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Style Blueprint
19-05-2025
- Style Blueprint
The Best Travel Luggage For Your Next Getaway
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit You know that woman at the airport who looks impossibly pulled together, complete with her hair done and her matching loungewear set? Another detail adds to that incredibly chic look: her suitcase. She never has scuffed-up, mismatched old bags. They are always practical and pristine, ready for jet-setting to the next destination. That can be you, and we've got the luggage to make it happen. Here are our 11 best travel luggage picks for 2025. This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Briggs & Riley: Sympatico Hardside Luggage The Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside Luggage is a favorite of veteran travelers, thanks to its hardshell construction and sleek look. This 22″ carry-on gives you extra room for all your goodies (and souvenirs!) thanks to its one-touch CX expansion, which increases its capacity by 25%. Swivel spinner wheels add to its versatility, whether you're navigating the airport or the tiny side streets of Europe. At $649, it's an investment, but it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Pin Samsonite: Omni 2 Carry-On Hardside Luggage Samsonite is a beloved brand thanks to both its affordability and reliability. The company has been manufacturing luggage since 1910, and its suitcases continue to stand up to local and international travel. The Omni 2 is a straightforward, functional suitcase with extendable storage and a hard shell. Plus, at $147.97, it's an affordable alternative to some of the more splurge-worthy brands. Pin Delsey Paris: Chatelet Air 2.0 Hardside Luggage Delsey Paris luggage has the most iconic, retro-inspired look, especially in classic ivory. A two-piece set of the Chatelet Air luggage is $652.90 and offers a carry-on size, as well as luggage for extended holidays. The reinforced edges with faux-leather detailing make this set look like something straight out of an Old Hollywood movie, as if you should be catching a fabulous train cross-country. Pin L.L. Bean: Adventure Rolling Duffle Bag If practicality is the name of your travel game, it doesn't get better than this rolling duffle bag from L.L. Bean. This durable bag, made from 100% recycled fabrics, is a cross between your carry-on suitcase and the toss-it-anywhere duffle bag. It can stand up to camping trips and boutique hotels alike, and, when you're not using it, it easily folds up for storage. Pin Tumi: Hardshell Suitcase Tumi has been the gold standard in luggage for years, maintaining the same level of sophistication today as it has had for the past several decades. It's both sleekly styled and incredibly durable. These hardshell suitcases are built for avid travelers, and the lightweight construction is perfect for hauling on trips both near and far. At $795, these are some of the splurgiest carry-on suitcases, but devotees will tell you they're well worth it. Pin Away: The Carry-On Away stormed the luggage market ten years ago, and this direct-to-consumer bag quickly became the darling of the travel world. It's one of the best suitcases for those looking for something understated, stylish, and incredibly functional. The Carry-On is practically a cult classic at this point — overhead bins on every plane and train are filled with them. Pin BÉIS: The Large Check-In Roller If you want the ultimate Instagrammable luggage, the BÉIS Large Check-In Roller is as chic as it gets. In the beige colorway, it looks like something designed to have its picture taken. Luckily, it's just as functional as it is pretty. This size is ideal for a summer getaway to Florida or France, and the suitcase itself expands to accommodate up to two more inches of packing space—a must when you're fortunate enough to book a two-week vacation. Pin July: Carry-On Trunk The July Carry-On Trunk looks more like modern art than a suitcase. Its pop art-inspired gloss stands out when you're traveling. From a hidden laundry bag to built-in compression features, this suitcase was designed for travelers who take hitting the road seriously. It also has a built-in charger, so you'll never find yourself at 2% battery while traveling. Pin Calpak: Hue Carry-On Luggage You'll never lose this suitcase at baggage claim. The Calpak Hue Carry-On comes in vibrant colors, including orchid (a fresh and punchy lavender), dragonfruit (a Barbie-esque hot pink), and Key lime (a vivid green). Of course, you can also get this cheerful carry-on in more serious colors like emerald, hazel, and black, but why not reach for something fun? Pin Quince: Carry-On Suitcase Quince has cornered the upscale yet affordable style, home, and jewelry markets, so we shouldn't be surprised they've also gotten into travel and are producing some of the best luggage out there. Their hardshell suitcase is incredibly sleek and styled, and it comes in classic colors like navy, tan, dark green, and blue. It has all the function and form of the more expensive brands, yet it's the lowest price tag on the list at just $129.90. Pin Lo & Sons: Catalina Deluxe Whether you're hitting the pavement for a road trip or taking the train for a quick weekend getaway, sometimes it's nice to have a soft-sided bag to throw in the car. Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe style has been a favorite for years, and it's still some of the best weekender luggage out there. A bottom pocket to keep your shoes separate and a suitcase sleeve are two of the most clever features. Pin Safe travels! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. ********** Looking for your next getaway? Visit our Travel archives. About the Author Heather Bien Heather Bien is a Southern writer, Richmond native, and aspiring gardener. She loves small-town travel and homemade lattes.
Forbes
27-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
A Lifetime Guarantee Where It Matters Most: How Briggs & Riley Rewrote The Rules For Today's Traveller
Founded in 1993 and based in Hauppauge, New York, Briggs & Riley built its name not on trend or ... More marketing bravado, but on a single radical idea: What if a luggage company genuinely stood by its products for life? Their 'Simple as That' guarantee covers even airline damage—an offer so unusual in a marketplace defined by disclaimers that it felt almost revolutionary. More than a policy, it became a promise: one that spoke to the frustrations, anxieties, and aspirations of serious travellers. In a world where loyalty is increasingly fragile, the rarest currency is trust. Today's consumer has become adept at navigating hollow promises—particularly in travel, where every guarantee seems accompanied by hidden caveats and fine print. And yet, one brand stands apart in the most tangible, reassuring way: Briggs & Riley, with its legendary 'Simple as That' lifetime guarantee. In an era of rising air travel, soaring luggage mishandling rates, and growing consumer scepticism, Briggs & Riley's commitment to durability and service has never felt more relevant—or more valuable. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2022 alone, over 26 million pieces of luggage were delayed, damaged, or lost—representing a mishandling rate of 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers globally. That's a 74% jump from 2021, driven by the resurgence of long-haul and international travel after pandemic restrictions eased. At the same time, global air traffic has soared. 2024 saw a 10.4% increase in total passenger kilometres flown compared to 2023, and travel now exceeds pre-pandemic levels by almost 4%, according to IATA. Business travel is returning, leisure trips are booming, and existing travellers are flying more frequently than ever before. More travellers, more luggage, more strain—and more opportunities for things to go wrong. In this environment, the traditional model of treating luggage as disposable—designed to last a few trips at most—is increasingly out of sync with the way modern consumers live, work, and move. Founded in 1993 and based in Hauppauge, New York, Briggs & Riley built its name not on trend or marketing bravado, but on a single radical idea: What if a luggage company genuinely stood by its products for life? Their 'Simple as That' guarantee covers even airline damage—an offer so unusual in a marketplace defined by disclaimers that it felt almost revolutionary. More than a policy, it became a promise: one that spoke to the frustrations, anxieties, and aspirations of serious travellers. Where other brands focused on aesthetics or celebrity endorsements, Briggs & Riley innovated meaningfully: developing features like the NXpandable System for more internal space, and the Outsider Handle design to ensure a wrinkle-free packing surface. Form, yes—but also fundamental function, carefully considered. Battle-weary - my Briggs & Riley departing on another adventure. In 2022, as international travel ... More began accelerating once more, I made a investment in a Briggs & Riley suitcase—one that would accompany me on near-monthly long-haul trips across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. It wasn't a light decision. Like many professional travellers, I needed reliability, resilience, and reassurance - and it was a considerable purchase decision for me. I experienced the value of that promise first-hand. In 2022, as international travel began accelerating once more, I made a investment in a Briggs & Riley suitcase—one that would accompany me on near-monthly long-haul trips across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. It wasn't a light decision. Like many professional travellers, I needed reliability, resilience, and reassurance - and it was a considerable purchase decision for me. Over the years, the suitcase endured everything that heavy, often punishing travel life could inflict. When, eventually, signs of fatigue appeared, I submitted it for repair—nervous, if I am honest, about what 'lifetime guarantee' would really mean in practice. The experience could not have been clearer or kinder. Within 48 hours after a polite email stating it was easier to replace rather than repair, a new case was delivered. No protracted negotiations, no small-print disputes. Just the fulfilment of a promise made at purchase. It wasn't just the speed that impressed me. It was the confidence it restored: the sense that I was genuinely seen and valued, not simply treated as another transaction. In a world that increasingly feels impatient and impersonal, that matters. Briggs & Riley's enduring success offers critical lessons that reach far beyond the luggage sector on the importance of delivering on brand promise: As global travel continues to expand—buoyed by rising middle classes, digital nomadism, and evolving work cultures—the demand for resilience, reliability, and real service will only intensify. The new luxury is no longer about flash or fleeting trends. It is about feeling secure, supported, and seen in a world that too often feels transient. Briggs & Riley's model isn't just a testament to smart design or operational excellence. It's a reminder that in any industry, the greatest differentiator is simple but rare: Deliver what you promise—and then some. In a marketplace crowded with noise, consumers are looking for brands they can trust to walk beside them—not just sell to them. And when they find them, they stay loyal for life.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Forbes
The Best Underseat Luggage To Use As A Personal Item, Based On Testing
The best underseat luggage is lightweight and easily able to fit underneath the seat in front of you on a plane or a train. Typically classified as a personal item, these cabin bags can help you stay organized, and since some basic economy tickets only allow for one personal item in place of a carry-on suitcase, they may also help you avoid extra baggage fees. Our panel tested over a dozen underseat bags and chose the Thule Subterra 2 27L Backpack as the best overall pick thanks to its ideal size, functional design and many interior pockets. For fans of wheeled bags, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Bag also scored high marks from our panel due to its durability and removable hanging organizer. The best underseat luggage is lightweight, well-organized and easily fits into tight spaces. When evaluating different options, pay close attention to the dimensions, durability and additional features, such as padded compartments for your laptop or tablet. 'I recommend looking for products that can universally fit under seats across various airlines,' says Georgene Rada, vice president of design for Briggs & Riley. 'Having organized compartments and padded pockets for electronics is essential to make the travel experience less stressful and to keep your valuables from being damaged.' Domestic airlines often have different size restrictions for underseat luggage, so be sure to check with your airline before you begin packing. Ahead, the best underseat luggage of 2025. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 13.4 x 8.7 x 18.9 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Vetiver Gray Best for: Skip if: This well-designed backpack is crafted from highly durable 800D nylon with a water-resistant finish and a padded air mesh back panel for breathability. The bag features two side pockets for a water bottle and an umbrella, and the many interior pockets help keep you well-organized while traveling. Two standout features include the padded interior sleeves for storing your laptop and tablet, as well as an organizational panel for pens, keys and smaller items. 'After traveling with this bag on multiple trips, I appreciated its functionality on long flights and protected storage for my computer,' says our tester. 'It has enough space to hold plenty of other essentials, like chargers and a book, and the resilient exterior helps combat spills and crumbs.' Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 17.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Available colors: 7 total, including Burgundy and Orchid Pink Purple Best for: Skip if: Having a bag with wheels helps you move around the airport with ease, no matter how heavy your bag may be. This underseat bag from Travelpro, a popular brand among flight attendants and frequent travelers, features a durable frame and high-performance wheels that glide smoothly across any surface. It also comes with a removable hanging organizer and a padded laptop sleeve to keep your tech safe. 'Since I don't travel with much formalwear, I liked that I could remove the bag's interior garment pocket and have an open cavity to put in clothes and a pair of shoes (which I would place in a packing cube),' says our tester. 'It leaves more than enough real estate for potentially a second full change of clothes.' Briggs & Riley Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 10.5 x 16.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Colors: 4, including Olive and Navy Best for: Skip if: Briggs & Riley is a well-reviewed brand that consistently earns top marks from our travel team, with the Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-Inch Carry-On being our top choice for the best softside luggage. The Baseline Underseat Duffle is no exception. It's one of the most spacious bags on this list, and it has several helpful exterior pockets for when you need to grab something quickly. Other useful features include a trolley sleeve, a monogrammed nameplate and an adjustable shoulder strap. 'Of all the options I tested, this bag's ample interior access really stood out to me,' says our tester. 'It was incredibly easy to grab or remove things as I went through security. And despite having such robust storage space, the bag still maintained a stylish look, even as I stuffed it to the brink. Also great: Briggs & Riley products come with a lifetime warranty.' Béis Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 8 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Available colors: 8 total, including Atlas Pink and Beige Best for: Skip if: If you're heading on a quick trip and need a bag to hold the essentials, this compact bag is an excellent pick. The main compartment can fit a change of clothes and several personal items (such as deodorant, a book and a phone charger), and there's a separate bottom compartment for storing your shoes. The trolley sleeve slips over the handle of your suitcase, and it has enough structure that it won't fall over as you're trying to pack or unacpk. 'I think the Mini Weekender is the perfect underseat bag,' says a flight attendant at a major airline, who always travels with this bag. 'It slides under the seat smoothly and has different compartments for more fragile items like a laptop, or more malleable things like snacks, chargers, toiletries, etc. As a bonus, it also looks and feels very chic and refined.' Away Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 17.9 x 15 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Available colors: 4 total, including Coast Blue and Olive Green Best for: Skip if: This petite suitcase resembles Away's best-selling Softside Carry-On, but it has a smaller size that glides under your seat while you're in the air. It's best suited for trips from one to three days, and it's constructed from a durable, water-repellent nylon with 360-degree smooth-gliding spinner wheels. This bag offers all of the great features of an Away carry-on, including an interior compression system that I found to be very helpful (I'm a chronic overpacker). I also enjoyed its spacious front pocket, where I was able to store my boarding pass, wallet and other items that I needed on hand. I deducted a half of a point off of my final rating only because I wish the bag were a tad lighter—it comes in at just under ten pounds before it's packed. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage, including the best luggage, best carry-on luggage and best lightweight luggage. We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best underseat luggage. Although size is admittedly the first thing to consider, durability and additional features (such as a padded tech sleeve) should also be taken into account. Here's what to look for when shopping for the best underseat luggage. Every airline has different standards for underseat carry-on sizing, so check the airline's requirements before packing to ensure your bag is the correct size. If your bag doesn't fit underneath your seat, you'll be asked to place it above you in the overhead bin, and you won't have quick access to things you may need during your flight. When in doubt, opt for a smaller bag than you may need to ensure you have enough space to stretch out comfortably. While both hardside and softside luggage have distinct benefits, experts agree that softside options are an excellent choice for smaller spaces, such as under an airline seat. 'Space is limited beneath seats, so having a soft bag that can be compressed into a tight space is one way to make your travel experience easier and stress-free,' says Rada. 'It also allows one to maximize your packing capacity.' Popular materials include ballistic nylon (which Briggs & Riley uses for most of its underseat luggage), polyester and coated canvas. Rada notes that the material should be easy to wipe down, because your bag might get kicked around and pushed into the seat in front of you. Underseat luggage, like other pieces of luggage, needs to withstand frequent handling and being tossed around. Hardside bags are generally most resistant to rough handling and turbulent conditions, but a thicker woven fabric (for example, ballistic nylon) is just as durable and an excellent choice for flying. Many suitcases come with helpful extras that can make traveling more seamless, such as a padded tech sleeve to store your laptop or a separate, water-resistant compartment. Another worthwhile feature is an expansion option, which can add several extra inches of packing space. Consider which features you will use the most and find the most helpful before making a purchase. After extensive research and hands-on testing, the Thule Subterra 2 27L Backpack is our pick for the best underseat luggage. It has a compact, streamlined appearance with plenty of pockets to store tech, personal items, a change of clothes and more. It also works well as a commuting or work bag, and our tester appreciated the protective storage pockets and resilient exterior. If you're a frequent flyer, investing in underseat storage is a good idea. 'I do believe [underseat luggage] is worth it when there's limited space on the aircraft,' says Ricks. 'There may be times when it's your turn to board and there's no more overhead space left, so you'll want a bag that's small enough to fit smoothly under the seat. You just never know when checking bags these days; things can happen. Carrying on is always the best option.' Every airline has different standards for underseat carry-on sizing, so it's essential to check the requirements for the airline before packing and heading to the airport. American Airlines requires underseat luggage to be a maximum of 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high. In comparison, United Airlines has underseat dimensions of 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Forbes
The Best Softside Luggage, Rigorously Tested By Our Staff Editors
The best softside luggage is flexible and forgiving, often built with more malleable materials that provide extra packing space. After extensive testing by our team of editors, the Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-inch Carry-On is our top recommendation thanks to its durable construction, built-in compression system and excellent interior organization. We also recommend the lightweight Calpak Terra Softside Carry-On, coming in at just six pounds, as well as the Travelpro Versapack + Large Check In Spinner for a checked option. The best softside luggage is lightweight and expandable, which provides extra flexibility when ... More traveling. As its name suggests, softside luggage has a soft exterior that is more pliant; these suitcases are also often equipped with a large external pocket. Despite the added flexibility, softside luggage is most commonly crafted from nylon or polyester, synthetic materials trusted for their durability, abrasion resistance and strength. When choosing the right softside suitcase for you, make sure to consider size, weight and interior and exterior organization. 'Look for convenient exterior pockets that offer easy access to phones, boarding passes (if used) and tech gear," says Georgene Rada, vice president of design at Briggs & Riley. Below, the best softside luggage for 2025. Briggs & Riley Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Colors: 5 total, including Navy and Olive | Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Ballistic nylon What you'll love: Keep in mind: This well-designed suitcase from trusted brand Briggs & Riley routinely tops our best luggage list due to its durable yet flexible exterior crafted with ballistic nylon. It also features a unique, one-touch expansion tool that allows you to compress your belongings and increase the interior capacity easily and efficiently. Its sleek design is elegant and gender neutral, and it comes with a garment folder that can hold up to two suits or dresses, which is a nice feature if you're traveling for business or a wedding. 'It rolls so smoothly and has a super comfortable grip handle," says our tester. 'I also loved its many interior and exterior pockets.' This suitcase is certainly a splurge, but despite its price tag, customers rave about its endurance, with many reviewers saying it will hold up beautifully for years to come. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 30.7 x 18 x 13.2 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Estate Blue | Weight: 10.9 pounds | Material: High-density ballistic nylon fabric What you'll love: Keep in mind: A go-to brand for pilots and flight attendants, Travelpro's reasonably priced and durable suitcases (the brand earned the top spot in our guide to the best luggage) are commonly spotted at airports around the world. This sturdy, checked suitcase from the brand's recently launched Versapack+ collection is made from ballistic nylon fabric, which hides scratches and stains well. Our tester appreciated the spacious main compartment lined with several slimmer zippered compartments for storing smaller items. Its expandable design is also helpful for longer trips requiring more gear, which came in handy on our tester's recent ski trip: 'It's a super-spacious bag as is, but it didn't hurt to have those two extra inches of expansion." Plus, it comes with two removable packing cubes and a removable laundry bag. Calpak Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 21.5 x 14.5 x 8.7 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Juniper and White Sands | Weight: 6 pounds | Material: Recycled ripstop polyester with TPU What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Calpak Terra Softside Carry-On is a stylish and well-made piece of luggage that's easy to transport from one destination to the next. It's made from 29 recycled bottles and has a good amount of structure for a softside bag. There are two exterior pockets and three interior ones, although there's no locking mechanism, which may be a downside for some. However, its biggest strength lies in its maneuverability. It's incredibly lightweight, even when fully packed, and easily fits into the overhead compartment. 'I can rotate it in a 360-degree circle with one hand, and it smoothly glides along the floor," says our tester. "It's easy to make sharp turns in the airport and has an effortless pull.' Cotopaxi Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 12 inches | Colors: 3 total, including Woods and Blue Spruce | Weight: 6.1 pounds | Material: Recycled nylon and ripstop polyester What you'll love: Keep in mind: Cotopaxi's Alpa Roller Bag is your best bet for trips requiring a highly durable and rugged bag that can handle being tossed around. Our tester took this on a trip to Japan, where she visited five different cities—traversing planes, trains, ferries, city streets and snow—and it held up well and felt sturdy. It has a comfortable, retractable handle, a split-case design and several internal pockets to keep you organized. However, our tester missed the lack of spinner wheels and recommends this bag for a streamlined packer, as it doesn't have an expandable design. Dagne Dover Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 20.5 × 13 × 8.7 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Onyx and Ash | Weight: 9.2 pounds | Material: Recycled 900D poly What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you prefer traveling with a carry-on only, the Dagne Dover Seattle Carry-On is an excellent option that scored high marks with our tester. This option is constructed from recycled 900D polyester with 360-degree smooth glide wheels, and there are tons of pockets to help you stay organized while on the road. 'I can't get over the number of compartments and zipped-in segments,' says our tester. 'Organizing was effortless, and every single item had a designated place. I didn't have to rummage whatsoever.' Users also can roll up the internal divider if they don't need it, and a padded tech sleeve keeps your laptop safe and secure while in transit. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage, including the best checked luggage, best carry-on luggage and best lightweight luggage. We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best softside luggage. There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best softside luggage. Here's what to look for. Most softside luggage is made from nylon or polyester, both synthetic materials known for their strength and durability. 'Nylon is a better choice over polyester as it's a strong, superior material,' says Rada. 'Ballistic [nylon] is still a good standard, but other durable nylon weaves work well too.' While hardside materials, like aluminum or polycarbonate, can offer more protection from rough handling, synthetic fabrics are more resistant to scratches and scuffs. If you're a frequent flyer worried about in-flight turbulence and other unforeseen circumstances but prefer a softside suitcase, opt for something made from ballistic nylon. The Travelpro Versapack + Large Check-In Spinner and Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-inch Carry-On are made from this material and received excellent marks from our testers regarding their durability. The length of your trip will determine the size of your suitcase. A carry-on should offer you enough packing space for trips lasting less than a week, but you might want to invest in a checked bag for trips over a week. Also, opt for a checked suitcase if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, such as liquids or creams over 3.4 ounces. Before you make a purchase and begin packing, check the airline's guidelines to ensure your bag complies with the rules. Softside luggage is known for being lighter than its hardside counterparts, but some options are lighter than others. If you're looking for something easy to move through the airport and lift into an overhead bin, the Calpak Terra Softside Carry-On is an excellent choice as it weighs a mere six pounds. As a general rule, always check the airline's weight restrictions for carry-on and checked bags before arriving at the airport. Many suitcases come with helpful extras that can make traveling more seamless. For example, a tech sleeve to store your laptop, included packing cubes, a separate water-resistant compartment and built-in TSA-approved luggage locks are all helpful and convenient features. (If your suitcase doesn't have a built-in luggage lock, we found the best TSA-approved luggage locks you can purchase separately.) Another worthwhile feature is an expansion option, which can add several extra inches of packing space. Before you invest in a new suitcase, decide what features are most important to you. After extensive research and testing, the best softside luggage is the Travelpro Versapack + Large Check-In Spinner. It's a spacious bag with smooth wheels and many helpful features, like a built-in TSA-approved lock and large packing cubes. The expandable design also gives you two extra inches of space. There are benefits to both types of luggage, but if you prefer having extra packing space, softside options have more give. Beyond the flexible materials, many softside suitcases have an expandable design that can give you several additional inches of space. They also tend to weigh less and have exterior pockets where you can stash essential items like your passport, keys and wallet. Flight attendants prefer softside luggage as they are more convenient and flexible when it comes to packing. 'As flight attendants, we need a luggage system that carries at least three bags, and a hardsided bag doesn't cut it,' says Marisa Ramos, a flight attendant at a major airline. 'We can stuff more in a softsided bag, which comes in handy. In 26 years of flying, I've only gone through three bags…softside suitcases are very sturdy.'
