Best Checked Bag

Essential to great travels, durable baggage is a must-have for your journeys, big or small. Stylish designs and convenient features like expandable options are also a plus. Our experts have put together a list of checked bags you can depend on to get you and your belongings where you want to go with as little fuss as possible. But you get to decide which ones are the real winners!

These 10 checked bags were selected by our expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Briggs and Riley Baseline Medium Two-Wheel Duffle

If you're a duffle bag fan, try this upscale version with perks like removable side panels so you can stand the bag upright or flatten it for easy storage. A telescoping handle and two wheels allow you to tow it while multiple pockets inside and out make packing easier. Inside, you'll find a spacious dual compartment. Other features include a hideaway ID tag, TSA-approved lock and complimentary monogram.

2. Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable

Adding a few inches to the Helium carry-on version, this model gives you more souvenir room without too much bulk. A lightweight, tough polycarbonate hard shell and a TSA-accepted combination lock fully secure your belongings. Double spinner wheels keep drag and bumps to a minimum as you walk. Inside, a lined divider creates two compartments, and the whole can be expanded if desired.

3. TUMI Alpha Medium Trip

From cult-favorite TUMI, this bag packs a hefty price tag but offers premium quality with details like a TUMI tracer that tracks your bags. The sturdy build includes an aluminum telescopic handle, scratch-proof FXT® ballistic fabric, and smooth-operating dual spinner wheels. You can expand the main compartment and store hanging cloths in the removable garment sleeve. For a custom touch, monogram it or add an accent color.

4. Away the Medium

It's obvious that this super-stylish suitcase was "designed by travelers, for travelers" with touches like a dual-height, quick-release trolley handle, an underside grab handle and reverse-coil zippers for ease of use. The lightweight polycarbonate shell is rigorously durable and available in some pretty cool colors. Inside, a compression system and impressive organizational pockets keep you squared away. For storage, nest smaller bags from the Away series inside.

5. Monos Check-In Medium

This design is a pleasure to behold, with modern lines, vegan leather details, sophisticated color choices and clearly well-crafted details from the telescopic handle to the easily maneuverable wheels. A TSA-approved lock secures your belongings while a laundry bag, two shoe bags and multiple pockets keep things organized inside. Bonus? If you buy a Mono carry-on bag, it will fit inside for easy storage.

6. Rimowa Essential Trunk

Planning a long trip or consolidating family luggage? This large but lightweight hard-sided case is your answer. Easy to maneuver thanks to ball-bearing mounted wheels with cushioned axles, the case divides in two inside and makes the most of space with a compression system. The stylish exterior comes in great colors and includes a TSA-approved lock, a stable telescopic handle and side handles.

7. Samsonite Freeform Spinner

A classic from Samsonite, the lightweight, hard-shelled Freeform Spinner has gotten an upgrade introducing more space into the main compartment, which also expands 1.5 inches. Keep your belongings safe with the TSA lock and sturdy enclosed zipper, and enjoy the distinctive exterior design, available in classic and unusual colorways like amethyst or gray/white. With durability, maneuverability and a reasonable price, this one's definitely a keeper.

8. TravelPro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner

Premium fabrics in sophisticated neutrals, leather accents and chrome zippers make this soft-sided case a great look for business travelers. More importantly, TravelPro delivers on the quality front with details like a TSA-compliant lock, a patented ergonomic handle and their 8-wheel PrecisionGlide System. Interior benefits include moisture-resistant lining, a fold-out suiter for wrinkle-free packing and multiple zipped mesh pockets.

9. TUMI Alpha Short Trip

A luxury investment, this soft-sided case showcases TUMI's nearly impenetrable FXT ballistic fabric. A spring-loaded expansion system provides another 2.5 inches while molded side panels add stability. Inside, a garment bag, a hangar bracket and plenty of mesh pockets keep you organized. Expect premium versions of all the usual details, like a TSA-approved lock, dual spinner wheels, a telescopic handle and sturdy side handles. You can also register your unique TUMI Tracer to track your case.

10. Level8 Voyageu Check-In

From the Makrolon polycarbonate construction to the innovated wide handle for easy pulling and packing, the Level8 Voyageu distinguishes itself from the crowd. Clean, boxy lines and a micro-diamond texture along with stand-out colors give you the style you crave. Inside, a dual-compartment compression system and dry-wet pocket ensure the functionality you need. Whisper-quiet wheels, a TSA-approved lock and a lifetime warranty are included.

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Panel of Experts

Dynie Sanderson is a "Wanderous" gal who loves to travel the world and experience regional wines and cuisine. When not on her global adventures, she lives among the breathtaking rolling vineyards of the lush Napa Valley. She is the former Publisher and Editor of GuestWest Magazine and Food and Flavor Editor for Napa Valley Life Magazine. The Digital Publisher of NapaFoodGalTravels, she contributes to a variety of luxury digital and print publications. She is also a member of SATW, IFWTWA, BATW and NATJA. You can follow Dynie's adventures on her website, on Facebook and on Instagram.

Penny Sadler is a freelance writer covering wine, food, travel and lifestyle topics. Currently residing in the Lone Star State, her glass is always full, preferably of something white and sparkling. Her work has appeared in Culture Cheese Magazine, Cheese Professor, Matador Network, Inside Hook, Alcohol Professor, Vintner Project, and elsewhere. Penny has appeared on numerous broadcasts as an expert on topics ranging from wine tourism to skin cancer to packing for international travel. She is a Wine Spirits Education Trust certified wine specialist and a member of SATW. Read more at www.adventuresofacarryon.com.

Susan Lanier-Graham is founder and publisher of Wander With Wonder, an award-winning online travel journalism magazine. She has authored more than 75 books and hundreds of magazine articles while traveling the world over the past three decades. Susan's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including various AAA publications, TravelandLeisure.com, Hotels.com, Modern Luxury, WHERE publications, Fairmont.com, Marriott.com and more. Susan is a member of Society of American Travel Writers, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, and North American Travel Journalists Association. She is also a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist.

Newsweek contributors speak from a variety of backgrounds and offer expertise in a wide range of subject areas.