Step 1: Determine Your Travel Style
Before comparing features, think about how you actually travel:
- Trip length: Weekend trips need different bags than month-long adventures
- Frequency: Weekly travelers need durable bags; annual vacationers can prioritize value
- Destinations: Cities with smooth floors vs. cobblestone streets vs. dirt roads
- Airlines: Do you fly budget carriers with strict limits or legacy airlines?
- Carry-on preference: Do you always carry on, always check, or mix?
Step 2: Choose the Right Size
Size Guide
Luggage is measured by height (including wheels). Here's what each size typically accommodates:
Carry-On (20-22 inches)
Best for: 2-5 day trips, avoiding checked bag fees, quick airport transitions
Capacity: 3-5 days of clothing, 1-2 pairs of shoes, toiletries
Typical weight: 5-8 lbs empty
See our carry-on recommendations
Medium Checked (24-26 inches)
Best for: Week-long trips, mixing business and leisure, varied weather
Capacity: 5-7 days of clothing, multiple shoes, bulkier items
Typical weight: 8-10 lbs empty
See our medium checked recommendations
Large Checked (28-32 inches)
Best for: Extended trips, family vacations, bringing home souvenirs
Capacity: 10-14 days of clothing, room to spare
Typical weight: 10-13 lbs empty
Warning: Easy to exceed 50 lb weight limits with large bags
See our large checked recommendations
Step 3: Hardside vs. Softside
This is one of the most important decisions. Neither is universally better - it depends on your needs.
Hardside Luggage
Pros:
- Better protection for fragile items (electronics, souvenirs)
- Water-resistant exterior
- Easier to clean (just wipe down)
- Modern appearance
Cons:
- Can crack under extreme pressure or impact
- No exterior pockets for quick access
- May be heavier
- Doesn't compress to fit tight spaces
Softside Luggage
Pros:
- More flexible - can squeeze into tight spaces
- Often lighter weight
- External pockets for easy access
- Usually more expandable
Cons:
- Less protection for fragile contents
- Can absorb liquids if spilled
- May stain more easily
- Fabric can tear
Learn more in our materials comparison guide
Step 4: Wheel Configuration
4-Wheel Spinners
Advantages: Roll in any direction, upright position, no arm strain, glide easily on smooth floors
Disadvantages: Wheels protrude (take interior space), more fragile, may roll away on slopes, struggle on rough surfaces
Best for: Airport travel, smooth surfaces, heavy bags
2-Wheel Inline
Advantages: More durable wheels, handle rough terrain, recessed wheels save space, stable on inclines
Disadvantages: Must tilt to roll, more arm effort, less maneuverable in tight spaces
Best for: Cobblestone streets, outdoor travel, durability priority
Step 5: Key Features to Consider
Essential Features
- TSA-Approved Lock: Required for US travel - allows TSA to open without breaking the lock
- Telescoping Handle: Multiple height settings accommodate different users
- Interior Organization: Compression straps, dividers, and mesh pockets
- Warranty: At minimum, look for a 3-year warranty on defects
Nice-to-Have Features
- Expansion Capability: Extra 2-3" when needed (great for return trips)
- USB Charging Port: Convenient but not essential (battery pack does the same thing)
- External Pockets: Quick access to tickets, documents, chargers
- Wet/Dry Compartments: Separate dirty laundry or wet items
Don't Overpay For
- Smart luggage features: GPS tracking, scales, and motors add weight and complexity
- Removable batteries: Required on planes anyway; simpler to use a power bank
- Premium branding: Some brands charge for name recognition rather than quality
Step 6: Set Your Budget
Under $100
Good for occasional travelers. Brands like Rockland, Amazon Basics, and Coolife offer decent quality. Expect 2-3 years of moderate use. Skip if you travel frequently.
$100-250
Sweet spot for most travelers. Brands like Samsonite, Travelpro, American Tourister, and Delsey offer durability and features. Good warranties, 5+ year lifespan with regular use.
$250-500
Premium territory. Brands like Briggs & Riley, Tumi, and Away offer superior construction, lifetime warranties, and premium materials. Worth it for frequent travelers who want a buy-it-once solution.
$500+
Luxury luggage. Rimowa, Louis Vuitton, and similar brands. Often more about status than function. Quality is excellent but incremental improvements over $250-500 range.
Step 7: Check the Warranty
Warranty quality varies dramatically:
- Briggs & Riley: Lifetime warranty covering even airline damage
- Samsonite: 10-year limited warranty on most bags
- Travelpro: Lifetime limited warranty on premium lines
- Budget brands: Often only 1-2 years, manufacturing defects only
Read warranty terms carefully. "Limited" often excludes wheels, handles, and airline damage - the parts most likely to fail.