MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Federal agents say they busted a pair of travelers, who tried to take a cruise out of PortMiami with very illegal cargo.
The pair are facing drug charges after the Department of Homeland Security said it found 112 vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana in their luggage.
According to an arrest report, Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami boarded the Norwegian Joy on Jan. 11. headed for Southampton, England.
Agents say they inspected Quesenberry’s luggage and found 56 separate vacuum-sealed bags, containing a green, leafy substance that later tested positive for marijuana.
After that discovery, agents said they searched Minami’s luggage and said they found 56 more bags, packed with marijuana.
According to the arrest report, agents seized more than 150 pounds of marijuana from the pair.
Quesenberry and Minami face several charges, including conspiracy to export/intent to distribute a controlled substance, attempted exportation of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The Norwegian Joy cruise ship.Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
Two people on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship were found with 112 bags of marijuana, an affidavit said.
One said she'd met the other at the ship's bar, but both had 56 bags, the court document added.
Both have pleaded not guilty to four criminal charges relating to drug trafficking.
Two passengers on a cruise from Miami to the UK were found to be carrying over 100 bags of marijuana, a Department of Homeland Security affidavit said.
Michael Quesenberry and Savannah Rose Minami were set to travel on the Norwegian Joy on January 11 when law enforcement boarded the vessel.
The pair were found in a cabin where Quesenberry had two suitcases, a carry-on bag, and a backpack, the affidavit said. It added that Minami was allowed to leave the room at first as she said she'd just met Quesenberry at the ship's bar.
Later, a drug-sniffing dog issued a positive signal for Quesenberry's luggage, where officers found 56 vacuum-sealed bags containing a "green, leafy substance," the affidavit said. The substance was tested and confirmed to be marijuana, it added.
The court document said Quesenberry claimed the drugs were for personal use and he had a medical-marijuana card.
After the luggage search, law enforcement located Minami at the ship's bar and escorted her to her room — where another 56 bags were found, the affidavit said.
It added that her luggage also consisted of two suitcases, a carry-on bag, and a backpack.
The seized packages weighed 71.9 kilograms, or about 158 pounds, the affidavit said.
"Based on my training and experience, drug traffickers are increasingly turning to exportation of marijuana from the United States to England, due to the higher price of marijuana in England," a Department of Homeland Security special agent said in his affidavit.
Quesenberry and Minami have pleaded not guilty to four charges involving drug trafficking. They were released on bonds of $250,000 and $150,000, respectively, and surrendered their passports.
If found guilty on all counts, they each would face up to 80 years in prison or $4 million in fines.
In a statement to USA Today, a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said: "The safety and security of our guests is, as always, our top priority. As such, Norwegian Cruise Line reserves the right to confiscate any items on the Prohibited Items List, and may notify authorities when necessary."
BOGOTA, Colombia (WJW) — A woman is facing wildlife trafficking charges after she was reportedly caught in a Colombia airport with about 130 poisonous frogs hidden in her luggage.
According to a press release from local police, the 37-year-old woman, who was not identified in the release, was boarding a flight from the El Dorado International Airport to Sao Paulo, with a layover in Panama.
Police said the small frogs were found in camouflaged jars in a suitcase.
Credit: Metropolitan Police of Bogota via Storyful
Credit: Metropolitan Police of Bogota via Storyful
According to the release, the frogs were identified as Oophaga histriónica, or “harlequin poisonous frogs,” an endangered species wanted by collectors who pay up to $1,000 for each one.
The woman claimed the frogs were a gift, according to police.
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A U.S. man was sentenced by a Taiwan court to one year and one month in jail for carrying 50 bullets in his luggage as he was transiting through Taoyuan International Airport.
The incident occurred on Jan. 26, 2023, as the 76-year-old man was traveling from San Francisco, California to Cebu, Philippines. The senior was unaware the .22 ammunition was in his luggage when he boarded the flight in the U.S., reported UDN.
After the bullets were discovered, the man told authorities during questioning that they were from a previous hunting trip, and he had forgotten to remove them from his luggage. The man was reportedly on his way to the Philippines to visit his son who worked there.
The man was charged with violating laws governing the trafficking of firearms, ammunition, and other weapons through the country. The man readily confessed to the crime and said he did not intend to break any of Taiwan’s laws during his travels.
Despite the man’s mistake, he was referred to the Taoyuan District Prosecutor’s Office for processing and trial and was unable to leave the country following his arraignment.
In the recent ruling by the Taoyuan court, given the man’s age, quick confession, and cooperation with authorities, he would be sentenced to one year and one month in jail, along with a fine of NT$50,000 (US$1,600).
The fine, determined by the number of bullets found in his luggage, may be waived in exchange for community service at a rate of NT$1,000 per day of work, per UDN.
If we had to rank travel items in terms of how essential they are, a trusty carry-on would undoubtedly land pretty high on the list. No matter what you’re packing or where you’re going, you’ll need a reliable carry-on bag to keep your personal belongings safe and secure from the wear and tears of travel, and of course, to avoid pesky checked bag fees and lost luggage.
Between tried-and-true carry-on luggage and conveniently-designed (and spacious) weekender bags, there are plenty of great options when it comes to picking out the right one for your next trip. And fortunately for you, Amazon has plenty of best-selling suitcases, duffel bags, and travel backpacks for the rest of your winter trips and beyond. These deals won’t last forever, so we've rounded up the 11 best carry-on luggage pieces, all under $100 for your next adventure.
This hardside carry-on from Amazon Basics is a stellar option that has earned more than 34,000 perfect ratings for its durable exterior, expandable design, and four multi-directional spinning wheels that’ll glide you and your personal belongings through any airport with ease. Even better, it’s equipped with three zippered pockets and a spacious, expandable interior to hold even more clothes — and it's only $81.
Coolife Luggage 20-Inch Carry-On Suitcase
Amazon
In terms of traveler approval, the Coolife 20-Inch Carry-On has quite the loyal fanbase. One shopper said that they “love everything about this [bag]" and dubbed it the “perfect size for travel, even if it’s just a weekend trip in the car." They also gushed over its thoughtful design: "There’s lots of compartments and room for a couple days of clothes and toiletries, but the wheels are the best for ease of movement.” It also doesn’t hurt that this hardshell suitcase boasts an affordable price tag of just $60.
Rockland London Hardside Spinner Wheel 20-Inch Carry-On Suitcase
Amazon
This adorable and sturdy carry-on is a top-rated suitcase thanks to the trifecta of its lightweight design (it's just under 8 pounds), durable hardshell exterior, and eight (yes, eight) multi-directional spinner wheels will help you easily navigate through crowded airports, cobblestone streets, and beyond without a second thought or breaking a sweat. And, as a cherry on top, it happens to be on sale for more than half off; grab it while it's just $58 this weekend.
Amazon Basics 14-Inch Underseat Carry-On Suitcase
Amazon
Finding a bag that can fit under an airplane seat isn’t always an easy feat, but this softside rolling underseater does just that, making it an excellent carry-on option for business travel, short weekend trips, and more. At roughly 13.4 inches by 9.5 inches by 14 inches, this "small but mighty" underseat carry-on provides impressive-yet-compact space to hold onto all of your belongings with ease.
Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable 20-Inch Carry-On Suitcase
Amazon
Claiming the top spot as Amazon’s best-selling carry-on suitcase, Travelers Club's Chicago 20-inch luggage is a quality buy. In fact, one shopper said that adding it to their travel gear was the “best decision ever," adding that “it made [their] way around the airport so smooth and easy.” It also comes in 14 different hues so you can stand out (the biggest deals are on the pink fuschia and a blue teal colors), and as if it couldn’t get any better, its interior expands for extra packing capacity.
Etronik Travel Duffel Bag
Amazon
While everyone needs a good rolling luggage in their collection, if you’re traveling light or hoping to pack an extra bag, this duffel is Amazon’s best-selling choice for any and all of your upcoming trips. And, it just so happens that this weekender also has a genius built-in shoe compartment that can also be used to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes. In terms of carrying power, one traveler was happy to report that this handy tote can hold “two pairs of sneakers, two pairs of sandals (one being a platform), and about four outfits along with my toiletries and accessories.” Clip the on-site coupon to unlock extra savings.
Yorepek Extra-Large Travel Backpack
Amazon
Traveling with a large backpack is one of my favorite ways to travel lately because it’s hands-free and easy to carry around. If you’re looking to upgrade your travels with a carry-on backpack, you can’t go wrong with this water-resistant one that’s equipped with several spacious compartments to hold onto your laptop, personal belongings, and several outfits. Snag it for $33 today.
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Amazon
I personally swear by this travel backpack, and I must not be the only one because it’s also an Amazon best-seller. Between its cushioned back panels and shoulder straps, spacious interior, and convenient USB port this backpack truly has it all — and then some. I use it on hikes, as a commuter bag, for the gym, for weekend trips, and beyond. If you’re looking for a travel backpack to switch up your carry-on game, I truly can’t recommend this one enough.
Narwey Foldable Duffel Bag
Amazon
This game-changing $10 travel bag measures just 18 inches by 13 inches by 6.3 inches, and boasts a water-resistant design and built-in luggage strap, making it the quintessential tote. Its size also conveniently meets the requirements for a personal item on Spirit and Frontier Airlines, a.k.a. you won't have to worry about paying any additional bag fees because it always flies free. It also folds down into a compact size that’s perfect for throwing into your suitcase to bring back extra souvenirs.
Hyc00 Duffel Bag
Amazon
Duffel fans need to check out this top-rated lightweight weekender tote that has six internal and two external pockets to hold onto all of your essentials. With its portable size, it fits seamlessly under airplane seats and even has an extra luggage sleeve to attach to your suitcase handle for easy maneuvering. Available in dozens of different colors and styling options, you really can’t go wrong with this $22 duffel.
Shrradoo Extra-Large Travel Backpack
Amazon
Boasting over 28,000 five-star ratings, Amazon shoppers call this carry-on backpack the “perfect travel backpack” after using it to store all of their personal belongings on various styles of trips, ranging from a five-day Disney vacation to a two-week trip abroad. There’s clearly plenty to love about this backpack, but its convenient USB port, comfortable straps, and 52-liter carrying capacity are among its top perks.
This story was originally published on July 11, 2020.
Imagine this: An airline loses your checked bag. After an extensive search, customer support comes up empty-handed. They compensate you and life goes on.
But life goes on for your suitcase, too. Written off as “unclaimed,” it sits in a musty collection depot for 3 months. Eventually, the airline sells it — along with hundreds of other lost suitcases and cargo shipments — to a private company, sight unseen.
The new owner cracks the lock, sifts through your former possessions, and marks them for sale.
A few days later, a retired mechanic named Charlie buys your grandfather’s watch for $150. A 19-year-old line cook acquires your Beats headphones. And a nurse from Florida becomes the proud new owner of the scarf your mom knitted you for Christmas.
This is the bizarre secondary market for lost luggage.
Zachary Crockett / The Hustle
Every year, 4.3B bags are checked by airlines around the world. Around 25m of them (5.7 per 1k bags checked) end up lost or misdirected. The 0.03% of bags that are still not reunited with their owners after 90 days are sold by the airline.
Chances are, they are purchased by a company called Unclaimed Baggage.
Nestled in the small town of Scottsboro, Alabama (pop: 14.7k), Unclaimed Baggage holds the distinction of being “the nation’s only retailer of lost luggage.” Its massive 40k-sq-ft warehouse holds thousands of treasures lost in transit, ranging from rare instruments to monogrammed engagement rings.
Every now and then, a piece of luggage contains something truly extraordinary, like a suit of armor, an Egyptian artifact, or a camera used in NASA’s Space Shuttle program.
What are the ethics of reselling travelers’ intimate items? How does the process work? And how did one company come to monopolize this niche market?
The story begins 50 years ago
Back in 1970, a man named Hugo Doyle Owens was at a crossroads.
Born and raised in Scottsboro, Owens had served in the Korean War and returned to his hometown to sell insurance. Between shifts, he spent every waking hour by his ham radio, using radio frequency spectrum to communicate to friends and strangers. At 39, he was restless and looking for his next adventure.
One day, through the radio chatter, he learned that a bus company in Washington, DC, had an enormous stack of unclaimed luggage it was looking to get rid of.
In those days, unclaimed bags were often thrown away or auctioned off to local junk shops. Few saw value in travelers’ lost wares. But to Owens, the suitcases — and the intrigue of their contents — were a perfect foundation to build a business on.
So, he borrowed $300 (~$2k in 2020 dollars) from his father-in-law and purchased the whole lot.
Doyle Owens with his ham radio, c. 1960s (via Unclaimed Baggage)
On the edge of town, Owens set up an informal storefront, crafted a sign (“Unclaimed Baggage”) by the door, and, with the help of his wife and 2 sons, splayed out his acquired items on card tables. He ran a small ad in the local paper, informing Jackson County deal-seekers of his new venture.
In less than 24 hours, he sold out of inventory and pocketed a tidy profit.
The novelty of sifting through lost luggage soon spread by word-of-mouth and Owen’s repeated the process. His boss eventually gave him an ultimatum: Sell insurance, or sell baggage. He quit and set out to turn his side hustle into a full-time job.
By 1978, Owens had struck deals to buy luggage from Eastern Airlines, National Airlines, and Air Florida (now defunct). In constant transit between DC, Miami, Cleveland, and Dallas, he was soon acquiring 3k pieces of luggage per month, with help from a staff of 6 people.
“We never know what’s in those suitcases until we open them,” he told the AP that year. “It’s like buying a pig in a poke.”
A man marks suitcases at Sydney International Airport in 1985 (Peter Morris/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)
Even the most macabre of items seemed to intrigue his customers: A marble tombstone inscribed with a name and a date of death was purchased by a gentleman who made it into a coffee table. An Amazonian shrunken head (found in a suitcase in the pre-TSA days) found a home with a doctor in Birmingham.
Over the years, the business expanded — largely thanks to a number of secretive, exclusive deals Owens inked with major airlines, hospitality groups, and cargo carriers.
By the time he died in 2016, he’d received 3 keys from 3 different Scottsboro mayors. Everyone in town knew his name. And his one-of-a-kind business had become an internationally recognized tourist destination.
Life at America’s only lost luggage store
Today’s Unclaimed Baggage is a far cry from the card tables and backroom bus deals of the past.
Since taking over the business in 1995, Owens’ son, Bryan, has expanded the store into a 50k-square-foot behemoth. Before COVID, thousands of pieces of luggage — up to 7k unique items — were flowing through the doors every day. The store’s dedicated laundry facility, used to clean 70k clothing items per month, is the largest in Alabama.
Last year, more than 1m customers from all over the world flocked to the small town 140 miles northwest of Atlanta to see what kinds of treasures they could forage.
Top: a customer checks out shoes at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Alabama; bottom: crowds browse the expansive women’s clothing section (Unclaimed Baggage)
In the last decade, airlines have invested heavily in RFID chips and central monitoring systems to reduce lost luggage. This isn’t just to keep customers happy: The cost of hunting down lost luggage sets airlines back $2.1B per year in overhead costs. When they can’t find your bag, they are liable to compensate you for your loss (up to $3,500 for domestic flights and $1,780 for international).
Selling off unclaimed bags allows them to recoup a small portion of these losses.
Unclaimed Baggage purchases not only lost checked bags, but items forgotten in overhead bins and the front flap of the chair (reading glasses are common). They also buy tons of oversized cargo and freight — surfboards, skis, wheelchairs, rugs.
The company is extremely secretive about its “salvage agreements” with airlines and won’t divulge who it partners with, or how much it pays for luggage. But usually, it will fork over a set price per bag or by pay by weight.
Like storage units, these purchases are “blind:” they never know what’s tinside.
When the luggage arrives at the store’s sorting facility by tractor trailer, the company’s 150+ employees follow a procedure:
Items are sorted into 3 general categories: a) resell, b) repurpose/donate, or c) recycle/throw away.
Clothing and jewelry are cleaned; electronics are wiped of personal data.
Resellable items are appraised for price and authenticated by category experts.
The bags have already been screened at the airport, but things often slip through the cracks. Anything of an “illegal nature” (drugs, weapons, unmarked cash) is immediately turned over to the local authorities under lock and key.
Anything deemed to not be family-friendly (sex toys, pornography) is withheld.
Top: a man browses through hundreds of headphones; bottom: watches — some of which are expensive and rare finds — line the glass cases (Unclaimed Baggage)
“There are a lot of frogs before you get to the prince,” Brenda Cantrell, the store’s director, says of the sorting process. “We’re very skilled at getting rid of the frogs. It’s a tedious process that we’ve perfected over the past 50 years.”
In the end, only about one-third of the items in baggage end up for sale — usually marked down anywhere from 20-80% off list price.
An additional one-third is donated to dozens of charities: wheelchairs go to prisons and veteran groups; strollers go to teen pregnancy centers; some clothes go to homeless shelters.
Weird and wild finds
Cantrell estimates that 60% of the items found in suitcases are clothes or accessories. Headphones, e-readers, and neck pillows are also in abundance.
Perhaps most unfortunately, the store sees a reliable stream of wedding dresses, wedding bands, and engagement rings. (“We don’t know whether those people were going to a wedding or coming home from one,” says Cantrell.)
Top: a customer poses with his find, an antique case; bottom: an Unclaimed Baggage employee demonstrates how the company typically sorts through a suitcase when it arrives at the facility (Unclaimed Baggage)
But the sheer volume of baggage they receive also yields finds that are extremely strange, rare, and unusual:
A Gucci suitcase full of ancient Egyptian artifacts from 1500 BC
The original, 4-foot-tall Hoggle puppet from the 1986 film, Labyrinth
An F-16 guidance system belonging to the US Navy
A Nikon F camera from NASA’s Space Shuttle program
A mysterious sealed box that said “Call CDC immediately”
The shop launched online store (which features a smaller selection of unclaimed baggage) has its own share of ridiculous stuff:
A display stand for a Star Wars lightsaber ($49.99)
A glass statue of the Burj Khalifa ($11.99)
A poster autographed by Nathaniel Rateliff And The Night Sweats ($300.99)
A porcelain funnel for filtering cannabis oil ($60.99)
Two pounds of seashells ($13.99)
An artisanal stuffed camel toy ($450.99)
And then there are the truly valuable finds:
A presidential platinum Rolex watch worth $64k (sold for $32k)
A 5.8-carat diamond ring appraised for $46k (sold for $23k)
A 40.95-carat emerald appraised for $25k (sold for $17k)
On a few occasions, shoppers have inadvertently come across their own lost items in the store.
A few years ago, a man who’d recently lost a suitcase flying back from Europe was browsing through the men’s clothing section and spotted his own custom-made lavender suit. He bought it back.
When Unclaimed Baggage found Hoggle, the Jim Henson puppet from the 1986 film, Labyrinth, he was in poor shape, so they hired master dollmaker Gary Sowatzka (top) to restore it (Sowatzka’s Dolls, Unclaimed Baggage)
On occasion, the store will also get items lost by celebrities, who aren’t immune to the luggage mishaps of mere mortals.
In 1992, Roy Hall, a 46-year-old minister, bought a royal blue Hickey-Freeman jacket at Unclaimed Baggage. When he took it home, he noticed the name “Whitey Ford” — a Hall of Fame pitcher for the Yankees — written inside of it. Informed of the find, Ford asked for his jacket back; Hall decided to keep it.
Some say the store has an ethical duty to reunite people with their lost luggage — especially highly personal items, like jewelry inscribed with names and dates, or electronics with identifiable information.
But historically, the store has maintained it has a business to run.
“Look, we’re a retailer,” Owens told a Wall Street Journal reporter in 1994. “We aren’t set up to find your Aunt Jane’s blue Samsonite.”
As the adage goes, finders keepers.
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This is an utterly pointless exercise. I'm OK admitting it. I mean, if six suitcases can't fit in the back of a Mercedes G Wagen ... well, it would be pretty stupid, wouldn't it? Normally, I wouldn't luggage test something so obviously capable of fitting all the bags in question, but I did the Land Rover Defender 110, which is sorta the G Wagen's closest rival. Also, it's a G Wagen, so it's inherently fun to do ridiculous things with it. Also also, it's a G Wagen Professional Edition, which adds a handful of elements related to cargo capacity. I'll be doing a more complete review of it soon, but in the meantime, let's put some suitcases in the thing!
Officially, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has 38.1 cubic-feet of space behind its raised back seat. That would be less than a Kia Sportage, so I'm going to say that Mercedes is measuring from floor to top of seatback as I've found the brand to do in the past. In other words, ignore the official number and pay attention to me!
While the placement of bags might be a foregone conclusion here, there's still a ton to talk about regarding this particular cargo area.
First, the swing gate. It weighs approximately 8,000 pounds and utilizes the same CLACK door latches that make absolutely everyone stand next to a G Wagen and open and close the doors for 10 minutes the first time they come across one. The G Wagen has been compared to a bank vault for more reasons than its shape. It has the door of one. Just needs one of those spinny latch things.
Second, the swing gate is accented by quilted leather, in this case Classic Red. It.s actually one of the standard colors available. There are 21 G Manufaktur Upholstery colors/options available, too.
Third ... um, is there a hardwood floor in the back?
Sure is! A "G manufaktur Cherry wood luggage compartment floor" to be exact. It's included with the Professional Edition. Cause nothing says "Professional" like a less useful cargo floor.
Actually, "less useful" isn't quite accurate. It could be just as useful as a carpeted cargo area, but you'd have to treat it with reckless abandon, not caring that it could be scratched by just about anything you throw back there.
Now, you do get these rubber strips that prevent things from sliding around upon the wood. These would actually be a handy feature on carpeted surfaces, so thumbs up for those.
OK, might as well get to the bags. As with every Luggage Test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
There's a cargo cover, but because of where the beltline is relative the cargo floor, you can see how much space there is between the cargo cover and top of the back seats. Usually, space under the cargo cover and space between the floor and seatback top are roughly equal. Not here.
As a result, all of my bags don't fit under the cargo cover. This is only an issue if I wanted everything kept out of prying eyes.
If you simply forgot to remove the cargo cover or just want to bring it along, no problem, everything totally fit. Easy cheese.
OK, now let's remove the cargo cover.
I didn't bother with the usual bonus items of coolers, Pack 'N Plays, etc. because, again, futile. You can see here, however, that there would be room for another medium-sized bag near the swing gate and then another large check-in bag behind it. I'm also pretty sure there'd still be room leftover.
I didn't see the option for an accessory cargo net/divider, but it would be a good idea to get one if you have greater storage needs than this. There's just so much space up high you can't use since whatever you'd place up there would fly into the cabin.
Of course, if you can't fit everything IN the G 550 Professional Edition ...
Put it on the roof! Sure, you might want to tie it down in some way, but the sky's the limit here, baby!
The Professional Roof Rack consists of aluminum plates secured at multiple points to the roof. According to the owner’s manual, “the weight of luggage on the roof including the roof luggage rack must not exceed the maximum permissible roof load.” That would be 330.7 pounds. The roof luggage rack weighs 132.3 pounds, ergo, you can put 198.4 pounds on the Pro’s roof rack. Note that every G Wagen has the same maximum permissible roof load, so depending on your equipment, it does seem like you could put more on the roof if you didn’t have 132.3 pounds of aluminum patio up there.
The owner’s manual also indicates how much weight you can place on any single plate: 110 pounds for most and 55 for the smallest one adjacent to the hole left for the antenna.
Certainly, though, this roof rack is more about how and what you can carry as opposed to how much it weighs. There are more tie-down points and obviously a ton more surface area than two roof bars or a basket can provide.
To get up there, there's a handy ladder. It's a bit tough to get to it, since the grippy step bits on the bumper are not in line with the ladder. The G 550 is also rather high off the ground.
Max capacity on the ladder is 220.5 pounds, but you'll need some awfully dainty feet to step onto the top two rungs. Or be 3 years old.
The manual insists that children not be left unattended near the vehicle as they may climb the ladder and fall. Nothing about letting them climb up after doing a luggage test.
I closely supervised this (wide angle makes it seem like I'm further away than I am). The kid found it quite amusing.
It's a great time to upgrade from tired old luggage to a stylish new piece for 2024. We found the best rolling suitcases and bags for your next trip. Whether your upcoming travels take you camping at a national park or walking down Main Street of Walt Disney World, it's time to start preparing now. Start your trip off on the right foot with the best rolling luggage in 2024.
A great piece of rolling luggage can upgrade your travel experience, especially if you've been using the same bag for years. Gone are the days of lugging unbearably heavy bags through the airport or trying to navigate your carry-on with wheels that squeak, wobble or stick together.
The experts at CBS Essentials have selected the best rolling luggage options for carry-on and check-in. Now, all you need to worry about is getting to the airport on time.
The best rolling luggage in 2024
We rounded up some of our top rolling luggage picks from brands including Away, Monos, Rimowa and Samsonite, ranging from carry-ons to checked bags.
All these picks are reviewer-loved, with four-star ratings or higher, and offer smooth gliding with well-designed roller wheels. (For more luggage options, check out our full roundup of the best luggage of 2024.)
Best luxury rolling luggage: Rimowa
Rimowa
Inspired by the grooves on Golden Age-era jets, Rimowa aluminum suitcases have been in the hands of international jet setters for nearly 100 years. Features include 360-degree multiwheel spinners, TSA-approved locks and a telescopic handle that easily glides up and down.
This sleek, statement suitcase never goes out of style, making it a perfect lifelong travel companion. Consider splurging on the original aluminum, or opt for the newer hybrid, a polycarbonate and aluminum version, which weighs a bit less.
Why we love Rimowa luggage:
Aluminum luggage is durable and protective.
Rimowa luggage pieces have a timeless look you'll love for years to come.
Best expandable rolling luggage: Samsonite Omni luggage
Samsonite
The polycarbonate Omni, a highly rated and popular piece from Samsonite, offers high quality for less. Features include TSA-approved, side-mounted locks, multidirectional spinner wheels, an interior mesh divider and cross straps.
The Omni comes in two checked-bag sizes: a 24-inch suitcase and a larger 28-inch version (which may fall into the oversized luggage category). Prices vary based on size and color.
Why we like the Samsonite Omni:
This is one of the best-selling and well-reviewed suitcases on Amazon.
It's a premium luggage option available for a reasonable price point.
Comes in a wide range of color options to fit your tastes.
Best staff-tested rolling luggage: Away luggage
Away
CBS Essentials' own Fox Van Allen owns a piece of Away luggage. "This single piece of luggage has been such a travel game changer," he says. "No matter how much I stuff into this suitcase, it always rolls around the airport as if it was light as a feather. It's almost magical how easy it is to move Away luggage."
Away's polycarbonate bags will get the job done in style, but the aluminum edition stands out for those looking for a more affordable version of Rimowa's high-end luggage collection.
If you don't like your Away piece, return it within 100 days for a full refund.
Why we like Away luggage:
The compression panel helps you get more clothes into this suitcase when packing.
It comes with a lifetime warranty.
You can personalize Away luggage with your monogram for $50 extra.
Best rolling luggage for stylish travelers: Monos luggage
Monos
Monos luggage comes in bunch of great colors. It includes cool features including an effortless telescopic handle, lots of pockets and compartments with zippers and an easy-to-use lock.
Monos boasts a 100-day trial period and lifetime warranty. Choose from six carry-on options (including two aluminum and polycarbonate hybrids) and two check-in sizes.
Why we like Monos luggage:
Monos carry-ons and checked bags offer smooth, seamless maneuverability according to our testing.
Monos offers a 100-day trial period and a limited lifetime warranty.
Monos luggage comes in a variety of stylish colors.
Best sustainable rolling luggage: Paravel Aviator
Paravel
Looking for a sustainable polycarbonate suitcase? The Paravel Aviator is made of all recycled materials, from its interior lining to its aluminum handle to its vegan leather accents. Geared with frictionless, carbon steel-bearing wheels, the Aviator offers 360-degree movement and a telescopic handle, which makes walking (or running) through the airport a breeze.
Paravel offers three sizes: Two carry-on options and a larger check-in.
Why we like the Paravel Aviator:
The luggage is carbon neutral and made with recycled materials.
Reviewers state that it is easy to maneuver.
It features a scuff-hiding textured finish.
Best customizable rolling luggage: Roam luggage
Roam
Design your own suitcase with Roam. The company allows you to customize the color of just about every aspect of your suitcase, from the front and back panels down to the trim. Some of the bags are expandable, giving you extra room to bring home souvenirs.
Not feeling creative? You can also choose from pre-designed bags in appealing colorways.
Why we like Roam luggage:
You can customize multiple aspects of the suitcase and choose your favorite colors.
Roam suitcases come with a lifetime warranty.
Roam luggage comes with a 100-day trial period and a lifetime guarantee.
Best rolling luggage with 360-degree wheels: Beis The Carry-On roller
Beis
The Carry-On roller is a popular option from Shay Mitchell's Beis luggage line. The 21-inch roller features 360-degree smooth-rolling wheels and a comfortable silicone-grip handle.
"This Beis bag exceeds my [last luggage piece]!" says one reviewer. "So much space, built in compression, quality zippers and the wheels and handles are the best I've seen. Definitely the best carry on I've EVER owned!"
Why we like the Beis The Carry-On roller:
It's available in seven stylish colors.
It expands up to two inches.
The carry-on features 360-degree smooth-rolling wheels.
This is an utterly pointless exercise. I'm OK admitting it. I mean, if six suitcases can't fit in the back of a Mercedes G Wagen ... well, it would be pretty stupid, wouldn't it? Normally, I wouldn't luggage test something so obviously capable of fitting all the bags in question, but I did the Land Rover Defender 110, which is sorta the G Wagen's closest rival. Also, it's a G Wagen, so it's inherently fun to do ridiculous things with it. Also also, it's a G Wagen Professional Edition, which adds a handful of elements related to cargo capacity. I'll be doing a more complete review of it soon, but in the meantime, let's put some suitcases in the thing!
Officially, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has 38.1 cubic-feet of space behind its raised back seat. That would be less than a Kia Sportage, so I'm going to say that Mercedes is measuring from floor to top of seatback as I've found the brand to do in the past. In other words, ignore the official number and pay attention to me!
While the placement of bags might be a foregone conclusion here, there's still a ton to talk about regarding this particular cargo area.
First, the swing gate. It weighs approximately 8,000 pounds and utilizes the same CLACK door latches that make absolutely everyone stand next to a G Wagen and open and close the doors for 10 minutes the first time they come across one. The G Wagen has been compared to a bank vault for more reasons than its shape. It has the door of one. Just needs one of those spinny latch things.
Second, the swing gate is accented by quilted leather, in this case Classic Red. It.s actually one of the standard colors available. There are 21 G Manufaktur Upholstery colors/options available, too.
Third ... um, is there a hardwood floor in the back?
Sure is! A "G manufaktur Cherry wood luggage compartment floor" to be exact. It's included with the Professional Edition. Cause nothing says "Professional" like a less useful cargo floor.
Actually, "less useful" isn't quite accurate. It could be just as useful as a carpeted cargo area, but you'd have to treat it with reckless abandon, not caring that it could be scratched by just about anything you throw back there.
Now, you do get these rubber strips that prevent things from sliding around upon the wood. These would actually be a handy feature on carpeted surfaces, so thumbs up for those.
OK, might as well get to the bags. As with every Luggage Test, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
There's a cargo cover, but because of where the beltline is relative the cargo floor, you can see how much space there is between the cargo cover and top of the back seats. Usually, space under the cargo cover and space between the floor and seatback top are roughly equal. Not here.
As a result, all of my bags don't fit under the cargo cover. This is only an issue if I wanted everything kept out of prying eyes.
If you simply forgot to remove the cargo cover or just want to bring it along, no problem, everything totally fit. Easy cheese.
OK, now let's remove the cargo cover.
I didn't bother with the usual bonus items of coolers, Pack 'N Plays, etc. because, again, futile. You can see here, however, that there would be room for another medium-sized bag near the swing gate and then another large check-in bag behind it. I'm also pretty sure there'd still be room leftover.
I didn't see the option for an accessory cargo net/divider, but it would be a good idea to get one if you have greater storage needs than this. There's just so much space up high you can't use since whatever you'd place up there would fly into the cabin.
Of course, if you can't fit everything IN the G 550 Professional Edition ...
Put it on the roof! Sure, you might want to tie it down in some way, but the sky's the limit here, baby!
The Professional Roof Rack consists of aluminum plates secured at multiple points to the roof. According to the owner’s manual, “the weight of luggage on the roof including the roof luggage rack must not exceed the maximum permissible roof load.” That would be 330.7 pounds. The roof luggage rack weighs 132.3 pounds, ergo, you can put 198.4 pounds on the Pro’s roof rack. Note that every G Wagen has the same maximum permissible roof load, so depending on your equipment, it does seem like you could put more on the roof if you didn’t have 132.3 pounds of aluminum patio up there.
The owner’s manual also indicates how much weight you can place on any single plate: 110 pounds for most and 55 for the smallest one adjacent to the hole left for the antenna.
Certainly, though, this roof rack is more about how and what you can carry as opposed to how much it weighs. There are more tie-down points and obviously a ton more surface area than two roof bars or a basket can provide.
To get up there, there's a handy ladder. It's a bit tough to get to it, since the grippy step bits on the bumper are not in line with the ladder. The G 550 is also rather high off the ground.
Max capacity on the ladder is 220.5 pounds, but you'll need some awfully dainty feet to step onto the top two rungs. Or be 3 years old.
The manual insists that children not be left unattended near the vehicle as they may climb the ladder and fall. Nothing about letting them climb up after doing a luggage test.
I closely supervised this (wide angle makes it seem like I'm further away than I am). The kid found it quite amusing.
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