Welcome to The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural Travel Week! Hollywood stars and insiders log millions of miles for filming, festivals, and wherever else the red carpet takes them, so why not look to these frequent flyers for travel inspiration? With summer destinations still beckoning (and plenty of time to plan for fall trips), this week we’re highlighting insider-approved essentials, style and travel tips, deals, and more. Allons-y!
Sure, a carry-on can get you through a long weekend, but sometimes, you need a more spacious suitcase for your vacation. Maybe you’ve been inspired to travel to Vietnam after watching A Tourist’s Guide to Love, or you’re headed to Belfast to see some movie magic for yourself. No matter where you’re traveling in 2023, you’ll need a sturdy suitcase for your adventures. We’ve rounded up a dozen of the best check-in suitcases, according to some enthusiastic product reviewers. Of course, we’ve included pieces from celeb-loved brands, so you can be sure you’re traveling in style this season.
From Shay Mitchell‘s Béis pieces to Gen Z fave Calpak to affordable Amazon finds, these checked bags have all the space you’ll need for your next trip. And if you need recommendations for how to catch some sleep on your flight there, we’ve got some ideas for that, too. Ahead, here are the best check-in suitcases to buy in 2023.
1. Samsonite Omni PC Large Expandable Spinner
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There’s a reason that Samsonite is one of the first brands you think of when you think of suitcases. They’ve been putting out high-quality luggage since the 1970s, and this Omni PC hard-side expandable suitcase is no exception. It has more than 18,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, and reviewers praise it for its easy maneuverability, spacious interior, and lightweight design.
2. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage
This SwissGear soft-sided suitcase is one of the best-selling luggage pieces on Amazon. It has multiple pockets to organize smaller items and keep them close at hand, plus plenty of internal pockets and straps to make the most of the 29 inches you’ve got to work with. Reviewers also appreciate that it’s lightweight.
3. Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Luggage
Prices for this Rockland Melbourne hardside expandable suitcase fluctuate (and vary depending on the color you want), but it’s possible you could snag one for less than $100 — far less than you’ll pay for most suitcases of this size. The 28-inch bag gets positive reviews for being lightweight and easy to maneuver.
4. Away The Trunk
If you’re going to check a bag, you might as well get a spacious one that fits the rest of your luggage. Away’s newest Trunk is the largest size offered by the brand, and it’s available in the company’s newest Seafoam color (alongside Olive and black) if you want to make sure you can spot your bag from across the baggage claim terminal. Featuring a 30/70 split to ensure you can pack efficiently, the 107-liter suitcase also features 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and an attached laundry bag.
5. TravelPro Maxlite 5 25″ Medium Check-In Expandable Spinner
TravelPro’s 25-inch suitcase is made with a water-resistant exterior and a telescoping handle that can lock at two different points, making it comfortable for users of different heights. It expands another two inches, and it also has a unique tapered shape when expanded to prevent tipping. The wheels also move smoothly, according to several reviewers who say it’s easy to get this luggage around the airport. TravelPro also tests their bags by filling them with 70-pound loads and passing each handle through thousands of lift tests, so you can rest easy knowing that this bag really is durable.
6. Quince 24″ Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase
Quince’s affordable luggage frequently sells out, making now an opportune time to grab the brand’s check-in hard shell suitcase while it’s in stock. It features quiet Hinomoto 360-degree wheels, a removable laundry bag, an interior compartment with a compression panel, and a smooth telescopic handle, all of which have earned this wallet-friendly piece a nearly five-star rating from over 120 buyers.
7. Béis The 29” Large Check-In Roller
Shay Mitchell’s travel brand Béis offers a wide range of luggage, including this chic suitcase that’s also available in other eye-catching colors. As the name suggests, it’s 29 inches, and it comes in a wide range of colors. It also features a useful weight limit indicator so you’ll never be caught with a bag over the airline’s guidelines — meaning you won’t get stuck transferring extra weight from one bag to another. It also comes with an included TSA-approved combination lock and plenty of pockets and straps to keep you organized.
8. Calpak Hue Large Luggage
This minimalist piece from Calpak comes in four colors and is expandable up to two inches. It also features dual spinner wheels to make it easy to go from baggage claim to your destination smoothly. This suitcase also features a TSA-approved combination lock and is made with a durable 100 percent polycarbonate shell.
9. Monos 26″ Check-In Suitcase
For something a little smaller, consider this medium check-in suitcase from Monos. It comes in 12 different colors and patterns (including four limited-edition ones) and is outfitted with an “unbreakable” polycarbonate shell, a gliding telescopic handle, and plenty of pockets and straps to make the most of the space inside. If you prefer something with more space, Monos also has a large version of the same suitcase.
10. Rimowa Essential Check-in L Suitcase
If you’re tired of suitcases developing cracks or broken wheels, consider investing in this suitcase from Rimowa, which counts Rihanna and Patti Smith among its ambassadors. It has a lightweight yet durable polycarbonate shell, a TSA-approved lock, and dual spinner wheels for easy maneuverability. With a limited lifetime warranty, this suitcase is built to last.
When it comes to choosing the best check-in suitcase, it’s important to consider factors such as size, weight, durability, and features like expandability and USB ports. Each of these suitcases offers unique benefits and caters to different travel needs. Whether you’re looking for affordability, style, or functionality, there’s a check-in suitcase on this list that will suit your preferences. Happy travels!
