5 Best Lightweight Checked Luggage (October 2026)
The best lightweight checked suitcases include the Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage for a lightweight large case, the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Checked Luggage for a lighter medium case, and the Samsonite Omni 2 24-Inch Checked Luggage for a textured medium shell.
On this page (6 sections)
The best lightweight checked luggage in this group is the Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage, weighing 9.6 lb with an expandable hard shell, four spinner wheels and a TSA combination lock. For a medium case, the Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Checked Luggage is the lightest here at about 8.3 lb.
A lighter empty suitcase leaves more of your airline baggage allowance for what you pack. We compared these five cases by weight, size, shell features, wheels and interior organization.
If you're unsure whether to check a bag or carry it on, see our guide to carry-on vs checked luggage. For help choosing a case size, read standard luggage sizes.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for a lightweight large caseSamsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a lighter medium caseSamsonite Freeform 24-Inch Checked Luggage
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a textured medium shellSamsonite Omni 2 24-Inch Checked Luggage
8.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itSamsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Checked Luggage
Best for a lighter textured shell - 5
Check itKenneth Cole Out of Bounds 28-Inch Checked Luggage
Best for corner guards and a large case
How we chose lightweight checked luggage
The best lightweight checked luggage balances empty weight with size and features. We compared weights and dimensions, then considered spinner wheels, expansion, locks and interior organization.
The cases range from about 8.3 to 9.6 lb. The three 24-inch models are medium checked cases; the two 28-inch models offer a larger format.
Weight alone does not tell you how much you can pack. Compare dimensions and your airline's baggage rules before you choose.
Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Weight | Interior size | Shell | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage | a lightweight large case | 9.6 lb | 27 x 19.8 x 13 in | Expandable hard shell | 8.4 |
| Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Checked Luggage | a lighter medium case | 8.5 lb | Expandable hard shell | 8.3 | |
| Samsonite Omni 2 24-Inch Checked Luggage | a textured medium shell | 9 lb | Polycarbonate | 8.1 | |
| Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Checked Luggage | a lighter textured shell | About 8.3 lb | Polycarbonate | 7.8 | |
| Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds 28-Inch Checked Luggage | corner guards and a large case | 9.5 lb | Hard shell with molded corner guards | 7.3 |
The best lightweight checked luggage in detail
The Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage scores highest with its large checked size, 9.6 lb weight, spinner wheels, expansion and TSA combination lock. The Kenneth Cole 28-inch weighs slightly less at 9.5 lb, while all three medium cases have lower empty weights.
Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage
Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage
- 9.6 lb
- Four multidirectional spinner wheels
- Expandable hard shell
- TSA combination lock
This large checked case weighs 9.6 lb. It has four multidirectional spinner wheels, an expandable shell and a TSA combination lock.
Pros
- Divider, pouch and elastic straps
- Four spinner wheels
- Expandable with a TSA combination lock
Cons
- Large 28-inch checked size takes more room
- Heavier than the medium cases
The Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage is a large checked case that weighs 9.6 lb. It has four oversized multidirectional spinner wheels and an interior measuring 27 x 19.8 x 13 in.
Samsonite describes the hard shell as scratch-resistant. The case expands for more packing capacity, and the interior has elastic straps, a divider and a pouch to help organize your belongings.
A built-in TSA combination lock lets you lock the case without a key. Samsonite backs this model with a 10-year limited warranty.
Choose this case if you want a large format with expansion and interior organizers. If you need less room, compare it with the lighter carry-on luggage options.
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Checked Luggage
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Checked Luggage
- 8.5 lb
- Four oversized multidirectional spinner assemblies
- Expandable hard shell
- TSA combination lock
This medium checked case weighs 8.5 lb and includes dual spinner wheels, an expandable shell and a TSA combination lock.
Pros
- Lighter than the Omni 2
- Expandable design
- Divider, pouch and elastic straps
Cons
- Medium size may be too small for bulkier packing
- Slightly heavier than the Omni PC
The Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Checked Luggage weighs 8.5 lb and measures 26.5 x 18.5 x 12.5 in overall. It has four oversized multidirectional dual spinner assemblies and an expandable hard shell.
Inside, elastic straps, a divider and a pouch help keep belongings in place. A built-in TSA combination lock provides keyless locking, and Samsonite provides a 10-year warranty.
This medium case fits travelers who want a smaller checked bag than a 28-inch model. It weighs 1.1 lb less than the Freeform 28-inch, leaving that much more of your weight allowance for packed items.
Samsonite Omni 2 24-Inch Checked Luggage
Samsonite Omni 2 24-Inch Checked Luggage
- 9 lb
- Four oversized dual spinner wheels
- Expandable polycarbonate shell
- TSA lock
The Omni 2 weighs 9 lb and pairs an expandable polycarbonate shell with four oversized dual spinner wheels.
Pros
- Four multidirectional spinner wheels
- Expandable shell
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Heavier than the other medium cases
- Medium checked size
The Samsonite Omni 2 24-Inch Checked Luggage weighs 9 lb and measures 26.5 x 17.75 x 11 in overall. Its polycarbonate shell has a brushed texture and expands when you need added capacity.
Samsonite describes the shell as scratch-resistant. Four oversized dual spinner wheels turn in multiple directions.
The case also has a TSA lock. Samsonite provides a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Choose the Omni 2 if you want a medium checked case with an expandable polycarbonate shell and a brushed texture. At 9 lb, it weighs half a pound more than the Freeform 24-inch.
Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Checked Luggage
Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Checked Luggage
- About 8.3 lb
- Four oversized spinner wheels
- Expandable polycarbonate shell
- Side-mounted TSA lock
At about 8.3 lb, this is the lightest medium case here. It has an expandable polycarbonate shell, four spinner wheels and a side-mounted TSA lock.
Pros
- Lowest empty weight in this group
- Four multidirectional spinner wheels
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Medium checked size
- Less packing room than the Freeform 28-inch
The Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Checked Luggage weighs about 8.3 lb, the lowest empty weight among these five options. Its packing dimensions are 24 x 17.5 x 11.5 in, and its polycarbonate shell expands for added capacity.
Samsonite describes the micro-diamond shell texture as scratch-resistant. Four oversized spinner wheels move in multiple directions.
A side-mounted TSA lock lets you lock the case, but it does not guarantee protection from theft. Samsonite backs the case with a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Choose this medium case if keeping empty weight down is your main goal. Its expandable shell gives you extra packing space when needed, though added contents still count toward your baggage allowance.
Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds 28-Inch Checked Luggage
Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds 28-Inch Checked Luggage
- 9.5 lb
- Four 360-degree spinner wheels
- Hard shell
- Molded corner guards
This 28-inch case weighs 9.5 lb and adds molded corner guards to its hard shell.
Pros
- Molded corner guards
- Four 360-degree spinner wheels
- Compression straps and hanging zipper pocket
Cons
- Heavier than the medium cases
- Slightly smaller overall dimensions than the Freeform 24-inch in depth only
The Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds 28-Inch Checked Luggage weighs 9.5 lb and measures 29.5 x 20.5 x 11.75 in overall. Its hard shell has molded corner guards.
Four 360-degree spinner wheels allow movement in any direction. Inside, dual-sided packing, compression straps and a hanging zipper pocket provide ways to organize belongings.
The telescoping trolley handle has a push-button release. Top and side grab handles give you separate places to hold the case when lifting it.
Choose this case if you want a large format with corner guards and dual-sided packing. Confirm the warranty terms before ordering if coverage is a deciding factor.
What weight should you look for in checked luggage?
Use empty weight within the size you need as your starting point. The medium cases here weigh about 8.3 to 9 lb, while the large cases weigh 9.5 to 9.6 lb.
Empty weight is only one part of your baggage total. A larger case may let you pack more, but its contents can bring the bag closer to your airline's limit.
Use our guide to carry-on and checked bag weight limits to plan your packing. Confirm the allowance for your ticket and route with your airline.
Is medium or large checked luggage better?
Choose a medium case for a smaller checked bag or a large case when you need more packing room. The medium picks here all weigh less than either large option.
The 24-inch and 28-inch names do not replace full measurements. Compare overall dimensions, including wheels and handles, against your airline's size limit.
Use our guide to standard luggage sizes to see how carry-on, medium and large cases differ. Think about where you'll store the suitcase between trips, too.
Should you choose a hardside case for lighter travel?
A hardside suitcase can still have a low empty weight, as the roughly 8.3 to 9.6 lb options here show. Compare the finished case's weight rather than choosing by shell material alone.
The Omni models have textured polycarbonate shells, while the Kenneth Cole case has molded corner guards. The Freeform models pair hard shells with expansion, dividers, pouches and elastic straps.
Shell construction is only one part of the decision. If you are still weighing shell styles, read hardside vs softside luggage for a broader comparison.
How do you choose the right lightweight checked suitcase?
Choose lightweight checked luggage by empty weight, size and packing features. The lightest medium case here is the Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Checked Luggage at about 8.3 lb; the lightest large case is the Kenneth Cole Out of Bounds 28-Inch Checked Luggage at 9.5 lb.
Pick the Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage for a large expandable case with a divider, pouch and straps. Choose the Samsonite Omni PC 24-Inch Checked Luggage for the lowest empty weight, or the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Checked Luggage for similar organizers in a medium format.
For a set with multiple sizes, compare our picks for best luggage sets. Check your airline's dimensions and weight allowance before you choose a checked suitcase.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a lightweight large case
Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Checked Luggage
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a lighter medium case
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Checked Luggage
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a textured medium shell
Samsonite Omni 2 24-Inch Checked Luggage
8.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon
