Lighten the Load: Best Lightweight Luggage to Avoid Fees

1. Foldable Travel Backpack 

Bago's lightweight foldable backpack is among lightest carry on luggage for its size, versatility, and durability.

The backpack is completely waterproof and comes with the full suite of main, mesh, zippered, and side compartments – even more than you would expect from a traditional backpack!

Best of all, the bago bag can collapse into a zippered compartment no larger than a novel (and much lighter!). This feature is perfect for both economical packing and overflow space in case your checked luggage is overweight!

2. Samsonite Hardside Luggage

The Winfield 2 hardside luggage from Samsonite features spinner wheels, a frame, and a telescopic handle which have all been redesigned to minimize weight while maintaining performance.

Combining these custom efforts with more traditional Samsonite features – including impressive size, multi-directional spinner wheels, side-mounted TSA locks, and a brushed exterior – makes the Winfield 2 a premium choice for the best lightweight luggage for international travel.

3. Gonex Packable Travel Duffle Bag

Though more malleable than hardside suitcases, traditional duffle bags still lack the frame and compressibility needed from the best lightweight luggage.

Fortunately, the Gonex packable travel bag pairs efficient packing with duffle bag volume. Despite holding 60 liters, the empty Gonex only weighs 1.2 pounds and folds into a bag smaller than an iPad case!

The impressive range between the bag’s storage size and total volume makes the Gonex perfect as everything from an overnight bag to carry on luggage!

4. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage

Being the best lightweight luggage doesn’t always mean collapsing into a pouch smaller than your palm. In fact, the AmazonBasics hardside spinner luggage proves that quality materials and intelligent design are ingredients sufficient to create the best lightweight spinner luggage.

Crafted with ABS thermoplastic and coated with a scratch-resistant finish, the AmazonBasics spinner offers durability without unnecessary weight. Inside, the suitcase provides several small and large zippered compartments that aid organization and discourage over-packing.

5. Kenneth Cole Lightweight Checked Luggage

While the majority of lightweight luggage is carry on, the best lightweight checked luggage is essential in avoiding punishing overweight bag fees.

Fortunately, the Out of Bounds lightweight checked luggage from Kenneth Cole Reaction features a nimble frame intentionally designed with airport weight restrictions in mind.

By combining ultra-light polyester interior fabric, an ABS-coated hard-shell exterior, and best-in-class wheels, moldings, and finishing touches, the Kenneth Cole lightweight suitcase seamlessly blends durability with style!

6. Delsey Carry-On Spinner

Delsey is a high quality French luggage brand that offers a 10 year worldwide warranty. They stand behind their products and recently introduced their lightest hardside suitcase yet, at a miraculous 4.8 pounds! 

The carry on comes with a 100% polycarbonate shell that resists cracks and breaks. I especially like the metallic finish, which looks sleek, shiny and much more expensive than it actually costs! Inside, two packing bags for shoes and laundry are included, which is a nice touch.

Of all the carry on luggage pieces listed here, Delsey luggage has the best wheels for easy mobility. Other positives: the shell is expandable (rare for a hard case) and comes with a TSA approved lock.

I've been a huge fan of Delsey for so long that the brand generously gave me a discount code to share with you all! Enter SHERSHEGOES at checkout for an extra 25% off here.