Is High-End Luggage Worth It?

As a planner — and road warrior — your choice of luggage depends on so many factors, one of the most important of which is the price. Luggage prices can range from budget-friendly pieces under $100 to high-end brands that can top $1,000. 

What makes these so superior that they can command 10 times the price? Is it a wise decision to make the investment?

Start with Access to Hundreds of Reviews

The top sources for luggage reviews that include expert testing (such as Wirecutter) tend to cover the luxury brands, such Hartmann, as do list articles in consumer publications such as Forbes Vetted. Condé Nast Traveler publishes a helpful annual reader’s choice award for the “Best Luggage in the World.”

So if you’re looking online for reviews, you’ll find a wealth of information on the premium brands to help you make a decision on what to buy.

Craftsmanship

The more expensive the bag, the sturdier the materials. For example, you can expect aluminum or polycarbonate instead of plastic, which can crack or break off, and standard features such as high-quality spinner wheels and TSA-approved locks. They will also be true to size, which is important for checked and under-the-seat luggage.

They’re Used by Professionals

Travelpro has made a name in the luggage industry by marketing itself as the luggage used by pilots. It was, in fact, a professional pilot who created the first upright rolling luggage for himself and his fellow crew members — the original “Rollaboard,” which the company still makes today.

Three Travelpro lines in particular are popular among flight professionals, and known for durability and functionality: the Travelpro Pilot, Travelpro Crew, and Travelpro Maxlite 5 series. Their features include two-wheel design for maneuverability through narrow airplane aisles; durable, often soft-sided materials designed for daily use; and specialized compartments for personal items.

If you want to know which other brands flight crews carry, start scanning their bags, or just ask.

Warranties and Repairs

Designer luggage usually comes with a generous warranty. Briggs & Riley, for example, offers a “Simple as That” guarantee, which will cover the repair of all functional aspects of your bag for life. However, it doesn’t cover cosmetic wear or cleaning due to odors or stains, or the replacement of lost or stolen bags.

If you are traveling and your bag requires repair, there are also authorized repair centers located around the globe.

Most warranties are valid even if luggage is purchased at an outlet or off-price retailer. It’s important to hold on to the warranty tag that came with the bag and the original receipt. For example, a piece of it luggage purchased at TJ Maxx will still be covered by the company’s 10-year warranty on repairs, replacement parts, or full replacement for manufacturing faults.

Further Considerations

If you check your bags, high-end luggage brands such as Rimowa or Tumi can be a target for thieves, because they are a signal that there could be equally expensive contents inside. Other types of luggage that could attract thieves are brightly colored pieces with hard shell cases, because they stand out.

Don’t skimp on the look. You want to carry a piece of luggage that reflects your personality. Many luxury retail outlets, such as Nordstrom Rack, have pieces from high-end brands that are no longer being manufactured and different from what you will see on the web site, so shop around.

Consider size requirements for international flights. International carry-on requirements are shorter in length (21.5–22 in.), and weight limits can be as low as 15 lb. Check with your airline for their exact requirements.

Think about your long-term usage and how you like to travel. Do you tend to take back more than you started with? Then you will appreciate a bag that’s expandable. Do you want to build a set over time? Not all high-end luggage lines include backpacks, duffels, laptop bags, etc., so do your research.