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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Benét, known as the Aviation Queen, is a former senior editor at TPG who is best known for being an aviation journalist for 25-plus years. Her love affair with travel and aviation began at age 6, when her Air Force family moved from California to a military base outside of London. The family flew from JFK to London on a pretty new Pan Am 747. She was amazed when, in 1992, she got her first aviation journalism job.
April 16, 2022 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
TPG staffers share their top checked luggage picks, highlighting features like durability, unique designs and ease of handling.
Suitcase preferences vary widely, from hardshell spinners and expandable duffels to large-capacity backpacks and lightweight models.
Key considerations include handle comfort, wheel reliability, organizational compartments and warranty policies.
Staffers emphasize the importance of choosing luggage that fits personal travel needs and stands out at baggage claim.
What to consider
Some luggage models are praised for their warranties and exchange policies, offering repairs or replacements for wear and tear.
Distinctive colors or designs can make bags easier to identify on luggage carousels, reducing the risk of mix-ups.
Certain bags offer expandable compartments or extra pockets, which can be useful for longer trips or organizing items.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed staff reviews on specific luggage models, including pros, cons and unique features that may influence your next purchase.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
If anyone knows about checked luggage, it would be TPG staffers, who travel the globe on the regular. Our readers are always asking us about our go-to checked luggage for our trips, and we definitely have our favorites.
I polled TPG staff members to share their favorite checked suitcases. From the ultra-cool Rimowa to the reliable Samsonite, these are the checked bags we can’t leave home without.
Brian Kelly, The Points Guy CEO and founder
(Photo courtesy of Rimowa)
My favorite checked bag is the Rimowa Check-In M. As a tall person, I really love Rimowa because the company has super-sturdy handles that can be elevated to make rolling a breeze for me. The wheels are incredibly reliable and they look chic, not cheap.
As my dad once told me: Cheap is expensive. I feel like that's especially true for luggage!
I'm short, so I like to have a telescoping handle that allows me to roll on the duffle's two smooth rollerblade-like wheels. The interior has a large main compartment (with access from the outside) that holds enough clothes for those longer trips — and even more when using packing cubes. The bottom interior compartment offers additional space for clothes, and the compression strap keeps everything in place. The exterior has grab handles on the top, front and bottom, too, along with more compression straps, should I need them.
Kristy Tolley, editor
(Photo courtesy of Romero Britto)
I love my 30-inch A New Day Transparent Spinner Romero Britto polycarbonate suitcase. It's colorful, partially see-through and stands out on the baggage delivery belt when I check it.
It's roomy and sturdy, with durable compression straps on both sides to keep everything securely in place. It has a multistage telescopic handle, a flush-mounted built-in Transportation Security Administration combination lock, 360-degree spinner wheels and comfortable gel-cushioned top and side carry handles.
Katie Genter, senior writer
(Photo courtesy of Osprey)
I love my Osprey Farpoint 80 backpack. I upgraded to the 80 from the Farpoint 70 (I never liked the detachable backpack with the 70) when I started traveling with my cat in 2018 and needed room to carry her food and litter in my bag. Even though I don't travel internationally with my cat anymore, I've stuck with the Farpoint 80.
As a digital nomad who frequently takes public transportation and often walks up and down stairs and across uneven surfaces, I wouldn't consider any checked luggage that isn't a backpack. Since I live on the road, I prefer to check a bag on each flight so that I can bring large bottles of sunscreen and contact solution, which can be expensive in some destinations.
Osprey has an excellent warranty, too, that I've taken advantage when my bag has needed repairs from wear and tear. Plus, I find the Osprey Farpoint backpack comfortable to carry due to its waist belt and chest strap. And I can zip away the backpack straps before each flight so they don't get stuck in the baggage system.
I love that it comes with a TSA-friendly lock and double spinner wheels. It has two large interior compartments and expands by 2 inches if I need extra space at the end of a trip. It's also super durable and because I have it in bright red, I can easily snatch it from the luggage carousel.
Ayana Morali, director of video
(Photo courtesy of Osprey)
I've got the OG version of the Osprey Sojourn 80L. I love it because no one else seems to have it in green like me, so it's easy to spot at baggage claim. It's also rugged and can handle a beating without looking super worn. Despite being more than 10 years old, my bag still looks decent, almost as if it hasn't accompanied me to some gnarly places.
A highlight for me is the bag's ample interior and exterior pockets for organizing. I'm also a fan of Osprey's exchange policy, which lets you return the bag if there's anything wrong with it during its lifetime to be fixed or replaced for free.
Mitchell Stoutin, senior director of engineering
(Photo courtesy of Patagonia)
I recently gave up wheels and have been carrying Patagonia's Black Hole Duffel Bag 55L. It doesn't have wheels but does have reasonably comfortable backpack straps. It has a cavernous interior, too — just put your carry-on inside it and throw the whole thing on your back.
Additionally, the bag is waterproof, indestructible and has high-quality zippers. The crushable structure lets it fit anywhere — if I under-pack it a little, I can throw it into an overhead bin. Plus, I can fit three of them in the cargo box on top of my car for road trips, which is obviously out of the question with hardshell cases.
Maddie Tarr, product manager
(Photo courtesy of Away)
My hot take is that I have mixed feelings about my Away bags. Away is sleek and trendy, and its hardshell luggage is flexible.
I love the attention to detail with The Large: the included laundry bags, built-in chargers, large internal structure, etc. I also think it still rolls well when overweight, which cannot be said for all brands.
However, my less-cute Samsonite (my previous bag that was sadly stolen) felt much more durable to me. It rolled so smoothly, and I could really pack that thing full. Still, it wouldn't shock me if I just bought another Away bag (perhaps in one of the eight other colors) the next time I need one.
I love my Away The Carry-On, but I also carry the 29-inch Beis suitcase because it's large and durable. I clunked it around three different boroughs when I was visiting New York City, and it never once failed me.
I love the sectioned compartments and appreciate having a bag for dirty clothes. And it's expandable, so I'm able to fit the extra items I accumulate on my trips.
I like this bag because it's super lightweight and sturdy. Plus, there's a great selection of 11 color options, so you can pick a less-common color that will make your bag easy to spot on the airport carousel.
Bottom line
There you have it: our picks for best checked luggage.
Before you decide on which suitcase to buy, look for the best ways to earn points and miles for your purchase. Use a card like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, the Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card, the Chase Freedom Flex or the Chase Freedom Unlimited to earn miles, points, or receive cash back when you buy your chosen bag.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
