Does hard sided luggage dent?

Hard-sided luggage is dented: Most hard-sided luggage that has a dent is made of ABS and can be repaired. Manufacturers like Samsonite commonly use ABS in manufacturing luggage. Use a 1600w or higher hair dryer to heat up the area where the dent is.



Yes, hard-sided luggage can definitely dent, but the extent depends heavily on the material: Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, or Aluminum. Polycarbonate is the most popular in 2026 because it is "resilient"—it is designed to flex under pressure, meaning many "dents" can actually be popped back out from the inside without leaving a permanent mark. Polypropylene is even more flexible but slightly less durable. However, Aluminum luggage (like the iconic Rimowa cases) is famous for denting permanently; enthusiasts actually consider these dents a "badge of honor" that tells the story of their travels. On the other end of the spectrum, cheaper hard shells made from ABS plastic are the most prone to cracking or shattering rather than denting, as the material is more brittle. To minimize damage, many frequent travelers choose "textured" shells that hide scuffs and minor indentations better than high-gloss finishes, which show every impact from the airport's automated baggage handling systems.

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The main drawback is that hard-shell luggage can't be twisted to fit into a small space. Hard-shell suitcases also require a lot of room to store at home, making them less convenient in this sense.

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You may want to buy hard-shell luggage if you'll be packing breakable items. It could offer better security than soft-sided baggage because it can't be ripped open as easily and usually has integrated locks. Aluminum luggage can be even more secure.

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Swedish pilot Maria Pettersson prefers “half soft-sided” luggage, which offers a bit more support than the typical soft-sided luggage, but provides more flexibility than hard-sided luggage.

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Soft Versus Hard Shell Hard shell suitcases can crack, which causes them to fall apart more rapidly than soft luggage. To avoid this concern choose a suitcase made from polycarbonate ABS that stands up to the rigors of travel.

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The aluminum will scratch, ding and dent ? even more than the polycarbonate ? so it's important that you're ok with this. These photos show the suitcase when brand new, but don't expect it to stay like this for long.

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Hardside luggage materials offer maximum protection for suitcase contents and can withstand rough baggage handling. While stronger than most soft-side bags, hard-side luggage can be more difficult to fit into crowded overhead compartments, as you cannot compress the bags to fit in small spaces.

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Consider hard-shell luggage if you want durable, easy-to-maneuver luggage with a robust exterior to protect your valuables. Soft-shell luggage can be for you if you're seeking versatility, ease of packing, and a big interior.

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Polycarbonate is an extremely tough polyester compound used to make over 40% of hard-side luggage. While heavier than polypropylene and ABS suitcases, polycarbonate bags are flexible and highly resistant to cracks.

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Best Overall Luggage: Samsonite In particular, it stands out for its durability and ease-of-use features: There's been no struggling to open and close the cases, and packing them has been a breeze thanks to the functional compartments that maximize space.

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Bright red, bright green, bright blue, and even bright yellow are good luggage colors. They are striking enough that you can easily spot them on the luggage carousel, but they aren't light enough that they will show all the wear and tear of having been used for several trips.

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For maximum durability, the handle should have little to no wiggling or rattling as you pull the bag. Also, check for smooth movement as you pull it up and retract it. The suitcase's wheels should roll smoothly and stay in place. Gently jiggle the wheels with your hands to make sure they are firmly attached.

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High-quality, durable luggage can last for over a decade of frequent use.

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Commonly referred to as hard luggage or hard-shell luggage, this heavy-duty baggage type is defined by its sturdy exterior. Hard-sided luggage features a rigid, virtually-impenetrable outer shell designed to provide optimal protection for the contents within.

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