Vancouver-based bag and luggage brand Monos launched in 2018, and has since grown to sell design-forward suitcases, accessories and apparel in both the Canadian and US markets. Much like Away, its designs are simple yet practical and put an emphasis on quality at an affordable cost. In an earlier head-to-head review, though, which pitted two similar Away and Monos products against one another, we found Monos to be the better value, because of both how the Monos divides its interiors and how much stronger its telescopic handle felt.
The review underscored Monos's commitment to quality products (at even more affordable price than Away). That review did focus on one of the brand's cheaper designs, though: the Carry-On Pro, a part of the core line, which comprises four versions of the carry-on and two different sizes of checked bag. There's another silo under the Monos umbrella, though: the Hybrid collection.
The line started with the Hybrid Carry-On and Hybrid Carry-On Plus, but Monos is adding three new sizes to this corner of its catalog: the Check-In Medium, Check-In Large and Trunk. They balance out the Hybrid section by offering roomy alternatives to the more compact carry-ons, while remaining equally as tough.
You see, Monos's Hybrid line blends the best of both aluminum and polycarbonate suitcases, creating a hybrid — hence the name — that's lightweight yet incredibly durable. The Hybrid suitcases are built with zipperless aluminum frames, reinforced aluminum corner guards, puncture-proof polycarbonate shells and tonal components. They all come with the aforementioned extra-sturdy telescopic handle and two TSA-approved locks. Plus, they have four wheels, not two, like most modern suitcases and come in three colors, Obsidian (Black), Champagne (Gold) and Silver.
The Check-In Medium and Check-In Large simply represent an expansion into new sizes — a step up from the pair of carry-ons they've sold previously. The Trunk, however, is the exploration of a new shape, something more vertically inclined to safely carry tall boots, bottles, laid-out suits or a tall stack of shirts. It's a shape you don't see often, if at all, anymore, and it stands out, so it'll be interesting to see if it sticks, especially since so much of our collective luggage is built roughly the same way now.
Checking your baggage can be among the most stressful parts of the air travel journey for anyone who has either heard other people’s lost luggage horror stories or experienced missing baggage fiascos firsthand.
A new analysis of lost-luggage data from Air Travel Consumer Reports and other sources suggests that checked bags have either a better or worse chance of ending up back in their owners’ hands, depending upon the airline and airports that are doing the handling.
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Using research commissioned by limousine booking service Price4Limo, a new report has just revealed which airlines and airports have thus far proven to be the biggest perpetrators of baggage mishandling this year.
As it turns out, American Airlines is the U.S. carrier that’s had the most trouble keeping track of people’s bags in 2022, with 850 bags per 100,000 going missing. Following behind was JetBlue (670 bags lost per 100,000), Alaska Airlines (640 per 100,000) and United Airlines (620 per 100,000).
As for the U.S. airports where luggage is most often waylaid, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) was the worst offender, followed by Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
While it seems like modern tracking technologies might have solved issues of missing luggage—what with the tags and barcodes attached to each checked item—unfortunately, plenty of bags still wind up somewhere other than their intended destination.
Unclaimed baggage on the tarmac. (Photo via Chalabala/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
In fact, more than half (55 percent) of the people surveyed as part of Price4Limo’s analysis have had their baggage go missing in the past, with only 34 percent of them eventually getting their mislaid bags back. What’s even worse, a shocking 72 percent reported that they’d lost an irreplaceable item because of the mishap.
It’s, therefore, unsurprising that 78 percent of respondents admitted to feeling anxious about checking their luggage, and 82 percent of those who always check bags on trips reported worrying every time they have to drop their luggage off at the airline check-in counter.
"Losing luggage is always a painful ordeal, regardless of the airport or airline you fly out of,” Rachel Kirsch, a creative strategist for Price4Limo, told Travel + Leisure (T+L). “Regardless of where you travel, lost luggage can be a nightmare come true. Unfortunately, odds are if it hasn’t happened to you already, it’ll likely happen at some point during your travels."
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A letter has been sent to Cuban Airports and Airport Services, and to the authorities at José Martí International Airport Terminal 3. (México Destinos)
HAVANA TIMES – The tourist operator Bojórquez has sent a stern letter to the Cuban airport authorities, denouncing the misplacement of suitcases, removal of belongings from passengers’ luggage, and the substitution of waste matter for passengers’ property, in flights operated by the Mexican airline Magnicharters. The company considers these matters to be criminal and is even threatening legal action.
“Our airline takes seriously the care and protection of our passengers’ belongings”, warns the letter, dated 19 October, which has been seen by 14ymedio. “Every day we see an increase in this activity”, it emphasises, alluding to the interference with, and theft from, luggage. The letter, signed by Armando Bojórquez Patrón, president of the tourist operator Bojórquez, details some of the troubling discoveries they have made.
“Misplaced suitcases, suitcases broken, opened, with damaged locks (padlocks, cable ties), removal of contents, substitution of contents with other items in order to keep the baggage weight the same, broken items left inside cases, empty perfume bottles, used and soiled items of clothing”, explains Bojórquez.
The letter, sent to Cuban Airports and Airport Services and the authorities at José Martí International Airport Terminal 3, explains that the airline “backed the Cuban destination, under the conditions of the travel agents charter”. This season, in addition to carrying passengers between Cancún, Mexico City, Mérida and Havana, as well as on the new route of Cancún- Holguín, the company is transferring Cuban migrants who have been deported from Mexico.
“That is to say, in an active way it is maintaining its services to Cuba not only in a tourist capacity but in a governmental one”, Bojórquez emphasises. The company operates these routes with a fleet of Boeing 777’s, each with capacity for 136 passengers. Although Magnicharters “takes seriously the care and protection” of its passengers’ belongings, “it is becoming impossible” to maintain its standards on its routes to the island.
The airline, which flies mainly to Mexican beach destinations, had 12 aircraft in 2016, but with the arrival of the pandemic it was forced to keep a number of them grounded. There is a hold-baggage limit of 25kg plus 20kg hand luggage on the Cancún-Havana route, which makes the company a perfect choice for Cuban ’mules’.
The ticket price of 278 dollars makes the route between the Cuban capital and the Mexican resort an attractive proposition for those importing goods for resale on the black market in Cuba. “They are flights loaded with purchases — white goods, clothes, footwear and other products — carried for later profitable sale at the highest price”, admits an employee of the General Customs Service who works at terminal 3 of Havana airport.
Bojórquez’s letter demands that the Cubans do more to protect luggage: “It’s our intention to ensure that all parties are able to activate the mechanisms for security and protection to which we are duty-bound, in the handling of passengers’ luggage, and that we don’t lose, through being lax, the prestige that we have all earned in our daily operations”.
Last April, Magnicharters cancelled their flights between Havana and Managua, Nicaragua, a route which had been particularly profitable given that each ticket sold for over 3,000 dollars. This cancellation came in shortly after conversations about migration had been held between the Cuban and Mexican governments, in which they pledged to maintain an “ordered and secure” migration.
The letter ends by calling for the “minimization of these unfortunate incidents” and the company offers its “collaboration in avoiding these occurrences, already happening repeatedly on Magnicharters’ flights” to Cuba. The document has already had an impact in the baggage section at José Martí airport, where management are looking to evade responsibility and are seeking out the culprits.
This very week several tour operators arrived in Havana on Magnicharters flights, at the invitation of the Cuban tourist authorities. “When they arrived at their hotel they noticed that their luggagehad been partly interfered with and stolen from”, an airport source told this newspaper, who blamed the incidents on the Mexicans themselves. “They seem to have occurred back there at the airport of departure, but we haven’t been able to verify that yet”.
However, other employees consider that what is happening fits with a “type of theft which is unique to Cuban airports where the workers are paid a very low salary and are put in daily contact with luggage containing belongings that are worth more than a whole month’s wage”, a worker connected to the main Cuban airport terminal told 14ymedio.
There are frequent complaints of luggage theft at Cuban airports and among victims’ testimonies are repeated accounts of broken locks, removal of items such as clothing, shoes, perfumes etc, as well as substitution of these items with old clothing, newspaper and even stones.
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I was in line at airport security in Newark, New Jersey, withAway’s carry-on suitcase in petal(pink) and two other people had the same bag. Another few had the same one in a different colour. And that’s just one line in one small airport. Away has fantastic luggage and the secret is clearly out.
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The travel accessories brand just launched a‘90s Pop collectionthat should stand out on any luggage carousel. The collection includessuitcases,packing cubes,a pouchandluggage tags. The limited-edition ‘90s prints are called “Psych!” and “Jinx!”, and if you were born or lived in the ‘90s, you will totally get it.
Why we love it:We’ve tried the luggage and attest to its quality and function. We packed inThe Bigger Carry-Onfor two weeks away in Los Angeles (including a week at Disneyland,read the review) and it kept us organized throughout the entire trip. The‘90s Pop collectionis fun and limited edition, meaning there won’t be too many identical bags out there. A unique collection that doesn’t comprise standards.
It’s important to have the right bag (or bags) for travel. When you buy a set, you will have whatever kind of luggage you need for whatever kind of trip you go on. A lot goes into picking the right set—whether you purchase hardside or softside, how many bags in the set, how big the bags are, and of course, the cost. We’ve found the best luggage sets no matter what kind of travel you plan to do—and no matter what your budget may be.
The Best Luggage Sets
Best Overall Luggage Set: FOCHIER 3 Piece Expandable Luggage Set
Amazon
This luggage set from FOCHIER ticks all of the boxes: it’s expandable, affordable, durable, safe, and easy to manuver. It’s everything you need in a set.
Pros:
Scratch resistant shell
Integrated TSA locks
Expansion system that allows for an extra 20% in packing capacity
Four 360-degree wheels
Available in several colors
Cons:
Lock can be tricky to figure out
Best Budget Luggage Set: Coolife Luggage 2-Piece Set
Amazon
The Coolife Luggage 2-Piece Set is lightweight, has TSA locks, and is durable. The 20-inch suitcase has a handy front pocket designed to hold laptops up to 15 inches, making it easily accessible, yet secure.
Pros:
360 degree spinner wheels make for easy handling
TSA Compatible Combination Lock
An adjustable 3-step telescoping handle system
Affordable
Cons:
Zipper may not be as durable as you would expect
Best Splurge: Samsonite Omni Expandable Hardside Luggage
Amazon
When you want to spend a little extra on a luggage set, the Samsonite Omni Expandable Hardside Luggage is a great choice. This three-piece set will cover all of your travel needs, no matter what type of trip you are taking.
Pros:
Available in a variety of colors, from neutrals to bolder, brighter colors
10 Year limited warranty
Suitcases expand for extra room
Made with scratch-resistant material
Cons:
Pricier than other sets—more of an investment
Best Lightweight: Away Suitcase Set
Away
Away is known for its lightweight, durable suitcases, and has a fun make-your-own bundle option that allows you to build your own bag and carry-on set. For your bag, choose from backpacks, duffles, a pet carrier or a garment bag—all available in a variety of colors, and the duffle and backpack are available in two different sizes. Next, choose your carry-on, choosing the material, size, style, color, and whether or not you want the USB-charger add-on.
Pros:
Ultra-durable
Create your own perfect set, to fit your needs
Carry-on suitcases only weigh 7.1 lbs-10.6 lbs depending on size and material
Built-in USB-Charger option
Best for Families: Oceanview 5-Pc. Luggage Set, Created for Macy’s
Macy's
You will have plenty of room for the entire family’s needs with this 5-piece luggage set from Nautica. With a carry-on suitcase, duffel, two bigger checked luggage sized suitcases, and a toiletry bag, there is a spot for everything you will need for your next family vacation. Whether you pack the majority of items in the largest, 28-inch suitcase, and use the carry-on bags for smaller items, or assign one bag to each member of the family, your needs will be met.
Pros:
28 and 20-inch suitcases have 360 degree wheels
Lightweight
10-year warranty
Cons:
The carry handle may not be durable when the suitcase is heavy.
Best Expandable: Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Luggage Set
Amazon
Give yourself piece of mind when packing for a trip where you plan on purchasing souvenirs with this Platinum Elite Hardside Luggage Set from Travelpro. Unzip the expansion to give yourself two extra inches to get everything you buy into your suitcase on your way home.
Pros:
Lightweight
Limited lifetime warranty
Made with 100% Polycarbonate hardshell and features molded corner guards
Cons:
Handle can be flimsy
Best Budget Softsided Luggage Set: Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Softshell Lightweight
Amazon
This luggage set from Coolife has everything you need in a luggage set: three suitcases (2 checked-sized and one carry-on-sized) that are durable, easy to use, and won’t break the bank.
Pros:
Four silent, 360-degree spinner wheels
Adjustable telescoping handle
Made with durable 1680D oxford cloth, with 210D nylon lining
Available in five colors
Cons:
Zippers aren’t as durable if the suitcase is stuffed.
Wheels may weaken with repeated rough use.
Most Fun Design: Terrazzo 2-Piece Luggage Set
Calpak
This 2-piece luggage set not only has a fun design, but it is durable and roomy, making it the perfect set for anyone wanting to make a statement while traveling.
Pros:
Integrated TSA approved lock
Expands up to 2 inches
Lightweight
Organization pockets in interior
Cons:
Only 2-pieces
Statement Piece Suitcase Set: NZBZ Vintage Luggage set
Amazon
Turn heads at the airport with this set from NZBZ. This stylish set has two smaller carry-on sized bags, and a large checked bag—all weighing less than ten pounds.
Pros
Made with PU Leather
Has 360-degree double wheels
Integrated TSA approved lock
Hand stitched leather corner guarding for extra durability
Cons:
May scuff easily
Best Luggage Set for Travel on Budget Airlines: Steve Madden Designer Luggage Collection
Amazon
This 3-piece set not only gives you a carry-on sized suitcase and a large suitcase perfect for checking, but also a smaller, 14-inch carry-on bag that is perfect for those economy fares that only include one small carry-on bag.
Pros:
Ergonomic Handle
Four 360-degree spinner wheels
Lightweight
Made with polyester fabric, which is durable and easy to squish into smaller spaces.
Comes in bright, fun colors and designs
Cons:
The seam may rip if overpacked
Most Durable Luggage Set: DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
Amazon
Travel for years with luggage that will last with this set from Delsey.
Pros:
Made of 100 percent polycarbonate
Metallic finish so it is easy to spot at baggage claim
The carry-on bag has a front zippered easy access compartment with an integrated laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop.
Scratch Resistant
Cons:
The handle may get stuck from time to time.
Best Luxury Luggage Set: Rimowa
Saks Fifth Avenue
While you can’t buy a bundle of the luggage pieces together, you can create your own by picking and choosing what pieces you want from their collection. These made-in-Canada suitcases are durable, and you have plenty to choose from to create your set: a carry-on that converts from a briefcase, a giant trunk case, a standard check-in case, and more.
Pros:
Extremely durable
Includes leather luggage tags
Integrated TSA-approved lock
Cons:
Doesn’t come in an actual set
Best Luggage Set for Women: Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Set
Amazon
This 2-piece set from Kenneth Cole Reaction is both functional and stylish. The 20-inch carry-on bag and 28-inch checked bag complement each other perfectly, allowing you all the space you need for your next trip.
Pros:
Interior wet garment pocket
Outer expandable pocket
360-degree spinner wheels
Lightweight
Cons:
Zippers can be faulty
Best Leather Luggage Set: Amerileather Waxy Brown Leather Three Piece Set Traveler
Amazon
For traditionalists who love leather bags, this set from Amerileather is fashionable and functional. Made with genuine leather, the set includes a 26-inch expandable upright suitcase, a 22-inch expandable upright, and an 18-inch boarding tote.
Pros:
The tote features a back snap-on strap that easily slides over the telescopic handle for easy carrying.
All bags feature many pockets for ultimate packing organization.
The tote features a non-slip shoulder strap.
Best Luggage Set for Men: Wrangler Smart Luggage Set
Amazon
Stay with the times with this smart luggage set from Wrangler. The set features a Patented 3-in-1 cup holder, USB port, and phone holder on the back of each piece, so you won’t be scrambling to find a plug for your charger or a table to put your coffee down on while you are at the airport.
Pros
Multi-directional spinner wheels
Retractable handle
It is expandable so everything you need to pack will fit without an issue.
Available in six colors
Cons
Battery pack for USB port needs to be purchased separately.
Best Luggage Set for Kids: Travelers Club Kid’s Hard Side Carry-On Spinner 5 Piece Luggage Set
Macy's
Little ones will love this set from Travelers Club, which includes an 18-inch hardside carry-on rolling suitcase, backpack, lunch bag, neck pillow, and a luggage tag.
Pros:
Available in nine fun patterns including rainbows, outer space, dinosaurs, and hearts.
Smaller carry-on suitcase is the perfect size for kids to wheel around the airport on their own.
360-degree spinner wheel system on carry-on suitcase
1-year limited warranty is included
Cons:
Zipper may tear if bag is too full
Best Luggage Set with Toiletry Bag: Travelers Club Midtown Hardside 4-Piece Luggage Travel Set, Rose Gold
Amazon
Fulfill all of your travel needs with this 4-piece luggage set from Travelers Club. Not only does it have a checked bag suitcase and a carry-on, but it also includes a personal item sized bag and a toiletry bag. The small boarding bag will fit easily under the seat in front of you, perfect for your in-flight necessities.
Pros:
Push-button recessed locking handle system
Made with 100% ABS Hardshell for durability
Expands for extra space
Boarding bag has a sleeve to slip over the handle of your wheeled luggage for easy transport.
Cons:
Large suitcase may be hard to handle if holding over 50 lbs.
Best Customizable Luggage Set: July Carry On and Checked Set
July
This two-piece set from July is made with 100% aerospace-grade German polycarbonate, and is “designed to be unbreakable.” Not only are they durable, but you can create your own luggage look by choosing from twelve colors (three of which are currently available for preorder: marigold yellow, ocean blue, and magenta), but you can also add your own personalization to the back, side or top of the suitcase—your name, initials, nickname—whatever you want!
Pros:
They have anodised aluminium bumpers for added protection.
They nest perfectly into each other for easy storage when not in use.
They feature July’s SilentMove 360° spinner wheels, which are extremely quiet and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Cons:
Slightly expensive
What to Look For in Luggage Sets
It may feel overwhelming when you are looking for a new luggage set, but there are a few key things to think about before you start your search.
Size
Luggage sets vary in the size of bags they include. Some two piece sets are a carry-on and personal piece of luggage, while others are a carry-on and a checked bag. Three piece sets are usually a carry-on bag, a smaller checked size and a large checked size, but can also be a personal item, carry-on and checked size. Knowing what kind of traveler you are—if you never plan on checking luggage, if you always check luggage, etc. It will help you decide what you want included in the set that you ultimately purchase.
Material
The big decision when picking what material your set will be made of is whether or not you want softsided or hardsided luggage. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Softsided luggage is easier to manipulate under your seat or in the overhead compartment, while hardsided luggage is more durable and better for any breakable items you may be traveling with.
Price
If money is no object, you can get whatever set that looks good to you. Luckily, if you are on a budget, there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from.
Number of Pieces
The majority of luggage sets are either two or three pieces. Like size, the number of pieces you choose depends on what kind of traveler you are—do you need carry-on bags and checked bags? Do you want a set that also includes a toiletry bag and packing cubes? Whatever your needs are, you will be able to find the correct amount of pieces for you.
Features
There are several features to think about when choosing your luggage set, including integrated TSA locks, compression ability, expansion ability, pockets for organization, and outer pockets. A set like this piece luggage set from Terrazzo has plenty of organization options, while the Wrangler Smart Luggage set has a built-in cup holder. No matter what feature is important to you, there is a set that will fit you needs.
What is the Best Luggage Set?
Depending on your needs, there are several luggage sets that are the best. We found the Fochier 3-piece set to tick all boxes, including the ability to expand, integrated TSA locks, easy wheeling, and durability. Plus, at under $200, it is super affordable. The Coolife Luggage 2-Piece Set is another great hardside choice, and if you are looking for softside luggage, try the Coolife Luggage 3 Piece Set Suitcase Spinner Softshell—it’s lightweight, yet durable.
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
