I've been to six continents, and one constant wherever I've gone, from a southeast Asian spa resort to a Brazilian palace hotel, is that the better my luggage looks and holds up, the happier my trip goes. Because half the travel experience, besides booking my vacation and gawking at all the stunning Instagram photos of the destination, is carefully packing for the stay. Whether I'm traveling as part of a group or on my own, flying internationally or staying close to home (New Yorkers and Angelenos, see PureWow's lists of staycations), having a solid set of luggage is crucial to keeping my belongings safe and organized. Additionally, I'm a sucker for insisting that whether I'm traveling with a backpack or a tricked-out carry-on suitcase, any luggage I use has got to be stylish. With that in mind, I consulted well-traveled PureWow colleagues, sorted through pages of reviews and interviewed a luggage expert to determine the 17 best luggage sets to buy now. Durable, stylish and full of special features, these sets are designed to make anyone's travel experience roll forward just a little more smoothly.
The 17 Best Luggage Sets to Buy for Your Most Amazing Trip Yet, Vetted by a World Traveler
Look *and* feel like you're flying first-class
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Meet the Expert
- Curtis Days is a luggage salesperson at Lazar's Luggage Superstore in Sherman Oaks, California. Since 1962, Lazar's has catered to the leisure and business traveler, and according to Days is one of the few on-site repair facilities for quality luggage operating in the United States.
The Best Luggage Sets at a Glance
What to Consider When Shopping for a Luggage Set
There are many things you should consider when shopping for a luggage set. From their size to maneuverability, these attributes will ensure you pick the best luggage set for your travels, wherever you're headed.
- Size: A great carry-on will do you no good if it’s too big to board your flight or train with. Carry-on size regulations vary by airline, but you’ll generally be safe with a bag that’s 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches from top to bottom.
- Weight: Even if your bags have wheels, you will be needing to hoist them into automobiles and overhead compartments and from baggage carousels. Days recommends looking for a carry-on bag around 7 pounds, but cautions that lighter isn't always better. "The heavier your bag is, the more protected your things are. It's your bag is too lightweight, it's like you're packing a paper bag," he says.
- Safety features: Without a lock, it will be easy for anyone to reach into your luggage and help themselves to your precious belongings. Look for a TSA lock, which will allow only you and airport personnel to open it up and inspect your things. Combination or key-style locks are both great bets, but you might be more likely to lose a key than, say, forget your combination code, which you can mark down somewhere discrete, like in the notes app of your phone.
- Extra compartments: While a large piece of luggage can help you transport your items in bulk, the addition of pockets, slips and compartments will be clutch for staying organized on the go. Look for mesh pockets to separate your shoes or dirty laundry from your clean clothes and dividers to split luggage space between two travelers.
- Hardware: When it comes to hardware, seek out metal zippers, clasps, locks and handles that won’t be prone to cracking, like plastic might. "It's better to have a handle with two telescoping handles" for balance and sturdiness, Days says. The luggage salesperson recommends a bag with a handle that retracts to the outside of the bag, as in Briggs & Riley designs.
- Maneuverability: The type of wheels your luggage is equipped with will determine how well you’re able to get around, so it pays to know what you’re looking for before picking out a set. The most common options are in-line skate wheels, which are durable and recessed into your bag, allowing it to be pulled behind you. Spinner wheels, by contrast, are external and rotate a full 360 degrees, so you can pull your bag alongside or in front of you. Days recommends investing in bags with four wheels rather than two, and says "double wheels are more durable and dependable than single wheeled designs."
Now that you know everything there is to know about picking out luggage, check out some of the best options below.
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Best Budget
1. Amazon Basics 2-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- less than $200
- scratch-resistant
- organized storage
Cons
- no TSA-lock
- buyers say the carry-on is too large for some airlines
Amazon Basics
- Exterior: ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 21-inch, 30-inch
Not everyone has the budget or desire to blow $200+ on a luggage set—or maybe you do, but you don’t travel enough to justify it. If you’re just looking for a good deal on a decent set, this is it. "I have the Amazon Basics carry-on size and I love it. The outer shell is surprisingly durable and the expandable option means it really does fit more than you'd expect," says Philip Mutz, PureWow VP of News and Entertainment. "Also, it comes in cute colors so people are often surprised when they compliment my luggage and I say, 'It's Amazon!'" This set includes a 21-inch and 30-inch hardside spinner, so you’ll have more than enough room for several outfits per day (beachwear, after all, is totally different than eveningwear, and one bathing suit just won’t do!) With a sturdy, telescoping handle, an expandable interior with an organizer, divider and zippered pockets and spinner wheels, what more could you ask for at this price?
Prettiest Luggage Set
Pros
- mix and match sizes and colors
- customizable luggage tag
Cons
- steep price tag
Away
- Exterior: polyurethane/aluminum material
- Suitcase Sizes: 21.7-inch, 26-inch
You'll get a $50 discount for creating your own set from two Away luggage pieces of your choice. The Carry-On, which measures 21.7-inches to fit regulations for most major aircrafts and features TSA locks, is the brand's quintessential luggage piece. "I’ve had my Away bag for about three years and aside from a few scuffs, it looks and performs as good as it did when I got it. I like that the shell is sleek and hard enough to be durable, but with just enough give that I can stuff the suitcase with one too many items and still get it to zip up. It rolls smoothly and makes me feel put together at the airport," says Katherine Gillen, PureWow senior food editor. It's got luxe leather detailing, including the tag, which can be customized with your initials. There's also a hidden laundry bag for keeping your soiled clothes separated from your clean ones. The Medium, meanwhile, features many of the same niceties, only in a more generous 26-inch size.
Best Modern Luggage Set
3. Baboon to the Moon Going Places Set
Pros
- bold colors
- lightweight
Cons
- no wheels
Baboon to the Moon
- Exterior: phthalate-free PVC fabric, polyester lining
- Suitcase Sizes: 18.5-inch and 20.5-inch duffles
"Though I haven’t been lucky enough to own a full set of Baboon to the Moon Go-Bags in their various sizes, I am absolutely head over heels for my Go-Bag Small," says PureWow assistant editor Delia Curtis. "After finding out that they have something called Adventure Sets—various configurations of their products paired together for a discounted rate of up to 15 percent—it has me convinced that I’ve got to look into investing in a luggage set. Whether you’re looking for a group of three different sized bags, a bag and a crossbody, an oversized tote and fanny pack or another thoughtful match, there’s a pairing for every occasion. Other than their fantastic rotating colorways, I think the best part of their adventure sets is being able to mix and match the hues of the items you pick (plus most packages allow you to pick from limited edition runs as well!). Their Go-Bags, with their open concept interiors, multiple pockets, exterior passport pocket, padded adjustable straps and four sides of handles, will have you ready for just about anything your trip throws at you. Only bummer is that their Go-Bags don’t have wheels, but you’ll have killer calves in no time." The Going Places bundle is wildly useful since the mini size can fit under an airline seat, and the small size falls within airline size parameters to fit in an overhead bin.
Most Secure Luggage Set
4. Calpak Ambeur 2-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- sleek design
- reliable
- dust bag included
Con
- users report scratching
Calpak
- Exterior: polycarbonate and ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 21-inch, 29.5-inch
If you're a nervous flyer, this set, which features a TSA-approved lock and a durable hard shell, will give you one less thing to worry about. "I currently have the mini version of the Ambeur luggage and it has such a fun, unique look (plus tons of functional features like zippered pockets and a cushioned top handle) that I want to snag the full set," says assistant commerce editor Natalie LaBarbera. To make things even better, each piece expands by up to two inches and comes with handy pocket dividers. But our favorite part? The luxurious metallic sheen that’ll make it easy to spot at baggage claim.
Best Overall
5. Coolife 4-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- ergonomic handle
- TSA-lock
- nesting design
Cons
- no front pocket
- only expandable in size L
Coolife
- Exterior: ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 16-inch, 20-inch, 24-inch, 28 inch
Made from durable ABS material with a TSA-accepted security lock to help protect your belongings, this TikTok-approved set checks plenty of boxes, as evidenced by its best seller ranking. The 360-degree wheels will help you navigate the airport with ease, and each of the four pieces found in this set nest within one another for easy storage, so they’ll take up less space when not in use. As one happy customer raved: "Extremely impressed with this luggage! The quality is better than expected. ... You can’t beat it. Great storage pockets inside with separate zipped sides. Smooth wheels. Durable case... And the retractable handles feel top notch. Not to mention how absolutely gorgeous it is."
Best Travel Luggage Set
6. Kenneth Cole 3-Piece Reaction Luggage Set
Pros
- lots of colors
- each piece expands up to 2 inches
- multi-directional wheels
Cons
- buys says shell is flimsy
- cracks easily
Kenneth Cole
- Exterior: ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 20-inch, 24-inch, 28-inch
If you’re often on the go, you’ll want to invest in this sleek luggage set from Kenneth Cole. With a 20-inch carry-on and 24- and 28-inch checked suitcases, it's great for traveling since it's got multi-directional wheels that spin a full 360 degrees (Read: You won't be stumbling over yourself while rushing through the airport). Each piece expands by up to 2 inches should you overpack (which, let's face it, you probably will), and you can keep things organized thanks to the multiple pockets found within. Wrote one happy buyer: "I’m super pleased by this function in all three bags. They fit a TON. All of the extra pockets are such an added bonus."
Best Hard Luggage Set
7. Samsonite Novaire 2-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- cratch-resistant
- TSA locks
Cons
- non-expandable
- no interior cross straps
Samsonite
- Exterior: bayer makrolon polycarbonate material
- Suitcase Sizes: 21-inch, 29-inch
The definition of durable, this Makrolon (a form of polycarbonate) set, which consists of a carry-on and a spinner suitcase, comes in a textured finish that’ll help conceal scratches (and that's good news since reviewers say these can get nicked when slid into the overhead bin or thrown into the airplane's stowage area). "Definitely worth the buy—nice on the outside, and even nicer on the inside," says one reviewer. "So much better than using backpacks. A strap on the inside holds your belongings in place when in the upright position, and it has some nice organization sleeves. The wheels are smooth, making it easy for heavy packers." We’re also big fans of the built-in TSA combination locks that'll make you feel more secure.
Best Disney Luggage Set
8. American Tourister 2-Piece Disney Luggage Set
Pros
- affordable
- kid-friendly
Cons
- no TSA-lock
American Tourister
- Exterior: ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 20-inch, 28-inch
You don’t have to be en route to Disneyland to enjoy this whimsical luggage set (although we’re totally jealous if you are). Not only do the 20- and 28-inch spinners have a nostalgic Mickey Mouse print that lovers of the House of Mouse will go gaga for, they're practical, too, thanks to the interior cross straps that will prevent your items from jostling around and the spinner wheels, which are reportedly smooth enough for even a child to roll. "Sturdy and super easy to manage," wrote one happy buyer. "[Our granddaughters] are 6 and 8 and handled their own luggage."
Best Carry-On Luggage Set
9. Traveler’s Club 3-Piece Sky+ Luggage Set
Pros
- convenient
- expandable
Cons
- buyers say the handle is unreliable
Traveler’s Club
- Exterior: ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 20-inch, 15-inch boarding tote, 10-inch toiletry case
Sick of paying pesky check-in fees and waiting forever at baggage claim? This set includes three pieces that can all fit inside the plane, including a small 20-inch suitcase, a boarding tote that will fit over the suitcase's trolley handle and a travel kit. "Loved it," reports one reviewer. "I used it as my carry-on for a five-day trip to Florida. I was able to fit everything I needed in it. It rolled easily throughout the airport and on the airplane, and was small enough to fit in the overhead bin with ease." You'll also get the best of both worlds with this set's mix of hardshell and softshell pieces, which many Amazon reviewers cited as being extremely durable. All that for less than $60? Sign us up!
Best Smart Luggaget Set
10. Wrangler Smart 3-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- phone and coffee cup holdee
- USB charging port
Cons
- battery pack is not included
- no TSA lock
Wrangler
- Exterior: ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 20-inch, 24-inch, 28-inch
"This product is very sturdy and stands a lot of travel throwing around," says one reviewer. "I have taken this now on the bus the train and yet to take it on an airplane. I love it—it’s convenient with a cupholder and a charger." They say it's the little things, and this Wrangler set just may be proof with their patented three-in-one cup holders on the backs of each of its 28-inch, 24-inch and 20-inch suitcases. And there’s also a USB port with a phone charging cliff to set your phone on, so you can sit anywhere you damn well please while you're waiting for takeoff. With multi-directional spinner wheels, you won't need to worry about moving through tight spaces: just glide the bags alongside you. Each one is expandable to fit more when needed, and the four side studs and side handles will help when you have to awkwardly hoist the bursting, just-shy-of-the-weight-limit suitcase on the conveyer for weigh-in.
Best Designer Luggage Set
11. Badgley Mischka 3-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- chic exterior
- expandable bodies
- adjustable handles
Con
- lining is thin
Badgley Mischka
- Exterior: ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 22-inch, 26-inch, 30-inch
"Let me start out by saying that I have never received so many compliments on my luggage before! The gray snakeskin is seriously so pretty," says one reviewer. "I am so happy with this product. It is a very stylish gender-neutral design. The outside looks so expensive and high quality." Fashion gals will adore traveling with this glamorous set from designer label Badgley Mischka. If the trendy snakeskin pattern doesn’t sell you, the expandable bodies and multi-level trolley handles, which can be adjusted to best suit your height, definitely will.
Trendiest Luggage Set
Pros
- weight indicator
- built-in laundry bags
Cons
- expensive price tag
Béis
- Exterior: polycarbonate material
- Suitcase Sizes: 22-inch, 27-inch
If you haven't heard of Béis luggage by now, prepare to be obsessed like reviewer Addison, who used the 22-inch carryon along with the attached Beis Weekender bag: "The best carry on!! Survived a two-week trip to Italy. Several flight, train rides and being drug many miles down Italian cobblestone streets without a scratch! Very roomy—I was able to pack for two weeks in this carry-on. And you can set the mini weekender bag on top of the carry on while traveling and makes it very easy to carry." Not only are these suitcases totally 'Gram-worthy (they were created by Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell, after all), the designers really thought of everything as far as function goes. The built-in weight indicator ensures you never overpack, there's an included laundry bag for your dirty clothes, each one has TSA-locks and they're stain-resistant.
Best Luggage Set for Kids
13. Travelers Club Kids' 5-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- kid-friendly patterns
- perfectly sized for little ones
Con
- buyers say the pieces aren't super durable
Travelers Club
- Exterior: ABS material
- Suitcase Sizes: 18-inch, 15-inch backpack, 10-inch lunch bag
Getting a miniature luggage set to bring along clothing, books, toys, and, of course, electronics along for a family trip is like a rite of passage for a growing child. "I purchased this set for my three-year-old to use for a trip a few months ago, and she loves it. Everything is good quality, the hardcover suitcase held up really well during our trip, and my daughter is excited to use the backpack and lunchbox for school in the fall. Sizes of items are great, fit everything we needed and then some. The matching luggage tag is handy, and the entire set itself is so vibrant I don’t think it’s possible to lose track of it anywhere anyway," says one reviewer. This set comes in a variety of fun patterns and can be carried onto the plane in its entirety. Along with the 18-inch hardside suitcase, you'll get a 15-inch backpack (large enough for a tablet, stuffy, a pair of headphones and some books), a 10-inch lunch bag (perfect for filling with snacks), a neck pillow for in-air naps and a luggage tag. Buy it, and your young'un will feel like a grown-up ready to head out on an adventure.
Best Expandable Luggage Set
14. SwissGear 3-Piece Sion Luggage Set
Pros
- extra roomy
- all-direction wheels
Cons
- does not have TSA-locks
- gets dirty easily
SwissGear
- Exterior: polyester material
- Suitcase Sizes: 21-inch, 25-inch, 29-inch
If you’re like us, you always return from a vacation, or even a business trip, with more items than you left with. Expandable luggage sets are a godsend when, despite the temptation to resist, you ended up shopping ‘til you dropped and bringing home souvenirs for everyone. "We've done quite a few air travel vacations with this bag and impressed all around," says one reviewer. "It's very lightweight yet also very durable. The extended handle allows my laptop bag to attach and the bag is still maneuverable. Pretty spacious too and useful for an overnighter, long weekend bag." The largest suitcase in this set is 29 inches, but you can expand its midsection to fit more if needed. The set also includes an expandable 21-inch carry-on and 25-inch checked bag for shorter jaunts. There's also the 360-degree spinner wheels that make the luggage super easy to maneuver, even in a busy airport or street.
Best for Families
15. American Flyer 5-Piece Madrid Luggage Set
Pros
- good for large families
- cool print
Con
- reviewers say longevity may be an issue
American Flyer
- Exterior: polyester material
- Suitcase Sizes: 22-inch, 26-inch, 28-inch
Even if you’re traveling with the whole fam, you won't need to drag along multiple sets of luggage if you've got this collection, which has enough bags to accommodate a family of five for a week away. "After two years, I can confidently say that this luggage set gives you the best value for its price. I have traveled endlessly with these pieces— they've weathered international flights, buses, trains, ferries, cobblestone streets and NYC concrete without enduring a single tear or broken part," says one reviewer. "Only one spinning wheel on my carry-on piece is now starting to get a little jammed, but it's nothing a little WD-40 hasn't been able to fix. And not only are these pieces so durable; they're stylish, too! I've received so many compliments on them." The set includes a large 28-inch upright spinner, a medium 26-inch carry-on, a small 22-inch spinner, an 18-inch wheeled duffle and a 17.5-inch personal bag—with all of them offering an extra two inches of expandability as needed. They also have plenty of front pocket storage for easy access to your daughter's Kindle or your son's AirPods. The unisex print will please everyone in the family, too, from your picky hubby to your moody teen.
Best Soft Carry-On Luggage Set
16. Mark & Graham 2-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- vegan leather
- can be personalized
Cons
- likely to get dirty during transport
- no built-in TSA lock
Mark & Graham
- Exterior: polyurethane material
- Suitcase Sizes: 22-inch
The best part about soft luggage sets? They fit into tight places more easily and are less likely to go over weight limits, in large part thanks to the pliable, lightweight design. This one from Mark & Graham can be customized with your initials and is made with a sleek vegan leather that's friendly to animals, and ultra-chic to boot.
Best 2-Piece Luggage Set
Pros
- mod design
- tons of features
- lifetime guarantee
Cons
- pricey
- quite heavy
July
- Exterior: polycarbonate material
- Suitcase Sizes: 21.7-inch, 28.25-inch
Sure, it's pricey, but this two-piece collection from July also comes with a lifetime guarantee. And it has just about everything you could ever ask for in a luggage set, from the durable polycarbonate material to the water- and stain-resistant lining that will help protect your belongings. Leather detailing lends an air of luxury, and you won't ever have to worry about finding a place to charge your electronics at the airport; this baby has an ejectable power bank built right into the carry-on trunk. The checked trunk, meanwhile, is on the larger side at 26 inches, so you'll have plenty of room for extra storage. Writes one buyer: "I was able to ditch the majority of inner bags as the case has some clever spaces, such as the laundry bag and the compressor that is also a sleeve."
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Difference Between Hard and Soft Luggage?
The difference between hard and soft luggage is actually pretty simple. Mainly, if you're traveling internationally, you'll need something more heavy-duty or hard, whereas a soft set of bags will do just fine if you're taking a roadtrip. But as with most things, each type has its pros and cons:
Soft Luggage: Those looking for a softside luggage set, which promises to be lighter and more storage-friendly, will want to opt for a durable polyester that will optimize packing and facilitate expansion. The polyester should also be padded to further protect belongings from potential impact (though it likely won't perform as well as a hard set would). Buyers will also want to take care of this type of luggage since it’s more prone to tears and stains.
Hardside Luggage: When it comes to hardside luggage, which will better protect your belongings and is easier to clean, you’ll largely be dealing with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (aka ABS plastic), a hardside material that's popular for its high strength-to-weight ratio and its ability to withstand corrosion and adverse environmental conditions. Polycarbonate, meanwhile, is a slightly stronger, more heat-resistant, malleable type of plastic that costs more, but gives your belongings better security. While this type of luggage can’t be beat in an under-carriage pile-up, it can also be heavy and not as spacious, with little room for expansion.
What Are Some Luggage Innovations to Look For?
For personal tote bags and carry-on satchels, Days says Lazar's Luggage customers appreciate ones outfitted with a piggyback strap that slips over their wheeled suitcase's retractable handle. Additionally, packing cubes, such as the Eagle Creek compression cubes set and the Eagle Creek Pack-It Isolate Clean/Dirty Cube are bestselling travel accessories at the store. "People say they don't want to try them, but once they do, they love them because then everything stays organized, and you don't forget to pack anything," Days says.