Elite Travel Blog is supported by our readers using affiliate links where we make a small commission at no extra cost to you (also helps to keep the site ad-free). Find out how we research and choose the best products for our lists.
Criteria I look for in checked luggage
- Durability: features to look out for include –
- polycarbonate hard shell – not all polycarbonate hard shells are made equally. I’ve found luggage made from aerospace grade polycarbonate
- aluminium frame – protects suitcases from impact falls and provides overall support
- zipperless – provides extra security vs traditional zipped luggage
- Warranty: There are several luggage brands who offer lifetime warranties should a part of your suitcase break
- Size: a guide to suitcase sizes
- 1 week trip – 69cm/27 inches (60L) – Medium
- 2 week trip – 75cm/29 inches (90L) – Large
- > 2 week – > 80cm/31 inches (120L) – Extra large
- Interior organisation: keeping your belongings safe an secure requires more than a Y cross strap. I’ve found suitcases with compression systems which also help you to pack even more clothes
- Expandable: for those times when we buy too much on holiday…
And check out our guide if you’re looking for lightweight luggage specifically.
Here are the best checked luggage on the market
Monos Hybrid
Best polycarbonate zipperless suitcase
Solgaard Closet
Editor’s Choice, Best for storage, Best eco-friendly
Carl Friedrik
Editor’s choice (UK)
Product Specs & Prices
| Capacity | 40L | 43L | 65.8L | 90L |
| Size | 21.6” x 14.6” x 9.5” | 21.7” x 15” x 96” | 25.6” x 17.5” x 10.6” | 28.4” x 21.1” x 13.2” |
| Weight | 8.6lbs | 9.5lbs | 9.9lbs | 12.4lbs |
| Price | $465 | $565 | $595 | $695 |
| Buy link | Carl Friedrik | Carl Friedrik | Carl Friedrik | Carl Friedrik |
| Capacity | 40L | 43L | 65.8L | 90L |
| Size | 55cm x 37cm x 24cm | 55cm x 38cm x 25cm | 65cm x 44.5cm x 27cm | 72cm x 53.5cm x 33.5cm |
| Weight | 3.9kg | 4.3kg | 4.5kg | 5.6kg |
| Price | £385 | £445 | £465 | £565 |
| Buy link | Carl Friedrik | Carl Friedrik | Carl Friedrik | Carl Friedrik |
Sale
Amazon Basics Hardside Luggage
Maybe a surprise choice on the list, but this no-frills Amazon Basics suitcase has 27,000 5 star reviews at the time of writing.
You still get four wheels and a scratch resistant finish. It features an ABS hardside meaning durable, extra thick material. That durability does add weight however at 5.54kg, making it the heaviest of checked luggage on the list.
Inside you’ll find one large zipped divider and two smaller pockets. They also claim it has an expandable design which provides up to 15% extra packing capacity. I really like this bright orange colour (also available in an equally bright, brilliant blue.
You still get four wheels and a scratch resistant finish. It features an ABS hardside meaning durable, extra thick material. That durability does add weight however at 5.54kg, making it the heaviest of checked luggage on the list.
Inside you’ll find one large zipped divider and two smaller pockets. They also claim it has an expandable design which provides up to 15% extra packing capacity. I really like this bright orange colour (also available in an equally bright, brilliant blue.
£73.99
−£3.18
£70.81
Buy on Amazon
| Shell Material | ABS |
| Size | 53.49 x 32.49 x 78 cm |
| Weight | 5kg |
| TSA Approved Lock | Yes |
| Packing Capacity | 105L |
| Warranty | No |
Tripp Holiday 7 Banana Large Suitcase
I’m a huge fan of the brand Tripp who have been making luggage for 20 years. So if you’d prefer a brand name and value for your money and a 5 year warranty, I’d recommend this Tripp Banana.
Tripp make quality luggage at affordable prices (see my list of best lightweight suitcases for more).
Their Holiday series features a polypropylene shell and looks you’d expect to cost more than £100. The bright, sunshine yellow Holiday suitcase will only set you back £85. It’s also Good Housekeeping Approved in 2022.
Tripp make quality luggage at affordable prices (see my list of best lightweight suitcases for more).
Their Holiday series features a polypropylene shell and looks you’d expect to cost more than £100. The bright, sunshine yellow Holiday suitcase will only set you back £85. It’s also Good Housekeeping Approved in 2022.
| Outer Shell Material | Polypropylene |
| Size | 32 x 50 x 76 cm |
| Weight | 3.9kg |
| TSA Approved Lock | Yes |
| Packing Capacity | 102L |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Samsonite S’Cure
A polypropylene Samsonite suitcase for less than £200? Yes please. The S’Cure is the prettiest of the Samsonite range, but you get a thoroughly tested suitcase with a 10 year warranty
£158.25
Buy on Amazon
| Outer Shell Material | Polypropylene |
| Size | 32 x 50 x 76 cm |
| Weight | 3.9kg |
| TSA Approved Lock | Yes |
| Packing Capacity | 102L |
| Warranty | 5 years |
American Tourister Soundbox Spinner Suitcase
American Tourister started in 1933 and claim to be the 2nd biggest luggage brand in the world. The Soundbox is expandable for those who buy too many souvenirs and features double wheels which they claim makes for a smoother rolling experience.
£185.00
Buy on Amazon
| Shell Material | Polypropylene |
| Size | 51.5 x 29.5 x 77cm |
| Weight | 4.2kg |
| TSA Approved Lock | Yes |
| Packing Capacity | 110L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Antler Clifton Suitcase
Antler have been making luggage for over 100 years. Antler’s style is often minimalistic and subtle; designs which are timeless.
Their best-selling suitcase, the Clifton, is a perfect example of this which features ridges along the front and sides in muted pastel colours. If scratched, it’s colour-fast which means any inevitable scratches will stay true to the colour of the shell
Inside the 121L capacity Antler Clifton you’ll find four interior pockets and compressions straps.
However, weighing 5kg, it the Clifton is one of the heavier suitcases on the list.
Inside the 121L capacity Antler Clifton you’ll find four interior pockets and compressions straps.
However, weighing 5kg, it the Clifton is one of the heavier suitcases on the list.
| Shell Material | Polycarbonate |
| Size | 51.5 x 37.5 x 80 cm |
| Weight | 5kg |
| TSA Approved Lock | Yes |
| Packing Capacity | 121L |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Hauptstadtkoffer Mitte
Hauptstadtkoffer may not be a well known name outside of Germany, but look at any of their suitcases on Amazon and you’ll see this German brand consistently make 4-5 star suitcases.
The Mitte has a 100% ABS hardshell exterior, with 3 tear-resistant polyester inside. All parts a replaceable if something does break, meaning you might not have to buy a brand new suitcase again.
If you’re looking for a large capacity (which further exapnds) for under £100, this is a great option.
The Mitte has a 100% ABS hardshell exterior, with 3 tear-resistant polyester inside. All parts a replaceable if something does break, meaning you might not have to buy a brand new suitcase again.
If you’re looking for a large capacity (which further exapnds) for under £100, this is a great option.
£121.22
Buy on Amazon
| Shell Material | ABS |
| Size | 77 x 50 x 30 |
| Weight | 4.4kg |
| TSA Approved Lock | Yes |
| Packing Capacity | 130L |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Sale
Kono Hard Shell Suitcase
With 900+ 5 star Amazon reviews at the time of writing, this Kono hard shell suitcase packs in a lot for just under £100.
Four rubber lined silent spinner wheels, a TSA Approved lock and YKK zips are just some of the reasons Kono is a strong contender for best value checked luggage on the list.
Four rubber lined silent spinner wheels, a TSA Approved lock and YKK zips are just some of the reasons Kono is a strong contender for best value checked luggage on the list.
£97.99
−£18.00
£79.99
Buy on Amazon
| Shell Material | Polypropylene |
| Size | 76x49x30cm |
| Weight | 4.12kg |
| TSA Approved Lock | Yes |
| Packing Capacity | 130L |
| Warranty | 5 years |
Why trust our recommendations? See all of our best suitcase buying guides: best suitcase deals | best suitcases under £50 | ultra lightweight suitcases | carry-on luggage with laptop compartments | aluminium suitcases | underseat suitcases with wheels | zipperless suitcases | expandable suitcases | suitcases for cruises | extra large suitcases | durable suitcases | Tripp suitcases. And for essential travel accessories, we recommend: compression suitcase packing cubes | GPS luggage tracker | passport covers | vanity cases
Last update on 2025-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You might be interested in
