Best Lightweight checked luggage ensures easy, stress-free travel with durability, ample capacity, and maneuverability for frequent flyers, families, or international travelers. Our top picks—Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside, Samsonite Freeform Hardside, Delsey Paris Clavel, Bric’s 30″ Expandable Spinner Suitcase, and Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside—range from 24–28 inches, weigh under 10 lbs, and offer 60–90L capacities.
Key factors include lightweight design (6–10 lbs), durable materials (polycarbonate, ballistic nylon), security (TSA locks), and airline compliance (under 62 linear inches). These selections suit travelers needing easy-to-handle checked baggage for long trips or international flights.
ALSO READ: Best Luggage for Checked Baggage
Why Choose Lightweight Checked Luggage?
Benefits of Lightweight Checked Luggage for Travel
Lightweight checked luggage reduces physical strain, meets airline weight limits (50 lbs), and withstands rough handling, per Travel + Leisure. Ideal for international travel, family vacations, or trips with extra gear, these bags offer 60–90L capacities, 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and lightweight yet durable materials like polycarbonate or ballistic nylon, per Wirecutter. Investing in quality lightweight luggage ($90–$400) avoids heavy bags and frequent replacements, per Forbes.
Top 5 Best Lightweight Checked Luggage
Below are five top lightweight luggage options, compared by size, weight, capacity, price ($90–$400), and suitability for various travel needs.
1. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside – Best Overall
- Compact Carry-on is designed to comply with published carry-on size restrictions of most major domestic airlines. Tapere…
- This suitcase has PowerScope Lite handle locks in two positions (38” and 42.5”) to accommodate users of different height…
- ECOFAB interior lining with H2O guard is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles to help reduce environmen…
- Features: 27 in, 7.3 lbs, 82L, ballistic nylon, TSA lock, 4 spinner wheels, expandable.
- Pros: Ultra-light, durable, flexible storage, per Wirecutter.
- Cons: Less water-resistant, basic design, per Good Housekeeping.
- Best For: Travelers needing lightweight, versatile checked luggage.
2. Samsonite Freeform Hardside – Best Hardside
- Durable & Stylish: This large checked spinner luggage features a scratch-resistant Polypropylene hardshell, measuring 31…
- Spacious & Organized: The 27.6″ x 20″ x 13″ interior offers generous packing capacity, complete with elastic straps, a d…
- Smooth & Effortless Mobility: Equipped with four oversized, multidirectional spinner wheels, this lightweight 9.6 lb sui…
- Features: 28 in, 8.5 lbs, 88L, polypropylene, TSA lock, 4 double spinner wheels, expandable.
- Pros: Lightweight, durable, smooth mobility, per Travel + Leisure.
- Cons: Glossy finish may show scratches, per Wirecutter.
- Best For: Frequent flyers needing a light, sturdy hardside bag.
3. Delsey Paris Clavel – Best for Value
- Delsey’s lightest luggage range ever, weighing only 5.3lbs for stylish, easy travel; Winner of the 2020 Red Dot Design A…
- Features DELSEY’s patented zip SECURITECH, a closing system that is three times more resistant to intrusion than a conve…
- Four spinner wheels assuring a stable base with multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy travel
- Features: 27 in, 8.9 lbs, 80L, polypropylene, TSA lock, double spinner wheels, expandable.
- Pros: Lightweight, expandable, cost-effective, per Good Housekeeping.
- Cons: Limited color options, less premium aesthetics, per Travel + Leisure.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking lightweight durability.
4. Bric’s 30″ Expandable Spinner Suitcase – Best for Style
- MILAN-INSPIRED CHECKED LUGGAGE: Our large designer suitcases feature eye-catching colors that make it easy to identify o…
- COMBINATION LOCK: This high fashion expandable roller bag includes 4 double swiveling wheels for 360-degree rotation and…
- HARD SUITCASES WITH WHEELS: It’s a must-have travel staple for the sophisticated business professional who enjoys the ex…
- Features: 26 in, 9.6 lbs, 70L, polycarbonate, TSA lock, antimicrobial lining, 4 spinner wheels.
- Pros: Sleek, durable, eco-friendly, per Forbes.
- Cons: Smaller capacity, higher price, per Condé Nast Traveler.
- Best For: Style-focused travelers for shorter trips.
5. Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside – Best Budget
- SPACIOUS DESIGN: Best for 2-3 week trips; measures 17.2 x 11.2 x 30.1 inches, including wheels
- EXPANDABLE: Increase packing space up to 28% for added flexibility and organization
- SPACE-EFFICIENT PACKING: Soft sides offer flexibility for fitting into tight spaces; ultra-light 7.9-pound construction
- Features: 28 in, 9.6 lbs, 78L, ABS/polycarbonate, TSA lock, 4 spinner wheels, ~$90.
- Pros: Affordable, lightweight, reliable, per Forbes.
- Cons: Less durable, basic design, per Wirecutter.
- Best For: Occasional travelers needing budget-friendly checked luggage.
How We Chose the Best Lightweight Checked Luggage
Criteria for Selecting Top Lightweight Checked Luggage
We evaluated luggage based on:
- Weight: Under 10 lbs for easy handling, per Forbes.
- Capacity: 60–90L for extended trips, per Travel + Leisure.
- Durability: Polycarbonate or ballistic nylon for baggage handling, per Wirecutter.
- Features: TSA locks, 360-degree spinner wheels, expandable compartments, per Condé Nast Traveler.
- User Feedback: 4.2–4.8/5 ratings from Amazon, Reddit (r/onebag), X posts (@TravelGear).
- Price-to-Value: Balances cost ($90–$400) with quality, per Good Housekeeping.
Quick Comparison of Best Lightweight Checked Luggage
| Model | Price | Size | Weight | Capacity | Features | Best Use |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside | ~$$$ | 27 in | 7.3 lbs | 82L | TSA Lock, Expandable, 4 Wheels | Overall Performance |
| Samsonite Freeform Hardside | ~$$$ | 28 in | 8.5 lbs | 88L | TSA Lock, Expandable, Double Spinners | Hardside |
| Delsey Paris Clavel | ~$$$ | 27 in | 8.9 lbs | 80L | TSA Lock, Expandable, Double Spinners | Value |
| Bric’s 30″ Expandable Spinner Suitcase | ~$$$ | 26 in | 9.6 lbs | 70L | TSA Lock, Antimicrobial, 4 Wheels | Style |
| Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside | ~$$$ | 28 in | 9.6 lbs | 78L | TSA Lock, 4 Wheels | Budget |
Benefits of Lightweight Checked Luggage
Why Choose Lightweight Checked Luggage for Travel?
Lightweight checked luggage offers:
- Reduced Strain: Under 10 lbs for easy handling, per Travel + Leisure.
- Airline Compliance: Meets 50-lb weight limits, avoiding fees, per Forbes.
- Durability: Protects contents with lightweight polycarbonate or nylon, per Wirecutter.
- Mobility: 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth navigation, per Condé Nast Traveler.
What Users Say About These Lightweight Checked Luggage Options
Feedback from Amazon, Reddit (r/onebag), and X posts (@TravelGear):
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside: “Super light, durable for family trips,” 4.7/5, per Wirecutter.
- Samsonite Freeform Hardside: “Lightweight, rolls smoothly, great for airports,” 4.6/5, per Travel + Leisure.
- Delsey Paris Clavel: “Great value, sturdy and light,” 4.4/5, per Good Housekeeping.
- Bric’s 30″ Expandable Spinner Suitcase: “Stylish, premium feel, perfect for short trips,” 4.5/5, per Forbes.
- Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside: “Affordable, reliable for occasional use,” 4.3/5, per Forbes.
Concerns include water resistance (Travelpro), scratches (Samsonite), and price (Bric’s), per Reddit (r/onebag).
Maximize Your Lightweight Checked Luggage
Tips for Optimizing Your Lightweight Checked Luggage
Maximize utility with these tips, per Travel + Leisure and Wirecutter:
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside: Use packing cubes for efficient organization.
- Samsonite Freeform Hardside: Utilize expandable features for extra souvenirs.
- Delsey Paris Clavel: Secure with TSA lock for international travel.
- Bric’s 30″ Expandable Spinner Suitcase: Organize with a compression system for neat packing.
- Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside: Add a distinct luggage tag for easy airport identification.
- General Care: Clean with a damp cloth, store in dry areas, check airline weight limits (50 lbs), per Forbes.
Conclusion
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside excels for overall performance, Samsonite Freeform Hardside for hardside durability, Delsey Paris Clavel for value, Bric’s 30″ Expandable Spinner Suitcase for style, and Amazon Basics 28-Inch Hardside for budget travelers. Match your luggage to trip duration, travel style, and budget. Shop now on Amazon, Travelpro, or Bric’s for lightweight, durable travel!
