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TRAVEL > LUGGAGE

The Best Luggage Of 2024, Tried And Tested For Months By Our Editors

By Astrid Taran Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted

Updated March 18, 2024

No matter the trip, the best luggage should check three boxes: durability, functionality and style. With that in mind, we researched the myriad types of suitcases out there and asked our team of seasoned frequent-flyers—including Forbes Vetted senior travel editor Astrid Taran—to share their personal recommendations. Based on their extensive firsthand testing, we determined that the Monos Carry-On Pro is the best luggage overall and the Away The Bigger Carry-On is the best hardside luggage. We also found other top-notch options for specific travel needs, whether you want a sleek carry-on or an affordable spinner for more casual trips.

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Best Luggage Overall

1. Monos: Thoughtfully Designed And Built To Last

Carry-On: Aluminum

$345

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

  • Good packing space and durable carry-on design
  • Stylish aesthetic and smooth wheels
  • Short-to-moderate length trips (about 3 to 4 days)


Skip if:

  • You need ample packing space for extended trips

Thanks to its unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro earned the top spot on our list. Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales thoroughly tested this pick on recent trips and highly recommends it. “It’s very easy to maneuver,” she says. “The spinning wheels are smooth, both when I’m rolling it upright or wheeling it via the handle. I also like that it has the tiniest bit of heft to it—it feels sturdier than other suitcases I’ve used.” Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen has also been using this suitcase and agrees, adding that the design is a stand-out. “Traveling with an attractive suitcase just makes the journey better,” she says.

The Carry-On Pro features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 15-inch laptop. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.

Expert tip: The telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. "But I still reach for my Monos before my other suitcases just because of how good the rest of the features are,” says Sales.

2. Monos: Thoughtfully Designed And Built To Last

Carry-On: Aluminum

$345

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

  • Good packing space and durable carry-on design
  • Stylish aesthetic and smooth wheels
  • Short-to-moderate length trips (about 3 to 4 days)


Skip if:

  • You need ample packing space for extended trips

Thanks to its unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro earned the top spot on our list. Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales thoroughly tested this pick on recent trips and highly recommends it. “It’s very easy to maneuver,” she says. “The spinning wheels are smooth, both when I’m rolling it upright or wheeling it via the handle. I also like that it has the tiniest bit of heft to it—it feels sturdier than other suitcases I’ve used.” Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen has also been using this suitcase and agrees, adding that the design is a stand-out. “Traveling with an attractive suitcase just makes the journey better,” she says.

The Carry-On Pro features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 15-inch laptop. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.

Expert tip: The telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. "But I still reach for my Monos before my other suitcases just because of how good the rest of the features are,” says Sales.

3. Monos: Thoughtfully Designed And Built To Last

Carry-On: Aluminum

$345

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

  • Good packing space and durable carry-on design
  • Stylish aesthetic and smooth wheels
  • Short-to-moderate length trips (about 3 to 4 days)


Skip if:

  • You need ample packing space for extended trips

Thanks to its unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro earned the top spot on our list. Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales thoroughly tested this pick on recent trips and highly recommends it. “It’s very easy to maneuver,” she says. “The spinning wheels are smooth, both when I’m rolling it upright or wheeling it via the handle. I also like that it has the tiniest bit of heft to it—it feels sturdier than other suitcases I’ve used.” Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen has also been using this suitcase and agrees, adding that the design is a stand-out. “Traveling with an attractive suitcase just makes the journey better,” she says.

The Carry-On Pro features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 15-inch laptop. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.

Expert tip: The telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. "But I still reach for my Monos before my other suitcases just because of how good the rest of the features are,” says Sales.

4. Monos: Thoughtfully Designed And Built To Last

Carry-On: Aluminum

$345

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

  • Good packing space and durable carry-on design
  • Stylish aesthetic and smooth wheels
  • Short-to-moderate length trips (about 3 to 4 days)


Skip if:

  • You need ample packing space for extended trips

Thanks to its unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos’ Carry-On Pro earned the top spot on our list. Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales thoroughly tested this pick on recent trips and highly recommends it. “It’s very easy to maneuver,” she says. “The spinning wheels are smooth, both when I’m rolling it upright or wheeling it via the handle. I also like that it has the tiniest bit of heft to it—it feels sturdier than other suitcases I’ve used.” Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen has also been using this suitcase and agrees, adding that the design is a stand-out. “Traveling with an attractive suitcase just makes the journey better,” she says.

The Carry-On Pro features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 15-inch laptop. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.

Expert tip: The telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. "But I still reach for my Monos before my other suitcases just because of how good the rest of the features are,” says Sales.

Monos: Thoughtfully Designed And Built To Last

The best luggage for you depends on the type of trip you’re packing for and how long that trip will be. Here are some things to consider when you’re researching.


Size

The size of the luggage you buy will vary with the type of trip you take. For trips one week or shorter, we recommend a carry-on suitcase, but if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, a larger checked suitcase is a great investment. The size of your suitcase will need to comply with airline rules, so make sure to check the guidelines of whichever airline you usually fly. If it varies, it may be smarter to go with a smaller option that’s likely to work across the board. Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international flights, so make sure to research them before you purchase.


Extra Features

Many suitcases are designed with added features that make traveling more convenient. For extra security, look for a carry-on with a built-in TSA-approved lock. These are usually combination locks that TSA agents can open with a master key so they don’t have to damage your luggage if it must be inspected. If you have the tendency to overpack, find a piece with an expandable zippered panel for extra room—these suitcases can also be helpful if you plan on bringing souvenirs home.


Color

A bright color will make your bag stand out at the airport carousel, but keep in mind that lighter shades can be more likely to show scuffs and spots. If black feels too generic, opt for another dark shade—the Away The Bigger Carry-On comes in several deep hues. If you prefer more neutral colors, investing in a colorful luggage tag can provide the best of both worlds.

The best luggage for you depends on the type of trip you’re packing for and how long that trip will be. Here are some things to consider when you’re researching.


Size

The size of the luggage you buy will vary with the type of trip you take. For trips one week or shorter, we recommend a carry-on suitcase, but if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, a larger checked suitcase is a great investment. The size of your suitcase will need to comply with airline rules, so make sure to check the guidelines of whichever airline you usually fly. If it varies, it may be smarter to go with a smaller option that’s likely to work across the board. Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international flights, so make sure to research them before you purchase.


Extra Features

Many suitcases are designed with added features that make traveling more convenient. For extra security, look for a carry-on with a built-in TSA-approved lock. These are usually combination locks that TSA agents can open with a master key so they don’t have to damage your luggage if it must be inspected. If you have the tendency to overpack, find a piece with an expandable zippered panel for extra room—these suitcases can also be helpful if you plan on bringing souvenirs home.


Color

A bright color will make your bag stand out at the airport carousel, but keep in mind that lighter shades can be more likely to show scuffs and spots. If black feels too generic, opt for another dark shade—the Away The Bigger Carry-On comes in several deep hues. If you prefer more neutral colors, investing in a colorful luggage tag can provide the best of both worlds.

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