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Oct 17, 2024

17 Best Suitcases 2024, According to Frequent Travellers | Glamour UK

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test. Having the best luggage to breeze through airports in style is

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.

Having the best luggage to breeze through airports in style is almost as essential as your holiday wardrobe 'fits that are nestled inside. Whether you're a frequent flyer or you keep things simple with one trip annual trip, getting to grips with the luggage low-down should be an essential part of your pre-holiday checklist, especially if you're to enjoy a stress-free journey.

Your suitcase needs to be durable enough to withstand the trials and tribulations of a luggage carousel, spacious enough to fit all of your belongings and light enough to make easy work of navigating an airport terminal. And only the very best luggage brands promise all of the above.

There's also style. You deserve a suitcase that looks good. Why? For SS24, various trends are set to be traipsed across parks and garden (low-slung waists, sheer fabrics and strap detailing) – and they're set to transfer to airport halls. So you wouldn't want your chic city break get-up to be paired with a basic, boring suitcase... would you? From one unashamed bag obsessive to another, it is essential that your holiday wardrobe is housed in a suitcase as chic as its contents.

Investing in one of the best suitcases is undeniably wise – as long as you've got a luggage tracker in tow. Spend a little more on some top-quality luggage and your holiday companion will last you a lifetime. No matter how many trips along the trusty baggage carousel it takes (and scuffs it picks up along the way). So, we've rounded up the best suitcases from the best luxury luggage brands on the market to buy for your upcoming holidays – as loved by GLAMOUR editors, influencers and travel experts alike.

SKIP TO: What luggage is best, hard or soft? | What to consider when shopping for the best luggage? | Which brand of luggage is the most durable? | Best suitcase brands | How we tested | What are some different types of suitcases + the best for 2024 - the GLAMOUR pick

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

Hard luggage is typically constrained to one size and shape – so there's less give when you're trying to squash that final pair of sandals down the side of your pile of summer dresses. 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 polycarbonate, 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 luggage is beneficial if you're after something that can mould to small spaces, like the overhead carrier of a plane, and they are better for over-packers. Our pick? The Antler Brixham range and, if you need something even smaller, we've got more underseat luggage and women's travel backpack options this way.

Original Check-In M

Rimowa

Brixham cabin in navy

Antler

1. TSA Locks TSA LOCK® 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 which have been TSA-approved.

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.

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Monos

Beis The Carry-On Roller

Beis Travel

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.

Choosing the right luggage can be narrowed down by the type of materials best suited for your travels. Depending on wether you want hard or soft luggages, 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 are able to withstands rough handling and can protect 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.

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.

Say buh-bye to scuffed-up suede.

Tumi is the brains behind some of the toughest luggage on the market. Need proof? Their Alpha 3 Suitcase is made from a specially woven ultra durable FXT ballistic nylon. It makes for the toughest and most durable suitcase shell in the brand's 10-year history and is so strong the brand have (cleverly) patented it. Way to banish any worries of your suitcase being bashed and ruined along a luggage carousel.

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 selling out fast in 2023 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.

M&S Collection Vienna 4 Wheel Hard Shell Large Suitcase

Marks and Spencer

TUMI Alpha 3 Extended Trip 79cm 4-Wheel Expandable Large Suitcase

John Lewis & Partners

Based on overall quality, cost, aesthetics, durability and customer feedback, these are the luggage brands to know this year:

As a team of fashion, interiors, travel and beauty experts, we happen to know a thing or two about which brands have earned their respective places as the best in the check-in and cabin-worthy business. We've tested each of the below suitcases over weekend breaks and full-blown two-week holidays to bring you the creme de la creme of luggage, scoring each on style, weight, size, functionality, durability, customer service and extra features.

Worthy of a seat upgrade.

For more from our Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.

For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

For more from GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona.

Antler

Antler Clifton large in blush

Specifications:

Pros: If you're lucky enough to be going on a long-haul trip this year and need something a little larger than Away's carry-on case, look towards the super stylish Antler Clifton suitcase. Available in eleven chic hues (including pink, black and powder blue). It's a super lightweight suitcase to roll around, has four, 360° double-spinner wheels which make wheeling it through the airport a dream plus a twist-grip handle that's compatible with the best laptop backpacks. This suitcase doesn't just roll – it glides. Oh, and Antler has ensured this case is as safe and secure as it can be. It has security zips, a super strong expander zip and a TSA-combination lock on the outside. Oh, and compression packing straps and four pockets on the inside.

Cons: None of note!

GLAMOUR tested review: Georgia Trodd, GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer says, “There's not a long-haul trip or holiday where my Clifton suitcase isn't in tow with me. It's SO easy to travel with, from the four multi-directional wheels and sturdy handle to its helpful interior pockets and Mary Poppins capacity, it has never let me down. You know those put-together people you see at the airport and admire? Guarantee they own a Clifton."

Antler

Antler Brixham cabin in navy

Specifications:

Pros: The most lightweight of the Antler models, the Brixham really does feel feather light compared to its Clifton and Stamford family members. In a cabin case, we find the lid zipper design to be more practical, allowing you to see more clearly while packing how close you are to reaching capacity. What's more, the fabric versus hard-shell suitcase design allows for a fuller use of those cabin-compatible measurements.

Cons: None, it's a top pick in the cabin case category.

Briggs & Riley

Sympatico Large Expandable Spinner

Specifications:

Pros: Designed to be ergonomic and stand the test of time, Briggs & Riley luggage is available in every style imaginable. Not only can you pack everything on your travel wishlist and still have room for souvenirs, but you can also rely on the supreme durability of the Makrolon® polycarbonate case to protect all your contents and stay scratch-and-scuff-free. Need even more room? The Briggs & Riley CX® system expands for 25% more space, then compresses to original size. Not to mention they offer buyers a lifetime functional guarantee, which means they'll repair anything so long as it isn't cosmetic.

Cons: No complaints. Not one.

Save money on the best carry-ons and luggage sets with these Selfridges discount codes.

John Lewis & Partners

Samsonite C-Lite 4-Wheel 55cm Expandable Cabin Case

Specifications:

Pros: One of the best carry-on luggage options if you're after something super lightweight, this 2kg pick from Samsonite is not only sleek and chic, but it's really practical, too. With a hard case exterior for protection, one large zipped wallet, one small and USB charging functionality, you'll have everything you could possibly need right in the palm of your hand luggage. Checked bags, who?

Cons: The price tag is a little high if you don't have heaps of disposable income.

GLAMOUR tested review: Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer says, “It is expensive, but comes with a generous 10-year guarantee. It's super lightweight and if you, like me, struggle to put anything heavy in the overhead locker then you'll get along with this model. The clamshell separation is great for organisation and the different height positions on the handle come in useful when on the go. Plus, that glossy navy? Love.”

Marks and Spencer

Vienna 4 Wheel Hard Shell Large Suitcase

Specifications:

Pros: For the price, weight and size of this suitcase, it's really no surprise that buyers have completely sold out the black colourway. You'll have to grab the navy model quick, as it's been sold more than once an hour over the past few days. Whew. The five year guarantee, the packing straps, the adjustable height on the small suitcase in the Vienna trio's handle. Kiss, kiss, kiss – parfait.

Cons: If we're being picky, we'd love if it was expandable.

Save money on the best suitcases with these M&S discount codes

Away

Away The Carry-On Flex

Specifications:

Pros: A direct competitor for the ever-popular Antler range, the Away Flex carry-on can be personalised, has an interior compression system and you'll have 100 days to test if it's a good fit for you. If it doesn't hold up on your New York getaway, simply return it. Easy.

Cons: For a cabin size case this is really quite heavy, a whole kg more than the Antler.

Monos

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Specifications:

Pros: I don't think luggage has ever looked so cute. Monos partnered with New York City-based Magnolia Bakery to whip up these 5 bright and adorable limited edition colours with glossy hard shells but it's not all about the way it looks. They have ultra-sturdy telescopic handles with 360° spinner wheels who move as quietly as a whisper. The interiors look as pretty and lux as the outside. The lining is soft and anti-microbial, made of 100% recycled polyester, with ultra-microfibre vegan leather details and built-in, removable compression pad with zippered pocket for flat items. The suitcase looks cute, but still smart inside and out and it's perfect for business travel or trips that involve long transfers.

Cons: Do these colourways need to be limited edition?

GLAMOUR tested review: Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer says, “I felt like a kid at Christmas morning when opening this suitcase. I couldn't get over how lightweight and easy to move around it was, while still being sturdy and stylish. I rarely travel without my laptop, and I really appreciate a clamshell front pocket for my docs, so having that large side pocket, that opens with so much ease is a giant bonus. The interiors are gorgeous and have all the travel essentials that we tend to forget about, like a dirty laundry bag and a shoe bag. Being at airports might not be the most joyous experience, but this suitcase someway, somehow, almost makes up for it.”

TravelPro

Maxlite® Air Medium Check-In Expandable Hardside Spinner

Specifications:

Pros: A top pick for buyers on a budget that don't want to compromise on quality, be it a backpack or larger, more full-on types of long-haul suitcases, TravelPro is a brand you need on your radar. Stock everything from laundry bags to both soft and hard-shell cases, as well as four and two wheel luggage systems to suit your preference. This – the Maxlite® Air Medium – is expandable, available in five colours and made from post-consumer waste.

Cons: None here!

Victorinox

Victorinox Lexicon Framed Series medium four-wheel shell suitcase

Specifications:

Pros: A brand that's well over 100 years old, Victorinox is a Swiss brand that puts its customers' needs at the heart of its designs. Whether it's a stylish look or functional usage, Victorinox's products will have you covered, and its wide range of luggage is testament to that. Seriously, they even sell packing cubes to make your life easier, as well as softside and hardside cases and, of course, all manner of large suitcases for long trips, like the above Lexicon model. We might also add that, while premium, for the heritage and quality of the brand, it's not quite so premium price-wise as its counterpart, Tumi.

Cons: None, the brand will even offer you a unique 1+10 year warranty, which covers you for practically everything in the first 12 months and then a revised list of faults thereafter. It even includes normal wear and tear in years 2-11, which is rare.

Horizn Studios

Horizn H7 Check-In Luggage

Specifications:

Pros: Horizn Studios cases do an impeccable job at protecting your luggage. Seriously – these cases last a lifetime and are great for serial travellers. The increasingly popular (and for good reason) German smart-luggage brand constructs its cases from aerospace-grade polycarbonate for seriously durability. They're also built on 360 degree Japanese spinner wheels to help you breeze through the airport. This suitcase is the brand's largest model and boasts smart features like a compression pad to help you pack, a removable charger (yup!) and a TSA-approved combination lock.

Cons: In terms of the practicality of placing an order, there isn't really time to hang about, the different colours fly in and out of stock, so grab your fave while it's still available.

Selfridges

July Checked Luggage polycarbonate suitcase

Specifications:

Pros: Based in Australia, July has made waves in the luggage industry, gaining a reputation for crafting some of the lightest luggage in the world. Its moss suitcase features clever compartments, including a concealed laundry bag for tidy organisation and easy access, alongside whisper quiet wheels for effortless manoeuvring through busy airports.

Cons: It's definitely not a major issue, but it would be great if it were expandable.

GLAMOUR tested review: GLAMOUR's Commerce Writer, Mayola Fernandes, has tested this exact model in the Black colourway and relies on it solely for long haul trips. “It's become my go-to suitcase for long haul trips, thanks to being the lightest checked luggage I've ever tried. The wheels glide silently across various surfaces, whether it's cobblestones or concrete floors. In terms of capacity, there's ample room for a full two-week trip, but I would always suggest investing in packing cubes to optimise space," she says.

Beis

The Large Check-In Roller in Atlas Pink

Specifications:

Pros: American based luggage label BÉIS is a time-earned brand thanks to its thoughtfully crafted luggage. Its Large Check-In Roller, available in an impressive 10 colour options, features compression straps, dividers with pockets, and a built-in laundry bag for separating worn clothes. Plus, the expandable design provides extra room for additional items you may pick up on your travels.

Cons: Despite being stain-resistant, it's not waterproof which is a drawback.

John Lewis

Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Hardshell 50cm 4-Wheel Cabin Bag

Specifications:

Pros: The split layout in this Herschel cabin luggage makes packing a breeze and since it's compartmentalised and has more room than meets the eye. Thanks to the silent performance of the Hinomoto 360° wheels, it also means that gliding through the airport is just that much easier, even when the suitcase is heavy. No annoying clattering or stumbling which some bad wheels give you after a couple of uses. It's also designed with a tonal stripe EcoSystem liner which is made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles, so it's like travelling with a conscious touch.

Cons: Would love to see a bigger colour selection.

GLAMOUR tested review: Shei Mamona, GLAMOUR's Beauty Writer says, “I got this suitcase in a neon orange shade and I love gliding it around small commutes and big travels. As far as durability goes. This thing is built for adventure. It's got reinforced corners for extra protection, and considering how it has had its fair share of bumps and knocks, its still holding up strong.”

Save money on stand out suitcases from our best luggage round up by using these John Lewis discount codes.

Rimowa

Rimowa Original Check-In M

Specifications:

Pros: One of the most luxe luggage brands in the business is Rimowa, always at the forefront of cutting-edge materials. In fact, it's Rimowa that crafted the first polycarbonate suitcase back in the year 2000. We loved the Original Check-In-M with its distinctive groove design, sleek and recognisable silver sheen and, tech-wise, the level of security it offers your valuables in unmatched.

Cons: Soft-shell duffle and suitcase lovers avert your eyes, all of Rimowa's luggage is hard-shell, though they have multiple different collections to choose from – from Classic to the pictured Original and, lastly, Essential Lite. Our other qualm? Much like the Tumi Alpha 3, the price point is somewhat of a deterrent. If you're browsing for luxury, however, this will be just the trick.

Amazon

Tripp Pewter Absolute Lite Cabin 4 Wheel Suitcase

Specifications:

Pros: Affordable and available on Amazon Prime, Tripp suitcases get top marks from us if you don't want to spend a bomb. They've got over 20 years' experience designing and selling luggage, after all. Available in a plethora of colours (and often reduced in price for various seasonal sales) the Tripp Absolute Lite Cabin suitcase is one of the best lightweight picks and is tough and durable with a retractable trolley handle, top grab handle, packing straps and a zip-around divider. This case fits within most major airlines overhead allowances including BA, EasyJet Up Front & Ryanair Priority.

Cons: None of note!

GLAMOUR tested review: "I've had mine for years," GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett said. “It's still just as good as new and doesn't look subject to wear and tear.”

Save money on the best business travel bags with these Amazon discount codes.

Amazon

Amazon Basics ABS Luggage

Specifications:

Pros: Increasingly hard to get hold of due to their popularity, Amazon Basics suitcases are reliable, low-cost and, the beauty of Amazon Prime, come with free delivery. This pick comes with a fully-lined interior, it can expand by 15% and, for organisational nuts, it comes with one open side compartment, as well as three zipped compartments for all your tablets and USB cables on the reverse side. We love.

Cons: Not the most lightweight for those pushing their luck with airline weight limits.

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Away

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Specifications:

Pros: Away reigns supreme as one of the most coveted and influencer-adored suitcase brands of the moment. Their suitcases are available in endless colours – including this epic limited edition ombre shade – and can be personalised. Plus, in the permanent colourways, you'll also have the option of built-in battery packs so you can charge your phone as you travel. They're made from a durable polycarbonate hard shell and have 360° spinner wheels that ensure a smooth ride. Away also stocks weekend bags, rucksacks, toiletry bags and packing cubes.

Cons: Some of the more popular colours – e.g. the crisp white – go in and out of stock frequently, so grab the ones you've got your eye on quickly!