What type of luggage to avoid?

Hard-sided bags are the most unforgiving; you can't squeeze them into a storage space. Soft-sided, structured bags have a little forgiveness on the front and back. If you have no place to store a stand-up suitcase, you may want to limit yourself to duffels. What Size Luggage Do You Need?

You may want to buy hard-shell luggage if you'll be packing breakable items. It could offer better security than soft-sided baggage because it can't be ripped open as easily and usually has integrated locks. Aluminum luggage can be even more secure. It often has metal drawbolt latches instead of zippers.

Here are five things to do before you buy a suitcase, and five things to avoid.

Most Durable Carry-On Luggage

Leave it to Samsonite, one of our favorite legacy travel brands, to crack the code on the most durable hard-shell construction for suitcases. First of all, this carry-on comes in a 100% polypropylene exterior, the sturdiest plastic material out there.

Below, we've selected the best luggage brands of 2023 for every type of traveler.

Durability and security

Which type of luggage is more durable, hardsided or softsided, depends on the potential pounding your suitcase may experience. Hardsided luggage tends to be more waterproof than its softsided counterpart, so if you're trudging through rain or snow, your clothing may stay drier longer.

Disadvantages of a hard shell suitcase

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.

What's the Best Color for Luggage?

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

A suitcase of size M (50 – 80 liters) or L (80 – 100 liters) is suitable for 23 kg of luggage. Choosing the right suitcase size depends on whether you want to pack a lot of light items or a few heavy ones.

Soft Versus Hard Shell

Hard shell suitcases can crack, which causes them to fall apart more rapidly than soft luggage. To avoid this concern choose a suitcase made from polycarbonate ABS that stands up to the rigors of travel. The FERGE brand makes a TSA-lockable suitcase on wheels using polycarbonate ABS.

Polycarbonate has high tensile strength and is extremely long-lasting. Of all hardside, plastic suitcase materials, it is by far the most durable. ABS is ranked second.

July's zippy Carry On Light is a game changer for quick trips away.

23" - 24" Small Checked Luggage

These sizes are popular for travelers looking for a smaller, lighter option of luggage to check. These pieces are too large to carry onto the plane, but are perfect for trips of 3 to 5 days. There is room for 2 to 3 outfits, a couple pair of shoes, and toiletry kits.

Sure, you can find a suitcase for $50, but if it only lasts for two trips before the wheels and zipper break, it could be more expensive in the long run than a $200 suitcase that lasts for several years. Quality is key if you're looking for good value.

Bag Wrap, just one company that will sheath your luggage in cling film, with locations in airports all around Europe, states five: that it protects your luggage from damage, deters thieves, weather-proofs it, makes it easily identifiable, and reduces the risk of someone slipping illicit goods into your bag.

Most people tend to buy black or navy suitcases, says Phil Dengler, co-founder of the travel site The Vacationer. It can hide normal wear and tear—such as scratches—better than a light-colored one, and let's face it, darker tones can be a simple choice to default to when shopping for baggage.

Samsonite earns our top spot for the best luggage brand because it has a wide assortment for every preference — from business travelers to vacationers — and has continuously proven to be high quality as we've tested it over the years.

Because softshell luggage has more give, a hard shell suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hardshell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like softsided bags are more apt to allow.

If you're going on a shopping trip, however, you might want to opt for a soft-shell suitcase that has more give and flex to stuff your new-found retail plunder in. Soft-shell suitcases can also be easier to fit into compact spaces, due to their enhanced flexibility and general squishiness.

Hard bags also offer stronger protection than soft to the items inside and are less susceptible to wear and tear. As we mentioned earlier, a hard-shelled suitcase will also strictly limit how much you can stuff into your bag — a benefit if you tend to pack too much.

If you want to take perfume on a plane, you need to keep in mind that perfume is considered a liquid and is subject to TSA regulations. The perfume must be in a container that holds no more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres), and it should be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag for screening.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage: containers must hold no more than 100ml. containers should be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures around 20cm by 20cm.

Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27" x 21" x 14".

For maximum durability, the handle should have little to no wiggling or rattling as you pull the bag. Also, check for smooth movement as you pull it up and retract it. The suitcase's wheels should roll smoothly and stay in place. Gently jiggle the wheels with your hands to make sure they are firmly attached.

Soft-shell luggage tends to be a tad lighter than hard-sided, which lets you carry more contents without exceeding the airline weight limit.