Packing for a trip abroad can be overwhelming. On one side, you want to carry your entire wardrobe; on the other, you’re aware that the lighter your bag, the easier the holiday will be. We’ve compiled a list of the best checked-in luggage for international travel. These will be your best vacation companions to carry your world with you.
Durability, design, space, and craftsmanship were some of the major points we considered before picking out this checked luggage. Buy any of the luxury bags from our curated list and maximise their utility while adding a stylish accessory to your travels.
Choosing the best luggage for international travel
To select the most suitable luggage option, consider the following guidelines from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for passenger baggage:
- Weight: The weight of the bag permitted for international travel depends on the airline, frequent flyer benefits, or the inclusions in the ticket. However, each bag must weigh less than 23 kg. This international regulation is implied to ensure airport workers’ health and safety. Anything above that is labelled as “heavy luggage”, and its permissible weight can be no more than 32 kg in the EU and the US.
- Size: The ideal international travel luggage size is 75×43×90 cm. However, international airlines only permit bags that measure 158-272 cm when the specifications of height, width, and length are added together.
- Identification: Name tags on travel luggage help you easily find your bag in case it is misplaced or lost. Make sure to add your name, contact number, and email address to the outside of your bag.
Buy stylish checked luggage from our top 11 picks
Globe-Trotter No Time To Die Check-In Suitcase (best luxury)
Travel the world elegantly with this exclusively designed suitcase from Globe-Trotter. Inspired by the James Bond film No Time To Die (2021), this trolley bag is perfect for your European tours. Constructed from a vulcanised fibreboard, it is lightweight and durable. The studded leather trims add to its antiqueness while preventing scuffs or scratches.
This Globe-Trotter international traveller luggage is easy to manoeuvre through airports and foreign cities, courtesy of the telescopic handle and 360° wheels. The four internal straps, silver-tone hardware, push-lock fastening with keys, buckle-fastening straps, and fully lined canvas all come together to keep your belongings safe and secure.
Image credit: Globe-Trotter
- Size 47 x 28 x 66 cm
- Weight 5.5 kg
- Capacity 83 L
- Material Vulcanised fibreboard
- Colours Green
- Wheels Four 360° dual wheels
TUMI Arrivé Check-In Suitcase (best soft side)
Embarking on a long journey? The TUMI Extended Trip Suitcase is the perfect companion. Its spacious design and numerous pockets ensure organised packing. Sleek curves and polished chrome accents elevate its style. TUMI’s innovative front-lid access simplifies packing, while the wrap-around main compartment and interior dividers keep your belongings neatly organised.
The built-in USB port is a standout feature, ensuring you stay connected on the go. TSA-approved combination locks and magnetic zippers provide security for your valuables.
Image credit: TUMI
- Size 53.5 x 30.5 x 78.5 cm
- Weight 9.23 kg
- Capacity 126 L
- Material Polyester
- Colours Black
- Wheels Four wheels
FPM Milano Spinner 68 Ribbed Suitcase (best hard side)
Combine vintage charm with modern convenience with this FPM Milano suitcase. Inspired by antique trunks, its aluminium shell exudes timeless appeal. Crafted in Italy, the bag boasts interior compartment dividers with mesh pockets and buckle straps for secure organisation. Special butterfly locks and TSA-approved padlocks ensure your belongings are safe.
Dual wheels, a soft leather top and side handle, and an adjustable telescopic handle make transportation effortless and ideal for frequent travellers.
Image credit: FPM Milano
- Size 45 x 27.5 x 68 cm
- Weight 6.6 kg
- Capacity 68 L
- Material Aluminium
- Colours Black, silver and grey
- Wheels Four dual wheels
Sterling Pacific Check In Travel Case (best locking system)
One for a long haul, the check-in travel case by Sterling Pacific is perfect to stay rest assured about your luggage on international flights. It has a rigorous full 5052 aluminium body with an extruded 6063 aluminium frame. The suitcase is accentuated with impact-bearing ridges, reinforced A380 aluminium corners (which protect the bag from dents), Italian full-grain leather handles, and a retractable aluminium trolley. All it takes is a gentle push to navigate this bag along the airport, thanks to the dual thru-axle wheels. Whichever airport you’re boarding from, the TSA latch locks with a double combination make it possible for you to stay carefree with your baggage. The interiors of the bag are even more high-end, with ring-spun twill-weave lining, a mesh pocket, two shoe pockets, and buckle straps. A lifetime warranty and an amenity and care kit come along with this premium checked bag.
Image credit: Sterling Pacific
- Size 65 x 31 x 91 cm
- Weight 7.25 kg
- Capacity 80 L
- Material Aluminum
- Colours Silver
- Wheels Four dual thru axle wheels
Piquadro Big Hardcase Trolley Bag (best aluminium case)
For sustainable travel luggage, turn to the Italian brand Piquadro. This hard case trolley bag is practical and stylish, crafted from lightweight anodised aluminium. The interior features full-grain calfskin details and clothing restraint straps, adding a touch of luxury.
This suitcase offers secure and convenient storage. It is equipped with a double telescopic handle, side two-way zip fastening, four wheels, and a partitioned compartment. We also loved the subtle accents on this Piquadro suitcase for international travel — the silver leather logo plaque, brown stowaway handles, and the address tag.
Image credit: Piquadro
- Size 51 x 27.5 x 79 cm
- Weight 6.9 kg
- Capacity NA
- Material Aluminium
- Colours Grey
- Wheels Four dual spinner wheels
Montblanc Polycarbonate Suitcase (best modern design)
Synonymous with luxury, Montblanc redefines minimalism with this jet-black checked luggage bag. Crafted from durable polycarbonate and accented with refined calf leather handles, this bag elevates your travel experience. In contrast, its exterior boasts a sleek, minimalist design. The interior offers practical organisation with two internal dividers, four leather straps, and a zipped pocket.
Equipped with four silent dual wheels, this Montblanc suitcase glides effortlessly through airports. The fully lined interior ensures your belongings remain protected during your travels.
Image credit: Montblanc
- Size 38 x 23 x 74 cm
- Weight NA
- Capacity NA
- Material Polycarbonate
- Colours Black
- Wheels Four dual wheels
Rimowa Essential Check-In Large Spinner Luggage (best style)
The Rimowa polycarbonate suitcase is more than just luggage; it’s a style statement. Crafted in Germany, its iconic grooved design and high-tech functionality stand out. The durable, lightweight polycarbonate construction and four smooth-rolling spinner wheels ensure effortless travel.
With a spacious zip-around main compartment, this suitcase is perfect for up to 10 travel days. The push-button telescopic handle, top and side handles, and TSA-approved locks provide convenient and secure transport. The interior features a zip compartment with a mesh pocket and a flex divider with adjustable height, keeping your belongings organised.
Image credit: Rimowa
- Size 52 x 28 x 78 cm
- Weight 4.80 kg
- Capacity NA
- Material Polycarbonate
- Colours Red, black, matte blue and slate
- Wheels Four dual spinner wheels
Bric's Bellagio Expandable Spinner Luggage (best vintage design)
The Bric’s trolley bag is a perfect choice for those who appreciate vintage style. Inspired by iconic trunks, this modern iteration of the Bellagio Collection combines classic design with sustainable materials. Crafted from recycled polycarbonate, this lightweight, durable bag blends style and eco-consciousness.
The integrated TSA-compatible lock, dual-zip main compartment, telescoping handle with ergonomic grip, and leather top and side handles ensure convenience and security. Compression straps, a divider with a zip pocket, and a dual-zip compartment with a zip pocket keep your belongings organised. The recessed dual-spinner wheels provide smooth mobility.
The Bric suitcase has a transparent cover, making it easy to protect it from scratches and stains.
Image credit: Bric’s
- Size 53.3 x 29.2 x 76.2 cm
- Weight 5.44 kg
- Capacity 96 L
- Material Recycled polycarbonate
- Colours Cream, olive, blue and black
- Wheels Four recessed dual spinner wheels
Briggs and Riley Sympatico Hardside Spinner Luggage (best durable)
One of the few brands offering a lifetime guarantee, Briggs and Riley offer this checked luggage for international travel. The Sympatico trolley bag has a classic black 3-layer Makoron polycarbonate construction, which ensures durability, elasticity, and weight. Travelling with this bag is as smooth as possible, as it’s designed with 360° ball-bearing spinner wheels.
The mesh pockets, top lid-style design, and compression panels make packing fun with the Briggs and Riley suitcase and efficiently use all the space. The recessed handle helps minimise wrinkles in clothing. This trolley bag is easy to take with the aircraft-grade aluminium telescoping handle, ergonomic handle, moulded soft-touch top, and side carry handles with textured grip. Secured with a built-in TSA-friendly combination lock, the Briggs and Riley luggage can be accessed with high-quality YKK zippers, keeping your valuables safe in transit.
Image credit: Briggs and Riley
- Size 50.8 x 30.48 x 76.2 cm
- Weight 6.1 kg
- Capacity 137.7 L
- Material Polycarbonate
- Colours Matte black and plum
- Wheels Four 360° ball-bearing spinner wheels
Horizn Studios H7 Essential Check-In Luggage (best lightweight)
Go with this vegan bag that is also stylish for your trips around the world. The Horizn Studios hard shell bag is made from polycarbonate and is amongst the best lightweight checked luggage for international travel. It is complete with a high-end polyester lining.
The H7 Essential can be taken along on your adventures with the three-stage telescopic handle and four 360° Japanese spinner wheels. Secured with a TSA-approved lock, it has two dual-zippered mesh screens and a water-resistant lining to store your clothes and essentials safely.
Image credit: Horizn
- Size 52 x 30.31 x 77 cm
- Weight 4.7 kg
- Capacity 90 L
- Material Polycarbonate
- Colours Grey, black, brown, blue, and graphite
- Wheels Four 360° Japanese spinner wheels
Floyd Check-In Suitcase (best colour options)
The thoughtful design of the Floyd checked luggage will make you want to take it on your next excursion. The vibrant suitcase is made from durable Macrolon polycarbonate and is available in various colours. It has multiple features that make this a value-for-money choice, including an integrated mesh, a laptop compartment, and a removable drawstring shoe bag.
Floyd’s two recycled poly-satin, tightly sealed inner compartments and compression straps with Fidlock® magnetic buckles keep everything in place. The dual-integrated sliding latches and a TSA lock keep your valuables safe and secure. A basic retractable telescopic handle, eight ultra-silent PU wheels, and two ABeC-7 ball bearings make transportation easy. A Floyd Duster is included to clean off the dirt and stains, if any, keeping it fresh for a long time.
Image credit: Floyd
- Size 45 x 25 x 70 cm
- Weight 5.8 kg
- Capacity 61 L
- Material Polycarbonate
- Colours White, gold, pink, blue, orange, purple, green, grey, black and red
- Wheels Eight ball-bearing skateboard wheels
How we choose the best check-in luggage
We’ve selected luggage prioritising weight, capacity, brand, manoeuvrability, and durability. Our list includes lightweight yet spacious options ideal for extended international trips. We’ve considered products from top-tier brands, both luxury and high-end travel brands, renowned for their quality craftsmanship. Sturdy materials and smooth spinner wheels were key factors in our selection process.
(Featured image credit: James H/ Pixabay)
Related | Decoding how smart trackers help travellers find lost luggage
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
Prices of the products mentioned are subject to change.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Hard-shell suitcases ensure maximum protection of your belongings. Materials such as aluminium and polycarbonate cannot be easily bent, hence ensuring your valuable items are not damaged during transit. Comparatively, soft-sided luggage bags are generally lighter and more flexible. Based on your needs and preferences, both hard-side and soft-side bags have their advantages.
Follow the weight (not more than 32 kgs) and size (not more than 158-272 cm of total specifications) restrictions provided by the specific airline you’re travelling through. This will ensure that your luggage meets international airline requirements.
Preferred by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), TSA locks can be opened by a master key by TSA agents at the airports. These are very secure and avoid the breakage of a lock during baggage inspection. Some international airlines make it mandatory to use bags with TSA locks.
Spinner wheels are the best for international travel as they move 360°, making it easy to move around the airport.
No, checked luggage bags with built-in chargers are not allowed on airplanes as they pose a fire risk.
Aluminium and polycarbonate are two of the best materials for durable luggage.
Use a luggage cover or protective film to prevent your baggage from getting damaged while travelling abroad.
Yes, expandable luggage is a good option for international travel for those who tend to overpack or want to bring back shopped items or souvenirs.
You can get the best options of luxury luggage bags at a cost of around HKD 5,000 to HKD 30,000.
Yes, you take a backpack instead of a suitcase as checked luggage during international travel.
Yes, smart luggage is a good option for carry-on luggage during international travel. This includes bags with in-built chargers, GPS trackers, weight sensors, and more.
Written By
Dinal Jain
An interior design graduate, Dinal is a writer by passion and profession. She is an avid traveller and ..Read More
