We’ve all experienced the anxiety of being stranded at the airport gate with no available outlets. As mobile boarding passes become the norm, a drained phone battery can spell disaster, leaving travelers without access to vital information. Smart luggage emerges as a solution, offering charging capabilities through a detachable battery. While the term encompasses various bags with travel-enhancing technology, it primarily denotes those equipped with charging features, providing a seamless solution to the modern traveler‘s power needs. Explore our top smart luggage tips for the ultimate travel convenience.
Top Smart Luggage Tips: 8 Amazing Bags with Charging Ports!
July Carry On
The July Carry-On is the Best Overall choice, providing a seamless integration of practicality and elegance. With an included ejectable battery featuring a USB-C connector, this carry-on eliminates the need for a separate power bank, ensuring travelers stay connected throughout their journey. While spacious at 42 liters, it lacks an expander, although its Y-Strap compression system and zippered mesh overlay keep belongings secure. Impressively maneuverable, the carry-on glides effortlessly on various surfaces, showcasing its sturdy telescopic handle and smooth wheels, which withstand rigorous durability tests with minimal scuffing.
Despite a few surface scuffs, the July Carry-On proved its resilience during testing, enduring sharp turns and impacts without denting. It caters to varied style preferences and is available in various colors and neutrals, including limited-edition options. From classic hues like sand and charcoal to bold shades like moss, travelers can choose a carry-on that suits their aesthetic. Weighing just 7.4 pounds and measuring 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches, this checked suitcase balances lightweight construction and ample capacity, making it an ideal companion for any journey.
Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Expandable Spinner
For travelers seeking top-notch durability and style in a hardside carry-on, the Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Expandable Spinner 22-inch is an excellent choice. Despite its higher price point, this suitcase is exceptionally sturdy, with a polycarbonate shell that withstands impacts without denting or scuffing. Our tests suggest it can endure five to 10 years of regular use, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers. While it maneuvers smoothly, especially on two wheels, it may encounter minor challenges on rough terrain with all four wheels, though this is not a significant concern.
Regarding charging capabilities, the Briggs & Riley Sympatico features a “Power Pocket” with a pass-through for a USB cable, offering convenient access for charging devices on the go. While its expander function expands from the inside, which may need to be more intuitive, it adds practicality to accommodate additional items when required. Despite this minor drawback, the suitcase’s overall performance and durability make it a standout option for travelers prioritizing reliability and sophistication in their luggage choices.
Travelpro Crew Versapack Max Carry-On Spinner
For travelers who favor the flexibility and versatility of soft side luggage, the Travelpro Crew Versapack Max Carry-On Spinner emerges as a standout option, boasting many practical features tailored to enhance the travel experience. It incorporates a built-in USB port and an external pocket to accommodate a power bank (charger not included), catering to modern travelers’ connectivity needs. During rigorous testing, its standout characteristic was the extensive array of pockets and organizational extras, including an exterior laptop pocket and a unique compression packing cube that seamlessly attaches to the lid of the case, providing convenient storage solutions for various travel essentials.
While compact and robust, demonstrating resilience in durability assessments, its slightly front-heavy design may influence users to prefer rolling it on two wheels rather than four, offering more excellent stability and control during transit. Furthermore, its ample storage capacity, supplemented by a generous two-inch expander, ensures ample room for packing essentials. However, it’s important to note that this could present challenges when attempting to fit the fully packed suitcase into some overhead bins, particularly on smaller aircraft or when luggage space is limited.
Arlo Skye Frame Carry-On Max
The Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On Max: Aluminum Edition distinguishes itself with its sleek design and innovative closure mechanism for those searching for a stylish blend and security. Instead of conventional zippers, this suitcase features latches equipped with combination locks, providing enhanced peace of mind during travel. Additionally, it comes complete with a removable power bank, adapter, and USB-C cable, offering convenient charging capabilities on the go.
However, potential buyers should consider that while aluminum construction ensures exceptional durability, it also tends to show dents more prominently than other materials. Despite this, the suitcase maintains its protective qualities, safeguarding packed items during transit. During testing, we observed that while the aluminum frame may dent upon impact, the bag’s contents remained secure, underscoring its reliability and functionality.
With its attention-grabbing aluminum exterior and hand-stitched leather handles, this carry-on exudes sophistication and elegance, making it a standout choice for discerning travelers. Although the suitcase is slightly heavier than its counterparts, weighing in at 10.5 pounds, its durability and premium features justify the additional weight. The discreetly positioned charging port beneath the handle ensures easy access to power, while the included power bank offers versatility with USB-C and A ports. Overall, the Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On Max: Aluminum Edition combines style, security, and functionality, making it a top contender for travelers searching for a premium luggage solution.
Samsonite Weekend Wheeled Duffel
The Samsonite Weekend Wheeled Duffel offers style and functionality, making it an outstanding option for travelers seeking a sophisticated yet versatile bag. Despite its duffel design, it boasts an almost surprisingly sophisticated appearance, with durable matte black fabric exuding a chic aesthetic suitable for various occasions, from gym sessions to business trips. While using two wheels instead of four may require some adjustment, the duffel performs admirably in maneuverability tests, offering multiple carrying options, including a shoulder strap and two handles.
This rolling duffel incorporates impressive bonus features, including a USB charging port and a pocket for wireless charging, alongside padded sleeves for laptops and tablets, ensuring convenient organization for travelers. Despite its spacious interior, it’s essential to note that the bag’s capacity is tailored for weekend getaways rather than extended journeys, making it ideal for short trips where style and functionality are paramount.
Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 International Carry-on Spinner
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 International Carry-on Spinner is the quintessential companion for globetrotters navigating the skies. Its sleek exterior, adorned with luggage trunk-inspired accents, exudes an air of sophistication, elevating its aesthetic appeal. Beyond its stylish facade, this carry-on offers practicality, boasting a built-in USB-A port for seamless charging convenience, ensuring that travelers remain powered up throughout their journeys. While its compact dimensions adhere to the size restrictions imposed by most international airlines, the suitcase’s limited capacity is offset by its array of internal pockets, facilitating efficient organization for essential travel items. However, the fixed compression straps may prove restrictive for passengers with bulkier belongings, warranting careful consideration during packing.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 impresses with its impeccable maneuverability, gliding effortlessly across various surfaces, including carpeted floors. This ensures a smooth and seamless travel experience, allowing travelers to navigate airport terminals easily. Furthermore, the suitcase’s lightweight design minimizes the burden on travelers, offering both functionality and comfort for extended journeys. With its style, functionality, and maneuverability blend, the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 International Carry-on Spinner is a top choice for discerning travelers seeking reliability and elegance in their travel gear.
Samsonite Spinner Underseater
The Samsonite Spinner Underseater is a versatile and practical solution for travelers seeking convenience and efficiency. Despite its compact size, this carry-on offers surprising spaciousness, easily accommodating essentials for short trips. Its USB-A charging port adds a modern touch, ensuring travelers remain connected and powered up throughout their travels, whether on flights, trains, or bus rides. However, travelers should exercise caution to avoid overpacking, as the bag may need help fitting underneath all seats when overstuffed. Nevertheless, its compatibility with larger carry-ons allows for seamless pairing, maximizing storage capacity while retaining maneuverability.
Ideal for those who prioritize ease of travel, the Samsonite Spinner Underseater boasts exceptional maneuverability thanks to its four spinner wheels that effortlessly glide across various surfaces. From navigating airport terminals to navigating through crowded spaces, this suitcase is a reliable companion for travelers on the move. Its lightweight construction further enhances portability, ensuring minimal travel strain during extended journeys. With its blend of functionality and practicality, the Samsonite Spinner Underseater is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a compact yet spacious carry-on option for hassle-free travel experiences.
Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on
The Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on presents a luxurious option for travelers seeking style and functionality. Renowned for its premium quality, this suitcase exudes sophistication with its dual-access opening feature, allowing easy access to essentials without fully opening the bag. Accompanied by a garment bag designed to hold one suit, it caters to the needs of business travelers and those seeking refined travel experiences.
Despite its weight of over 10 pounds, attributed partly to Tumi’s durable ballistic nylon material, the suitcase offers ample storage space and organization options, ensuring travelers can pack efficiently for their journeys. The exterior USB-A port also provides convenient charging capabilities, with an inner pocket designed to accommodate a portable power bank, adding a modern touch to this luxury carry-on.
While the Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on may be heavier than other options, its robust construction and innovative design justify its value as a worthwhile investment for discerning travelers. The thoughtful incorporation of dual accessibility enhances packing efficiency, albeit requiring a degree of organization to optimize space utilization effectively. Despite its weight, its spacious interior and premium features make it ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, functional carry-on option.
Conclusion:
Smart luggage is revolutionizing travel by addressing the pressing need for portable power solutions. With the proliferation of mobile boarding passes, staying connected is more critical than ever, and intelligent luggage offers a seamless solution. Each reviewed suitcase, from the versatile July Carry-On to the luxurious Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on, presents unique features tailored to enhance the travel experience. Whether prioritizing durability, style, versatility, or luxury, innovative luggage options cater to diverse traveler needs, making travel more convenient and enjoyable in today’s digital age.
