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Choose from hard shell and soft shell options in carry on, medium and large sizes from trusted travel brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, Antler and Delsey. With spinner wheels, expandable designs and lightweight builds available, finding the right suitcase for your next trip is easy. One of the lightest suitcases on the list, weighing in at 1.9kg, this expandable carry-on by Antler is a great soft shell option for short trips. It is crafted from 100% recycled polyester, and features an easy front pocket, 360° spinner wheels and a lightweight adjustable handle – and feels as if you’re carrying air. If you want a full aluminum shell with uncompromising impact resistance, grab the Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Case. And for a checked-size bag with zipperless security and a practical cup holder, nothing beats the HotWay 26 Inch Aluminum Frame Luggage. Streamlined and lightweight, this travel companion collapsible duffle bag is designed with the minimalist traveller in mind. Crafted from durable polycarbonate, it features an ergonomic grip handle and double spinner wheels for seamless navigation. Tailored for a fuss-free travel experience, the Logo case includes essential features such as an expandable design for versatile packing and a fully recycled interior lining. Three zipped compartments offer optimal organisation, while branded compression packing straps ensure your belongings stay secure. So we have narrowed down the best and cheapest ones on the market right now. Before purchasing a lightweight suitcase for a flight, there’s a few things to know. By focusing on these key aspects, you can make informed choices that not only enhance your travel experience but also ensure your luggage meets both functional and aesthetic needs. But if the maximum payload is what you need, you’ll need to sacrifice the durability of a hardshell by opting for a soft-sided suitcase. Most airlines impose a 7kg per item limit on carry-on luggage (with Qantas being a rare exception at 10kg), and the weight of the bag itself is a “dead weight” that cuts into this allowance. Maybe you’ve already experienced the frustration of arriving at baggage claim to a mangled mess of a suitcase, with the shell caved in and your precious belongings inside damaged as well. However, polycarbonate luggage may not be as durable as aluminium, and it may be more susceptible to scratches or other types of damage over time. Additionally, it may not have the same level of sophistication or elegance as aluminium luggage. Read on to find out why you shouldn’t buy budget aluminium luggage, why it might not be for you and alternatives to aluminium suitcases. To help you find the best suitcase and carry-on for your travels, our team of experienced writers spent hours researching a number of suitcases and carry ons to include in this article. We found out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews. Two-wheel upright suitcases use larger, recessed wheels and can be useful on uneven surfaces. They may also provide slightly more internal packing space because the wheels do not protrude as far from the base. Established in 1933, American Tourister offers high quality luggage backed by a global warranty, and perhaps is most notably known for its lightweight Applite suitcase. For checked luggage, extra weight from all-aluminum construction pushes you closer to the 50 lb limit with fewer garments inside, so always compare the empty weight against your typical packing list. Our editors, Charley Ward and Lauren Burvill, have personally tested a wide range of bags from leading luggage brands, carefully selecting their favourites based on function, innovation and design. Every suitcase is trialled in the office before being handed over to other team members to test on real journeys. Combining iconic design with premium materials, these cases are as much investment pieces as they are travel essentials. MVST Select, while offering multiple options, tends to focus on core sizes that have been perennial favorites among their clientele, such as Carry On, Medium, and Large. However, they have adopted a broader color palette, with aluminum cases available in Gunmetal, Champagne, Red, Navy, Black, and even Army Green alongside the most common Silver. When it comes to durability, MVST’s modern blend exhibits a slight advantage, offering resistance to a variety of travel-induced wear and tear. RIMOWA, with its longstanding reputation, remains resilient, serving as a dependable travel ally that stands the test of time. While their price point might be on the higher side, with RIMOWA, you’re not just buying a suitcase. You’re investing in a legacy of travel, in a brand that’s seen the evolution of voyages from steamships to the jet age. We loved having quick access to these things, and this design feature fits perfectly into the lives of business travelers, students, or anyone who needs to carry a device with them. The Away The Carry-On and Monos Carry-On Pro are two bags with very respectable scores for ease of transport, following closely behind the luxury bags mentioned above. Each has very impressive spinners, performed well in our rolling tests, and their lighter weight made them easier to lift into the overhead bin. They both have well-placed handles that feel balanced in hand when carrying the bags up the odd staircase. Expect hatboxes, carryon suitcases, four-wheel suitcases and chic matching handbags, too. They’re just as beautiful inside too, with luxurious patterned lining with thoughtfully designed zippered pockets and washbags included. Founded in 1933, American Tourister has continually grown and innovated throughout its history. Hard and soft-shell suitcases on four-spinner wheels are on offer, with thoughtfully placed pockets and zips that make stashing all your essentials a breeze. Founded in London in 2012, Carl Friedrik is redefining travel with a distinctly refined edge. In fact, every Australian airline now weighs your carry-on luggage too. Suitcases weigh more than duffel bags and backpacks, sometimes 3-5 kg, so that's a good chunk of your weight allowance gone. Some suitcase models are advertised as being lightweight, but make sure to double-check the actual weight. True full-aluminum luggage, like the LEVEL8 Gibraltar or TRAVELKING models, uses an aluminum-magnesium alloy for the entire shell. This delivers superior dent resistance (and actually looks better with dents for some owners) but adds 2–3 pounds of weight and makes the bag more prone to visible scratching. Its cases are typically lightweight yet spacious, offering strong value across price points. The S’Cure Eco line combines durability with sustainability, using recycled materials without compromising on strength. Distinctive design details, including handles made with recycled wood waste, give each case a unique finish. Inspired by the elegance of Lake Como, Bric’s luggage combines Italian craftsmanship with timeless design. The Bellagio range stands out for its vintage-inspired aesthetic, paired with modern features such as USB ports, spinner wheels and roomy interiors. Alternatively, consider wearing additional layers or utilising pockets to carry heavier items like chargers or cameras. Be prepared with a backup plan to manage such situations gracefully without holding up the boarding process. However, domestic flights, especially those operated by budget airlines, might be more stringent due to space limitations. It’s imperative to research and adhere to the specific guidelines provided by your airline for each segment of your journey to avoid unnecessary hassles and fees. Staying within the designated weight limits is not only a requirement but also a matter of convenience and safety. Both sides of the interior have dividers, which are handy for stowing smaller gear, socks, and underwear. From weight and durability to stylistic choices and colorways, this list of the best aluminum luggage considers every aspect of travel, so you don’t have to. Australian consumers have distinct preferences when it comes to luggage brands based on quality, durability, and style. Competitive pricing ensures that brands remain accessible to a range of customers, striking a balance between affordability and quality. Offering various price points can help attract different segments of travelers, from budget to luxury consumers. The feature that we particularly enjoy about aluminum is it does a pretty great job of holding us safe inside. If you decide to make a point, that is the sort of stuff you want to come in with. Aluminum-frame polycarbonate carry-ons typically weigh 7–9 lbs, while full aluminum carry-ons range from 10–14 lbs. On airlines with a 7 kg (15.4 lb) cabin limit, a heavy all-aluminum bag alone can consume most of your allowance, leaving only 5–10 lbs for clothes.