As basic economy restrictions become the norm, many passengers will do anything to avoid checking a bag. But sometimes a carry-on just isn’t enough.
If you’re considering swapping out your carry-on for a brand new full-sized bag, the choices can be overwhelming. So many sizes and styles!
Remember, checking a bag doesn’t mean it can be as big or as heavy as you want. Most airlines allow 62 linear inches for size and 50lbs for weight.
Need some inspiration as you begin your bag search? We’ve pulled some of the best checked luggage for 2019.
The Best Hardside Luggage 2019
Samsonite Freeform Expandable
Modern, sleek, and ultra-light, this suitcase from Samsonite is perfect for your next long trip. At 28 inches, there is plenty of room for all of your belongings. It has a recessed TSA combination lock, is ultra-light, has 4 360 spinner wheels, and comes in 5 colors, so it’s easy to find at baggage claim.
Customer Review: ”Love it! The color is beautiful, and I was able to fit about 20 outfits (mainly plus size jeans), three beach towels, two sweaters, a thick jacket, plus bathroom/shower stuff along with a whole bunch of unnecessary things for vacation. I was even able to fit a queen size quilt into it! And still able to push it with one finger with it fully packed!”
Price: Starting at $168.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Away, The Large
If you’re looking for a basic, lighter weight, durable suitcase, this one is for you. Made with a polycarbonate shell with leather features, an interior compression system, and a hidden laundry bag, it’s the suitcase you didn’t know you needed. Whether you like basic black or something a little brighter, they have you covered with nine different colors to choose from.
Customer Review: ”Amazing bag. Fit plenty of clothes for my 7-week trip. Definitely would recommend. High quality and sturdy and very easy to find in the luggage carousel!”
Price: $295 at awaytravel.com
Average Star Rating: 5
The Best Softside Luggage 2019
it, Luggage World’s Lightest 8 Wheel Spinner
The name says it all: the world’s lightest. You won’t strain your back wheeling this to the airport. With a fiberglass frame, ultra-strong, high-tech polyester shell, and a large zipped storage pocket, it’s a checked bag you’ll be happy with. Available in 5 colors.
Customer Review: “Love this bag! Very light and easy to maneuver even when stuffed full. Very durable, exceeded my expectations! Since I move so many of my belongings to Guatemala, I need to use all of the baggage allowance I can. This bag is awesome!”
Price: $88.79 on eBags
Average Star Rating: 4
Travelpro Maxlite 5
If you’re like me, you always end up with more to pack coming home from vacation than when you arrived. If that sounds familiar to you, this expandable suitcase from Travelpro will be perfect. It expands up to 2 inches and has high-performance ball bearing wheels, a PowerScope Lite handle, and plenty of extra compartments. Available in 3 colors.
Customer Review: “This luggage is a rock star. Used it very recently on a trip to Spain and it held up great. Had to roll it over cobblestone, construction sites, up and down metro stairs, and it kicked butt. This luggage is meant for travelers. Travelpro makes the best!”
Price: $133.00 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
The Most Stylish Luggage 2019
Delsey Chatelet Hard+
You’ll be styling as you jet set with this hard suitcase from Delsey. Made from Bayer 100% Virgin Makrolon polycarbonate with leather trim, with a stop and go break system that allows you to lock the silent wheels, so you don’t have to worry about it rolling away. Plus, I love the luxurious red interior. Available in 2 colors.
Customer Review: “This bag has performed wonderfully. I was a little apprehensive about buying luggage in the cream/champagne color, but the hard case is so tough that all the smudges were superficial only and wiped off easily with a rag."
Price: $279.99 on eBags
Average Star Rating: 5
Steve Madden Large 28” Expandable Suitcase
This expandable softside suitcase from Steve Madden is a subtle way to stand out from the other bags at the carousel. With a lightweight construction, ergonomic handles, a fully lined interior, and several pockets for ultimate organization, it’s the perfect stylish suitcase. Available in 6 colors.
Customer Review: “Love this suitcase! Plenty of classy style with lots of room to pack inside! This is a remarkable price for this suitcase. I priced it in the department store, and it was much more even though it was on sale! It has several zipper pockets and two roomy pockets where I plan to pack shoes. The wheels that go in all directions makes it easy to pull.”
Price: Starting at $109.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Cute Luggage for 2019
Trolley Suitcase by Urecity
Do you long for the old days, when traveling 30 miles took days in a horse and buggy? This trunk-style suitcase is for you. It’s waterproof, lightweight, and easy to clean, with four heavy-duty spinner wheels. Available in 15 colors.
Customer Review: “Beautiful!! Looks better than the picture. I thought I would have to give this to a child or teen, but It doesn’t look too childlike as I initially thought it would. It looks very elegant and vintage. I love it. I haven’t used it yet, but it’s lightweight yet seems to be sturdy and durable.”
Price: $259.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Lily Bloom Large Expandable Suitcase
Make a statement with this expandable suitcase from Lily Bloom. At 28 inches, with four wheels, a lightweight construction, plus its 13 different patterns, you’ll be turning heads at the airport with this bag.
Customer Review: “I got my first lily bloom in Miami in 2016 since then I was hooked. I was supper happy to see them available again on amazon. I now have the 28/24/20 and the under-seat bag — best luggage I ever had. Fabric is very durable. I've pushed it to the limit since I tend to pack my bags tight. These are awesome.”
Price: $99.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4.5
Related Article: Hard vs Soft Luggage: What Type of Suitcase Is Best?
The Best Duffel Bags for International Travel 2019
L.L.Bean Rolling Adventure Duffle, Extra-Large
I’m always amazed at how much I can fit into a duffle bag, and when it’s on wheels, it’s even better. This duffle from L.L.Bean is water-resistant with a reinforced bottom, an extra-long zipper, and an interior toboggan bottom to prevent sagging. Available in 8 colors.
Customer Review: “I own about 10 of these bags. They are the best in terms of price, sturdiness, durability, and costs. I like that they are lightweight in particular. We use them for expeditions to Africa and Central America for field gear. They are not treated particularly gently and still do not break after years of abuse of fieldwork under tough conditions. The best that I've seen for this price.”
Price: $139.00 on L.L.Bean
Average Star Rating: 4.5
The Best Cheap Luggage 2019
American Tourister Zoom 25” Expandable Spinner
When you’re not looking for anything fancy, this suitcase from American Tourister will fit the bill. It’s expandable, has two front pockets, and glides effortlessly. Available in 3 colors.
Customer Review: "I bought this suitcase for a week-long work trip, and it was a perfect size, even for an over-packer like me! Very easy to wheel around, light weight, and colorful in the aqua/turquoise color, making it easy to spot at the luggage claim. I will be taking it on a 12 day trip to Europe this summer. "
Price: $89.99 on eBags
Average Star Rating: 4.5
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner – 28 Inch
Another budget-friendly option made of extra-thick ABS, this suitcase is perfect for those longer treks. It’s fully lined, with three zippered pockets, and four double spinner wheels. Available in 4 colors.
Customer Review: "Went on a trip to Europe, and I was surprised how well this held up. It's really light and only got a few scuffs, which I expected. I love the wide range of color selection.”
Price: $89.99 on Amazon
Average Star Rating: 4
Photos in feature image via Amazon
