The 12 Best Expandable Luggage Pieces of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Away The Carry-On Flex

$325 at Away Travel

Away's Carry-on Flex suitcase is conveniently compact, easily fitting into an airplane overhead bin, and you can unzip it to expand the depth by 2.25 inches. During testing, we fit everything on our packing list without a fuss and had room to spare. Inside are two main compartments: a mesh one with a zippered closure and the other with a compression panel and straps, plus a zippered pouch. All zippers ran smoothly without snagging. The suitcase is also easy to open and close (even when stuffed full), and we had no issues lifting it into overhead bins, thanks to the lightweight design.

We found the Carry-on Flex a breeze to maneuver. The handle worked well, the weight felt evenly distributed, and it rolled effortlessly over carpet, hard floor, and tile. This suitcase also proved durable. Nothing broke when we shoved it off a counter and whacked it with a metal baseball bat. It did sustain a few scuffs, though, so you might want to choose a darker color to conceal them better. We also found that the glossy finishes tend to scuff more easily than the matte designs. Considering the high-quality design, compact yet spacious capacity, smooth-gliding spinner wheels, and organizational features, we think the price is fair.

The Details: Carry-on | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches (unexpanded), 21.7 x 13.7 x 11.25 inches (expanded) | Expands 2.25 inches | 8.9 pounds | 39.8 liters (unexpanded), 46.7 liters (expanded) | Polycarbonate

Best Hardside Checked

Béis Large Check-in Roller

$328 at Nordstrom $328 at Beis $328 at Bloomingdales

With a whopping 112-liter capacity, this Béis suitcase is among the biggest we tested. We had enough room to fit twice the stuff on our packing list — and this is without the expander feature that gives you an extra 2 inches of depth. Besides an enormous capacity, the Large Check-in Roller has zippered compartments, ample internal pockets, a removable compression panel, compression straps, and a laundry bag for dirty clothes.

This checked suitcase is also surprisingly lightweight for how massive it is. After packing it full, we could grab it from a baggage carousel and lift it into a car trunk without a struggle. What's more, the cushioned handle and 360-degree spinner wheels make pushing and pulling very comfortable. Although this bag didn't sustain any scratches or dents from our durability tests, it does scuff easily. That said, we were able to wipe off superficial marks with a damp cloth as needed, and the darker colors will conceal marks better than the lighter hues.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 31.3 x 19.6 x 12.6 inches (unexpanded), 31.3 x 19.6 x 14.6 inches (expanded) | Expands 2 inches | 11.5 pounds | 112-liter capacity | Polycarbonate

Best Hardside Carry-on

Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner

$180 $137 at Amazon $150 at Samsonite $140 at Ebags

Of all the carry-on luggage we've tested, Samsonite's Freeform Spinner is our favorite. We recently tested this bag a second time in our lab to make sure we still loved it as much as we did the first time we tried it out two years ago, and we're happy to say it's held up well. This thoughtfully designed suitcase has two separate compartments and several interior pockets, plus it expands to add 2 inches to the depth. We fit enough outfits, shoes, outerwear, and toiletries for a four-day trip without having to use the expander. It would be nice if there was a removable laundry bag or separate section for dirty clothes, but we were otherwise satisfied with the organizational features.

This carry-on maneuvers easily on two or four wheels, rolling smoothly over carpet, hard floors, and concrete. We also appreciate that the telescoping handle extends and locks with the press of a button. The bag is pretty light but still feels sturdy — hitting it with a bat and shoving it off a table in both tests left virtually no damage. And after using this bag regularly for six months, there were no signs of wear and tear aside from a few minor scuffs we were able to easily buff out. Beyond that, we love the chic, minimalist aesthetic of the Freeform, which comes in a handful of neutral colors and statement hues. Considering the reasonable price, durable construction, and spacious capacity, we think it's a great choice for frequent fliers and anyone in need of a high-quality carry-on. "It's really just a reliable little suitcase," says T+L editor Taylor Fox.

The Details: Carry-on | 23 x 15 x 10 inches (unexpanded), 23 x 15 x 12 inches (expanded) | Expands 2 inches | 5.6 pounds | Polypropylene

Best Set

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Set

$800 at Amazon $840 $672 at Travel Pro

This two-piece bundle from Travelpro's Platinum Elite luggage line comes with a hardside checked bag and a matching carry-on, each with spacious capacities that expand by 2 inches. (If you need more luggage, you can add the Medium Check-in Spinner or the Compact Carry-on.) We fit all items on our packing list with room to spare and appreciated how the zippered panels, cross straps, and various pockets helped with thoughtful packing.

The suitcases showed a few superficial marks after we whacked them with baseball bats and shoved them off counters, but there were no dents or scratches. When packed full, we thought the carry-on was a little easier to maneuver on two wheels than four, but other than that, the Platinum Elite collection rolls like a champ.

Just a heads up: purchasing the suitcases as a set may not be more affordable than buying them separately. We still think the price is reasonable, especially considering the lifetime warranty.

The Details: 2-piece set | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches (carry-on unexpanded), 23 x 14.5 x 11.5 inches (carry-on expanded); 30 x 18 x 13.5 inches (checked unexpanded), 30 x 18 x 15.5 inches (checked expanded) | 8.1 pounds (carry-on), 12.3 pounds (checked) | 45-liter capacity (carry-on), 108-liter capacity (checked) | Polycarbonate

Best Trunk

Calpak Hue Trunk Luggage

View on Calpaktravel.com $290 at The Container Store $290 at Saks Fifth Avenue

It’s rare for a travel trunk to have an expander, so the fact that this one expands 2 inches makes it stand out among the competition. The trunk is deep as it is, making it the perfect vessel when you’re packing for multiple people, long trips, or with bulky items, with a spacious interior that has plenty of pockets and pouches for organization — a signature feature of Calpak luggage. The lightweight exterior proved to be durable after we hit it four times with a baseball bat without leaving a single dent on the bag. The wheels and lock were also durable, surviving the tosses and bat swings with no problem. We experienced some minor issues with the top and side handles pinching our hands due to how far they extend, but not enough to dissuade us from recommending this suitcase.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 31.5 x 15.5 x 12.5 inches (unexpanded) | Expands 2 inches | 11.75 pounds | 108-liter capacity | Polycarbonate

Best With Laptop Compartment

Samsonite Just Right Carry-on Spinner

View on Samsonite

Not all hardside bags have exterior pockets, so we found it useful that this Samsonite carry-on has a padded front panel that can hold a laptop up to 15 inches and other tech devices. The front pocket has multiple compartments, including a mesh zip pocket and straps for wireless charging. Another perk? The suitcase comes with two packing cubes with handles and a laundry bag. The bag felt a bit heavy when we lifted it, but it was still easy to wheel around fully packed. While the materials felt durable enough, we noticed some peeling and scratches on the exterior and the wheels after we threw the bag off a table and hit it with a bat, though that might not be much of an issue if you avoid checking it. Overall, we thought the organizational features and maneuverability were great. 

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9.3 inches (unexpanded) | Expands 1.5 inches | 7.9 pounds | Polycarbonate

Best Budget

Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 21-inch Spinner

$70 $63 at Amazon

For an expandable bag that's a little easier on your wallet, you can't go wrong with this hardside carry-on from Amazon Basics. Like Samsonite's Freeform Spinner, we tested this one in our lab a second time recently to see if we loved it as much as we did two years ago, and we still believe it's one of the best budget-friendly suitcases out there. The bag's capacity is exceptional for a carry-on suitcase, and we were able to fit our entire packing list with room to spare without needing to expand it. Once expanded, the bag offers 2 more inches of space.

This bag has two internal compartments. One contains an X strap for keeping things in place, and the other has a mesh divider for organization that also has two small mesh pockets on top. The carry-on rolled smoothly during testing on various surfaces, although it did get scraped when going over a curb, so we wish the wheels were a bit taller. Other than that, it stood up well to our durability tests and didn't scuff or dent after being hit with a baseball bat. Overall, we think it's a great bag for travelers on a budget. "The organization, zippers, and closures are much more intuitive than some of the fancier suitcases we've tested," says senior editor Jasmine Grant.

The Details: Carry-on | 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 inches (unexpanded) | Expands 2 inches | 6.3 pounds | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

Best Softside Checked

Briggs & Riley Expandable Spinner

$799 at Amazon $799 at Nordstrom View on Briggs & Riley

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Expandable Spinner is made of soft yet sturdy ballistic nylon that looks sleek without compromising durability. With impact-resistant corners, it withstood several bat hits and falls from a table. The textile exterior was also easy to wipe clean. We love this suitcase's self-repairing YKK zippers, which actually get smoother over time. Not only that, but the sturdy aluminum handle makes it a piece of cake to maneuver over smooth and bumpy surfaces.

We appreciate the interior and exterior pockets and expandable main compartment. The only real drawback is that the built-in, folding garment bag isn't very intuitive. Still, we like that this feature stays tucked away if you choose not to use it. If you can swing the price, you might consider investing in this well-made, luxury piece of luggage. As with other Briggs & Riley luggage, the lifetime guarantee can give you peace of mind about your purchase.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 26 x 18 x 12 inches (unexpanded) | 13.3 pounds | 80-liter capacity (unexpanded), 97-liter capacity (expanded) | Ballistic nylon

Best Softside Carry-on

Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On

$245 at Away Travel

Away is one of our favorite luggage brands, so we were excited to see its recent launch of this softside carry-on. This stylish bag will stand out among even the chicest hardside options thanks to its modern design that's typical of the brand. But this suitcase isn't just about looks — it's a sturdy option that seems built to withstand the wear and tear of travel.

"This felt like a heavier fabric than other softsides, which made me think it will be durable even if you have to check it," says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. While it is pretty heavy, even compared to other hardside bags, we were impressed with its durability during testing. This suitcase has sturdy corners that offer extra protection against drops and it held up perfectly when we hit it with a baseball bat multiple times (all in the name of research, of course).

We had no issues fitting our packing list into this bag. It's large enough that we would be a little nervous about it fitting in an overhead bin when expanded, especially on smaller planes. That being said, the large capacity makes it easy to fit everything with room to spare. Inside the bag, you'll find an expandable main compartment with a compression pad (with attached mesh pockets) that keeps everything in place. The bag also has a small front pocket that could fit a wallet, passport, or phone for easy access. During testing, the bag rolled smoothly across various terrains and had no issue with tight corners.

The Details: Carry-on | 23 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches (unexpanded) | Expands 1.75 inches | 9.8 pounds | 38.3-liter capacity (unexpanded), 44.3-liter capacity (expanded) | Nylon a water-repellent coating

Best Weekender

Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag

$285 at Nordstrom View on Longchamp.com $285 at Bloomingdales

With a seemingly never-ending capacity, the Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag effortlessly fit everything on our four-day packing list with room to spare. The expander is easy to use — just unzip the middle to increase the size of the bag by more than half. We also like how lightweight it is: less than 2 pounds when empty.

The lack of organizational features may be a downside for some. It has two small interior pockets big enough for things like a phone, passport, AirPods, or lip balm, but that's it. Depending on your travel plans, you might want to use packing cubes. What makes up for it is the fact that the Le Pliage is made of smooth, durable canvas that repels stains and wipes clean as needed. You can carry it with the two grab handles or the adjustable shoulder strap, which we found comfortable. Seeing as Longchamp bags last for years and stand up to wear and tear, we think the price tag is warranted.

The Details: 17.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches (unexpanded) | 1.6 pounds | 30-liter capacity (unexpanded), 50-liter capacity (expanded) | Recycled polyamide canvas

Most Stylish

Bric’s Expandable 27-inch Spinner

$475 at Amazon View on Bricstore.com $370 at Pottery Barn

If you’re looking for a checked suitcase that’s not overly large, this 27-inch spinner from Bric’s is a stylish option. Inspired by the Italian coast, it comes in three different shades of blues and greens that will be easy to spot from a distance when you’re waiting at the baggage claim area, though there are no neutral options available. We also appreciated that the interior is colored to match the outside and loved the luxe leather details on the handles. Though this is a more compact option for a checked bag, the expander helps add an additional 1.6 inches of extra space if needed, and the suitcase felt more lightweight and easy to roll around than some carry-ons we’ve tested. The interior is spacious as well, with a zipped double compartment, polyester straps, and a garment hook, though we’d add more pockets if we could. It also comes with a luggage cover if you want to protect the bag from dirt and scratches.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 19 x 27 x 11 inches (unexpanded) | Expands 1.6 inches | 7.9 pounds | 83-liter capacity | Polycarbonate with leather details

Best Button Expansion

Briggs & Riley 22 Inch Spinner

$649 at Nordstrom View on Briggs & Riley View on Bloomingdales

While most expandable suitcases use a zipper system, this 22-inch spinner from Briggs & Riley uses a button system for a unique take on the expandability feature. Inside the main compartment are two buttons that you can press to raise panels that create an additional 10 liters of space. Press the buttons again to lower the panels and take the bag back to its original size. We thought these were fun to use during testing and didn't feel like the buttons took up a significant amount of space. We were also able to use this system to compress our bag after it was fully packed. "I could see how this would be easier than fussing with an expansion zipper that you have to get around the entire suitcase when pushing its capacity," notes senior editor Lydia Price.

Expansion system aside, this is a spacious carry-on that's ideal for long trips. This suitcase has one large compartment with a small pocket inside and a compression pad that holds everything down. With the expansion panels up, you could easily fit bulky items like boots in the main compartment without needing to shove anything down. We like the lightweight, sleek feel of the shell, although the very bottom of the luggage scratched when we rolled it over a cement curb. Other than that, we didn't have any concerns about durability and think this is a great bag with a unique expansion option.

The Details: Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9 inches (unexpanded) | Expands 10 liters | 8.6 pounds | 41-liter capacity (unexpanded), 51-liter capacity (expanded) | Recycled Polycarbonate, recycled polyester

Best Splurge

Tumi Alpha Medium Trip Expandable 4 Wheeled Packing Case

$1,295 at Amazon $1,445 at Tumi.com $1,295 at Bloomingdales

The Tumi Alpha Packing Case is undoubtedly worth the high price tag. We found the medium checked size spacious without being too large or awkward to handle. Everything on our packing list fit into just one of the compartments, and the zippered expander adds 2.5 inches of depth. There are also multiple front pockets that extend outward, allowing you to fit even more stuff and easily access items when the main compartments are full. The zippers seemed to be very high-quality, too.

At 17.6 pounds, this suitcase is relatively heavy when empty, but we didn't find it hard to lift compared to lighter luggage. The handle locked confidently, and the 360-degree caster wheels rolled smoothly and turned on a dime. It was ever-so-slightly more cumbersome on carpet, though we wouldn't say it was difficult to maneuver at all. The quality of the Alpha Packing Case is undeniable. It showed resistance to wear and tear during our durability test and is backed by a five-year warranty.

If you're willing to invest in an upscale design and want a suitcase big enough for two people's belongings or to fit purchases from your trips, this suitcase is a stellar choice.

The Details: Checked suitcase | 29 x 20 x 13 inches (unexpanded), 29 x 20 x 15.5 inches (expanded) | Expands 2.5 inches | 17.6 pounds | 108-liter capacity | Ballistic nylon