The best checked luggage we tested
Best soft-sided checked luggage: Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner
Best hard-shell checked luggage: Away Medium Checked Bag
Best budget checked luggage: Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner
Finding the best-checked luggage in 2024 is essential for a smooth journey, whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or a long international trip.
Choosing the best-checked bag that combines durability, functionality, price and style is no easy feat. So, we tested a handful of checked bags from popular brands to find the three checked bags worth investing in.
From spacious soft-sided bags to robust hard-shell designs, we’ve evaluated various models from all the top brands based on their performance in real-world scenarios, including handling by baggage crews and maneuverability through busy airports.
Let’s explore the best-checked luggage that balances quality and value for every type of traveler.
This bag excels in tests with its CX expansion-compression technology and smooth wheels for easy airport navigation. It includes a front pocket for travel documents and a Smartlink Strap for attaching an extra bag. Despite its higher price and heavier weight, it's a top choice for avid travelers who value durability and practical features.
We love this bag's durable polycarbonate shell, 50/50 split opening and organized interior. Its 360-degree spinner wheels are some of the best in the business. Just remember that lighter colors scuff easily, and it has a limited warranty.
This is a budget-friendly option with lightweight polypropylene construction and a well-organized interior featuring cross ribbons, a divider and multiple pockets. It includes a TSA-approved combination lock. However, it’s less durable and prone to scratches.
Best soft-sided checked luggage: Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner
If you’ve read our soft-sided carry-on luggage roundup, you’ll know that that I’m a huge fan of Briggs & Riley’s signature carry-on suitcase.
Their medium carry-on has the same innovative CX expansion-compression technology. That allows you to increase packing capacity by up to 2.5 inches and then compress the bag back to its original size.
Its four wheels are ultra smooth, which is great for getting through busy airports, while the flat bottom and outside handle placement maximize interior packing space.
Included in the suitcase is the Smartlink Strap. This accessory securely attaches a second bag, like the Essential 22” Carry-On Expandable Spinner, to the front of compatible upright luggage. You can then both two suitcases with one hand.
The Medium Expandable Spinner also has a front pocket for easy access to travel documents. Briggs & Riley also includes a TSA-combination lock in the bag.
Pros
- Innovative CX expansion-compression technology.
- Durable construction with lifetime guarantee.
- Flat bottom for easy packing.
- Separate suit compartment.
- Front pocket for quick access to documents.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to most competitors.
- Heavier than some alternatives that may approach airline weight limits when full.
- Expansion feature may not be necessary for all travelers.
Best hard-shell checked luggage: Away Medium Checked Bag
Looking to make a grand entrance in an airport lounge or a glamorous hotel lobby? This bag’s undeniable style will have all eyes on you.
With its sleek, polycarbonate shell and a palette of 10 stunning colors, this is perfect if you’re looking to stand out from the ordinary hues of blue and black.
Its spacious interior features a well-organized layout, including a zippered compartment and compression straps to keep belongings secure and tidy.
I tested the Away Medium Checked Bag alongside Away’s new soft-sided luggage collection.
Compared to its counterpart, the Softside Medium, the hard-shell Medium Checked Bag stands out. Its polycarbonate construction offers a solid, rigid design and better organization with a 50/50 split opening which provides greater security against theft and damage to fragile items.
The bag also includes a TSA-approved combination lock for added security and 360-degree spinner wheels that provide smooth maneuverability in any direction.
Pros
- Reigns as supreme in the style department.
- Durable polycarbonate construction that is lightweight and durable.
- Spacious interior with organized compartments and compression straps.
- TSA-approved combination lock for enhanced security.
- Great 360-degree spinner wheels and comfy handle for easy maneuverability.
Cons
- Lighter colors may show scuffs and scratches more easily.
- Limited warranty period compared to some premium brands.
- Good luck resetting the lock if you forget your combination.
Best budget checked luggage: Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner
For most casual travelers, this bag does the job.
While it doesn’t have special features like a compression system or style that turns heads, this bag serves well for travelers who need reliable checked luggage without the frills. It’s made from polypropylene, so it’s lightweight but not quite as durable as the Away bag.
The Samsonite bag features a spacious interior with cross ribbons and a divider for organized packing, as well as multiple pockets for efficient storage of belongings. With its 1.5-inch expansion capability, the Freeform Medium Spinner provides additional packing space when needed.
There’s also a TSA-approved 3-dial combination lock for extra security.
Pros
- Great price point, especially when on sale for under $200.
- Lightweight polypropylene construction.
- Lots of colors to choose from.
- TSA-approved combination lock.
- Organized interior with cross ribbons and divider.
Cons
- Polypropylene is less durable than the Away’s polycarbonate.
- Prone to scratches and scuffs, especially in lighter colors.
- Carry handles are not adequately cushioned for comfort.
- Didn’t perform as well on carpeted surfaces.
How we tested
To evaluate the checked bags in our review, we conducted comprehensive testing across key criteria. Each bag faced real-world travel scenarios, including ease of lifting onto luggage scales and off baggage carousels, navigating stairs, rolling on various surfaces like smooth floors, carpets and uneven terrain and maneuvering into spaces like car trunks.
We filled each bag to its maximum capacity to monitor how well it maintained its shape and structure during transit and closely examined the functionality of features such as zippers, locks and expansion capabilities.
We also evaluated the interior space organization to assess how effectively each bag accommodated different packing styles and items. By combining these practical assessments with user feedback, we aimed to provide you, our readers, with a well-rounded perspective on the best-checked bags available in 2024.
How these checked bags compare
| Exterior dimensions | 26 x 18.5 x 11 in. |
|---|---|
| Empty weight | 10.4 lbs. |
| Maximum interior capacity when expanded | 68.8 L. |
| Colors | 10. |
| Price | $345 |
| Exterior dimensions | 26 x 18.9 x 10.6 in. |
|---|---|
| Empty weight | 12.6 lbs. |
| Maximum interior capacity when expanded | 76 L. |
| Colors | 4. |
| Price | $295 |
| Exterior dimensions | 26 x 18 x 12 to 14.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Empty weight | 12.5 lbs. |
| Maximum interior capacity when expanded | 97 L. |
| Colors | 4. |
| Price | $799 |
| Exterior dimensions | 26 x 16 x 10.75 in. |
|---|---|
| Empty weight | 9.6 lbs. |
| Maximum interior capacity when expanded | 77 L. |
| Colors | 7. |
| Price | $245 |
| Exterior dimensions | 27.9 x 19. x 13.4 in. |
|---|---|
| Empty weight | 8.5 lbs. |
| Maximum interior capacity when expanded | 81 L. |
| Colors | 4. |
| Price | $160 |
What to look for in checked luggage
When selecting checked luggage, there are several key factors to consider.
First, durability is crucial; your bag is going to get tossed around — big time. Look for materials like polycarbonate or high-denier nylon that can withstand the rigors of travel and resist scratches and impacts.
Weight is another important aspect, as lighter bags allow for more packing capacity without exceeding airline weight limits. Typically, major airlines require checked bags to be under 50 pounds (23 kilograms) to avoid overweight fees, but your airline elite status or a business or first-class ticket may grant you a heavier bag, which would likely be 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
We all need to get through airports quickly, so opt for bags with 360-degree spinner wheels that glide smoothly in any direction. Additionally, consider the interior organization features, such as compartments, pockets and compression straps, which help keep your belongings secure and easily accessible.
Lastly, check for security features like TSA-approved locks and something with a solid warranty.
Other checked bags we tested
This soft-sided checked bag has water-resistant nylon and smooth 360-degree spinner wheels. It has multiple pockets for organization, but its zippers feel a bit delicate. We also wish the bag had more stretch material, which would make it easier to pack.
This bag showed excellent durability in tests with no dents in the polycarbonate shell but more surface scratches than other suitcases. The sleek exterior is prone to scuffs and marks, but the 2-inch expansion system offers ample packing space.
We had high hopes for this bag after loving Briggs & Riley's soft-sided checked bag. This one is highly durable, with a multi-layered polycarbonate shell that withstands impacts well. It has the same CX compression system we love, but the finicky zippers were some of the worst we tested.
I was excited about this bag, hoping for French elegance from the renowned car manufacturer. Its innovative 30/70 trunk format is practical for extended trips, but reviews highlight build quality issues with fragile wheels, a flimsy exterior and a wobbly handle.
Bottom line
The best-checked luggage in 2024 boils down to your own preferences and criteria. We all have different ways of valuing durability, functionality, style and price.
For those seeking premium quality, the Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner excels with its innovative expansion technology and smooth maneuverability, while the Away Medium Checked Bag impresses with its stylish design and solid construction. Budget-conscious travelers will find the Samsonite Freeform Medium Spinner offers good value with its lightweight design and ample packing space.