I’ve had the good fortune to travel the world as the daughter of a pilot. I’ve used every kind of luggage imaginable and visited more than 30 countries. For instance, my preferred bag for a short vacation with friends is a little weekender bag. A larger, checked wheelie is ideal for longer trips, and a wheeled carry-on works in practically any circumstance. Since most of the terrain in Asia wasn’t suitable for wheels, I discovered that carrying a duffel bag over my shoulder made the most sense.
No matter what kind of travel I do, I’ve always liked to spend my money on experiences rather than stuffing it into my suitcase. Additionally, several of my favorite items are much under $150 and have endured over time.
GO Ahead and SkipHow did I choose the best cheap luggage? | Best cheap luggage of 2024 | How to buy cheap luggage? | Why should I trust NBC Select?
I spoke with professionals about what to look for when buying and put together suggestions in several baggage categories based on their advise to assist you locate premium but reasonably priced solutions.
Selected.
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Best hardside suitcaseQuince 21″ Carry-on Hard Shell Suitcase
$129.90$294.00Quince
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Best softside suitcaseSwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-On
$79.99$119.99Amazon
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Best duffel bagCalpak Luka Duffel
$102.40$128.00CALPAK
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Best weekender bagB is The Weekender
$undefined$108.00Beis
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How I picked the best affordable luggage
I sought advice from travel experts on what to look for in reasonably priced luggage. I followed their advice and kept the following in mind when looking for highly regarded options:
Materials: Both soft and hardside baggage are included, and each is made of materials like nylon or plastic that can survive being thrown in trunks or on flights.
Zippers: Our specialists say that metal zippers are stronger than plastic ones. I therefore gave those options priority.
Wheels: For ease of maneuverability, I gave priority to luggage with 360-degree spinner wheels.
Weight: For ease of carrying, every bag on this list weighs less than fifteen pounds.
Airline requirements: TSA does not have any rules about the size of bags; instead, they rely on the airlines to provide those specifications. According to the FAA, the majority of airlines have a 45-inch maximum carry-on size (the sum of height, width, and depth). Prior to arriving at the airport, it is usually advisable to confirm with the airline you are traveling with. Airlines typically restrict checked baggage to be 62 linear inches. I made sure every choice complied with these specifications, whether it was for a checked or carry-on luggage.
The best affordable luggage of 2024
I’ve compiled a list of reasonably priced hardside and softside suitcases, duffel bags, and weekender totes that follow professional advice below. Additionally, I included highly regarded choices from NBC Select readers’ preferred brands.
Best affordable hardside suitcases
Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner
Amazon Basics 30-Inch Hardside Spinner
Are you trying to find a bigger suitcase to check? Out of 49,319 reviews on Amazon, this 30-inch model from Amazon Basics has an average rating of 4.5 stars. The brand claims that it features a strong exterior that is resistant to scratches. If you need more space, you can use a zipper expansion to make the bag 15% larger. With its four multidirectional spinner wheels, this luggage is easy to roll in any direction. There are three zippered pockets for smaller items and a divider within. The colors of this luggage are orange, black, navy, and blue.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable 24-Inch Suitcase
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable 24-Inch Suitcase
One of her favorite low-cost baggage manufacturers is Samsonite, according to travel writer and Destination Wellness author Annie Daly. During a lengthy journey that brought her from New York to Hawaii, Japan, India, Norway, Brazil, and eventually Jamaica, she reported the book using a similar design from the brand, and she claims it held up very well. A medium-sized checked bag is what this 24-inch rolling suitcase is classified as. It features a telescoping handle, four multidirectional wheels, and a 1.5 expansion that lets you fit more stuff. According to Samsonite, the robust shell is designed to withstand any impact by flexing under pressure and then returning to its original shape, which will remove dents and safeguard your possessions. Out of 21,809 reviews on Amazon, it has an average rating of 4.4 stars.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 20-Inch Carry-On
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 20-Inch Carry-On
The firm claims that this 20-inch carry-on luggage has an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 15,120 reviews on Amazon and satisfies the standards for the majority of airlines’ overhead storage compartments. According to the company, it features strengthened corners and multidirectional spinning wheels to guard against additional wear and tear. It has straps for garment confinement to keep clothing in place and a zipped organization pocket. It is reasonably light at 5.65 pounds and is available in rose gold, crimson red, and midnight black.
Quince 21 Carry-on Hard Shell Suitcase
Quince 21″ Carry-on Hard Shell Suitcase
We tested the Quince 21 Carry-On, which won the 2024 NBC Select Travel Award, and discovered that it strikes a good compromise between maneuverability and durability. Reporter Zoe Malin of NBC Select adores how nicely it manages various terrains. She says, “I dragged this bag up flights of stairs, through the streets of New York, on several flights, checked and not checked, and it looks great.” As is the case with many hardshell bags, the bag is prone to some scratches, however it has a tiny sponge to help remove scuffs.
Bagsmart Carry-On
Bagsmart Carry-On
Leah Ginsberg, managing editor of NBC Select, who evaluated the Bagsmart Carry-On, another winner of our Travel Awards, said it could hold a surprisingly substantial amount considering its size. This carry-on truly impressed me. According to her, it’s smaller than the typical carry-on. However, the quality is good for the price, and it contained a lot of stuff. Although the 360-degree-wheeled bag is a little smaller than most major airlines’ normal carry-on size, you still have plenty of room to store clothes and other travel essentials. Additionally, it features an extensible zipper on the side, several sections for storing clothing, a handle that can be adjusted to four different heights, and zipper locks that have been certified by the TSA.
Best affordable softside suitcases
SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-On
SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-On
Although our experts concur that hardside bags are more resilient, they also note that softside bags may be simpler to fit into confined areas. Numerous front panel pockets on this polyester choice can hold laptops, reading materials, and other items. This 20-inch bag satisfies the majority of airline carry-on standards and features reinforced side handles and multidirectional spinner wheels that facilitate effortless lifting into an overhead compartment. Inside is a sizable mesh pocket and a detachable zipped wet bag. It has an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 20,628 ratings on Amazon and weighs 7.96 pounds.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Carry-On
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside 22-Inch Carry-On
I can vouch for this brand’s popularity among pilots and flight attendants because my father, a pilot for a commercial airline, has been using it for almost 40 years. This type, which has only two wheels and is a larger carry-on alternative, is a 22-inch rollerboard. Daly notes that rollerboard models can be useful if you’re going somewhere with plenty of cobblestone streets or other challenging terrain, even if our experts stated that they mostly favor baggage with four multidirectional wheels. This 9-pound bag has 2,592 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars.
American Tourister Belle Voyage Softside 25-Inch Luggage
American Tourister Belle Voyage Softside 25-Inch Luggage
Daly’s other favorite brand for premium, reasonably priced luggage is American Tourister. This 25-inch checked bag features a front zippered pocket and multidirectional spinning wheels. It contains garment restraining straps and a mesh pocket with a zipper on the inside, and it can expand by 1.5 inches for more space. It has an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 2,126 reviews on Amazon and weighs slightly under 9 pounds.
Best affordable duffel bags
Adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag
Adidas Defender 4 Medium Duffel Bag
This lightweight Adidas duffel bag is a great choice if you want to sling a bag over one shoulder when you travel. Its dimensions are 12 inches by 24.75 inches by 13 inches, making it small enough to be used as a carry-on but big enough to fit three to four outfits. The bag is made from durable polyester, which is easy to wipe down and clean, according to our experts. The shoulder strap is adjustable, and the bag has a roomy middle compartment and two zippered side pockets on either end (great for storing shoes or other accessories). It has a 4.8-average star rating out of 18,938 reviews.
G4Free 40L 3-Way Duffel Bag
G4Free 40L 3-Way Duffel Bag
Made from a nylon fabric, this bag is water and tear-resistant, according to the brand. It measures 12 inches by 23 inches by 10 inches, so it can be used as a carry-on on most airlines. This bag has one large compartment, a side compartment intended to store shoes and a small zippered pocket at the front. This duffel has smaller top straps to carry it by hand, an adjustable shoulder strap to sling over one shoulder, and detachable, padded shoulder straps to wear as a backpack. It has a 4.5-average star rating from 2,227 reviews on Amazon.
Calpak Luka Duffel
Calpak Luka Duffel
If you’re looking for a duffel that can double as an everyday bag, this Travel Award winner comes recommended by Malin. The size of this bag and how lightweight it is makes it a perfect workout bag for me. I put my sneakers, a change of clothes, weights, a towel, toiletries and a water bottle inside it to go to yoga after work,” she says. “I can use this bag for trips as well as in my everyday life. I didn t find that with the other duffels I tested.” This option is also water-resistant with plenty of storage pockets, including an exterior shoe compartment, making it durable for all types of weather. Plus, it’s highly rated, with a 4.9-star average rating from 4,269 reviews on Calpak.
Olympia U.S.A. 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel
Olympia U.S.A. 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel
Do you prefer a duffel shape but still want the option of rolling your bag? This Olympia U.S.A. bag has top handles or a telescopic handle that can be pulled out to roll it. It comes in 22-, 26-, 29- and 33-inch versions. It weighs 5 pounds and has 8 different pockets, including side compartments and top zippered pockets. This bag has a 4.4-average star rating from 11,556 reviews on Amazon.
Calpak Stevyn Duffel
Calpak Stevyn Duffel
This duffel bag from Calpak is from one of our favoriteAAPI-owned businessesand made our list of bestweekender bags. It comes with a large bottom compartment for shoes or any items you want to keep separated and interior pockets to keep smaller items organized. It has a trolley sleeve on the back side to securely attach it to your luggage and you can either carry it by the top handles or by using the detachable shoulder strap.
Halfday The Garment Duffel
Halfday The Garment Duffel
This one also comes highly recommended by Malin due to its durability and the fact that it s a perfect size for a weekend trip, in her experience. It weighs just over 2 pounds and has a water-resistant exterior. The duffel comes with two interior shoe pockets and it converts into a hanging garment compartment that holds a suit, tux or multiple dress shirts, according to the brand. It s available in ten colors, including marine, shadow and hunter.
Best affordable weekender bags
B is The Weekender
B is The Weekender
I purchased this bag last year and it has quickly become my go-to for 2-3 days-long trips. It is made of heavy-duty canvas and has two top handles with a 25-centimeter drop that can be carried in hand or fit snugly on one shoulder it also comes with a detachable, longer shoulder strap if you prefer to carry it that way. This tote has a zippered bottom compartment that keeps shoes or toiletries separate from the rest of your stuff. A zippered pocket on the back becomes a trolley sleeve when unzipped, so you can slide it over the handle of a rolling bag if you want to take it on a longer trip. It comes in various colors likeblack,Atlas PinkandCreamsicle.
Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender
Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender
This bag was a top pick in our guide to the best weekender bags.Everlanes ReNew Transit Weekender is made with a water-resistant finish and made with 100 percent recycled polyester, according to the brand. It has a 9-inch top handle, an adjustable shoulder strap and a padded laptop sleeve on the interior, and it comes inBlack,Warm Quartz,Warm Charcoal,NutriaandOcean Cavern.
Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag
Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag
This option fromVera Bradleyhas five mesh internal pockets and two additional zipper pockets to keep smaller items organized. It also has a trolley sleeve to slip on top of a rolling suitcase and is small enough to be considered a carry-on. It comes in a variety of prints and patterns, likeHope Blooms,Paisley JamboreeandIsland Garden.
How to shop for affordable luggage
If you re in the market for affordable luggage, here s what our experts recommended keep in mind while shopping:
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Bag Type:
Knowing the type of luggage that suits your needs is important. Bags with wheels are helpful for people who are packing a lot or traversing large airports or multiple destinations, says Daly. Some people prefer to sling a bag over their shoulder, especially if their destination isn t wheel-friendly (think cobblestone or dirt roads). Wheeled bags and duffel bags can be found in carry-on or checked bag sizes, depending on your needs. Finally, weekend bags are great for 1-3 days trips or as a carry-on when checking a larger bag. -
Materials:
Rolling suitcases come in hard-side or soft-side options. I prefer hard-side bags because they ve always been more durable for me, says Daly. They re also water-resistant, which is helpful when traveling, you have to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. That said, some people feel they can stuff more into a softside bag because they have a bit more give. They are also more flexible and easier to stuff into tight spaces, says David Leiter, creator of the popular travel blog,The World Travel Guy
. If you are opting for a soft-side suitcase or a duffel bag, Daly recommends something made from polyester or nylon, which tend to be the most durable and are also water-resistant. Weekender bags are often made from cotton or canvas, but are often used for shorter amounts of time and aren t checked at the airport, reducing wear and tear.
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Zippers:
The last thing you want is for the zipper on your bag to break mid-trip. Metal zippers tend to be more durable than plastic, says Daly. She also recommends looking for bags that have two zippers. This usually means you can unzip a bag from either side, which is handy if you are trying to access your stuff quickly on the go. -
Wheels:
If you travel a lot, both Daly and Leiter recommend choosing a bag with four multidirectional spinner wheels that can stay upright as you move it rather than having to tip it for it to roll. However, Daly notes that if you tend to travel places with cobblestone or uneven streets, two-wheel options may come in handy. -
Weight:
For ease of portability, every bag we selected weighs under 15 pounds. Just know that weight limitations on both carry-on and checked bags vary depending on the airline you travel on. It is always wise tocheck
what your airline s requirements are before you head to the airport.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Annie Daly
is a NYC-based travel writer and author of
Destination Wellness
, about healthy living philosophies around the world.
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David Leiter
is a founder of The World Travel Guy, a popular travel blog. He has traveled to dozens of countries, almost always doing so on a budget.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a contributor at NBC Select and journalist who regularly covers topics like travel, home and lifestyle. I’m also a frequent traveler and have been to more than 30 countries. For this story, I interviewed two experts to gather their guidance and sought out highly-rated luggage based on their shopping recommendations.
Catch up on Select s in-depth coverage ofpersonal finance,tech and tools,wellnessand more, and follow us onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokto stay up to date.
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