Now more than ever it’s essential to consider the weight of your luggage when your travels include flying to your destination. This is because many airlines have new restrictions and fees regarding not only the number of bags, but the weight of each piece of checked luggage. And several are also imposing weight limits for carry-on bags. These fees can certainly add up when they have to be paid for every leg of a journey. But one way to reduce these fees is to get the best lightweight luggage for air travel.
The best lightweight luggage will have the minimum weight possible while still being ultra-durable to withstand all types of travel. These bags come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and prices. They may have a soft side or hard case exterior, and roll on two wheels or four. And they can include all of the special features you may be looking for to simplify the packing and transporting of your possessions.
We’ve identified several high quality lightweight luggage options that have received the best ratings and reviews from actual users. These span across several of the top luggage brands, and include efficient carry-on bags, larger check-in bags, as well as multi-piece luggage sets. With this broad variety, you’ll be sure to find the style that best meets your unique travel goals.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion Spinner Series
A consistent top seller, these extremely popular Winfield 2 Fashions Spinners are among global luggage leader Samsonite’s lightest weight offerings. This bag combines thoughtful design with stylish looks to deliver an ultra-high quality winning series.
Notable Features
- Hard shell exterior constructed of 100% polycarbonate delivers enhanced durability while being extremely lightweight.
- Brushed finish is not only stylish but also hides scuffs and scratches that are bound to happen over time.
- Multi-directional spinner wheels on all four corners allows upright pushing or pulling with minimal arm fatigue.
- TSA compatible combination lock is built in, so no more misplacing that separate little lock.
Sizes
- Winfield 2 Fashion 28 Upright – Dimensions (exterior): 30 x 20 x 12.5 inches; Weight : 11.5 lbs
- Winfield 2 Fashion 24 Upright – Dimensions (exterior): 26 x 16.5 x 11.75 inches; Weight: 9.3 lbs
- Winfield 2 Fashion 20 Carry-on – Dimensions (exterior): 21.5 x 13.5 x 9.64 inches. Weight: 6.7 lbs.
Colors
Charcoal, deep blue, purple, burgundy, and orange.
Travelpro Maxlite 4 (and 3) Collections – Spinners and Rollaboards
A relative newcomer in the industry, Travelpro has quickly risen to being among the top picks for flight crews and experienced fliers. And one of their best lightweight luggage for travel is the Maxlite 4 Expandable series.
True to its name, it is extremely lightweight, lighter in fact than nearly every other soft-sided bag of its size. In fact, at under 6 pounds, the Travelpro Maxlite 4 20 inch International Carry-On is it among the lightest 20 inch carry on luggage options on the market for both soft-sided and hardcase. Also note that the previous version, Maxlite 3, offers the same features and often at a slightly lower price points.
Notable Features
- Soft sided dura-weave polyester is tough and resilient, and proprietary honeycomb framing reinforced with eva quality foam provides superior durability and protection without adding weight or bulk
- Collection includes spinners with 4 360-degree wheels, and rollaboards with 2 smooth gliding inline skate wheels
- Adjustable extension handle locks at two positions to accommodate travelers of different heights
- Full length exterior zipper compartment with integrated smaller pocket for easy to access items, and multiple interior compartments useful for organizing belongings
- Expandable by up to 2-inches
Sizes
- Travelpro Maxlite 4 20 inch International Carry-On – Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 9.5 inches; Weight: 5.9 lbs
-
Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 4 Expandable 22 Inch Rollaboard Carry-on – Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches; Weight: 6 lbs
- Travelpro Maxlite 4 25” Expandable Spinner – Dimensions: 25 x 18 x 11 inches; Weight: 7.8 lbs
- Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 4 26” Expandable Rollaboard – Dimensions: 26 x 18.5 x 11 inches; Weight: 7.6 lbs
- Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 4 29” Expandable Spinner – Dimensions: 29 x 20 x 12 inches; Weight: 8.6 lbs
Colors
Black, blue, grey, or merlot
Traveler’s Choice US Traveler Rio Two Piece Expandable Carry-On Luggage Set
The US Traveler Rio 2-piece expandable carry on set from Traveler’s Choice is hugely popular because it combines high functionality with minimal weight at a low cost. The two piece set includes a 21 inch wheeled carry-on and a 14 inch travel tote bag.
Notable Features
- Soft sized construction of 1200d rigid polyester for a durable and easy to maintain exterior
- Two wheeled roller style 21-inch bag features smooth rolling skate wheels protected by corner molded casings
- The 21-inch bag can be expanded by 25% when more capacity is needed
- Both pieces offer multiple pockets and organizers, including spacious exterior compartments for easy access you want to get to quickly
Sizes
- US Traveler Rio 21 inch Carry on – Dimensions: 21 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches; Weight: 6.6 lbs
- US Traveler Rio 14 inch Travel Tote – Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 6 inches; Weight: 1.3 lbs
Colors
Available in green, royal blue, orange, and purple.
Rockland Luggage Melbourne 2 Piece Expandable Spinner Set
Rockland Luggage has skyrocketed in popularity by offering brightly colored, stylish luggage, at an affordable price. The Melbourne 2 Piece Expandable Spinner Set offers optimal versatility with a combination of the 20 inch carry on and the 28 inch expandable upright.
(Note that these pieces are also available independently, so if you’re just looking for a lightweight carry-on suitcase, then you can purchase the Rockland Melbourne 20-inch Carry On by itself.)
Notable Features:
- ABS hardshell casing is durable and ultra lightweight. In fact, ABS is a stronger material than polypropylene.
- Multi-pocketed interior provide numerous packing options
- Bags expand in capacity at the pull of a zipper
- Dual style spinner wheels ensure a smooth roll with superior mobility
Sizes
- Rockland Luggage Melbourne 20 inch Spinner Carry on – Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 9 inches; Weight: 6 pounds
- Rockland Melbourne 28 inch Spinner Upright – Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 12 inches; Weight: 10 pounds
Colors
Over 20 color options to choose from.
IT Luggage Mega Lite Luggage Spinner Collection 3 Piece Set
The Mega Lite Spinner 3-Piece Set from IT Luggage is a premium quality collection that offers a great balance of being both lightweight and durable. The collection includes a 22 inch carryon, a 26 inch upright, and a 30 inch upright.
Notable Features
- Soft sided exterior of high density polyester is ultra lightweight and super strong
- Each bag is among the lightest weight available in its size
- 4 multi-directional spinner wheels roll silent and smooth over most any surface, and specially balanced to ensure bag remains upright when rolling or in place
- Bags conveniently nest inside one another for easy stowage while not in use
Sizes
- IT Luggage Mega Lite 22 inch Carryon – Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 8.7; Weight: 4.2
- Mega Lite 26 inch upright – Dimensions: 26.4 x 16.3 x 9.3; Weight: 5.1
- Mega Lite 30 inch upright – Dimensions: 29.9 x 18.1 x 10.3; Weight: 6
Colors
Choose from fiery red, blue grotto (pictured), flint grey, black, baton rouge (hot pink), or blue ashes.
Delsey Luggage Helium Aero Spinner Trolley
Known for being one of the best luggage brands, Delsey Luggage has constructed a winning collection with the Helium Aero Spinner. This set of luggage seems to show up on nearly every list of top rated hard case lightweight luggage, and for good reason. They are made of extremely lightweight polycarbonate, and offer a full set of features that meets the needs of the majority of travelers.
Notable Features
- Polycarbonate hard case exterior is durable, lightweight, and coated with a stylish, glossy finish with a ribbed design that reduces the appearance of wear
- Dual spinner wheels mean each of the four sets of wheels is doubled (eight wheels total) for optimal maneuverability
- Expandability at the pull of a zipper provides extra capacity when needed
- Organization pockets and tie-down straps provide versatile packing options
- TSA compatible combination lock is built-in.
- International Carry On size includes a protected laptop sleeve
Sizes
- Helium Aero 19 inch International Carry On – Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9.5 inches; Weight: 8.2 lbs.
- Helium Aero 21 inch Carry On – Dimensions: 20.5 x 14.5 x 10 inches; Weight: 8.4 lbs.
- Helium Aero 25″ Rolling Luggage – Dimensions: 25 x 17.5 x 11.5 inches; Weight: 10.2 lbs.
- Helium Aero 29″ Rolling Luggage – Dimensions: 29 x 19.5 x 10 inches; Weight: 12.5 lbs.
Colors
Cobalt Blue, Titanium, Brick Red, Brushed Charcoal, Purple, and Emerald Green