Travel

21 best suitcases 2026, according to frequent travellers

Make like the jet set with a stylish travel companion.
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The Holiday/SHOTDECK

Featured in this article

Best suitcase overall
Large Suitcase in Moorland Pink - Icon Stripe
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Best suitcase runner up
Carl Friedrik The Check-in
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Best medium suitcase
Hybrid Check-In Medium
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Suitcase FAQs


What should you look for in a suitcase?

When it comes to choosing a high-quality suitcase, it’s all about balancing practicality and style – after all, your luggage is like your travel sidekick. Whether you're jetting off on a dreamy getaway or a whirlwind business trip, here’s what to keep in mind when picking the perfect case.

Size matters: Think about the kind of trips you usually take. If you’re a weekend warrior, a compact cabin bag might be enough, but longer holidays call for something with a bit more room. Always double-check airline size restrictions, especially for carry-on luggage, as they can vary wildly. No one wants that awkward gate-side repacking moment.

Lightweight but durable: A suitcase needs to be sturdy enough to survive being chucked onto a conveyor belt but light enough that you’re not sweating bullets before you’ve even started your trip. (The dreaded weight limit looms large). Materials like polycarbonate are great for hard-shell cases — they’re tough but won’t weigh you down. Fabric options are often lighter, but you’ll need to be mindful of scuffs and stains.

Compartments and Organisation: If you’re the kind of person who lives for neat packing cubes, look for a suitcase with built-in compartments. Interior dividers, zippered sections, and even a separate space for shoes can be lifesavers when you’re trying to stay organised on the go.

Security features: A built-in TSA-approved lock is a big plus – especially if your travel takes you through the States. It keeps your belongings safe but won’t cause a fuss with security. Bonus points if it comes with anti-theft zippers or hidden compartments.


What luggage is best, hard or soft?

It's a matter of personal preference, though there's definitely a preference for hard-shell luggage among the frequent travellers who reviewed the brands below.

Hard luggage (also known as a hard shell or hardside suitcase) is typically constrained to one size and shape – so there's less give when you're trying to squeeze in that final pair of shoes. 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 polypropylene, 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, or softside luggage is beneficial if you're after something that can mould to small spaces, like the overhead carrier of a plane, and these type of travel bags are better for over-packers. And if you need something even smaller, we've got more underseat luggage and women's travel backpack options this way.


Which brand of luggage is the most durable?

When it comes to durability, a few luggage brands consistently stand out. Rimowa’s aluminium suitcases are a go-to for their robust build and timeless design. (But they have a price tag to match). Briggs & Riley impresses with its lifetime warranty that even covers airline damage – perfect for frequent travellers. Tumi’s ballistic nylon cases combine sleek aesthetics with resilience, while Samsonite offers reliable options for every budget, blending innovation and strength.

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 been selling out fast 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.


What else to consider when shopping for the best luggage?

TSA Locks: This 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 that have been TSA-approved, and are highly recommended for international travel.

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.

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.

Material quality: Choosing the right luggage can be narrowed down by the type of materials best suited for your travels. Depending on whether you want hard or soft suitcases, 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're able to withstand rough handling and can protect your 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.

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.