Vintage Luggage Is Making A Comeback. Here's What Travelers Need To Know Before Buying

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Traveling by plane is nothing like it used to be. During the Golden Age of Aviation, flying was a luxurious experience that was inaccessible to most people. The experience was designed with the rich and famous in mind, and passengers enjoyed being pampered throughout their journey. In the 1930s, people used to dress up in their finest attire to go to the airport. The stylish vintage suitcases of yesteryear perfectly complemented passengers' elegant travel outfits which often included suits, hats, dresses, and fur coats.

During the aviation's Golden age, there weren't different classes, because only the rich could afford to afford to fly — and even for them it was a rare treat. Ticket prices began to decrease in the 1970s, making air travel more attainable for the middle class. These days, it's possible to find plane tickets on ultra-low-cost carriers that fit within most budgets. You no longer have to be an elite member of society to see the world, but don't expect the five star experience unless you splurge on first class seats or book a private plane. Your fellow passengers are much more likely to show up in athleisure or pajamas than a chic ensemble.

Although the glitz and glamour of air travel has nearly disappeared, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a little of the old world charm during your travels. If you find yourself enchanted by the photos of Pan Am flight attendants with their cute blue bags or those gorgeous vintage leather travel trunks that were loaded into planes, trains, and automobiles — you're certainly not alone. Vintage and retro options are becoming more popular, but they might not be the best option for every type of traveler. It's important to consider durability, price, and practicality when buying quality luggage.

Perhaps there's a growing sense of nostalgia for a time when travel was glamorous and goods were made to withstand the test of time, or perhaps we're all getting a little sick of seeing the same basic black luggage circling around the conveyor belt at baggage claim. Either way, vintage and retro luggage is making a comeback. Florence Given, a writer, artist, social media influencer, and style icon recently posted several Instagram videos gushing over her new suitcases. In the caption of her video she asked, "What kind of luggage would my highest self arrive at the airport with?!" She searched for something, vintage and bold that would help her live out her "70's main character airport fantasy." She ended up choosing a vintage-inspired set from Steamline Luggage in a vibrant shade of red.

Popular influencer and vintage fashionista, @sewrena_, whose real name is Serena, occasionally shows off her vintage suitcase collection on Instagram. A few of her favorites are a blue American Tourister train case which has compartments for jewelry, and a beautiful green American Tourister hanging suitcase that folds up and allows you to pack dresses or suits on hangers. Vintage luggage like Serena's usually doesn't have wheels, so she utilizes luggage carts whenever she travels.

Social media stars aren't the only people opting to travel in style. TikTok has hundreds of videos of people showing off their suitcases, and you'll often see aesthetic luggage featured in iconic fashion magazines like Vogue. Whether you choose modern luggage with a vintage aesthetic or true vintage luggage will likely come down to personal preference. There are plenty of options available in both categories.

You can find true vintage suitcases in thrift shops and antique stores, or purchase them through online marketplaces like Etsy. Retro luggage is designed to look vintage, but often has some of the modern features you may be used to. Before you make a purchase, consider your budget, the item's quality and longevity, and whether it will be practical for travel. Vintage suitcases might look lovely, but be uncomfortable to carry through the airport. An affordable retro bag might look cute, but could be constructed by cheap materials that will cause it to break after a few uses. If you hope to choose the best bag for your travels, try to strike the perfect balance between fashion and function.

It's wise to have an idea of what you'd like to spend before you start shopping, so you don't end up breaking the bank. It's totally possible to find cool vintage suitcases for under $50, but they might not be in the best shape. Vintage suitcases were usually constructed with high quality materials and made to last a lifetime — but many of them have already lived a full life and are better suited for use as home decor. Highly coveted vintage Louis Vuitton steamer trunks can sell for over $20,000. The same goes for vintage Hermès trunks from the early 1900s.

You can find some decent retro options online, like this urecity Vintage Luggage Set on Amazon for around $219. Steamline Luggage makes gorgeous suitcases crafted from high quality materials like genuine leather with prices starting around $800 for a carry-on. If you really want to feel like royalty, you can purchase the late Queen Elizabeth's favorite travel trunk from Globe Trotter for $2,395.