Best aluminum luggage in 2023

Upgrading your polycarbonate or softsided luggage to aluminum might seem like an unnecessary indulgence. But investing in one of these sleek, durable and stylish suitcases will keep your cargo well protected in the long haul.

Here are our top aluminum luggage picks in 2023, based on user reviews and CBS Essentials testing.

Top products in this article:

High-end aluminum suitcase: Rimowa Classic Cabin S, $1,400

$1,400 at Rimowa

Great value aluminum luggage: Away The Aluminum large check in, $745

$745 at Away

Best on a budget aluminum luggage: Level8 Gibraltar aluminum carry-on, $404 (reduced from $430)

$404 at Level8

Why invest in aluminum luggage? In addition to the sleek and luxurious look of metal, aluminum is less likely to crack compared to polycarbonate luggage, making it a more long-term option.

The biggest downside? Aluminum luggage often weighs more than plastic or fabric suitcases. Carry-on suitcases generally weigh in the 10-pound range, while check-in bags may get up to 16 pounds.

In terms of price, expect to pay more for aluminum, as the cost of materials and production is higher. Keep in mind that high-end luggage brands like Rimowa offer complimentary maintenance and warranty specific parts that might break over the years.

The best aluminum luggage you can buy

We rounded up some of the best check-in luggage and carry-on luggage in 2023 from brands like Rimowa, Away, Tumi, Zero Halliburton and Level8. Check out the top rated picks below or view our top picks for the best luggage of 2023.

Rimowa Classic aluminum luggage

This high-end, celeb-favorite Rimowa Classic Cabin S suitcase features TSA-approved locks, a height-adjustable flex divider and a telescopic handle. The L (larger) bag measures a little more than 30 inches and weighs 13.2 pounds, while the slightly smaller M (medium) bag measures 27.6 inches and weighs 11.7 pounds. The cabin-sized version measures 21.7 inches and weighs just 9.2 pounds.

Rimowa recently added the Pilot Case to their lineup, perfectly sized and shaped for the traveling professional or commuter at 16.5 inches and 10.8 pounds. You can add your name to the wait list to be notified when the Pilot Case is available.

Rimowa Classic Cabin S, $1,400

$1,400 at Rimowa

Rimowa Classic Check-In M, $1,700

$1,700 at Rimowa

Rimowa Classic Check-In L, $1,835

$1,825 at Rimowa

Rimowa Original Pilot Case, $1,500

Add name to waitlist

Away The Aluminum collection

Away Travel offers sleek, functional suitcases at a reasonable price point. Jet setters will appreciate the removable, rechargeable battery for on-the-go phone charging, the easy-to-set TSA-approved lock and smooth rolling spinner wheels.

Away's upgraded aluminum edition offers a more wallet-friendly alternative to Rimowa with the same features as the durable polycarbonate bags that put the brand on the map. The aluminum version comes in four sizes: two carry-ons and two check-in. It's available in three metal tones: silver, onyx black and rose gold. The smaller carry-on weighs 10.1 pounds, the medium-sized 10.6, the smaller check-in 13.3 pounds and larger version, 16 pounds.

Away The Aluminum carry-on, $625

$625 at Away

Away The Aluminum large check in, $745

$745 at Away

Tumi 19 Degree aluminum check-in

Tumi crafted this sleek suitcase out of lightweight aluminum. Features including TSA-approved locks, smooth swivel wheels and an impact-resistant telescoping handle for all-around easy maneuverability. Interior highlights include compression straps, a removable garment sleeve and lots of zipper compartments for organization.

Worried about losing your luggage? As part of the Tumi Tracer program, the bag includes a 20-digit number for easy identification.

Tumi 19 Degree aluminum luggage, $1,425

$1,425 and up at Bloomingdales

Zero Halliburton Continental aluminum carry-on

The luxurious 22-inch, 12.5-pound Zero Halliburton Continental suitcase fits overhead on most domestic flights and boasts a smooth moving wheel system trademarked by the brand. A three-stage telescopic handle, TSA-compliant lock system, leather accents and a roomy interior with lots of organizational features make the brushed metal suitcase a keeper. Its smaller size also makes it a great choice for road trips. Available in silver, black and bronze.

Zero Halliburton Continental aluminum carry-on, $1,095

$1,095 at Zero Halliburton

Level8 Gibraltar aluminum carry-on

Crafted out of aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy, the Gibraltar aluminum carry-on, available in silver and gray, weighs 10 pounds and fits neatly in the overhead bin of an airplane or the trunk of a car. Keyless and zipperless, the sleek suitcase also boasts TSA-approved locks, 360-degree durable spinner wheels and comes with a four-piece organizer bag set.

Level8 Gibraltar aluminum carry-on, $404 (reduced from $430)

$404 at Level8

More top-rated luggage options

Are the above aluminum suitcases not quite right for you? No worries -- your friends at CBS Essentials have compiled a number of luggage roundups designed to help you shop for your next bag or suitcase in 2023. Check out our luggage coverage here: