Finding the perfect lightweight luggage for international travel can greatly enhance your journey. Opting for luggage that’s expandable, light, and dependable ensures that carrying your belongings is as smooth as possible. Choosing the best luggage brands can significantly ease the stress of packing and traveling, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your international adventure!
Hand carry and carry-on options are popular for their convenience, but they may not always suffice. For those who need to pack extensively whether it’s outfits, electronics, or outdoor gear choosing luggage with expandable compartments and extra pockets is essential. These are different types of luggage available, such as duffel bags, backpacks, and hard-shell cases. Look for features like multiple pockets, USB charging ports, and TSA-approved locks to accommodate all your travel needs efficiently.
How Can We Choose the Best Lightweight Luggage for International Travel?
Choosing the right lightweight luggage is crucial for international journeys, especially when navigating airline baggage restrictions. Many airlines have size limitations, with some carry-on restrictions falling around the 62 linear inches mark. Begin by checking the airline’s baggage requirements and travel rules. Different airlines and countries have varying standards, so ensure your carry-on or checked baggage meets these specifications to avoid hefty fees or delays at the airport.
Focus on the size and weight of your luggage. Airlines have strict limits, and exceeding them can result in hefty fees. Lightweight luggage can help you avoid these penalties. Before packing, take the time to measure luggage size carefully. This will ensure your suitcases comply with airline restrictions and prevent any unexpected baggage fees at the airport.
Look for luggage that offers durability without adding extra weight. Features like smooth wheels and sturdy handles enhance maneuverability. Consider options like the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner or the Thule Subterra 34L Travel Backpack for their lightweight and practical designs. By paying attention to these factors, you can travel comfortably and efficiently.
What Should You Know About Lightweight Luggage?
Choosing the Ideal Size for Your Travel Needs
Selecting the right luggage size can significantly impact the convenience of your trip. If your itinerary consists of short city tours, then a small, lightweight cabin bag or carry-on will suffice. On the other hand, for a picnic or a beach outing, a tote bag or handbag might be more appropriate. For longer vacations, consider medium-checked lightweight luggage to accommodate more items without being bulky.
Ensuring Durability for International Journeys
When traveling internationally, you need luggage that can withstand rough handling at airports and other transit points. While lightweight luggage is ideal for ease of transport, not all options are suitable for international travel.
It’s important to choose luggage made from durable materials that can resist damage from mishandling. High-quality and lightweight materials will provide both durability and ease of carrying, ensuring your belongings stay safe through customs checks and other handling.
Budgeting for Travel Luggage
Cost is another crucial factor when selecting luggage. For short trips or overnight stays, a lighter and less expensive handbag or backpack might be sufficient. However, for longer vacations requiring more packing, you may need larger, checked luggage that offers both durability and extra storage space. While this can be a pricier option, investing in high-quality, resilient luggage can offer better protection for your items and peace of mind during your travels.
Travel Type
- Short Trip
- Picnic/Beach
- Long Vacation
Recommended Luggage
- Cabin Bag, Carry-on
- Tote Bag, Handbag
- Medium-checked Luggage
Cost Consideration
- Less expensive
- Moderately priced
- Higher cost for durability
By considering these factors, you can choose the best lightweight luggage that fits your travel needs and budget, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable journey.
Why You Should Choose the Best Lightweight Luggage
Benefits of Using Lightweight Luggage
Lighter luggage offers several perks for international travel.
Roomy and Large Storage Space
Today’s lightweight luggage provides ample storage without the bulk. These suitcases have features like expansion and compression, allowing for more room. With these, you can pack more and avoid the hassle of dealing with heavy, space-consuming traditional baggage that can be hard to maneuver and prone to damage.
Easy Mobility of Lightweight Luggage
One key benefit is how easily you can move lightweight luggage. Whether you’re using roller or spinner bags, lighter ones are a breeze to roll or pull through airports. They’re also easier to lift into overhead bins, saving you effort and making your travel smoother.
Health Benefits
Carrying heavy, traditional baggage can lead to back, shoulder, and arm pain. Lightweight luggage, particularly those on wheels, reduces this physical strain. It’s more comfortable to travel without the added stress of managing heavy bags, ensuring you stay pain-free and energetic throughout your journey.
Avoiding Extra Fees and Penalties
Using lightweight luggage helps you stay within airline weight limits, avoiding extra fees and potential refusals at check-in. These bags not only offer more space but are also lighter, making it easier to pack everything you need without worrying about overage charges. Opt for lightweight luggage to save both money and hassle at airports.
How to Buy the Best Lightweight Luggage
The Trip Duration
Consider how long your trip will be before selecting your luggage. For extended vacations, large, heavy suitcases aren’t always the best choice. Instead, opt for lightweight luggage with expandable sections to increase your packing capacity. Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, keep your packing list compact. Focus on the essentials to avoid overweight charges and extra fees.
The Travel Preferences
Your travel style and needs are crucial when choosing new luggage. If budget-friendly options are your priority, simplify your packing list and choose a lighter suitcase. For those who want a stylish and trendy look, leading brands offer exclusive and ultra-light luggage, although they may be more costly. Your decision depends on your personal style, preferences, and travel requirements. Lightweight luggage can offer impressive space and ensure a secure travel experience.
A good luggage choice can make your travels more convenient and enjoyable. Use these tips to find the best lightweight luggage to suit your needs.
List of the Most Reliable and the Best Lightweight Luggage for International Travel
Here are some top picks for lightweight luggage:
Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner:
- Known for durability and smooth-rolling wheels
- Generous 100-day return policy
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner
Away The Carry-On Flex:
- Spacious and lightweight
- Good for compact packing
- Away The Carry-On Flex
Travelpro Hardside Luggage:
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Excellent maneuverability
- Travelpro Hardside Luggage
1. The Most Reliable Lightest Luggage Delsey Paris Clavel Spinner
Product Specifications
- Type: Carry-on
- Dimensions: 9.75 x 13.75 x 21.75 inches
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Colors: Grey, White, Orange, Yellow, Sky Blue, Black
- Features: Strong zipper closure, TSA combination lock, four solid spinner wheels, expandable up to two inches
Key Features
- The Delsey Paris Clavel is the lightest collection, weighing just 5.3 lbs, making it stylish and easy to travel with. It won the 2020 Red Dot Design Award.
- It comes with an integrated TSA-accepted combination lock and the unique SECURITECH zipper, which is three times more resistant to entry than a regular zipper.
- The luggage has four swivel wheels with multidirectional bearings, allowing for effortless movement without hand pressure.
- Inside, there are two packing sections with tie-down straps and a zippered mesh divider to protect your items. Three carry handles make lifting a fully packed case simple.
Our Verdict
This compact piece of luggage offers ample space for your necessities, thanks to its two large compartments. It might seem small, but its expandable feature ensures you can fit all your items comfortably. You’ll find it fits easily into an overhead compartment on flights.
The hard shell is sturdy enough to protect your belongings from damage, although rough handling might cause minor dents. Its strong surface ensures durability and a sleek, stylish look. Various colors are available, including grey, white, yellow, orange, sky blue, and black.
The solid spinner wheels allow for smooth rolling in any direction, even on uneven or carpeted surfaces. The handles, though small and appearing to slip from your grip, are strong enough to handle the load. This carry-on is perfect for international travel, offering a five-year warranty and competitive pricing.
Reason to Buy
- This compact carry-on is lightweight at just five pounds and features a hard shell that’s ideal for international travel.
- The compartments provide surprisingly ample space for all essentials and clothes, eliminating the need for additional organizers.
- It offers excellent value, standing out as one of the best-priced options for international spinner luggage.
Reason to Avoid
- The durable surface can sustain scratches or dents with rough handling.
- The handles are quite small and can feel like they might slip, though they are strong and secure.
2. The Most Affordable Luggage Amazon Basics Spinner
Product Specifications
- Type: Carry-on
- Dimensions: 13.58 x 9.45 x 19.09 inches
- Capacity: 34,408 cubic cm
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Colors: Navy Blue, Light Blue, Orange, and Black
Key Features
- Ideal for business trips, weekend getaways, and international travel
- Features a 21-inch hard shell with extra-thick ABS and scratch-resistant navy finish
- Includes a sturdy telescoping handle and a short handle for easy lifting
- Fully lined interior with a divider and three zippered compartments for smaller items
- Expandable to provide up to 15% extra packing space
- Equipped with 4 double spinner wheels for smooth movement in any direction
Our Verdict
The Amazon Basics Spinner offers vast storage capacity for your essentials. While it lacks TSA locks and some advanced features, it compensates with reliability, durability, and smooth rolling. It’s easy to maneuver across different surfaces, including rough ones, without any dents or scratches.
Reason to Buy
- Highly affordable and great quality for international travel
- Lightweight, weighing under seven pounds
- Ample storage room for all your belongings in a compact size
Reason to Avoid
- Lacks advanced features like USB charger ports and TSA locks
- Limited color choices and similar design across options
3. The Most Popular Hand Carry Samsonite Free Form Spinner Luggage
Product Specifications
- Type: Carry-on Luggage
- Dimensions: 10 x 15.25 x 21.25 inches
- Capacity: 6 pounds
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Color: Pink Rose, Powder Blue, Amethyst Purple, Light Grey, Mint Green, Navy, Dark Teal, Lilac Purple, Merlot Marron, Red, Sage Green, Sharp Tangerine, White, Grey, Black
Key Features
- Size and Fit: The 21-inch spinner suitcase is perfect for packing light and meets most carry-on size requirements.
- Quality Assurance: Extensive testing ensures the luggage meets stringent standards.
- Security: TSA recessed combination lock adds security, and expandable sleeves offer more packing space.
- Durability: Ultra-light, ultra-strong hard shell construction.
- Mobility: Four double spinner wheels and push-button locks on handles.
- Warranty: Covered by a ten-year warranty.
Our Verdict
This carry-on strikes the right balance between durability and style, making it suitable for international travel. The double-spinner wheels rotate easily, and the suitcase provides ample space for a four-day trip. Additional compartments and straps keep items secure. It maneuvers well on different surfaces and offers robust handles for convenient use. The suitcase is both dent-resistant and stylish, making it a great choice for both short business trips and weekend getaways.
Reason to Buy
- Expandable Capacity: The extra compartment allows for increased storage.
- Reliable Mobility: Four durable double-spinner wheels ensure smooth rolling.
- Long-Lasting: Known for its reliability and durability.
- Lightweight: Easy to carry and handle.
- Variety of Colors: Available in a wide range of attractive colors.
Reason to Avoid
- Laundry Pocket: Lacks a separate pocket for dirty clothes.
4. The Best Portable Asenlin 40L Backpack Luggage
Product Specifications
- Type: Backpack Luggage
- Dimensions: 9.45 x 12.2 x 18.5 inches
- Capacity: 40 L
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Colors: Black, Light Pink, Dark Pink, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Red, Light Purple, Light Blue, White, Dark Blue, Woodland Camo, Dessert Camo
Key Features
- This spacious backpack comes with three custom-designed storage packs to enhance your travel experience. Its size is perfect for carrying on an airplane, and the zipper opening lets you pass through airport security smoothly.
- It has a seventeen-inch laptop pocket, is water-resistant, can be carried as a backpack or tote, meets all airline luggage standards, and includes a front laptop pocket and a water bottle pocket. Made from premium quality polyester, it offers durability and protection against the elements.
Our Verdict
This backpack is a great choice for comfortable and durable travel. It is flight-approved and water-resistant, making it ideal for carrying your laptop and other essentials. Designed for kids, teens, and anyone seeking a practical travel bag, it boasts ample space and compartments. It also features sturdy compression straps and multiple packing cubes for small items.
Reason to Buy
- Dedicated compartment for seventeen-inch laptops
- Multiple pockets and expandable capacity
- Portable and easy to carry
Reason to Avoid
- Best suited for short-term travel, adventures, or outdoor trips
5. The Most Durable Samsonite Omni PC Carry-on Hard side Luggage
Product Specifications
- Type: Carry-on luggage
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 15 x 22 inches
- Capacity: 92 liters
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Colors: Black, Caribbean Blue, Red, Silver, Teal, White, Navy, Purple, Burnt Orange, Pink, Radiant Pink
Key Features
- This 20-inch spinner suitcase maximizes space while fitting most carry-on size restrictions, perfect for light travelers.
- The micro-diamond polycarbonate texture is highly scratch-resistant, keeping the bag looking great.
- Four large multi-directional wheels make it easy to move while reducing weight.
- Features a ten-year warranty, dent and scratch resistance, TSA locks, four spinner wheels, and a push-button lock for handles.
- A book-style suitcase with a mesh divider and cross straps in the main compartment, plus a hidden zipper pocket.
- Expandable design lets you pack more, while compression keeps clothes organized.
Our Verdict
This compact Samsonite Omni PC carry-on fits perfectly in overhead compartments. It’s lightweight and has spacious compartments, expandable space, strong zippers, extra pockets, and solid straps to keep your items secure. The bag rolls smoothly on various surfaces and turns swiftly.
Reason to Buy
- Plenty of storage space in an expandable carry-on.
- Equipped with TSA locks and push-button handle locks.
- Durable hard-shell protection against dents and scratches.
- Comes with a ten-year warranty.
Reason to Avoid
- The four spinner wheels are small and may get stuck on cracked or damaged surfaces.
6. The Best Cabin Spinner Lipault Plume Luggage
Product Specifications
- Type: Cabin Carry-on
- Dimensions: 21.8 x 13.8 x 8.3 inches
- Capacity: 4.8 Pounds
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Color: Black
Key Features
- Exceptionally Lightweight: Weighing only 4.8 pounds, this carry-on is easy to handle and lift into overhead bins.
- 360-Degree Mobility: The four-wheel swivel system offers smooth and agile rolling in any direction, making it a breeze to maneuver on different surfaces.
- Ample Storage: Ideal for trips lasting a few days to a week. It includes a main compartment with security straps, a side zipper pocket, and an internal pocket that runs the length of the bag. The front zipper pocket provides quick access to small items.
- Robust Construction: Made from soft yet durable nylon fabric, featuring four sturdy spinner wheels, and equipped with TSA locks. It provides ample compartment and pocket space for your belongings.
Our Verdict
This soft-shell duffle spinner bag is lightweight and comfortable to use. While it’s not expandable, it has sufficient space to store your essentials. The exterior pockets are great for small accessories. The bag can be easily rolled using spin wheels or carried by hand. Despite its handles being a bit loose, it rolls smoothly. It’s a high-quality soft-shell option that’s perfect for short trips.
Reason to Buy
- Durable and Lightweight: It’s one of the lightest cabin carry-ons, ensuring ease of use.
- Smooth Rolling: Solid spin wheels allow for smooth movement in all directions.
- Resilient: The material is resistant to damage and scratches.
Reason to Avoid
- Handle Stability: The handles may wobble and feel loose, making them less reliable.
- Non-Expandable: It offers no expandable space which may limit packing flexibility.
7. Stylish and Flexibile Spinner Carry-On – The Travel Pro Maxlite Air
Product Specifications
- Type: Spinner Carry-on Luggage
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 14.5 x 23 inches
- Capacity: 46 liters
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Colors: Cabernet Maroon, Shadowy Grey, Blue, Metallic, Orchid Purple, Slate Green, Champagne, and Black
Key Features
- This carry-on fits in overhead bins of most major airlines. It offers more packing space and has 360° swivel wheels for smooth, multi-directional mobility.
- Made of lightweight 100% polycarbonate, flexes under impact to prevent splits and cracks. Has a sleek exterior to reduce visible scratches.
- Lightweight design, four durable spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and expandable compartments for extra space.
- Internal zipped divider panels and accessory pockets keep your items organized and secure.
Our Verdict
This luggage is lightweight, stylish, and comfortable. The hard shell resists damage and dents. It’s spacious enough for essentials and has eight rotating wheels for flexibility. The four sets of double-spin wheels are handy on uneven surfaces but can be slightly unstable when fully loaded.
Reason to Buy
- It’s durable with a shiny, stylish design. The hard shell resists scratches and cracks.
- The four spinner wheels allow for smooth rotation in every direction.
Reason to Avoid
- Limited capacity, making it ideal only for short trips.
- Can become unstable when fully packed.
8. The Best Long-Lasting Coolife ABS Plus PC Spinner Trolley Luggage
Product Specifications
- Type: Spinner Carry-on Luggage
- Dimensions: 19.29 x 30.71 x 12.6 inches
- Capacity: 38 liters
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Colors: Sakura Pink, Night Navy, Titanium Gray, White
Key Features
- Choose from individual pieces or sets; notably, the 20″ carry-on includes a front pocket, while the 28″ size does not. Note that when the front pocket is utilized, the interior capacity of the 20″ carry-on will be slightly reduced compared to a typical 20″ model.
- Constructed from ABS + PC (polycarbonate) material, the luggage is designed to be both lightweight and sturdy, featuring a textured surface to minimize scratching.
- Inside, the luggage offers a cross-tie band and mesh compartments to help you keep your belongings organized during your trip.
- Offers ease of movement with four spinning wheels, and includes features like an adjustable, lockable telescopic handle, double TSA locks, and ample compartments for both larger and smaller items.
Our Verdict
This unexpandable carry-on spinner luggage is compact and efficient. It features a strong hard shell and a smooth surface resistant to damage. With enough space for essentials for a four-day trip, it includes double TSA locks for added security and four spinner wheels for easy mobility, making it a cost-effective choice.
Reason to Buy
- Durable hard shell with four reliable spinner wheels.
- Resistant to dents and damage.
- Includes double TSA locks and an adjustable telescopic handle.
Reason to Avoid
- Limited space for short trips.
- The luggage is not expandable.
9. The Most Reliable Travel Pro Maxlite 5 Under Seat Carry-on Luggage
Product Specifications
- Type: Duffle Carry-on Luggage
- Dimensions: 17.68 x 17.32 x 6.73 inches
- Capacity: 28 liters
- Weight: 1 pound
- Colors: Azure Blue, Black, Burgundy, Dusty Rose, Purple, Mocha, Orchid Pink, Sapphire Blue, Shadow Grey, Slate Green, Violet
Key Features
- The Maxlite 5 is an ultralight, compact carry-on designed to fit under most airline seats.
- Made from durable polyester material with a zipper closure, it is water and stain-resistant.
- The bag comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a carrier promise for repair costs due to airline or common carrier damage for one year.
Our Verdict
You will find this bag highly convenient and easy to carry. It has ample space for a two-day trip, accommodating all your essentials and even a laptop. This duffel carry-on is a premium quality option at an affordable price.
Reason to Buy
- Made from high-quality, water, and stain-resistant polyester.
- Comfortable to carry with solid straps and trolley sleeves.
- Lightweight and durable, fits easily under seats or in overhead compartments.
Reason to Avoid
- It may not have sufficient space to carry all accessories like a traditional suitcase.
10. The Best Comfy Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Duffle Carry-on Luggage
Product Specifications
- Type: Duffle Carry-on Luggage
- Dimensions: 33.07 x 13.78 x 14.96 inches
- Capacity: 130 liters
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Colors: Blue, Sea Green, Charcoal, Black, Rising Sun
Key Features
- Constructed from abrasion-resistant Bi-Tech Armor material.
- Multiple carrying options: backpack with removable straps, suitcase with padded top carry handles, a side handle, or a top handle for rolling.
- Water-repellent canvas with a U-shaped zipper opening for quick access.
- Padded foam bottom to protect items.
- Lightweight and durable with water and stain resistance.
- Rolling duffle bag with wheels and ample space in main and end pockets.
Our Verdict
This two-wheeled duffle carry-on is spacious enough to hold your clothes and accessories, similar to checked baggage. With its large capacity and multiple carrying options, it’s perfect for any trip.
Reason to Buy
- Extra-large size and durable construction.
- Vast capacity for accessories and items, ideal for travel.
Reason to Avoid
- Lacks a solid handle for convenient holding.
- Limited extra pockets for small accessories.
Conclusion
When choosing the lightest luggage for travel, both hard-side and soft-side luggage materials offer good options. The right choice depends on what you need in terms of quality, flexibility, and cost. Rollaboard and spinner luggage are excellent for smooth and easy rolling, but spinners tend to be pricier. Rollaboards provide a more affordable option without sacrificing much on performance. Investing in high-quality, durable luggage can make your travels more convenient and ensure your gear lasts longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered lightweight luggage?
Lightweight luggage usually weighs less than 7 pounds. This can include both hard and soft-sided suitcases. The goal is to make traveling easier by reducing the total weight you need to carry or wheel around. You can find more suggestions for lightweight luggage.
Which materials are most durable for international travel suitcases?
For travelers, materials like polycarbonate and ballistic nylon are excellent choices. Polycarbonate is a tough, flexible plastic that resists impact well. Ballistic nylon is a heavy-duty synthetic fabric known for its long-lasting wear and tear resistance. Both materials offer solid protection for your belongings.
Is lightweight luggage strong and resistant?
Yes, many lightweight luggage options are designed to be both durable and resistant to wear. Manufacturers often use high-quality materials like polycarbonate and durable fabrics that are strong yet light. This balance ensures that your luggage can handle the stresses of travel while remaining easy to carry.
