What’s the Difference Between a $100 Suitcase and a $300 One?
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I’m a frugal traveler and reluctant to advise anybody to spend extra money on fancyluggagethat could instead go toward flights and accommodations. But I also know from experience that a well-designed suitcase (with smooth spinner wheels, an internal compression system, and a cute colorful exterior) can make each trip easier and more fun. And that those extra features do tend to be more expensive.
If you vacation only once or twice a year and pack thoughtfully rather than overstuffing your suitcase and then sitting on the lid as you zip it up each time (that’s a lot of pressure to put on non-YKK zippers), a $100carry-onmay suit your needs perfectly and last for years. We’ve tested many reliable and affordable brands that come recommended by flight attendants, luggage-repair shops, and points-obsessed frequent fliers. If you’re wondering whether an upgrade is worth it, here are some factors to consider.
A protective case costs more.
Suitcase pricing generally comes down to materials more than brand status, even if it sometimes feels otherwise. A $300 hard suitcase will be constructed from thick, durable polycarbonate rather than cheaper ABS plastic that can crack when dropped at the wrong angle. And a $300fabric suitcasewill be sewn from ripstop water-resistant nylon rather than flimsy polyester. These premium materials can withstand more wear and tear over time and will do a better job of protecting any delicate or valuable objects you’ve packed.
As do strong spinner wheels and a non-wobbly handle.
Some cheaper suitcases have two fixed wheels rather than four spinning ones. While they don’t glide as weightlessly on smooth surfaces, these simpler suitcases can get the job done and last a long time; after all, there are two fewer wheels to potentially snap off.
Affordably priced four-wheel spinners have become more popular in recent years, but their wheels aren’t as well engineered or durable as the Japanese Hinomoto ones used by brands like Samsonite, Away, Aer, Antler, and Monos that cost a few hundred dollars more. These roll much more smoothly and silently and keep the suitcase more balanced when placed upright (which can be especially nice if you like to slip apersonal-item bagover the handle).
Speaking of handles, these also differ in materials and quality across price points. Suitcases in the $300 range will come with a metal handle that retracts smoothly and locks into place at several different lengths — rather than a wobbly plasticky one that merely extends and retracts.
Expensive suitcases often feature internal compression-packing systems.
You know how when you open a cheap suitcase it sometimes seems the back side of its handle takes up half the packing space? Pricier suitcases usually have more sophisticated internal layouts with expanding pockets, compression straps, and laundry bags. ABriggs & Riley soft suitcasecan fit aseriousamount of stuff while keeping it crease free by deploying a system of straps, garment sleeves, and zippers. Aer’s has a handy magnetic compression-strap system. And Away’s unusually roomy suitcases feature an internal divider to keep things neat.
For light packers who move quickly, these extra organizational features may be overkill. If you just want to quickly dump your folded clothes into your carry-on and head to the airport, a simpler, more affordable suitcase may be all you need.
But really it’s about the warranty.
A suitcase in the $300+ range should come with a guarantee that its parts will be repaired or replaced for at least five years. Ourbest overall carry-onfrom Away comes with a robust lifetime warranty, and the brand is known for providing ongoing customer service after purchase.
Cheaper suitcases aren’t usually covered by much of a consumer guarantee, which can become an issue when their shells crack. For this reason, it makes more sense to purchase a soft suitcase than a hard one if you have limited funds to spend. These are durable but much more easily repaired, even if you have to cover those costs yourself.
It’s also worth noting that carry-on suitcases lead much longer and easier lives than checked ones, which experience untold airport handling horrors after you wave good-bye at the conveyor belt. So if you’ve got extra money to spend and usually check a bag, invest in a larger suitcase before a small one.
Our favorite affordable suitcases
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For a carry-on that costs less than an airport sandwich and a cocktail, look no further than Amazon’s amazingly durable Basics suitcase. My fellow Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths tested this one out and was struck by how durable its shell was despite being made from cheaper ABS plastic. Our deals editor, Sam Daly, is also a fan.
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Travelpro’s lightweight expandable Maxlite suitcases come with a limited lifetime warranty and have been recommended to us by countless frequent travelers over the years.
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Quince’s smoothly rolling suitcases are obvious dupes for Away’s, and after testing both brands, I’ve found only a few minor differences between them. Quince’s plastic shell is a little thinner, and the overall dimensions are justslightlysmaller. Away’s range of colors is much more exciting, and I’d place more stock in its lifetime warranty.
Our favorite upgrade suitcases
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Away the Bigger Carry-on
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Sturdy and smooth, Away’s suitcases will set you back the same price as a return domestic air journey but last a lot longer. (They’re also covered by a limited lifetime warranty if anything does go wrong.)
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Aer Carry-On Max
Aer’s carry-on looks sleek and is noticeably more luxurious than a cheap suitcase. An extra feature I really like is a one-button brake system that keeps the suitcase from rolling away.
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Travelpro’s VersaPack suitcases are made from thicker fabric than the cheaper Maxlites above and feature internal compression-packing systems to keep clothes organized. They also have sturdier handles and cute colored wheels. In addition to a limited lifetime warranty, the brand’s Trusted Companion Promise covers the cost of repairs for damage caused by an airline in the first three years of ownership.
More on Lugggage
- Buy an Away Suitcase This Prime Day
- The Very Best Carry-on Luggage
- Our Favorite Backpack Brand Made a Suitcase — and It’s Pretty Good
- There’s a New Suitcase Design in Town
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
