The Best Luggage to Shop in Australia 2024
With features such as TSA-approved locks, smooth-rolling wheels, and spacious interiors, aluminum suitcases are a practical and stylish choice for any traveler. While aluminum luggage is always a coveted choice, it’s also usually an expensive one. But when you’re traveling on a budget, there are options to give you the luxury and durability of an aluminum suitcase without breaking the bank. Combining German Bayer PC material with an aluminum frame, this piece from Coolife gives you the added resilience of aluminum at a price that won’t cut into your travel budget. You’ll still get 360° spinner wheels for easy maneuvering, as well as a TSA-approved lock, and even more color options, including wine red and blue. The TRAVELKING Aluminum Suitcase is a durable and secure option for your travels.
In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing. It’s super durable, though, surviving our drop tests without any major denting or scuffing. We found the top handle comfortable to hold, but it felt slightly flimsy when pulling along a full case. Unsurprisingly suitcase aluminum given its cheaper price, it’s not as robust as many of the pricier cases, sustaining notable damage when bashed around. It has a five-year warranty though, making it a nifty buy if you need a substantial case and don’t want to shell out a lot. It survived our durability tests almost entirely unscathed, with just the expected minor scuffing.
And, to be honest, I was a little let down by my first grab and every grab thereafter. The handles on Rimowa’s popular Original Cabin Carry-On aren’t aluminum. That’s a noticeable setback for this $1,400 suitcase, especially considering the Classic Cabin Carry-On has leather-wrapped metal handles. In their eyes, extra pockets, a built-in charger and such are what quantifies a higher cost.
Expanding 10L so you can bring back more, this classic black suitcase is perfect for any holiday. Seasoned travellers know that the best luggage unites utility and style; fulfilling the brief at hand while bearing a design touch or two that make it easily distinguishable. Fortunately, long-haul carry has become more than an afterthought, with dedicated luggage brands and renowned luxury fashion houses alike creating stylish suitcases and weekenders that elevate the journey. The material of choice for hard-side cases these days is polycarbonate, a strong, tough thermoplastic that maintains its rigidity in very high or low temperatures. It’s also lightweight and flexes without cracking, making it ideal for suitcases that might get rough treatment in the baggage hold.
As a luggage tester, I’ve seen my fair share of suitcases, but in my opinion, MVST stands out as the best aluminum luggage brand of 2024. But these unique bags are also tremendously impractical and expensive compared toother luggage options. The truth is, most aluminum suitcases ding easily, aren’t expandable, and weigh a hefty 9 to 12 pounds. There’s no denying that Rimowa is the best brand for aluminum luggage. Not only are they the brand that came up with this concept in the first place, but they also manage to manufacture aluminum luggage that is significantly lighter than the luggage of other brands.
Mixing both contemporary and classic styling, the Carl Friedrik offers premium Italian leather detailing, durable aluminium lock frame and silent Japanese spinner wheels made by made by Hinomoto. The Travel + Leisure team has tested more than 600 pieces of luggage, including checked bags and carry-ons, to see which ones stack up. We also built an airplane set in our lab to lift carry-on suitcases into overhead bins, place them underneath seats, and roll them down carpeted aisles to see how portable and lightweight they are. Melbourne-designed, July is relatively new on the scene but is quickly becoming a cult luggage brand for weekender bags and suitcases. For frequent jetsetters, the Carry On Pro suitcase is a fine choice, featuring a hard-shell front pocket for easy access to your laptop plus an ejectable power bank to charge your electronics on the go.
With a large packing area, mesh pockets, and carrying bags built in to help manage essentials better and keep your contents organized during transit, the North Face Borealis is well-equipped inside. One feature that is missing from aluminium suitcases is a laptop storage compartment. The laptop holder is removable so you can change from briefcase to carry-on. You’ll receive 2 TSA approved locks, flexible packing dividers, free delivery, lifetime guarantee and a choice of gloss or matte finish. The Solgaard is also $100 cheaper than other aluminium frame competitors July and Carl Friedrik which is why it’s my top choice and best value zipperless suitcase too. Solgaard may not be a household name yet, but I guarantee it will in the future.
These products have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post. Considering this, I would advise against checking this luggage if you wish to minimize the occurrence of dents. One customer shares the same sentiment, stating, they, “agreed with the other reviews about scratches; I tried to fight it for a while but eventually I just embraced them. No dings so long as I never gate check it, so I save this for cross-country flights”.
It's essential to check the carry-on baggage policies of your specific airline to ensure your luggage meets the requirements. Carry on luggage refers to the bags or suitcases that passengers can bring inside an airplane's cabin. It is the type of luggage you can keep during your flight, rather than checking it in and having it stowed in the aircraft's cargo hold.
A harder shell also protects your items, preventing leaks and other breakages. ABS luggage, made from a thermoplastic (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is the lightest option on the market, and often the cheapest. And if you want a good in-between, polycarbonate is a good mix of durable-yet-lightweight. Stefanie Waldek is a freelance travel writer with nearly a decade of experience. For this article, she evaluated aluminum suitcases based on their features and read dozens of customer reviews. We also updated the article with tested picks, incorporating feedback from the T+L lab tests.
However, others appreciate the extra security that a hard case provides. If you’re looking for something that is both lightweight and durable, then a hard-sided aluminum luggage might be what you need. The most difficult part about this suitcase is choosing between the eight delicious colours on offer. Aside from that, having this Nere number by your side will make all your travels an absolute breeze. With a quality ABS hard shell, an expander and eight spinner wheels, it’s the stylish and strong luggage you can rely on.
Aluminum luggage is specifically designed to withstand rough handling and various travel conditions, making it an extremely popular choice among frequent travelers. According to Oscar Brumelis of CleverJourney, aluminum suitcases are often considered to be the most durable option available. No discussion on the best aluminum suitcases is complete without a nod to Rimowa’s Original Cabin masterpiece. This sleek suitcase is crafted from a premium anodized aluminum alloy, accentuated by riveted high-gloss aluminum corners, and finished off with meticulously hand-made leather handles. Its irresistible charm and unrivaled durability make it a true champion in its league.
For frequent travelers, this 2 Piece Luggage Set Carry On Travel Suitcases Cabin Hard Shell Case Bags is an excellent choice. It comes with a 20-inch carry-on and a 28-inch spinner, both with all the necessary features ... Made from GG Supreme canvas with grey leather trim, this Italian-made cabin suitcase from Gucci is a traveller’s staple accessory.
The Samsonite Magnum Eco is slightly lighter and is available in extra large however. Samsonite are leading the way when it comes to eco-friendly luggage, offering several options which use recycled materials. The DLX version offers an upgrade interior while the Eco version is made from recycled materials. Delsey Paris are one of the most stylish, budget luggage brands on the market.