The Best Checked Luggage of 2026

For many travelers, a backpack or carry-on suitcase provides enough space to pack everything for a journey. They're easily manageable, hold a week's worth of clothing, and can save a trip to the luggage carousel.

However, if your travel plans include long trips, several people sharing a suitcase, or business clothing that needs to stay sharp, you'll want to consider investing in a full-size piece of checked luggage.

After weeks of research and testing, we found the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29 (available at Best Buy for $485.00) is the best large suitcase for most people. If you prefer hardshell checked luggage to better protect delicate items, we also recommend the Briggs & Riley Sympatico Large Expandable Spinner.

Other checked luggage we evaluated

How we tested checked luggage

The tests

Each bag was evaluated on its build quality, capacity, features, durability, and maneuverability.

To start, we stuffed each full-size suitcase in our test group with two weeks' worth of clothes. Aside from underwear, socks, and toiletries, we also included a variety of other garments, like formal wear for a dinner out, business attire, a windbreaker, and a sweater for chilly evening excursions. We even threw in several pairs of shoes and sneakers.

By packing each suitcase with these clothes, we could determine whether each suitcase's main compartment provides enough space for a traveler's belongings. This is an important metric, as some suitcases sacrifice interior space to house their handles or wheels.

Next, we tested each suitcase's maneuverability by wheeling it over a quarter-mile of smooth and not-so-smooth surfaces, such as concrete and rough asphalt. For every 20 steps taken with each bag, the tester performed a 360-degree turn to ensure that its wheels were still spinning freely.

To simulate navigating an airport check-in line or a busy train station, we rolled each suitcase through an obstacle course made from the other bags in the test. After testing one, we'd swap it out with the next to preserve the overall design of the course. And, since a fully loaded suitcase is much more difficult to pick up than a typical carry-on bag, we tested how easily each one could be carried.

What to look for when shopping for checked luggage

When considering checked luggage, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. The design, durability, and overall ease of use of the suitcase are all important factors to consider when determining whether it's the right fit for your travel needs.

Toughness & flexibility

Suitcases with a plastic or aluminum exterior can scuff, dent, or crack when subjected to abuse. Still, they tend to protect their contents from crush damage better than a fabric-sided suitcase can. Fabric-sided suitcases can be compressed without damage, but aren't ideal for protecting delicate items. Before you purchase, think about what you're likely to bring with you when you travel.

Wheels

If you want your luggage to glide through an airport concourse on wheels, remember that four are better than two. Four-wheeled bags are just as maneuverable whether they're being pushed or pulled. Two-wheeled bags can wobble, topple, and drag, making them far less user-friendly.

Handles

The best suitcases have retractable handles that slide out smoothly, lock into place, and are strong enough to help you maneuver the luggage around on its wheels. Good luggage should also come with wide, padded handles to make lifting the bag's weight easier. The absolute best have handles on multiple sides, making it easy to grab them off the baggage claim conveyor belt no matter how they're oriented.

Organization

Bags that offer an array of interior and exterior pockets, along with a single large interior space, are a smart buy. The main compartment can be used with a packing cube or a garment bag, or packed with loose clothes, while the interior pockets are great for smaller items like toiletries or socks. Outside pockets can be used to stash on-the-go items.

Security

Make sure that any suitcase you buy comes with either a built-in TSA-compliant combination or key lock, or zippers that can be used with a TSA-compliant aftermarket lock.

Hardshell vs. softshell

There are generally two types of larger checked luggage: hardshell and softshell.

Hardshell luggage, as the name suggests, has hard plastic or metal exteriors. In theory, they'll take the brunt of any blunt force trauma the suitcase receives as it's bounced and tossed in transit.

Softshell luggage isn't "soft" per se, just softer than hardshell. Softshell suitcases have rigid designs, but can compress somewhat to absorb blows and abuse. Their plastic/fabric exteriors are usually quite tough.

Both types have their pros and cons.

Hardshell luggage might be better for protecting fragile items. However, their rigid exteriors take a significant amount of abuse and will likely look scuffed and beaten up after even just one trip. Softshell luggage won't protect delicate items as well, but will likely survive multiple trips without signs of wear.

FAQ

Who should invest in checked luggage?

While a large suitcase may seem like the obvious choice for your next trip, it's often a lot larger than most people need.

Traveling with lighter luggage is easier on the body. It also prevents you from paying to check a bag—or worse, paying fees for surpassing weight limits. This makes travel more pleasurable in most circumstances. That said, there'll be instances when taking a large suitcase on a trip makes a lot of sense.

If you're traveling to a cold climate, or your trip requires bulky gear (masks, fins, ski boots, etc.), taking a piece of checked luggage may be necessary. A large suitcase is a plus if you're traveling for work and need multiple outfits, or if you're packing for a week-long getaway for several members of your family.

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