The 9 Best Checked Luggage of 2025, Tested by Real People

Table of Contents

For each traveler on every journey.

Most of us have at least one embarrassing airport experience to share, and when it's happening in the moment, it's definitely not enjoyable. Checked bags bring extra stress because they're out of your sight for most of the trip - that's why it's really important to have checked luggage that's strong, easy to move around, and well thought out, whether you choose a suitcase with sides made of hard material or a more flexible one.

We tested about 40 different types of luggage, both hard and soft, in scenarios that imitate real-world situations, such as packing a week's worth of clothes and dragging them across rough surfaces like area rugs and gravel. We evaluated each bag's storage space, overall design, ease of movement, and sturdiness to determine which suitcases stand out as the best for checked travel in 2025.

Hardside Luggage

The Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage With Spinner Wheels

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Star Qualities

• Holds a lot and retains its shape when packed tightly.

• Smooth navigation across various types of flooring

• No scratches or dents were incurred in the durability test.

Red Flags

• We couldn't find any!

This Samsonite suitcase - our highest rated option on this list - can handle everything effortlessly. Even when we packed it to its maximum capacity, it maintained its shape and kept its size intact. Plus, its compression feature keeps everything as compact as you'd want, and its divider distinguishes clean clothes from used ones.

To test how well this suitcase holds up, we hit it with a baseball bat and even pushed it off a counter. Luckily, it didn't sustain a single scratch or dent. You should note that most polycarbonate luggage will develop minor scuff marks when handled roughly, but these can usually be easily erased.

When we tested how this suitcase moved across various surfaces, such as carpets and simulated gravel, it glided smoothly every time. We also appreciated how its strong handles made it even easier to move around. While this suitcase isn't the most affordable option on this list, its price reflects its superior build quality.

The suitcase has side-mounted ### locks that meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards, a compression feature, a divider for organization and an expansion feature.

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Star Qualities

• Comes with a weight indicator

• Having many compartments and pockets to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

• The wheels moved smoothly across hard surfaces and carpeted areas.

Red Flags

• Exposed scuff marks during our durability test, which may not be a concern when using darker colors.

Shay Mitchell's travel brand has created a highly popular and classic suitcase. It was one of our top two picks, impressing us with its roomy interior that accommodated all items on our packing list, with some extra space left over. This suitcase also features multiple pockets for neat organization and comes with two reusable drawstring bags for laundry or accessories. Additionally, it has an expandable design for added room when needed and its zippers glide smoothly.

During our toughness checks, this Béis suitcase did show some minor scratches, but it shielded everything in its interior. We tested its set of four spinner wheels and found that the bag moved smoothly across a carpet and hardwood floors, but required a bit of assistance when navigating gravel.

This suitcase also has a passcode lock for added security, which the Transportation Security Administration has approved, and a strap on the front to securely attach a carry-on bag. Additionally, it has a weight indicator so you can check if your bag will exceed your airline's weight limit before your trip.

How It's Held Up

We've been taking an old Béis bag on trips with us for six months, and it's still one of our go-to favorites. Its hard shell has helped keep our gear safe and sound, and its ample space and built-in pockets make it simple to stay tidy and organized.

TSA-compliant lock, weight check indicator

Travelpro Platinum Elite Large Check-in Expandable Hardside Spinner Suitcase

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Buy at Bloomingdales.com

Star Qualities

• Highly maneuverable on carpets, gravel, and all kinds of bumps

• Aced our durability test

• Top-notch internal organization with a water-resistant pocket and zippered sections

• Expandable

Red Flags

• It's a bit pricey, but the quality is exceptionally excellent.

A hard-sided suitcase is often the most rugged type of luggage. This Travelpro bag gives a clear example. Check this out: We pushed it off a countertop and took several swings at it with a baseball bat, and it barely showed a few scrape marks (no dents or dings). Its rotating wheels also made it simple to move around, and it glided smoothly over bumps, rugs, and gravel.

This luggage has straps and zippers on both sides to keep items secure while in motion, as well as a water-repellent pocket for damp or soiled clothing. Furthermore, it has a very smooth and attractive design, making it a practical and stylish hard-sided luggage option.

How It's Held Up

We've put the Travelpro Platinum to the test on several trips over the past six months, and it's held up remarkably well. It's been on an eight-day adventure that included train travel, wedding events, and sightseeing, and we've found it to be incredibly durable, stylish, and spacious. Even after all that use, it still looks like brand new, with only a few minor signs of wear. One thing to keep in mind is that it tips the scales at around 12 pounds, which is a bit heavier than some other bags of similar size.

TSA-compatible lock, water-resistant pocket

July 26-inch Checked Bag

Buy at July.com

Star Qualities

• Weighs less than 10 pounds when it's empty

• Comes with a dust bag and a set of instructions in a pocket-sized pamphlet

• This bag may be relatively small, but it's surprisingly roomy and has several separate storage areas to keep your things neatly organized.

Red Flags

• We noticed some scratches and scuffs during our durability testing

• They caught a bit on both the carpet and the gravel flooring with the wheels.

When it comes to carry-on bags, the lighter, the better. This July bag weighs less than 10 pounds when empty, but despite its small size, it has several compartments for added organization, as well as a compression pad to help you pack a decent amount of clothing. We also appreciated that it came with a dust bag to store it in when not in use.

On the flip side, this bag showed some dings and scratches when we put it through a durability test; every time we hit the bag with the bat, it would leave a mark. That being said, we were testing the baby pink color, so buying a darker shade might reduce some of these visible scuffs. The wheels performed much better on hardwood floors than on carpets (and even less so on gravel). Considering its medium size and lighter weight, we believe this would be a perfect suitcase for shorter trips.

How It's Held Up

Over a three-month period, we used this bag for travel throughout the U.S., South America, and Antarctica. Although it was a bit smaller than average for a checked bag, that size actually made it simpler to stay under the 50-pound weight limit. Despite some visible wear (a few scratches on the metal edges and scuffs on the bag's surface), that was considered normal due to its light color and matte finish.

Personalization, TSA-compatible lock

Aviator Paravel Grand Checked Luggage

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Buy at Bloomingdales.com

Star Qualities

• Made entirely of recycled materials

• Pack all the items you brought with you, making sure to leave some extra room.

Red Flags

• We found some minor scratches and marks after testing for durability, which seems to contradict the manufacturer's claim that the material is scuff-resistant

• We believe the price may be a bit too high.

Here's the truth: This bag is a real showstopper on Instagram! We especially like its fake leather details and the fact that it's made from recycled materials. We also appreciate the brand's pledge to make production carbon-neutral. In terms of space, this suitcase holds everything we packed and still has extra room to spare; its sides are quite spacious, and there are zipped sections for better organization.

This suitcase features a textured finish that helps protect it from scratches, but it did show a few minor marks after our durability tests, despite keeping its contents safe. It feels stable and sturdy, rolling smoothly around our test setup with cones, bumps, and different flooring types, although it did experience a slight snag on gravel. While it's a visually appealing option, it doesn't have any standout features that set it apart from other models on our list, which might make its price a point of contention for some.

How It's Held Up

After a month of using this bag, which included a 12-day trip to Peru, we found it to be helpful for a long trip because we had to bring multiple large items. Although its total storage space was not as large as we had anticipated, we were still able to fit everything into its two big compartments, and its main zipper pocket was useful for carrying dirty clothes. Despite picking up a few scratches and scuffs, it looked good even after being checked six times.

Portable laundry bag, TSA-approved secure lock

Roam Check-In

Buy at Roamluggage.com

Star Qualities

• Complete personalization of every aspect of the bag

• Navigated with ease throughout our obstacle course

• Showed no indication of damage in endurance testing

Red Flags

• Not as roomy as other bags, it comes with compression boards.

• More expensive than other choices on this list

For those who enjoy personalizing their luggage, this suitcase allows you to choose a different color for every element of the bag, from the interior lining to the wheels and zipper, and even add a personalized monogram patch. Although we value its streamlined design, we did wish it had a bit more space inside. Nevertheless, it includes fold-down compression boards to pack your belongings as tightly as possible.

In our durability tests, this bag really stood up to heavy use with no scratches or damage. Additionally, it was very lightweight and easy to move around on smooth surfaces and gravel, and its water-resistant zipper provided extra protection on rainy travel days. Even though this bag comes with a higher price, we think it's worth it for its impressive performance and wide range of customization options.

How It's Held Up

Over the past three months, we've taken this bag on multiple flights and road trips, and it has consistently performed well. (We believe it's a good size for a week-long trip or even a bit longer.) Although it isn't scratch-proof, we still recommend it for those looking to invest in a customized piece of luggage that holds up well and is easy to handle.

TSA-approved lock, compact boards, tailoring options

Nex Hawaii Edition Navigator

Buy at Meetnex.com

Star Qualities

• Elegant design is expected to make a lasting impression while you're traveling.

• The ergonomically designed handle and reliable spinner wheels make pulling this suitcase effortless.

• Password protection provides an extra layer of security

• This vehicle features a roomy interior with plenty of room for extended road trips.

Red Flags

• We couldn't find any!

If you're planning a long trip, this vibrant Nex suitcase can hold everything you'll need for two weeks of travel. It's made to carry a decent amount of clothing without weighing too much, so you can easily meet the airline's weight limits. This suitcase is also a stylish addition to your wardrobe, one that might even make you look forward to packing.

As far as durability is concerned, its polycarbonate casing is surprisingly resilient and held up well in our testing. Although polycarbonate often leaves scuffs, these should be easy to remove with some buffing, and we didn't notice any significant signs of aging.

Overall, this suitcase's well-thought-out design and distinctive features — from its numeric combination lock to its eye-catching style — give it a high-end feel that sets it apart from other options available.

Editors Say

I've tried out a lot of suitcases and these days, I don't see a lot of changes, but the checked option from Nex really stands out. I've also found that its handle is the most comfortable one I've ever used and it's also really lightweight. Even the hotel staff have commented on how impressed they are with this checked bag!

TSA-compatible lock, storage case, luggage wheels

Softside Luggage

Briggs & Riley ZDX Medium Upright Duffel Bag

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Buy at Nordstrom.com

Star Qualities

• The fabric performed exceptionally well in our rigorous testing, demonstrating exceptional endurance and long-wearing quality.

• Very lightweight

• Wheels have the ability to travel smoothly over various surfaces, including gravel, hard roads, and carpets.

Red Flags

• Pricey

This duffel bag-style checked luggage is made of a highly resistant ballistic nylon material that is very difficult to damage. It's clear that this is the most durable luggage we tested. We even performed a rigorous test by pushing the bag off a countertop and hitting it with a baseball bat, and it showed zero signs of wear and tear. Furthermore, the wheels glided smoothly over various surfaces, including hard floors, carpets, and gravel, and the bag felt incredibly lightweight when on the move.

This bag's design is built to last and is available in two dark colors that won't easily show dirt or scuffs. It comes with three compartments of different sizes to help you organize your clothes, shoes, and toiletries, and its large interior has straps to keep everything secure. While it's pricey, we think its quality makes it worthwhile for extended trips.

Monogramming

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Buy at Neimanmarcus.com

Star Qualities

• One-of-a-kind, TSA-compliant zippered security feature for extra protection

• Extensive storage capacity with various-sized pockets for organization, including a detachable garment holder.

• Features a distinctive identification code for effortless tracing of the enclosed package.

Red Flags

• The item that stands out as the most expensive on our list.

• Heavy (15.4 pounds)

If you spot a celebrity at the airport, there's a good chance you'll also see them carrying a Tumi suitcase. While its stylish design is attention-grabbing, it's actually its practical features that truly shine.

We were impressed by its capacity, which allowed us to pack various-sized items comfortably during our testing process. The zippers also worked flawlessly. Additionally, it features several useful amenities, such as a TSA-approved security zipper for extra security, multiple pockets, a removable clothing sleeve, and an expandable exterior with edge rails. Each bag also comes with a one-of-a-kind tracker number for convenient recovery.

During our durability test, the bag showed some minor wear and tear: a few dirty marks, but no dents or scuffs were present. We found that it was a bit heavy even when empty, which would exceed the 50-pound weight limit sooner than we'd like. However, it was still fairly easy to move around, despite its wheels getting a little stuck when we took it over gravel.

In our opinion, this Tumi option is a highly practical and stylish bag that should work well for both extended and short trips. Considering the price, if it fits within your budget, we believe it's a worthwhile investment for experienced travelers.

How It's Held Up

We've been using this Tumi bag for six months now, and we're really impressed. A 10-day trip to Australia was a tough test for the bag, but it passed with flying colors. We were able to fit four pairs of shoes on one side and all our clothes and toiletries on the other side, with plenty of extra space left over. The bag looks almost like new, only with a few minor scratches on the rubber trim. Our main issue is that the wheels become unbalanced, favoring one side.

TSA-Approved Lock, Personalization, Tag tracker, Reusable zipper

**Airline Luggage Restrictions and Meets Expectations (Other Checked)

There are plenty of things to like about the Chatelet Air 2.0, such as its attractive design, lightweight body, easy-rolling wheels, and zipper-secured flaps on both parts of its clamshell design. However, after using it for over six months, our unit accumulated several scratches and scuff marks, and we wondered if the added expense was worth the cost.

4) Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any potential losses, especially if you're traveling with expensive or irreplaceable items.

Durability

checked luggage takes a beating, so it requires some heavy-duty construction: both the material it's made from, its size, and type will determine how many trips it'll last.

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Behind the Scenes

We set out to test checked luggage in situations that occur in everyday life.

• For the packing stage: We examined the overall capacity of each bag to see how well it would suit both efficient and overpacking styles (our team has contributors on both ends of the spectrum). We packed a week's worth of essentials: shirts, pants, jackets, socks, shoes, and toiletries to truly gauge how much would fit. Was it simple to stay organized? Are there spaces left over? Having done so, we then simulated our trip like we were actually traveling to the airport.
• The way a bag is designed can affect all of its other qualities, so we examined how the design helped or hindered mobility and durability. Did the wheels navigate easily around our makeshift obstacle course of cones (representing the many an airport queuing for their gates, waiting in line for the bathroom, or standing in the middle of the walkway for no apparent reason)? Our team also put the bags to the test by running them over rugs and DIY gravel to see how well the wheels handled different surfaces. We looked at the materials, fasteners, and expanders and compared which bags are best suited for versatile travel and which are not.
• Ultimately, the most exciting aspect of the test was putting the luggage's durability to the test by intentionally tossing it off counters and hitting it with a baseball bat while wearing protective eyewear to see how well its material withstands the rough handling that often occurs in airports behind the scenes.

After taking all of that into account, we looked at what each bag had to offer in terms of features and cost, and then decided on the overall value. Using this information, we selected our top choice for the best checked luggage on this list.

Frequently asked Questions

What are the rules when it comes to checked luggage?

She also recommends getting a "TSA-compatible" lock on your suitcase. If you lock it, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can still open it. That's why universal locks are available, which let security do their job without harming your luggage. (Note: Other locks may be cut off if the TSA needs to access your bag.) You can find these locks at any airport or travel store and they're labeled as TSA-compatible.

How big of a checked bag should I bring for a seven-day trip?

If you are someone who often wears the same outfits over and over, you can likely get by with a medium-sized suitcase. On the other hand, if you prefer to have a different pair of shoes for each day of the week, a bigger suitcase, perhaps an extra-large one, will provide you with the space you need.

Whether a hard or soft suitcase is better depends on your personal preference, travel habits, and the type of luggage you're looking for.

According to Farbstein, the Transportation Security Administration does not have a preference for either type of bag, leaving the decision up to your personal preference.

Why Trust ?

After our team put the luggage from Béis, Tumi, and Delsey to the test through lab checks.

Meet Our Expert

• Serves as the regional spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration.

What Is Tested?

To help you find the best products for your lifestyle. We use our exclusive approach to test products in three state-of-the-art labs across the US and with our extensive network of home users to see how well they perform, how long they last, how easy they are to use, and much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the one that suits your needs.

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