Among the best lightweight luggage on the market, we find the models produced by Samsonite, American Tourister, and others, starting from $60 for cheap trolleys up to $300 for the most resistant trolleys of high end.
Choosing the right trolley is essential for traveling comfortably and without setbacks by plane, train, and car. If you are in the process of buying a trolley but don’t know which, in this buying guide, we see which are the best for value for money and how to choose the best according to your needs.
The trolley is the most-used hand luggage ever and among the best suitcases for value for money. It has small dimensions and is equipped with wheels. As a result, it is light, versatile, and allows us to organize better personal effects, documents, notebooks, and clothes needed for business trips or vacations.
Traveling on public transport between buses, trains, and subways, getting in and out of a taxi is much more comfortable with a compact and manageable bag. Likewise, for work or fun, a few days’ trips will be easier with a carry-on bag by your side, without the weight of a backpack on your shoulders or a bulky suitcase.
Lightweight luggage on the plane. Different regulations in all airlines regulate the carriage of cabin baggage. Size and weight of the baggage become indispensable, on pain of the surcharge on the cost of the ticket that can go from a few dollars, applied by the airlines that take into account the extra pounds, up to $50 of fixed cost if the baggage exceeds one or two inches, the size allowed regardless of weight.
It is also important to remember that even a trolley with the correct size and weight could be transferred to the hold on a low-cost flight. It should have the same characteristics of sturdiness and safety as all others, including locks. So let’s see the main features to keep in mind before buying lightweight luggage.
Table of Contents
How to choose the lightweight luggage
To choose the best lightweight luggage that can accompany us on our travels, we consider our habits and the means we often use. Then, we evaluate the following characteristics.
Dimensions
If we travel by plane, the dimensions are the first to verify. Low-cost airlines are notoriously the most rigid in terms of lightweight luggage. The maximum dimensions are calculated regardless of the company, including wheels and handles. Some companies require a maximum of 22x17x9 inches. In others, 21 x 15 x 7 inches, 21x13x9 inches.
Rigid trolley
The rigid hand luggage allows you to carry more delicate items, including notebooks and other accessories. We must ensure that it is made with high-quality materials and is shock-resistant. Otherwise, the rigidity of the suitcase could compromise its integrity if carried in the hold.
Even at its maximum capacity, hard luggage tends to be more stable. Another feature of rigid hand luggage is its water resistance. In the case of rain, the contents of the suitcase remain dry.
Soft trolley
A soft hand luggage trolley can be equipped with external pockets, making it easier to use accessories, smartphones, tickets, and documents without carrying another bag or opening the suitcase.
Some soft baggage types can be transformed into backpacks thanks to special suspenders and used in different conditions. If we choose soft baggage to travel by plane, we pay attention to distributing the content. If the baggage expands and increases, it could exceed the mandatory dimensions.
Internal compartments
Both rigid and soft baggage can be divided into compartments inside. The compartments are handy for dividing clothes from shoes or accessories like belts, jewelry, and cosmetic products. Some models have belts for tablets and notebook compartments for battery chargers and cameras.
The compartments are handy for keeping personal items, correctly distributing weight, and filling the suitcase fully.
Wheels
The lightweight luggage can have two wheels for transport and two feet to stand up when unused. Or it can have four wheels, generally multi-directional, which allow the luggage to move more easily without being dragged. The four wheels allow 360-degree total mobility and are generally easier, while the two are the most frequent and economical solution.
Weight and volume
As mentioned, the weight of luggage is important to meet airline rules. Furthermore, weight affects the transportability of the same suitcase. A trolley weighs between 4 and 8 lbs; many may find the ultralight 2 lbs trolley easily transportable.
Instead, we must consider the volume from 20 to 50 liters to assess the suitcase’s capacity. In addition, some fabric trolleys have special hinges and are extendable to increase their capacity if necessary.
Lock
The lightweight luggage lock can have a simple lock with a key (sometimes included in the purchase, sometimes bought separately) or a combination lock. Recently, the TSA lock has spread to combination locks designed in the United States. The US customs office can open it thanks to a universal key to carry out any checks not to damage the luggage.
The best lightweight luggage to buy
- Rolling Suitcase: Get through a crowded airport or down narrow airplane isles easily with...
- Multiple Front Panel Pockets: Featuring front pockets with a built-in ID tag, this...
- Secure and Durable: Expandable travel case gives you ample parking space and made from a...
- 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions...
- PACKING Dimensions: 20" x 14.5" x 9.5", Overall Dimensions: 22" x 15" x 9.75"
- 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products...
- 21" Spinner luggage maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions...
- Packing dimensions: 19.5" X 14.5" X 10.0", overall dimensions: 21.25" X 15.25" X 10.0",...
- 10 year limited warranty: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products...
- Please note that ONLY FAMILY SET has 4 pcs, please ignore the product’s title and select...
- 3 piece luggage set 20 inch,24 inch,28 inch upright, can be stored one into another.100%...
- Spinner wheels, multidirectional smooth and silent 360°wheels. Upgrade With TSA-Accepted...
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE: This suitcase is crafted with an extra-thick ABS hard shell,...
- EFFORTLESS MOBILITY: Glide smoothly through airports with this suitcase with wheels, a...
- EXPANDABLE CAPACITY: The hard shell suitcase offers expandable space for up to 15% more...
- A half pound lighter than Maxlite 4, this lightweight 25 inch spinner maximizes your...
- 4 wheel spinners rotate 360 degree for a smooth roll. Lightweight, sturdy PowerScope...
- Expands up to 2 inch to maximize packing capacity. Features low profile top, side and...
- Airline Approved: The rolling underseat bag meets most airlines' personal item sizes,...
- Versatility at Its Peak: Easy access to essentials like air ticket, pens, and power banks...
- Sturdy Yet Ergonomic: Top with a resistant all-aluminum handle, this underseat roller bag...
- 2 PIECE SET CONTAINS: 20 inch Carry On (meets carry on size restrictions for those...
- SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy...
- HANDSOME SLIDER in square full-capacity design featuring 10 oversized zipper and interior...
- Fall in love with our most affordable luggage set, crafted with high-quality polyester...
- Glide effortlessly through the airport with our internal deluxe retractable push-button,...
- Keep your hands free with the piggy-bag-strap that allows for easy carrying of a the tote...
- 26" Spinner suitcase: 26" H x 17. 5" L x 11" W, 8. 4 lbs.
- 20" Carry-on spinner luggage: 20" H x 13" L x 9. 5" W, 7. 2 lbs.
- Boarding tote: 10" H x 15" L x 5" W, 1 lb.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.