Do you have any tips and tricks for packing checked luggage?

Vazquez shares these packing hacks if you're thinking of checking in your luggage: Pack a folded soft suitcase inside if you’re going to be shopping on your trip and will be bringing back more than you came with. You’ll want that extra room. "Always bring a little of what you will need in your carry-on — a change of clothes, spare contacts or medicine, cosmetics, a toothbrush — just in case your checked bag doesn’t arrive with you. "You hear about theft in checked bags, but it’s not something I’ve ever personally experienced. However, I never check a laptop or good jewelry in my checked luggage as a rule of thumb."

What else should I consider when buying checked luggage?

Material. Shoppers need to consider luggage material that stands up to wear and tear, like polycarbonate (for hard shells) or ballistic nylon (for softsides). "These materials are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear," travel blogger Jeremy Albelda says. Wheels. Vasquez urges to “always make sure to get a bag with wheels” if you’re checking it. The quality of the wheels of your luggage is immensely important for easy maneuverability. "Choose luggage with sturdy, smooth-rolling wheels that can easily navigate different terrains. Four-wheeled luggage, also known as spinner luggage, is easier to maneuver compared to two-wheeled luggage," says Albelda. Compartments and organization. Albelda also strongly suggests choosing "luggage with multiple compartments and pockets to make packing and organizing your belongings easier." Zippers, locks and expandability. "Choose expandable luggage that allows you to have extra packing space when needed, which can be helpful for longer trips or when returning with more items than you initially packed,” Albelda says. Also consider other extra features that'll ensure the safety of your belongings, like strong zippers and TSA-approved locks, he adds. Colors. If you can pick a unique color or style, go for it, Vasquez says. "If you’re opting to check a bag, find something with color so it stands out from everyone else’s luggage and you can find it at baggage claim quickly."

Best checked luggage, according to experts and tested by editors

When you’re planning an extended trip that requires luggage bigger than those that fit into the overhead bin, you’re going to need a suitcase that can not just accommodate your gear but is also easy to maneuver (and spot on the baggage carousel). That's why choosing the best checked luggage is essential.

We're frequent fliers, and over the years, we have developed packing techniques that make going the distance easier and more pleasurable. Choosing the right luggage to check is a key part of that technique, and apparently overpackers across the country have the same idea in mind right now. Searches for checked baggage are on the rise — making them a 2025 summer travel trend according to Google.

We also know there are so many options available when it comes to buying checked luggage that it can quickly become overwhelming — but it doesn’t need to be.

The most important factor? Size: You don’t want to go too big or start too heavy, according to Henley Vazquez, founder of modern-day travel agency Fora.

“It’s easy to fill all the space, but that’s problematic if you exceed the weight limit," she says. "You don’t want it to weigh a ton before you even fill it, so even the weight of the empty bag is important."

While there’s no one suitcase that will work for everyone, we’ve talked to experts for more of their tips on what to look for — things like the type of material, extra interior and exterior features, and more — to help demystify the process of finding the perfect checked luggage. Plus, we put a bunch of top-rated luggage through rigorous trials as part of the Shop TODAY 2025 Travel Gear Awards, crowning a couple picks that truly impressed us as winners.

Our top picks

Award-winning checked luggage

Best value checked bag
Traveler's Choice Pagosa Hardshell Spinner Luggage
$84.98
$99.99
Amazon
Learn more
Best hardside checked bag
Jeep Large Expandable Spinner Trunk
$undefined
$219.99
Amazon
Learn more
Best softside checked bag
Thule Chasm
$313.95
$419.95
Amazon
Learn more

What to consider when buying checked luggage

Don't go too big or heavy; a checked luggage bag should also be maneuverable.
Weigh the empty suitcase itself. Too heavy, and it may become easier to exceed the weight limit (typically 50 pounds).
A lightweight, medium-sized suitcase — one with wheels — is ideal.
Pricier luggage with a lifetime guarantee is a good investment, but if you don't need that, there are solid inexpensive options that do the job.

Editor-tested, award-winning checked luggage

Cost-effective rolling suitcase: Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner

30-Inch Hardside Spinner

What we like

Lightweight
Spinner wheels

Something to note

Zipper may bend

Size: 19.49 x 12 x 27.76 in. | Weight: 11.77 lbs | Capacity: 39 L | Expandable? Yes

The carry-on size of Amazon Basics’ luggage won during Shop TODAY's 2023 Travel Gear Awards for the best budget suitcase — and its 28-inch hardside spinner is an equally good value for the cost if you need to check it in for travel. Vazquez agrees: “I just purchased an Amazon Basics suitcase that has been great.

For a third of the cost of other popular checked luggage brands, Amazon’s spinner offers plenty of value for those who are going on shorter trips and aren’t heavy travelers. It has a 39-liter capacity with helpful cross straps, an interior divider and it’s thick and designed to be scratch-resistant. Most importantly, it’s maneuverable: It has four double-spinner wheels and a handle that telescopes.

Award-winning budget pick: Traveler’s Choice Pagosa Indestructible Hardshell Check-In Spinner

Traveler's Choice Pagosa Hardshell Spinner Luggage

Award: Best value checked bag | Category: Checked bag | Score: 4.67/5

This suitcase is proof that high-quality checked luggage doesn’t have to break the bank. We preferred this option, which will run you about $100, over other suitcases that were quadruple the price!

In addition to being relatively stylish, our editors were impressed by its functionality with easy-to-maneuver 360-degree wheels, sturdy handles, a light-yet-durable hard shell frame, multiple organizer inserts and two-inch expansion capability. Plus, it passed what we’ve coined the “roll away test” — when we let go of the suitcase on a ramp, it didn’t roll away or budge even an inch!

Best of all, this product earned awards during both our 2024 and Shop TODAY 2025 Travel Gear Awards — proving it stands against the test of time (and other suitcases in this category!)

Smooth operator: Jeep Large Expandable Spinner Trunk

Jeep Large Expandable Spinner Trunk

Award: Best hardside checked bag | Category: Checked bag | Score: 4/5

This hardshell suitcase's exterior proves to be as durable and sturdy as the car its brand is associated with. It boasts a deep interior, while the exterior remained sturdy and glides well over a number of different floors — carpet and concrete alike.

A checked bag for all seasons: Thule Chasm

Thule Chasm

Award: Best softside checked bag | Category: Checked bag | Score: 5/5

Our editors were all impressed with this spacious, roomy interior (that managed to fit all of production coordinator Camryn Privette's must-haves during a recent ski trip!) this bag unzips to reveal.

Plus, it can be wheeled like a suitcase or toted like a duffel, while multiple zippered compartments carry essentials you need within reach.

Expert-recommended checked luggage

Oversized bag for outdoor adventures: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

Black Hole Duffel 100 L

What we like

Great for longer trips
Nice pockets

Something to note

Not water-resistant

Size: 29 x 15 x 13.3 in. | Weight: 4 lbs | Capacity: 100 L | Expandable? No

"I got my first Black Hole in 2015, and I’ve been a huge fan of the collection ever since," says Katie Jackson, a travel writer and expert. "I love that this duffel, which now comes with a new matte laminate, is constructed with recycled materials. That said, even though it’s called the Black Hole, it would be really hard to poke holes in it. It’s super sturdy and versatile. Where it like a traditional duffel via the shoulder strap or attach the removable straps and wear it like a backpack," she explains.

Medium suitcase for world travel: Monos Check-In Medium

Check-In Medium

What we like

Very durable
Comes in many colors

Something to note

Material may be thin

Size: 26.5 x 18.5” x 10.5 in. | Weight: 9.59 lbs | Capacity: 70 L | Expandable? No

"I’ve had this miracle-on-wheels for a couple of years now," says Jackson. "It’s been all over the world with me, most recently in NYC where I traveled with it on the AirTrain from JFK to Jamaica Station, on the subway from Jamaica Station to Central Park, and on foot from Central Park to Midtown," she explains.

"In the past, when I’ve had checked bags, I thought it was too much of a hassle to take public transportation or walk with them, so I just took Ubers. But I reckon I saved at least $100 thanks to this suitcase that is durable and easy to roll around, even up and down street curbs and on cobblestones," shares Jackson.

Splurge option: Samsonite C-Lite Extra Large Spinner

C-Lite Extra Large Spinner

What we like

Lightweight
Super sleek
Rolls smoothly

Something to note

May smell at first

Size: 34.6 in. x 23.6 in. x 14.2 in. | Weight: 7.9 lbs | Expandable? No

"This is not your ordinary Samsonite luggage," says travel adviser Jonathan Alder. "These are part of their made in Europe collection and a quality level above all else. We have used these in their XL offering for years and the bags are still good as new," he explains.

"You will definitely pay a premium for these but absolutely worth it. We have put 70 pounds plus in the bag and still in perfect condition," Alder says.

Editor-loved checked luggage

Whimsical duffel: Baboon to the Moon Go Bag

Go Bag

What we like

Comes in a variety of colors
Very sturdy
Super spacious

Something to note

May be heavy

Size: 12.5 x 21.5 x 14 in. | Weight: 4 lbs | Capacity: 60 L | Expandable? Yes

This bag weighs only four pounds — yet can accommodate a week’s worth of clothing. It features lockable zippers, a daisy chain around the outside so you can clip items on, a hidden external passport pocket and other external storage compartments.

Best of all, it's sturdy and easy to clean, which is why Annie Shigo, Shop TODAY's social media editorial assistant, swears by her mini version of this Go Bag: "When you live in a big city, you need a bag that's easy to clean after a travel day. The go bag has such an easy-to-clean material that I just wipe it down with one Clorox wipe. It doesn't get scuff marks and is pretty water-resistant. While the material doesn't have a ton of stretch, it feels sturdy, so your items won't get tossed around in it."

Editor favorite: Away The Medium

The Medium

What we like

Easy to organize
Great pockets
Very durable

Something to note

Mixed reviews on hand grip

Size: 26 x 18.5 x 11 in. | Weight: 10.4 lbs | Capacity: 68.8 L | Expandable? Yes

Commerce writer Danielle Murphy's mom Christina loves this medium-sized checked luggage from Away. “It wheels beautifully, even on rugs. I like the color because I can differentiate it from other suitcases. It has a ton of compartment space and zippered pockets for separating dirty clothes. Plus, it’s durable and easy to clean on the outside," says Christina Murphy.

Courtesy Danielle Murphy, Commerce Writer

Spacious suitcase with separate compartments: Thule Subterra Wheeled Duffel Bag

Subterra Wheeled Duffel Bag

What we like

Spacious
Very sturdy

Something to note

Only two wheels

Size: 14.2 x 14.6 x 21.7 in. | Weight: 7.6 lbs | Capacity: 56 L | Expandable? No

"I’ve owned many different luggages in the past but this by far, the BEST ever," says commerce writer Jannely Espinal. "For once, I’m not afraid that my luggage gets beaten down the aisle and baggage claim. I love how spacious the interior is and its ability two separate into two carry-ons," she explains.

"You can either check it or unzip the middle to disconnect the panels. The wheels are smooth, though at times I wish it featured four wheels. Overall, it’s a luggage you can overpack since the material slightly expands and compresses," shares Espinal.

Frequently asked questions

There are a few ways to avoid checked bag fees when flying, including avoiding Basic Economy seating (which doesn’t include a checked bag), gaining status with an airline or using an airline credit card that waives bag fees.

“Typically, if you have status with an airline or have a co-branded airline credit card, you can avoid bag fees,” says Vazquez. “If you fly a specific airline frequently, it’s worth it to get the credit card just for that bonus.”

Vazquez recommends arriving at the airport with plenty of time to check in your luggage and make connecting flights, as well as making sure your luggage stands out in a crowd. "Etsy ... has some custom luggage stickers that you can use to differentiate your bag from all of the others," she says.

Vazquez adds, “Don't book a layover with a short connection. Cutting it close on time is a guaranteed way to lose your luggage,” she says. If you're lucky enough to be able to book a premium seat or first class in the front of the plane, "your bag is also tagged that way. Those bags do get more attention than all the rest."

If you're worried, "more people are putting an Apple AirTag in their bag to help them track it," she says, adding, "If your bag doesn’t make it to your destination with you, just keep calling the airline until you get it back."

Vazquez shares these packing hacks if you're thinking of checking in your luggage:

Pack a folded soft suitcase inside if you’re going to be shopping on your trip and will be bringing back more than you came with. You’ll want that extra room.
"Always bring a little of what you will need in your carry-on — a change of clothes, spare contacts or medicine, cosmetics, a toothbrush — just in case your checked bag doesn’t arrive with you.
"You hear about theft in checked bags, but it’s not something I’ve ever personally experienced. However, I never check a laptop or good jewelry in my checked luggage as a rule of thumb."

Material. Shoppers need to consider luggage material that stands up to wear and tear, like polycarbonate (for hard shells) or ballistic nylon (for softsides). "These materials are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear," travel blogger Jeremy Albelda says.
Wheels. Vasquez urges to “always make sure to get a bag with wheels” if you’re checking it. The quality of the wheels of your luggage is immensely important for easy maneuverability. "Choose luggage with sturdy, smooth-rolling wheels that can easily navigate different terrains. Four-wheeled luggage, also known as spinner luggage, is easier to maneuver compared to two-wheeled luggage," says Albelda.
Compartments and organization. Albelda also strongly suggests choosing "luggage with multiple compartments and pockets to make packing and organizing your belongings easier."
Zippers, locks and expandability. "Choose expandable luggage that allows you to have extra packing space when needed, which can be helpful for longer trips or when returning with more items than you initially packed,” Albelda says. Also consider other extra features that'll ensure the safety of your belongings, like strong zippers and TSA-approved locks, he adds.
Colors. If you can pick a unique color or style, go for it, Vasquez says. "If you’re opting to check a bag, find something with color so it stands out from everyone else’s luggage and you can find it at baggage claim quickly."

How we chose

For award winners, we sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried 214 products total — in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Our team of editors and writers also signed up to try out apparel and shoes, putting them to the test in New York City and on our travels across the country as well as overseas. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.

For more options, we also enlisted the recommendations of multiple travel experts and included a few products that have been tested by our Shop TODAY editors as well.

Meet our experts

Jeremy Albelda is a travel expert and blogger at The World or Bust.
Henley Vazquez is the founder of modern-day travel agency Fora.
Brady Schrock is a flight attendant for a commercial airline and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.
Katie Jackson is a travel writer and expert, who also served on our panel of 2023 and 2024 Travel Awards experts.
Jonathan Alder is a luxury travel planner and adviser, and also served on our panel of 2024 Travel Awards experts.

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