Buying guide for best luggage sets
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If you’ve dealt with a broken suitcase handle or shattered roller wheels while trekking over European cobblestone streets, you know how important good luggage is. While you could purchase individual pieces as you need them, a luggage set often provides a better value — plus, having a matching set simply looks more stylish.
As you search for the perfect set, you’ll encounter different handles, wheels and organizational features. Some luggage sets expand and are better for longer trips, while others come in attractive colors and unique designs to make a fashion statement. If storage space is a concern, some sets have pieces that can nest inside each other so they take up less room.
To help you find a quality set you’ll love, we researched dozens of options and compared them in areas such as price, spaciousness and durability. We think the best choice for most travelers is the Away Classic Set of 2. Boasting sturdy, smooth-rolling wheels, these lightweight hardside cases not only look fantastic but are also guaranteed to last you for many years of adventures.
Our top picks: The best luggage sets
Best luggage set overall
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 29” x 20.5” x 12.5”; 110 L (large); 22.7” x 15.4” x 9.6”; 47.9 L (small) | Weight: 12.1 lb (large); 7.93 lb (small) | Material: Hardside polycarbonate | Expandable: No | Number of Pieces: 2
Away stands out as the best set compared to competitors because of its high-quality materials that are designed to last. In fact, Away puts its luggage through more than 30 tests that simulate extreme travel conditions, so each bag is ready to handle whatever comes your way.
Maneuvering through crowded airports with an Away bag feels effortless thanks to its smooth-gliding wheels. And when it comes to functional style, this is a clear winner. The polycarbonate shell is sleek and lightweight. There’s even an option to customize each suitcase and luggage tag with your initials, so you’ll know which one is yours at baggage claim. Additionally, it has thoughtful details like an underside handle for easier retrieval at baggage claim and a waterproof laundry bag.
And if you tend to pack a lot, the Away bag is perfect for you. The spacious interior comes with organizational mesh pockets and compression straps that allow you to maximize every inch of packing space. Away is so confident in their suitcases that they offer a lifetime limited warranty.
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 20.47” x 12” x 30.12”; 105 L (large); 17.72” x 10.63” x 26.38”; 69 L (medium); 14.76” x 9.45” x 21.46”; 23 L (small) | Weight: 12.21 lb (large), 9.63 lb (medium), 7.34 lb (small) | Material: ABS hard shell | Expandable: Yes | Number of Pieces: 3
If you’re seeking an affordable and durable set, look no further than this Amazon Basics 3-Piece Set. The bags’ shell boasts a scratch-resistant exterior made from a lightweight ABS material. This luggage is not only durable, but you'll save nearly $150 compared to buying each piece separately.
With a whopping 4.5-star rating and nearly 8,000 reviews, this luggage is clearly well loved by travelers. Customer reviewers were impressed by the smooth-rolling multidirectional wheels and noted that Amazon’s set packs features that are typically found in pricier suitcases. Each case expands 15% for extra packing space, and an interior organizer with a divider and three zippered pockets keeps you organized on the go.
Best hardside luggage
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 27.25” x 18” x 13”; 104 L (medium); 23” x 14.5” x 9.5”; 45 L (small) | Weight: 11.1 lb (medium), 8.1 lb (small) | Material: Polycarbonate | Expandable: Yes | Number of Pieces: 2
The TravelPro Platinum Elite set boasts a collection of cutting-edge features that elevate your travel experience. Both suitcases expand 2 inches for extra room. Plus, they feature multiple accessory pockets, a water-resistant pocket for damp items and a comfortable contour grip handle. The carry-on goes a step further with built-in USB A and C ports for fast charging your electronics on the go.
This hardside luggage is constructed with a 100% polycarbonate shell that flexes on impact, safeguarding your belongings. And even if the baggage handling is rough, the stylish textured finish minimizes the appearance of scratches. To top it off, genuine leather trim adds a touch of sophisticated flair, making this luggage as good-looking as it is tough.
Last, you can travel in peace knowing there’s a 100-day risk-free trial and lifetime warranty. That means you can test out the luggage yourself and return it, no questions asked, if you’re not 100% satisfied.
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 27.6” x 20” x 13”; 147 L (large); 21.25" x 15.25" x 10"; 53 L (small) | Weight: 9.5 lb (large), 6.5 lb (small) | Material: Polypropylene | Expandable: Yes | Number of Pieces: 2
The Samsonite Freeform Hardside set is a clear winner if you want to turn heads. We love its futuristic design and can’t believe how light it is: the 28-inch suitcase weighs 9.5 pounds, and the carry-on is only 6.5 pounds. A lighter bag means you can pack as much as possible and scoop it up as you sprint to catch your flight in time.
They’re scratch-resistant and have 360-degree spinner wheels that can navigate twists and turns in all directions. Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure your standards are met, and each suitcase comes with a 10-year warranty.
You can choose from a whopping 14 eye-catching colors, from pink rose and sage green to a vibrant tangerine, so it'll surely stand out at baggage claim.
Product Specifications
Size and Capacity: 28.25” x 16.5” x 14.5”; 95 L (large); 21.7" x 15" x 8.7"; 42 L (small) | Weight: 13.2 lb (large), 8.4 lb (small) | Material: Glazed German polycarbonate shell | Expandable: No | Number of Pieces: 2
Drawing inspiration from trunks in the 1970s, this set offers a unique aesthetic that's sure to stand out on the baggage carousel. But beyond the glossy good looks, July packs in a ton of features for the modern traveler.
For starters, unlike standard zipper suitcases, the July Trunk uses sturdy locking clasps, offering peace of mind for your belongings. July also adds anodized aluminum bumpers to the corners, a common wear point on trunk-style luggage. This thoughtful touch extends the lifespan of your set and reduces the worry of scuffs and scrapes.
Inside, the focus is on maximizing space and convenience. An internal divider keeps bulky items like boots or jackets separate from your clothes, preventing wrinkles. The July Y-Strap Compression System uses a heavy-duty strap to create additional space when needed. The carry-on even features a hidden, ejectable USB-C battery to keep your devices charged on the go. Last, the set’s spinner wheels ensure smooth rolling on any terrain, making navigating busy airports a breeze.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the July Trunk Luggage Set is its value. Compared to high-end competitors like Tumi and RIMOWA, July offers exceptional quality at a more accessible price point. Plus, the set is backed by a lifetime warranty, providing long-term peace of mind for your investment.
What to know before you buy a luggage set
Types of bags
You’ll find luggage sets that include several different types of bags. Some of the most common are carry-ons and traditional suitcases. More comprehensive sets might include a tote, garment bag or toiletry bag.
Carry-on
Many travelers like to bring a carry-on for necessities and to avoid paying a fee for at least part of their belongings. Some travelers only travel with a carry-on because they like the peace of mind of knowing exactly where their things are. Most airlines limit carry-on bags to 22 by 14 by 9 inches. These small suitcases can usually be stowed in the overhead bin above your seat, but you might still be asked to check yours if space is tight. If your carry-on is small enough to fit under the seat, it’s less likely you’ll need to part with it in the event of a cramped flight.
Traditional suitcase
Most luggage sets include at least one traditional suitcase: a rectangular bag for clothing, shoes and other essentials. These bags can be hard-sided or soft-sided. They may have spinner wheels that move in all directions or in-line wheels that only glide forward and back. Most have a retractable handle that you can use to drag the suitcase behind you or push it in front of you.
You can easily find sets that include two, three or even four suitcases, usually of different sizes. You'll want to make your selection based on the number of people traveling and/or how long you'll be away. For example, a household of four might be able to pack everything in a three- or four-piece set for a weekend getaway.
Garment bag
Designed to carry unfolded clothing on hangers, a garment bag is useful if you’re traveling with a dress, suit or coat that you don’t want to get wrinkled. You won't see these very often as part of a luggage set, but if you do, it's likely to be in a larger set that includes three or four other pieces.
Many garment bags can be folded in half or thirds for easier carrying. In fact, some people who travel light contend that a garment bag is the only bag you need. If you agree with this, you might want to make sure that your garment bag has wheels and a handle.
Toiletry bag
This is a small case for holding things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, deodorant, shaving supplies, hairstyling tools and so on. Having a place for your toiletries in your checked bag is essential today since airlines don’t allow passengers to bring more than 3.4 ounces of any liquid in their carry-ons. Look for a toiletry bag that's sturdy and waterproof enough to avoid rips and spills and that fits easily inside your suitcase.
Tote bag
A travel tote is a soft-sided bag with a shoulder strap and short handles. It is generally considered a personal item on flights, so you can bring one in addition to your carry-on without extra charge. The best tote bags have a strap or back sleeve designed to securely slide over the extended handle of your suitcase so you can roll both as a unit. Most totes are large enough to hold a laptop and have roomy exterior pockets.
What to look for when buying a luggage set
Wheels
Rollers
Two-wheeled suitcases are called “rollers.” They have recessed wheels, which are less likely to snap off if handled roughly. Rollers are good for urban travel because they easily roll over curbs, sidewalks and rough pavement. However, the wheels only move forward and back, so you don't get as much flexibility if you need to change directions. A roller suitcase is ideal if you just need to pull the suitcase behind you.
Spinners
Four-wheeled suitcases are called “spinners” because each wheel can spin 360 degrees. They’re easy to maneuver in tight spaces, but they’re not so good at traversing rough pavement or curbs. Someone with strength or mobility issues may find a spinner easier to maneuver and handle. However, be aware that the external wheels on a spinner are more vulnerable to snapping off, and they also take up space, such as in an overhead compartment.
TSA-approved security locks
A suitcase with a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lock is highly recommended for travelers. TSA-approved locks can only be opened by security agents with a master key, while non-TSA-approved locks on checked bags must be cut off if security needs to look inside your luggage. There is a range of styles, including TSA locks with keys and dial locks. Look for the Travel Sentry logo to ensure it’s TSA-approved.
Water resistance
Luggage spends prolonged periods outside before getting loaded onto the plane, and sometimes it can get wet. This is likely why hard-shell luggage has become so popular; however, soft-sided luggage can be equally water-resistant if it features a quality protective coating. As you search for water-resistant luggage sets, be sure to read the customer reviews and check to see if the brand offers water-resistant suitcases.
Zippers
Sturdy zippers are crucial when it comes to luggage. We would argue that you should spare no expense on durable suitcase zippers because if the zippers don't work, you can’t securely use the luggage at all.
There are two general types of zipper: coil and chain. Coil zippers, made of a material like nylon, can take quite a bit of wear and tear and can “self-heal.” Chain zippers have metal or plastic teeth that are very secure but also very prone to distortion with use.
Handles
Most of today’s wheeled bags have two handles: a telescopic or extendable handle on the top and a strap on the side. You want to make sure that both are sturdy and securely attached to the suitcase's body. Some telescopic handles operate by pushing a button for even more convenience.
Pockets
Generally speaking, the more compartments a suitcase has, the more organized your belongings will be. For example, it’s handy to have an outer pocket or two for things you want to access easily, such as tickets, maps and other necessities. Most hard-sided luggage does not have outer pockets, but most soft-sided bags do.
For some people, the inside pockets are more valuable than the outer ones. Some suitcases have multiple inner pockets, some have none, and some have just a single separate compartment. The ideal number of inner compartments is mostly a matter of personal preference. If your luggage doesn’t have many interior pockets, consider investing in a set of packing cubes to help organize your belongings.
Hard-sided vs. soft-sided luggage sets
You'll need to decide whether you prefer hard-sided (hardshell) or soft-sided (fabric) luggage. Both have pros and cons.
Hard-sided
These cases are usually made of polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or aluminum. They do a better job of protecting your belongings than soft-sided luggage. Hard-sided bags can be prone to dings and scratches, though some luggage brands advertise a “scratch-resistant” exterior. These bags are somewhat heavier than soft-sided luggage.
Soft-sided
These fabric bags are lightweight and more flexible than hard-sided bags. However, the material can be prone to rips and fraying and may not protect your belongings as well as a harder material.
How we analyzed
For this guide, we tested and researched dozens of options, looking at various aspects including size, capacity and weight. Because durability is key to a successful trip, we examined the materials used to make each suitcase, from the shell to the wheels to the hardware. For those who like to bring the comforts of home with them, we also considered how much each bag could hold, whether it was expandable and what kinds of pockets, compression straps and organizers were included.
FAQ
Q. How much does a luggage set cost?
A. You can find a soft-sided, two-piece luggage set for as low as $45. This luggage could be perfect for someone who travels infrequently, but it isn’t the best investment for someone who travels every other week for work. A set of two hard-sided bags starts at about $100.
If you opt for a luggage set that contains three to five pieces, expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000, depending on the brand and number of premium features and materials used. Though the price is high, you’ll usually save money when buying expensive luggage in a set as opposed to buying individual pieces.
Q. Should I purchase luggage with locks?
A. Being able to securely lock your luggage provides extra peace of mind that all your belongings will arrive safely at your destination. Some pieces of luggage come with a locking mechanism so you can secure the contents. As we mentioned above, luggage that includes TSA-approved locks is your best bet, or you can purchase TSA-approved locks separately.
Q. How important is the color or design of my luggage set?
A. The color of your luggage is largely a matter of personal preference. That said, a neutral color like black or gray is more likely to disappear in a sea of similar bags on an airport baggage carousel. You can always attach something to your luggage to make it stand out, like a hot-pink ribbon or brightly colored luggage tag. Another option is to choose luggage in a bright color or distinctive pattern, so you can scope it out quickly at the baggage carousel.
