We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping People Tested PEOPLE Tested: The 12 Best Checked Luggage of 2024 For every traveler on every trip By Madison Yauger Madison Yauger Madison Yauger is a shopping editor at PEOPLE.com with eight years of digital media and journalism experience. She has a penchant for lifestyle content with a focus on staples like cozy throw blankets, chic dog jackets, Away luggage, and the linen pants celebrities can’t stop wearing. People Editorial Guidelines and Cai Cramer Cai Cramer Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 24, 2024 10:12AM EDT In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks ReviewsWhat to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Vicky Wasik Most of us have at least one story of things going awry with airport travel, and while it may be a fun story now, it is certainly not enjoyable when it’s playing out in real-time. Checked bags bring their own set of challenges since the luggage leaves your sight for most of your journey, but having durable, maneuverable, and well-designed checked luggage can make or break a trip. Transportation Security Administration regional spokesperson Lisa Farbstein tells PEOPLE that the TSA is “able to screen all checked baggage,” so that means most materials are fair game. In terms of size and material, if you travel more frequently, you might prefer a smaller hard-shelled suitcase for easy mobility and long-term durability, but infrequent fliers might prioritize design and capacity. We tested nearly 40 bags in scenarios that mirror real life, from packing a week's worth of clothing to dragging the bags through area rugs and gravel. We considered each bag's capacity, overall design, maneuverability, and durability to determine the best checked luggage of 2024. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside at Amazon ($310) Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Béis Large Check-in Roller at Nordstrom ($328) Jump to Review Best Budget: Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Suitcase at Amazon ($130) Jump to Review Best Softside: SwissTech Softside Luggage at Walmart ($85) Jump to Review Best Hardside: Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Spinner at Amazon ($470) Jump to Review Best Organization: Béis Check-in Roller at Beistravel.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Compression: Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 28-inch Large Checked Spinner at Delsey.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Customization: Roam The Check-in at Roamluggage.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Design: Paravel Aviator Grand at Amazon ($475) Jump to Review Best Lightweight: July Checked Bag at July.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Overall Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside PHOTO: Amazon $262 at Amazon Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros It has a large capacity and a compression feature, and when we stuffed it to the brim, it kept its shape and size It was effortless to maneuver across different floor types The suitcase survived our durability test and had no scratches or dents Cons Though the price is in the median range among the luggage we tested, it may be too high for some budgets When we tested checked luggage, we really wanted to simulate the struggles real travelers face and how these bags handle those issues. Even when we stuffed this bag to its maximum capacity with clothes and toiletries, it maintained its shape and size. It also has a compression feature to keep everything as compact as possible and a divider to separate clean clothes from used items throughout your trip. To test durability, we hit this suitcase with a baseball bat and shoved it off a counter for good measure. It stayed intact without a single scratch or dent. Most polycarbonate luggage will scuff a little when roughly handled, but you can buff these marks away easily. The set of four spinner wheels moved around our obstacle course without catching on any carpet or simulated “gravel.” This design helps keep the suitcase upright as well, so you can pull it along without too much difficulty. The handles are also quite sturdy, and it feels secure when you lift it to throw it in the back of a car or to place it on a scale at the bag counter in an airport. We think this would be an excellent suitcase for any travel. The price is a little higher than you may want to spend, but Samsonite is a quality brand, and this piece of checked luggage proves that. Dimensions: 31.0 x 20.0 x 12.75 inches | Weight: 11.5 lbs. | Material: 100 percent polycarbonate construction | Colors: 14 | Expandable: Yes | Features: Side-mounted TSA locks, compression feature, divider for organization, expansion feature People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik Best Overall, Runner-Up Béis Large Check-in Roller PHOTO: Beis $328 at Nordstrom $328 at beistravel.com $328 at Bloomingdales Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Pros It comes with a weight indicator to tell you if you’re over the 50-pound weight restriction The interior of the bag was spacious with a ton of organization options via pockets and compartments The wheels easily glided across the floor, and the bag was easy to maneuver around our obstacle course Cons This bag did get a little scuffed during our durability test, but we tested a lighter color, so this might not be an issue with every shade Béis, the brainchild of actress Shay Mitchell, is a widely popular travel brand, and this suitcase is a classic. Its large size fit everything on our packing list with space left over, and the interior pockets allowed us to organize and separate various clothing. It also comes with two drawstring bags that can serve as laundry or accessory bags. If you need extra room, this suitcase expands, and the zippers have a super smooth closure. When faced with our durability tests, this Béis suitcase did get slightly scuffed, but it kept everything inside protected. Testing the set of four spinner wheels, we noticed the bag glided easily across carpet and hard floors, but it needed a little help to get it over the gravel, docking it a tiny bit on maneuverability points. You can pull it on two or four wheels, but when the suitcase is full, it’s easier to move it upright on all four wheels. It also has a passcode lock for added security (TSA-approved!) and a strap on the front for attaching a carry-on (which held our purse on securely even when we pulled it). Plus, there’s a weight indicator, so you can know if your bag will exceed the weight limit before standing in line at check-in. How It's Held Up We’ve been traveling with this Béis bag for six months, and it remains a favorite. We love that it has a hard case, so we don’t have to worry about it becoming damaged while being tossed around at the airport. The bag is roomy, and the interior pockets make it easy to stay organized. The square shape of the suitcase makes it convenient to place a larger bag on top to maneuver through an airport, and we appreciate the padding under the handle for added comfort. Dimensions: 31.3 x 19.7 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 11.84 lbs. | Material: Polycarbonate PVC polyester | Colors: 6 | Expandable: Yes | Features: TSA-compatible lock, weight limit indicator People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik Best Budget Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Suitcase PHOTO: Amazon $130 at Amazon View on Nordstromrack.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros We were able to fit an absurd amount of clothing in this suitcase It received only a few scuffs in our baseball bat test Even when fully packed, the suitcase feels lightweight when pulled behind or beside you Cons The wheels caught on the gravel during tests, so it’s not a parking lot-friendly suitcase This Kenneth Cole luggage is a bit of a Mary Poppins bag because it looks tiny on the outside, but based on how much we packed in it, it could easily fit a month’s worth of clothes. There’s no expansion feature, but this bag doesn’t really need one given its impressive capacity. The inner section is also separated into two compartments, which allows for better organization. Throughout our tests, this suitcase proved tough but not infallible. However, the corners are reinforced with rubber, which helped soften the blows of our extreme durability tests. The outer shell is made with ABS (a tough engineering-grade plastic), so while it scuffed a little post-test, this hard shell bag will hold up against a lot of rough handling, rain, and other elements it might face in transit. The spinner wheels created swift mobility navigating our obstacle course, apart from catching slightly on the gravel portion. We loved how light it felt (even when packed), so it shouldn’t be too arduous to pull alongside you on your next trip. Overall, this is a high-value suitcase selling for just over $100 — a bargain when you look at most luggage pricing. How It's Held Up We’ve had this bag for six months, and it’s traveled as far as Alaska. The luggage held up, and none of our items were damaged in transit. We did, however, notice some damage to the outer surface (scuff marks and worn spots near the handles and on the shell coating). The suitcase is lightweight and easy to pack, and everything fits neatly inside. The wheels also rolled and maneuvered easily around large airports. Since the case is not expandable, we prefer to use it on road trips. Dimensions: 29.5 x 20.5 x 11.75 inches | Weight: 9.8 lbs. | Material: ABS (an engineering plastic) | Colors: 19 | Expandable: No | Features: No notable extra features Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik Best Softside SwissTech Softside Luggage PHOTO: Walmart $85 at Walmart View on Swisstechusa.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Pros It features thoughtful storage with organization pockets as well as a removable wet pocket After the impact of a baseball bat, this bag only had one tiny dent It's at a great price point compared to the many luggage options we tested Cons It’s not a fashion-forward bag, so the design might be too simple for those prioritizing style The beauty of softside luggage is generally more storage, organization, and expansion options. We found this bag to be super spacious, with large pockets for sorting different types of clothes as well as a removable wet pocket for damp swimsuits or other dirty clothes. Despite our large load of clothing and toiletries, this expandable bag fit everything we packed with space left over. This bag is all business — it’s not the most glamorous on the conveyor belt, but it’s sturdy and will get your belongings from point A to B effectively. It’s the suitcase your dad might gravitate toward because it’s the practical option; it comes with lots of extra pockets, easy-gliding zippers, and it’s super durable. There was no damage after pushing this suitcase off a countertop and only a tiny dent in the fabric after being hit with a baseball bat. Basically, we think it will last you quite a while. This piece of checked luggage maneuvered around our obstacles with ease, as well as over gravel, rugs, and hard floors. Considering the lower price, this bag is a great value and a practical option for everyday travelers. How It's Held Up After six months of use, there are several things we really appreciate about this suitcase: the inner compression strap placement, interior compartments, detachable toiletry bag, external zippers, and that it is expandable. We also really love how easy this suitcase is to pack. We can stack four piles of clothes neatly in the case, and they’ll come out the same way after a flight. It’s also lightweight and fairly durable. For a suitcase of this size, the wheels maneuver well, even when the bag is filled with nearly 60 pounds of stuff. One thing that we’ve discovered is a blessing and a curse is that this bag is big and can fit a lot. However, the bag is durable; the only damage we’ve observed is that one zipper pull broke off, which isn’t too bad after six months of regular use. Dimensions: 32 x 19.5 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 10.9 lbs. | Material: Ballistic nylon | Colors: 2 | Expandable: Yes | Features: TSA-compatible lock, reinforced padded handles, removable wet pocket People / Jhett Thompson People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik Best Hardside Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Spinner PHOTO: Amazon $400 at Amazon $400 at travelpro.com $376 at Macy's Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4.5/5 Pros This suitcase is super maneuverable; it scooted across rugs, gravel, and all the bumps in our obstacle course with ease It was durable enough to survive the swings of a baseball bat with no dents or dings The internal organization is top-notch with a water-resistant pocket and zippered panels to keep everything sorted It is expandable, which isn’t super common for hard-sided luggage Cons The price could be a con for some budgets, but it matches the value this luggage provides Hardside luggage is often the most durable type of suitcase, and our tests confirmed that reputation with this Travelpro bag. We shoved it off a countertop a few times and took a couple swings at it with a baseball bat, and there were only a few scuff marks after — no dents or dings. The spinner wheels allow for easy maneuverability, too. The suitcase had no trouble scooting around our makeshift obstacle course; it even rolled over bumps, rugs, and gravel smoothly. Beyond its ease of use, this bag is also quite spacious, and it includes an expansion zipper for even more room if needed. It fit the mass amount of clothing we packed without issue, and despite not having external pockets, there was plenty of space for clothes, shoes, and toiletry bags. To help organize your things, there are some straps and zippered panels on either side of the case, which also keep things from shifting when in transit, as well as a water-resistant pocket for dirty or wet clothing. Plus, it’s quite sleek, making it a functional and stylish hardside luggage option. How It's Held Up The Travelpro Platinum has held up well on several trips during the past six months. We took it on an eight-day trip that included train travel, weddings, and sightseeing, and we were happy to have it. The bag is durable, stylish, and spacious. We have found it to be especially useful for longer trips or trips that require a lot of bulky items. After several trips, the bag still looks as good as new, with only minor signs of wear and tear. One thing to note is that this suitcase weighs around 12 pounds, which is heavier than some of its similar-sized counterparts. Dimensions: 30 x 18 x 13.5 inches | Weight: 12.3 lbs. | Material: Polycarbonate shell | Colors: 5 | Expandable: Yes | Features: TSA-compatible lock, water-resistant pocket People / Jhett Thompson People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik Best Organization Béis Check-in Roller PHOTO: Béis View on Beistravel.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Value 5/5 Pros It has tons of interior and exterior pockets that make it easy to stay organized It comes with a built-in weight sensor that tells you when luggage weighs more than 50 pounds The wheels glided smoothly over every surface, and multiple handles made it easy to lift the suitcase Cons The exterior shell was slightly dented during our baseball bat test This 26-inch check-in luggage is outfitted with a number of pockets, compartments, and straps to keep your things organized. It also comes with a set of pouches for shoes, dirty clothes, or anything else you want to separate from the rest of our items. We easily fit our entire packing list of travel essentials into the two large butterfly compartments and still had room to spare — so no worries if you need to pack another pair of men's dress shoes, for instance. The suitcase’s wheels rolled smoothly across all of our test surfaces, and the size and weight of the case were well-balanced to make it easy for us to lift up. We loved the small, thoughtful details included in the case, like a weight indicator that alerts you if the bag weighs more than 50 pounds, which can be a huge time saver before heading to the airport. The bag was also surprisingly durable for how lightweight it is and stood up to our drop tests and baseball bat tests without any major damage. We did notice a dent on the shell of the suitcase after hitting it with the bat, but if you’re not planning on slamming your suitcase with a heavy object (which we don’t recommend you do), then we think this luggage from Béis should last you a long time. Dimensions: 17.7 x 28.3 x 11 inches | Weight: 10.2 lbs. | Material: Polycarbonate | Colors: Black, beige, grey, pink, navy blue, purple, green, brown | Expandable: Yes, 2 inches | Features: Built-in scale, cushioned handle, retractable bag attach strap, TSA locks People / Jhett Thompson People / Jhett Thompson People / Jhett Thompson People / Jhett Thompson People / Jhett Thompson The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Compression Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 28-inch Large Checked Spinner PHOTO: Delsey View on Delsey.com $840 at Macy's $840 at Bloomingdales Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros This suitcase's elegant shell stands out from the rest at baggage claim, making it easier to spot The butterfly-open shell features zippered compression flaps on both halves of the case to keep your belongings in place during transit Cons It's slightly more expensive than some other suitcases we’ve tested There are lots of reasons to love the Chatelet Air 2.0 — its elegant exterior, lightweight shell, and smooth-rolling wheels are all great — but our favorite thing about this 28-inch bag is the zippered compression flaps on both halves of the clamshell. Having a compression zip on both sides of the suitcase helped us pack more things into it without worrying about anything falling out when we opened the case. The interior also has a few pockets for organizing your clothes, which can be a space saver. We were very impressed with how easily the Air 2.0 bag maneuvered. The wheels rolled smoothly, and we were surprised by how lightweight it was — 1 pound lighter than the Béis suitcase of a similar size. But the Air 2.0 is also about $100 more expensive than the Béis checked luggage, so if weight isn’t an important factor to you, then you can find other suitcases in the same category for less. How It's Held Up We are pleased with how the Delsey bag has held up over the past six months. It has a few scratches and scuff marks (some occurred during lab testing and others during travel), but this has not impacted the effectiveness of the bag itself. We love the rich color of the bag and how easy it is to maneuver. The zippers work well and don’t get stuck easily. This is a great checked bag to own; it fits plenty of items and is lighter than other bags, so you’ll have more room to meet the 50-pound weight limit. Dimensions: 20.75 x 12.75 x 30 inches | Weight: 11.1 lbs. | Material: Polycarbonate shell | Colors: 4 | Expandable: No | Features: 10-year limited warranty, TSA-approved combination lock, protected corners People / Jhett Thompson People / Jhett Thompson People / Jhett Thompson Best Customization Roam The Check-in PHOTO: Roam View on Roamluggage.com Our Ratings Capacity 4/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros It offers complete customization on every inch of the bag for a design that's unique to you It moved with ease around our obstacle course There were no signs of impact, despite a hard fall off a counter and the smack of a baseball bat Cons It's not the most spacious bag of those we tested, but it does come with compression boards to help conserve space The price is on the higher end of our list, but the value stacks up For those who appreciate the art of customization, this suitcase lets you choose every color on every part of the bag, including the lining, wheels, and zipper, as well as a monogram patch. While we appreciate the compact design, which was somewhat spacious, we do wish there was just a slightly larger capacity. Everything fit, but there wasn’t much room left over. That said, it comes with compression boards to make what you’re packing as compact as possible. For long or short journeys, this bag is along for the ride. It proved to be super sturdy during our tests, with no scuffs or destruction after some rough handling. Plus, it was extremely lightweight and easy to move around, both on smooth surfaces and gravel. And the zipper is waterproof for added protection on rainy travel days. The bag definitely has a higher price tag, but this makes sense in light of the customizations, and we think it’s worth it. How It's Held Up During the past three months, we’ve taken this bag on flights and road trips, and it has held up well. The bag is a good size to carry all the items you need for a week or longer. Everything we packed fit nicely and stayed put in transit. Our favorite thing about the bag is the fun color options, which make it easy to spot at baggage claim. The bag is not scratch-proof, but that’s to be expected. It’s not a budget bag, but if you’re looking to invest in a customizable piece of luggage that holds up well and is easy to maneuver, we highly recommend the Roam Check-In Expandable bag. Dimensions: 26 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 9.3 lbs. | Material: Polycarbonate shell | Colors: 9 | Expandable: Yes | Features: TSA-compatible lock, compression boards, customization People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik We Tested Luggage Trackers on Domestic and International Flights — These 3 Are the Absolute Best Best Design Paravel Aviator Grand PHOTO: Amazon $475 at Amazon View on Tourparavel.com $475 at Bloomingdales Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4.7/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 4/5 Pros The sustainable design is comprised of entirely recycled materials and carbon-neutral production We fit everything that we packed with plenty of space left over in the well-organized compartments Cons We noted some minor dings and scuffs after our durability tests, despite the brand's scuff-free material claim It might be a little overpriced when comparing features to others on our list We’ll call it like it is — this bag is downright Instagrammable. We especially love the faux leather details of this Paravel suitcase and the other recycled materials, as well as the brand’s promise of carbon-neutral production. In terms of capacity, this suitcase fits everything we packed with plenty of extra space; the sides are deep with added zipper sections for organizing your belongings. This Paravel luggage piece boasts a textured finish to prevent scuffs, but we saw a few tiny marks after both of our durability tests. That said, nothing inside the suitcase was affected, and it feels sturdy when you’re moving it around. The wheels rolled beautifully around our “airport” setup, navigating various cones, bumps, and floor types. It did catch slightly on the gravel, however. While this bag is stunning, it doesn’t stand out from others on our list in terms of features, so the price could be a dealbreaker for some. How It's Held Up After one month of use (including a 12-day trip to Peru), we found this bag helpful for a long trip where we needed to pack a lot of bulky items. While the overall capacity was surprisingly smaller than we expected, we were able to pack everything into the two large compartments. We personally prefer the compression system in Away luggage, but we did appreciate Paravel's large zippered pocket, which we found useful for dirty laundry. The handle comes out smoothly and remains locked in place, and the wheels glide easily. We like the bag’s clean and stylish appearance, and although it sustained a few scratches and scuffs, it still looks good after being checked six times. Dimensions: 18.25 x 28 x 11 inches | Weight: 11.8 lbs. | Material: Recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum, recycled zippers, vegan leather, and nylon lining made from plastic bottles | Colors: 5 | Expandable: No | Features: Removable laundry bag, TSA-compatible lock People / Jhett Thompson People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik Best Lightweight July Checked Bag PHOTO: July View on July.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 5/5 Maneuverability 4/5 Durability 3.5/5 Value 4/5 Pros It weighs less than 10 pounds when empty It comes with a dust bag and a pamphlet that walks you through the ins and outs of the suitcase Despite its medium size, it’s spacious and has quite a few compartments to help store clothing for a shorter trip Cons It sustained some marks and dings during our durability tests The wheels caught a bit on carpet and gravel flooring When it comes to checked bags, the lighter, the better. Not only will a lightweight bag save you money, but it will also save your back when you have to lift it off the baggage carousel. And this July bag weighs less than 10 pounds when empty. Despite its small size, it has many compartments as well as a compression pad to help you store a decent amount of clothing. We also liked that it arrived with a dust bag to store it in when not in use. Given its light materials, the bag succumbed to a few dings and scuffs when we tested its durability; every time we hit the bag with the bat, it left a mark. That said, we tested the baby pink shade, so buying a dark color might prevent some of these visible scuffs. The wheels were more effective on hardwoods than on carpet (less so on gravel). Given its medium size and light weight, we think this would be the ideal suitcase for someone who doesn’t travel as often (so the durability wouldn’t be an issue) because it’s really light and easy to pull around. How It's Held Up In three months with this bag, we truly put it to the test. We traveled throughout the U.S., South America, and Antarctica with this suitcase. While it’s on the smaller side for a checked bag, the size makes it easier to stay under the 50-pound weight limit. The bag tends to show signs of wear (scratches on the metallic corners and scuffs on the case), however, this is expected with light color and matte finishes. Dimensions: 26 x 18.75 x 11 inches | Weight: 8.3 lbs. | Material: Polycarbonate shell | Colors: 16 | Expandable: No | Features: Personalization, TSA-compatible lock People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik Best Duffel Briggs & Riley ZDX Medium Upright Duffel Bag PHOTO: Bloomingdales View on Nordstrom $499 at Bloomingdales $499 at briggs-riley.com Our Ratings Capacity 4.5/5 Design 5/5 Portability 5/5 Value 3.5/5 Durability 5/5 Pros It's made from extremely durable fabric that showed no damage after our intense durability tests It's super light to tote around, and the wheels can navigate gravel, hard surfaces, and carpets with ease Cons It’s a little expensive, but we think the value matches the price because this bag will last a long time Made of ballistic nylon that’s extremely tough to damage (short of using a chainsaw), this duffel bag-style checked luggage is without a doubt the most durable of any we tested. This Briggs and Riley duffel bag was vigorously pushed off a countertop and hit with a baseball bat and showed no signs of damage. Interestingly, despite its strength, this bag’s material is kind of soft. The wheels maneuvered easily around hard surfaces, carpet, and gravel, and the bag felt super lightweight when we pulled it behind us. The design of the bag also lends itself to durability, with two dark colors that won’t easily show dirt or scuffs. It also comes with three different-sized compartments to help you organize your clothes, shoes, and toiletries. The interior is really spacious, with straps to help keep everything in place. It’s definitely expensive, but if you like backpacking or traveling with a light but durable bag, this is a great option. Dimensions: 25.75 x 15 x 14 inches | Weight: 8.6 lbs. | Material: Ballistic nylon | Colors: 2 | Expandable: No | Features: Monogramming People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik Best Investment Tumi Alpha 3 Packing Case PHOTO: Tumi $1,195 at Amazon View on Tumi.com Our Ratings Capacity 5/5 Design 4/5 Maneuverability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Pros It includes a zippered security feature that’s TSA-compliant for extra protection The capacity and storage of this case are extensive with varying-sized pockets for organization, including a removable garment sleeve Each bag comes with a unique tracer number so you can easily find them when airport mishaps occur Cons This is by far the most expensive bag on our list It’s rather heavy at 15.4 pounds which might put you at risk for exceeding the 50-pound weight limit when the suitcase is filled If you see a celebrity in an airport, chances are they’ll have a Tumi suitcase by their side. Though stylish in nature, it’s the functionality of this bag that really dazzles. This piece of Tumi luggage comes in chic colors like black and navy and can even be customized with your monogram. We appreciated the capacity, which fit many items of varying sizes during our tests. All of the zippers had smooth mobility, and there’s even a security zipper that’s TSA-compliant for added security. There are also extensive pockets, a removable garment sleeve, and an expandable exterior with bumper rails for added protection. Plus, each bag comes with a unique tracer number for easy recovery. During our durability assessment, it only sustained minor injuries: some dirty marks but no dents or scuffs. We noticed it was rather heavy when empty, which could get you to the 50-pound weight limit faster than preferred, but it proved easy to maneuver around the cones. (Though the wheels did stick a little when we ran it over gravel.) Overall, we think this is a highly functional (and fashionable) bag that would work for long or short trips. While it is expensive, if it’s within your budget, we think it’s a worthwhile investment for a seasoned traveler. How It's Held Up After six months of regular use, we are impressed with the number of items we’re able to fit inside this Tumi bag. We traveled with it on a 10-day trip to Australia and were able to pack four pairs of shoes on the smaller side and all of our clothing and toiletries on the larger side, with room to spare for gifts and souvenirs. The exterior of the bag looks nearly new with just a few scuff marks on the rubber accent pieces. Our only issue with the bag is the wheels, which seem to favor one side. Dimensions: 26 x 19 x 13 inches | Weight: 15.4 lbs. | Material: Ballistic nylon | Colors: 3 | Expandable: Yes | Features: TSA-compatible lock, customization, Tumi tracer, security zipper People / Jhett Thompson People / Vicky Wasik People / Vicky Wasik What to Know About Checked Luggage Durability Checked luggage sees a lot of manhandling; therefore, it needs to have a thick skin. The material, size, and type of suitcase will all contribute to its overall durability and will ultimately determine how many trips it will take in its lifetime. For instance, a hardshell suitcase made with hard plastic like polycarbonate might scratch, but it won’t have the same long-term damage that a soft suitcase will — such as tears, rips, and material wearing down over time. Hard-sided luggage is also more water-resistant, so you can relax if it happens to be pouring rain when they’re unloading your suitcase from the plane. Some highly durable picks on our list include the Briggs & Riley Medium Wheeled Duffel and the Roam Check-In. Design The design of a suitcase is important because it will determine storage and capacity, ease of maneuvering around an airport, and overall use. Spinner wheels are one design element intended to make it easier to pull your luggage around and usually come in a set of four. This distributes the weight of your luggage better, so you’re not straining to move it around. Most luggage also has various compartments and zippered pockets to help you keep your belongings organized during travel, like the Béis Large Check-In Roller and the Paravel Aviator Grand Checked. Price Luggage can have price tags that will make your eyes widen, but you don’t have to overspend to find quality suitcases. We do have some pricier options on our list, but we’ve also included many more affordable options, such as our best overall pick, the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage. If you travel often and have saved up to buy a quality piece of luggage, it’s worth spending the money on a piece you’ll have for years. If you’re more of a road tripper but want to have a piece of checked luggage on standby, go for the budget-friendly Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds. People / Jhett Thompson Behind the Scenes We set out to test checked luggage in scenarios that mirror real life. Capacity: For the packing stage: We looked at the overall capacity of each bag and considered how well it would work for efficient packers and overpackers (our team falls into both camps). We packed a week’s worth of shirts, pants, jackets, undergarments, shoes, and toiletries to really see how much would fit. Was it easy to organize? Was there room left over? Then we left for the metaphorical airport.Design: The design impacts all the rest of a bag’s qualities, so we looked at how the design aided or hindered mobility and durability. Did the wheels maneuver easily around our makeshift obstacle course of cones (representing the hundreds of fellow airport travelers around you, looking for their gates, waiting in bathroom lines, and standing in the middle of the walkway for no apparent reason)? Our team also ran the bags over rugs and DIY gravel to see how adaptable the wheels were. We looked at the materials, fasteners, and expanders and really compared which bags allow for versatile travel and which do not.Durability: Finally, and arguably the most entertaining part of the test, we evaluated durability by shoving the luggage off of countertops and hitting it with a baseball bat (using protective eyewear) to see how well the material holds up against the rough handling that usually occurs behind the scenes at airports. Considering all of that, we looked at what each bag offers and at what price and determined the overall value. Using these insights, we chose our favorite checked luggage for this list. People/Jhett Thompson Frequently Asked Questions What are the rules for checked luggage? Considering everything gets thoroughly checked by TSA and modern technology allows them to even “electronically screen [some] bags without opening them,” per Farbstein, you have some flexibility in your options. Aside from getting good luggage tags, she does have another piece of guidance for travelers: Get a “TSA-compatible” lock. If you lock your suitcase, TSA will still open it, so these universal locks allow security to do their job without damaging your luggage. (Note: They will cut off other types of locks if they need to get into your bag.) You can get these in any airport or travel store, and they’re marked as TSA-compatible. What size checked luggage should I bring for a week-long trip? If you’re someone who re-wears, rotates, and remixes your clothing pieces throughout a trip, you can probably get away with a smaller to medium-sized suitcase. However, if you like to bring a shoe option for every day of the week, then a large or even extra-large suitcase will give you the storage space you need. Is a hard or soft suitcase better? In terms of durability, a hardshell suitcase like the Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-In Expandable Hardside Spinner is a safer bet to ensure your belongings get to your destination in one piece, but durability is not the only consideration when traveling. If you’re an overpacker, an expandable suitcase might be the better choice, in which case soft-sided luggage would be best, like the SwissTech Executive 8-Wheel Softside Luggage. As Farbstein says, TSA doesn’t have a preference for either type of bag, so this is up to your personal preference. The 12 Best Portable Chargers of 2024, According to Travel Experts People / Jhett Thompson Why Trust PEOPLE? Madison Yauger is a commerce editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke to Transportation Security Administration regional spokesperson Lisa Farbstein and used insights from our lab tests to determine the best checked luggage of 2024. Additional selects were added by PEOPLE commerce writer Cai Cramer after our PEOPLE Tested lab put checked luggage from Béis, Tumi, and Delsey to the test. Meet Our Experts Lisa Farbstein is the regional spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase. The 15 Best Laptop Backpacks for Travel of 2024, Tested and Reviewed