If you have upcoming travel plans this fall, it’s time to upgrade your luggage to something that will last. You may want to consider spending more money on aluminum bags than polycarbonate or soft-edged options. While it is more expensive to do this up front, it is wise to invest in one of these sleek, durable and stylish metal suitcases ensures that your belongings remain protected trip after trip.

Treat yourself to a high-quality aluminum case that can withstand years of travel. Just like buying household items that will last for generations, it pays to keep your belongings safe and stylish, trip after trip.

The 5 Best Aluminum Luggage Options You Can Buy in 2024

The most popular aluminum luggage for 2024: Rimowa Classic aluminum luggage

Rimowa was the pioneer of the aluminum luggage trendthat launched the bag style in the 1930s. The high-end, celebrity-favorite Rimowa Classic Cabin S suitcase features TSA-approved locks, a height-adjustable flex divider, and a telescopic handle. And like all Rimowa designs, it features grooves inspired by the first all-metal airplane.

In addition to the high-quality materials and construction, one of the biggest benefits of buying a piece of Rimowa luggage is peace of mind. The brand offers a lifetime warranty on all new suitcases, which covers all functional aspects (but excludes wear and tear). Rimowa also offers in-store repairs and even hotel repairs at participating international locations, should you need a repair while traveling.

You’ll want to grab this bag thanks to its sturdy aluminum construction that protects your belongings far better than soft or polycarbonate luggage. This case comes with a lifetime warranty.

Rimowa suitcases come in many shapes and sizes, materials and colours. The size and colour combinations vary by collection, but most come in a few carry-on and checked luggage options. There is also a suitcase, an extra-large piece of luggage designed for trips of two weeks or longer.

Some of our favorite aluminum parts from the brand include:

The best mid-range aluminum luggage: Away The Aluminum Collection

Away Travel offers sleek, functional suitcases at a reasonable price. Jetsetters will appreciate the easy-to-set TSA-approved lock and smooth-rolling spinner wheels. Away’s improved aluminum edition offers a more wallet-friendly alternative to Rimowa with the same features as the durable polycarbonate bags that put the brand on the map.

Away also offers a warranty that covers damage to the exterior, wheels, handles, zippers and other functional elements of the suitcases. This provides additional peace of mind when purchasing more expensive suitcases.

The aluminum version of the Away luggage comes in four sizes: two carry-on and two check-in sizes. It comes in three metallic colors: silver, onyx black, and rose gold. The smaller carry-on weighs 10.1 pounds, the medium weighs 10.6 pounds, the smaller check-in weighs 13.3 pounds, and the larger version weighs 16 pounds.

Away’s 360-degree spinner wheels make these bags easy to roll through the airport. The suitcases have a dual lock for added security. The carry-on fits in most airline overhead bins.

Best Aluminum Luggage for Organized Packing: Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Check-In

Tumi has crafted this sleek suitcase from lightweight aluminum. Features include TSA-approved locks, smooth-rolling casters, and a shock-resistant telescopic handle for easy maneuverability. Interior highlights include compression straps, a removable garment bag, and plenty of zippered pockets for organization.

Worried about losing your luggage? As part of the Tumi Tracer program, the bag includes a 20-digit number for easy identification. Plus, two TSA-integrated combination locks keep your belongings safe and secure.

It also features a durable aluminum exterior and sturdy telescopic handles, plus retractable side and top handles for easy loading and carrying. Available in four colors: silver, matte back, dark denim, and textured blush.

Best Large Aluminum Carry-On Luggage: Zero Halliburton Continental Aluminum Carry-On Luggage

The deluxe 22-inch, 12.5-pound Zero Halliburton Continental suitcase fits overhead on most domestic flights. It features a brand-branded smooth-rolling wheel system. A three-stage telescoping handle, TSA-compliant locking system, leather accents and a spacious interior round out the features that make the brushed metal suitcase a keeper. Its smaller size also makes it a great choice for road trips.

The suitcase also offers ample storage space and internal compartments to keep all of your belongings organized. The Zero Halliburton Continental Aluminum Carry-On has a zipper divider, wide panel tie down straps with a mesh divider to keep clothes in place and a closure compression panel with an additional mesh pocket to store smaller items. Available in silver, black and bronze.

One of the reasons we love this suitcase is that it features 360-degree rubber wheels for improved handling, traction, and shock absorption. A built-in TSA-approved combination lock keeps your belongings safe. Also comes with a magnetic leather ID tag and free monogram.

Best Aluminum Suitcase Without Zipper: Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On Luggage

The Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On Case is made of aerospace-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy, comes in silver and gray, weighs 4.5 pounds and fits easily in an airplane overhead bin or the trunk of a car.

Keyless and zipperless, the sleek suitcase features TSA-approved locks and 360-degree durable spinner wheels. Comes with a four-piece organizer bag set.

You’ll love this suitcase because it’s made of scratch-resistant material and reinforced with metal corner protectors for long-lasting durability. It also includes removable dividers for flexible packing.

You can breathe a sigh of relief when you buy from Level8, because this bag comes with a lifetime warranty. It is also relatively cheap for aluminum luggage, so you can get a high-quality piece for less.

Best Luxury Aluminum Luggage: Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case

Want aluminum luggage? Sterling Pacific is your choice. This bag is made entirely of aerospace-grade aluminum, and you pay a premium for it. It also has aluminum wheel wells, an aluminum frame and corners, and an aluminum handle.

This luxury bag is quite expensive, but you know exactly what you get. You can see that in the design: it is spacious, high quality and easy to carry.

It has two wheels instead of four (an odd design) and a slim but roomy silhouette, along with reinforced leather handles so you can carry it if you need to. It’s surprisingly light at just 11.5 pounds, and it’s super flashy.

The trunk is deep enough to hold just about anything you might need for a while away from home, and you know your belongings are in good hands when you pack them into this eye-catching piece of luggage. You may have to shell out a lot of money to bring this suitcase home, but Sterling Pacific offers a lifetime warranty and free repairs if anything happens to this expensive piece of luggage.

Best Smart Aluminum Luggage: Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On Max: Aluminum Edition

If you’re often surprised by a dead smartphone battery while traveling, this aluminum alloy carry-on is a great option for you. Arlo Skye combines modern convenience with reliable construction with this piece.

This aluminum case features built-in USB-C and USB-A charging ports, so you can charge your smartphone and other devices with a portable charger. It also has an antimicrobial lining on the inside, tucked away in the aluminum casing.

With leather handles, super-smooth wheels, and a massive 45L capacity, this bag can charge your phone in under 30 minutes, pack a week’s worth of clothes and gear or more, and get you where you’re going in style. And it won’t break the bank, either.

If convenience is your priority, this is a hard aluminum bag you’ll want to put at the top of your list.

Why choose aluminum luggage?

One of the biggest draws of aluminum luggage is its luxurious look, but there are more benefits to owning it. Aluminum is less likely to crack over time compared to polycarbonate, making it a better choice in the long run.

Aluminum luggage is more expensive than polycarbonate and soft luggage. But because aluminum luggage is a luxury purchase, many brands offer a luxury level of service. Rimowa (and some Rimowa alternatives) offers in-store and even hotel repairs at participating international locations, plus warranty coverage for parts that may fail.

What are some disadvantages of aluminum luggage?

A major disadvantage (apart from the price) is that aluminum bags often weigh more – expect hand luggage to weigh about 10 pounds and checked bags up to 16 roads.