Five Smart Bags That Make Airport Life Easier in 2025

First, a confession: I don’t believe every smart feature seen in certain highly touted suitcases should be thought of as smart. Intriguing, maybe, and Instagram-worthy, no question. But far from practical.

That’s true of two types in particular: the robotic style designed to roll along at your side and the carry-on suitcase that turns into a scooter to ferry you through the airport terminal. Both come with drawbacks that include considerable extra weight due to construction, which can also impact available interior space.

And while gliding vs. dragging may seem alluring to anyone who knows the distance at JFK’s Terminal 4 from the TSA checkpoints to the farthest Delta gate equals a mile, it’s also easy to envision either possibly being more of a hindrance than a help amid a teeming crowd of fellow passengers. Simply put, this Jetsons-esque gimmick isn’t ready for our current society—or maybe vice versa.

That said, a variety of savvy luggage brands have fashioned helpful smart features that make the wait before boarding not only more tolerable but also perhaps a little more enjoyable. Here’s a look at five intelligent choices.

Nobl Carry-On: All-in-One / Photo: Courtesy of Nobl

Nobl Carry-On: All-in-One

The only caveat about this 35-liter carry-on from Nobl is that you need to provide your own power bank, which is stored in a dedicated inside compartment adjacent to the USB and USB-C ports next to a TSA-approved lock. This polycarbonate bag, which boasts a lifetime warranty, has been designed to envision the needs of a passenger from the terminal entrance to the gate and back again. A front pocket accommodates up to a 16-inch laptop and includes easy-to-reach pockets for your passport and other essentials.

During your return trip, if you spotted something in duty-free, that shopping bag can hang from a dedicated rubber stud on the carry-on’s side. If you grabbed a coffee before arriving at the gate, use the built-in cup holder on the back of the case. The top of the aluminum telescoping handle has been designed to hold a smartphone for additional hands-free convenience. Inside details include a proprietary compression system and a waterproof pocket for toiletries. $515, at nobltravel.com

Hotel Collection Carry-On / Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Collection

Hotel Collection Carry-On

Both the carry-on and check-in styles from Hotel Collection offer a variety of smart features to make a traveler’s life a little easier, from a digital weight scale on the top of the bag to the removable USB charger tucked under the aluminum telescoping handle. Both the charger and a GPS tracker, which slips into a dedicated pocket inside, will ship separately from the polycarbonate case, so don’t panic when they’re not in the box. Also, like an Apple AirTag, Hotel Collection’s GPS tracker will only work with Apple devices. Other features include 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock and clear protective cover. $299.95, at hotelcollection.com

July Carry-On Trunk / Photo: Courtesy of July

July Carry-On Trunk

If you’re seeking a carry-on case that blends an essential smart feature with maximum style, July’s Carry-On Trunk is an outstanding option. A bit boxier than a typical carry-on bag, this 42-liter trunk style was just released in a variety of new colors, including the lilac seen here. In addition to an ejectable battery that includes USB-C ports to power both your phone and your laptop, July’s polycarbonate Carry-On Trunk also eschews zippers in favor of twin latches with combination locks. Other features range from the brand’s proprietary SilentMove 360-degree spinner wheels to a hidden laundry bag. You also can personalize the bag for an additional $50. $455, at july.com

Solgaard Lifepack Backpack / Photo: Courtesy of Solgaard

Solgaard Lifepack Backpack

Perhaps you need a power bank that suits your needs beyond the airport and in a variety of environments. If that’s the case, Solgaard has designed a backpack to include power that goes anywhere. Crafted from 100-percent recycled plastic, the Lifepack Backpack features a specialized exterior pocket to house its proprietary Juicepack 4.0 or Solarbank Boombox—which, as their names imply, offer solar/wireless charging, with the latter also including a Bluetooth speaker. The backpack’s interior, meanwhile, will accommodate a 15-inch laptop, while traveler-friendly elements also include a secret passport pocket, additional padded pockets for your devices, a “seat belt” that allows you to slip your backpack over the telescoping handle of your rolling carry-on, and a power cord pass-through so you can charge your laptop while it’s in your pack. $255 with Juicepack 4.0 or $295 with Solarbank Boombox, at solgaard.co

Heys Smart Luggage 21” Carry-On Photo: Courtesy of Heys

Heys SmartLuggage 21” Carry-On

Sidestep an airline’s questions about a lithium-ion battery and whether you forgot to remove it before stowing your bag in the overhead with this 21-inch, 42-liter carry-on powered by two AAA batteries, which enable you to connect the case to an app on your smartphone. Pairing the app with the case via Bluetooth allows you to weigh your bag with the integrated digital scale in the handle, lock or unlock the bag remotely, and keep an eye on it via a proximity alarm that will alert you if the bag moves beyond a distance you have set. The polycarbonate bag with 360-degree spinner wheels also comes in 26- and 30-inch sizes that likewise pair with the app. $720, at us.heys.com