It’s no surprise that many travelers and shoppers are interested in exploring the most expensive luggage brands. After all, traveling has evolved to more than simply taking vacations or exploring new destinations. It’s a lifestyle. And travel accessories, including luggage, has evolved right along with it.
These days, the luggage you carry is more than just a functional means of transporting belongings. With ultra high-tech construction and feature-rich characteristics, traveling with a top quality bag can be a sign of success, a fashion statement, a show of technological prowess, or simply a way to feel darn good about yourself.
So whether you’re a millionaire jetsetter, a frequent traveler who prefers the finer things in life, or are simply curious to learn about luxury luggage, we’ve culled this list of the most expensive luggage brands, along with an outline of their rich and storied histories, to help you explore, dream, and perhaps treat yourself to some of the most elegant, chic, and yes, expensive, luggage in the world.
Zero Halliburton
Zero Halliburton boasts a long and rich history in the luggage world. Having introduced the first aluminum travel cases to the world in 1938, they have since continued to focus on products with a distinctive look and unsurpassed durability.
In 1969, NASA’s Apollo 11 used aluminum cases from Zero Halliburton to safely carry rocks from the moon back to Earth. In addition, the unique contemporary lines of their luggage have garnered over 300 films and TV appearances, including Mission Impossible, Inception, and Men in Black.
With all of this notoriety, it’s no wonder that these cases command high price tags. A worldwide favorite is the line of Geo Polycarbonate Spinner Travel Cases pictured here.
Claire Chase
The signature designs of the Claire Chase Luggage collection certainly appeal to the sophisticated traveler with discriminating taste. What sets these pieces apart from others? The key distinguishing characteristic is that every couture piece is created from maximum, quality top grain cowhide leather.
These bags are known for their timeless beauty and richly textured feel, in a surprisingly lightweight package. Bold distinctive hardware complements the supple leather to create exquisite, unique styling.
And perhaps most notably, every piece is handcrafted by leather artisans working diligently and impeccably at the Claire Chase factory.
A favorite is the Claire Chase Classic 22 inch Pullman, available in distressed brown, red, black, café, or saddle.
Tumi
No listing of luxurious expensive luggage brands would be complete without including Tumi. This innovative luggage maker entered the scene in 1975, and quickly catapulted to an industry leadership position by focusing on product quality and design. Their exclusive lines of bags combine mega-durability, modern technology, and lush style resulting in some of the most popular high-priced bags available.
Their top selling line is the Tumi Alpha 2 Luggage set. This collection includes several pieces in various sizes, including the ever popular 22 inch zippered expandable carry-on and the Alpha 2 Classic Garment Bag.
For those who prefer hardcase baggage, the Tumi Vapor Lite Luggage line delivers their notable top quality construction in an ultra lightweight polycarbonate case.
Hartmann
Since its founding in 1877, Harmann’s vision has been to build “luggage so fine it will stand as a symbol of excellence”. And through the years they stood by this vision, garnering much deserved attention and devotion from the traveling world.
In 1925 as Babe Ruth traveled extensively to promote baseball, he brought along his Harmann Wardrobe Trunk. In the 1950’s the Ultra-light Hartmann 707 Luggage collection was created, and immortalized in Ian Fleming’s novel Live and Let Die finds 007 agent James Bond carrying a Hartmann Skymate Suitcase.
Continuing their fashion forward trend through the decades, Harmann continued to introduce innovative designer construction and distinctive pieces. These included bags aimed toward the women of America in the 60’s, and being a pioneer in creating the separate suiter compartment for hanging two suits, to meet the growing demands of the business traveler in the 90’s.
Today, Hartmann remains true to its heritage, with new stylish collections featuring quality craftsmanship, design innovation, and product performance.
The Hartmann Tweed Collection continues to hold its place among the most popular of the American made Hartmann brand. This collection includes multiple traditional sizes of expandable spinner bags, as well as chic legacy duffels and carriage bags.
Rimowa
Rimowa was founded in 1898 in the German city of Cologne, and there the cornerstone for success was laid. Their launching of the first aluminum trunk in 1937 was just one of their brilliant forward-thinking ideas, driving them to global recognition. They also created the first watertight metal trunks and the first grooved design bags.
In 2000, Rimowa credits itself as the first to introduce the use of polycarbonate, an aircraft and vehicle construction component, into luggage production. This has since revolutionized the entire industry.
Their continued forward thinking innovation coupled with an unwavering attention to stability and lightweight construction, has resulted in today’s brand which is highly favored by high-style travelers of business or pleasure.
Among their most popular items is the Rimowa Salsa Deluxe Hybrid Spinner 42L, a 42cm (16-inch) carry-on offering on the go style and highly functional organization components.
While there are certainly other manufacturers of costly bags out there, we’ve limited our list of most expensive luggage brands to these five. This is because they represent a cross-section of the best luggage brands that offer high priced, durable, feature rich collections, with global recognition that has long withstood the test of time.