Travel Luggage: Where To Buy Quality Bags

When it comes to buying luggage, you want to make sure you're getting the best value for your money. There are a few key things to consider when shopping for luggage: durability, functionality, and style.

If you're looking for a durable suitcase that can withstand the wear and tear of travel, consider brands like Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, and Travelpro. These brands consistently receive high ratings for their sturdy construction and reliable performance.

For functionality, look for luggage with features that make packing and travelling easier. This could include spacious interiors, multiple compartments, smooth-rolling wheels, and telescopic handles. Brands like Away, Béis, and Calpak are known for their well-designed, user-friendly suitcases.

If you want your luggage to make a fashion statement, there are plenty of stylish options available. Paravel, for example, offers sophisticated and eco-friendly designs, while July has a range of colourful suitcases to choose from.

Ultimately, the best luggage brand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's always a good idea to read reviews and compare features before making your purchase.

Where to buy good travel luggage for business trips

When it comes to luggage for business trips, there are several factors to consider to ensure your travels are as seamless as possible. Firstly, it is important to opt for luggage that is durable, lightweight, and easy to manoeuvre, with smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable, sturdy handle. Secondly, organisational features such as compartments, pockets, and compression systems are essential for keeping your belongings neat and accessible. Finally, style and price are also worth considering, with hardshell cases offering greater protection and softshell cases being more flexible and lightweight.

Briggs & Riley Baseline

This luggage option is ideal for frequent travellers as it offers a unique expansion system that allows for 25% more packing space, which can then be compressed back down. It also features an outside handle for flat packing and a tri-fold garment folder, making it perfect for business trips that require a lot of packing. Briggs & Riley is known for its top-quality luggage and offers a lifetime guarantee, making it a great long-term investment. While it is a bit pricey, the durability and guarantee make it a worthwhile investment.

Travelpro Platinum Elite

The Travelpro Platinum Elite is a favourite among frequent business travellers due to its smooth-rolling spinner wheels and expandable design, which provide ease of movement and extra space when needed. Additionally, it includes a built-in USB port for charging devices on the go, and its professional look and smart organisation make it perfect for 2-3 day business trips. While it is on the pricier side, the quality and features make it a good investment for frequent travellers.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

The Samsonite Omni PC is a great option for occasional business travellers as it offers good value for money. The hard shell protects your belongings while being lightweight, and it also has multi-directional spinner wheels for easy movement. It comes in several sizes, with the 20-inch carry-on being ideal for most business trips. However, some users find the interior organisation lacking compared to softer bags.

NOMATIC Luggage Carry-On Classic

The NOMATIC Carry-On Classic is a stylish and functional choice for business travellers, offering a unique compression system that helps you fit more into a smaller space. It features a tech compartment for your laptop and gadgets, as well as silent spinner wheels and a magnetic water bottle pocket. The clamshell design allows for easy access to your belongings, but it may take some time to get used to the unique design. It might also be too small for longer trips, so it is best suited for shorter business trips.

TUMI International Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-on

TUMI is a well-known brand for business luggage, offering luxury and functionality. The TUMI International Dual Access carry-on has a tough ballistic nylon exterior and thoughtful organisation, making it ideal for frequent travel. It also features an expansion zipper for extra space and a Tumi Tracer system to help locate your bag if it gets lost. While it is a splurge, many business travellers find the quality and features worth the investment.

Away Carry-On

Away luggage has become popular for its sleek design and smart features. The Carry-On model is perfect for business trips as it includes a built-in battery for charging devices on the go, as well as an interior compression system and a hidden laundry bag. The minimalist interior may not offer enough organisation for some, but the overall design and functionality make it a great choice for business travellers.

Rimowa Original Cabin

Rimowa is known for its high-quality, durable suitcases, and their cabin luggage is a popular choice among business travellers. They use strong materials like aluminium and polycarbonate. The wheels on Rimowa luggage are smooth and allow you to glide through busy airports without breaking a sweat. This is a big plus when you’re rushing to catch a flight or heading to an important meeting. Let’s be honest: appearances matter in business. Rimowa luggage has a sleek, professional look that fits right in at business meetings or high-end hotels.

Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On Max

The Arlo Skye Carry-On Max is a stylish and functional choice for business travellers. Its zipperless design provides enhanced security and speeds up the packing and unpacking process. It also features a removable power bank and tamper-proof locks, making it ideal for tech-savvy professionals, while the roomy interior accommodates extended business trips. While it is premium-priced and the aluminium exterior is prone to scuffs, the overall design and functionality make it a good choice for business travellers seeking a statement piece.

Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original

The Solgaard Carry-On Closet Original is a unique and innovative option for business travellers, featuring a patented built-in shelving system that keeps your clothes neatly organised and easily accessible. This system is especially useful for short business trips as it can be hung in your hotel closet, saving time and effort. While there may be a slight learning curve in using the shelving

Where to buy good travel luggage for long-haul flights

When it comes to long-haul flights, you'll want to make sure you have luggage that's durable, spacious, and easy to manoeuvre. Here are some of the best options on the market:

Samsonite

Samsonite is a well-known luggage brand that offers a range of durable and spacious options. Their products are known for their quality construction, ease of use, packability, durability, and appearance. The brand has a wide assortment of products for every type of traveller, from business travellers to vacationers. Their suitcases have functional compartments that maximise space and are generally lightweight and compact on the outside, with spacious interiors. Samsonite's products are also known for their durability and ease-of-use features, such as easy-to-use zippers and smooth wheels.

Travelpro

Travelpro is another popular luggage brand that offers a range of durable and spacious options for long-haul flights. Their products are known for their sturdy construction and easy manoeuvrability. The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On is a top pick for frequent flyers, as it is made from sturdy and weather-resistant material and offers a generous capacity and compact design. It also has smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable, contoured-grip rubber handle. Travelpro also offers a range of softside and hardside options, including carry-on and checked luggage. Their products are generally lightweight and spacious, with smooth wheels and comfortable handles.

Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley is a high-end luggage brand that offers a range of durable and spacious options. Their products are known for their durability, reliability, and accommodating lifetime warranty. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On is a popular choice for those who prefer softside luggage, as it is made with ballistic nylon that resists wear and tear. It also has a generous warranty that covers any damage and a unique compression system that allows you to pack more in the same amount of space. Briggs & Riley also offers a range of hardside and softside options, including carry-on and checked luggage. Their products are generally spacious, with smooth wheels and sturdy handles.

Away

Away is a popular luggage brand that offers a range of durable and stylish options. Their products are known for their lightweight construction, functional design, and spacious interiors. The Away Bigger Carry-On is a top pick for those who want a spacious yet compact option, as it can easily fit in an overhead bin while offering extra packing space. It also has quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle, and a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes. Away also offers a range of hardside and softside options, including carry-on and checked luggage. Their products are generally well-made, with spacious interiors and smooth wheels.

Rimowa

Rimowa is a luxury luggage brand that offers a range of durable and stylish options. Their products are known for their durable and lightweight construction, innovative features, and smooth wheels. The Rimowa Original Cabin is a top pick for those who want a stylish and sophisticated option, as it has a high-end anodized aluminium exterior and a lifetime guarantee. Rimowa also offers a range of hardside and softside options, including carry-on and checked luggage. Their products are generally durable, with smooth wheels and a stylish design.

Delsey

Delsey is a popular luggage brand that offers a range of spacious and lightweight options. Their products are known for their large capacity, smooth wheels, and stylish looks. The Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 Soft Large Expandable Spinner is a good choice for those who prefer softside luggage, as it is spacious and easy to manoeuvre. It also has a matching carry-on option. Delsey also offers a range of hardside and softside options, including carry-on and checked luggage. Their products are generally spacious, with smooth wheels and a stylish design.

Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics offers a range of affordable and spacious luggage options. Their products are known for their lightweight construction, easy packability, and smooth wheels. The Amazon Basics 30" Hardside Spinner is a good choice for those who want a spacious and affordable option, as it has a large capacity and smooth wheels. Amazon Basics also offers a range of softside and hardside options, including carry-on and checked luggage. Their products are generally lightweight and spacious, with smooth wheels and a reasonable price.

Where to buy good travel luggage for short-haul flights

When it comes to buying good travel luggage for short-haul flights, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to choose a suitcase that is the correct size and weight for your travel needs. Short-haul flights usually have strict luggage restrictions, so selecting a compact, lightweight bag that complies with airline regulations is crucial. Look for luggage with external pockets for easy access to essential items during the flight. Additionally, opt for suitcases with smooth-rolling wheels and sturdy, comfortable handles for effortless manoeuvrability.

Several reputable brands offer high-quality luggage suitable for short-haul flights. Samsonite, a well-known and trusted brand, consistently performs well in tests and offers a wide range of options. Their products are known for their durability, ease of use, packability, and appearance. Another popular brand is Away, known for its stylish and functional suitcases. Away's polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, spacious, and reasonably priced. They also offer a 100-day return policy and a limited lifetime warranty.

For those on a budget, Amazon Basics provides excellent value for money, with softside and hardside styles available at affordable prices. Their suitcases are easy to pack and manoeuvre, although the exteriors of the hardside bags may show marks over time. Travelpro is another reliable brand, favoured by pilots and flight attendants for their durable materials and comfortable grip handles. Their Platinum Elite Carry-On is a top choice for its sturdy construction, compact design, and smooth-rolling wheels.

When packing for a short-haul flight, it is essential to maximise the limited space in your carry-on luggage. Prioritise packing essentials such as a change of comfortable clothes, tech devices, and travel documents. Opt for a smaller, lightweight bag to store these essentials, such as a crossbody bag or a tote, to keep them secure and easily accessible.

Where to buy good travel luggage for train travel

When it comes to train travel, it's best to bring a sturdy carry-on luggage. Some trains have a compartment behind the seat that fits a carry-on luggage perfectly, or they may have overhead bins. If you need more space, bring a compact backpack or a duffel bag. Try to avoid bringing a large luggage, as there is usually very limited space for storage, and it's usually far away from your seat, making it hard to keep an eye on your luggage at all times.

• Best Overall Luggage: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside. This luggage is constructed with polycarbonate, meaning it is resistant to large temperature changes and physical pressure which prevents cracks. It also has a brushed metal finish which will hide away scratches. It is 20 inches long, which will fit perfectly behind a train seat or in the overhead bin. It has 360-degree maneuverability, making it easy to carry around between train rides or even on the train. It also has a TSA lock.
• Best Inexpensive Luggage: Amazon Essentials Carry On. This carry-on is great for budget travelers because it's at a very affordable price point and has everything you need. It has a scratch-resistant surface and is 21 inches long, making it a great size to bring on a train. The luggage is also expandable for up to 15% more packing space, and the wheels roll very smoothly. The only con is that it doesn't come with a TSA lock, but you can easily fix this by purchasing your own.
• Best Hardside Luggage: Away Carry-On. This luggage is one of the best for train travel because it's lightweight, scratch-resistant, and contains a water-resistant laundry bag, interior compression, a built-in TSA lock, and 360-degree wheels. It is made out of polycarbonate, a hard material that can withstand a lot of weight and is flexible. The laundry bag and compression pad come in very handy because these two things can really help you save space.
• Best Softside Luggage: TravelPro Plantinum Elite Carry-On. This is the best softside luggage for train travel because of its buttery smooth roll, built-in power bank pocket, removable quart-size pocket for toiletries, and suiter packs that pack clothes wrinkle-free. There are also a huge amount of pockets on the outside, which is perfect for storing smaller items. The TravelPro brand is known to have the best wheels and produces the smoothest glide.
• Best Overall Backpack: Monos Metro Backpack. This backpack has the perfect combination of functionality and amazing design, making it one of the best luggage for train travel. This backpack is actually a 2-in-1 piece. The front small piece can be detached and used as a smaller bag to carry other things if needed. At first look, this backpack doesn’t seem like it’ll hold a lot of things, but if we take a deeper look at the interior, you’ll quickly know that’s not true. There’s a laptop compartment, a shoe compartment, a small back hidden pocket to store things like your phone or passport, a water privacy compartment to store dirty or wet items, a zippered pouch, and a few extra pockets inside. There’s also a trolley sleeve that lets you place the backpack securely over your suitcase handle, which will help lift weight off your shoulders, especially when you’re getting to your train.
• Best Inexpensive Backpack: Coowoz Carry On Backpack. This is a great cheaper alternative to the Monos Metro Backpack. It has a shoe compartment, a water-resistant wet bag, a laptop compartment, and three main pockets. The shoe compartment opens from the bottom so it’s separate from the rest of the pockets. There’s also a built-in USB charging port and a back anti-theft zipper pocket. The back also has a trolley sleeve that allows the backpack to be conveniently placed on top of the luggage. There are additional zippers on the outside for more storage, and the padded back makes it more comfortable to carry. The size is also great to fit underneath seats or in the overhead bin. The backpack is made of durable waterproof polyester.
• Best Overall Duffel Bag: Amazon Travel Duffel Bag. This duffel bag is simple from the outside but can fit a lot. It contains four internal pockets and has two external pockets. Inside, there’s a wet pocket, a zipped pocket, a mesh pocket, and a main pocket. It’s water-resistant, has double zippers, and has adjustable shoulder straps.

Where to buy good travel luggage for road trips

When planning for a road trip, it is essential to have luggage that is durable, spacious, and easy to manoeuvre. Here is a list of places where you can buy good travel luggage for road trips, along with some specific product recommendations:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of luggage options, including softside and hardside styles, duffel bags, and garment bags. Their products are known for their affordability and quick delivery, usually through Prime shipping. One of their popular brands is Samsonite, which offers quality products at consistent prices. Another brand to consider is Amazon Basics, which provides good luggage for under $100.

Away

Away is a popular luggage brand known for its stylish and functional suitcases and weekender bags. Their products are made from durable materials, such as 100% polycarbonate, and offer features like adjustable compressive panels, separate laundry bags, and spacious interiors. Away also offers a 100-day return policy and a limited lifetime warranty on their luggage.

Briggs & Riley

If you're looking for a durable and spacious option, Briggs & Riley offers a range of softside and hardside luggage with innovative features. Their bags are made with ballistic nylon or shock-absorbing polycarbonate exteriors, ensuring your belongings stay protected. While the brand is on the pricier side, they provide a lifetime guarantee that covers repairs for any damage.

TravelPro

TravelPro is a well-known brand, especially for flight crews and frequent flyers. They offer both softside and hardside options, with excellent attention to detail. Their luggage is designed for comfort and ease of use, featuring cushioning around the handles and self-aligning wheels. TravelPro also provides a generous 100-day return policy for products purchased directly from their website.

Calpak

Calpak offers a range of compact yet spacious luggage options, including duffels, backpacks, and suitcases. Their products are known for their unique designs and well-made construction. Calpak's Ambeur luggage, in particular, has received high scores for its appearance, smooth wheels, and overall ease of use. The brand also offers a 30-day return policy and a limited warranty ranging from one to five years.

July

July is a newer luggage brand that has gained popularity for its simple and sophisticated designs and super smooth wheels. Their hardside suitcases come in trendy colours and feature telescopic handles that lock into place at various heights. July offers a 100-day return policy and a limited lifetime warranty on their luggage.

Other Recommendations

Other reputable brands to consider for road trip luggage include American Tourister, which offers competitive pricing and a variety of cool prints and brightly coloured options. L.L.Bean is also a good option for road trips, especially if you're looking for durable and spacious duffel bags. Additionally, for those seeking a luxury option, Tumi is a well-recognised brand known for its upscale products and unique service offerings, such as repairs and luggage registration.

Frequently asked questions