The Best Luggage Of 2024, Tested Worldwide By Our Writers And Editors
The best luggage should check three boxes: durability, functionality and style. We researched the highest rated suitcases out there and tasked Forbes Vetted’s team of seasoned frequent flyers to travel with 20 of the top contenders over a period of five to nine months. Our testers determined that Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is the best luggage overall, while the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus scored high marks for best hardside luggage. The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On is our pick for best softside luggage, while the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On won for best value.
The best luggage should check three boxes: durability, functionality and style.
Our testers selected the 12 best suitcases based on size, weight, warranty, thoughtful features, material and quality of construction. Every travel need was considered, from compact carry-on luggage great for short getaways to larger checked bags ideal for longer excursions. We considered hardside suitcases, softside options and duffel bags, all from established luggage brands with stellar performance, like Samsonite, Travelpro and more. Below, our findings for the best luggage to travel with in 2024.
Away’s polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, highly functional and relatively well-priced. Named Forbes Vetted’s top pick for Best Carry-On Luggage, the brand’s Bigger Carry-On can easily be tucked in an overhead bin while offering a bit more extra packing space than the Away The Carry-On. It also has quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle and a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes while on the road. Not to mention, Away’s signature compression system—complete with adjustable straps—allows you to pack an impressive amount inside. As for color variety, there’s something for everyone, from muted Cloud Gray to vibrant Sorbet Orange.
Our senior travel editor rolled the Away Bigger Carry-On with ease through the St. Moritz railway … [+]
What our testers say: This is a true utility suitcase that I have personally used on over a dozen trips to Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. It’s sturdy enough to get tossed around, has a comfortable grip handle and can be stuffed to the absolute brim without the zippers breaking. If you need a little more room, look into the Carry-On Flex, which unzips to create an extra 2.25 inches of space. Away also provides personalized monogramming, which is handy for identifying your luggage on the carousel.
If you want an affordable suitcase that gets the job done well, Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On is a solid choice. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since 1910, and its spinner is compact but expandable by one inch when you need more packing room. While this option might not have the sleek, trendy look of a Monos or Away suitcase, its functionality more than makes up for it.
The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is well-priced, lightweight and easy to roll, making it a great … [+]
One thing to keep in mind: While this suitcase’s polypropylene shell is lightweight and wallet-friendly, it’s not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate or aluminum. If you need other sizes, our guide to the Best Samsonite Luggage includes larger checked bags, as well as weekender bags.
What our testers say: Forbes Vetted senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone has traveled with the Freeform Carry-On on countless trips and highly recommends it. “I took this suitcase with me on short weekend trips as well as longer flights,” says Cuzzone. “As an overpacker, I found the expandable panel very convenient for squeezing in extra clothes.”
Thanks to its heft, unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro Plus was named the best hardside option on this list. It features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 16-inch laptop. Those who like to express their personality through their suitcase selection are in luck—the Carry-On Pro comes in 11 stylish shades, including Rose Quartz and Olive Green.
The Monos Carry-On Pro Plus offers heft, an unbreakable polycarbonate shell and a modern, stylish … [+]
Keep in mind that the telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.
What our testers say: Forbes Vetted contributor Chloe Berge tested this bag over five months and selected it as the brand’s best carry-on suitcase in her wider guide to the Best Monos Luggage. “I was impressed with its durability, size and thoughtful design details,” she says. “I especially appreciated its built-in front compartment—the easy access was a big time-saver as I went through security.”
For those who travel frequently and want to skip the checked baggage area, Carl Friedrik’s carry-on has quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to its sleek aesthetic and Italian leather trimmings (several of the brand’s bags have been featured on Succession). This pick has 360-degree silent spinner wheels, two zippered interior pockets and is sized to fit in the overhead bin of domestic and European cabins. Inside, there’s a set of compression straps and a pad for maximizing packing space. One side of the bag’s interior only has a compression strap in place of a zippered pocket, so this is a great suitcase for packing cubes.