There’s a unique kind of stress that comes with packing for a short trip. You want to be prepared, but you dread lugging a bulky, oversized suitcase through a busy airport terminal for a simple weekend getaway. I’ve been there, trying to wrestle a massive bag into an overhead bin, all for a two-night stay. It’s why finding a perfectly sized, functional, and affordable luggage set feels like striking gold. The goal is simple: a carry-on that’s big enough for the essentials (plus a little extra) and a personal bag that keeps your must-haves within reach, all without costing a fortune. This is the exact problem the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy aims to solve.
- VERSATILE DUO: This travel set combines a 15-inch softside tote bag with a 23-inch wheeled suitcase, offering the perfect pairing for work trips,...
- SMOOTH MOBILITY: Two high-quality polyester wheels provide effortless rolling and reliable stability, ensuring smooth movement across various surfaces...
What to Consider Before Buying a Softside Luggage Set
Before investing in new luggage, it’s crucial to consider your travel style. Are you a frequent flyer who needs maximum durability, or a casual vacationer looking for convenience and value? The ideal customer for a set like this is someone planning weekend trips, business travel, or road trips. They prioritize smart organization, lightweight design, and affordability over premium features like 360-degree spinner wheels or built-in TSA locks. Key factors to look for include a durable fabric (like high-denier polyester), reliable zippers, a sturdy handle, and practical features like expandable compartments and external pockets. The softside design offers more flexibility for fitting into tight overhead spaces compared to rigid hardshell cases. If you value a no-frills, highly functional set that delivers exceptional value, you’re in the right place. We found that the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy hits all these marks for the budget-conscious traveler.
While the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- ALL-IN-ONE SET: Includes carry-on, medium checked, and large checked suitcase to suit every travel need; carry-on measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches; medium...
- 【5 Piece Luggage Set】Luggage sets include a 28-inch large suitcase, 24-inch medium checked luggage, 20-inch carry on luggage, an extended duffel bag,...
- Sleek Durability: Crafted with a high-performance polypropylene shell and sandy-smooth texture for superior impact resistance and long-lasting protection.
First Impressions: A Closer Look at the Amazon Basics Luggage Set
Right out of the box, the first thing we noticed about the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy was its rich, deep color. As one user noted, it’s “more of a burgundy color which I love versus a straight red,” and we have to agree. The 1200D polyester fabric has a subtle sheen and feels surprisingly robust for its price point. The set is incredibly lightweight, a huge plus for those of us trying to avoid excess baggage fees or simply make the journey easier on our arms. The 23-inch suitcase and matching 15-inch tote are a perfect pairing. The design is classic and understated, focusing on function with well-placed handles, smooth zippers, and easily accessible front pockets. It’s a thoughtfully designed duo that feels ready for travel from the moment you unpack it.
What We Like
- Excellent value for a coordinated two-piece set
- Lightweight design makes it easy to lift and maneuver
- Convenient matching tote with a pass-through strap for secure stacking
- Expandable main compartment provides valuable extra packing space
- Sturdy 1200D polyester fabric feels durable for carry-on use
What We Didn’t Like
- Only has two in-line wheels, not a four-wheel spinner system
- The 23-inch height may exceed some stricter budget airline carry-on limits
Putting the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy to the Test
A luggage set can look great, but its true worth is proven on the road. We took the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy on a long weekend trip to assess its design, capacity, and real-world performance through airports, hotels, and city streets.
Design and Durability
The softside shell, made from thick 1200D polyester, strikes a great balance between flexibility and protection. Unlike hardside cases that can crack under pressure, this material offers a bit of give, which is great for stuffing into a packed car trunk or a snug overhead bin. The reinforced corners provide extra defense against bumps and drops. We inspected all the stitching and zippers, and everything felt secure and well-constructed. As one user aptly put it, it’s a “decent, no-frills option” that “should last long enough as long as you don’t baggage check it.” We agree that it’s perfectly suited for carry-on travel where you have control over its handling.
Capacity and Organization
This is where the set truly shines. The 23-inch suitcase is surprisingly spacious. For our 4-day trip, we packed several outfits, two pairs of shoes, and toiletries with room to spare, confirming a user’s experience of packing for a similar trip. The expandable zipper, which adds up to 15% more space, is a fantastic feature for bringing back souvenirs. Inside, two adjustable straps keep everything cinched down, while the two large external pockets are perfect for stashing a book, tablet, or travel documents for quick access. The thoughtful organization makes packing and unpacking a breeze. The combination of space and smart pockets in the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy makes it ideal for organized travelers.
Mobility and Handling
The suitcase is equipped with two in-line skate wheels. On smooth airport floors, they roll effortlessly and quietly. Pulling the bag behind us was comfortable thanks to the telescopic handle, which extends and retracts smoothly with the push of a button. We also appreciated the padded grab handles on both the top and side, which make lifting the bag into an overhead compartment much easier. The primary drawback, echoed in several user reviews, is the lack of 360-degree spinner wheels. This means you can only pull it behind you, not glide it alongside you, which requires a bit more effort when navigating tight corners or crowded lines. For the price, however, the two-wheel system is perfectly functional.
The Brilliant Matching Tote
The 15-inch tote bag is more than just an accessory; it’s a core part of this set’s value. It’s the perfect size for a personal item, easily holding a laptop, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes. The best feature, and one that users raved about, is the pass-through strap on the back. This allows you to slide the tote securely over the suitcase’s telescopic handle, so you can wheel both bags together as a single unit. This simple but brilliant design element frees up your hands and makes navigating the airport incredibly convenient. Storing the tote inside the suitcase when at home also saves a significant amount of closet space.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback confirms our findings. The set is widely praised for its convenience and value. One traveler highlighted the smart design, saying, “I love the tote can attach to the top of the luggage so I don’t have to carry it thru the airport.” Many users, like us, were impressed with the rich burgundy color and the overall sturdy feel for the price. The most common point of constructive feedback was the wheel system. A typical comment reads, “It rolls smoothly, though I do wish it had 360-degree wheels.” Another important note from a careful traveler was to “check with airlines before considering this a carry on,” as its 23-inch height (including wheels) might be slightly over the limit for some ultra-low-cost carriers.
How Does It Compare? Alternatives to the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy
While the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy is a fantastic budget option, your travel needs might call for something different. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.
1. Travelers Club 4-Piece Hardside Luggage Set
- 26" Spinner suitcase: 26" H x 17. 5" L x 11" W, 8. 4 lbs.
- 20" Carry-on spinner luggage: 20" H x 13" L x 9. 5" W, 7. 2 lbs.
If you need more pieces and prefer a hardside shell, the Travelers Club set is a strong contender. It offers four pieces for various travel lengths and the rigid exterior provides different protection than the softside fabric of the Amazon Basics set. However, it lacks the flexibility of a softside bag and the burgundy color of the Amazon Basics set is arguably more distinctive.
2. LARVENDER 5 Piece Softside Expandable Luggage Set
- Expandable Softside Luggage Sets: 5 piece set includes 20" carry on suitcase, a 24" checked medium luggage, a 28" checked large luggage, a travel duffel...
- Premium Suitcase Set: Soft shell luggage is crafted from premium quilted lightweight and durable 1680D polyester fabric exterior which resists stains and...
For large families or those who need a complete luggage collection, the LARVENDER set is a comprehensive option. With five pieces, spinner wheels on its suitcases, and an included TSA lock, it’s a step up in features. This comes at a higher price point and might be overkill for someone who just needs a reliable carry-on and personal item, which is the sweet spot for the Amazon Basics duo.
3. Coolife 3 Piece Hardside Luggage Set
- Experience unmatched travel versatility with our stylish luggage set. The six-piece set includes a range of luggage sizes ( 20’’, 24’’, and...
- Blending vintage charm with contemporary functionality, our luggage design encapsulates elegance and craftsmanship from a bygone era. It seamlessly...
The Coolife set is for the traveler who prioritizes modern aesthetics and maximum mobility. Its three hardside pieces all feature 360-degree spinner wheels and built-in TSA locks. It’s a great choice for those who want the effortless glide of spinner wheels and a sleek, contemporary look, but you’ll trade the front pockets and flexibility offered by the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Amazon Basics Luggage Set Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently recommend the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy to any traveler seeking maximum value and practicality. It’s the perfect companion for weekend getaways, business trips, and anyone who appreciates smart, no-nonsense design. While it may not have the premium feel or spinner wheels of more expensive sets, it delivers outstanding performance where it counts: capacity, organization, and convenience. The coordinated tote with its pass-through strap is a game-changer for navigating airports with ease.
If you’ve decided the Amazon Basics Expandable Luggage Set Burgundy is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API