The Best Luggage For International Travel, Tested Abroad By Our Editors

Dimensions: 21.7 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Material: Makrolon polycarbonate | Capacity: 41 liters | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Dark Olive | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Pros:

• Stylish yet durable construction
• Helpful wheel brake system
• Hidden pocket for luggage tag or tracker

Cons:

• No exterior pocket
• Limited color options

No matter where you’re headed, the versatile Aer Carry-On is the ideal travel companion thanks to its durable construction, smooth gliding wheels and ideal size—at 21.7 x 14 x 9 inches, it will easily fit into most international airline cabins. Its hard shell exterior is crafted from polycarbonate, and the handle has four height settings, which is a nice feature, especially if you’re taller. “It’s a lightweight bag that was easy to pick up and lift with a smooth telescoping handle and an easy-to-grasp side handle,” says our tester, who traveled with this suitcase on several international trips, including a conference in Munich. “I hauled it down the temporary airplane steps and onto a shuttle, then through customs and the airport and onto a train and finally from the train station across a few blocks to my hotel—with no issues at all.”

Another unique feature of this suitcase is its wheel brake system, a great security feature that ensures your bag will never slide away from you if you take your hands off the handle to grab your passport. There’s also a hidden pocket where you can slip an AirTag and a built-in TSA-approved luggage lock. “The lock was a cinch to program, and the zippers held even when I crammed it full on my return,” says our tester.

Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 39.8 liters | Colors: 10 total, including Olive Green and Coast Blue | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Pros:

• Well-sized for international cabins
• Expandable by 2.5 inches
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Away luggage is ubiquitous at airports around the world; you may need to secure a colorful luggage tag to stand out on the carousel 

Away’s Carry-On Flex is lightweight, stylish and made from a durable polycarbonate that keeps items safe. At under 22 inches tall, it makes a great carry-on suitcase for international trips, and for souvenir enthusiasts, it also moonlights as a checked bag: While other bags on our list offer expansion as well, Away’s Carry-On Flex is by far the most generous, with 2.5 inches of give. Our tester traveled with the Away Carry-On Flex on two trips to Stockholm and declared it a new favorite: “The expandability allows it to be spacious enough for five to six days of travel, and it has an excellent compression system. It was also very durable: I threw it into the back of cabs, pulled it over curbs and threw it on the luggage rack of the hotel room with ease.”

When it’s not expanded, it clocks in at a height of 21.7 inches, which keeps you in the clear for most, if not all, international cabins. Away’s suitcases are praised for their smooth-rolling wheels that make them easy to maneuver, and compared to other hardside suitcases on the market, they’re reasonably priced.

Dimensions: 19 x 14.2 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 42 liters | Colors: 12 total, including Chocolate and Rose Quartz | Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight and flexible
• Zippered front and side pockets
• Separate shoe compartment

Cons:

• Soft fabric exterior may not protect against rough handling

This well-organized bag from Calpak is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a duffel to take with you on your next international trip. The polyester exterior has a soft, puffy feel that’s weather-resistant, and the bag is an ideal size for squeezing under an airplane or train seat if needed (it can also be seamlessly wiped down in case of spills). 

Its main selling point, however, is the numerous interior and exterior pockets to help you organize all your belongings. “I was able to fit a ton into the large zippered front pocket, and the side pockets were the perfect size for my water bottle and phone charger,” said our tester. Our tester also appreciated the duffel’s separate shoe compartment: “It’s nice to have that separation so that I don’t have to worry about dirty boots being near my clothes." The padded shoulder straps are comfortable, even when the bag is fully packed, and a removable cross-body strap also comes with the bag. Additionally, the trolley sleeve enables you to attach it to your suitcase for seamless travel through the airport.

Dimensions: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 95 liters | Colors: 12 total, including Burgundy and Dusty Rose Pink | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Pros:

• Durable polyester exterior
• Comfortable, ergonomic handle
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Only one interior compartment

If you get to the gate early enough, don’t be surprised to find your pilot toting a Travelpro suitcase onto the aircraft. This brand has long been a favorite of international flight crews thanks to its luggage’s durable materials, comfortable grip handle and smooth-rolling wheels. At under 7 pounds, it’s the most lightweight checked option on our list, meaning it won’t be difficult to haul off the carousel. “I was shocked at how lightweight this suitcase is, especially considering its generous size,” says our tester.

What makes this suitcase truly stand out is its weather-resistant and tear-resistant exterior, made with a polyester fabric that features DuraGuard coating, assuring you that you can reunite with your checked bag in another country and it will still be in one piece. “The fabric is thick and the zippers seem to be stitched well—it definitely feels like it will hold up to wear and tear,” our tester notes. “There were no visible marks or scuffs, even after I checked it multiple times, and the wheels rolled effortlessly.”

Dimensions: 26 x 18.75 x 11 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Capacity: 80 liters | Colors: 12 total (four limited-edition colors), including Sand and Forest | Warranty: 100-day returns and lifetime warranty; covers manufacturing defects

Pros:

• Durable hardshell to protect items
• Stylish with a wide color variety
• Multiple pockets and a hidden laundry bag

Cons:

• Aluminum corners are not scratch-resistant

If you’re seeking a hardside checked bag that’s durable but not too large, the July Checked fits the bill. Its stylish and minimalist exterior is made from aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, with reinforced aluminum corner bumpers made for turbulent voyages. “I liked the classic-meets-modern look of the reinforced corners, which gave it more durability, as corners often get banged up easily,” says our tester, who traveled with the July Checked on a recent trip to Paris. “It came back home from our two-week trip—which included planes, cars and trains—with just a few scratches. Maybe the dark Forest color hides more, but I was pleasantly surprised at how little it was scuffed.”

Its 360-degree spinner wheels are exceptionally quiet, yet strong enough to roll over cobblestones with ease, and it features a Y-strap compression system plus other goodies, like a hidden laundry bag. It’s also a relatively lightweight checked bag, coming in at just over 8 pounds.

Dimensions: 31.3 x 19.6 x 12.6 inches | Weight: 11.84 pounds | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 112 liters | Colors: 14 total, including Atlas Pink and Maple | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Pros:

• Built-in weight indicator that lets you know when luggage exceeds 50 pounds
• Extra spacious, with 2 inches of expandability
• Comfortable cushioned handle

Cons:

• On the heavier side

For a larger hardside checked option, the Béis The Large Check-In Roller scored high marks. This bag is particularly ideal for international airlines with strict weight limits: It has a unique built-in weight indicator that lets you know when your bag is creeping over 50 pounds. “This was a noticeably heavy bag, so I was happy to know that if the suitcase was over 50 pounds, I could rely on the weight indicator,” says our tester, who traveled with this suitcase on a nine-day trip through the Caribbean. “The inside pockets and built-in organization allowed me to compress my items without worrying that they would spill out when I reopened the suitcase.”

This suitcase also features an expander zipper that grants 2 inches of extra space, meaning you’ll never run out of room. Even if you stuff it to the brim, you’ll still be able to pull your suitcase along with ease thanks to its smooth-rolling wheels and soft, cushioned handle. Its hardshell exterior can withstand plenty of rough handling, and it’s available in a wide range of fun, poppy colors (including glossy hues).

Dimensions: 22.1 x 17.8 x 9.9 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Material: Aluminum | Capacity: 45 liters | Colors: 3 total, including Silver and Titanium | Warranty: Lifetime guarantee

Pros:

• Sturdy aluminum exterior
• Height-adjustable flex divider
• Built-in TSA-approved locks

Cons:

• No exterior pockets
• Expensive

“For international travel, my favorite carry-on is the Rimowa Cabin Plus,” says Lexie Alford, a YouTube creator who has visited all 197 countries. “It’s reliable, lightweight and ideal for trips that are anywhere from three to seven days.” Although this suitcase is a splurge, its impeccable construction, high-quality materials and thoughtful features put it a cut above the rest. It’s crafted from high-end anodized aluminum, which is known for its durability and strength, and the grooved design has a sleek and modern look. 

Two built-in TSA-approved locks are placed on the side of the suitcase, and the ball-bearing mounted wheels glide over uneven surfaces, even when the bag is fully packed. There’s also a height-adjustable flex divider inside to keep your garments and accessories well organized.