8 Aluminum Carry-On Suitcases You’ll Want to Use Forever

By MeeroonaUpdated on May 30, 2022

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Few things say “stylish getaway” as clearly as a gleaming aluminum suitcase. The ultimate marriage of style and strength, these exquisitely crafted carry-ons provide travelers with endless protection and durability – all while transcending trends, genres, and generations.

Strong, rigid, and complete with zipperless locking-latch designs, their shells pay homage to the timeless aesthetic of classic travel trunks but incorporate all the features the contemporary frequent flyer might need.

If you’re in the market for a luggage upgrade, or perhaps your first-ever metallic cabin case, then browse our favorite aluminum carry-on suitcases below. From minimalist, clean-lined designs to stunning architectural pieces, there’s one for every taste, budget, and desire.

RIMOWA Original Cabin

A carry-on-sized aluminum masterpiece, RIMOWA’s Original Cabin is ready for any adventure you throw at it.

Taking inspiration from the world’s first all-metal passenger aircraft (Junkers F 13), this is not only one of the most iconic luggage pieces of all time, but arguably the best aluminum suitcase out there. First launched in 1950, it has become a cult favorite amongst the well-traveled thanks to its impressive durability and sleek grooved design.

Its shell is handcrafted in Germany from high-end anodized aluminum, a lightweight, durable material that gets its uniqueness with age. Complete with RIMOWA’s proprietary multiwheel system and TSA-approved locks, as well as two internal height-adjustable flex dividers designed to maximize packing space while keeping your belongings in place, this is a valise you will pass down through generations.

LEVEL8 Gibraltar Full Aluminum Carry-On 20”

If you’re looking to enrich your luggage arsenal with a quality aluminum piece, but want to keep it easy on the pocket, LEVEL8 has you covered.

Their Gibraltar Full Aluminum Carry-On 20” is built on a sturdy aluminum base and sports a tough, minimalist-looking hard shell crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy.

And the best part, it has all the features of the more established brands, but at a fraction of the price – think smooth-rolling 360° wheels, easy-to-close clasps with TSA-approved locks, and an ergonomic telescoping handle (also made from aluminum alloy) for easy maneuvering through busy terminals. Riveted corners enhance both durability and aesthetics, while a complimentary 4-piece packing cube set maximizes luggage space and keeps your belongings organized.

Monos Hybrid Carry-On

Can’t decide between an aluminum case and a polycarbonate one? Coated in a tasteful metallic finish, the Monos Hybrid Carry-On combines the best of both worlds into one stylish, zipperless case that checks all the boxes of today’s modern traveler. It’s got whisper-soft Hinomoto wheels, stylish ultra-microfibre vegan leather details, and an intuitive telescopic handle with 4 height settings and the release button underneath.

Sporting a clean, minimalist design and a zipperless anodized aluminum frame with a durable dual-latch closure system, the aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell keeps contents protected without weighing you down. As for the interior, this beautiful hybrid suitcase is fully lined with a luxurious 350D anti-microbial fabric and features a built-in compression pad for effective packing. Keep it classic with their sleek silver case or go bold with either shimmery champagne or sexy jet-black!

MVST Select TREK Aluminium Suitcase Gunmetal

MVST Select specializes in premium quality luggage at affordable prices. Their TREK Aluminium Suitcase Gunmetal, for instance, is not only remarkably durable and well designed but also seriously stylish. It sports a rugged, industrial design that distinguishes it from other aluminum suitcases on the market, all while standing up well to the rigors of travel.

Reinforced corners, TSA-approved combo locks, and water-resistant rubber sealing complement the unbreakable aluminum-magnesium alloy shell, while its ultra-smooth spinner wheels make maneuvering a breeze. An aluminum telescoping handle provides ergonomic comfort, and the interior compression system keeps your belongings organized and secured.

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Zero Halliburton Pursuit Aluminum International Carry-On Case

From the brand that pioneered the aluminum case in 1938, this suitcase serves up style and substance in equal measure.

Zero Halliburton’s Pursuit Aluminum International Carry-On Case takes durability and protection to whole new levels with its patented ZH Concave Edging architecture and brushed aluminum surface designed to minimize the appearance of scratches. The sturdy, beautifully sculpted shell swivels and glides on multidirectional wheels and features a sleek monogrammed interior complete with secure compression system, handy side pockets, and a discreet garment clip for a range of hanger sizes.

An individual serial number ensures each product is unique, while original design touches like the rounded cushion-cut latch locks, luxurious mid-century pull handle, and magnetized leather ID cover add just the right amount of panache to this timeless aluminum case.

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition

Internet-favorite luggage brand Away may be best known for its lightweight, indestructible polycarbonate shells in pretty pastel shades, but their striking aluminum designs are no less inspiring.

Available in silver, rose gold, and onyx black, the smart Aluminum Carry-On boasts Japanese spinner wheels, slow-release leather-trimmed handles, and dual TSA-approved combination locks for added security. It also includes the brand’s signature interior compression system for effortless packing, as well as a handy built-in battery bank to charge your devices in transit.

The durable aluminum hard shell is built to withstand a lifetime of journeys and has a futuristic-chic aesthetic that’s sure to attract envious glances wherever it lands.

Tumi 19 Degree Aluminum Continental Carry-On

Another name synonymous with luxury travel, Tumi makes some of the best aluminum luggage out there. Take the 19 Degree Aluminum Continental Carry-On as an example; cut from aircraft-grade aluminum, this gleaming zipperless suitcase is built like a tank, yet it looks like a piece of art.

Complementing its classy fluid-like flowing design are four swiveling, easy-to-maneuver wheels, a pair of TSA-integrated combination locks, and a patented 3-stage adjustable handle made from lightweight-yet-sturdy aluminum. To help keep your things organized on the road, the nylon-lined interior comes with a smart removable garment sleeve, as well as compression straps and zip dividers.

Tumi’s complimentary pack of vintage travel stickers is a nice touch, and so is their product recovery program (Tumi Tracer), which helps users find their missing bags using the unique 20-digit number affixed to each item.

FPM MILANO Spinner 53cm Leather-Trimmed Aluminium Carry-On Suitcase

Drawing inspiration from the travel trunks of yesteryear, this gorgeous vintage-looking aluminum suitcase with chic leather details is the ultimate statement of style and strength.

Designed by award-winning furniture designer Mark Sadler, FPM Milano’s Spinner 53cm Leather-Trimmed Aluminium Carry-On Suitcase has robust butterfly locks, integrated TSA locks, and silent Japanese wheels for a smooth, stable ride on any surface. The roomy interior is fitted with handcrafted leather straps, a divider, and a zippered pocket to organize smaller items.