Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 4 October 2026
Yes. If by “American-owned” you mean the company is currently owned by Americans-not simply founded in the U.S.-the list gets considerably shorter.
### Best American-owned luggage brands
| Brand | Ownership | Best for | My take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Riley | 🇺🇸 U.S. family-owned | Premium / frequent travelers | Best overall |
| Travelpro | 🇺🇸 U.S.-owned/private equity | Frequent flyers & value | Best value |
| Solo New York | 🇺🇸 U.S. family-owned | Budget/business travel | Good affordable option |
| Tom Bihn | 🇺🇸 U.S. privately owned | Soft luggage / travel bags | Excellent niche choice |
| Red Oxx | 🇺🇸 U.S. family-owned | Extremely durable soft bags | Built like a tank |
| Eagle Creek | ⚠️ Ownership has changed | Adventure/travel | Not my first choice if ownership is the priority |
### 🥇 1. Briggs & Riley - my top recommendation
Briggs & Riley is owned by the Krulik family through United States Luggage Company, a privately held, multigenerational American company. legalclarity.org
It's particularly compelling because you get a lifetime warranty, including coverage for airline damage. Travel + Leisure currently ranks Briggs & Riley as its most durable luggage brand, based on extensive testing. www.travelandleisure.com
### Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Expandable Spinner
$729.00
Best for: someone who wants to buy one suitcase and keep it for many years.
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### 🥈 2. Travelpro - best practical choice
Travelpro was founded by airline pilot Bob Plath in 1987-the inventor of the original Rollaboard. travelpro.com
It's particularly well regarded among airline crews, and Travel + Leisure currently ranks it runner-up for best overall luggage brand. www.travelandleisure.com
One caveat: American-owned doesn't mean American-made. Travelpro's products are generally manufactured overseas, while its design, engineering and corporate operations are in the U.S. downloads.regulations.gov
### Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner
$160.00
Best for: getting excellent luggage without spending Briggs & Riley money.
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### Other genuinely American options
Tom Bihn - Seattle-based, privately owned, particularly good if you prefer soft-sided bags, travel backpacks and modular luggage rather than traditional spinners.
Red Oxx - Montana-based and famous for extremely rugged soft travel bags and duffels. A very good choice if durability and U.S. manufacturing matter more than having a conventional wheeled suitcase.
Solo New York - the sister brand of Briggs & Riley under U.S. Luggage Company, aimed at a less expensive segment. The same American family ownership makes it worth considering if Briggs & Riley prices are too high. legalclarity.org
### Important brands I'd exclude
- TUMI - American-founded, but now owned by Samsonite, so it isn't independently American-owned. en.wikipedia.org
- American Tourister - despite the name, it's owned by Samsonite.
- Samsonite - Belgian-headquartered multinational, not American-owned.
- Hartmann - American heritage, but currently part of Samsonite.
- Away - American-founded, but if your criterion is strict current U.S. ownership, I'd want to verify the present corporate ownership before putting it on the list.
- Rimowa - German-owned by LVMH.
If your goal is specifically “I want my money going to an American-owned luggage company,” my shortlist would be:
1. Briggs & Riley → premium/best overall
2. Travelpro → best combination of price, durability & practicality
3. Tom Bihn → best soft luggage/backpacks
4. Red Oxx → best rugged U.S.-made soft bags
If you tell me your budget (e.g. under $200, $300, $500+) and whether you want carry-on or checked, I can narrow this to the 3 best American-owned suitcases to actually buy.
