It is such a challenging task! Trying to find a luggage set that your teen will love!
The shops are stocked with piles of either large, plain black, hardshell suitcases on wheels, or very cute little roller bags in pastel pink with teddy bears on them, or bags shaped like a racing car suitable for toddlers and youngsters. At first glance, there just doesn’t seem to be too much in between boring adult and childish luggage that your teen will treasure.
Why would you buy your teenager a luggage set?
Your teenager may be heading to college, traveling through Europe or you just want to gift them with a beautiful set to allow them their own independence.
Style and looks will probably be your teen’s main priority, regardless of the type of travel they will be doing. The first impression will be most important and totally override any practicalities required.
A great deal will depend on the type of traveling they will be doing e.g. weekend camping, a road trip, mountain hiking, or an overnight stay at a friend’s house all require a totally different type of luggage.
We are going to be focusing only on the best type of “luggage sets for teens,” suitable for that overseas trip or long stay. A luggage set combines a combination of two or three individual luggage pieces but usually consists of a large bag that you can be checked in at an airport, a medium bag that you can put in the overhead compartment, and a smaller carry bag.
IMPORTANT FACTORS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHEN PURCHASING A LUGGAGE SET FOR A TEENAGER.
SHOULD YOU CHOOSE HARDSHELL OR SOFTSIDE LUGGAGE FOR TEENAGE LUGGAGE SET?
SOFT SIDED LUGGAGE SETS– are my personal preference for teens mainly because softsided luggage has the following features-
- FLEXIBILITY- they take up less space when they are open, whereas a hardshell case needs to be laid flat to access items in the case.
- EXTERNAL POCKETS- so handy for last-minute stuffing of items your teen has forgotten to pack and access to things like rain jackets that they may need on arrival at their destination
- EXPANDER ZIPS– to increase or decrease the size of the bag and allow a greater number of items to be packed. Especially good for teens to add all those special momentoes and souvenirs they will accumulate as they travel.
- WEIGHT- Softside cases are often lighter than hardshell luggage.
- BUDGET– If budget is an important consideration, note that softsided luggage is often cheaper than hardshell.
HARDSHELL LUGGAGE SETS are tough!
- HARDY– Hardshell bags have a rigid outer plastic shell of molded polypropylene, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, or aluminium. They provide better overall protection than softsided luggage and can withstand the rough handling that can occur at airports.
- WATERPROOF– The shells are water-resistant as opposed to fabric soft-sided cases although there are ways to overcome this e.g. the top and bottom of the suitcase can be pre-lined with plastic sheeting.
WHAT WILL SUIT YOUR TEEN BETTER- a two-wheeled suitcase or a four-wheeled suitcase?
- 4 wheeled suitcases with their 360 degree rotational or spinning wheels are generally very easy to maneuver and so effortless to glide through the airport. They can be wheeled beside you, in front of you, or behind you, as opposed to a two-wheel case that can only be pushed or pulled.
- However, a two-wheeled suitcase is easier to pull up and down curbs and on uneven surfaces like cobblestones. It is important to consider your teen’s destinations when deciding on two-wheeled or four-wheeled luggage.
Whichever you choose, before you buy get your teen to try walking with the suitcase and make sure they feel comfortable with it and how it feels.
HOW DOES IT LOOK? Is it cool? This will probably be your teens highest priority.
We highly recommend patterned luggage. This makes it so much easier to find at airport baggage carousels or bus stations amongst the hundreds of black and brown suitcases.
There are so many exciting designs and prints to choose from and the more unique your teen’s luggage is the less chance they have of losing it.
HOW MUCH SPACE IS REQUIRED FOR EXTRAS? Expandability
Many suitcases feature an expandable panel, which can be unzipped for at least 10% extra packing space. Your teen’s packing list will include not only clothing, but all their precious personal items like electronics, chargers, caps, extra shoes, and probably a huge range of toiletries.
Be aware though that expanding your suitcase that goes on board the plane may no longer fit the airline requirements and could mean an extra charge.
HOW MUCH ROUGH HANDLING CAN THE LUGGAGE TAKE? Durability
Luggage gets a rough ride and needs to be durable. Teens are not renowned for being particularly careful with their possessions but regardless the luggage needs to be able to withstand a fair pounding without falling apart. To check durability, take a look at the materials, any zips, handles, etc. These must be sturdy and solid. Is there a warranty with the purchase?
CAN THE LUGGAGE BE LOCKED? Security
A must-have for your teen’s luggage is a secure locking system! If you are going to be traveling to, or around the USA, make sure the lock complies with TSA policy.
These locks feature the red TSA logo and have a universal master key. The TSA has a copy of this key, which allows American airline security staff to open your suitcase and examine its contents without causing damage. If security staff are unable to open your non-TSA lock they are entitled to destroy it in order to check your luggage.
A combination lock is better for a teen than a key lock as keys tend to frequently get lost. Regardless of which options you decide on, never buy a suitcase you can’t lock.
HOW ORGANIZED IS YOUR TEEN? Inside the suitcase
Check out the luggage for internal pockets, side pockets, and compartments. The more of these the better. Even the most disorganized (messy /untidy) teen will certainly appreciate being able to separate items within the bag so that they don’t have to fish through their entire luggage to find one pair of socks or a toothbrush.
HOW BIG SHOULD THE LUGGAGE BE AND HOW HEAVY?
Weight matters! The airlines are strict on the weight of bags and excess baggage fees are crippling, so the lighter the suitcase is the more your teen will be able to pack into it and the easier it will be to move around. The lightest large suitcase is about 2.3kg. Generally speaking, a medium-sized main suitcase is the best option for teens for both maneuverability and for avoiding size and weight problems with airlines.
What airlines are your teen likely to be using? For the one piece of carry-on luggage, check with those airlines and make sure the hand luggage item is within the size allowance given. Your teen will not appreciate having to pay extra fees because the bag is too large.
Also, check to see if the main suitcase has a handle on the side as well as on the top. The extra handle is very useful when lifting the case off luggage racks, check-in scales, and baggage carousels.
Now take a look at 10 of the best luggage sets for teens!
Steve Madden Designer Luggage Collection – 3 Piece Softside Expandable Lightweight Spinner Suitcase Set
- ✈️ BUILT FOR TRAVEL; Travel lighter than ever with this 3-piece luggage set; The softside design can collapse a bit to fit more easily into tight spaces...
- ✈️ BUILT FOR COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE; You can easily drag along the airport with its ergonomic handle providing easy maneuverability and relieve any...
- ✈️ DELICATE DESIGN; The stylish unique style, noble and elegant design, catering to the new trend of fashion. No matter travelling on the weekends or go...
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Rockland Departure Hardside Spinner Wheel Luggage Set -HARD
- 22"x13. 5"x9. 5" (with wheels)
- Lightweight yet extremely durable polycarbonate material
- Multi-directional double spinner wheels
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Rockland Vara Softside 3-Piece Upright Luggage Set, Black dot, (20/22/28) -SOFT
- Carry-on Upright: 20"x 12. 5"x 7. 5" (with wheels)
- 28-inch Upright: 28"x18"x12"
- 22-inch Duffel: 22"x13"x11"
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CO-Z Premium Vintage Luggage Sets 24″ Trolley Suitcase and 12″ Hand Bag Set with TSA Locks (Pink + Beige) (12″ +24″ Pink) -HARD
- 2 PIECE LUGGAGE SET: This eye-catching luggage set from CO-Z includes a 15" by 24" suitcase with 38 L volume and a 12.4" by 9" carry on briefcase with 6 L...
- VINTAGE ELEGANCE: Made of realistic faux leather with dense stitching, this luggage set marries attractive retro look with functionality, with the 4 corner...
- TSA LUGGAGE LOCKS: The 2 integrated TSA latch locks protect your belongings from loss and allow easier travel through security checkpoints; the briefcase with a...
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Kensie Women’s 3D Gemstone TSA Lock Hardside Spinner Luggage, Rose Gold, 2 Piece Set (28″/20″) HARD
- 2 Piece Set Includes 28" Large Check In Suitcase and 20" Carry On Spin Luggage
- 8 Wheel (4 dual wheel) spinner system for improved mobility and no tension on the traveler's wrist
- Mounted TSA Approved Locking System for extra security
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Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set, Pink Bandana, 2-Piece (14/19) SOFT
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U.S. Traveler Rio Rugged Fabric Expandable Carry-on Luggage Set, Camouflage, One Size -SOFT
- Fall in love with our most affordable luggage set, crafted with high-quality polyester construction that exudes elegance and sophistication.
- Glide effortlessly through the airport with our internal deluxe retractable push-button, self-locking handle system that provides easy maneuvering.
- Keep your hands free with the piggy-bag-strap that allows for easy carrying of the tote bag together with the rolling bag.
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kensie Women’s 3D Gemstone TSA Lock Hardside Spinner Luggage, Rose Gold, 2 Piece Set (28″/20″) -HARD
- 2 Piece Set Includes 28" Large Check In Suitcase and 20" Carry On Spin Luggage
- 8 Wheel (4 dual wheel) spinner system for improved mobility and no tension on the traveler's wrist
- Mounted TSA Approved Locking System for extra security
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Merax Luggage 3 Piece Expandable Spinner Set Orange
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Nicole Miller Luggage Rainbow Collection – 3 Piece Hardside Lightweight Spinner Suitcase Set – Travel Set includes 20-Inch Carry On, 24 inch and 28-Inch Checked Suitcases (Rainbow Lavender) -HARD
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American Tourister Pop Max Softside Luggage with Spinner Wheels, Teal, 3-Piece Set (21/25/29)- SOFT
- Four Multi Directional Spinner Wheels for easy mobility, rolls upright so there is no weight on your arm or shoulder.Number of wheels:4
- PADDED TOP AND SIDE carry handles provide comfort when lifting a fully packed case, cases expand for added packing capacity
- INTERIOR Includes bloused shoe pockets, accessory mesh pocket, modesty Pocket, and cross straps
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THE AUTHOR: Maureen Spencer
Maureen is a travel writer lucky enough to be living in New Zealand and has a great passion for travel. Since she became “empty nested” in the late 1990s she has traveled and worked in over 70 countries!
Now she writes articles to share her amazing experiences with other travelers in the hope of providing practical information to help them to prepare and plan for their travel trips.
There may be affiliate links in this post. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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