Luggage for International Travel in 2025
The best luggage for international travel isn’t just about looking good at the gate; it’s about surviving tight overhead bins, cobblestone streets, and those inevitable baggage claim battles. With stricter airline rules and ever-evolving gear, finding the right suitcase or bag is key to a smooth journey.
Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up 12 stellar options—carry-ons, checked bags, and backpacks—all available on Amazon, plus FAQs and pro tips to keep you rolling (or carrying) like a pro. Let’s dive in!
International travel in 2025 is all about adventure, efficiency, and style—whether you’re jetting off to Tokyo, Paris, or Cape Town. But let’s be real: your luggage can make or break the trip.
- Luggage for International Travel in 2025
- Top 12 Picks for the Best Luggage for International Travel
- 1. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On (21”)
- 2. Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (21”)
- 3. Away The Carry-On Flex (21.7”)
- 4. Monos Carry-On Pro (21.7”)
- 5. Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On (22”)
- 6. Amazon Basics 20” Hardside Spinner
- 7. Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Checked Medium (24”)
- 8. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Checked Medium (25”)
- 9. Delsey Paris Helium Aero Checked Large (29”)
- 10. Calpak Ambeur Medium Checked (26”)
- 11. Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
- 12. Tumi Alpha International Expandable Carry-On (22”)
Why the Right Luggage Matters for International Travel
The best luggage for international travel blends durability, size compliance, and smart features. Overseas flights often cap carry-ons at 21-22 inches (including wheels) and enforce 22-lb weight limits—tighter than domestic rules.
Checked bags need to withstand rough handling, while personal items should maximize under-seat space. In 2025, innovations like lightweight polycarbonates, USB ports, and eco-friendly designs make the best luggage for international travel more versatile than ever. Whether you’re a minimalist or a chronic overpacker, here’s what’s worth your suitcase space.
Top 12 Picks for the Best Luggage for International Travel
1. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On (21”)
- Why It’s Great: This lightweight spinner (6.5 lbs) fits most international overhead bins and boasts a tough polypropylene shell. Its expandable design adds 1 inch of wiggle room for souvenirs.
- Standout Features: TSA lock, 360-degree wheels, cross straps.
- Who It’s For: Frequent flyers needing the best luggage for international travel that’s durable yet affordable (~$149).
The Perfect Size: The textured, scratch-resistant exterior of this hardshell carry-on luggage is 21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10.0″ with wheels and meets the cabin size restrictions of most airlines.
2. Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (21”)
- Why It’s Great: Flight crews swear by Travelpro, and this softside gem weighs 7.8 lbs with a sleek nylon build. It’s got a USB port (battery not included) and a fold-out suit compartment.
- Standout Features: Magnetic wheels, leather accents, lifetime warranty.
- Who It’s For: Business travelers seeking the best luggage for international travel with pro-grade organization (~$369).
EFFORTLESS MOBILITY: The Patented Precision Glide System with magnetic self-aligning 360° dual spinner wheels, adjustable 4-stop PowerScope extension handle and non slip Contour Grip ensures smooth rolling, and stress free maneuverability.
3. Away The Carry-On Flex (21.7”)
- Why It’s Great: At 7.9 lbs, this polycarbonate hardshell expands 2.25 inches—perfect for extra gear. It’s stylish, sturdy, and airline-friendly.
- Who It’s For: Trendy jetsetters wanting the best luggage for international travel with flair (~$325).
4. Monos Carry-On Pro (21.7”)
- Why It’s Great: Weighing 7.8 lbs, this hardside beauty has a front laptop pocket (up to 15”) and an unbreakable polycarbonate shell.
- Standout Features: Vegan leather trim, ultra-quiet wheels, TSA lock.
- Who It’s For: Tech-savvy travelers after the best luggage for international travel with sleek utility (~$295).
5. Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On (22”)
- Why It’s Great: This 9-lb softside bag offers a lifetime warranty and expands 2 inches. Its ballistic nylon shrugs off wear and tear.
- Standout Features: CX compression system, garment folder, rugged handles.
- Who It’s For: Long-haul pros needing the best luggage for international travel that lasts forever (~$599).
World’s only one-touch CX expansion: increases packing capacity when you need more space. Simply press CX buttons and pull up sides to expand. Once ready, zip closed and push down to compress
6. Amazon Basics 20” Hardside Spinner
- Why It’s Great: A budget champ at 7.3 lbs, this ABS plastic carry-on keeps costs low without skimping on essentials.
- Standout Features: Expandable, double spinner wheels, interior organizer.
- Who It’s For: Thrifty explorers looking for the best luggage for international travel under $100 (~$89).
Organize your belongings with dedicated space through an interior organizer featuring dividers, and three zippered pockets for small items. Suitcase measures 15 x 10.6 x 21.7 inches including wheels.
7. Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Checked Medium (24”)
- Why It’s Great: At 8.3 lbs, this polycarbonate checked bag balances size and strength, with a scratch-resistant finish.
- Standout Features: Side-mounted TSA lock, oversized wheels, 10-year warranty.
- Who It’s For: Overpackers craving the best luggage for international travel for longer trips (~$129).
ffortless Travel: Glide through airports easily with our smooth rolling, hardside medium sized luggage. With four oversized, multidirectional spinner wheels and a 9 lbs lightweight hard case, the suitcase moves effortlessly in all directions.
8. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Checked Medium (25”)
- Why It’s Great: Ultra-light at 7.3 lbs, this softside spinner uses polyester that resists stains and tears.
- Standout Features: 2-inch expansion, ergonomic handle, limited lifetime warranty.
- Who It’s For: Weight-conscious travelers seeking the best luggage for international travel for checked needs (~$169).
Expands up to 2 inch to maximize packing capacity. Features low profile top, side and bottom carry handles, two exterior compartments, full length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold down straps for packing convenience.
9. Delsey Paris Helium Aero Checked Large (29”)
- Why It’s Great: This 12.5-lb hardshell offers a glossy finish and 68L of space—ideal for extended stays.
- Standout Features: Double spinner wheels, front pocket, expandable design.
- Who It’s For: Style mavens wanting the best luggage for international travel with room to spare (~$179).
Keeps items secure and wrinkle free with two large fully-lined compartments and web straps; multiple pockets allow easy access and organization
10. Calpak Ambeur Medium Checked (26”)
- Why It’s Great: At 9.3 lbs, this chic polycarbonate bag packs 68L and rolls effortlessly on four wheels.
- Standout Features: TSA lock, compression straps, metallic finish.
- Who It’s For: Fashion-forward travelers after the best luggage for international travel with personality (~$245).
11. Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
- Why It’s Great: A 3.5-lb backpack that meets carry-on size (22”x14”x9”), with a comfy harness and laptop sleeve.
- Standout Features: Stowaway straps, lockable zippers, rugged nylon.
- Who It’s For: Backpackers needing the best luggage for international travel for rugged adventures (~$185).
The harness and hipbelt stow away for safekeeping while checked and deploy quickly for any path or trail
Two front mesh bottle pockets (fits most water bottles) and an external zip toiletry pocket.
12. Tumi Alpha International Expandable Carry-On (22”)
- Why It’s Great: This 10.7-lb softside beast has ballistic nylon and a removable garment sleeve—luxury meets function.
- Standout Features: USB port, Omega zipper, telescopic handle.
Expandable Comfort: Our expandable luggage offers zipper expansion up to 2″, a mesh zip pocket with a removable USB cable, and a garment sleeve that can fit one suit or dress
The Best Tips for International Travel with Luggage
- Check Airline Rules Early: International carriers vary—Lufthansa’s 17-lb carry-on limit is stricter than Delta’s 40 lbs. Confirm size and weight ahead.
- Pack Light, Layer Smart: Use compression straps (Monos Carry-On Pro excels here) and versatile clothing to stay under limits.
- Add a Tracker: Slip an AirTag into your Calpak Ambeur or Away Flex—peace of mind if bags go missing.
- Prioritize Wheels: Four spinners (Delsey Helium Aero) beat two rollers on smooth airport floors; two shine on cobblestones.
- Secure Valuables: TSA locks (Samsonite Omni 2) and front pockets (Monos Carry-On Pro) keep essentials safe and handy.
- Test Maneuverability: Roll your bag around home first—Travelpro Platinum’s magnetic wheels make tight turns a breeze.
- Go Expandable: Bags like Away Flex or Briggs & Riley Baseline save you from souvenir-induced panic.
- Clean Between Trips: Wipe down hardshells (Amazon Basics) or spot-treat softsides (Osprey Farpoint) to avoid customs hassles.
How to Choose the Best Luggage for International Travel
Picking the best luggage for international travel hinges on your trip:
- Short Hauls: Carry-ons like Samsonite Freeform or Monos Carry-On Pro keep you nimble.
- Long Stays: Checked bags like Delsey Helium Aero or Travelpro Maxlite 5 handle weeks abroad.
- Mixed Terrain: Backpacks like Osprey Farpoint tackle trains and trails.
- Budget: Amazon Basics delivers value; Tumi Alpha splurges on luxury.
Consider weight (lighter = more packing room), durability (polycarbonate or nylon wins), and extras (USB ports, expandability). Test capacity with a trial pack—will it fit your adapters, chargers, and that extra jacket?
Most airlines cap carry-ons at 22”x14”x9” (including wheels/handles) and 22 lbs. Checked bags typically max out at 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and 50 lbs—check your airline!
Hardside (e.g., Samsonite Omni 2) offers protection; softside (e.g., Travelpro Platinum) gives flexibility. Pick based on your packing style and destination.
Yes! The Osprey Farpoint 40 fits carry-on rules and shines for mobility—great for trains or uneven terrain.
Weigh your bag before leaving (a luggage scale helps) and stick to lightweight options like the Travelpro Maxlite 5.
Briggs & Riley Baseline and Samsonite Freeform lead with durable builds and solid warranties.
Some picks—like Travelpro Platinum Elite and Tumi Alpha—have USB ports (bring your own battery).
Final Thoughts
The best luggage for international travel in 2025 is about matching your vibe—be it the budget-friendly Amazon Basics spinner, the luxe Tumi Alpha, or the rugged Osprey Farpoint.
Each of these 12 Amazon gems brings something unique: Samsonite’s toughness, Travelpro’s pro cred, Away’s chic expansion, or Briggs & Riley’s forever guarantee. Pair your pick with our tips—check rules, pack smart, track it—and you’re set for takeoff.
Where’s your next stamp? With the best luggage for international travel, you’ll roll in ready.
