While you can’t control everything on your journeys, embarking with the right luggage for your type of adventure certainly makes things go more smoothly. But with the variety of brands, styles and types of bags available, making a choice on what to purchase can feel overwhelming.
To make it easier to find your perfect travel companion, U.S. News compiled this list of the best luggage brands for carry-ons, checked luggage, weekender bags, backpacks and more. Based on testing by our editors and consumer reviews, these brands are consistent traveler favorites.
(Note: Styles, return policies and warranty information were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues, retailer policies and other factors.)
Price range: $130 to $695
Return policy: 100 days
Warranty: Lifetime limited
Founded by a commercial airline pilot, Travelpro invented the Original Rollaboard – a two-wheeled upright suitcase with an extendable handle. For more than 30 years, this brand has continued to bring innovation to its entire collection of luggage, which includes carry-on bags, rollaboards, totes and checked suitcases – as well as accessories like packing cubes, luggage tags and toiletry bags.
Travelpro has become a perennial favorite among airline crew members worldwide, with employees from more than 90 airlines using Travelpro luggage, according to the brand’s website. Combining durability and functionality with elements like exterior organizational pockets, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner (one of U.S. News’ top carry-on luggage picks) is popular with travelers, who say they appreciate the spinner wheels and extendable handle for easy maneuverability through airports.
I’m a big fan of the Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner. I purchased the suitcase in 2022 and have used it for multiple trips. It is incredibly light, fits an impressive amount of clothing and is easy to maneuver with super smooth spinner wheels that you can pull or push. The textured, wavy design also makes it less likely to see scratches or scuffs, and the slate blue version I got (Ensign Blue) is a color that’s easy to pick out off the luggage belt. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor
Courtesy of Away
Price range: $295 to $745
Return policy: 100 days
Warranty: Limited; ranges from 1-year to lifetime
Designed for travelers by travelers, Away is an online retailer that offers suitcases, bags and accessories. Created to make journeys easier and inspire more travel, Away suitcases are constructed with high-performing and lightweight materials, with a focus on intentional and functional details that matter, like double buckle compression pads and color-matched leather luggage tags. The Carry-On is highly rated by travelers and was chosen as the best hard-sided carry-on by the editors at U.S. News.
I always recommend Away luggage to fellow travelers. The Carry-On has been with me on countless trips over the past few years, and it’s still in great shape. For checked luggage, The Medium is my go-to because it’s big without being bulky and holds plenty for a long trip. You don’t need anything larger or more expensive than this. – Amanda Norcross, Content and SEO Strategist
Courtesy of Samsonite
Price range: $63 to $1,150
Return policy: 90 days
Warranty: Limited; ranges from 3-year to lifetime
Offering a range of travel bags, luggage and accessories for business and leisure travelers, Samsonite has been a leading luggage brand for more than 100 years. Samsonite is known for focusing on durability and innovative design, and today’s travelers can find a range of hard- and soft-sided luggage along with a variety of travel accessories.
I love traveling with Samsonite’s SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner. I’m a big fan of soft-sided luggage in general, and this suitcase feels particularly well made and durable. I’ve found it to be more spacious than it looks, even when I don’t use the expansion zipper. The brand’s organizational features are my favorite part — especially the wet pocket and the buckle system that keeps the tie-down straps out of my way when packing. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor
Courtesy of July
Price range: $245 to $595
Return policy: 100 days
Warranty: Lifetime limited
Inspired to create well-built luggage that combines form and function, July has hard-sided luggage as well as a range of totes and bags. Constructed using aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, the suitcases feature an eggshell design to optimize function and durability. There are anodized aluminum bumpers on the corners of the suitcases (except for the light designs), and the brand offers expandable and trunk luggage as well.
I am extremely impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of July luggage and bags. The Carry-on Light is truly lightweight, and the construction exceeds any of the other lightweight designs I’ve tried. I also appreciate that the cotton canvas Everyday Totes are machine-washable (and they fold up to save space when you’re not traveling). – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor
Courtesy of ROAM
Price range: $550 to $695
Return policy: 100 days
Warranty: Lifetime limited
Created with an emphasis on the journey, each piece of Roam luggage is hand-finished in the U.S. From the front and back colors to the zippers and the wheel color, purchasers can choose from a variety of options to create a custom hard-sided carry-on or checked bag. The interiors of the luggage include compression panels with mesh pocket insets, and there are expandable and front pocket designs offered.
The quality construction, customization and attention to detail made the ROAM Carry-On Front Pocket the U.S. News winner for best overall carry-on for 2024. In addition to suitcases, the brand offers customizable backpacks, duffels and tote bags, including the Everyday Tote.
The front pocket details, extremely smooth wheels and the option to choose the colors of every aspect of the carry-on really set ROAM luggage apart from other brands. I also love the multiple zippered compartments in the Everyday Tote, which can be customized to coordinate with a ROAM suitcase. – Rachael Hood
Courtesy of Solgaard
Price range: $265 to $375
Return policy: 30 days
Warranty: Lifetime
Launched in 2016 with the Lifepack – a solar-powered anti-theft laptop bag with Bluetooth speakers – Solgaard has revolutionized luggage with its innovative approach to bag and suitcase design. In 2017, the brand launched its award-winning Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original. This piece became a traveler favorite for its patented built-in shelves, which eliminate the need to unpack while traveling, yet keep clothes and essentials in place. The brand continues to add to its offerings with checked luggage, weekender bags and backpacks outfitted with Solgaard’s built-in closet system.
Courtesy of BÉIS
Price range: $218 to $348
Return policy: 45 days
Warranty: Lifetime limited
Inspired by her own travels, actress Shay Mitchell started BÉIS to make travel bags and accessories that are both fashionable and functional at attractive prices. BÉIS’ The Weekender is U.S. News’ top weekender bag pick, and the brand offers fashion-forward hard-sided luggage sets, backpacks, duffels and travel accessories. Travelers can choose to pair luggage like The Carry-On Roller with coordinating bags and totes for a chic coordinated look.
BEIS is worthy of all the hype it gets. I’m impressed with the overall quality and design of the luggage, and The Weekender is my go-to bag for short trips. − Amanda Norcross
Price range: $36 to $150
Return policy: 30 days
Warranty: 1-year limited
This brand of luggage by Amazon is designed to offer exceptional value. Amazon Basics luggage options include hard- and soft-sided rolling luggage and underseat bags. What’s more, Amazon Basics sells a variety of travel accessories, including packing cubes, waist and neck wallets, and toiletry bags.
I love how budget-friendly and durable the Amazon Basics brand is. I have both the 20-inch Hardside Spinner and the Expandable Softside Spinner carry-on bags. If you need a cheap, lasting carry-on, you can’t go wrong with one of these pieces of carry-on luggage – both are less than $100. Plus, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these shipped straight to your house within one to two days. – Erin Evans
Courtesy of DELSEY PARIS
Price range: $100 to $545
Return policy: 30 days
Warranty: Limited; ranges from 2-year to lifetime
Founded in 1946, DELSEY PARIS began creating suitcases for travelers after the postwar birth of tourism. Combining French elegance and style with quality construction, this 75-years-and-counting heritage brand produces iconic luggage styles like the Chatelet collection in carry-on and checked sizes. Owners of the Chatelet luggage like the vintage-inspired styling and ease of use. In addition to luggage that combines fashion and function, the brand continuously adds travel must-haves like duffel bags, backpacks, weekender bags and more.
DELSEY makes some quality, good-looking luggage. The DELSEY PARIS Helium Aero International Carry-On is one of my go-to pieces. The bag’s interior is spacious and has many different compartments for organization, and the double-spinner wheels make sure it easily glides across various surfaces. – Erin Evans
Courtesy of TUMI
Price range: $518 to $4,500
Return policy: Items must be unused and returned in original packaging
Warranty: 5-year limited
TUMI is an iconic international brand offering high-end luggage, bags and a variety of travel accessories, including passport holders, toiletry bags, portfolios and eyewear. The brand focuses on high performance and quality materials in its luggage offerings. Along with luggage, other TUMI travel products and accessories include wallets, travel purses and luggage tags.
I really appreciate the feel and quality of TUMI’s nylon travel bags and purses. My go-to crossbody for trips is from the Voyageur collection that I’ve had for several years. The sleek black nylon construction with gold hardware looks like the day I got it, and the style can be dressed up or dressed down depending on my needs. When I need additional room, I toss the Just In Case Tote in my carry-on – I packed an Irish sweater and wool throw, along with several other finds on my trip to Ireland! – Rachael Hood
Courtesy of Briggs & Riley
Price range: $419 to $1,049
Return policy: 30 days
Warranty: Lifetime
Focused on creating innovative luggage and bags to make the journey easier, Briggs & Riley is a high-quality luggage brand with a lifetime warranty. The brand’s “simple as that” exclusive guarantee covers all repairs and functional damage to Briggs & Riley luggage with no receipt needed or questions asked.
By learning from customer feedback and research, Briggs & Riley offers luggage and travel gear with innovative features like CX Expansion, which allows you to expand your bag to pack and then compress it to fit the carry-on into the plane’s overhead compartment. The unique technology landed the Briggs & Riley Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner on the U.S. News’ best carry-on luggage list in the category of best expandability.
There’s a reason Briggs & Riley luggage doesn’t come cheap. In terms of overall quality and features – expandability, in particular – it’s the best luggage I’ve ever tested. – Amanda Norcross
Courtesy of Carl Friedrik
Price range: $495 to $745
Return policy: 100 days
Warranty: Lifetime
Based in London, Carl Friedrik was founded in 2013 by two brothers. Blending functionality with high-quality construction and premium materials, the brand offers luggage, wallets, bags and travel essentials. Carl Friedrik products are designed for durability and practicality, then constructed with time-honored methods and bespoke finishings. Take The Carry-on as an example, with its polycarbonate hard-shell exterior and Italian leather accents. In addition to luggage, the brand has an extensive collection of fine leather briefcases, weekender bags, backpacks and more.
I love the refined elegance and craftsmanship of Carl Friedrik luggage and travel goods. There are smart and functional details throughout each piece, and the feel of the materials is sleek and sophisticated. – Rachael Hood
Courtesy of CALPAK
Price range: $165 to $275
Return policy: 30 days
Warranty: Limited; ranges from 1- to 5-year
California Pack, which started as a handbag and wallet company in Los Angeles in 1989, evolved into CALPAK – a top-selling luggage and accessories brand. Designed to be both functional and affordable, CALPAK is a destination for hard- and soft-sided suitcases, the iconic Luka Duffel, packable tote bags, and a variety of accessories. Selected by U.S. News as the top underseat option, the CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On has a laptop sleeve, a front pocket and a luggage trolley strap.
When I’m packing for a short trip, CALPAK’s Mini Carry-ons are my go-to. I always pack a tech organizer, and the Luka Duffel and Luka Mini Backpack are perfect for traveling or running around town. – Rachael Hood
Courtesy of Monos
Price range: $255 to $455
Return policy: 100 days
Warranty: Lifetime
Valuing simplicity with an emphasis on sustainability, Monos luggage and travel bags are created to be timeless. The brand’s premium suitcases like the Carry-On are constructed with lightweight, aerospace-grade German Makrolon polycarbonate to withstand the demands of travel. There are a variety of nylon and vegan leather bags and accessories, including the Metro Duffel and the Metro Backpack, with a unique modular system where kits can be removed or changed depending on travel needs.
The durability and sleek styling of Monos luggage are incredible. I appreciate the focus on sustainability, and I find the brand’s modular system to really be a standout feature. – Rachael Hood
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Rachael Hood is a senior travel editor with a passion for luggage. Always shopping for luggage and testing different suitcases for various needs, she rarely checks a bag. Having traveled the world with top finds from CALPAK, TUMI and ROAM, she used her traveling experience along with her retail merchandising background to curate this list of the top luggage brands.
