We don't support this browser version anymore. Using an updated version will help protect your accounts and provide a better experience. 

We don't support this browser version anymore. Using an updated version will help protect your accounts and provide a better experience.

It appears your web browser is not using JavaScript. Without it, some pages won't work properly. Please adjust the settings in your browser to make sure JavaScript is turned on.

When you're planning a trip, you're probably thinking about what clothes to bring, what time to get to the airport and what you'll do at your destination. But travel enough and you'll be thinking about your luggage too — all different types of luggage and how each one can impact your trip. It may be worth considering the types of luggage and which best fits your needs to make your trip a smooth ride.

Depending on where you're going, what you're doing and how you're travelling, there are different luggage options for different trips. You might want to travel lighter with a backpack or duffel bag, or maybe you want something big and secure like a trunk. If comfort is more your style (and who doesn't want that when traveling?), a midsize option like a traditional suitcase might work best. When choosing luggage, it's also important to consider whether you're willing to pay luggage fees if you're flying.

Backpacks are no-nonsense travel accessories, offering both a hands-free and light way to travel. They come in many different sizes, with or without frames, and some come with wheels. If you're going to choose a backpack, it's important to ask yourself, “What size luggage do I need?” — because you'll only be able to pack a limited number of items. Backpacks are a particularly good choice if you're going to be camping, hiking or traveling somewhere outdoors since they allow you to navigate rugged terrain more easily than you would carrying other luggage options.

Duffels also come in different sizes and are usually small enough to fit in the overhead compartment of an airplane if you're flying to your destination. They're soft-sided and flexible with plenty of open space inside. You can choose a more traditional gym-style duffel if you're driving on a weekend trip and just plan to throw your luggage in your trunk, or you can purchase a travel duffel. A travel duffel often has a retractable handle and wheels or backpack straps so you don't have to lug a heavy bag on one shoulder through the airport.

When you're choosing luggage for travel, a trunk might not be the first thing to come to mind. For many, it evokes images of heavy, old-timey wooden trunks from an age long gone. However, modern trunks have evolved for current times but still include aspects of old-school trunks like top-notch security and lots of space. 

Trunks today are much lighter than they once were, taking advantage of new materials that weigh significantly less but still provide protection from damage. Many modern trunks also include longer retractable handles to make it easier to move the luggage. Trunks are best used for extended trips where you'll be shipping or checking your luggage, as they're too large for flying in the overhead compartment.

When someone thinks of the word “travel,” oftentimes a suitcase is part of that picture. Softside and hardside suitcases are two of the most popular types of luggage and are good for all occasions. If you need airplane luggage, softside and hardside suitcases come in a variety of sizes for either checking or carry-on. In fact, most suitcase manufacturers specifically design their smaller luggage to meet airplane carry-on size regulations.

Due to their soft exterior, softside suitcases are better for carry-on luggage, as the flexibility of the fabric makes it easier to squeeze the luggage into the overhead compartment. Additionally, these types of suitcases often have recessed wheels, which tend to save space. They may also be a bit lighter than the hardside suitcases. However, the fabric tends to be less durable, so be sure to choose luggage with waterproof fabric.

Much like trunks, hardside suitcases are not as heavy as they once were thanks to new material options. Their hard outer shell makes them particularly good for checking at an airport, as they can easily withstand being tossed around. Those stiff shells do make it tougher to squeeze them into the overhead compartment, though.

When choosing luggage, you may want to think about the following:

Luggage comes in a variety of colors and designs. When choosing luggage, it's largely a personal decision. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when picking a color. Luggage is dragged along the ground, thrown onto conveyor belts and shoved into trunks. With this comes scuffing, staining and more. A darker color like black or navy blue will hide those marks much better than lighter colors and will help keep your luggage looking nicer for longer.

It might be worth considering, though, that those dark, neutral colors are also the most popular. If your bag looks like everyone else's bag, it can be much harder to spot it at baggage claim or much easier to confuse it with someone else's bag in an overhead compartment. A unique color (or perhaps a distinctive accessory like a ribbon) will allow you to more easily identify your bag.

Once you've decided on a general type of luggage, you might be overwhelmed with options. Here are a few other features you can consider when picking out luggage:

Ultimately, choosing the luggage that's right for you and your trip is up to your personal preferences. With so many types of luggage out there, use this guide to think through each option and decide what will suit your needs the best.

Cash back rewards are bonuses provided to customers when they use their cards to make purchases. Cash back rewards can take the form of dollars or points.

Shopping around for a credit card or a loan? You'll want to get familiar with your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

Debt consolidation means to bring all of your balances to a single bill & it can be a useful way to manage your debt. Here's how to consolidate your credit card debt.

Enjoy 24/7 access to your account via Chase’s credit card login. Sign in to activate a Chase card, view your free credit score, redeem Ultimate Rewards® and more.

Explore the world and earn premium rewards with Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred®. Compare travel credit cards and find your ideal travel companion.

Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® on everyday purchases and redeem for travel, cash back and more. See all our rewards credit cards and choose one that’s right for you.

Enjoy the convenience of earning cash back with Chase Freedom® or Chase Freedom Unlimited®. Compare our cash back credit cards to find your best option.

Browse credit cards from our premier partners, including Amazon Rewards cards, Southwest Rapid Rewards cards, Marriott Rewards and others.

Own a business? Power its potential with one of our business credit cards, like Ink Business Preferred℠, Ink Business Unlimited℠ or Ink Business Cash℠.

“Chase,” “JPMorgan,” “JPMorgan Chase,” the JPMorgan Chase logo and the Octagon Symbol are trademarks of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.  JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Your points don’t expire as long as your account is open; however, you’ll immediately lose all your points if your account is closed for program misuse, fraudulent activities, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or other reasons described in the terms of the Rewards Program Agreement.

Chase's website and/or mobile terms, privacy and security policies don't apply to the site or app you're about to visit. Please review its terms, privacy and security policies to see how they apply to you. Chase isn’t responsible for (and doesn't provide) any products, services or content at this third-party site or app, except for products and services that explicitly carry the Chase name.