It’s summertime and for many of us, that means there could be some traveling in the weeks ahead.
While carrying bags and walking through busy airports and train terminals can be a hassle, one way to make things easier is to use suitcases that are both durable and easy to handle.
To find the best suitcases, the Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed nearly 65,000 Consumer Reports subscribers.
We got viable data back from 27,191 people (a brand had to have been rated by at least 100 respondents). We found that the brand, Briggs & Riley, came out on top both for carry-on suitcases and for midsize and large suitcases.
Among the most important requirements when choosing carry-on, midsize and large luggage were wheelability, according to 64% of respondents, and durability, according to 61% of our readers. Durability, which takes into consideration zippers, handles and the fabric type among other things, was the single greatest predictor of overall satisfaction. By contrast, style and brand name, were only important to a small fraction of our readers.
Carry-On Luggage
The good news for shoppers is that if you buy carry-on luggage from one of the 16 brand names listed in our suitcase Ratings, you’ll probably be happy. About 86% of the 8,218 survey respondents who told us about their carry-on suitcases were highly satisfied with all of the brands listed in the survey.
While no brand was significantly better than the others, Briggs & Riley scored higher than most for its ease of carrying, wheelability, ease of packing, and durability. Readers also liked that the brand was easy to stow.
The great thing about carry-on luggage is that you don’t have to choose the most expensive brands to be satisfied. For lower priced suitcases, Costco, which tends to sell moderately priced suitcases falls in the middle of the pack.
Midsize and Large Suitcases
When looking for larger suitcases, though, brand names make a difference. We got 18,973 qualified responses on 24 midsize and large suitcase brands.
Among the highest rated midsize and large suitcase brands were Briggs & Riley, Eagle Creek, and L.L. Bean. Overall, 76% of respondents were highly satisfied with their midsize or large suitcases.
Interestingly, American Tourister was one of the most popular brands used by our readers, yet it fell towards the bottom of the ratings.
Editor's Note: This article is based on a survey conducted from January through March 2016. It was sent to Consumer Reports Online Annual Active subscribers. Our results include 27,191 total responses regarding all sizes of suitcases.
Check our luggage buying guide and suitcase Ratings to find the best brands and advice on selecting bags that meet your needs.
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