The Best Luggage Brands

Sunday, March 26th

2023 Luggage Reviews

Travelpro

• 8 luggage lines to choose from
• Options suitable for vacationers, business travelers, and professional flight crews
• Most luggage includes a lifetime limited warranty, including coverage for airline handling damage in the first year of use
• Well-loved by customers
• "A+" rated by the BBB
• In business for over 30 years

Travelpro began over 30 years ago with the first upright rolling luggage, created by a professional pilot. Since then, this luggage brand has continued to innovate, learning what travel professionals need and want and then making it happen. Today, crews from over 90 airlines around the world trust Travelpro for all of their luggage needs - proof indeed that this is an excellent choice for "civilians" too.

8 luggage collections

There are eight luggage collections offered by Travelpro. These include:

• Travelpro x Travel + Leisure: with just over a dozen pieces to choose from, this line conveys a modern aesthetic while including plenty of features for storage and organization. The rolling luggage is all hardside, coordinated with softside weekender bags, backpacks, and totes. Color choices here are fairly muted: gray, black, off-white and dark blue. Pricing starts at $165 for the slim backpack and goes up to just under $1,000 for the compact carry-on + large trunk set.
• Platinum Elite: there are 36 luggage options in this series, which includes top-of-the-line materials, hardside and softside pieces, and genuine leather accents. The $129.99 crossbody is the lowest-priced item in the collection, and you'll pay $1,269.99 for the three-piece set (21/25/29). This line also has a number of interesting combinations you might not find with other luggage brands: we were intrigued by the Styler Set (brief + 21" spinner) and the Iconic Set (backpack + carry-on spinner tote).
• Maxlite: if you're looking for durable yet lightweight luggage, so that you've got more wiggle room before going over your airline's weight limit, this series is a good choice. There are 35 pieces of luggage in the Maxlite collection with hard- and softside options, starting at $99.99 for a soft tote and going up to $519.99 for the Maxlite Air three-piece set (carry-on, medium, large). You'll also find some fun combinations in this collection, like the brief/carry-on Fashionista and the backpack/rolling tote Maxlite 5.
• Bold: rugged and durable, this softside line uses high-density fabric with water- and stain-resistant coating and features multiple built-in components, wet pockets, aircraft-grade aluminum handles, and both spinner and Rollaboard-style wheels. Perfect for your most off-the-beaten-path adventures, the Bold line starts at $119.99 for the computer backpack and goes to $249 for your choice of a drop-bottom expandable rolling duffel, 26" spinner, or 28" expandable Rollaboard.
• Roadtrip: as the name suggests, this Travelpro collection gets you out the door and on your way for the weekend. Limited to a drop-bottom rolling duffel and packing cubes, this series won't set you back more than $100. The Roadtrip series comes in burgundy, navy, olive or black.
• Roundtrip: available in six different colors, the Roundtrip line consists of just a carry-on and medium suitcase, priced at $329.99. This hardside set has spinner wheels and built-in TSA locks. Even better, the warranty on this line includes Travelpro's Trusted Companion Promise: you're covered damage caused by airlines or other common carriers in the first year that you own your luggage.
• Runway: Travelpro's newest line, this series is similar to the Roundtrip as it features two- and three-piece sets. This collection comes in both soft- and hardside options, with prices ranging from $199-$329. The key feature of the Runway line is expandability, changing your medium suitcase to a large with a 2" expansion feature.
• Crew VersaPack: this is the civilian version of the luggage tested and approved by professional flight crews. This collection features zip-in organizers that can keep your hanging clothes wrinkle free, your dirty/wet laundry separate from your clean items, packing cubes, and much more. The series also comes with the Trusted Companion Promise we described with the Roundtrip collection. There are two dozen luggage items to choose from in the VersaPack line, including several different optional organizers ($29.99-$39.99), totes and duffels for under $200, and three-piece sets for $939.99. Many of the VersaPack suitcases and carry-ons feature TSA-approved locks and USB connectivity as well.

Generous warranty protection

Warranty protection is generous with Travelpro, with coverage going up to Lifetime Limited Worry-Free on most of their luggage lines (the only one we didn't see with that coverage length was the Roadtrip). And, even though the product descriptions didn't always mention it, the Trusted Companion Promise applies across six of the seven luggage collections - though you'll need to make sure to register your products within 120 days of purchase or gift receipt to activate the warranty.

Great reputation

Finding a luggage brand with a good reputation can be a challenge, but Travelpro stands out with an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and thousands of loyal customers. Although the company gets the usual share of complaints (about three dozen over the last three years), we're pleased to see that reps have addressed them promptly and professionally. And, we have no concerns about Travelpro honoring any aspect of its warranty. One review even described the brand as having an "obsession with meeting its customers expectations" - and we can definitely get behind that.

Highest rating

Travelpro luggage is affordable, durable, and always improving to satisfy the demands of travel as the industry evolves. There's something for everyone in their various collections, from intrepid globetrotters to family vacationers - and all offering a tremendous value for the price. Travelpro earns our enthusiastic recommendation as the #1 luggage brand on the market.

Rockland

• Bright colors and novel designs
• Soft- and hard-sided options available
• 5-year warranty (replacement, not repair)

Rockland got its start in 1998 as a sub-brand of Fox Luggage. If you've ever spotted a super-colorful suitcase with cool graphic design, chances are good it was a Rockland piece. You'll find their products featured in many major retail stores, including Target, Marshalls, Kohl's and more.

Making it easy

Rockland makes it easy to shop for luggage: you don't have to sift through different product lines, trying to figure out the differences to make the right choice. Instead, you can simply decide if you want hard- or soft-sided luggage, if you prefer a set of 2-4 pieces or just an individual item, and that's it. From there, you just have to choose how brightly-colored or patterned you want your new luggage to be, because that's what Rockland is best known for.

Our favorite hard-sided series

Our favorite Rockland option in the hard-sided lines is the London series. With over 7,000 shopper reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars, it's a customer favorite. You'll get all the usual features of a telescoping handle and expandable zippers for an extra 2" of packing capacity, plus double spinner wheels for added maneuverability. You'll pay just $155 for a three-piece set (20/24/28) and can choose from over 20 colors ranging from basic solids to combos like yellow/black and orange/charcoal. If you're looking for really stand-out colors and patterns, be sure to look for Rockland's Departure series (Owls or Hearts), Zebra (which also includes Giraffe), Leopard, or Dot.

Highly rated soft-sided choice

Prefer soft-sided luggage? Rockland has you covered there too. You can get a four-piece set in the Journey line for just $110, including a 14" tote and uprights in 19" /24" /28" sizes. This particular set doesn't have spinner wheels, but it still averages 4.2 out of 5 stars across nearly 9,000 customer ratings. Color choices include solids, two-tone options like lime/black and navy/yellow, plus a camo pattern.

More good soft-sided options

Other soft-sided sets are available with Rockland; for example, you may prefer a set that includes a duffel instead of a tote or a "louder" pattern like black plaid or blue leopard. No problem. Rockland's most popular soft-side option, with a whopping 56,000+ ratings averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars, is the uber-affordable fashion set. It comes with either two or four pieces and is available in an extraordinary array of colors and patterns. The two-piece set costs less than $50 and the four-piece is just $110, just like the Journey line. If you want Rockland's most vivid patterns, look for New Heart, Pink Bandanna, or Tribal.

5-year replacement warranty

Rockland luggage is covered by a 5-year replacement warranty: if something goes wrong due to a manufacturer defect, they'll replace (not repair) your item. There are some interesting caveats in that policy, however. Replacement pieces aren't guaranteed to be new. Also, if you can't find your proof of purchase, expect to be charged a handling fee of up to $40. Finally, if your problem is with hard case luggage but the body is intact, Rockland/Fox Luggage will send replacement parts (handles, wheels, side bumpers) at no cost.

Positive customer reviews

Oddly enough, the BBB hasn't been able to get a response from Rockland's parent company, Fox Luggage, because their postal mail was returned as undeliverable - and that led to the BBB's "C" rating for the company. Otherwise, it's easy to see from customer ratings that Rockland luggage delivers. While you can't expect it to last forever at this price point, it's surprisingly sturdy for most travelers.

A fun customer favorite

As long as you're not looking for cutting-edge features or luggage that can withstand a nuclear blast, Rockland should be able to meet your needs. We'll admit that we're partial to fun patterns and bright colors, giving this luggage brand an extra boost in our ratings. But, don't take our word for it: with thousands of five-star reviews, Rockland luggage is a customer favorite. We definitely recommend you give this brand a look.

Amazon Basics

• About 40 options to choose from
• Quick delivery and free returns for Prime subscribers
• Prices range from $11-$265

Amazon Basics was started in 2009, originally designed as a private label for small electronic accessories: plugs, cables, and so on. As those items became more and more popular, Amazon expanded the "brand" to include more than 1,500 products ranging from personal care and beauty to office furniture and supplies - typically items that people buy frequently.

Selection can be tricky

Selection with the Amazon Basics luggage brand can be tricky. Looking under the Luggage subsection - you'll find it under the Garage heading, because that's where Amazon thinks most of us keep ours stored when not in use - you'll find the usual hard- and softsided suitcases and carry-ons, plus some accessories like packing cubes and umbrellas (?). Searching for the "luggage" keyword within the Amazon Basics brand is more hit-or-miss: on one pass, it returned 42 matches, but hitting refresh a few seconds later, that list went down to 27. And so it goes when shopping on Amazon, amirite?

Hard shell is most popular

With over 36,000 customer reviews at the time of this evaluation, the most popular luggage in the Amazon Basics line is the hard-shell suitcase set. You'll also see the components sold individually - but they each share the same ratings whether purchased one by one or as a set. Features include spinner wheels, plenty of interior compartments, and telescoping handles. Available sizes include a 21" carry-on plus two larger suitcases (26" and 30" ), Also, you could go with the basic black, but why not choose a color that will make your luggage easier to spot on the carousel? This set and its components also come in navy, royal blue, and orange, and if you click around in the options you'll also find a bright pink combo.

Disappointing warranty protection

One area to watch out for with this luggage brand is the warranty. There's nothing on the product listings that tells you how long you'll be covered. Searching through the Q&A and customer reviews, we found frequent mentions of a one-year period and lots of recommendations to purchase the extended protection plans (three years for $21.99 or four years for $29.99 on a 24" hardside suitcase). Even then, many customers who needed to make a claim under warranty said that either it was denied (ruled as damage not covered under the terms and conditions) or that it was difficult getting service from the third-party warranty company. Many mentioned that it would have been worth spending more to buy luggage from a brand with a strong manufacturer warranty instead of dealing with the process through Amazon.

High customer satisfaction

And yet, overall customer satisfaction with the Amazon Basics line is high. We put more stock in the reviews that say that the luggage has been used for multiple trips over several years, compared with those from customers who just barely got it out of the box and haven't put it to the test yet - and there are plenty of those to read through. It's easy to search through the customer reviews, photos and videos and see how these suitcases and carry-ons measure up, literally: if you're a frequent flier with a particular airline and you need to make sure your luggage is going to fit, you'll probably find photos of the dimension guides at the airport and even of the carry-on being placed into an overhead bin.

Amazon Prime benefits

And, of course, if you're one of the millions of Amazon Prime subscribers, you've got the advantage of free returns and fast delivery on pretty much everything in the Basics luggage lineup.

Good for the budget-conscious

We give Amazon Basics fairly high marks as a luggage brand for the budget-conscious shopper. Are these suitcases going to last you forever? Probably not, but you're not going into your purchase expecting a luxury brand here. As long as you keep your expectations in check, you'll get exactly what you pay for with Amazon Basics.

American Tourister

• About 100 luggage options to choose from
• Fun Disney and Star Wars styles available
• Good brand for less-frequent use
• Affordable and relatively reliable
• Most luggage comes with a limited 10-year warranty

American Tourister is one of several luggage brands owned by the Samsonite parent company, acquired in 2009. Between the two, American Tourister is on the more affordable side, focused on delivering stylish, high-quality luggage that won't break the bank.

Wide selection to choose from

You'll find just about every luggage type you could need with this brand, from wheeled uprights to carry-ons and much more. If you're looking for a complete set, we recommend considering American Tourister's Arrival 5-piece collection. Regularly-priced at $199.99 (but on sale for just $129.99 at the time of this review), the softside set includes a boarding bag, garment sleeve, and three spinners (carry-on, medium, large). It comes in basic black or an eye-catching black-and-white ivy pattern (which will surely make it easy to spot on the baggage carousel). And, despite the seemingly bargain basement price tag, this particular luggage set has a generous 10-year limited global warranty. Just be aware that getting your luggage warranty claim approved might be challenging: regular wear and tear, transport damage (by the airlines), abrasion and accidents aren't covered, so your warranty really only addresses manufacturing defects in material and workmanship.

Popular with the kids

Another popular American Tourister option is the Kids' Disney Hardside, which comes with a carry-on and spinner. For the Mickey- or Minnie-lover in your family, this cute set can be purchased with 18" and 20" pieces or 20" and 28" , depending on the size combo you prefer. The good news is that the handles extend, so that when the little ones get tired of pulling their own suitcase, their grown-ups can easily take over without walking through the airport like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. As you might expect, you'll pay more for the Disney branding: prices on this two-piece set tend to range from around $200-$270, depending on the size and the color/pattern you select. But, customers have great things to say about the Disney line: with over 1,000 five-star reviews and almost 100% recommending this luggage, it's a solid choice for the young and young-at-heart. (P.S. American Tourister has a Star Wars line too)

Good for occasional use

Across all of the luggage sets and styles that American Tourister offers, the general experience is that it's a good brand for those couple-times-a-year vacations. Under this type of use, you can expect your luggage to last anywhere from 3-8 years.

Better choices for heavy-duty use

On the other hand, if you're a frequent flier or you expect your luggage to get some heavy-duty use, American Tourister might not go the distance. We've seen a few reviews lately complaining that this brand's handles and wheels don't last as long as they used to. You might be able to get that addressed under American Tourister's limited warranty, but probably only if it can be attributed to a manufacturer's defect.

Stylish and affordable, but not cutting edge

This also won't be the brand you choose if you're looking for lots of high-end bells and whistles like TSA locks or USB chargers. American Tourister specializes in being stylish and affordable, not necessarily cutting-edge in design or features.

Worth checking out

Although we've ranked American Tourister the same as parent company Samsonite, we put this brand just a step above in our rankings: at least if your luggage falls apart, you won't have paid quite as much here. For the occasional traveler who is looking for an affordable, stylish piece of luggage, American Tourister might just have what you're looking for.

Samsonite

• Almost 150 pieces to choose from in 50 different lines
• Hardsided and softsided luggage available
• In business for 100+ years
• Warranty coverage ranges from three years to limited lifetime (no coverage for handling damage)

When you think of luggage brands, Samsonite is probably one of the first names that comes to mind. That's with good reason: the company has been in business for over 100 years and is practically synonymous with suitcases and other travel necessities.

Huge variety to choose from

Because Samsonite has over 50 product lines to choose from, the easiest way to shop this luggage brand is by the type you need. Hardside carry-on? Rolling duffel? A three-piece set of spinners? Yes, you can get all of that and more with the Samsonite label on it.

Samsonite's most popular line

With over 18,000 customer ratings averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars, Samsonite's Winfield 2 line is the brand's most popular series. The all-over brushed print of the polycarbonate exterior hides those scuffs that can be so common with hardsided luggage. You can buy the luggage in this series as individual pieces -20" carry-on, checked bags in 24" and 28" sizes - or as a set of two or three. Color choices run the rainbow, from charcoal to brushed white and many other hues in between. You'll pay $139.99 for the carry-on and $479.99 for the three-piece set. Key features include 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA-compatible combination locks, and zippered organizational pockets. The Winfield 2 line has a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Trendy softsided choice

If you prefer softsided luggage, take a look at the Solyte DLX collection. Also boasting an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars (though with "just" under 2,000 reviews instead of 18,000), this series includes the traditional components of a luggage set: 20" carry-on, 25" medium checked bag, and 29" large checked bag. Your color choices in Solyte are a little more muted than the Winfield 2 collection, limited to midnight, navy, gray, cedar green, iris blue, and Mediterranean blue. Solyte luggage has spinner wheels, organizational pockets (including a WetPak), and a 10-year limited warranty. Expect to spend about $170 for the carry-on, $230 for the medium check bag, and just under $250 for the largest suitcase.

Luggage that stands out

Need luggage that really stands out? If you can find it in stock, Samsonite's C-LITE Artist Collaboration series will practically guarantee that no one else will have the same suitcase as you. At the time of this review, the most recent artist featured in the series was Jean-Michel Basquiat: limited to a carry-on spinner ($600) and a large spinner ($700), the exterior designs include two of his works, one called "Pez Dispenser" and other called "Untitled Skull" . There's no shortage of features either, with TSA-approved combo locks, integrated USB ports, lining made from 100% recycled plastic, and exceptional impact resistance in the shell.

Substandard customer service

Unfortunately, despite being a household name in luggage, Samsonite is far from being the most well-loved brand. You'll first start to get that impression when you consider the "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau, for the 112 complaints filed there over the last three years and failing to respond to or resolve more than two dozen of those. Both in the BBB listing and elsewhere, we found numerous comments from just the last few months describing the customer service from Samsonite as "a joke" . Even when trying to get repairs or replacements under warranty - for situations that ought to be a no-brainer to cover - people said that the parts are hard to come by, answers are few and far between, and it's a hassle all around.

One-stop shop

At the end of the day, Samsonite offers far more options for luggage than many of its rivals: if you're looking for something unique or you need a range of suitcases to choose from, this could be one-stop shopping. Plus, some customers have had a genuinely good experience with their Samsonite luggage. But, with hundreds of people describing the customer service department as "nightmarish" when trying to get help, we can't give Samsonite our strongest recommendation among luggage brands.

Level8

• Newer brand (established in 2008)
• All hardsided luggage
• Lifetime warranty length - with caveats

Level8 is one of the newest luggage brands we've evaluated, getting its start in 2008. Based in New York, the company offers all hardsided luggage with a distinctly young, European feel: definitely nothing for small children or with garish colors and patterns.

Most popular Level8 line

The most popular line of Level8 luggage is the Grace series. Available as 2- or 3-piece sets or as individual components (20/24/28), over 2,500 people have given it a rating of four or five stars. Features include reinforced metal corners, 360-degree spinner wheels, telescoping handles, and handles on both the top and side. Colors in the Grace line include black, blue, gray, and red. The three-piece set is priced at $389.99, and individual pieces start at $119.99.

Another popular choice

The Luminous line is also well-liked, with more than 800 five-star ratings. This luggage line is very boxy-looking and comes with built-in TSA locks and spinner wheels. Size options include 20/24/28, with plain colors like black and navy and more novel ones like "pickle green" and "mint blue" . At $479.99, the three-piece set is more expensive than the Grace line, but still a good value overall compared with some luggage brands.

Confusing warranty

Level8's warranty is confusing: in some places, they say that they'll cover only manufacturing defects "within the warranty period" but then stop short of saying exactly how long that will be. In other places, it says that the warranty is "lifetime" and covers functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, zippers, or anything else that affects your use of the luggage - but the product description on some Level8 luggage only offered a two-year warranty. Not very clear, is it?

Questionable product description

We were similarly confused by some of Level8's product descriptions: on the Road Runner line, for example, some said it came with a USB charging port while others specifically excluded that feature. We were also dismayed by some of the typos we saw: "peices" and "labtops" , for example. Those seem like kinks that should have been worked out in the 14+ years the brand has been on the market. That might be part of the reason why the Better Business Bureau has Level8 as Not Rated: the BBB says that requests for background information have gone unanswered.

Positive customer feedback

Still, customer feedback for this brand is positive overall. Most Level8 luggage has hundreds of five-star reviews, if not thousands, and people say it holds up functionally (even if the airport handling leaves the expected scuffs). It's reassuring to see reviews from people who've dragged their Level8 luggage over cobblestones in Vienna and on dozens of domestic and international trips with no issues.

Feeling adventurous?

If you're feeling adventurous and want to take a chance on a lesser-known luggage company and you only want hard-side suitcases, Level8 could be a brand to try. Just realize that you might not have as much warranty coverage as you'd get with a rival manufacturer, depending on which Level8 description actually matches what they provide.

Thule

• Luggage mostly designed for rugged travels
• 7 luggage collections
• Limited lifetime warranty on all luggage

Thule got its start in Sweden in 1942. Best known for its bike and roof racks that allow you to transport yourself and your gear to all sorts of adventures, Thule won't surprise you by offering a luggage selection that mostly caters to intrepid wanderers - not necessarily to families headed to visit the famous Mouse or business travelers needing to maintain an uber-professional appearance.

7 different collections to choose from

Thule offers seven different collections of luggage, all with a limited lifetime warranty:

• Aion: "versatile and eco-conscious for an active lifestyle), this series is made from durable recycled materials to give you water-resistant luggage. Many of the pieces in this collection have TPU-lined compartments to keep your dirty or wet clothes separate from what's still dry and clean. Items include a carry-on spinner for $349.95, two duffle bags for $189.95, several styles of travel backpacks, and a sling bag for $49.95. Color options are limited to black and "Nutria brown" (which is almost like a military tan).
• Revolve: Thule's premium hardside luggage, this collection features TSA locks, rear spinners, and impact-resistant 100% virgin polycarbonate exteriors. Priced from $449.95 to $549.95 for a carry-on, 27" , and 30" , respectively, these are a decent option for durable hardsided luggage - but Thule doesn't always offer the Revolve line through online channels.
• Subterra: "sleek, versatile, and built to last" is the description of this Thule collection. The luggage in Subterra is made of nylon, comes in a variety of colors, and is priced from $359.95 to $429.95 - but the biggest piece is only 25" . This collection is geared towards traveling light, not necessarily for taking everything you could possibly want on a long adventure.
• Spira: "designed for the multi-tasking professional" , the Spira line is probably the most fashion-forward in the Thule luggage lineup. Everything in this collection is designed to be cute and comfortable, from totes that stand up without tipping (it has metal feet) to adjustable shoulder straps and eight spinner wheels for ultra-smooth movement. You'll pay $349.95 for the compact carry-on and $419.95 for the 27" spinner - but alas, this series is also not always sold online.
• Crossover 2: whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, there's something in this collection for you. Thule calls the Crossover line "a complete carrying system" , allowing you to stack your backpack on top of your spinner or your briefcase on top of your carry-on without looking mismatched or unprofessional. Prices range from $169.96 for the Crossover 2 boarding bag, up to $499.95 for the 30" spinner.
• Chasm: made of tarpaulin fabric, this collection is ready for all of your rough and tumble travel needs. Choose from a natural color palette of olive green, rusty orange, blue or black and get ready to see the world. There's only one wheeled option here (a duffle); the rest are bags and backpacks of assorted sizes.
• RoundTrip: check out this Thule collection for all of your gear. Skis, snowboards, ski boots, even bicycles have their own luggage in this series.

Limited lifetime warranty

Thule offers a limited lifetime warranty on all luggage. But, it's a little vague about what's covered and what's not, with wear-and-tear specifically excluded, along with scratches, accidents, and so forth. You're taking your chances that anything that goes wrong - a zipper falls off, a wheel on the duffel stops spinning - will be considered as "under warranty" . But, when we reached out to Thule via live chat, the representative said that with a sales receipt, it's usually easy to make a covered claim but warranty vs. wear-and-tear is determined on a case-by-case basis. Take that for what it's worth.

Customer complaints

And if customer feedback for Thule in general is an indicator, you'd do well to pause before buying your luggage here. The company has a "D-" rating from the Better Business Bureau for failing to respond to a small number of complaints - but elsewhere, we found a couple hundred one-star reviews that also went unanswered by Thule. The products themselves seem to typically do what they promise, but the customer service team? Not so much.

Better for the outdoorsy traveler

If your travels are more of the outdoorsy kind and you need luggage that corresponds with that, Thule isn't a bad brand to check out. You probably don't need a Disney carry-on that fits into an overhead bin if you're about to go climbing in the Andes. For those travelers, Thule could be a good choice. However, we're not thrilled with the company's track record for responding to customer complaints, and many customers shopping for more traditional spinners and carry-ons won't find what they need here.

Briggs & Riley

• 7 product lines to choose from, about 80 pieces in total
• High-end features
• Free shipping on orders $99+
• Lifetime "Simple as That" guarantee includes free repairs, no questions asked

Briggs & Riley calls itself "THE iconic American travelware brand" . This company's luggage is designed to meet the challenges faced by today's travelers by combining legendary performance and quality construction - all backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Sophisticated, professional vibe

If you're looking for a particular type of luggage, you can easily shop this site that way. You'll find ample options for carry-ons and checked bags, rolling duffle and garment bags, even trunks. You won't see any crazy patterns or color combinations here: Briggs & Riley's vibe is definitely on the sophisticated side and well-suited to professionals who need to maintain a certain level of decorum. No cutesy kids' themes or garish prints allowed.

7 collections to choose from

Another way to choose your Briggs & Riley luggage is by collection. There are seven on offer:

• Baseline: B&R's biggest line with just over 30 pieces to choose from, all with timeless, classic styling in ballistic nylon. These bags feature one-touch CX compression expansion when you need extra packing capacity, plus handles completely on the outside of the bag give you a flat packing surface inside for less wrinkling of your clothing. Other features range from a PowerPocket to store a battery pack and cell phone for on-the-go charging to shock-absorbing spinner wheels with 360-degree maneuverability. Prices range from $75 to $129 for kits (eg. for toiletries), $219 to $459 for totes and bags, and $579 to over $1000 for carry-ons and suitcases. Color options typically include black, hunter green, and navy blue.
• ZDX: "blurring the line between business and leisure" , this collection is focused on travel. ZDX pieces offer a SpeedThru pocket with RFID shielding for easy access to items like passports and boarding passes at security checkpoints, a HideAway ID tag to conceal your personal information, plus the PowerPocket and outside handles featured in the Baseline collection. You won't find any monster-sized suitcases in the ZDX line, with just 12 total options ranging from duffels to medium-sized spinners and prices at $620 or less. Color choices are also limited to black and hunter green.
• @Work: the 12 pieces in this line include backpacks, briefcases, and rolling bags designed as "an intelligent extension of your professional style" . Features include elegant personalization, a leather hanging ID tag holder that conceals your personal information, SpeedThru pocket, interlocking handle system for stacking, and ultra-soft fleece lined tablet pockets and laptop sections to protect your devices. Expect to pay between $325 and $375 for an @Work backpack, up to $419 for a carry briefcase and up to $599 for a spinner brief. As you'd expect, this collection's luggage tends to come in black only, though some of the backpacks are also available in navy blue. Also, at the time of this review, three items in this line were sold out.
• Sympatico: this is Briggs & Riley's main hardside luggage line. These pieces have a unique CX Compression Expansion feature that increases your packing capacity by as much as 22% but then compresses back to its original size to better secure the contents of your luggage. A matte finish keeps your hardsided items from showing scuffs and scratches, but you can also add a Treksafe luggage cover for additional protection. Built-in TSA-friendly combination locks offer security and convenience. You'll get the same PowerPocket offered in other B&R product lines and elegant personalization. No big buying decisions here: choose between a 21" international or 22" domestic carry-on spinner ($599, medium spinner ($699), and a large spinner ($769). All are available in plum, navy, or black.
• Torq: made for "the rigors of world travel" , this second hardside line offers a TSA-friendly lock, resilient hard-side front pocket in the carry-on (to protect everything inside), and also a USB port on the carry-on (battery not included). There are only four pieces in the Torq line: a 21" carry-on spinner ($549), medium trunk spinner ($669), large spinner (also $669), and an extra-large trunk spinner ($729). Black and hunter green are the only color choices.
• Rhapsody: if you're looking for something a little more stylish, this may be the Briggs & Riley line for you. Although you'll still get key features like an RFID shielding pocket and double swivel spinner wheels, you'll get some design upgrades like leather touchpoints and chrome hardware. However, this is primarily a line for accessorizing: totes, backpacks, crossbody bags and toiletry kits, but no checked luggage items. And, during our recent evaluation, more than half of the Rhapsody line was sold out.
• Delve: this line is the more neutral counterpart to the Rhapsody set: toiletry kits, backpacks, briefcases and laptop sleeves, all in black and gray, no luggage per se.

Lifetime warranty

One reason many travelers feel confident spending more on a Briggs & Riley bag is the lifetime warranty. It covers all functional aspects of the luggage - zippers, wheels, handles - but doesn't include cosmetic wear, cleaning, or damage of your luggage's contents. You can request a self-repair kit, pay to ship your bag to Briggs & Riley (and they'll cover the shipping back to you, post-repair), or reach out to one of their Authorized Repair Centers listed on the Warranty page.

Many super-satisfied customers

We have very mixed feelings when it comes to Briggs & Riley's reputation - and we're not alone. On the one hand, we found more than 2,600 five-star ratings from very satisfied customers of this luggage brand. From pilots to professionals racking up hundreds of thousands of travel miles every year, there's no shortage of people who say that this is the only luggage they'll ever consider using. Some have used their Briggs & Riley carry-on or suitcase for over a decade, only replacing it to get the newest features or colors.

Customer service and repair issues

On the other hand, the Better Business Bureau gives the company an "F" rating, although there were fewer than 10 complaints filed there: the low score comes from Briggs & Riley's failure to respond to all of them. Beyond the BBB, we found more than a few rants - and they were invariably related to this brand's "lifetime warranty" . From calls to customer service that go completely unanswered, to shoddy repairs and beyond, there's a sizable number of people who say that you shouldn't expect a good support experience if your Briggs & Riley luggage fails to perform in any way.

Love the brand, but can't ignore the issues

That would be one thing if you were throwing some cash at a get-it-done suitcase that you didn't plan on using very often before replacing it. But when you're investing the kind of money that it takes to get anything in this brand - easily over $1,000 once you put together a carry-on and a couple of suitcases - you have every right to expect that it will last and that any guarantees will be honored without fail. Sadly, that's not what everyone gets when they buy Briggs & Riley luggage. Although we love their look and stated warranty, we can't ignore the seeming inability to deliver on their promises. We know they can do better.

Delsey Paris

• Both hard- and soft-sided luggage options
• Many bags have sought-after features like removable/washable linings and USB plugs
• In business since 1946
• Up to 10 years' warranty

Delsey Paris aims to embody French elegance and know-how. The luggage brand has been around since 1946, created from the merger of two companies that were making leather cases to protect then-novel items like cameras and record players and then expanding to accommodate the needs of the world's "holidaymakers" through suitcases and other travel must-haves.

Wide variety of product lines

This luggage brand has numerous product lines to choose from - too many to describe individually here. There are five lines and 35 products in their general Softside collection, six lines and 58 products in the Hardside category, 41 products in five lines in the series they designate as "Iconic" , and six luggage items in the Classic Delsey Paris series. Whew! From the removable, washable lining of the Securitime trunk to the USB plug in the Cactus carry-on, any features you could imagine are likely found in one of Delsey Paris' luggage series.

Most traditional Delsey line

If you want the traditional Delsey Paris look, the luggage line you've probably got in mind is the Chatelet, with the rising sun logo and two lines across the middle of the suitcase. This series tends to be Delsey Paris' most expensive - and most difficult to find in stock. We checked several retailers and, at the time of this review, almost no one had any of the Chatelet lines (Air, 2.0, Hard+) available for delivery.

Another popular choice

However, if hardside luggage is on your wishlist, you should have no trouble finding Delsey Paris' Helium Aero line. You might even be pleasantly surprised at the price point, which maxes out at around $420 for a three-piece set (19/25/29). This design comes in a rainbow of colors from titanium and matte black to more exciting hues like "peony pink" , "plum purple" , and "British racing blue" . Features include integrated TSA-accepted combination locks, double spinner wheels, and 2" expansion capacity. Out of 7,000+ customer ratings, the Helium line averaged 4.6 out of 5 stars. From pilots to passengers, there are plenty of comments praising the Helium series for durability, thoughtful design, and overall ease of use.

Inconsistent warranty coverage

When it comes to warranty coverage, that will depend on which Delsey Paris luggage you buy. Most items come with a 10-year warranty period, though you may find items with 2-year, 5-year, or even limited lifetime coverage. None of those warranties will cover normal wear and tear or damage due to third-party handling (like airlines and hotels). Your luggage may need to be evaluated at a Delsey Paris authorized repair center, and if there isn't one near you, you'll be responsible for shipping costs.

Customer service lacking

Be aware that Delsey Paris gets no love reputation-wise from anyone who's ever had a problem that should be covered under that warranty - at least, certainly not from the 60+ people who filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau over the last three years, many of whom still haven't had their issues resolved to their satisfaction. What bothers us the most is the lack of a fast, appropriate response from Delsey Paris when something is wrong from the get-go: a luggage set arrives with mismatched pieces or a wheel falls off after taking the suitcase out of the box. Situations like that should be an easy-peasy, immediate fix, but evidently that's not the case for many shoppers. As one disgruntled customer put it, "I was a loyal customer in the past but their products and service are [now] substandard."

Needs to do better

At the end of the day, it's anyone's guess if your Delsey Paris luggage will make you a fan or a critic - and that's assuming you can actually find the series you want in stock. We can't completely overlook the thousands of five-star reviews left for this luggage brand, especially the ones written by people who travel regularly and absolutely love their Delsey Paris suitcases and carry-ons. However, the brand needs to do a much better job at taking care of problems in order to move up in our rankings.

TUMI

• Several product lines to choose from
• Worry-free warranty in first year covers all damage, including wear and tear or airline handling
• Warranty in years 2-5 covers normal wear and tear (but not airline damage)
• Tracer product recovery program can help recover lost/stolen items

TUMI is a luxury luggage brand, one of several acquired by industry giant Samsonite over the last few years. The company aims for sustainability in its production methods and materials, as well as impacting communities through philanthropy.

Several collections offered

When considering TUMI luggage, there are several collections to keep in mind:

• Alpha: TUMI's biggest line, ranging from an electronic cord pouch for $35 to a two-wheeled ski/snowboard duffel for $1475, these pieces "merge innovation, performance and functionality" . One of their best-sellers in this collection is the Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On, priced at $975. Key features include a built-in USB port, dual spinner wheels, removable garment sleeve, and built-in TSA combination lock.And, if that doesn't fit your needs, chances are good you'll find something else among the nearly 100 Alpha items that does. Most Alpha luggage pieces come in several color options, from black-on-black to navy/grey with gunmetal hardware.
• Alpha Bravo: the 30+ items in this collection are even more utilitarian than the plain Alpha line. You'll find waist packs, briefcases, backpacks and duffle bags, but nothing like a traditional carry-on or spinner suitcase. Everything in the Alpha Bravo series is made to be no-frills when you're on-the-go - in the airport or the Amazon. The Voyageur collection is similar - a little more stylish but still nothing that goes much beyond backpacks and tote bags.
• 19 Degree Aluminum: this is TUMI's iconic hardsided luggage, made of (you guessed it) contoured aluminum. You won't find anything in this collection under $1,000: the international carry-on is priced at $1,095 and the rolling trunk (the largest in the series) sells for $1,695. This collection lacks some of the higher-end features we'd expect when paying that kind of money for luggage: you'll get TSA locks and not much more with your carry-on, unless you're impressed by the "vintage-inspired destination stickers" that are included. The colors do stand out though: venture beyond basic black and choose truffle/saffron, blush, or silver instead.
• 19 Degree: if you like hardsided luggage without the price tag of aluminum, TUMI also has a 19 Degree line made with a polycarbonate shell, recycled if you prefer. You'll pay $595 for a small compact 4-wheeled brief to $895 for a 4-wheeled packing case: a little easier on the wallet than its aluminum counterpart line.
• Arrive: this collection features "premium and automotive-inspired travel pieces with chrome details and sleek lines" , with just 19 items to choose from spanning backpacks to wheeled cases (finally, a carry-on with a USB port). The packing case has a built-in TSA combination lock, but we didn't see any other features that justify a price tag of $1,895. This collection definitely feels like you're paying for the brand name and not necessarily the style or features.

Tracer recovery program

A novel feature included with some TUMI luggage is the Tracer product recovery program. Similar to the VIN number on your car, your Tracer number can help identify your bag or business case if it gets lost or stolen. Just make sure to register your TUMI product on the website after you receive it.

Better than average warranty

Another plus for TUMI is their better-than-average warranty coverage. Most luggage brands don't cover any wear-and-tear - ever. Your TUMI bags will be covered for just about everything in the first year, even if your not-so-favorite airline tosses it around like a sack of trash and something breaks or tears. Then, through year five, the airline damage warranty stops but the rest is still covered. You can bring your luggage into any TUMI location for repair or send it in; you'll pay the shipping costs to the facility after the first year of warranty protection, but in-warranty repairs will always be returned to you at TUMI's expense.

Problems with repairs

Given that TUMI is a high-end luggage brand, we didn't expect to see the "F" rating they've been given by the Better Business Bureau for failing to respond to over 85% of the complaints filed there (though it's worth noting that only 15 were registered over the last three years). Looking outside of the BBB to customer reviews elsewhere, we found a similar story: if your TUMI bag lasts as expected, fantastic, but if you need repairs under warranty you could have a tough time. Some customers say when their bag was deemed unfixable, they were offered a store credit of about half of their original purchase price - and even less than half of the luggage's then-current price. You might have more luck if there's a TUMI retail store near you, where your repair could be performed in-person or sent along to an authorized service center, instead of trying to initiate the repair online.

Expected more

Overall, we feel that TUMI delivers a quality product with a well-stated warranty. But actually using that warranty, if needed, can cause problems and frustration - which makes us question the value of the warranty in the first place. Given that this is supposed to be a high-end luxury luggage brand, we expected more.