Polycarbonate vs Aluminum Luggage Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to choosing extra-durable luggage for your travels, there are two types of materials that come to mind: polycarbonate and aluminum. You may be confused about which one to go with. Should you consider the durability of polycarbonate or the sleek design of aluminum?

In this blog guide, we’ll do a polycarbonate vs aluminum luggage comparison, take a closer look at the pros and cons of both types of materials, and also highlight some of the best luggage options for both.

So whether you’re a seasonal traveler or just starting out, we’ll help you make an informed decision on which luggage is the perfect choice for your needs.

What is polycarbonate?

Without getting into in-depth technical details, let me tell you that polycarbonate is a thermoplastic material known for its durability and strength. This material is used in different types of industries for different types of products.

Similarly, this material, polycarbonate, is also used in the production of luggage because of its ability to withstand impact and resist cracking, which makes it a suitable choice for protecting valuable items during travel.

Not only is it durable, but it is also known for its lightweight properties, and this material is really hard to break.

Also Read: Everything You Need to Know about Aluminum Luggage

Benefits of Polycarbonate Luggage

When it comes to choosing a perfect suitcase that you can trust, polycarbonate luggage becomes the first choice, and there are plenty of reasons supporting the statement. Here I’m mentioning a few of the benefits that make polycarbonate luggage a perfect choice for every type of traveler.

Unbreakable Durability

Durability is the main advantage of polycarbonate luggage, which makes a piece of luggage able to withstand the rigors of travel.

Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a long-term backpacking trip, you can rest assured that your polycarbonate luggage will surely make you feel proud and handle all the ups and downs very easily.

Also Read: Best Hardside Luggage Material

Feather Lightweight Property

Similarly, this is another one of the biggest advantages of polycarbonate luggage. However, polycarbonate is not the lightest material when it comes to plastic. It’s a little heavier but more durable than polypropylene luggage.

Unlike aluminum, polycarbonate is much lighter in weight, which makes it easier to handle a piece of luggage at an airport or on trains.

Because it is lightweight, like a feather, polycarbonate is beneficial for those who have to navigate through a crowded airport or busy streets.

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Ultimate Flexibility

Flexibility is another quality of polycarbonate luggage. You may be worried about the benefits of having a flexible suitcase.

Well, there are some remarkable benefits to having a flexible suitcase. The way baggage handlers handle check-in luggage at the airport is not good; they treat luggage in a very bad way, are always in a hurry, and throw the luggage without much care.

In this condition, there is a high chance for your luggage to be cracked or broken. But with a piece of polycarbonate luggage, you can avoid it.

Another benefit of flexible luggage is that you can pack a little more with less effort. Whether you want to fit in an extra pair of shoes or an extra sweater, you can pack due to the flexibility of polycarbonate material, even without overstuffing your luggage. Because your luggage is flexible, it won’t break or crack easily.

Also Read: Do Airlines Prefer Hard or Soft Luggage

Weather Resistance Capability

Whenever I plan to travel outside, the biggest concern that comes to mind is the fear of getting my belongings wet in the rain.

But with polycarbonate luggage, you can travel with peace of mind, whether you are planning for a place where the weather is unpredictable. Polycarbonate luggage can easily handle rain or the high temperature of the sun.

This quality of being water- and temperature-resistant makes polycarbonate luggage a perfect choice. Additionally, it’s a highly capable material to withstand wear and tear that may come while traveling and keep your belongings safe and dry.

Availability of Unique Designs and Color Options

This is an additional benefit of choosing polycarbonate: you get a wide range of color, pattern, and style options; you can choose whichever suits your personality best. Whatever your style of liking is, you can surely get something according to your taste.

Choosing the perfect color or style is more important than you think because your luggage must stand out in the sea of other luggage so you can prevent luggage theft.

Here is a complete guide on why colors are really important when choosing a luggage and how can it impact your travel.

Comparatively Cost-Effective

Another factor that I can’t ignore is the cost of polycarbonate luggage. I’d not say polycarbonate is the cheapest option, but it’s cost-effective. It’ll cost you a little more than polypropylene or ABS luggage, but you know, quality comes at a cost. This is what polycarbonate luggage is.

If you try to save some money by choosing other types of cheap luggage, you can save, but in the long run, it’ll cost you more. So it’s highly recommended to invest in the best material.

Overall, polycarbonate is a cost-effective option, offering great durability and protection, like more expensive luggage, at a fraction of the cost.

Also Read: Is Samsonite Really a Good Luggage Brand

Disadvantages of Polycarbonate Luggage

There is not any potential drawback to polycarbonate luggage, but when comparing polycarbonate material with aluminum, I came to know that polycarbonate is really a strong and durable material, but it’s less durable than aluminum.

• Polycarbonate is more likely to get scratches than aluminum. However, polycarbonate is lightweight and provides a good balance of strength and flexibility.
• Because you’re lightweight, you won’t feel pain or stress in your arms or shoulders even after walking a long distance with your luggage.
• This is the reason why polycarbonate has been the first choice of most travelers for years. This material is more likely to continue its legacy as a popular choice even in the future.

Also read: Are Luggage Covers Allowed By TSA?

What is aluminum?

Without being too scientific, let me tell you that aluminum is an extremely durable and long-lived material. This material is used in different types of small and large items, and one of them is luggage. For a long period of time, aluminum has been used in the construction of luggage.

There are some benefits to having luggage made from aluminum, such as durability and longevity. Which makes it a popular choice for travelers. Additionally, aluminum luggage offers better protection than other types of luggage. While it has some benefits, it also has some drawbacks at the same time.

So let’s take a look at some of the important benefits and drawbacks of aluminum luggage, one by one.

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Benefits of Aluminum Luggage

When it comes to the most durable luggage, aluminum is the clear winner. Not only is it durable and long-lasting, but it also offers plenty of benefits. So let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Exceptional Durability and Longevity

Unlike other luggage materials, aluminum is extremely strong and sturdy because it’s not a plastic material like others. The main quality of aluminum luggage is that it’s built to last for many years.

I’d say that polycarbonate is really a durable material, but aluminum goes one step ahead of polycarbonate and is more durable and long-lasting.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a casual traveler, investing in an aluminum suitcase will surely be a great decision if durability and longevity are the main concerns for you.

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Unbeatable Security

One of the biggest concerns for a traveler when traveling is the safety of his belongings and luggage. There are many reasons that support the statement that aluminum luggage is highly secure.

Firstly, aluminum is an incredibly strong material that can withstand a lot of force, which makes it difficult for thieves to break into the luggage. This is in contrast to other luggage options made from plastic or fabric, which can easily be ripped open or cut.

Another unique feature of aluminum luggage is that it comes with a unique and high-quality locking mechanism system. They always come without a zipper because the zipper makes it easier for thieves or unauthorized persons to get into the luggage.

These features make it even more difficult for thieves to break into and gain access to the contents of the bags.

Aluminum luggage also provides superior protection for belongings as it’s resistant to dents, scratches, and other types of damage. That means that your clothes, electronics, and other items will be well protected while traveling.

Whether you’re packing fragile items or just want to make sure your clothes stay wrinkle-free, aluminum luggage is surely going to be a perfect choice.

Also Read: Best Soft-Sided Luggage Material

Prestige and Status Symbol

Aluminum luggage is often associated with prestige and status symbols for several reasons.

Aluminum is generally more expensive than other materials such as ABS, plastic, or fabric.

Most of the time, people who invest in aluminum luggage are seen as successful. This also enhances the prestige of the luggage and contributes to its status symbol.

Another reason is that aluminum luggage is often used by celebrities and high-profile businessmen or officials who are known for their unique and best lifestyles. As a result, having a piece of aluminum luggage is seen as a symbol of status, richness, and a better lifestyle.

Water Resistant Capability

This is also one of the biggest concerns for many travelers, especially when traveling to an unpredictable place or in the rainy season. You may be worried about whether aluminum luggage will protect your belongings from getting wet or moisturized.

Now let me tell you that aluminum luggage is highly resistant to water because of its construction and materials. Most aluminum luggage is made from anodized aluminum, which is coated with a protective coating that makes it water-resistant.

Additionally, good aluminum luggage is constructed with watertight seals and rubber gaskets to prevent water from seeping in. So you can trust aluminum luggage to keep your belongings dry all the time and prevent any kind of moisture.

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Easier to Clean and Maintain

However, it’s water-resistant, but it is still important to take proper care of your aluminum luggage to ensure its longevity. Avoid exposing your luggage to prolonged periods of water exposure, and dry it thoroughly if it does get wet to reduce any kind of long-term damage.

Whenever you’re done with your travel and planning to store it in a safe place, Before doing so, make sure to wipe it down properly with a clean, damp cloth, and it’ll look as good as new. It’s really easy to clean aluminum luggage compared to a soft-sided suitcase.

Additionally, the smooth surface of aluminum luggage makes it easy to wipe away dirt and particles, which helps your luggage look prestigious even after a long period of time.

Disadvantages of Aluminum Luggage

However, there are plenty of benefits to having an aluminum suitcase, as I mentioned above. Still, there are some potential drawbacks that must be considered before making any final decision. Let’s look at each of them one by one.

Heavier Than Other Materials

When it comes to aluminum luggage, one of the biggest concerns you may face is its heavy weight. Aluminum luggage is heavier than other luggage made from other hardside materials like polycarbonate, polypropylene and ABS.

It’s approximately 45% heavier than polycarbonate material, and undoubtedly, 45% more is a considerable amount of weight.

The weight of aluminum luggage may cause an issue while traveling by air because most airlines do have their own weight restrictions for checked and carry-on luggage. You may have to pay additional fees if your luggage crosses the weight limits, which can definitely be frustrating and expensive.

More importantly, it may cause an issue for those who have physical limitations and can’t lift heavy weights. So it becomes important to you to look at this considerable drawback if you’re planning on buying an aluminum suitcase.

Also Read: Samsonite vs American Tourister Luggage Brands

More Expensive Than Other Materials

Another disadvantage, in my experience, is the cost of aluminum luggage. Aluminum luggage from brands like Away, Rimowa, or Tumi is way more expensive than other pieces of luggage made from other materials.

You can get 3–4 pieces of polycarbonate luggage at the cost of a piece of aluminum luggage if you’re planning for branded aluminum luggage.

This is surely a huge negative for those who want to plan for aluminum luggage but stay within budget, and this is definitely not an affordable option, especially if you want to get the best aluminum luggage.

Also read: Why Choosing the Perfect Luggage Color Is Crucial?

Closing Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy? Polycarbonate or Aluminum

Both materials have their own unique set of features and have their own benefits and drawbacks that make them great options for different types of travelers.

Polycarbonate luggage is a great choice for those who prioritize ease of movement and a lightweight, more affordable option. It’s also less likely to crack or scratch, which can surely be a positive signal when you’re dealing with the wear and tear of travel.

Additionally, there are plenty of design and color options, especially if you’re a fashion-conscious traveler.

On the other hand, aluminum luggage is a great option for those who prioritize security and prestige and don’t have budget or weight concerns. The sleek and shiny exterior of aluminum luggage gives it a sophisticated look, which makes it a great choice for travelers who love luxury.

We’ve done our best to help you decide which one you should go with. I hope we can help you. Thanks for reading.

Frequently Asked Questions: Polycarbonate vs Aluminum Luggage