Natalia Chi
Thomas Kieslich / EyeEm
Upgrading your polycarbonate or soft-sided luggage to aluminum may seem like an unnecessary luxury. But invest in one of these sleek, durable and stylish suitcases. , you can protect your luggage well over long distances.
Here are our picks for aluminum luggage for 2023, based on user reviews and CBS Essentials testing.
Top product in this article:
High-end aluminum suitcases: Rimowa Classic Cabin S, $1,400
Value aluminum luggage: Away The Aluminum Large Check In, $745
Best for budget aluminum luggage: Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On, $404 (down from $430)
Why Invest in Aluminum Luggage? In addition to metal’s smooth, premium look, aluminum is also more resistant to cracking than other metals. polycarbonate luggagewould be the more long-term option.
What are the biggest drawbacks? Aluminum luggage is often heavier than plastic or fabric suitcases. A carry-on suitcase typically weighs around 10 pounds, while a check-in bag can weigh up to 16 pounds.
As for price, we expect to pay more for aluminum due to the higher cost of materials and production. Keep in mind that brands such as Rimowa offer free maintenance and warranty on certain parts that may break over the years.
best aluminum luggage you can buy
cut up some best checked luggage and carry-on baggage From brands such as Rimowa, Away, Tumi, Zero Halliburton and Level8.Check out our top-rated picks below or see our top picks best luggage for 2023.
RIMOWA CLASSIC ALUMINUM Luggage
Rimowa
This high-end, celebrity-favorite RIMOWA Classic Cabin S suitcase features a TSA-approved lock, height-adjustable flex dividers and telescoping handles. The L (large) bag measures just over 30 inches and weighs 13.2 pounds, while the slightly smaller M (medium) bag measures 27.6 inches and weighs 11.7 pounds. The cabin-sized version measures 21.7 inches and weighs just 9.2 pounds.
Rimowa recently added the Pilot Case to its lineup. At 16.5 inches and 10.8 pounds, it’s the perfect size and shape for travel professionals and commuters. You can add your name to the waiting list to be notified when a pilot case becomes available.
Rimowa Classic Cabin S, $1,400
RIMOWA Classic Check-In M, $1,700
RIMOWA Classic Check-In L, $1,835
RIMOWA Original Pilot Case $1,500
Away the Aluminum Collection
over there
Away Travel offers sleek, functional suitcases at affordable prices. Jet-setters will appreciate the removable rechargeable battery for on-the-go phone charging, the easy-to-set TSA-approved lock, and the smooth-rolling spinner wheel.
Away’s upgraded aluminum edition is a more wallet-friendly alternative to the Rimowa and features the same features as the durable polycarbonate bag that put the brand on the map. The aluminum version comes in his four sizes, two carry-ons and two check-ins. Choose from three metal tones: silver, onyx black and rose gold. A small carry-on bag weighs 10.1 lbs, a medium carry-on bag weighs 10.6 lbs, a small carry-on bag weighs 13.3 lbs, and a large carry-on bag weighs 16 lbs.
Away the Aluminum Carry-on, $625
Away The Aluminum Large Check In, $745
Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Check In
Tumi
Tumi has crafted this sleek suitcase from lightweight aluminium. Features like TSA-approved locks, smooth swivel wheels, and a shock-resistant telescoping handle make it easy to maneuver in any situation. Interior highlights include compression straps, removable garment sleeves, and numerous zipper compartments for organization.
Worried about losing your luggage? As part of the Tumi Tracer program, the bags are numbered with a 20-digit number for easy identification.
Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Luggage, $1,425
Zero Halliburton Continental Aluminum Carry-on
zero halliburton
The luxurious 22-inch, 12.5-pound Zero Halliburton Continental suitcase fits overhead on most domestic flights and boasts the brand’s trademark smooth-running wheel system. A spacious interior with a three-stage telescoping handle, TSA-compliant locking system, leather accents, and plenty of organizational features make the brushed metal suitcase a keeper. Its small size also makes it perfect for road trips. Choose from silver, black and bronze.
Zero Halliburton Continental Aluminum Carry-on, $1,095
Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-on
level 8
Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy, the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On is available in silver and gray, weighs 10 pounds, and fits neatly in the overhead compartment of an airplane or the trunk of a car. The sleek, keyless, zipperless suitcase has a TSA-approved lock, 360-degree durable spinner wheels and comes with a 4-piece organizer bag set.
Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On, $404 (down from $430)
More rated luggage options
Isn’t the suitcase above perfect for you? Our friends at CBS Essentials have put together a number of packers designed to help you shop for your next bag or suitcase. Check out our luggage coverage here:
