The Complete Guide to Carry-On Luggage: Cheap, Inexpensive, or Best Va – Traveling Bags

Brought to you by Traveling Bags – Wisconsin’s Largest Luggage & Travel Store

Whether you travel for work, take the occasional road trip, or if you are a leisure traveler who takes two or more trips a year, choosing the right carry-on is about more than looks or price—it’s about making sure your bag lasts, protects your belongings, and doesn’t let you down on the way to the gate. At Traveling Bags, we see travelers make the same choice in three very different ways: Cheap, Inexpensive, and Best Value luggage.

But which is right for you? Let’s break down the differences across price, warranty, repairability, longevity, and brand reputation, and also consider whether a hardside or softside carry-on fits your style best.

The Three Tiers of Luggage

Factor	Cheap	Inexpensive	Best Value
Typical Price	$60–$130	$150–$250	$300–$700
Warranty	0–2 years; many exclusions are common	2–5 years; limited coverages	5 years to lifetime; generous, real support
Repairs	Not serviceable; often replaced	Some service/parts available	Designed to be repaired; parts stocked
Expected Lifespan	6–24 months	3–5 years	8–15+ years
Total Cost of Ownership (5 years)	$400–$500 (multiple replacements)	~$350–$400 (2 bags + repairs)	$350–$600 (one bag, possibly repaired once)

How They Differ in Real Life

Cheap Luggage: The Short-Term Fix

Lowest upfront cost, but often fails when you need it most—wheels break, zippers split, handles jam.
Materials: thin ABS plastic shells or low-grade polyester.
Best for: one-off trips, light use, or as a temporary extra bag.
Be cautious of places like TJ Max, Big Lots, and Dollar Stores. They are usually selling discontinued items and items that didn’t sell well. They are there for a reason. Also be wary of buying luggage at places that should sell luggage, we’ve seen it at places like Menards, Pop-up stores in malls, and Flea Markets, our advice… RUN!

👉 Examples: Entry-level American Tourister hardside bags, Travelpro Maxlite, or off-brand polyester bags from big-box stores. Also, be cautious of bags sold under the Names of Celebrities & TV Personalities.

Inexpensive Luggage: The Sweet Spot for the Occasional Leisure Travelers

Affordable without being disposable.
Solid mid-tier materials like polycarbonate blends or durable polyester/nylon.
A lifespan of 3–5 years is ideal for travelers who take a few trips a year.
Limited but reasonable warranties. Repairs are usually possible for a few years.

👉 Examples:

Hardside: Brics B|Y Ulisse, Ricardo Beverly Hills Montecito, or Delsey Helium Aero.
Softside: Travelpro Crew Classic, Ricardo Beverly Hills Avalon

Best Value Luggage: Buy Once, Travel with Confidence

Higher initial cost, but built to last 10, 15, 20+ years
Premium materials: pure polycarbonate, ballistic nylon, aircraft-grade aluminum handles, sealed wheels.
Lifetime warranties or “no questions asked” coverage mean long-term peace of mind.
Repair parts readily available, repairs can be made for 10+ years if needed.

👉 Examples:

Hardside: Victorinox Airox, Briggs & Riley Sympatico, Bric’s Bellagio.
Softside: Briggs & Riley Baseline, Briggs & Riley ZDX,
Victorinox Werks Traveler 7.0

Hardside vs. Softside: Which is Best for You?

Hardside Carry-Ons

Pros: Sleek, water-resistant, crush protection, often lighter.
Cons: No exterior pockets, less flexible when overstuffed, and cheap shells can crack.
Best for: Travelers carrying electronics, wine, souvenirs, or fragile items.

Softside Carry-Ons

Pros: Expandable, lighter, exterior pockets for easy access, and easier to fit into tight overhead compartments.
Cons: Can stain or tear, less protective against crushing.
Best for: Families, casual travelers, and anyone who values organization and flexibility.

What Typically Fails (and Why Better Matters)

Wheels & Bearings: Cheap wheels wobble and chip. Premium wheels glide smoothly for years. Better wheels have bearings.
Zippers: Low-grade zippers split; YKK-grade zippers resist stress.
Carry Handles: Look for quality: no nylon, vinyl, or rubber. You want Leather if possible!
Telescoping Handles: Cheap telescopes jam; quality handles lock securely, some even have protection from damage
Shell/Fabric: Thin ABS cracks; ballistic nylon or true polycarbonate flexes and rebounds. Be cautious of 100% recycled; often, this can mean a less durable shoot for a 50/50 blend if this is important to you.

Smart Buyer’s Checklist (Test This in Our Store)
If the Store can’t help you with this, maybe you need to be at a better store.

Ask the salesperson about the Product: If they can’t help, what will you do if/when you have a problem? How will you get service? Who are you going to call?
Wheel Test: Roll it loaded across seams and turns—does it track straight and smooth? Try on different types of flooring: Carpet, Tiles, and Concrete.
Carry Handle Test: Does your hand fit? Is it comfortable? Does it have a handle on the bottom of the bag?
Pull Handle Test: Extend and twist—a minimal flex is a good sign.
Zipper Test: Stuff it full and zip—no waves or separation.
Material Check: Look for reinforced corners and even construction.
Warranty Reality: Be cautious when you see the word Lifetime, many people miss that it actually says “Limited Lifetime”, and that should raise your red flags.
How Are Repairs Handled: Ask or research to find out where repairs are handled. At Traveling Bags, we can help with service for the brands we carry and even more.

The Bottom Line for Leisure Travelers

Cheap luggage might save money upfront, but it often costs more in replacements and frustration.
Inexpensive luggage is the smart choice for most leisure travelers flying 2–4 times a year—brands like Ricardo Beverly Hills, Travelpro, and Delsey give you years of reliable use.
Best value luggage—from Victorinox, Bric’s, or Briggs & Riley—is for those who want long-term durability, style, and true service support. These bags are an investment that saves you money and headaches over time.

At Traveling Bags, we'll help you find the bag for you. You can compare all three categories in person, test the wheels, feel the materials, and see exactly what makes one carry-on different from another. We’ll help you choose the bag that fits your trips, your style, and your budget.

✨ Tip: Investing in best value luggage can actually save you money (and stress) over time, but if you’re taking very few trips or vacations a year, a well-chosen inexpensive bag is often the perfect fit, we understand this and want you to get the best bag for you!.