Rimowa launched the first polycarbonite suitcase on the market in the year 2000. Since then, the popularity of hard-sided plastic luggage, such as these top options, has increased.
In comparison to leather and fabrics, polycarbonite, a kind of plastic, has significant benefits. polycarbonite baggage provides exceptional resistance to impact, durability, abrasion, and water resistance. Moreover, it is lightweight. This makes poly an ideal material for both checked and carry-on baggage. Additionally, polycarbonite baggage is suitable for road trips, since the bags are simple to remove from a vehicle trunk.
Aluminum baggage provides comparable advantages to polycarbonite luggage. However, polycarbonite has the benefit of being cheaper than metal.
Keep in mind that not all plastic baggage with a hard exterior is polycarbonite. ABS, a composite of three polymers, resembles poly in appearance but is less expensive. The greatest fraud? Durability is compromised by the alternative that is less costly.
Best way to find lost luggage: Apple AirTags
If you’re shopping for an expensive piece of luggage, you’ll want to take extra care protecting your pricey investment from loss or theft. One of the best ways to find lost or stolen luggage is with an Apple AirTag. (We recommend hiding the AirTag inside your luggage so thieves don’t know it’s there.)
Stolen or lost luggage is an increasingly common complaint for air travelers. Apple AirTags will keep track of your bag’s location as it makes its way through the airport, and can help you find a lost suitcase, or at least narrow its location to a specific lost-and-found or storage area.
(For more about how Apple AirTags work, check out our article Apple AirTags: How to find your lost or stolen luggage.)
You’ll get the best per-AirTag price when you buy a four pack. But if you only need one, single Apple AirTags are available.
The best polycarbonate luggage you can get online
We rounded up some of our top polycarbonate luggage picks from brands including Away, Monos, Rimowa and Samsonite, ranging from carry-ons to checked bags. All these picks are reviewer-loved, with four-star ratings or higher.
Rimowa Essential
The first polycarbonate to hit the market, the Rimowa Essential remains one of the most luxurious polycarbonate luggage pieces on the market. Available in different sizes and a bunch of glossy and matte color options, the sleek suitcase comes equipped with a TSA-approved lock, a telescopic handle and a smooth, multiwheel system. It weighs 6.8 pounds.
Is 6.8 pounds not light enough? Check out the lightest Rimowa polycarbonate suitcase, the Essential Lite, weighing 4.4 pounds.
Rimowa Essential Lite, $625 and up
Royce & Rocket The Castle
Anyone who struggles to stay organized while living out of a suitcase will appreciate the clever built-in shelving of this checked luggage piece from Royce & Rocket. Neatly stack clothing on the two shelves that emerge when the suitcase opens. There’s a hidden zipper pocket for stashing jewelry and other valuables. Available in burgundy, silver and black exterior colors with the option of a pink or tobacco interior.
Royce & Rocket The Castle checked luggage, $595
Samsonite Omni
The polycarbonate Omni, a highly rated and popular piece from Samsonite, offers high quality at a reasonable price. Features include TSA-approved, side-mounted locks, multidirectional spinner wheels, an interior mesh divider and cross straps. The Omni comes in two checked-bag sizes: a 24-inch suitcase; and, a larger, 28-inch version (which may fall into the oversized luggage category). Prices vary based on size and color.
Samsonite Omni expandable luggage 24″ checked (white), $210
Samsonite Omni expandable luggage 28″ checked (silver), $210
Away
With cool features like a removable, rechargeable battery for on-the-go phone charging, Away Travel’s spinner wheel bags have amassed a fast following. Their polycarbonate bags will get the job done in style, and at a reasonable price point. If you don’t like it, return it within 100 days for a full refund.
Away The Bigger Carry-On, $295
Monos
Available in a bunch of designer colors, Monos’ polycarbonate luggage features an effortless telescopic handle, lots of pockets and compartments with zippers and an easy-to-use lock. Choose from six carry-on options (including two aluminum and polycarbonate hybrids) and two check-in sizes.
Like Away, Monos also boasts a 100-day trial period and lifetime warranty.
Monos Carry-On Plus, $255 (reduced from $283)
Monos Check-In large, $330 (reduced from $367)
Paravel Aviator
Looking for a sustainable polycarbonate suitcase? The Paravel Aviator is made of all recycled materials, from its interior lining to its aluminum handle to its vegan leather accents. Geared with frictionless, carbon steel-bearing wheels, the Aviator offers 360-degree movement and a telescopic handle, which makes walking (or running) through the airport a breeze. Paravel offers three sizes: Two carry-on options and a larger check-in.
Roam luggage
Design your own polycarbonate suitcase with Roam. The company allows you to customize the color of just about every aspect of your suitcase, from the front and back panels down to the trim. Some of the bags are expandable, giving you extra room to bring home souvenirs.
Not feeling creative? You can also choose from pre-designed bags in appealing colorways.
Delsey Paris Chatelet
With faux leather accents and rounded edges, the Delsey Paris Chatelet makes the perfect international travel companion. The lightweight polycarbonate suitcase offers durability plus multidirectional double spinner wheels, a USB port for charging electronics, a recessed, TSA-approved lock and an ergonomic handle. The suitcase comes equipped with laundry and shoe bags, as well as mesh-zippered pockets.