15 Best Checked Bags for Every Trip in 2025

The Ambeur Medium Luggage earned a 6.5/10 by balancing useful features with some durability questions — in our testing the 2-inch expansion and featherlight 6‑lb build made packing and lifting far easier. We found the 360° spinner wheels glide smoothly through terminals, which is a major real-world benefit for tight connections, but our experience shows darker colors scuff and the fabric expansion panel is less robust than the hardshell. During our review a small number of users reported cracking and wheel issues after months of heavy use, so consider how often you’ll fly.

The Sympatico 3.0 Medium Spinner earned a 9/10 in our guide for good reason: a high‑strength recycled polycarbonate shell plus the CX® Compression‑Expansion system boosted usable capacity by about 25% in our testing. We found the built‑in TSA‑friendly combination lock and solid construction make it a top-rated choice for longer trips where protection and packing flexibility matter, though our experience shows the matte finish picks up scratches and telescoping handles vary in height across sizes. If premium performance is your priority, this one’s worth the investment.

For travelers who value style, the Delsey Chatelet Hard+ Carry-on Luggage brings a classic, glamorous look and earned a respectable place despite a 7/10 score. In our testing the luxurious materials and smooth wheels impressed us, and the built-in TSA-approved lock adds security for peace of mind. We found it’s heavier than many modern carry-ons, so weight-conscious flyers should beware, and during our review the white option showed scuffs more easily, making darker colors a smarter long-term choice.

The Medium Check-In Roller is a practical choice if you want built-in tech like a weight indicator, which in our testing helped avoid surprise airline fees. We found the hardshell construction feels sturdy and the expandable design gives useful extra room for longer trips, and the TSA-approved lock is convenient for checked travel. During our review the bag’s heavier build and tendency to scuff were downsides, so if you’re trying to reduce lift weight or want a pristine finish after many trips, consider that trade-off.

The Platinum Elite Check-In Spinner aims at polished durability with high-density nylon and DuraGuard® coating that, in our testing, resisted stains and abrasions impressively. We found the softshell build and expandable capacity useful for packing bulkier items, and the TSA-approved lock offered good security for checked trips. During our review the oversized profile and tendency for the wheels to drift toward the user were frustrating on long treks, earning it a 6.5/10 overall—great fabric and finish, but watch the steering quirks and bulk.

While not the highest scorer in the roundup, the Check‑In Large delivers dependable protection with a durable polycarbonate shell and whisper‑quiet wheels that made airport navigation effortless in our testing. We found its solid build is reassuring for longer trips, but our experience shows trade-offs: it lacks expandable capacity so packing flexibility is limited, lighter finishes show scuffs quickly, and the nearly 10‑lb empty weight makes it one of the heavier checked options. If protection and smooth rolling top your list, it’s a practical choice.

Scoring 7.5/10, the Check‑In Roller is a go-to if you need roomy checked capacity and dependable hardware — during our review the zippers and fittings felt robust and handled heavy loads without fuss. We found the interior swallows bulky items like puffy jackets for extended trips, but our experience shows the light-colored finishes scuff and can even crack over time, and packed weight can make maneuvering tiring on longer walks. If you prioritize space and durability over featherweight travel, this is a solid, practical option.

The Freeform Carry-On Spinner by Samsonite scored a solid 8/10 in our testing thanks to agile 360-degree spinners and a reliable TSA-approved lock. We found the expandable hard shell gives extra packing flexibility for weekend plus trips, and the overall build felt durable during several transit tests. During our review the limited color palette and tendency for some finishes to show scratches were drawbacks, and the built-in ID tag is a bit hidden, but its maneuverability and security make it an easy recommendation.

If you want a practical, budget-friendly checked bag, the Expandable Check-In Suitcase is a solid pick that scored an 8/10 in our testing. We found the lightweight hardshell and four smooth wheels make it easy to maneuver, while interior compartments, a compression panel and a removable laundry bag genuinely improve packing efficiency on longer trips. During our review the suitcase’s expandable capacity and TSA-approved lock were real bonuses, though our experience shows the shell scuffs fairly easily and some users report zippers feeling glitchy over time, plus color choices are limited.

If capacity and long-term reliability are top priorities, the Expandable Spinner from Briggs & Riley earned our highest marks at 9.5/10 and is worth the investment. In our testing its massive expandable softshell design swallowed gear for extended trips and rolled smoothly on four wheels, making packing for long itineraries far less stressful. During our review we did note it’s heavier and significantly more expensive than many competitors, so it’s best for travelers who value capacity, build quality, and lifetime-oriented performance over upfront savings.

TUMI’s Short Trip Expandable Packing Case delivers premium toughness with FXT® ballistic fabric and a built-in TSA dual combination lock, which in our testing offered strong security and abrasion resistance. We found the dual spinner wheels and three-stage handle make short hauls feel effortless, but our experience shows the trade-offs are real: it weighs 15.4 lbs and carries a premium $1,195 price tag, putting it out of reach for budget-minded travelers. During our review the limited color range also felt restrictive for those who want more personal style.

The Expandable Check‑In Medium from Monos earned an 8/10 in our testing by delivering practical expandability and butter‑smooth wheels that made rolling through busy terminals effortless. We found the 1.6‑inch expandable zipper and organized interior with compression straps are genuine packing upgrades for longer trips, though our experience shows light color options scuff easily and the nearly 10‑lb empty weight may matter if you’re tracking airline limits. At $395 it’s a worthwhile midrange pick if you value neat packing and easy maneuvering.

Briggs & Riley’s Expandable Spinner scored an 8/10 by combining a generous 2.5‑inch expansion with the brand’s signature build quality — in our testing that extra room makes last-minute souvenirs and bulky items much easier to stash. We found it’s a dependable traveler’s workhorse, but our experience shows it trends heavier than some rivals and the handle geometry has potential to stress the polycarbonate shell over the long term. Note it doesn’t include a built‑in TSA lock, so bring an approved lock if you want extra checked-bag security.

The Delsey Chatelet Hard+ Luggage again leans into timeless style and functionality, matching its carry-on sibling with a 7/10 in our guide. We found the unique brake system that locks the front wheels practical for keeping the bag steady on slopes or moving walkways, and the TSA-approved lock adds travel-ready security. During our review the heavy weight stood out as a downside for those monitoring airline limits, and lighter color finishes showed scuffs more easily, so pick darker shades for longevity.

The Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner scored a solid 7/10 in our testing thanks to a rugged 100% polycarbonate shell and aluminum corner guards that really protect checked gear, while its four smooth wheels make airport sprinting easier. We found the external fast-charge ports are convenient for topping off devices, though our experience shows some travelers run into compatibility limits with native USB‑C charging. During our review the built-in TSA-approved lock added welcome security, but the 8.1 lb weight and bulky expanded profile can push it past strict carry-on limits.

The Away Medium Checked Luggage earned an 8.5/10 in our guide for marrying rugged polycarbonate durability with silky 360-degree spinner wheels that make airport navigation effortless. In our testing the interior compression system helped maximize space and keep items organized, ideal for frequent travelers who prioritize protection. During our review we noted the polycarbonate shell can scuff over time and it lacks an expandable option, and while pricier than some competitors, the combination of durability and maneuverability justifies the premium for many.

The Medium in Jet Black is a lightweight, highly maneuverable option that performed well in our review and scored 7.5/10 for balance of features. We found the quiet, smooth wheels and built-in TSA-approved lock make it a solid companion for city-to-city travel, and the compression system helped keep packing tight. During our testing the exterior proved prone to scuffs and some compression components felt plasticky, and the higher price nudges it toward travelers who favor weight and handling over budget.

If lightweight capacity is your priority, the Maxlite 5 Medium Spinner is a trustworthy softshell option that scored 7.5/10 in our roundup. Our experience shows its roomy interior and featherweight construction make packing and ferrying a full load noticeably easier, while durable materials stand up well to rough handling. During our review we did notice it’s prone to tipping over when stationary and that expansion gives only modest extra space, and it lacks a TSA-approved lock, so bring a lock if you need added security.

Calpak’s Ambeur Carry-On Luggage earned a 7/10 for pairing eye-catching, monochromatic styling with practical organization — in our testing the multiple pockets and compartments made day-to-day packing a breeze. We found the hard-side design rolls smoothly and looks sharp on the carousel, but our experience shows durability is a weak spot: the shell isn’t full polycarbonate and the expandable fabric section can be more dent-prone than competitors. During our review the interior zipper also had a tendency to snag, so handle with care if you travel frequently.