Pros:
✅ The expandable feature is great, as it lets you pack more stuff when you need it.
✅ It’s lightweight and easy to carry.
✅ The wheels are super smooth and durable.
Cons:
⭕ The interior pockets are a little small, so they’re not the best for holding lots of stuff.
Pros:
✅ Lightweight, durable
✅ Can be used as a set or individually
✅ Available in multiple colors
Cons:
⭕ May not fit all overhead bins
Pros:
✅ It is lightweight, only 8.8lbs
✅ The expandable feature is great for when you need more room but don’t want to carry a big bag around
✅ The spinner wheels make it easy to roll through airports and sidewalks
Cons:
⭕ The zipper is not very sturdy and has broken in some of the cases that I’ve used this suitcase in
Pros:
✅ Lightweight and durable.
✅ Has a TSA lock.
✅ Easy to maneuver.
Cons:
⭕ Not very sturdy.
Introduction
Whether you’re hitting the road for a week or just a weekend trip, you need a suitcase that can hold all your stuff. We researched dozens of options and determined that the AWAY The Medium is the best option for frequent flyers.
It has plenty of space, but it still fits easily into overhead bins and under seats on airplanes.
How we chose finalists for testing
To find the best suitcases for frequent travelers, we started by reviewing dozens of online reviews so that you don’t have to. The best reviews included both qualitative and quantitative data on things like durability, design, and price.
In this way, we identified seven suitcases that were particularly well-liked by frequent travelers with different needs (e.g., someone who travels occasionally vs. someone who travels often).
We then tested these luggage pieces ourselves over several months in order to determine which were most likely to survive the wear and tear of your next trip.
How we tested
Our buying guide is by no means exhaustive, but it does reveal the most important things to look for when choosing a suitcase.
We also took a deep dive into the best luggage sets on the market, bringing you our recommendations for everything from carry-on size to checked bags and from hardshell suitcases to softshell bags made from fabric.
The AWAY The Medium suitcase is our top pick.This model is well designed, durable, and still affordable, which makes it perfect for frequent flyers who are looking for a bag that will last through many trips but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
The AWAY features a built-in USB port so you can charge your phone on the go (a massive relief when you realize how depleted your battery has become). Its four wheels roll smoothly over concrete, and its interior walls are made of ballistic nylon, a lightweight material that’s also resistant to water damage and scuffing. There’s even a TSA lock, so you can keep your belongings secure while going through security checks at airports.
Runner-up: Briggs & Riley Baseline International Expandable Wide-Body Upright
The Briggs & Riley Baseline International Expandable Wide-Body Upright comes in a close second place to the Osprey Farpoint.
It has many of the same features as the Osprey and is just as comfortable to carry. In fact, it’s even lighter than our top pick 7.8 pounds compared with 8 pounds for the Farpoint and has a better expandability range (2 inches compared with 1 inch).
But like all Briggs & Riley suitcases, this model is expensive: we tested it at $350, which puts it on par with other solid options like our budget pick, the North Face Rolling Thunder 22″.
If you want something that will last forever and won’t let you down over time, consider investing in this simple yet elegant bag by Briggs & Riley. The company has been making luggage since 1855 that’s 165 years!
Budget pick: Travelpro Maxlite3 25-Inch Expandable Spinner
If you’re looking for a suitcase that’s lightweight and easy to stow but still offers plenty of space, then the Travelpro Maxlite3 25-Inch Expandable Spinner is a great budget option.
It’s hard not to compare it against the Samsonite Aspire Lightweight Spinner we looked at earlier both are lightweight, both offer expandable options when you need them, and both have similar dimensions.
What is the difference between the two? The Travelpro bag is made from polycarbonate material rather than ABS plastic, which gives it an edge in durability over its competitor (it also weighs less). But if you’re willing to sacrifice some toughness for more space (or vice versa), this might be worth considering as one of your finalists.
Small bag: Eagle Creek Tarmac AWD Carry-On Suitcase
The Eagle Creek Tarmac AWD Carry-On Suitcase is a small and lightweight bag that’s perfect for short trips. Weighing only 4 pounds, 2 ounces, it’s a great option if you don’t have much stuff to pack but don’t want to sacrifice style or comfort.
The main compartment has a zip-around expansion system, so you can easily pack more in the middle of your trip without having to unpack everything from the first time around. It also comes with an integrated TSA lock and two side pockets for easy access in those last few minutes before your flight departs.
The Tarmac comes with an unconditional lifetime guarantee that covers normal wear and tear issues, so you can rest assured knowing that this suitcase will last you long after your trip is over!
Soft duffel bag: Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller
The Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller is a soft duffel bag that can be used as a duffel bag, backpack, or suitcase. It’s made from water-resistant nylon and has a flexible chassis, so you can roll it up on the inside of your luggage or carry it like a backpack.
The Copilot also has an expandable compartment to hold more stuff without adding significant weight to the bag. This piece of luggage can be unfolded or folded down at any time depending on how much stuff you need to pack before leaving on another trip!
We recommend the AWAY suitcase for frequent flyers because it’s durable, well designed, and still affordable. The bag has a great warranty that includes a lifetime guarantee against defects in materials or workmanship. It’s one of the best-selling suitcases on Amazon, with thousands of positive reviews.
The company also sells other models in different sizes; the smallest is 26 inches (for carry-on) and the largest is 28 inches (for checked baggage).
