10 Best Aluminum Luggage & Suitcases for 2024
If you’re looking for practicality, an aluminum suitcase is robust enough to keep your valuables protected, even through tough travel days. And if you’re looking for style, aluminum luggage is famed for its enduring chicness and sophistication. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a new aluminum suitcase for all your upcoming travels in 2024. Here’s the round-up of this year’s best aluminum luggage and suitcases.
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10 best aluminum luggage and suitcases
1. Best luxe aluminum suitcase: Sterling Pacific
Aluminum is slick and long-lasting … but it’s not so soft on the hands. That’s why Sterling Pacific outfitted their 35L Cabin Travel Case with Italian full-grain leather handles to give you the feeling of luxury and comfort on every step of your journey. The trolley handle also retracts into a die-cast aluminum housing—something most manufacturers just make from plastic. Inside, the sophistication continues with ring-spun twill weave lining and an Amenity & Care Kit, which includes an amenity bag, leather care wax and cloth, and an aluminum pen.
Price: starting at $1,950 (use code SITE100 for $100 off)
2. Best modern aluminum suitcase: Away
This aluminum suitcase marries the best of timeless chic with modern innovation. Its durable aluminum shell and TSA-approved lock keep your valuables secure and protected. Meanwhile, 360° spinner wheels promise a smooth ride every time, with leather-accented handles at the ready when you need them. The handles are even outfitted with a slow-release spring so they'll fold down gently on their own when you decide to let them go. Best of all, The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition from Away comes with a hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothing away from your new outfits.
Price: starting at $625
3. Best luxe aluminum suitcase: RIMOWA
Aluminum luggage has a reputation for being luxe—and this pick from RIMOWA is no exception. Designed and engineered in Germany, the distinct grooves in its aluminum shell have made it one of the most famous and sought-after pieces in the luggage world (you’ll spy more than one A-list celebrity wheeling a RIMOWA through LAX). Available in three classic hues—titanium, black, and silver—the Cabin S also features RIMOWA's Multiwheel® System, whose ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axles guarantee a smooth ride through the airport every time. If you're not willing to invest a large amount in a single suitcase, we suggest reading our article about the top Rimowa alternatives. This will help you find a comparable suitcase at a more affordable price, costing only half as much.
Price: starting at $1,325
4. Best heavy-duty aluminum suitcase: Level8
Level8 isn't messing around when it comes to their Full Aluminum Carry-On Luggage. This piece is made with aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy. It's both keyless and zipperless, which means only you can get inside by using dual TSA-approved locks for maximum security. Measuring at 20”, there’s enough space for you to pack up to 36L. But don’t worry—it’ll still fit snugly in most overhead bins. There’s a reason this aluminum suitcase is a Red Dot Design Award Winner, after all.
Price: starting at $439
5. Best aluminum suitcase for organization: TUMI
One potential drawback to aluminum suitcases is that you cannot overstuff them. (Or, actually, is that maybe a good thing?) This means good organization when you travel is a must—and the Aluminum Continental Carry-On Suitcase from TUMI does just that. Inside, three zipper pockets give you space to separate all your essentials. Garment straps keep everything snug in place, and there's even a hanger bracket to help your best pieces stay wrinkle-free as you travel. In case you're not prepared to invest a substantial sum in Tumi luggage, you may want to take a look at our article featuring the top Tumi alternatives here.
Price: starting at $1,195
6. Best aluminum suitcase with nylon cover: Sindermore
An all-aluminum suitcase promises strength and durability when you travel—especially when you add aluminum alloy bumper corners and an aluminum frame, like this option from Sindermore. But once you head home and it's time to tuck things into storage, aluminum can become a little less friendly. That's why this aluminum luggage from Sindermore comes with a nylon luggage cover. If you store your off-duty suitcase in a damp basement or attic, this cover will shield your luggage from unwanted dust and mildew so it always looks fresh when you need it next.
Price: starting at $299
7. Best budget aluminum suitcase: Coolife
While aluminum luggage is always a coveted choice, it’s also usually an expensive one. But when you’re traveling on a budget, there are options to give you the luxury and durability of an aluminum suitcase without breaking the bank. Combining German Bayer PC material with an aluminum frame, this piece from Coolife gives you the added resilience of aluminum at a price that won’t cut into your travel budget. You’ll still get 360° spinner wheels for easy maneuvering, as well as a TSA-approved lock, and even more color options, including wine red and blue.
Price: starting at $129
8. Best aluminum suitcase with USB charger: Arlo Skye
Racing through the airport looking for a charger when your phone is about to die is never a fun travel memory. But it's not a worry if you've got The Frame Carry-On Max: Aluminum Edition from Arlo Skye. This aluminum suitcase comes with an integrated, airline-compliant charger that you can easily remove in just one click. It has both USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge up any device you need. Plus, the battery is equipped with PD technology, which gives it enough juice to charge up your phone to halfway in just 30 minutes. Besides the battery bonus, this aluminum suitcase also comes with two shoe bags, a laundry bag, a leather luggage tag, and a cotton storage cover.
Price: starting at $695
9. Best anti-microbial aluminum suitcase: MVST
After living through the COVID-19 pandemic, who here isn't a little more germ-conscious? For some sanitary peace of mind as you wade through airports, train stations, and Ubers, try the Trek Aluminum Suitcase from MVST. The essentials are all here: TSA-approved locks, smooth 360° spinner wheels, and reinforced corners. Besides that, you'll also get an antimicrobial fabric lining to help protect against unwanted bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Price: starting at $395
10. Best hybrid aluminum suitcase: Monos
What makes an aluminum suitcase hybrid? It means you get the best of both worlds. The Hybrid Carry-On from Monos features aerospace-grade polycarbonate for the shell, reinforced with an aluminum frame and aluminum corner guards. This gives you both the durability and resilience of aluminum with the lightweight ease of polycarbonate. And once you pop the lid of this hybrid suitcase, there’s more to love inside, too. There’s a built-in compression pad to help you pack efficiently, an antimicrobial laundry bag and two shoe bags to keep you organized, and a vegan leather luggage tag to up your style game.
Price: starting at $325
Aluminum luggage - common FAQs
Is aluminum good for luggage?
Aluminum is a good choice for luggage because it’s incredibly durable. It’s also lightweight and easy to clean, making it a reliable option for frequent travelers.
Why do people like aluminum luggage?
People like using aluminum luggage for all kinds of travel—from business trips to vacations—because it keeps their gear protected no matter where they go. Plus, the aluminum look is a classic, sleek look that never looks shabby or out of style.
Is aluminum luggage more expensive?
Aluminum luggage is often more expensive than its soft-shell counterparts—but it's worth the investment. Unlike fabric suitcases that can easily rip or plastic suitcases that can get cracked and faded, aluminum luggage can reliably stand the test of time. In the long run, this means spending less time (and money) shopping for new suitcases over and over again.
