Travel

17 best suitcases 2024, according to frequent travellers

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Hard luggage is typically constrained to one size and shape – so there's less give when you're trying to squash that final pair of sandals down the side of your pile of summer dresses. That said, hard suitcases do tend to be significantly more durable, waterproof, easy to wipe clean and lightweight. Hard luggage will also protect your belongings much better. Most of the hard shell suitcases in this edit are made from polycarbonate, which is a durable yet lightweight material first bought to the luggage world by Rimowa in 2000. See, for example, the Rimowa Original Check-In M.

Soft luggage is beneficial if you're after something that can mould to small spaces, like the overhead carrier of a plane, and they are better for over-packers. Our pick? The Antler Brixham range and, if you need something even smaller, we've got more underseat luggage and women's travel backpack options this way.

Original Check-In M

Brixham cabin in navy

What else to consider when shopping for the best luggage?

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1. TSA Locks TSA LOCK® is a global security system which allows passengers to lock their luggage, while permitting security authorities to inspect them without damage. The best suitcases will feature locks which have been TSA-approved.

2. Smooth wheels

Often, the defining feature of an expensive suitcase over something on a budget is the quality and smoothness of the wheels. The best luggage brands will serve up four 360 degree spinner wheels on their suitcases, making it easy to weave in and out of people (in all directions) in an airport terminal.

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Beis The Carry-On Roller

3. Compression dividers

At the very least, make sure your suitcase has luggage straps which stretch over your clothes and keep the contents of your suitcase in place. If you can, opt for something with full compression dividers which compress your clothes, keep everything safe and make it easier to close your suitcase. Some compression dividers will have additional pockets with zippers on them.

4. Material quality

Choosing the right luggage can be narrowed down by the type of materials best suited for your travels. Depending on wether you want hard or soft luggages, this will be a big deciding factor. For frequent flyers seeking durability and resilience, hard-sided luggage crafted from polycarbonate or aluminium are good options, as they are able to withstands rough handling and can protect fragiles. Soft-sided luggage made from ballistic nylon or polyester are lighter options suitable if you're prioritising flexibility and additional storage pockets. Water-resistant materials like coated fabrics or water-repellent treatments are beneficial for travels that may involve extreme weather conditions.

5. Warranty

If you travel a lot, make sure you're clued up on the luggage brand-in-question's warranty. Do they cover everything you need them to? “Limited warranty” is ideal, while “limited lifetime warranty” means it's good for a certain number of years, and “limited to manufacturer's defects” is what you want to avoid. That basically means the luggage brand will cover nothing and will attribute the damage of your suitcase to you or the airline. Not what you want.

Which brand of luggage is the most durable?

Tumi is the brains behind some of the toughest luggage on the market. Need proof? Their Alpha 3 Suitcase is made from a specially woven ultra durable FXT ballistic nylon. It makes for the toughest and most durable suitcase shell in the brand's 10-year history and is so strong the brand have (cleverly) patented it. Way to banish any worries of your suitcase being bashed and ruined along a luggage carousel.

At a more reasonable price point, the M&S Vienna range combines style and strength with its tough and bouncy plastic exterior together with a lightweight user friendly makeup. It's selling out fast in 2023 and customers have described it as “light but strong,” “durable," “sturdy” and, of particular note, very similar to a recognisable branded one, one buyer remarked.

M&S Collection Vienna 4 Wheel Hard Shell Large Suitcase

TUMI Alpha 3 Extended Trip 79cm 4-Wheel Expandable Large Suitcase

The best luggage brands 2024:

Based on overall quality, cost, aesthetics, durability and customer feedback, these are the luggage brands to know this year:

How we test suitcases

As a team of fashion, interiors, travel and beauty experts, we happen to know a thing or two about which brands have earned their respective places as the best in the check-in and cabin-worthy business. We've tested each of the below suitcases over weekend breaks and full-blown two-week holidays to bring you the creme de la creme of luggage, scoring each on style, weight, size, functionality, durability, customer service and extra features.

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Keep scrolling for our full edit of the best suitcases (from our favourite luggage brands) to take to checkout.