Traveling professionals have the most exacting demands of their luggage. Their bags—roller and briefcase, typically—have to facilitate travel. Failing that, they must at least stay out of the way.
Our favorite bags for business are therefore durable, with a mix of compartments and pockets to aid organization. Suitcases should have durable spinner wheels that provide ergonomic carry. Their handles must be sturdy enough to hold a loaded laptop bag or briefcase.
Our favorites
What we've curated here are bags that run the gamut of budgets. Bags range from just $120 through $700 and each offers its own strengths.
1. Travelpro Crew 11 21" Spinner Suiter
The Spinner Suiter lives up to all of our expectations of a simple business bag at an affordable price (list: $229). It sports a USB port, has enough space for a short trip, and provides a suiter to keep your suits and dress clothes wrinkle free. At just over 7lbs, it and it's close cousin, the 20" Rollaboard, are the lightest of our suitcase picks.
2. Travelpro Crew 11 20" Business Plus Rollaboard
The Rollaboard (list: $219), like the Crew 11 Spinner we feature here, also has a USB port and will fit on regionals. It trades up the suiter and adds in its place a separate laptop compartment so you won't need to take your laptop out for the TSA. Mesh pockets and a wet pocket line the spacious inner compartment so you don't need packing cubes or a toiletry bag.
3. Travelite Maxlite 5 21" Carry-on (Budget pick)
Our budget pick for business travelers is the affordable (list: $139) Maxlite 5. This no frills suitcase, made for leisure travelers, is perfectly suitable for the occasional business flyer. If luggage had different categories of attire, we'd put the Maxlite squarely in "business casual." There are enough pockets and compartment space to fit in a couple of dress shirts, a few changes of clothes, and either of pair of shoes or a suit. The outer pocket accommodates a laptop.
4. Tumi Alpha 2 Continental 4-Wheel
Tumi lives up to its reputation with the Alpha 2 series. For business travelers in particular, we recommend the Continental 4-Wheel. At this price point (list: $675) we expect a premium carry-on. Tumi delivers with a reinforced removable garment sleeve, multi-level compartments, and an abundance of pockets inside and out. This bag, as with others from the Alpha 2 collection, is backed by Tumi's generous warranty.
5. Tumi Alpha 2 Laptop Brief
The Alpha 2 Laptop Brief (list: $525) is the perfect personal item companion to bring alongside your carry-on. Built for durability and comfort with an articulating shoulder strap, it's also structured for organization. You'll find a plethora of thoughtfully placed pockets, organizers, and compartments.
6. Briggs and Riley Baseline Carry-On 22"
Briggs and Riley staked their reputation on durable bags and it shows here. Their latest 22" 2-wheeled Baseline model (list: $599) features a lightweight fiberglass frame. Handles, placed on the outside, stay out of the way of your inner compartment. Our favorite feature is the rigid "CX" compression system, exclusive to Briggs and Riley. We're also a huge fan of the manufacturer's lifetime warranty, which covers just about everything—even ordinary wear and tear.
7. Briggs and Riley Baseline Carry-On Garment Bag
The Baseline Garment Bag (list: $569) helps sharply dressed professionals bring their best wardrobe. A garment bag by name, it's quite similar to the non-garment bag version with one exception. This bag can hold up to two suits along with along with other clothing. Smaller mesh compartments and internal pockets are perfect for accessories and toiletries. An outer pocket can easily fit a laptop—just toss a sleeve over it for padding.
8. Samsonite Pro 4 DLX
Samsonite's Pro 4 delivers exceptional quality and function at an affordable price (list: $269). At almost 10 pounds, it's not as light as comparably priced Travelpro models, but it packs in the features. The Pro 4 DLX includes a suiter, plenty of internal mesh pockets and layered compartments. It also includes an isolated laptop sleeve and an external pocket with a tablet sleeve. For those demanding extra security, the Pro 4 DLX is also one of a few softshell models with a built-in TSA approved lock.
Samsonite Pro 4 DLX Upright Mobile Office Pft, Black
Available from: Amazon
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