Buy Suitcases – Personal Advice Since 2007

You are looking for a suitcase that suits your trip – not the cheapest one and not the most expensive one, but the right one. At Markenkoffer.de, we have been advising our customers since 2007 from our boutique in Großmehring near Ingolstadt. We don't stock products by algorithm – we curate a selection of established brands: Samsonite, Titan, Travelite, Bric's, Porsche Design, Roncato, Delsey and more. If you are unsure, just give us a call: +49 8456 808070.

More than 90,000 customer reviews on Trusted Shops (4.87/5) and our status as a family-run specialist retailer speak for themselves. Fast shipping, a 30-day return policy and free delivery on orders over €50 come as standard.

Which brand is right for you?

Samsonite is the global market leader and relies on pure Makrolon polycarbonate with up to 10 years' warranty – the safe choice for frequent travellers. Titan impresses with German workmanship and well-thought-out features and has been one of the favourite brands among our regular customers for years. American Tourister, as a Samsonite subsidiary, delivers the same quality standards at a friendlier price.

If you are looking for a well-balanced price-performance ratio, Travelite from €49 is an excellent choice. Delsey brings French design and the patented ZIP SECURI TECH security system. For Italian elegance and durable craftsmanship, we recommend Bric's and Roncato. We also carry Stratic and Victorinox, among others – every brand in our store has a clear profile. You will find a complete overview of all the brands we carry in our brand overview.

Suitcase buying guide: how to find the right luggage

Choosing the right suitcase is not a matter of taste – it depends on three factors: travel duration, mode of transport and destination. We have been answering these questions every day since 2007, in consultations and sales – and that is exactly the knowledge you will find on this page: from our volume guide to questions of material and wheels, through to packing tips, price ranges and our after-sales service. There is no such thing as the one perfect suitcase – but there is the right one for every kind of trip.

The right suitcase size for your travel duration

As a rule of thumb, allow around 50 litres of suitcase volume per week of holiday. For winter trips with bulky clothing you should plan 30–40% more space – the same applies to business trips with suits and shirts.

• Cabin luggage (S): 55 cm, 30–40 litres – for 2–5 days or as an addition to your checked luggage
• Medium (M): 60–69 cm, 60–80 litres – our best-selling size for a standard 1–2 week holiday
• Large (L): 70–79 cm, 90–110 litres – ideal for two- to three-week trips or winter holidays
• Extra large (XL): 80+ cm, 120+ litres – long-term travel or family holidays

A practical tip from our consultations: do a test pack of your suitcase 2–3 days before departure. That way you will see in good time whether the size is right – and can exchange it at your leisure instead of improvising on the day you leave. Also keep an eye on the empty weight: a cabin suitcase should not weigh more than 2.5–3 kg empty, a medium-sized model no more than 3.5–4 kg. You will find particularly weight-saving models in our selection of lightweight suitcases from 1.9 kg.

Hard-shell suitcase or soft luggage?

Hard-shell suitcases made of polycarbonate offer maximum protection: they are waterproof, impact-resistant and stack neatly to save space – ideal if you fly or transport fragile items. Soft luggage weighs less, flexes thanks to its expansion fold and offers exterior pockets for quick access – the better choice for car and rail travel. Around 65% of our customers choose a hard shell, because most buy primarily for air travel.

In a direct comparison, this means: thanks to its welded, waterproof shell, the hard case also protects electronics, glassware and souvenirs reliably, can be stacked and is easy to wipe clean – in return it is rigid and usually weighs 3.5–5 kg in size M. Soft luggage weighs in at just 2.5–4 kg, can be enlarged via its expansion fold and offers exterior pockets for documents and small items – the textile fabric, however, is only impregnated, not waterproof. If you repack frequently or travel by car, you are better off with a fabric suitcase; if you fly, go for the hard shell.

4 wheels or 2 wheels?

4-wheel suitcases (spinners) respond to the lightest touch of a finger in any direction and roll along beside you on their own – ideal for airports and smooth floors. 2-wheel suitcases have larger, more robust wheels and do not tip over when standing – the better choice for cobblestones and uneven paths. Around 78% of our customers now choose 4 wheels, as modern double wheels run smoothly even on uneven ground.

4 wheels in detail: spinners rotate 360 degrees, take the strain off your arm and shoulder because the suitcase rolls upright beside you, and are more manoeuvrable in narrow aisles. Just bear in mind: on slopes they can roll away – which is why high-quality models come with a parking brake. 2 wheels in detail: the larger, often rubberised wheels handle gravel and cobblestones better, but the suitcase has to be tilted and pulled. What to look for in either system: smooth-running, wobble-free wheels with a rubberised tread for quiet rolling – and ideally double wheels (eight wheels on a 4-wheel system) for extra stability.

Material: polycarbonate, ABS or aluminium?

Polycarbonate is the premium material: extremely break-resistant, featherlight and it returns to its original shape after deformation. Samsonite and Titan rely on pure Makrolon polycarbonate. ABS is the more affordable alternative – solid for occasional travellers, but heavier and less flexible. Aluminium stands for longevity and sophisticated design, but adds considerably more weight. Our recommendation: for frequent travellers polycarbonate pays off, for 1–2 trips a year ABS is perfectly sufficient.

In numbers: a size M polycarbonate suitcase weighs around 3–4 kg, lasts 10 years and longer with good care and costs around 20–30% more than ABS. ABS models weigh around 4–5 kg and can break under heavy impact, whereas polycarbonate bends and springs back. Aluminium suitcases are the heaviest at 5–7 kg and, at €300–1,000, the most expensive – in return they last 20 years and more; dents can be knocked out and are part of this material's character. For soft luggage the rule is: at least 600D polyester, ideally 1200D – the fabric determines the lifespan.

Expander function: an expansion fold for up to 25% more volume

Many suitcases feature an expansion fold (expander) that increases the volume by up to 25% – worth its weight in gold when you return with souvenirs or shopping. The feature is widespread on soft luggage, and it is also available on hard-shell models. Make sure the expansion does not come at the expense of stability: high-quality models reinforce the expansion fold with additional seams. And remember that an expanded suitcase may exceed your airline's cabin luggage dimensions – so on the outbound flight, it is best to treat the expansion fold as a reserve.

TSA lock: securely locked on your flights

TSA stands for Transport Security Administration, the US transport security authority. The background: when you travel to the USA or transit through US airports, security staff are allowed to inspect your suitcase. A normal lock will simply be broken open without compensation – a TSA lock, on the other hand, can be opened by the officers with a master key without damaging your luggage. You remain protected against theft all the same.

A TSA lock is therefore strongly recommended for trips to the USA, but it also makes sense on all other international flights: it offers more security than simple combination locks and is recognised internationally. You can identify it by the red diamond logo on the lock. It is easy to use: you set a three- or four-digit code – only you and the security authorities can open the suitcase. Many current models from Samsonite, Titan or Travelite already have one integrated; if not, a TSA padlock can be retrofitted from around €8 – you will find one, along with further accessories, in our travel accessories category.

How much does a good suitcase cost? The price ranges at a glance

The price says a lot about material, workmanship and lifespan. To help you put the price ranges into perspective, here is our honest assessment as specialist retailers:

• Budget segment (€40–80): ABS hard shell or simple polyester. Perfectly adequate for occasional travellers with 1–2 trips a year, lifespan around 3–5 years. You will find solid entry-level models at Travelite, for example.
• Mid-range (€80–150): polycarbonate or high-quality nylon, lifespan 5–8 years. This is where value for money is at its best – typical brands are Travelite, Titan and American Tourister. Our recommendation for anyone who travels 3–5 times a year.
• Premium segment (€150–400): pure Makrolon polycarbonate or aluminium, lifespan 10–15 years and long manufacturer warranties. This is where Samsonite, Delsey, Bric's and Porsche Design play.

The maths we show customers in our store: a premium suitcase at €180 used for 10 years works out at €18 per year. A budget model at €50 lasting 4 years comes to €12.50 per year. That difference of €5.50 per year buys you noticeably better wheels and zips – and a manufacturer that supplies spare parts. If the purchase price is what matters most, you will always find reduced brand-name models in our suitcase sale – buying cheap at our store means brand quality at a reduced price, not no-name goods.

Packing done right: packing tips from our consulting practice

With a system, you will fit considerably more into the same suitcase – and arrive wrinkle-free. Our tried-and-tested approach from daily consultations:

• Write a packing list 2–3 days ahead – and then cross off around 20% again. Choose clothes you can mix and match.
• Roll instead of folding: roll t-shirts, trousers and dresses up tightly. This saves up to 30% space, reduces creases and keeps everything in view.
• Heavy items on the wheel side: shoes, books and your toiletry bag belong at the bottom. This keeps the centre of gravity low and the suitcase will not tip over.
• Use packing cubes: they compress clothing, keep things organised by category and make rearranging at the hotel easier – you will find them in our travel accessories.
• Use every gap: stuff socks and underwear into your shoes, lay belts along the edge of the case.
• Delicate items in the middle: nestle shirts and blouses between soft layers; jackets and jumpers as the top, cushioning layer.
• Documents and valuables in the lid compartment – or straight into your hand luggage.

And the most important tip of all: set the fully packed suitcase aside for a day and then go through your list once more. Experience shows that something always gets forgotten on the morning of departure.

Warranty, repairs and spare parts: what sets the specialist retailer apart

A brand-name suitcase is a purchase for many years – and that is exactly why our responsibility does not end at the checkout. All brands in our range come with a manufacturer's warranty, between 2 and 10 years depending on the brand and series; with Samsonite it is up to 10 years. And if something does break, we will not leave you alone with a hotline: we handle warranty claims and repairs directly with the manufacturer on your behalf.

Spare parts are also available for all major brands – typically wheels, telescopic handles and grips, in other words exactly the parts that work hardest in everyday travel. A broken wheel is no reason to throw away a good suitcase. Our advice at the time of purchase: check whether the manufacturer keeps parts in stock for years – with established brands such as Samsonite, Titan, Travelite or Delsey this is the case. That is more sustainable and cheaper in the long run than any supposed bargain buy. If something gets damaged, simply give us a call (+49 8456 808070, Mon–Fri 10 am–4 pm) or write to office@markenkoffer.de – even if your purchase was years ago.

Popular categories at a glance

• Hard-shell suitcases – robust, waterproof, stackable
• Soft luggage & fabric suitcases – flexible, lightweight, with exterior pockets
• Luggage sets – up to 30% cheaper than buying individually
• Cabin luggage 55×40×20 – airline-compliant, 30–40 litres
• Lightweight suitcases – ultralight from 1.9 kg
• Large suitcases – 90 litres and more for long trips
• Aluminium suitcases – sophisticated design, built to last
• Business trolleys – with a padded laptop compartment
• Children's suitcases & trolleys – colourful, lightweight, robust
• Travel bags – the flexible alternative to a suitcase
• Backpacks – from daypacks to travel backpacks
• Travel accessories – packing cubes, TSA locks, luggage straps
• Suitcases on sale – reduced brand-name models
• All suitcases & trolleys

Why buy from Markenkoffer.de?

At Markenkoffer.de, service does not end with the purchase. Since 2007 we have been helping our customers choose the right luggage – in our store in Großmehring near Ingolstadt and online. Behind the shop is an owner-run family business, not an anonymous marketplace.

• Personal advice – by phone (+49 8456 808070), email or live chat. We know the models we sell.
• Same-day dispatch for orders placed by 2 pm (Mon–Fri) – from our own warehouse in Großmehring
• Free shipping over €50 – delivery within 1–2 working days throughout Germany
• 30-day return policy – test your suitcase at home at your leisure, free returns on orders over €50
• Warranty & repair service – manufacturer's warranty of 2–10 years depending on the brand, spare parts for all major brands, handled through us
• Local store – Junkers-Ring 4, 85098 Großmehring (Interpark Süd), Mon–Fri 10 am–4 pm: touch, test and get personal advice
• Secure payment – PayPal, Klarna instalments, credit card – all transactions SSL-encrypted

Find the right suitcase now

You now have all the information you need to make a well-founded decision – from suitcase size to material, wheels and TSA lock through to price range. When you are ready to buy a suitcase, you will find the right selection of established brands in our range: explore all suitcases & trolleys now. And if you are unsure, give us a call – personal advice has been our craft since 2007.

Frequently asked questions about buying a suitcase