7 Aluminum Luggage Brands to Upgrade Your Trips This Year

Wheel durability and long-term toughness are common concerns we see users express, too. It’s hard to justify that price tag when quality remains a question mark. But, that doesn’t mean it needs to feel like you’re traveling with an anvil in your suitcase. Security is one of the key reasons travelers upgrade to aluminum in the first place – but again, not all cases offer the same peace of mind. Aluminum absorbs dents, drops, and rough handling without skipping a stride. The best aluminum luggage has dual TSA-approved combination locks, reinforced hinges, and completely zipperless construction. This minimizes entry points and prevents forced access better than standard zippered bags ever could. Top-tier luggage brands use aerospace-grade or aircraft-grade aluminum for its lightweight strength and resistance to bending. If it’s good enough to fly in, you can folding duffle bag safely assume it’s good enough to fly with. It is highly resistant to dents, scratches, and other types of damage, making it an excellent choice for frequent travellers or those who need to transport delicate or valuable items. Additionally, aluminium luggage tends to have a sleek and sophisticated appearance, which can make it a stylish accessory. Looking to purchase a suitcase that will stand out in the crowd and turn heads? Aluminium luggage not only looks great, but it’s durable too – great for frequent travellers. I’ve considered 30+ aluminium suitcases and compiled a list of 8 best on the US and UK market, including trusted brand names like Away, Tumi and Rimowa. Made from a crushproof German polycarbonate shell, the suitcase has a hidden laundry bag, TSA lock, silent-moving wheels and a twin-strap compression system. Designed with Silent Glide 360 spinner wheels and a bespoke comfort-grip handle for ease of movement, it is fully lined and also offers double zip pockets and compression straps. Not to mention, it has a TSA-approved combination lock, top and side carry handles, expander zip and comes with a lifetime warranty. Established in Bury, England way back in 1914, travel brand Antler offers premium quality luggage, bags and travel accessories. There’s a huge variety of suitcases and luggage styles to choose from — hard and soft-shell suitcases, overnight bags, cabin bags, vanity cases, packing cubes and more. We weighed them, maneuvered them from the trunk of the car to the overhead bin, and lived out of them for up to a week. It should also bring an element of ease to your travels, keeping your essentials quickly accessible, and rolling alongside you effortlessly while you navigate airport terminals. And perhaps best of all, it allows you to skip the line at baggage claim. Looking how airlines seem to raise their luggage fees every year, every ounce of weight you protect from packing will save you money. You’ll become better at packing only the items you require for your journey while leaving everything else at home. 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. Antler is a true British institution, still based in London and established in 1914, having just opened its first flagship in London in many years on Regent Street. Now with a global following and a longstanding reputation for quality, it remains a standout in our best luggage brands list. On every trip, these cases consistently deliver, combining sturdy construction, elegant design and practical storage options. Meanwhile, Rimowa and Globe-Trotter stand apart as heritage luxury brands renowned for exceptional craftsmanship and durability – and all of the luggage brands featured here have designs of high quality. They offer a robust alternative to traditional luggage, providing superior protection against rough handling while boasting a sleek aesthetic. It’s not just about practicality; these suitcases make a statement for the modern adventurer. The short-trip luggage has a 37-litre capacity, which is expandable to 41 litres, to pack all your essentials for a weekend getaway. In addition, its locks offer flexibility, allowing you to choose between the integrated lock or a traditional padlock. Some have better features than others, so make sure that you’re getting a suitcase that has everything you consider a necessity in luggage. The weight of luggage is also important, especially because aluminum luggage tends to be heavier than plastic cases. Try to get your hands on the lightest aluminum luggage, so that you don’t have to deal with overweight baggage fees at the airport. Zero Halliburton is another premium brand that manufactures top-of-the-line luggage. This suitcase from Level8 also boasts a spacious interior with two roomy packing compartments. Choosing the right suitcase ultimately depends on your individual needs – and your airline’s restrictions. There’s a lot to think about, and you may find you need different styles for different types of trips. It has a stylish and distinctive design, is a durable and dependable piece of luggage, and comes with a great warranty. Whether travelling by plane, train or car and wanting a smaller suitcase, this hard-shell suitcase from Nere Stori is a good option. It comes in ten different colours and has a multi-pocket internal system to keep everything organised. The main compartment is also the widest of all bags in this review, creating a more useful square shape. The Victorinox Spectra 3.0 is the best carry-on bag if you travel with multiple airlines and never want to worry about checking in your luggage. Weighing in at a tiny 1.8kg, the July Carry On Light features the same German polycarbonate hard-shell construction but misses out on the battery, the SnapSleeve and about 10L of internal volume. However, aluminium suitcases are prone to dents and scratching, so if you like keeping your suitcase in pristine condition, aluminium suitcases may not be for you. For North and South American flights, the weight limit of your checked bags must not exceed 32kg. Consider a suitcase that combines the best of both worlds, namely a light polycarbonate case and a strong aluminum frame, like those in the Monos Hybrid collection. If you’re on the hunt for a stylish aluminum carry-on suitcase, dive into my article, where I’ve meticulously selected and showcased the best aluminum carry-on luggage for discerning travelers like you. When it comes to a legacy of luxury in the realm of luggage, RIMOWA easily secures its spot. Originating from Germany, this brand has been in the game for over a century, and this wealth of experience is palpable in each of their suitcases. People are always looking to show off these travel “battle scars” because they represent being a frequent traveler and, in turn, imply that the person carrying the suitcase is a traveler. The Monos Hybrid Carry-On combines the best of both worlds into one classy and zippered carry-on that fits the needs of most modern travellers. Following is a comprehensive review of the best Aluminum Checked luggage. Before purchasing the best suitcase for your holiday, you need to know what type to choose. 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.