The 3 Best Luggage Trackers of 2024
If you are pulling your case over rocky ground or cobblestones the 4 wheel versions are not as easily moved as those with two wheels. In fact, once you are out of the airport you are more likely to be pulling your case and the 2 wheel rollers are best suited to this job.
The ultimate guide to the best luggage sets to buy in 2024
Buying luggage can be daunting but it is also fun. If you are looking to buy luggage it means you (or someone you know) are off on an adventure and that is always exciting. But you want the best luggage sets – after all it’s a big investment.
With so many different sizes, types and brands of suitcases on the market, how do you choose the right ones for you. Luggage or suitcase sets are a great way to solve the problem – what luggage to buy – as they include a variety of options to suit different travel styles and plans.
As an added bonus they can often be nested meaning they save on valuable storage space. In this article we discuss what to look for when buying a new suitcase set, the best luggage brands and our top 10 recommended sets on the market.
Top 3 Luggage Sets
- Best overall luggage set – Samsonite Omni 3-Piece Set
- Best cheap luggage set – Rockland Melbourne 3-Piece Set
- Best light spinner luggage set – Travelpro Runway 3-Piece set with 2 spinners
- BONUS: Away luggage allows you to customize your set from its stylish range of cases
What’s in this article
- Top 3 Luggage Sets
- Top 10 luggage sets
- Luggage set buying guide
- Best luggage brands 2024
- Our top luggage sets reviews 2024
- Reasons to buy luggage sets
- Best luggage set accessories
- The final word on the best luggage 2024
Top 10 luggage sets
Luggage set buying guide
With so many options, sizes and materials to think about, here are the key things to consider when you are buying a luggage set.
Your traveling style and plans
Do you traveling solo, as a couple or in a family group? Do you travel often or less frequently? Are you flying to your destination, driving or going on a cruise? Do you do short or long trips?
Think about how you will use your luggage to help you make your decision. We travel in all these styles often so need a variety of suitcase sizes and types to suit our needs.
For short trips as a couple we only need a carry on bag each but for longer trips we need several suitcases to hold all our belongings.
We usually check two large suitcases for the four of us for longer vacations. My husband and I take smaller carry on suitcases and we use scooter cases for the kids.” with a link to a scooter case search.
One of our major considerations is durability. We want our luggage to last many journeys through airports. If you are mainly using your luggage on road trips then this may not be as important.
How many pieces of luggage do you need?
If you are traveling frequently then you are almost certainly going to need a least 2 pieces – a carry on and a large checked bag. I don’t like to carry our largest bag on week-long trips so a medium sized bag is useful. The carry-on is perfect for overnight stays or weekend trips.
A duffel or weekend bag is also handy for those times when you have a very short trip or need some extra space for purchases.
Different sized luggage is always a good idea for families. We often use a large suitcase plus a duffel for week-long trips for our family of four.
Wheels – 4 or 2?
I am quite sure the days of no wheels are over apart from an overnight bag. The question is do you choose luggage with 2 or 4 wheels.
There are advantages and disadvantages for both types.
Four wheeled cases are easy to move in any direction – you can carry them beside you or push or pull them. Another benefit they have is if you are carrying other bags you can stack them on top. They are also better balanced and less likely to topple over. The downside is the extra wheels tend to take up more space in the case.
If you are pulling your case over rocky ground or cobblestones the 4 wheel versions are not as easily moved as those with two wheels. In fact, once you are out of the airport you are more likely to be pulling your case and the 2 wheel rollers are best suited to this job.
Size and weight
Make sure to choose luggage that meets airline requirements and can hold a decent amount of weight. There is nothing worse than paying excess luggage charges or having your suitcase break open due to overstuffing.
Airline guidelines for carry on luggage vary so it is wise to check the sizes allowed on your favorite airline before buying a new case.
Restrictions change often but you can expect that for most passengers size of carry on bags must not exceed 22 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches tall (56 x 36 x 23 cm).
Material – soft or hard case
This is always the hardest part about choosing new luggage if you ask me.
Soft cases are more flexible and you can be a bit less strict with your packing. The materials used for soft cases are synthetic and durable meaning you can clean them easily. Soft side cases are lighter than the hard case alternative but may be prone to rips and tears.
Hard cases offer greater protection for fragile goods and the weather. If you have ever had your luggage sat out on a wet and windy tarmac you will know that this is a big advantage. No one wants to deal with wet belongings at the start of a vacation.
Expandable or rigid
I always like to have extra room for purchases we make while we are away. It is nice to bring back souvenirs and gifts but not so much fun if you are struggling to fit them back into your suitcase at the end of your trip.
Badly designed expandable cases can tip over and be more difficult to move, however.
Rigid cases may be more secure as they often have locks instead of zips for fastenings.
Features
Additional features you may want to consider include – inbuilt luggage tags, TSA-approved locks, and internal organization sections with zips. Other nice to haves include separate washing bags, internal item compression and removable batteries for charging your devices on the go. These are popular additions in the more high end brands but you can always buy these separately if needed.
Regardless of the internal design of a suitcase we always use these packing cubes to make sure our belongings are stored neatly.
Price and quality
When it comes to luggage price generally has a direct relation to quality and durability. When I buy luggage I want it to last several years, preferably over 5 years, with extensive use.
With that in mind, I am prepared to spend a little more to get a more durable product. After all, the luggage is bound to get a bit of a beating as it is dragged through airports and off and on conveyor belts.
I always look for durability and scratch resistance in external materials, handles and the wheel mechanisms. Zips and fastenings are also important as they tend to take the most wear and tear.
If you plan to travel less frequently and through fewer airports, you may be able to get away with less durable luggage.
Best luggage brands 2024
Luggage needs to be durable, light and practical. Some luggage brands address these factors better than others so here is our list of the best luggage brands to consider
Samsonite is one of the oldest travel brands in the world. An American company, they have been making luggage for over 100 years and pride themselves on innovation and reliability. Having read hundreds of Samsonite luggage sets reviews it is clear that their products are market leaders. They offer both hard case and soft side luggage collections over several price points.
American Tourister is a great brand for fun, affordable and durable luggage. Their hard case luggage in particular is colorful and fun. The brand is owned by Samsonite so you can be sure that the innovation and design of their bags follow the market leading standards of their parent company.
Travelpro are experts in soft case bags. Founded by a former pilot, they take credit for inventing the roll on bag. Travelpro luggage sets score well in reviews for durability and weight ensuring they are considered among the best travel luggage brands in 2024.
Rockland have been making luggage for the style savvy and budget conscious traveler since 1998. Known for bright designs and patterns, your Rockland luggage always stands out at the airport.
Away is a new designer luggage brand that has shaken up the market with innovative designs, cool features and gorgeous standard and limited edition colors. Their signature hard shell cases all come with TSA locks, internal organization, and a detachable laundry bag. Carry on sizes have the option to include an ejectable battery to charge your devices. The cases can be bought individually or you can mix and match your very own Away luggage set.
Our top luggage sets reviews 2024
Best overall set – Samsonite 3 Piece Omni Hardside Spinner
Samsonite is one of the leading luggage brands and delivers great value with this hardside luggage set. The three pieces are stylish and practical and cater for a broad range of travel styles.
Well known for their durable spinner luggage, I have used and trusted Samsonite cases for many years. With the latest models the technology keeps on improving. You can easily move the luggage as the wheels turn 360º so airport navigation is a breeze.
The Samsonite Omni hard shell spinner luggage set also features their scratch resistant, yet lightweight, polycarbonate technology that is designed for durability. There are TSA locks and the cases expand for extra capacity.
One of my favorite features is the internal design of the cases. They have a full zip interior divider and cross-straps so you can easily organize your packing.
The luggage looks fantastic and comes in a wide range of colors.
Sizes (length): 22-in carry-on, 26.5-in case, 30.5-in case
Pros
- Scratch resistant
- Nesting set
- Spinner wheels for easy movement
Things to consider
- No side handles to help with moving the bags
- Side opening on large suitcase
Note – We need 2 sets of this luggage to meet the travel needs of our family of four
The 3 Best Luggage Trackers of 2024
Luggage trackers have become a necessity for many travelers amid an increase in mishandled luggage and ongoing issues with flight cancellations. If you’re considering one, know that the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) affirms baggage location tracking devices are permitted as long as they meet one of the following requirements:
— The luggage tracker lithium cannot exceed 0.3 grams.
— Lithium-ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating cannot exceed 2.7 Wh.
While there are a variety of luggage tracking devices on the market, these options are the best for the money based on consumer ratings and reviews, as well as FAA regulations.
Best Overall: Apple AirTag
| Price | From $28 |
| Amazon rating | 4.7/5 stars |
| Best feature | Lost Mode |
| Technology | Bluetooth |
| Compatible devices | iOS |
| Monthly fee | None |
With a one-year replaceable battery life and a one-tap setup that syncs it with the Find My app, the AirTag is an easy choice for iPhone, iPad and iPod users.
In addition to Ultra Wideband technology that allows it to locate belongings, this bag tag utilizes the help of other devices when set in Lost Mode. Here’s how it works: If your luggage is detected by someone in the Find My network, you’ll automatically get a notification, and if you’ve included your contact information in settings, that someone will have access to it when they scan your AirTag with an NFC-capable smartphone. Don’t worry, though — privacy features ensure you’re the only person who can see where your AirTag is, and that any devices relaying its location stay anonymous.
Many reviewers agree the AirTag’s technology surpasses that of the popular Tile trackers. Purchase a single AirTag or opt for a pack of four to place one in your suitcase, attach one to your key ring, stick one in your wallet and/or share one with family.
Note that you’ll need an AirTag holder to secure it to your belongings. These are some great options:
Best Overall Runner-up: Tile Pro
| Price | $34.99 or less |
| Amazon rating | 4.4/5 stars |
| Best feature | Finds phones |
| Technology | Bluetooth |
| Compatible devices | Android, iOS |
| Monthly fee | None |
Nearly a decade after Tile launched its first tracking device, its products remain some of the best on the market. The Tile Pro is especially ideal for locating luggage, as it can track items up to 400 feet away. It can also help you find your smartphone: Just double-press the Tile button to make your phone ring, even if it’s in silent mode. Tile Pro owners — who agree this tracking device is easy to use and convenient for everyday use — can add their contact information in settings to be notified if someone in the Tile network finds their tag and scans its QR code.
The Tile Pro is water-resistant and offers up to one year of (replaceable) battery life. It is compatible with all operating systems as well as Amazon Alexa, Siri, Hey Google and Smart Home.
You can purchase a single Tile Pro, a two-pack or a four-pack, with the option to upgrade to a premium plan for free battery replacement and smart alerts when you leave tagged items behind. The Tile Slim, which is credit card-sized and ideal for passport holders and wallets, can also be useful for travel.
Best GPS: GEGO GPS Luggage Tracker
| Price | $89.99 or less |
| Amazon rating | 3.8/5 stars |
| Best feature | Lost luggage compensation |
| Technology | GPS and GSM |
| Compatible devices | iOS, Android |
| Monthly fee | $13.95 or $19.95 |
While mainstream luggage trackers like the Apple AirTag and Tile Pro rely on Bluetooth technology, the GEGO Luggage Tracker uses GPS to provide real-time updates no matter where you are in the world. Even if you don’t have an internet connection, you’ll be able to see the exact coordinates of your belongings via the GEGO GPS app, which is compatible with all devices. You can also view the location history of your bag and receive text alerts when it has arrived at or departed an airport.
Perhaps the best feature of the GEGO is that it offers lost luggage compensation. If your device can’t help you locate your luggage within 96 hours, you’ll be eligible for a reimbursement of up to $1,000 per bag (for a maximum of two bags per subscription).
As with other GPS trackers, a subscription fee is required; you can either pay $19.95 a month or a discounted annual fee of $167.40 ($13.95 a month). Roaming charges do not apply, and GEGO GPS owners can easily suspend or cancel their subscription at any time.
Recent reviewers rave about this luggage tracker, noting it’s a worthy investment for frequent and/or business travelers. They also praise the company’s customer service.
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Update 11/07/23: This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.