The More Damaged, The Better: How Scuffed Metal is Becoming Travel's New Status Symbol

At major airports worldwide, a curious trend is turning heads - beaten-up metal suitcases worth thousands of dollars. The more dented and scratched these aluminum cases get, the happier their wealthy owners seem. It's a puzzling shift in luxury travel, where damage isn't just accepted - it's celebrated.

Market research firm Technavio reports that the aluminum suitcase market will expand by $310.1 million between 2023 and 2028. This growth stems from travelers wanting strong, light bags and the rising number of people joining airline loyalty programs.

"The more banged up your aluminum suitcase gets, the better," says Brian Park, a comedian who recently posted a viral video poking fun at owners of these metal cases. His parody depicts a typical owner as someone who knows trendy neighborhoods in Mexico City and often reflects on their blessed life of travel.

The trend marks a stark change from the early 2000s when celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian filled airport terminals with Louis Vuitton bags covered in bold logos. Today's luxury travelers prefer the understated look of plain metal, fitting into a broader movement toward what fashion observers call "quiet luxury."

German luggage maker Rimowa leads this trend with its cabin model, priced at $1,430. The company's history with metal cases goes back to 1950, when it made its first aluminum suitcase, taking design hints from the world's first all-metal airplanes.

Celebrity sightings have helped boost the trend. Actors Zendaya, Chris Pine, and business mogul Martha Stewart have been spotted wheeling these metallic cases through airports. But it's not just celebrities – social media platforms have amplified the appeal.

One TikTok user captured the essence of this trend, filming luggage on an airport conveyor belt with the caption: "I love watching Rimowa suitcases get obliterated just like everyone else's peasant suitcases." The video's comments reveal a unique perspective among owners – they see dents and scratches as proof of their travel experience rather than damage.

This attitude toward wear and tear sets aluminum cases apart from traditional luggage. A top comment on the TikTok video reads: "Rimowa owners love the dings. It's only commoners who care about the condition of their suitcases."

Other companies have noticed this trend. Away, a newer luggage brand launched its aluminum line in 2018. Their aluminum carry-on sells for $625, more than twice the price of their standard $275 hard-shell bag. "We like to think of the marks as souvenirs from your travels—they show the world where you've been," Away stated in a tweet.

MVST Select, an emerging brand, has gained attention on social media for offering aluminum cases for under $400. Reality TV personality Bethenny Frankel has mentioned preferring these more affordable options to the premium-priced Rimowa cases.

Some owners take personalization further by covering their metal cases with stickers, adding a personal touch to the industrial look. Rimowa has capitalized on this trend by selling luggage stickers for $10 each.

The rising popularity of these cases reflects changes in how people display wealth and status. Instead of flashy logos and patterns that dominated early 2000s travel fashion, many travelers now value durability and subtle sophistication. The aluminum suitcase, with its simple design and focus on function, represents this shift from loud displays of luxury to more understated elegance.

Also Read: What to do if your luggage is lost, delayed, stolen or damaged