Should you choose a hard or soft suitcase? In the great luggage debate, these key considerations will help you decide what’s best for your travel needs.
But first, let’s get this out of the way, airline companies don’t really care if your suitcase is hard or soft. What matters to them is the size and the weight, rather than the material of the suitcase.
But for travelers? choosing between hard-shell and soft shell luggage is a real decision and it can make or break your packing, especially on international trips or long haul adventures.
So let’s break it down what are the pros and cons of hard or soft luggage? and which one is right for you?.
What You Need To Know About Hard-shell Luggage
Durability
Hard side luggage, especially made of polycarbonate or aluminum can handle rough handling from baggage handlers.
Whether it’s being tossed into a cart, rained on during a layover, or stored under heavier suitcases hard luggage gives you some peace of mind.
Additionally all your fragile items, are much safer in a hard sided case.
Water Resistant
Got caught in the rain? Hard luggage doesn’t have a problem with that, It keeps water out and won’t soak up liquids like a soft bag might.
Just wipe it off and you’re good to go.
More Organization
Many hard-sided suitcases open like a book with two equal compartments.
This is great for organizing your items: shoes in one half, clothes in the other, or separating clean from dirty.
Some models even have built in dividers or zippered covers for added organization.
Stylish, Sleek, and Secure
Hard side suitcase tend to look more stylish, modern and polished.
Many come with TSA approved locks, scratch resistant finishes, and smooth spinner wheels that make gliding through airports effortless.
But hard luggage isn’t perfect also.
Limited Flexibility
Try squeezing a hard-shell bag into an overhead bin that’s already packed or one inch above the airline size limit. Not happening.
Unlike soft luggage, hard bags won’t compress to fit tight spaces or in luggage size when overstuffed.
Shows Wear Quickly
The first scratch can be annoying.
It won’t break the suitcase, but you’ll see it.
Pick a suitcase with a rough or dull surface that hide scratches.
What You Need To Know About soft-sided Luggage
Flexible and Expandable
Soft bags can stretch to accommodate last minute souvenirs or that extra pair of shoes.
Many models even have expansion zippers for a few more inches of space.
Lightweight and Easy to Store
Soft luggage is often lighter than hard-shell, meaning you’re less likely to hit airline weight limits and it’s easier to lift into the overhead compartment.
Tip: you can usually squish them under a bed or into a closet when not in use.
Exterior Pockets = Easy Access
Front compartments are a game changer for travelers who need quick access to documents, chargers, a sweater, or a book.
You won’t find this feature on most hard-shell suitcases.
But again, it’s not all perfect
Less Protection for Fragile Items
Soft bags don’t offer the same crush protection as hard-shell cases.
If you’re traveling with wine, electronics, or breakables, you’ll need to wrap them extra well or carry them with you.
More Susceptible to Damage
Fabric can tear. It can get stained or soaked.
And while top brands like Travelpro make incredibly durable soft luggage, wear and tear are more visible and likely over time.
So What Do Airlines Really Prefer?
Technically, airlines don’t favor one style over the other as long as your bag fits size and weight rules, you’re good.
That said, they do appreciate luggage that doesn’t break or cause issues (which gives hard shell cases a plus for checked bags).
And if your bag breaks and spills everything.
You’ll be the one filing a report, not the airline.
Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage
Checked Bags: Hard luggage is usually safer. More secure, more protective, and less likely to get damaged in transit.
Carry-On: Soft luggage is often better. Easier to compress, fits in more spaces, and has quick-access pockets.
I checked Reddit to see what the community thoughts about hard vs soft luggage, some users thought that hard luggage is better when it comes to protecting your items.
Should I get hard or soft luggage
Softside luggage
1.Travelpro Maxlite 5-Softside
This Lightweight 25 inch spinner will maximize your packing power and is the ideal checked bag for medium to long trips.
The side carry handle is amazing and 10x more comfortable for getting up and down the airplane
– The soft, rubbery handle peels on the old model and has now been replaced with plain old hard plastic
2.Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Spinner Suitcase
The Amazon Basics 18” is slightly smaller but fits just as much stuff as the Travelpro 19”, it has smoother zippers, it’s easier to maneuver, it has double wheels for stability, much better internal organization, it’s half the price (Amazon Basics $54.99, Travelpro – $98.99) and all around the Amazon Basics feels better and lighter when filled with the same exact load.
3.Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On Rolling Travel Luggage Bag, 14 Inches, Navy Blue
Amazon Basic carry on is by far the best softside carry-on you will ever use on your flights, if you are a lightweight admirer.
Fits in most airline overhead compartments and under the seat in front of you
The Luggage set comes in Luggage Bag + hard Suitcase 21 Inch or Luggage Bag + hard Suitcase 23 Inch
4.Travelpro Maxlite 5-Softside Lightweight Luggage
Travelpro Maxlite 5-Softside Lightweight Luggage It is roomy and the softside,designed to be left easily especialyfor women, which is hard for them to lift heavy luggage.
A traveler said “This Travelpro Maxlite 5 22″ is possibly the best carry-on out there for price/value.”
5.Travelpro Maxlite 5-Rolling Underseat Compact Carry-On
Travelpro Maxlite 5-Rolling Underseat is perfect if you want to travel with only your carry on.
A traveler said about the underseat soft bag “Lightweight and fits perfectly under the seat in front of you on just about any airplane. Plus, as a flight attendant, I can tell you, you can’t beat travelpro.”
Hardside luggage
1.Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside suitcase always topped the hardside luggage available in the market.
The Samsonite hardshell winfield can withstand the robust shocks of baggage handlers.
A traveler said ” I do recommend this Samsonite hardshell. It’s sleek, very durable and easy to use for the traveler that needs comfort and flexibility in a suitcase.
The colors and design of this model help it stand out on the carousel, and there is plenty of space inside despite it not being too large. “
2. DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Suitcase
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage is a Lightweight HARDSIDE SUITCASE and durable.
But!!
A traveler said “unfortunately my excitement turned into frown when coming back home and saw a big crack on the top.
This happened just after using it for the 2nd time. I still have my old luggage which I have used over 10 times, still intact and paid half the price.”
3. Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage Overall Dimensions is : 26.5” x 17.75” x 11.75”, Weight: 8.34 lbs
A traveler said “This is a very good quality suitcase. It was the first hard case that I’ve bought. For the most part, I am satisfied, but I wish I had known a couple more bits of information before I purchased”
4. Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 20” Carry-On
A traveler said about Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 20” Carry-On , ” Wow! This bag is beautiful. It has multiple pockets and looks roomy enough for the 25 or so outfits, plus different shoes for each, that I usually take on a five-day trip.
It appears to be tough enough to withstand the best efforts of baggage handlers to destroy it”
5.Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable
Samsonite freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On 21-Inch size is : 19.5″ x 14.5″ x 10.0″, Overall Dimensions: 21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10.0″, 6.5 lbs.
A traveler said about this hardside suitcase “It is lightweight and easy to move around in airports.
The exterior will get scratched quickly but much less than the shiny suitcases Samsonite also sells. Interior room is spacious and well constructed. Recently, one of the wheels broke off.
Not sure if this was a manufacturer defect or airline issue. Didn’t want to wait 3 weeks for my local repair center to fix so I contacted Samsonite Consumer Relations, ordered the wheel and it’s back in business. I will stick with Samsonite.”
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most Frequently asked questions about Soft luggage VS hard luggage:
Hard side bags are usually made from this materials: Aluminium, Polycarbonate, ABS.
Aluminum is the strongest as it is metal, however, it is usually expensive and heavy.
The best compromise is Polycarbonate which you will find on most top-end suitcases. ABS is also a good material and will last a while, but it comes last when selecting the most durable material.
Softside suitcase are more likely to get ripped, however hardside suitcase can withstand rough handling.
lightweight bags may They are also more likely to stain, get wet, or otherwise succumb to the hardships of travel. Hardside suitcases will be strong to the tests of travel and baggage handling far better.
Luggage wheels are different depending on the brand and materials, but most wheels are made of polyurethane (kind of high resilient flexible plastic).
Final Thoughts: Do Airlines Prefer Hard Or Soft Luggage?
Now as you know that you airline don’t care whether you choose a hard- or soft-sided bag, focus on what works best for you.
Whatever style you go with, invest in a quality suitcase one with smooth wheels, strong zippers, and a size that fits your airline’s rules.
And one final tip: Tag your bag, Bright tags or covers make your bag easy to spot and less likely to get lost.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
