What material is best for checked luggage?

Aluminum is the most durable material for hardside luggage, but it's much heavier than other options and can be pretty expensive. Polycarbonate is the most popular material for hard luggage. It is both lightweight and durable, but it can scratch easily.



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Polycarbonate has high tensile strength and is extremely long-lasting. Of all hardside, plastic suitcase materials, it is by far the most durable. ABS is ranked second.

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Polycarbonate is more flexible than ABS and has a higher impact resistance. As a result, it makes for a stronger suitcase. ABS suitcases are cheaper than Polycarbonate ones, but they are often heavier and do not last as long.

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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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A hardshell suitcase is typically better than a softside bag for protection (as long as your items are packed safely inside, too). However, all hardshell materials are prone to getting scuffed, scratched, or possibly cracked more so than with fabric suitcases.

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Hard-Shell Luggage The most durable, but also the heaviest, is aluminum. Hard-shell luggage often features a 50/50-split opening, allowing you to pack two sides equally and stabilize the contents with an interior strap or a middle divider.

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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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Hard case luggage doesn't easily fit into compartments the way soft luggage does. A con of some hard surface luggage pieces is that they can be much heavier than cloth cases. On the other hand, a pro is that many are available with extending handles, bottom wheels and other innovative features.

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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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Soft-sided luggage is generally lighter than hard luggage, so if you're worried about going over an airline's weight limit, it's a smart option, as it gives you more leeway to use those pounds for your belongings rather than for the suitcase.

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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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Both of these plastics are known for impact resistance and durability. However, the extent to which they accomplish these goals varies depending on the situation. The most obvious visual difference between the two is that polycarbonate is naturally transparent, while ABS is opaque.

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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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The Samsonite Omni PC combines scratch-resistant textures with the polycarbonate construction, ensuring your luggage looks as great on the 100th trip as it does on the first.

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For those who require that their luggage be lightweight, scratch resistant, and can stand up to the rigours of travel, polycarbonate is the material you will want.

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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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It's Incredibly Durable Not only is it some of the most durable luggage around, but it also can handle anything from rain puddles to being thrown onto the baggage drop, which is good news for all of your belongings inside.

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Other than aluminum luggage, polycarbonate is the most durable luggage material. Although it's one of the lighter industrial metals, aluminum luggage tends to be heavier than polycarbonate luggage.

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Some brands of suitcases use a mixture of Polycarbonate and other hard plastics, like ABS, to form the outer shell. Aluminum is the most durable material for hardside luggage, but using aluminum also increases the price of the luggage.

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When comparing polypropylene vs. polycarbonate bags such as the Platinum® Elite Medium Check-In Expandable Hardside Spinner, it's important to remember that while polypropylene is lighter, polycarbonate is the sturdier choice. A polycarbonate suitcase may cost more but will offer more rigid protection.

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