Spotted at the Airport: The 5 Coolest Luggage Trends of 2026
According to Jacob Elordi, Gigi Hadid, and the best dressed frequent flyers.
If looking chic at the airport were an Olympic sport, I'd give a gold medal to the number of celebrities who always turn the arrivals terminal into their personal runway. Margot Robbie, Hailey Bieber, Jacob Elordi—these are a few of the stars whose outfits have been making a bigger mark on cool travel style than anyone else's this year, but it's not just only their clothes doing the talking—it's their luggage, too. Whether it's Jacob Elordi's covetable Bottega Veneta handbags or Gigi Hadid's endlessly reworn Rimowa carry-on, the bags and trolleys stars are toting through security have become just as noteworthy as what they're wearing with them.
Between events like Cannes Film Festival, the Met Gala, and all the fashion weeks, celebs have been delivering some of the most covetable luggage moments all year, and now it's time to analyze the biggest luggage trends that are coming out on top in 2026. Function may come first when it comes to travel accessories, but the best dressed travelers are also proving that the right bag or a fresh color option can take an airport look from average to advanced. Ahead, discover and shop the key luggage trends defining the most stylish airport looks of 2026.
1. Glossy Finishes
It might be a tad ironic to call a suitcase a "trend" since it's one of those investment purchases you hope you won't have to rebuy, but if you do find yourself in the market for a new rollerboard, let me turn your attention to the standout detail I've noticed the most stylish travelers carrying: glossy finishes. There's something undeniably polished and cool about gliding toward the check-in counter with one of these in tow.
2. Bright Hues
As someone who used to travel exclusively with a black or white suitcase, I can finally see the appeal of a bright color. I've used a Tumi carry-on in the prettiest shade of sage green for the past few trips, and not only does it make the whole travel experience more fun, but it's 100% easier to spot my bag coming out of the carousel against a sea of black luggage. Everywhere I look, bright colors are making a comeback in travel style from Gigi Hadid's favorite orange Rimowa or the cherry-red cases I keep spotting It girls rolling through JFK.
3. House Codes
One thing about Jacob Elordi, he's going to be carrying an enviable Bottega Veneta bag to the airport. The actor's personal collection includes several oversize totes and duffles like the large Andiamo that are finished with the brand's signature Intrecciato leather. Fashion insiders are similarly opting for handbags and luggage items that lean into designer house codes, whether it's Bottega's woven texture, Chanel's quilted leather, or Gucci's sporty stripe motif.
4. The XL Duffel
I'm not sure why we ever stopped using weekender bags, but I'm so glad to see them making a comeback. Lately, the style set has been re-prioritizing the duffel bag as part of their travel kits, and the style makes so much sense if you think about it: It's the ideal size for a quick weekend trip, but it's also great as a carry-on item to store an extra outfit in case your checked bag doesn't make it or even carry any new purchases you made while away. It also reminds me of the iconic airport outfits of the '90s—supermodels and celebs almost always had an LV Keepall or similar leather duffel in tow.
5. Personalized Monogramming
Frequent flyers know that it's all about those small personal touches that elevate the whole experience. Monogrammed luggage tags, personalized passport holders, embroidered pouches, and cheeky charms are all surging in popularity right now. Plus they make some of the best (and most useful) gifts.
