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One of the most important factors to consider when checking a bag is ensuring it won’t go over the weight limit. Take a look at the best lightweight check in luggage to maximize your packing potential and make your travels smoother!

The Lightest Checked Luggage

When traveling with checked luggage, staying below the weight limit is likely a top priority so you can avoid overweight baggage fees. These days, international airlines are becoming more restrictive about weight allowances than domestic flights, so utilizing something lighter will add less to the total weight of your suitcase once it’s packed. Also, a side benefit of having a less bulky suitcase is that it makes it easier to maneuver in airports, lift up a set of stairs, or wheel on uneven pavement or cobblestones, especially in destinations like Europe.

Tip: Always research your airline’s baggage allowance restrictions before you fly so you can pack accordingly.

Quickly review our roundup of lightweight checked luggage that will help you skip the stress at check-in and maybe even allow you to pack an extra outfit or pair of shoes. Get more details on each below!

Hardside Picks:

Best Overall and Reader’s Top Pick: Travelpro Maxlite Air
Best for Durability: Samsonite Omni PC
Best Hardside Budget Option: Quince
Best for Capacity: July
Best for Compression: Delsey Helium Aero

Softside Picks:

Best Quality and Reader’s Top Pick: Travelpro Maxlite
Best for Adventure Travelers: Osprey Sojourn
Best for Organization: Delsey Paris Sky Max
Best Lightweight Option: Antler
Best Softside Budget Option: American Tourister

Best Lightweight Hardside Checked Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite® Air Check-In Hardside Spinner

Reader’s Top Pick: Travelpro Maxlite Air 25” Durable Lightweight Luggage

The Travelpro Maxlite Air 25” boasts a whopping 8 spinner wheels, making it just as easy to roll through an airport as through a packed city street. This 25” beauty has a polycarbonate shell that’s designed to absorb impact, topped off with a sleek finish that helps to hide scuffs.

At 8.5 lb/3.9 kg, it won’t add much extra weight to your trip. One reader says she’s used this suitcase for multiple years of nonstop, rigorous traveling and it still looks new, is very sturdy, and truly lightweight!

Weight: 8.5 lb / 3.9 kg
Size: 27.5 x 17.5 x 11 in / 70 x 44.5 x 28 cm
Details: Hardside | Expandable | 8 Spinner Wheels
Buy it: Amazon | Travelpro

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

Samsonite Omni PC 24” Luggage

Even with its spacious 24” size and oversized spinner wheels, this lightweight Samsonite luggage is said to be not bulky. Bags notoriously get knocked around when checked, but this suitcase’s scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell will ensure it comes out at baggage claim unscathed! Readers also mention the incredible maneuverability over rough terrain and love the TSA locks for added safety.

And check out this Samsonite lightweight checked luggage, the Freeform 24”, which has a unique design and weighs just 8.5 lbs!

Weight: 8.3 lb / 3.8 kg
Size: 26.5 x 17.75 x 11.75 in / 67.3 x 45 x 30 cm
Details: Hardside | Expandable | 10 Year Limited Warranty | 4 Spinner Wheels
Buy it: Amazon

Quince Check-In Hard Shell Suitcase

Quince 24” Lightweight Hard Shell Checked Luggage

If you’re looking for something reliable with a simple, streamlined design, this Quince 24” suitcase is the one for you. Users confirm that the sturdy polycarbonate shell, wheels, and zippers will stand the test of time, and scuffs or marks are easy to get out with a magic eraser. A compression panel helps you pack more into each roomy compartment, and the weight will allow you to pack more!

One traveler shares that this suitcase is great quality for the price and loves how much can fit with the interior compression. Readers also love that it comes in a wide range of colors, from neutral to bright.

Weight: 8.8 lb / 4 kg
Size: 26 x 19 x 11 in / 66 x 48.3 x 28 cm
Details: Hardside | 4 Spinner Wheels
Buy it: Quince

July Checked Bag

July Checked Suitcase 26” Large Lightweight Luggage

A newer favorite among our readers, July’s 26” suitcase is bursting with wonderful features. The sleek exterior is made from aerospace-grade German polycarbonate in a curved eggshell design, with aluminum bumpers that keep this suitcase looking brand new, trip after trip!

Inside, you’ll find an odor-proof laundry bag, a compression system, and stain-resistant lining. In her review, one reader raves about the reinforced corners, smooth and silent wheels, sturdy zippers, and stylish look!

Weight: 8.3 lb / 3.8 kg
Size: 26 x 18.75 x 11 in / 66 x 47.6 x 28 cm
Details: Hardside | Lifetime Warranty | 4 Spinner Wheels
Buy it: July

Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage

Delsey Helium Aero 25” Checked Lightweight Luggage

The Delsey Helium Aero 25” will allow you to pack that extra pair of shoes or a few more skincare essentials because of its impressively spacious interior. Multiple pockets and compression straps keep things neat and efficient inside, and the deep metallic finish is a head-turner, allowing you to spot this bag quickly at baggage claim!

One TFG reader says she loves her Helium Aero, it seems to be indestructible, carries a ridiculous amount, and the compression system is fantastic!

One of the lightest large checked luggage hardside options at 7.7 lb/3.5 kg, the Delsey Clavel 25” suitcase is made from rugged polypropylene yet has an elegant look and excellent organization.

Weight: 8.1 lb / 3.7 kg
Size: 27.5 x 18 x 11.75 in / 70 x 45.7 x 30 cm
Details: Hardside | Expandable | Limited 10 Year Warranty | 4 Spinner Wheels
Buy it: Amazon

Best Lightweight Softside Checked Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Checked Luggage

Reader’s Top Pick: Travelpro Maxlite 25” Luggage

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 collection is always a favorite with readers, so if you’re on the hunt for some of the best lightweight durable luggage, you can’t go wrong with this 25” option. Readers say the quality is incredible, and the spinner wheels make it effortless to roll around.

It’s low profile yet sleek and attractive, with water- and stain-resistant coating and crash-guard reinforcements to keep it looking nice for years to come!

Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Backpack

Osprey Sojourn 25” Lightweight Large Luggage

A favorite among adventure travelers but truly great for any destination, the Osprey Sojourn 25” can roll smoothly along cobblestone streets or be worn as a backpack when you’re faced with a flight of stairs or a rugged trail! Compression straps and interior pockets allow you to pack everything you could need with tough, water-repellent fabric and strong zippers to keep it tucked away safely.

This one is the best light checked luggage if you’re looking for carrying versatility!

Weight: 8.2 lb / 3.7 kg
Size: 28 x 17.3 x 13.8 in / 71 x 44 x 35 cm
Details: Softside | Lifetime warranty | 4 spinner wheels
Buy it: Amazon | Nordstrom | Osprey

Delsey Paris Sky Max Softside Expandable Luggage

Delsey Paris Sky Max 24” Luggage

Looking for a checked bag with plenty of pockets? The Delsey’s best lightweight large checked luggage has them both inside and out for supremely organized packing. With its durable polyester fabric, silent-running spinner wheels, and organizational features, TFG readers love the elegance and practicality of Delsey suitcases!

The Delsey Paris Helium DLX 25” is another stellar choice, weighing 8.4 lbs and offering maximum organization.

Antler Brixham Medium

Antler Medium Lightweight Spinner Checked Luggage

A newer suitcase on our readers’ radar, the Antler Medium suitcase weighs an astounding 5.3 lb/2.4 kg, so you won’t have to give weight restrictions a second thought with this one! Engineered for strength, this lightest weight checked luggage boasts quality fabric, protective corner guards, and tough wheels. The modern aesthetic and fantastic interior organization are the cherries on top!

Weight: 5.3 lb / 2.4 kg
Size: 28 x 17 x 11 in / 71 x 43 x 28 cm
Details: Softside | Expandable | Lifetime Warranty | 4 Spinner Wheels
Buy it: Antler | Amazon

American Tourister 4 Kix Expandable Softside Luggage

American Tourister 25” Luggage

A good quality budget option, this American Tourister 25” checked luggage lightweight option has a simple, no-frills interior that makes it all the more spacious! Thoughtful details like a wide pull handle, large front pockets, and weightless rolling will make your travel day a breeze. If you travel occasionally or need something for longer trips, this might be the best lightweight luggage checked option for you!

Left: Compass Rose Medium Packing Cubes (13″ x 8.5″ x 2.8″) | Right: Compass Rose Slim Packing Cubes (13″ x 5″ x 2.8″)

Ready to Pack Your Light Weight Checked Luggage?

It’s time to prepare for that big trip, and while you may have more room in a checked suitcase, many readers still use packing cubes to organize and compress clothing. In fact, TFGs swear by Compass Rose Packing Cubes, because they’re the only packing cubes on the market with a number and color-coded system.

And now they’re offered in two sizes: slim and medium. The slim size cubes measure 13 x 5 x 2.8, and the medium size cubes measure 2.8 x 13 x 8.5. Both fit an international carry-on suitcase, and the medium size is great for bulkier items—you can also mix and match both sets into one suitcase!

If you’d like more help on learning how to use packing cubes, see the video below.

Watch this video to start learning how to organize with packing cubes!

We also put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods of using packing cubes for travel. Because packing cubes compress clothing, these strategies have helped thousands of women travel carry on only!

If you want more help with choosing luggage, check out these resources:

What do you think is the best super lightweight luggage? Share with us in the comments!

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Best Lightweight Checked Luggage to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees