The Best Luggage For International Travel, From Carry-Ons To Durable Checked Bags

We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn more Forbes Vetted The Best Luggage For International Travel, From Carry-Ons To Durable Checked Bags Brittany Chrusciel Contributor Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

Following Sep 29, 2023, 07:21pm EDT | Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin If you’re planning a trip overseas, not just any piece of luggage will fit the bill. International airlines often have tighter restrictions for carry-on sized luggage than domestic airlines do, and securing the best luggage for international travel can ensure that you’ll never have to worry about your bag not adhering to your airline’s size limits. For international flights, you’ll want to make sure your carry-on is no larger 21.

7 inches, which is why we selected the correctly sized and versatile Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner as our best overall pick. Securing the best luggage for international travel can ensure that you’ll never have to worry about . .

. [+] your bag not adhering to airline size limits. Illustration: Forbes / Images: Retailer In addition to having the correctly sized carry-on luggage on hand, you’ll also want to make sure your checked luggage is durable enough to be tossed around baggage claim after a long flight.

From lightweight bags to all-in-one luggage sets , we scoured the internet for the best luggage for international travel, considering size, functionality and weight constraints as well as warranties that will serve you for years and miles to come. Whether you’re jetting off to Paris, Bangkok or beyond, our top selections will make sure your upcoming international getaway is stress-free. Best Luggage For International Travel Overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner Best Softside Luggage For International Travel: Samsonite Elevation Plus Softside Large Expandable Spinner Best Hardside Luggage For International Travel: Monos Carry-On Pro Best Carry-On Luggage For International Travel: Away The Carry-On Flex Best Lightweight Luggage For International Travel: Heys AirLite 26-inch Hardside Spinner Best Luggage Set For International Travel: Béis Luggage Bundle Best Large Check-In Luggage For International Travel: Rimowa Essential Lite Check-In Large Best Durable Luggage For International Travel: Briggs And Riley Torq Large Spinner MORE FROM FORBES VETTED 7 Of The Best Eye Creams For Puffiness, According To Experts By Stephanie Montes Contributor Launch Party: The Latest Home And Kitchen Products Just In Time For Fall By Sholeen Damarwala Forbes Staff Best Luggage For International Travel Overall Well-Sized And Versatile Travelpro Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner Buy From Travelpro Dimensions: 21 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.

8 pounds | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty; covers cost of repair for damage by an airline if registered within first 120 days of purchase When considering the ideal luggage for going abroad, it has to be reliable, and it has to last. For these two foundational reasons, Travelpro and its line of Platinum Elite luggage is our go-to choice for getting you and your stuff securely to Destination Unknown. In particular, the brand’s 21-inch carry-on spinner offers the perfect size and functionality to make it an excellent choice for an international carry-on.

There are about five key elements to any suitcase, and each of these has been meticulously designed and tested by Travelpro for ease of use: the handle, the wheels, the zippers, the interior packing system and the outer shell. Inside is everything from compression straps and integrated accessory pockets to a water-resistant toiletry bag and removable suiter system. There are not two or four but eight self-aligning spinner wheels along with durable chrome zippers.

As for the handle, a rubber contour grip, four adjustable heights and airline-grade aluminum guarantee comfort as well as resilience. Simply put, this bag solves for many common air travel complaints. A comprehensive warranty also promises to repair damage caused by the airline—unusual coverage by a luggage brand.

Best Softside Luggage For International Travel An Expandable Option With Easy Maneuverability Samsonite Samsonite Elevation Plus Softside Spinner Buy From Samsonite Dimensions: 29. 75 × 20 × 11. 5 inches | Weight: 9.

9 pounds | Warranty: Limited 10-year global warranty Fans of softside luggage know that this type of suitcase can be very forgiving when we overstuff them—as long as the material is tough and the zippers are robust. Luckily, those are just two of the characteristics of this large Samsonite spinner, which is tough enough to be tossed around without tearing and uses an ergonomic handle system and dual spinning wheels for an easy glide to your gate. Sleek for a softside, this suitcase is also highly functional with a zip-and-expand laundry bag, a compression panel, a wet pocket for toiletries, a quick-access pocket for small items and the ability to expand two inches.

Designed with the modern traveler in mind, this bag offers a holder on the interior for an AirTag device that allows you to track the movements of your luggage. The Elevation Plus line uses recycled materials for the body fabric and the lining fabric. Best Hardside Luggage For International Travel Sturdy With Premium Finishes Monos Monos Carry-On Pro Buy From Monos Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.

8 pounds | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty In a poll of travel writers, mention of this bag came up again and again. With everything you could possibly want in a carry-on suitcase—a dent-resistant shell in an airline-approved size with sturdy hardware and premium finishes—the Monos Carry-On Pro improves upon its original design with a new, built-in front compartment that’s perfect for a laptop or tablet. While you may need to check this bag in depending on which airline you fly, we find that it has a number of excellent features that make it a worthy selection for international travel.

The water-resistant and aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell of this bag keeps everything inside protected, including the easily accessible front pocket, if you need to remove your electronics while passing through security. A telescopic handle, quiet wheels and a TSA-approved lock check off all the boxes of functionality, while 13 colorways and vegan leather details guarantee there is a shade to match your personal style. Best Carry-On Luggage For International Travel A Versatile Bag With A Durable Shell Away Away The Carry-On Flex Buy From Away Dimensions: 21.

7 x 13. 7 x 9 inches | Weight: 8. 2 pounds | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty The Away Carry-On Flex is the ultimate carry-on suitcase that also moonlights as a checked bag, allowing you to fit it in the overhead bin on your way to your destination and to use it as a checked bag on your return journey courtesy of its gracious zipper expansion.

Who hasn’t bought one too many souvenirs and needed extra space on the way home? Instead of foraging for another bag, this suitcase allows you to expand the one you have. The popularity of Away bags—which have become ubiquitous at airports around the world—is not unwarranted, given its sleek design, a durable but lightweight shell, interior compression and 360-degree rotating wheels. The Carry-On Flex also boasts a TSA-approved combination lock, a hidden laundry bag and a black leather luggage tag.

This model comes in six colorways and can be personalized with up to three letters for an additional $50. Best Lightweight Luggage For International Travel A Medium Check-In That Weighs Less Than A Carry-On Heys Heys AirLite 26-inch Hardside Spinner Buy From Macys Dimensions: 26 x 18 inches x 10. 9 inches | Weight: 7.

5 pounds | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty For those who want to avoid any heavy lifting, Canadian brand Heys has mastered a suitcase the size of a medium checked bag but lighter than a carry-on. The Airlite 26-inch Hardside Spinner is also durable, made with an elastic yet impact-resistant material called Duraflex which can withstand a whopping force of 4,000 pounds without breaking. An aluminum handle adds to its lightweight features.

Available in six matte shades, each bag comes with a TSA lock color-matched to the case. Inside, travelers will find fully lined organizers with plenty of pockets as well as compression straps. In addition to weighing less, this bag also costs significantly less than the other options on this list.

Best Luggage Set For International Travel A Stylish And Durable All-In-One Set Béis Béis 2 or 3 Piece Luggage Bundle Buy From Béis Included: 2 or 3 pieces | Dimensions: 21. 5 x 15 x 8. 5 inches (Carry-On Roller), 28 x 16 x 11 inches (Check-In Roller), 30.

5 x 18. 75 x 12 inches (Large Check-In Roller) | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty Béis has been cropping up as a name synonymous with sturdy luggage, so if you’re searching for an all-in-one set for international travel, it’s worth taking advantage of a discount with their bundle. Their 21.

5-inch carry-on roller is perfect for international flights, and you can mix and match your set with a medium (26-inch) or large (29-inch) checked roller bag. The discount applies whether you buy one of each or choose three large, checked bags for the entire family. You also have the option to customize each bag in up to 10 colors.

Made with durable polycarbonate that’s stain-resistant and expandable, these bags are designed to last. The tongue-in-cheek “dirt bag” is a built-in laundry bag. Other features include 360-degree wheels, a TSA-approved lock and extendable cushioned handle.

Our favorite feature is an ultra-convenient weight limit indicator located along the side handle. Best Large Check-In For International Travel A Lightweight And Sturdy Bag For Longer Trips Rimowa Rimowa Essential Lite Check-In Large Buy From Rimowa Dimensions: 30. 8 x 20.

5 inches x 10. 7 inches | Weight: 8. 2 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime warranty Rimowa’s iconic aluminum trunks harken back to a time when international travel was primarily done by ocean liner, and the German brand’s modern Essential Lite collection pairs that endurance with the practical needs of present-day international travel.

The use of polycarbonate for the hard outer shell reduces the weight of this large suitcase by 30 percent when compared with Rimowa’s other Essential suitcases. A great choice for any trip, international or not, this tough-as-nails bag that weighs less than 9 pounds will allow travelers to pack for give-or-take 10 days without worrying too much about their bag being overweight. The Rimowa Essential Lite Check-In Large features a T-bar telescoping handle, TSA-approved locks, mesh divider, leather luggage tag and mounted wheels with cushioned axles.

Choose from gloss black, ivory beige or a trendy dark green. Best Durable Luggage For International Travel Elegant And Made To Last Briggs and Riley Briggs And Riley Torq Large Spinner Buy From Briggs and Riley Dimensions: 30. 5 x 20 inches x 12.

5 inches | Weight: 10. 5 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime warranty Sporting a three-layer polycarbonate shell, the Briggs and Riley Torq Large Spinner is a workhorse, with 360-degree wheels, a built-in TSA lock and self-repairing zippers. A bag this hearty has no right also looking so slick, but a scratch-resistant surface and complimentary leather monogramming keeps this suitcase as elegant as it is durable.

Interior cinched garment panels and a foam roll bar are proven to reduce wrinkles on your packed wardrobe. Adding to its reputation for durability, each Briggs and Riley suitcase comes with a lifetime guarantee. That means that no matter what happens, the company will repair your bag adding a tremendous value to your investment.

It’s truly luggage made to last you across any globe-trotting adventure. Coupons Lovevery Link to Coupon Brittany Chrusciel Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.