitcase and are there for you to grab when raising or lowering your bag from the luggage carousel or hoisting it into overhead bin. These handles should be comfortable to grab and not too tight, so you can actually slide your hand inside. Some brands are designed with carrying handles on the bottom, making it even easier to lift your bag.
✔️ Easy-to-access packing compartments: Large hard-sided bags are typically designed with a butterfly opening, meaning the bag unzips and unfolds to reveal two primary packing spaces. This allows you to sort your things. On the other hand, soft-sided bags are usually designed with a flip top, so there's one large compartment inside instead of two. You can really stuff it full, but it can be less organized than a suitcase with two compartments.
Also look for bags with extra organizational features like small toiletry bags, mesh zippered pockets, or garment folders to make everything easier to access upon arrival.
✔️ Zippers that don't get stuck: A suitcase should have zippers that are easy to pull and that glide along their tracks without getting stuck in excess material. If you're able to try the bag in person or order a bag with a lenient return policy, drag the zipper back and forth to see if it's finicky or smooth. And to determine if a zipper will help keep your things dry, you can pour a small amount of water over the track to see if the water soaks in or beads on the surface.
✔️ Not-too-heavy weight: Checked bags can weigh a lot on their own without all your things packed inside. Know that for every pound your suitcase weighs, that's one less pound you can pack before meeting an airline's set weight limit. Most checked bags weigh between 10 to 13 pounds, whether they're hard or soft, so be mindful that the bag you buy isn't too heavy.
✔️ Generous returns and helpful warranties: Depending on where you buy your suitcase, the brand will likely offer some sort of return policy. Most brands we've tested allow for returns within 30 days if the suitcase is unused, while others let you hold onto the suitcase for up to 100 days before deciding if it's the right one for your travel needs. When it comes to warranties, most brands only offer warranties that cover manufacturers' defects, which can be difficult to prove as a consumer. We recommend focusing on returns over warranties for this reason.
Which is better: hardside or softside luggage?
No one type of luggage is better than the other—it's up to personal preference. Both hard and soft suitcases have advantages and disadvantages, so you can keep a few things in mind when making your decision:
✔️ Hard-sided luggage: Hard suitcases are known for their durable yet lightweight design and sleek look. There are several types of hard material to choose from:
- Polycarbonate: The most popular material, polycarbonate is lighter than other materials like aluminum but is more durable than plastic. It has proven durable in our drop tests but is prone to scratching and scuffs, so you may notice small cosmetic damages.
- ABS plastic: One of the more affordable materials, ABS plastic is lighter than polycarbonate but isn't nearly as durable. It keeps the cost of your suitcase low and is ideal for someone shopping on a budget or who won't be traveling a ton.
- Polycarbonate/ABS composites: There are some brands that combine polycarbonate and ABS plastic for the best of both worlds. The plastic helps to keep the suitcase light, while a polycarbonate coating lends some strength. Still, it's not as strong as a solid polycarbonate or aluminum suitcase.
- Aluminum: A metal suitcase with an aluminum shell is one of the most durable options on the market, but it can be heavy and is rather expensive. It's sometimes used in frames as reinforcement or can be added to the corners for more protection. It's more commonly used by luxury brands because of the price.
✔️ Soft-sided luggage: Suitcases made of fabric are more flexible than hard bags, so you can stuff them to the brim or shove them into a smaller space when it's time to store them at home. The softer materials are less likely to show noticeable scratches and dents as well, but the material could wear down over time.
- Nylon: The majority of soft suitcases are made with nylon fabric, which is synthetic. It's durable and resists wear nicely, and it's also pretty water-resistant, so your things shouldn't get soaked inside. It's ideal for frequent fliers who are going to be rough on their bags, but it can be heavy.
- Polyester: Also synthetic, polyester is a lighter weight and slightly less durable material. It's less expensive than nylon, so a polyester suitcase tends to be more affordable.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Amanda Constantine is a home & apparel reviews analyst who joined the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab in 2022. She tests and covers all kinds of luggage, including checked bags, carry-ons, as well as hard- and soft-sided styles. Constantine also conducts luggage testing for Good Housekeeping's Travel Awards program, sharing suitcases with testers who take the bags on trips and evaluating them in the Lab. She currently travels with a large checked bag from Away because it's easy to pack, lightweight, and can fit everything she needs for long trips.
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