The 10 Best Expandable Suitcases

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The last day of vacation is always the moment of truth: will all those souvenirs fit in your suitcase when you’re heading home? If you like to shop while you’re on a trip (or you just bring along way too much stuff), here are 10 expandable suitcases that give you a little more wiggle room in your packing list. Just know you might have to check that carry-on when expanded to its full potential. 

Away Flex Suitcases

This version of Away’s popular hard shell bags expand to give you more space—specifically, 1.75 more inches of space in Away’s The Large Flex size. Other sizes include The Medium Flex, The Carry-On Flex, and The Bigger Carry-On Flex, with special add-ons in each bag like washable lining and a separate dirty laundry component. Away also makes a softside expandable suitcase line in different sizes as well. 

Hanke Expandable Foldable Suitcase

Perfect for those who live in small spaces, the wheeled Hanke Expandable Foldable Suitcase folds completely flat when it’s not in use, so you can slip it away under a bed or in a closet. There are three different expansion options with zippered panels, and the largest option makes this a 28-inch suitcase.

Coolife Luggage Expandable Suitcase 

This affordable, hard shell Coolife suitcase comes in colors like bright orange that will be easy to spot in baggage claim. The 28-inch bag is expandable, and increases the space you have to pack by 15 percent.

Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-Inch Expandable Wheeled Carry-On 

In the luxury bag category, Briggs & Riley uses a patented compression-expansion system that allows you to overstuff your Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-Inch Expandable Wheeled Carry-On with clothes. Then you easily activate the compression system, which shrinks an expanded bag down to its original size so it can stow away above your seat on the plane. The company offers a lifetime guarantee for its bags as well.

Thule Subterra 25-Inch Expandable Spinner Suitcase

Swedish brand Thule’s Subterra 25-Inch Expandable Spinner Suitcase expands by two inches and is tough enough to withstand the elements thanks to water-resistant and molded polycarbonate materials.

Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside Expandable Luggage

Priced a little over the $120 mark, this Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside Expandable Luggage in the 19-inch carry-on size expands up to two inches in case you need more room. Choose between vibrant shades like purple, silver, or black cherry red.

Samsonite Ascentra Large Expandable Spinner

Samsonite suitcases often include expandable panels, and the Samsonite Ascentra Large Expandable Spinner expands 1.25 inches. This soft-sided bag incorporates fabric made out of recycled plastic bottles, for an eco-friendly touch. 

Samsonite Voltage DLX Medium Spinner

If you prefer the look of a hardshell bag, the Samsonite Voltage DLX Medium Spinner is made out of a polypropylene shell with cool contours. This bag expands an extra inch in case you need more room.

Victorinox Connex Large Hardside Case

This suitcase by the makers of the original Swiss Army Knife is the definition of sleek, with a matte black finish made out of triple-layered polycarbonate composite. The Victorinox Connex Large Hardside Case can expand about 2 inches, and includes smooth-rolling wheels for a quiet ride.

Tumi 22-Inch 19 Degrees Aluminum International Expandable Spinner Carry-On

Luxury suitcase maker Tumi created a “Lever Lock System” with a spring-loaded mechanism so you can fit more in this expandable suitcase. The Tumi 22-Inch 19 Degrees Aluminum International Expandable Spinner Carry-On features an integrated TSA-approved lock and compression straps to help you maximize your extra space.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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