Does your suitcase need to be smart and come with digitized features? It depends on your relationship to technology.
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Personally, I’m burnt out on travel products that need to be charged, from hand fans to charging banks. They’re a hassle to keep up with during vacations—at least, from someone who thinks charging a smartphone is a big responsibility. (It’s me. Hi.)
That being said, although smart luggage is definitely taking off, not all innovations are techy. They don’t require charging or maintenance. Instead, many luggage features are focused on functional and ergonomic design, creating a product so simple and useful that it doesn’t need a charging bank built in. If tech is involved, it’s often minimal.
If you’re shopping around for luggage, these are the features you (probably) don’t need—and the features you can’t skip out on.
Luggage features you don’t need in 2026
Built-in charging banks
Built-in charging banks run on lithium-ion batteries, which are prone to overheating on flights. Over the last five years, airlines have taken a firm stance on lithium-powered batteries to counteract dangerous in-flight smoking hazards and even fires.
Now, passengers are required to keep charging banks and other lithium-ion-powered devices in sight on flights to identify any potential hazards. Luggage with built-in charging banks are now more of a liability, as you need to manually extract the charging bank before each flight. There are easier, more portable charging banks out there.
Biometric locks
Did you know that you can now buy biometric luggage locks? They’re small external locks that secure zippers and can only be opened with your fingerprint. They’re now included as luggage features for select brands. They come with apps that let you upload your fingerprint to the device. Is it a great idea? Yes, especially if you’re hardcore about securing your luggage from prying eyes and fingers. However, any issues with the app could mean you aren’t able to open your bag right away.
Rideable luggage
Some suitcases double as scooters, including the Airwheel and the AOTOS Smart Rideable Luggage-Roller. As the title suggests, you can actually sit on top of these suitcases, then ride them around the airport or train station like a scooter. Even if you have mobility issues, there are better solutions to manage your luggage and get to the gate. Also, these suitcases weigh over 15 pounds, making them a pain to lift and otherwise handle.
Digital scales
If you’re a chronic over-packer who is really trying to change, you might be wooed by luggage features like built-in digital scales. Just press the on button, and these digital scales tell you how much your suitcase weighs. That can help you avoid overpaying for checked bags on flights. However, I think it’s a redundant feature for most travelers. You won’t need it as often as you think. Plus, it will add weight to your suitcase.
Any feature that comes with an app or a subscription
If your luggage features require you to download an app and pay a monthly or yearly subscription, stop what you’re doing and run in the other direction. You shouldn’t be paying extra to use your luggage features after you’ve bought the hardware. Also, apps are subject to change, and fees are subject to increase over time.
Luggage features you actually do need in 2026
GPS tracking
Whether you use an AirTag or have a smart ID, like the Travel Sentry TSID Luggage Tag, it’s never a bad idea to be able to track your luggage. It doesn’t require much effort to get your AirTag or smart ID set up and could save you from a lost luggage scenario. Best of all, GPS tracking devices can be used outside travel, making them worth the investment.
Expandable zippers
Who knew a zipper could be such an important piece of technology? This humble but mighty luggage feature lets you overpack your suitcase on the way back from a successful souvenir-hunting vacation. Even if you’re not a chronic over-packer, you never know when you’ll need expandable zippers. If you travel often during winter, you know how helpful they are for packing in those heftier layers.
Four-wheel spinners
Does adding two extra wheels to a large piece of luggage actually make a difference? And aren’t they more prone to breaking? So long as you invest in luggage that has high-quality, 360-degree spinning wheels, you’ll have added mobility at the airport when lugging around multiple suitcases. They’re also great when you’re setting a handbag or personal item on top, as this adds a lot more weight for you to manage with a single hand.
