Traveling can be a hassle, especially when you have to pack a lot of things. That’s why having an expandable luggage can make your life easier. Expandable luggages are designed to give you more space when you need it, without compromising on quality or durability. In this article, we will review some of the best expandable luggages on the market, based on their features, performance, and customer feedback.
Travelpro Expandable Luggage
Discover the Travelpro Expandable Luggage, a feather-light travel companion that revolutionizes your journey. Weighing in at a mere 5.4 pounds, this 21-inch carry-on effortlessly glides through airports, meeting domestic airline size restrictions. The H20 Guard shields the interior lining from moisture, ensuring your belongings stay pristine.
Equipped with four 360-degree spinner wheels, navigation is a breeze, while the patented PowerScope handle offers a sturdy yet maneuverable grip. The unique bottom tray design enhances durability for this soft-sided luggage, standing up to the rigors of travel. Expandable by 2 inches, it maximizes packing capacity, adapting to your needs.
Featuring low-profile handles, two exterior compartments, a full-length interior lid pocket, and adjustable hold-down straps, this carry-on combines convenience with efficiency. The case dimensions of 21 x 14 x 9 inches ensure it’s a perfect fit, with an overall size of 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches, including wheels and carry handles. With a volume of 46 liters, it offers ample space.
Elevate your travel experience with the Travelpro Expandable Luggage, backed by Limited Lifetime Coverage and the trusted companion promise. Enjoy worry-free journeys with one year of coverage for damage from airlines or carriers, applicable upon new purchase and registration. Upgrade to a new era of travel simplicity.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight design at 5.4 pounds
- Meets carry-on size restrictions for most domestic airlines
- H20 Guard protects interior lining from moisture
- 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth, versatile rolling
- Expandable by 2 inches for increased packing capacity
- Durable bottom tray design enhances overall sturdiness
- Features low-profile top, side, and bottom carry handles
- Multiple compartments and pockets for organized packing
- Adjustable hold-down straps for added convenience
- Limited Lifetime Coverage and trusted companion promise
Cons:
- Limited to a soft-sided design
- May not be suitable for travelers preferring a hard-shell exterior
- Only one year of coverage for damage from airlines or carriers
- Limited to carry-on size, may not be suitable for longer trips requiring more luggage volume
Samsonite Expandable Luggage
Maximize your travel experience with the Samsonite Expandable Luggage – a 20″ Spinner designed for seamless journeys. Crafted with a resilient micro-diamond polycarbonate texture, this luggage is not just a travel companion; it’s a style statement that withstands scratches, ensuring a pristine look trip after trip.
Navigating through airports is a breeze with the four oversized spinner wheels, offering effortless mobility. The side-mounted TSA locks provide peace of mind, deterring theft and granting exclusive access to you or authorized personnel. Worried about packing? The expandable feature allows you to pack more while the compression keeps your clothing neatly pressed.
This 10-year limited warranty luggage is rigorously tested for durability, reflecting Samsonite’s commitment to quality. The book-opening case, equipped with a mesh divider, cross straps, and a zipped modesty pocket, keeps your belongings organized throughout your journey. The push-button locking handles provide easy maneuverability, extending when needed and neatly storing inside when not in use.
Embark on worry-free travels with this Samsonite Spinner Luggage, where innovation meets reliability. Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 9.5 inches, Weight: 7.05 pounds. Elevate your travel game with Samsonite – where every adventure is a stylish, scratch-resistant affair.
Pros:
- Maximized packing power with an expandable design
- Micro-diamond polycarbonate texture for extreme scratch resistance
- Side-mounted TSA locks for security and ease of access
- Effortless mobility with four oversized spinner wheels
- Book-opening case with mesh divider and cross straps for organization
- 10-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- Lightweight design at 6.81 lbs
Cons:
- Limited to carry-on size restrictions
- Push-button locking handles may be susceptible to damage
- Polycarbonate material may not be as flexible as soft-sided luggage
Delsey Paris Expandable Luggage
Elevate your travel experience with the Delsey Paris Expandable Luggage—a sleek and resilient companion for your journeys. Crafted from lightweight and durable polycarbonate, this suitcase boasts a scratch-resistant matte finish that exudes modern elegance. The four spinner wheels provide a stable base with multi-directional rolling, ensuring effortless travel with zero weight on your hand.
Security is paramount, and the integrated 3-dial TSA-approved combination lock keeps your belongings safe. Need extra packing space? No problem. This suitcase expands up to 2 inches, adapting to your travel needs seamlessly. The fully lined interior features two spacious compartments with web straps, minimizing shifting of contents. Delicate items find a home in the zippered pocket, maintaining a wrinkle-free wardrobe.
Maneuverability is a breeze with the recessed “one-button” locking handle system, and the off-center wheel axles offer a wider and more stable base. The 25-inch checked size is ideal for vacations and longer business trips. Backed by a 10-year limited warranty, the Delsey Paris Expandable Luggage in Titanium not only delivers on style but also on reliability. Elevate your travels with this sophisticated and functional luggage companion.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell
- Scratch-resistant matte finish for a modern look
- Four spinner wheels for stable and multi-directional rolling
- Integrated 3-dial TSA-approved combination lock for security
- Expands up to 2 inches for additional packing space
- Two large, fully lined compartments with web straps
- Recessed “one-button” locking handle system for maneuverability
- 25-inch checked size, perfect for vacations and business trips
- Titanium models backed by a 10-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Weighs 9.9 pounds, slightly heavier than some alternatives
American Tourister Expandable Luggage
Crafted for the modern traveler, the American Tourister Expandable Luggage is a testament to durability and functionality. Boasting a rugged and durable ABS shell, this luggage is built to withstand the rigors of travel. The multi-stage ergonomic trolley handle ensures a comfortable grip, while the book-opening case reveals a well-organized interior with a mesh divider and cross straps in the main compartment, accompanied by a zipped modesty pocket.
Experience a smooth and effortless journey with the single-spinner wheels that guarantee a straight roll every time. Need extra packing space? No problem. The expansion feature allows you to maximize capacity without compromising on style. The packing dimensions of 24 x 15.8 x 11 inches provide ample space for your belongings, while the overall dimensions of 27 x 16.5 x 11.3 inches make it the perfect companion for your travels.
Weighing in at just 7.4 pounds, this luggage is both lightweight and sturdy. Plus, with a 10-year limited warranty, you can travel with confidence, knowing that American Tourister stands behind the quality of their product. Elevate your travel experience with the American Tourister Expandable Luggage – where reliability meets style.
Pros:
- Rugged and durable ABS shell for long-lasting use
- Multi-stage ergonomic trolley handle for comfortable handling
- Well-organized interior with book-opening case, mesh divider, and cross straps
- Single spinner wheels for a smooth and straight roll
- Expansion feature for additional packing capacity
- Lightweight design at 7.4 pounds
- Generous packing dimensions of 24 x 15.8 x 11 inches
- Overall dimensions of 27 x 16.5 x 11.3 inches for versatile use
- 10-year limited warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
- No specific mention of built-in locks for added security
Swissgear Expandable Luggage
Navigate bustling airports effortlessly with the Swissgear Expandable Luggage. Designed for the savvy traveler, this rolling suitcase boasts 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels and a secure retractable push/pull handle. Crafted from durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric, this expandable travel case offers ample space for your essentials.
Measuring 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches, including wheels and handles, and weighing just 7.8 pounds, it’s the perfect carry-on companion. The ergonomically designed luggage features multiple front panel pockets with a built-in ID tag for easy identification.
Inside, discover a fully lined interior with adjustable tie-down straps that keep your garments in place during transit. The organizational prowess continues with a removable zippered wet bag, a spacious mesh lid pocket, and a dedicated packing pocket for small items and accessories.
Effortlessly lift and carry your luggage with reinforced padded top handles and integrated side and bottom handles. Practicality meets style with Swissgear, ensuring your journey is as smooth as your luggage rolls. Upgrade your travel experience with this expandable masterpiece.
Pros:
- 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels for easy maneuverability
- Durable and scuff-resistant polyester fabric construction
- Multiple front panel pockets with built-in ID tag
- Ample parking space with adjustable tie-down straps
- Organizational features, including a removable wet bag and mesh pockets
- Reinforced padded top handle and integrated side/bottom handles for easy lifting
Cons:
- May be slightly heavier at 7.8 pounds compared to some alternatives
- Limited color options
- The expandable feature may slightly compromise overall durability
- Zippers could be more robust for long-term use
Buying Guide for the Best Expandable Luggages
A suitcase that can expand to fit more items is a great option for travelers who need flexibility with packing. Expandable luggage provides extra room when you need it while still staying within airline size restrictions when not expanded. This type of luggage is perfect for handling souvenirs or other items you pick up during your travels. Here is what to look for when shopping for the best expandable luggage.
Construction and Materials
The overall construction and materials used for expandable luggage are important to consider for durability and longevity. Hardside luggage made out of ABS or polycarbonate plastic is lightweight yet sturdy. The hard shell protects contents from getting crushed. Look for telescoping handles made of aluminum which are sturdy and rust-resistant. Wheels should be made of high-quality materials such as rubber or polyurethane. For softside expandable luggage, the most durable fabrics are ballistic nylon or polyester. Water-resistant coatings also help protect the luggage. Make sure zippers are heavy-duty.
Storage and Organization
The main benefit of expandable luggage is the extra storage, so look for models that maximize packing space and organization. Luggage that expands in the main compartment is ideal for fitting bulkier items. Models with expansion outside the main compartment, like a zippered bottom compartment, provide more flexibility for keeping organized since you can separate clean and dirty clothes. Look for interior and exterior pockets to keep essentials accessible. Compression straps, tie-downs, and divider panels help keep contents secure and organized.
Size/Capacity
Think about your packing needs and airline restrictions when choosing the size. Measure your existing luggage and figure out what size expandable luggage will still meet carry-on size limits. If checking a bag, keep in mind that some airlines have weight limits of around 50 pounds once expanded. So the larger the expanded capacity, the heavier it can get. A good expandable carry-on size is around 21 inches when not expanded. For checked luggage, look for an expanded capacity of around 28-32 inches.
Ease of Use
Opt for smooth-operating double-spinner wheels that roll effortlessly and allow maneuvering in tight spaces. Look for a lightweight yet sturdy telescoping luggage handle that locks into different height positions and has a comfortable grip. The expansion feature should be easy to operate, often simply requiring unzipping an extra zipper. The handle, wheels, and expansion features should all be easy to operate one-handed so your other hand stays free.
Price
Expandable luggage costs a bit more than standard luggage, but the flexibility is worth the extra investment for many travelers. Prices range from $100-$300+ depending on materials, brand, and size. You’ll pay more for the hard side than the softside and larger than the carry-on size. High-quality luggage should last for many trips.
Conclusion
The right expandable luggage makes packing and traveling far less stressful. Keep an eye out for design features that maximize storage and organization so you can fully utilize the expandable capacity. Choosing the ideal size, construction, and ease of use ensures your expandable luggage will meet all your traveling needs for years to come.
Frequently Asked Question
What is expandable luggage?
Expandable luggage is a type of suitcase or travel bag that features an additional zipper or mechanism to increase its storage capacity. This allows travelers to pack more items while still adhering to size restrictions for carry-on or checked luggage.
How does the expansion feature work?
Typically, expandable luggage has an additional zipper or section that, when unzipped or released, allows the main compartment to expand outward. This creates extra space within the bag, providing flexibility for packing more items. Once expanded, the luggage may have a larger volume but still retain its original shape and structure.
Are there size limitations for expandable luggage on airlines?
Airlines often have specific size restrictions for both carry-on and checked luggage. While expandable luggage can offer more space, it’s essential to check with your airline regarding their size limitations, especially when fully expanded. Some airlines may consider the expanded size as exceeding carry-on limits, so travelers should be mindful of this to avoid extra fees or issues at the airport.
Is expandable luggage durable?
The durability of expandable luggage varies depending on factors such as materials, construction quality, and brand. Higher-quality luggage made from durable materials like polycarbonate or ballistic nylon tends to withstand wear and tear better. When selecting expandable luggage, it’s advisable to consider reputable brands known for their durability and to read reviews from other travelers to gauge longevity.
Does expandable luggage add extra weight?
While expandable luggage itself doesn’t inherently add weight, travelers should be mindful of not overpacking when utilizing the expansion feature. Packing more items can lead to increased weight, which may surpass airline weight limits for both carry-on and checked luggage. It’s essential to balance the convenience of extra space with the need to adhere to weight restrictions to avoid additional fees or inconveniences during travel.