A great set of luggage means safer souvenirs, more room for your travel essentials and less stress at the airport. Buying affordable luggage doesn’t have to mean skimping on quality, either. If you think it’s time to upgrade your luggage, consider one of the best cheap luggage options.
Quick Look: The Best Cheap Luggage
- Best Overall: Rockland Melbourne 20-Inch - Get it now
- AmazonBasics Pyramid Luggage Spinner - Get it now
- American Tourister Moonlight Spinner - Get it now
- Travelpro Maxlite 4 Rolling Tote - Get it now
- Traveler's Choice Amsterdam 4-Piece Luggage Set - Get it now
- Coolife Luggage 3-Piece Sets - Get it now
- Rockland 20", 28" 2pc Expandable Abs Spinner Set - Get it now
- Rockland 2 Piece Luggage Set, Owl - Get it now
- Isaac Mizrahi Ingram 3-Piece Luggage Set - Get it now
- Rockland Luggage 20 Inch, 28 Inch 2-Piece Expandable Spinner Set - Get it now
- AmazonBasics Premium Expandable Softside Spinner Luggage - Get it now
Characteristics of the Best Luggage
Unfortunately, not every piece of luggage on the market is of equal quality — especially when you’re shopping on a budget. When you’re looking for affordable luggage, look for these essential qualities and features.
Lightweight Frame
Air travel is stressful enough — so why struggle with bulky luggage to catch a flight? The best luggage is lightweight and easily moveable, even if it has a hard outer body.
Airline-Approved Sizing
Most airlines have limitations on how large your carry-on luggage can be. In the United States, the majority of airlines won’t allow you to carry on a bag that’s more than 45 inches long. Some major airlines (including Delta, Spirit
If you try to bring a carry-on that’s too large onto the plane, a flight attendant or gate agent may force you to check it at your expense. Play it safe if you’re shopping for a carry-on and look for a bag that’s 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches tall — this is the limit for the largest airlines in the U.S.
Plenty of Pouches
It can be tough to stay organized while you travel. Look for luggage with plenty of interior pouches and sections to keep your things in order and avoid spillage when you’re at 30,000 feet.
Sturdy Hardware
One of the best ways to save money is by investing a little extra money in a durable set of luggage. Luggage hardware (including your handle, wheels and zippers) are the unsung heroes of air travel.
When they’re doing their jobs well, you won’t notice. But if they break, your luggage instantly becomes useless. Before you buy a piece of luggage, test out the hardware to make sure it’s sturdy. Make sure the handle pops out and goes back in without hassle, the wheels roll smoothly and the zippers don’t catch.
An affordable set of luggage with great craftsmanship will last longer and save you more money over time because you won’t need to buy a replacement as early.
A Unique Color or Pattern
You probably already know how big of a hassle it can be to spot your black suitcase in a sea of black suitcases twirling around baggage claim. Try to look for an option with a bright color or memorable pattern — this may help you get your bag easier and avoid any mix-ups. If you’re devoted to black, try to look for a bag with another unique feature, like a colored handle or lock that you can spot from a distance.
The Best Affordable Luggage
We’ve picked out a few of our top favorite affordable luggage choices available online. Consider adding one or more to your home before you say bon voyage!
Best Overall: Rockland Melbourne 20-Inch
- Who's it for? Traveler's needing lightweight and durability
- Price: On sale
The Rockland Melbourne is a sturdy yet lightweight carry-on choice for travelers looking for simplicity and sustainability.
The suitcase comes in a massive range of 29 colors, so you’re sure to find something that you like.
Its 20-by-13-by-10 inch frame means it will make it through almost every airline’s gate screening. But don’t let its small size fool you.
The Melbourne’s interior is spacious, fully lined and includes plenty of space for souvenirs and travel essentials.
Best Cheap Carry-Ons
AmazonBasics Pyramid Luggage SpinnerW
- Who's it for
? Travelers needing extra protection - Price: On sale
An exceptionally well-designed hard exterior that includes both matte and glossy panels, the AmazonBasics Pyramid carry-on comes in flashy colors.
It also includes a TSA lock that features both a dial lock and a TSA-override keyhole so you don’t need to enter your combination if you’re searched.
Durable and spacious, the AmazonBasics’ Pyramid Luggage is anything but basic.
American Tourister Moonlight Spinner
- Who's it for? Travelers needing mobility
- Price: On sale
The American Tourist Moonlit Spinner gets its name from its single spinner wheels, which offer a smooth 360-degree spin.
Its exterior case is hard and durable and the handle and zippers are impressive as well. If you value bright colors and unique designs, the Moonlight comes in 9 snappy patterns.
It’s even backed by a 10-year warranty, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your carry-on next year just because you chose an affordable option.
Travelpro Maxlite 4 Rolling Tote
- Who's it for? Business travelers
- Price: On Sale
The Travelpro Maxlite 4 is a lightweight rolling carry-on that’s perfect for corporate professionals who travel for work and who can’t carry a neon hard case model with clients.
The Maxlite’s body is durable and hides stains well and comes in 3 dark professional hues. The carry-on’s interior pockets are expansive and have room for everything despite the model’s small size.
It’s also got a lifetime warranty in case anything ever happens on a trip.
Best Cheap Luggage Sets
Traveler's Choice Amsterdam 4-Piece Luggage Set
- Who's it for? Solo Travelers
- Price: On Sale
Are you a single traveler who needs plenty of storage space but don’t want to fight to roll multiple suitcases through the airport? The Amsterdam 4-Piece set is a perfect choice.
The set features 3 upright rolling bags and 1 travel tote which can be stacked for easy movement.
The nylon exteriors are strong and water resistant and expandable zippers and nylon sections can increase storage capabilities by over 25%.
Coolife Luggage 3-Piece Sets
- Who's it for? Travelers looking for durability
- Price: On sale
Looking for a luggage set that fits in your studio apartment? Look no further than the Coolife Luggage set. The Coolife luggage 3-piece set includes a 20-inch, a 24-inch and a 28-inch upright model, all of which can be stored inside one another when not in use.
The unique irregular design of the luggage and metallic colors make the set stand out from afar.
It’s also perfect for travelers focused on weight — the carry-on model weighs just 6 pounds when empty, which is light enough for even a child to maneuver effectively.
Rockland 20", 28" 2pc Expandable Abs Spinner Set
- Who's it for? Travelers needing durability
- Price: On sale
Unlike other sets on our list, the Rockland Expandable set only includes a carry-on and a checked item. However, the Rockland set delivers both durability and flexibility.
The set has an exceptionally hard exterior casing that’s able to withstand everything from high-speed winds to temperatures of over 200 degrees.
The set expands for more storage and weighs just under 20 pounds total — ideal for the single traveler.
Best for Kids
Rockland 2 Piece Luggage Set, Owl
- Who's it for? Children
- Price: On sale
Luggage for children needs to be light, durable, comfortable and easily accessible — and the Rockland 2-Piece Luggage Set offers all 4 qualities at an unbeatable price.
The set is designed with sturdy wheels and a well-designed handle that’s durable and comfortable for children to use and carry.
The front of both pieces features zippered pouches, perfect for storing toys and snacks. It also features a unique kid-friendly owl design that’s sure to stand out at baggage claim.
Best Designer
Isaac Mizrahi Ingram 3-Piece Luggage Set
- Who's it for? Fashion-conscious travelers
- Price: On sale
A creation from the legendary design mind of Isaac Mizrahi, the Ingram set is an affordable indulgence that allows you to pack in style.
The set includes 3 upright bags along with a stylish personal tote that perfectly compliments the pink and blue design.
The luggage is also made of durable polyester and features sturdy spinning wheels for a good-looking and reliable package.
Best Colorful
Rockland Luggage 20 Inch, 28 Inch 2-Piece Expandable Spinner Set
- Who's it for? Travelers needing durability and design
- Price: On sale
Rockland Luggage sets come in a massive selection of colors, ranging from neon pink to lime green.
Though the color selection is fantastic, the luggage also features a durable shell, full lining, and a sturdy extendable handle at less than $100 per set.
Best Black
AmazonBasics Premium Expandable Softside Spinner Luggage
- Who's it for? Business professionals
- Price: On sale
This set from AmazonBasics features a sleek and sophisticated black color that professional travelers can bring anywhere they go.
The design is just the beginning — a durable polyester outer cover makes the set water resistant, and it’s backed by Amazon’s limited 3-year warranty as well. Every item in the set also includes a TSA lock for extra protection when you travel.
Built to last and affordable, the AmazonBasics set comes through for travelers looking to cut the frills and arrive at their destination in style.
Travel At a Price You Can Afford
Buying a new luggage set doesn’t have to mean spending hundreds of dollars on multiple pieces or endlessly comparing prices.
Today’s luggage sets are more affordable than ever and give you the quality, convenience
When you shop for luggage, consider your individual needs as a traveler. Are you a light packer who takes short weekend trips? You’ll probably want to focus your time and money on finding a sturdy and reliable carry-on. Do you fly with children or family members?
You might want to look for luggage sets that offer plenty of space. Flying for business or with clients? Look for a luggage set with a classic sleek design and durable frame.
Looking for more? Check out Benzinga's guides to the best cheap tvs, the best cheap laptops and the best cheap tablets.
About Luke Jacobi
Luke Jacobi is a distinguished professional known for his role as President at Benzinga, a renowned financial media outlet. With a background in business operations and management, Luke brings valuable expertise to his position, overseeing various aspects of Benzinga’s operations. His contributions play a crucial role in the company’s success, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across different departments. Prior to his role at Benzinga, Luke has held positions that have honed his skills in leadership and strategic decision-making. With a keen understanding of the financial industry and a commitment to driving innovation, Luke continues to make significant contributions to Benzinga’s mission of providing high-quality financial news and analysis.