There’s nothing like the horror of having your hard shell burst open before boarding an Amtrak. What’s worse? Knowing the hundreds you spent could have gone to upgrading your ticket.

Before becoming a shopping reporter, I had traveled the globe (studying in Australia, Spain and then trekking between the West and East Coasts), so I know a thing or two about luggage and what matters.

How easily can it be chucked into a car? How smoothly does it glide over bumpy surfaces? And, of course, how well can it protect your belongings while being tossed on the airport carousel?

To find the suitcases that could meet the stresses of New York City, we divided the luggage into three categories: First Class, Direct-to-Consumer Aesthetics and Overpackers Anonymous, testing the features that mattered most to different types of travelers.

See our full testing criteria

First Class

For the First-Class category, we focused on suitcases that are truly worth the splurge. These premium luggage brands offer stronger exteriors, more packing space, and intuitive design features.

Best overall: Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On

Commerce Partnerships Associate Brooke Parker was blown away by how lightweight and easy to steer the Tumi suitcase was. 

“Even on the bumpy sidewalks, the suitcase would glide without getting caught on cracks or rocks or rattling my hand as I pulled it (the ultimate last straw when I am already over-scheduled with a travel day),” she shared.

When it came to packing, Parker found the simple compartments worked well, though she wasn’t able to fit all of her bulkier items. “I feel more comfortable using the expandable feature on the Tumi given its much higher zipper quality and overall stability when expanded,” she added.

For Parker, it was the thoughtful details that made the biggest difference. She highlighted the built-in USB-C charging port, which is useful for travelers prone to forgetting to charge their phones before takeoff. 

The sleek appearance is another part of Tumi’s appeal. Its wave-like exterior adds character while maintaining a more practical look than something overtly luxurious. 

“It gives a high-quality, clean look without too much flash, which is something I consider important especially when traveling alone and commuting long distances through the city.”

Type: Hardshell | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Capacity: 38 liters (expands) | Expandable: Yes | Lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

Most luxuriousCarl Friedrik The Carry-on

This Carl Friedrik Carry-On glides like a champ, stays quiet over bumps and packs more than expected. I was very excited to get my hands on it after hearing so many rave reviews. It took a bit of a learning curve to figure out how to open it, but once I did, the whole thing felt indestructible.

The TSA-approved combination locks are reassuring for frequent travelers. Compression pockets keep items securely in place. There’s also a tight pocket for sliding in a laptop, rather than letting it roam freely in the bag — a major plus for anyone traveling with electronics.

Now the drawbacks. 

At nearly 10 pounds, the case is substantially heavier than other suitcases I’ve tried. That extra weight does make it feel grounded when navigating turns and bumps, but it can be a downside if you’re trying to minimize luggage weight.

The anodized aluminum shell is eye-catching and gives the suitcase a luxurious, premium look — and at almost $1000, it truly should look the part. Unfortunately, it showed some signs of damage during testing, showing a few scuffs. In our drop test, the case fared even worse, ending up with several visible scratches and dents. So, while it’s undeniably pretty, the heavier aluminum build didn’t take concrete particularly well.

Type: Hardshell | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 × 15 × 9.1 inches | Capacity: 39 liters | Expandable: No | Lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Best aluminum Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on

When you see the price tag on the Rimowa Original Cabin, you might think, Whoa, that’s a month’s rent — or a vacation in itself. But among luggage brands, this is the Hermès or Rolls-Royce of suitcases, and our Editorial Director, Barret Wertz, said it  “earned its stripes” for a few reasons.

“The glide was insane,” he pointed out. “I don’t know if I would pay this much more just to ensure a good glide, but that was the first thing that jumped out to me. The handle is wide and easy to pull in and out.”

The suitcase felt secure and sturdy, although it did pick up some scratches — something Wertz considers normal for aluminum luggage and even part of its character. That said, the drop test left it with quite a few bumps and bruises, including a couple of dents.

In terms of storage. Wertz says he loves a tight pack but is more accustomed to traveling with a larger suitcase. While the Rimowa luggage wasn’t difficult to pack and the compression system was a nice touch, he wished there were more room. The compact size was also noticed when he placed his pet carrier on top, which felt a little wobbly. His larger case provided a bigger, smoother platform.

Ultimately, it was the Rimowa’s looks that sold him. He called it a “super chic choice” and said that while there’s an argument for the classic silver case (the brand’s most iconic look) there’s also a case to be made for the black-and-gunmetal colorway. For Wertz, that darker finish has a cool confidence that says, “I bought it for the bag, not for the trend.”

Type: Hardshell | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 × 15.8 × 9.1 inches | Capacity: 35 liter | Expandable: No | Lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Direct-to-Consumer Aesthetics

If you’re after an attractive suitcase that’s still tough, this is the category to consider. The three brands selected for direct-to-consumer provide sleek, social-media-friendly suitcases that also prioritize functionality.

Best maneuverability: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Commerce Deputy Editor Holly J Coley says she had never owned “nice” luggage before and loved the storage setup. “It has a main compartment, but you almost don’t need to use that because it has two deep compartments that are hidden behind two large zipper pockets — both of which have dual-sided zippers, so you can pack or remove from whatever angle you’re at,” she explained.

The front pocket features three interior pockets and dedicated space for a laptop, another large, flat device like a Kindle or tablet, and a notebook or magazines. Coley says it’s useful for items you want to access quickly, including a passport. “This is the type of bag that could really work as the only piece of luggage you bring on a trip — provided you know how to pack, which I don’t. But I was seriously so impressed with it.”

Coley was also impressed by the suitcase’s 360-degree spinner wheels, which made it effortless to navigate. Even when fully packed, she found the Monos luggage significantly less cumbersome than her previous soft-sided suitcase.

The Carry-On Pro Plus features an aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shell. While Monos doesn’t claim that it’s scratch- or scuff-proof, Coley was still surprised by how quickly signs of wear appeared. After the drop test, it picked up a few more scuffs but still fared much better than the aluminum cases. 

Type: Hardside | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Dimensions: 23 × 15 × 9.5 inches | Capacity: 42 liters | Expandable: No | Lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Best storage: July Carry-On Max Expandable Carry-on

Our tester, Commerce Partnerships Manager Frank Massaro, was a big fan of the July suitcase, calling it a “major upgrade” from the L.L.Bean luggage he typically used. The biggest selling point was its 62-liter capacity, offering more room than most without sacrificing the suitcase’s sleek style.

During the packing test, Massaro fit everything except two smaller items: a water bottle and a laptop. Since he typically keeps both in his carry-on, this wasn’t an issue for him, and he noted that packing cubes could have helped maximize the available space. 

“The handle had a nice ergonomic grip to put ease on my hand and wrist,” he shared. “The suitcase rarely was caught on uneven surfaces and navigated the bodega, LIRR and NYC Subway like a pro.” He was impressed by the durable feel, noting that it didn’t pick up any noticeable marks, aside from some discoloration during the stair drop test.

The main drawback was the branding. July prominently displays its name on the exterior, which he found excessive. 

That said, he acknowledged that it could have a practical upside: making the suitcase easier to spot when retrieving it at the airport. 

Type: Hardshell | Weight: 8.2 pound | Dimensions: 23 × 16 × 9 inches | Capacity: 50 liters, expands to 62 liter | Expandable: Yes | Lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Best organization: Away The Carry-On

Away is known for its variety of trendy color options, including the charming new Tide Line Stripe, but according to our reviewer, Commerce Editor Will Kenton, it’s the thoughtful compression system that really stands out. 

It only took a few minutes to pack, though the suitcase couldn’t hold everything on his list. Three pairs of shoes, in particular, were difficult to fit. Still, the intuitive compartment system made it easy to find spots for most of his belongings and helped keep everything organized.

Unfortunately, Kenton found that the design fell short when it came to durability, which could be disappointing for shoppers drawn to Away luggage for its looks. During the drop test, the tan exterior began scraping off by the second or third drop, leaving visible white scratches and scuffs. “It feels very durable, but the shell does appear to take scratches easily. It comes with a buffing sponge, so clearly the manufacturer knows this is a hazard,” he explained.

Kenton did like the suitcase’s spinning wheels, however, which made it easy to maneuver through the city. “The wheels are great. They also took a fair amount of abuse as we rolled it across broken sidewalk and through gutter sludge,” he added.

Type: Hardshell | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 × 14.4 × 9 inches | Capacity: 39.8 liters | Expandable: No | Lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Overpackers Anonymous

For the Overpackers Anonymous crowd, thoughtful storage solutions are prioritized over looks. These are the suitcases that handle all your belongings without making packing feel like a headache-inducing puzzle.

Best budget: Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On

The Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On is the most affordable of the bunch, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. The suitcase was the winner of our official star drop test, with its flexibility and durability proving surprisingly impressive. Our Social Media Manager, Michelle Moezam, has also been a longtime fan of the brand, having used an Amazon Basics suitcase for the last eight years.

One of Moezam’s favorite features is how easy the suitcase is to pack. Despite being a carry-on, it has a spacious interior, while the interior zip compartment makes it easy to find a spot for everything. “It has a very wide open,” she pointed out. “And the bands holding the clothing together are always helpful, with the one-side compartment completely closing so shoes don’t mingle with clothes.”

Maneuvering the suitcase is also a breeze, although Moezam found it less stable on rough terrain. 

Before the drop test, she had wished the exterior were a bit harder, but it ultimately performed much better than expected. It had no dents and was barely marked after the test, holding up remarkably well compared with some higher-end brands and showing that a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing durability.

Type: Hardshell | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Dimensions: 21.7 × 15 × 10 inches | Capacity: 34 liters, expands | Expandable: Yes | Lock: No | Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty

Best for international travel: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner

Page Six Associate Editor Hannah Southwick was surprised by how much she could fit in the Travelpro. She took it on a weeklong trip to Europe, where it easily handled everything she needed, including a bridesmaid dress and heels for a friend’s wedding.

“It held up well even when I was forced to check my baggage because it was overweight. Mainly my fault, but I do wish the suitcase was a little lighter when empty,” she suggested. “Plus, the hard shell wasn’t doing me any favors when they tested the size to make sure it fit the right dimensions. That said, I think that’s the nature of hard-shell luggage.”

From uneven NYC sidewalks to the JFK AirTrain and bus stations in Prague and Austria, Southwick says the wheels held up and the MagnaTrac self-aligning spinner made changing directions simple, especially when navigating busy airports. The bag also has USB-A and C ports with fast-charge capabilities, a useful feature for powering up on the go.

The suitcase doesn’t show much wear from typical use. “This suitcase has now been on countless train rides, several Uber rides, and a couple of bus rides. There are no scratches or dents, and the hard-shell exterior is easy to clean off if someone (me) spills coffee on it or it gets dirty,” she says. Unfortunately, it didn’t fare as well in the stair drop test, when the dark shell scuffed off easily and left visible white marks across the case.

When it comes to aesthetics, Southwick admits the Travelpro luggage isn’t exactly a showstopper. “I think that’s the only category I wouldn’t give this suitcase the highest marks in,” she said. 

Type: Hardshell | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Capacity: 45 liters, expands | Expandable: Yes | Lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty

Best lightweight: Samsonite Elevation Plus Hardside Carry-On

Social Media Marketing Manager Brooke Matalon says she’s not one of the world’s greatest packers. In fact, she identifies as the opposite.

“That said, I really appreciated that the suitcase had compartments that functioned like built-in packing cubes to keep everything organized,” she shared. “However, I found it easier to remove the packing cubes when packing bulkier items like boots and big coats.” She wasn’t able to fit some of the larger items and struggled to close the suitcase, so much so that she had to sit on it while her roommate zipped it up. Thankfully, the zipper extender made it possible to close it.

One of her favorite aspects of the design was how well it maneuvered. The Samsonite luggage felt light and agile compared to others she’s tried, though those qualities may also make it easier for the suitcase to roll away. “The wheels were super smooth, and the fact that the suitcase itself is so lightweight made it really easy to maneuver, especially when lifting it up and down the subway stairs,” she said. “I’ve been lugging around suitcases that are probably decades old for quite some time now, but I was really blown away by the smooth, sleek design of this one.”

After testing it, Matalon didn’t notice any scuffs, suggesting the molded hard shell held up well — perhaps even better than the metal suitcases. It also performed well in the stair drop test, picking up only a few light scratches that were barely visible from a distance.

Type: Hardshell | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Dimensions: 23 × 15 × 10 inches | Capacity: 40.5 liters | Expandable: Yes | Lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited 10-year warranty

Luggage compared

How we tested

Every suitcase went through the same series of tests, starting with a roughly 15-minute packing challenge where testers packed a week’s worth of clothing and essentials. The goal was to see how much each suitcase could hold — and whether it could handle the kind of overpacking that happens in real life.

We also put each suitcase through its paces, navigating NYC sidewalks and subway stations to assess maneuverability. We also conducted the “Bodega Test,” evaluating how easily each suitcase could squeeze through tight aisles and crowded grocery stores.

To test durability, we conducted a stair test, kicking, tossing and rolling each case down a stairwell. Each suitcase was dropped five times from different angles, allowing us to assess how well it held up to repeated impact.

Testing criteria

Capacity and Storage

We considered the dimensions of each suitcase, its storage setup (compartments, dividers, etc.), whether it was expandable and additional features that made it easier to pack

Durability

These suitcases had already been selected based on their durability, but to put them through the ultimate test, we threw them down a stairwell to simulate what they go through at an airport’s baggage claim

Scuff Resistance

By taking the suitcases out on the street over different terrain, we were able to assess how well the outer shells resisted scratches, dents and other forms of damage.

Maneuveribility

To test maneuverability, we took these suitcases through the streets of New York City, navigating uneven sidewalks and cobblestone streets. For the biggest challenge, we put them through our “Bodega Test” to see how they moved in tighter spaces.

Design and Aesthetics

When you’re traveling, you might also be considering how your suitcase looks. For this category, we took note of design features, including the quality of materials, smaller details, such as the height of the handle and placement of side handles, and overall style.

Which is worth it? Final verdict

Now, for the final verdict: The luggage that truly proved itself on the streets, sidewalks and tests of New York City was the Tumi Carry-On.

Take it from Parker (our tester), who says she would have given it a perfect score if it wasn’t for the almost $800 price tag: “I only didn’t give it a 10/10 because I know it’s a higher price point than some would be willing to spend, but it’s worth it if you are one who travels often on trips lasting a week or less.”

The Tumi Carry-on luggage is lighter than its premium aluminum competitors, expandable when you need extra packing space and packed with smart touches that make traveling easier, including a built-in USB-C charging port and an included luggage tag. It also survived our stair drop test.

It did face some close competition. The Monos Carry-On easily takes the win in the Direct-to-Consumer Aesthetics category, while the Amazon Basics Carry-On proved that a budget suitcase can still hold its own. Still, the Tumi Carry-On impressed us most with its durability, smooth maneuverability, intuitive packing system and lightweight feel — all of which lived up to the brand’s premium reputation.

Testers

Miska Salemann, commerce reporter

Tested: Carl Friedrich The Carry-on

“If you’re after a statement-making luxury suitcase, this is a great choice, though it may not be the most practical option for travelers who prioritize lightweight design and durability above all else.”

Barret Wertz, commerce editorial director

Tested: Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On

“If the quality and durability didn’t live up to the reputation, I wouldn’t feel so confident rolling this through the city or airport but knowing that I am using a luxury brand that has earned its stripes is really just kind of sexy.”

Frank Massaro, commerce partnerships manager

Tested: July Carry-On Max Expandable Carry-on

“This was a major upgrade for me and one I am looking forward to using. The extra features like the built-in tote, lock system and ergonomics were all very helpful, useful and appreciated.”

Will Kenton, commerce editor

Tested: Away The Carry-On

“The compartments and dividers are made of mesh and conveniently hold oddly shaped and
bulky items. We filled it with shoes and clothes, and it took the pile like a champ.”

Holly J Coley, commerce deputy editor

Tested: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

“This is the nicest suitcase I’ve ever tested. I typically use softshell luggage, which is fine, but nothing I’ve ever owned had the type of storage this specific suitcase has.”

Brooke Matalon, Page Six social media editor

Tested: Samsonite Elevation Plus Hardside Carry-On

“I’ve been lugging around suitcases that are probably decades old for quite some time now, but I was really blown away by the smooth, sleek design of this one.”

Brooke Parker, commerce partnerships manager

Tested: Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On

“The first thing I noticed (while taking it home empty for testing) was how incredibly light it was. Once I took it out of the bag, I immediately loved the look and feel of the finish on the suitcase.”

Hannah Southwick, Page Six associate editor

Tested: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On

“I’ve rolled it everywhere from uneven sidewalks in NYC to the JFK AirTrain to bus stations in Prague and Austria and the wheels have held up perfectly.”

Michelle Moezam, senior social media manager

Tested: Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On

“I’ve been using this brand for years — very wide open and simple/basic hard shell style suitcase.”

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