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Best Luggage Sets [2022]


Travelers Choice Amsterdam 8-Piece Luggage Set

  • 8-Piece Kit
  • 30% Expandability (Upright)
  • Dual-Zipper For Easy Access/Use With External Locks



For the traveler who needs it all, there isn’t a better package than the Travelers Choice Amsterdam 8-Piece Luggage Set. You get three upright bags, a travel tote, and four storage containers to keep everything organized. While they outer may be soft, the look says anything but unprofessional or unprepared.

Sale


Rockland Two-Piece Luggage Set

  • 4 Spinner Wheels
  • Dual-Zipper Design
  • Expandable System



For those who aren’t traveling for a long time, the Rockland Two-Piece Luggage Set is the perfect option. You get one small upright and one large upright that will easily go where you need it to go. Plus, it has plenty of features including four spinner wheels.


Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Spinner Luggage Set

  • 10-Year Limited Warranty
  • Brushed Styling To Help Hide Scratches
  • 100% Polycarbonate Shell Protects From Bumps And Shocks



Stick with a name that you can trust! The Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Spinner Luggage Set set gives you all the protection you need, all the features you want, and a warranty that is unrivaled.

How We Picked

No matter what, there is going to be a point in your life where you will need to travel. And when you do, you will need a luggage set that can handle everything you can throw at it. But, do you just grab the cheapest luggage set you can find and hope you will never need it again or do you find the perfect luggage set that will last you for a lifetime?

Today, we are going to discuss the ten best luggage sets that we found on the market. All of these luggage sets are well-built, durable, and ready for adventure. We have looked at plenty of luggage sets in these are the ones that consistently ranked the highest. For reference, we have included a buyer’s guide below which will help you understand what we looked at when considering each luggage set. If you have any questions concerning luggage sets, we have even included a frequently asked questions section that should address your questions.

AmazonBasics 3-Piece Expandable Spinner Luggage Set

AmazonBasics 3-Piece Expandable Spinner Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Number of Wheels: 4
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: Yes
  • Weight: 31 Pounds

Starting out our list is a great budget-friendly option from AmazonBasics. It is a three-piece luggage set that manages to build in most of the features of some of the more expensive options on the market.

The measurements of the three cases are:

  • Small: 20 Inches
  • Medium: 24 Inches
  • Large: 28 Inches

All of the luggage cases are surrounded by a hard, durable plastic designed to withstand plenty of travel abuse. But, the luggage cases aren’t bland like most hard plastic cases are. In fact, the luggage set has a stylish geometrical design that is slightly offset which gives it a chic appearance. The design is fairly gender-neutral but some of the color options might not be. As for color options, you get to select between black, white, green, pink, and sunset (orange).

AmazonBasics 3-Piece Large suitcase

Featurewise, this comes with several features normally found on the more expensive luggage sets. For instance, it comes with four wheels for full 360° maneuverability.

Someone carrying the AmazonBasics Luggage set

It also comes with an expandable section built-in to give you a little more room in the event you need to overpack. Plus, it comes with multiple interior compartments for clothing and other necessities like toiletries and/or portable devices. And finally, it has a TSA-approved combination lock for easier/faster traveling when dealing with TSA checkpoints.

AmazonBasics 3-Piece TSA approved lock

What We Like

For the price, this is one of the best budget friendly luggage sets on the market today. The hard outer shell is able to withstand plenty of abuse while not getting scratched easily. The recessed TSA lock helps to protect your valuables while making it easier to get through airport security without any hassles.

Overall

For those who don’t want to spend a ton of money on a good luggage set, the AmazonBasics three-piece luggage set is a great place to start. It looks good while managing to protect everything. It may not come with the fancy name, but it is coming from a reputable name.


AmazonBasics 3-Piece Expandable Spinner Luggage Set

  • Stylish Geometric Design
  • Four Wheels For 360-Degree Maneuverability
  • Hard ABS Plastic Outer For Enhanced Protection

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Spinner Luggage Set

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Spinner Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Number of Wheels: 4
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: Yes
  • Weight: 30.1 Pounds

Next on our list is a very reputable name from the travel industry – Samsonite. Over the years, they have built some of the most dependable and longest lasting luggage sets, which is why they made our list.

This is another three-piece luggage set that comes with plenty of features. The measurements for the three cases are:

  • Small: 20 Inches
  • Medium: 24 Inches
  • Large: 28 Inches

The outside of all of the luggage cases are covered in 100% polycarbonate plastic to protect it from any major damage while also providing a great shock absorbing platform. It has a very unique outer styling with a brushed pattern that helps to hide any potential scratches that might have been picked up from your travels. They even managed to include a few strategically placed ridges to give it a little more structural integrity while also giving it a slightly better aesthetic appeal. This luggage set comes in one of eight color options: brushed anthracite, burgundy, charcoal, blue, navy, orange, purple, or teal.

Open Samsonite Winfield 2 Case

As for features, it starts out with 360° spin your wheels for easy maneuverability and navigation, even in the tightest of spots. The wheels roll effortlessly and spin freely without any type of binding and/or resistance. The pushbutton handle is extremely strong and durable, without any type of wiggle associated with cheaper/inexpensive luggage sets. It also comes with a TSA approved combination lock that ensures quick and easy access for TSA agents only while maintaining security while away from you.

Samsonite Winfield 2 TSA lock

As with all Samsonite products, it comes with a 10-year limited warranty that will protect you against any defects in materials and/or workmanship. This is another reason why Samsonite is one of the most trusted brands in the travel industry.

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage Case Grip

What We Like

The hard polycarbonate case helps to protect against any type of shock and/or scratches with ease. The brushed design actually helps to hide any scratches that you do get, so even if you do travel a lot, there is a good chance that no one will ever notice if it’s a little old and/or used.

Overall

Samsonite is one of the “kings” of the travel/luggage industry. The 10-year warranty alone makes this an exceptional value but the quality that they managed to give you for the price is almost unheard of.


Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Spinner Luggage Set

  • 10-Year Limited Warranty
  • Brushed Styling To Help Hide Scratches
  • 100% Polycarbonate Shell Protects From Bumps And Shocks

Coolife 3-Piece Spinner Hardside Luggage Set

Coolife 3-Piece Spinner Hardside Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Number of Wheels: 4
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: Yes
  • Weight: 25.6 Pounds

Now, let’s look at a brand that is fresh with a new outlook on an older industry. Coolife has not been around like Samsonite, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t provide some of the best luggage sets on the market.

This luggage set is comprised of three pieces:

  • Small: 20 Inches
  • Medium: 24 Inches
  • Large: 28 Inches

Note: There is a smaller option of 16 inches if you opt for the family set.

Coolife protects all of your belongings in a hard-shell outer made out of shockproof ABS plastic. The outer color is a solid color with no discernable pattern outside of the deep, grooved channels on the front and rear of the shell. The color options for this luggage set includes blue, orange, navy, green, champagne, and dark green. This luggage set can work for any gender, as the design is fairly neutral with plenty of color options to choose from.

Coolife 3-Piece Spinner Hardside Wheels

Featurewise, this is another that comes packed – even for such a limited price. For starters, you still get four wheels which give you full 360° maneuverability. Next, you have a solid handle with push button access without any major jiggling. Plus, they still managed to slip in a TSA-approved lock. But, they didn’t stop there, including a fully-lined inner with plenty of pockets for convenient storage. The unit has about two inches of expandability where the zippers meet up in the middle to leave room for some overpacking.

And even though the company is “fairly” new, they still give you a two-year limited warranty for any issues with materials and/or workmanship.

What We Like

These are built for the travel enthusiast as they are strong, durable, and shockproof. The bright colors will stand out and the larger spinner wheels make it easy to navigate the most difficult of terrains (minus offroading).

Overall

While Coolife is a new company, they’ve got plenty of great reviews that show their ability to create a long-lasting, trustworthy luggage set. If you want something designed by millennials for millennials, this is the perfect luggage set for you. Plus, they are one of the most affordable full-set options for the avid traveler.


Coolife 3-Piece Spinner Hardside Luggage Set

  • 2-Year Limited Warranty
  • Bright Colors Stand Out
  • Budget-Friendly

American Tourister Moonlight Expandable Luggage Set

American Tourister Moonlight Expandable Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Number of Wheels: 4
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: No
  • Weight: 28.8 Pounds

For those who like fashion and function, the American Tourister Moonlight Luggage Set does not disappoint.

There are three pieces to this set:

  • Small: 21 Inches
  • Medium: 24 Inches
  • Large: 29 Inches

This luggage set protects everything you own inside of a hard-shell ABS plastic. There is a slightly roughed up texture to help minimize sliding during transport as well as several colored patterns to really give this a chic styling. The color options available include marble, rose gold, purple storm, ascending gardens, palm trees, popsicle, and teal blue.

Traveling with the American Tourister Moonlight

The Moonlight series starts out with four 360° spinner wheels that roll effortlessly. They are oversized and made out of a hard, durable plastic with a ribbed design for added aesthetic appeal. The handle is thick with plenty to grab and can easily be retracted or extended with the push of a button; there is very little play/jiggle in the handle. It has a fully lined interior with multiple tie-down/compression straps to keep everything in place as well as several zippered compartments and pockets for your sorting convenience. If you feel the need to overpack, you even have two extra inches of space to work with.

Packing the American Tourister Moonlight Luggage Set

This particular luggage set does not come with an integrated TSA-approved lock. In fact, it doesn’t really lock at all. It uses a single zipper design that wraps all the way around this luggage case. If security is your number one purpose, you may want to look elsewhere.

American Tourister Moonlight on the beach

What We Like

The color patterns paired with the textured outer give this a look that will definitely stand out in a sea of blacks, whites, and grays. The oversized wheels roll extremely easily and make it easy to navigate in the tightest of areas.

Overall

Sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and stand out – the Moonlight Series from American Tourister does just that. For the most part, they’ve included everything you’ll need for an enjoyable traveling experience. If you don’t mind the lack of a TSA-approved lock/locking system and you want to show your personality, then this is a great option for you.


American Tourister Moonlight Expandable Luggage Set

  • 10-Year Limited Warranty
  • Colorful Patterns
  • Chic Design

Merax Travelhouse Luggage Set

Merax Travelhouse Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Number of Wheels: 4
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: No
  • Weight: 24.0 Pounds

Merax is another name that has not been around for a long time, but they have found a way to create trustworthy and dependable products in the luggage industry.

The Travelhouse luggage set comes with three pieces:

  • Small: 20 Inches
  • Medium: 24 Inches
  • Large: 28 Inches

The outside of this luggage set is protected by a durable ABS plastic that is paired with vibrant colors that have been infused into the actual plastic; this helps to extend the life of the color without any fading over time. If you look close enough, you will even see a dotted pattern to help give it a little extra depth. As for color options, you can choose from black, blue, gold, green, orange, purple, red, silver, sky-blue, and yellow.

Wheel of the Merax Travelhouse

And just like most of the other luggage sets on our list, this one also comes with four 360° spinner wheels. The wills are solid and design with a textured surface for added grip while still managing to be exceptionally quiet. They are protected by a very chunky wheel mount system that ensures that dust and dirt stay out. The pushbutton handle has a large grip mated to aluminum poles that have just a little wiggle in them. The interior is lined with a soft fabric to protect your clothing and other travel items from damage during transit. And finally, this does come with a combination lock that is externally mounted but it is not TSA-approved.

Lock of the Merax Travelhouse Luggage Set

Even though this company is fairly new, they still managed to slip in a five-year worldwide warranty that protects you from defects in materials and/or workmanship.

Merax Travelhouse Hardcase Luggage Set zippers

What We Like

This is one of the brightest loaded sets we’ve seen yet. It’s extremely lightweight and rolls effortlessly without any noise whatsoever. Even though the handle wiggles just a bit, it’s exceptionally sturdy and built four years of use.

Overall

While Merax is not as well known as Samsonite, it doesn’t mean that they can’t produce something similar for a LOT less. Sure, this is not nearly as nice as a Samsonite but it gives you most of the same features without breaking the bank.


Merax Travelhouse Luggage Set

  • 5-Year Limited Worldwide Warranty
  • Extremely Bright Colors
  • Lightweight And Durable

TACH TUFF 3-Piece Luggage Set

TACH TUFF 3-Piece Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Number of Wheels: 4
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: Yes
  • Weight: 27.1Pounds

TACH has changed the way that you’ll drag your luggage around. Sure, they have four wheels like everyone else seems to have, but they have a patented system that’s going to change the way you travel forever.

The luggage set we are looking at comes with three pieces:

  • Small: 20 Inches
  • Medium: 24 Inches
  • Large: 28 Inches

Looking at this luggage set, it’s nothing fancy. It is wrapped in a simple/single color outer with slight hints of black carefully measured out; this is built for function. The outer shell is made out of a durable ABS plastic that will protect your belongings. You have the choice of several color options including black, bright blue, navy blue, gray, purple, or red.

Side of the TACH TUFF 3-Piece Luggage Set

Now, with all the basics out of the way, let’s talk about what makes this so unique. This has an interlocking system that will allow you to connect multiple luggage pieces together into a “train” so you only have to drag one item, not three or more independently. In fact, you can connect up to nine different luggage pieces to create a very long train if needed; now you can skip the luggage carriers. Also, they added a few other features including a water bottle holder, adjustable straps, and even included stainless steel rolling wheels for smooth/quiet transport. And they still managed to slip in a TSA-approved combination lock.

TACH TUFF 3-Piece Luggage Set details

What We Like

The interconnecting system is one of the most innovative systems we’ve seen in the luggage market. This was obviously built by a traveler for travelers. It makes it easy to carry multiple items on top of the luggage set without the need to hold three or more different handles.

Overall

The TACH TUFF Luggage Set will make your life so much easier while on the road. You won’t need a luggage carrier with this set as it has it built-in. Connect up to nine different pieces together and go!


TACH TUFF 3-Piece Luggage Set

  • Adjustable Towing Strap
  • Patented Interlocking System
  • Connect Up To Nine Pieces Into One Train
  • Water Bottle Holder For Extended Wait Times

Travelers Choice Amsterdam 8-Piece Luggage Set

Travelers Choice Amsterdam 8-Piece

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 8
  • Number of Wheels: 2
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: No
  • Weight: 25 Pounds

Sometimes three pieces are just not enough, which is why this is one of the luggage sets that made our list. With eight pieces to work with, not only will you have everything you need but it’s possible you could drag your whole family along too.

This luggage set comes with eight pieces:

  • Upright: 29 Inches
  • Upright: 25 Inches
  • Upright: 21 Inches
  • Travel Tote: 15 Inches
  • Packing Cube: 15 Inches
  • Packing Cube: 13 Inches
  • Packing Cube: 11 Inches
  • Packing Cube: 9 Inches

Leaving the hard-shell designs behind, this is protected with a hard plastic casing covered in a two-tone polyester blend and the corners are protected with molded ABS plastic to give additional strength in durability. You can choose from four color options including gray, navy, orange, and red/burgundy.

Mid size case of the Travelers Choice Amsterdam Set

The upright bags can expand over 30% more than their traditional depth which gives you plenty of room to overpack. Additionally, the upright bags also have two rolling wheels to make it easy to transport from one place to another. The handle is retractable and easy to access using a push button design. The inside of all of the bags includes a soft inner liner to protect your belongings during travel. While it does not come with a TSA-approved lock, the double-zipper design allows you to include TSA-approved locks for faster/easier travel.

Small bag of the Travelers Choice Amsterdam 8-Piece Set

What We Like

This is one of the most complete luggage sets on the market. If you have a big family, or just need a lot of extra storage, this soft-sided luggage set will give you plenty of options – eight!

Overall

For the price, this is hard to beat. You get three upright bags with a travel tote and four packing cubes. And while it would seem to be a budget-pick, it packs plenty of extra features too.


Travelers Choice Amsterdam 8-Piece Luggage Set

  • 8-Piece Kit
  • 30% Expandability (Upright)
  • Dual-Zipper For Easy Access/Use With External Locks

U.S. Traveler New Yorker 4-Piece Luggage Set

U.S. Traveler New Yorker 4-Piece Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 4
  • Number of Wheels: 2
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: No
  • Weight: 25.9 Pounds

And while an eight-piece luggage set might work for some, it may be too much for you. If that’s the case, then this four-piece luggage set might be “just right”.

This luggage set comes with four pieces:

  • Upright: 29 Inches
  • Upright: 25 Inches
  • Upright: 21 Inches
  • Travel Tote: 15 Inches

This is another soft-sided luggage set that has plenty of padding and protection. It is covered in a durable nylon material with foam padding inserted inside of the case. The inner liner is almost made out of cloth to protect from any “accidental” snaggings.

Opened suitcase of the U.S. Traveler New Yorker 4-Piece

The upright cases have two front pockets for added storage convenience and the inside of each case has multiple compression straps to keep everything neatly in place. The uprights also have the ability to expand up to 25% of their original depth, giving you plenty of room for overpacking. And finally, all of the pieces use dual-zippers which can be bound together using external locks for added safety/security.

What We Like

The foam padding makes this feel luxurious while being functional too. The outer material looks clean and shiny but manages to resist scratches rather easily.

Overall

When you need more than three pieces but less than eight, this is the perfect solution. This soft-sided, dual-wheel luggage set is budget-friendly with plenty to help protect all of your belongings while traveling.


U.S. Traveler New Yorker 4-Piece Luggage Set

  • Luggage Strap System To Add More Pieces During Transport
  • Dual-Zipper Design For Easy Access/Security
  • 25% Expandability From Original Depth

Coolife Soft-Sided 3-Piece Luggage Set

Coolife Soft-Sided 3-Piece Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 3
  • Number of Wheels: 4
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: Yes
  • Weight: 29.7 Pounds

Coolife has set the bar again, giving you a soft-sided luggage option that looks expensive but is rather affordable.

This luggage set comes with three pieces:

  • Small: 20 Inches
  • Medium: 24 Inches
  • Large: 28 Inches

Changing things up, Coolife used a three-color jacquard oxford cloth that is extremely durable, while giving the luggage set a luxurious appearance. To protect your luggage set, they included color-matched ABS molded plastic corners which work great for absorbing impact during storage/travel. On the front, you have multiple zippered pockets that can hold plenty of accessories and other “quick access” items. Each bag comes with a TSA-approved combination locking system to keep everything secure at all times.

Lock of the Coolife Soft-Sided 3-Piece Luggage Set

The four spinner wheels haven’t been downgraded just because the price went down – they are still oversized, quiet, and durable.

Wheels of the Coolife Soft-Sided 3-Piece Luggage Set

And finally, this luggage set comes with a two-year limited worldwide warranty that protects you from defects in materials and/or workmanship.

What We Like

For a soft-sided option, this is luxurious! The oxford cloth feels amazing and looks great too. The color options really stand out and add to the luxurious effect.

Overall

If you want a luggage set that looks expensive but isn’t, then this is all you need. You get plenty of storage while looking great. And, Coolife didn’t skimp on features either making sure that you still have four spinner wheels and the TSA-approved locks.


Coolife Soft-Sided 3-Piece Luggage Set

  • 4 Silent Spinner Wheels
  • Expandable System For Overpacking
  • Dual-Zipper Design with TSA-Approved Locks

Rockland Two-Piece Luggage Set

Rockland Two-Piece Luggage Set

Specs:

  • Number of Pieces: 2
  • Number of Wheels: 4
  • Expandable: Yes
  • TSA-Approved Lock: No
  • Weight: 16.0 Pounds

Finishing out our list is the Rockland Two-Piece Luggage Set. With this set, you get one 20-inch upright bag and one 28-inch upright bag. Both are protected in a hard, durable ABS plastic with up to fifteen different color options.

Side of the Rockland Two-Piece Case

Each bag comes with a retractable push-button handle with an oversized grip for easier transport. Plus, the bags are equipped with four slightly oversized wheels for easy maneuverability.

Wheels of the Rockland Two-Piece Luggage Set

Each bag can expand for added overpacking while protecting your belongings with a cloth inner. The dual-zipper design will allow for external locks but it is not equipped with its own TSA-approved lock system.

Open piece of the Rockland Two-Piece Luggage Set

What We Like

This is the perfect example of simplicity and function. While three-piece kits are a great option, sometimes you just don’t need as much. This luggage set gives you the perfect amount of storage for a two or three-day weekend without all the heft.

Overall

For those who don’t need a huge luggage set, this is the perfect kit. You get two upright bags with plenty of storage and protection options, all while still getting most of the best features. For the price, it’s a hard-to-beat option.

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Rockland Two-Piece Luggage Set

  • 4 Spinner Wheels
  • Dual-Zipper Design
  • Expandable System

Buyer’s Guide To Find The Best Luggage Set

It can be easy to get caught up in buying the best looking luggage set on the rack, but is that really the best luggage set for you?

This buyer’s guide is designed to help you understand the most important factors and features of a great luggage set. Equipped with this information, you should easily be able to find the perfect luggage set that will meet all of your traveling needs.

How Much Is Too Much?

The very first factor/feature that we want to discuss is not price, but rather size. It would be easy to focus in on finding the biggest luggage set available. That way, you would not have to worry about ever needing more space. But, what about the small trips where you just need a simple carry-on? What about those trips where each bag can only hold a certain amount of weight (i.e. fifty pounds)? Plus, you might find it really hard to fit an oversized bag into the back of a subcompact rental car. If you already have four people with you, some bicycle to fill a little cramped in the backseat.

There are numerous reasons why you should not take the biggest luggage set on the market just because it is “BIG”.

  1. Portability
  2. Convenience
  3. Weight
  4. Protection

Smaller bags tend to be easier to travel with. They are easier to fit into smaller compartments and/or trucks. They tend to be more convenient as they generally fall into the carry-on classification and stay well under the weight limit restrictions. And finally, smaller bags are easier to carry even when they have additional protections such as harder outer cases.

Do not just buy the biggest luggage set available, make sure it is properly sized for your traveling needs.

Does It Have Wheels?

Almost all luggage sets have wheels installed on them. However, luggage sets come with two different will configurations: two wheels or four wheels. Now, for wheels does not mean that this is some type of offroading beast, but rather it means that your luggage can spin a full 360°; for wheels makes it much easier to maneuver your luggage around, especially in tight situations.

Two-wheeled luggage sets only go forwards or backwards. And while they do not “compare” to their four-wheeled counterparts, they are easier to use when walking down long stretches like city streets and handling curbs. Understanding where you will be traveling and the purpose of your luggage set will help you identify whether you need two wheels or four wheels.

How Durable Is It?

A luggage set is not an “on the whim” type of purchase. Most luggage sets are purchased with plenty of thought and consideration while trying diligently to keep the price reasonable. So, it would make sense that you should check for durability issues. In fact, there are five areas that we suggest you check/consider:

  • Zippers
  • Wheels
  • Handles
  • Material
  • Lock

The zippers will be used more than almost any other part on your luggage set. Most people open and close their luggage numerous times throughout the day to get different items as needed. So, you need to make sure that you have a well-built zipper that can withstand a lot of general/daily abuse. There are two types of zippers to look at: chain or coil. Chain zippers are the type of zippers that you see on pants/jeans. They have two sets of interlocking teeth made out of metal and they tend to outlast coil zippers. Coil zippers are not very strong and can actually be pulled apart with a simple ballpoint pen. All of the luggage sets on our list use a higher quality zipper for durability.

Next, you need to look at the wheels and make sure that they spin freely. A lot of bags put plenty of time and effort into the design and aesthetics but somehow forget the wheels. Make sure that the wheels roll smoothly and that they do not jiggle. Something else to look at is how they are attached. If they are attached using rivets, it will be much more difficult to fix if they fall off. Some of the best luggage sets use screws and/or bolts to mount their wheels; this makes it easier to repair them if something fails.

Handles deal with a lot of weight – when you are dragging your luggage around, your handles are holding up so much weight while helping to navigate around obstacles. These handles need to be securely mounted, without any type of wiggling. Something else you should consider is how smoothly it retracts into the bag/pulls out. If it feels stiff and/or clunky, you should look elsewhere.

Next, make sure that the material that the luggage set is made out of is durable too. There are plenty of materials to choose from including cloth, nylons, plastics, and even metals. Of course, metals and plastics will always way more than cloth and nylon. If you need something lightweight, then you should choose cloth and/or nylon. If you need something for greater protection, then you should consider plastics and metals. Generally speaking, heavier luggage sets are more likely to last for a long time.

And finally, make sure that you find one with a strong, impenetrable lock. If the lock feels flimsy and cheap, or the combination numbers roll with very little resistance, then you should look somewhere else. If anything, the lock should provide some of the most resistance that you have ever had to deal with. Or, where the lock attaches should fill super-strong. In either case, make sure that the lock is built to withstand TONS of abuse.

What Kind Of Lock Does It Have?

Most luggage sets do not come with their own built-in locks, but rather give you the ability to use external locks. If this is the case, then you need to make sure that the locking clasps are securely built and designed, with the intention of dealing with tons of major abuse.

If the luggage set comes with its own built-in lock, then you need to make sure that it is a TSA-approved lock. Even if you do not travel through airports and other TSA checkpoints, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Who knows what will happen in the next five years? You could very well end up traveling by airplane using a locking mechanism that is not TSA approved. If this happens, they are allowed to cut your lock off if need be.

What If It Breaks?

And finally, make sure that the luggage set you are considering is backed by a reputable company with a solid warranty. No matter what, things are going to break. When that happens, you need to make sure that you are backed by a good warranty. But, a 10-year warranty from a company that has not been in existence for 10 years is not all that good. So, make sure that the warranty is from a reputable company that you can call on when something goes wrong (i.e. wheels break, zipper snags, bag collapses).

Traveler sitting in airport with feet on luggage set looking at an airplane

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are U.S. carry-on measurement requirements?

A: Unfortunately, there is no universal carry-on measurement/requirement. It really depends on each individual airline and their preferences. At one point, there was a simple formula of 45 total linear inches. However, this is no longer the case and now can range dramatically. For instance, some airlines will accept a 22″ x 14″ x 9″ bag that weighs 22 pounds or less while some will accept a 24″ x 18″ x 10″ bag of any weight. It all depends on the airline you are looking to use.

For the most part, it seems that a bag that is less than 45 total linear inches is a fairly safe bet. However, if you cannot afford to be without your carry-on, then you should contact each airline you are considering before making any plans.

Q: What are “Linear Inches”?

A: Linear inches is how an airline will measure your bag. Basically, your bag has three measurable sides (i.e. length, height, width). To determine the size of your bag in linear inches, you will add the sum of these three sides together. So, a bag that measures 10″ x 10″ x 5″ would equal 25 total linear inches. A bag that measures 20″ x 15″ x 10″ would equal 45 total linear inches.

Now, some bags are extremely square where some are rounded. The appropriate way to measure your bags would be to assume that it is in a box. Measure to the farthest points on the bag to get the proper linear measurement. If your bag has wheels, measure to the wheels. If your bag has a handle that sticks out when collapsed, measure to the top of the handle. Do not measure your bag while empty either, as this will not be what they are measuring. Again, measure your luggage set/carry-on as if it were in a box. This “theoretical” box should be easy to close without having to make any special provisions.

Q: What is the best outer material for a luggage set?

A: Luggage sets come with many different options, including the outer material. The outer material is used for aesthetic purposes and protection. In most cases, the outer material is not extremely durable and/or protective, instead helping to match the owner’s personality and color preferences.

Most outers are covered by some type of cloth such as rip-proof nylon or a blend. Some outers are covered by ABS plastic and can withstand serious bumps and heat. And, some outers are covered by metal which can take a significant amount of abuse.

For some, the best outer material is a rip-proof nylon with a plastic inner. These generally are the cheapest and easiest to replace. If you travel a lot, you might prefer a harder material such as an ABS plastic which will not scratch as easily as metal. Ultimately, the choice of outer material depends on several factors including color preference, purpose, and budget.

Q: Do all luggage sets expand?

A: No, it is not possible for all of the luggage sets to expand. Some are made out of hard plastics and/or metals and expansion would cause them to warp. If you need an expandable luggage set, you should look for sets that have expansive pockets. Generally, these will be made out of plastic and/or rip-proof nylon.

Q: Do all luggage sets have wheels?

A: Most luggage sets have wheels included for all of their bags. However, there are a few circumstances where smaller bags such as a carry-on will not have any wheels whatsoever; these bags are generally considered too small for wheels.

Some wheels are designed to be pulled/pushed in one general direction. However, some wheels are designed to be pulled in any direction; these are called spinners and they are much more efficient for travel/navigation.

Q: Are all luggage sets TSA-Lock approved?

A: No, there are some luggage sets that are not TSA-lock approved. Unless you are traveling through airports, this will not be a big deal. However, if you are traveling through airports, you will need to find a luggage set that supports TSA-approved locks as they will need to access your contents under certain circumstances. If your lock is not easily accessible/unlockable, they can cut your lock leaving you without any form of protection for your contents/luggage.

Some luggage sets have the locks built in where some give you the ability to use external locks. Again, the need for TSA-approved lock depends on where you will be traveling. In most cases, it is best to go ahead and find a luggage set that supports TSA-approved locks or already has them built-in.

Q: What if I don’t have a TSA-Lock approved luggage set?

A: If you do not travel through airports and other security checkpoints where TSA would be, then a TSA-approved lock would not be necessary. However, if you do go to these TSA checkpoints, they might request access to your bag (voluntarily or involuntarily). If your bag has a TSA-approved lock, then they can simply check for whatever they needed to see and then relock your back. If not, then they will need to break the lock which would leave your bag exposed/unprotected.

In most cases, it is best to go ahead and find a luggage set that has a TSA-lock built-in. While it may cost a little more, it is worth it so that you do not have to find another lock that you might or might not use very often.

Q: Can I store all the luggage pieces in one big piece when not in use?

A: Most luggage sets are designed so that you can store all of the pieces inside of each other. If you have a three-piece kit, then the smallest piece will fit in the next size up and then it will fit in the final piece. There are some rare occurrences where a luggage set will not hold the other pieces as they are not designed as such.

If portability/convenience matters, then make sure that you find a luggage set where all the pieces will fit inside of each other comfortably.

Q: Are luggage sets water-proof or water-resistant?

A: Most luggage sets are waterproof or water resistant to a certain degree. While they probably will not survive being underwater for even a few minutes, they will resist water penetration if it is raining or if they get dropped into a pool momentarily.

Some of the more expensive options have better seals and/or clamps to help protect from water penetration. If water penetration is important, then make sure you look at the material it is made out of and the way it secures when closed.

Q: What if you forget your password/combination?

A: It is almost inevitable, but if you have a combination lock on your luggage set, there is a good chance that you will forget the password/combination. Some luggage sets have a reset tool and/or code that can be entered in order to reset the password; this is very insecure and not recommended. However, if your luggage set does not have a reset tool and/or code, then the only option left is to break it open.

Unfortunately, the better the security system, the less likely you are to be able to get in if you forget your password size combination (write it down, store it on your phone).

Q: What if you lose your key?

A: If you happen to lose your key, there is a good chance that you could still have it picked by a professional locksmith. Most locksmiths have all the tools necessary to safely get into your luggage set without the original key. In some cases, they will have to drill out the lock which would render the luggage set useless for future trips.

It would be best if you made a secondary key/spare key in the event that you do lose your original. While it might not help you on the trip, it would be available when you get back.

Conclusion

Finding the best luggage set can be difficult as there are so many options. Depending on your style of travel and where you go, you will need certain features that might end up costing you more than a normal luggage set. Understanding what features you truly need can help you determine which luggage package is perfect for you.

One of the most important factors that we want to reiterate is that you find a luggage set that has a TSA-approved lock. While luggage did not come with TSA-approved locks in the past, it is pretty much a requirement today. If you do not want to be delayed for long periods of time, this is one of the most important features you can have.

Product Boxes: Last updated on 2021-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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