Top Open Luggage vs. Traditional Suitcases: What’s the Difference?

Imagine this: You finally arrive at your hotel after a long flight. You’re tired. All you want to do is get your toothbrush and a new t-shirt without having to go through all of your belongings. However, since your suitcase is clamshell, it requires room to open completely. And guess what? The only floor space left is taken by the tiny coffee table.

If that scene sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

This is exactly why top open luggage, also known as lid opening luggage, is becoming a total game-changer for travellers. What distinguishes it from conventional suitcases, though? Is there more to it than just a cool design?

Let’s break it down.

First, What Is Top Open Luggage?

Top open luggage means just that: an opening from the top, similar to a toolbox or storage bin. Rather than putting the suitcase flat like a book, you would lift the lid and put your things in or take them out from the top.

Although it may appear to be a tiny tweak, it can have a huge impact on your journey.

At LEVEL8, we design top open luggage for real-world travellers, people who are constantly on the go, value efficiency, and want their suitcase to work with them, not against them. Our Road Runner Carry-On is one of our standout examples. It's sleek, modern, and designed with a smart top lid that makes access effortless, even in tight spaces.

Traditional Suitcases: Classic for a Reason

Of course, traditional suitcases have their own charm. These are the clamshell-style bags that unzip down the middle and open into two equal halves.

They’ve been around forever, and for good reason:

• They're great for long trips
  
  

• You can lay out your belongings flat
  
  

• They’re often easier to organize if you like to “divide and conquer” your packing
  
  

At LEVEL8, we also offer top-notch traditional suitcases like the Luminous Textured and Voyageur Collection, which are perfect for travellers who prefer this classic style, but with modern features and exceptional build quality.

So, Which One’s Better?

Let’s put them head-to-head and compare:

Why Travellers Are Falling in Love With Lid-Opening Luggage

There’s a reason more people are searching for luggage with a lid opening these days; it’s just more practical for the way we travel today.

Here are a few reasons why top open luggage is quickly becoming a favourite:

1. Easier to Handle in Tight Spaces

Not every Airbnb or hotel room has enough room for you to spread out your entire suitcase. You can get to what you need without having to rearrange the entire room when your luggage is open.

2. Quick Access On-the-Go

At the airport, in a taxi, or rushing for a meeting, pop the lid open and grab your charger, passport, or laptop. No fumbling, no mess!

3. Built for Modern Travel

Modern design, cleverer layouts, and features that genuinely improve your travel experience are what make lid-opening luggage so much more than just convenient. Consider built-in organizers, laptop compartments, and USB ports.

LEVEL8’s Road Runner Carry-on is a perfect example of how top open design meets function. It is very effective for business travelers or digital nomads because of its front compartment, which opens independently.

Traditional Suitcases Still Hold Their Own

Nevertheless, there is still a devoted following for classic suitcases, and with good reason.

They’re perfect for travellers who:

• Like to lay everything out and see both sides of the suitcase at once
  
  

• Are going on longer vacations and want to maximize packing space
  
  

• Prefer a style they’re already familiar with
  
  

Traditional luggage still caters to all modern needs. With hard-shell designs made with ultra-durable materials, TSA locks, silent spinner wheels, and smooth telescopic handles, what else would you ask for from premium luggage?

The Real Question: What Kind of Traveller Are You?

Still unsure which to choose? Let us help you figure it out.

You’ll probably love top open luggage if:

• You travel frequently for business or short trips
  
  

• You pack light and use organizers or packing cubes
  
  

• You need to open your suitcase in small, cramped spaces
  
  

• You want fast access to tech or essentials
  
  

You might prefer traditional suitcases if:

• You’re packing for a long vacation or family trip
  
  

• You like seeing your clothes laid out in full
  
  

• You use both sides of your suitcase to organize items
  
  

• You’re used to clamshell designs and prefer that format
  
  

LEVEL8 Has You Covered Either Way

At LEVEL8, your luggage should match your travel style, not the other way around. That’s why we offer both lid opening luggage and traditional options, so you’re always prepared, whether you're catching a red-eye for a work trip or jetting off for a week in Europe.

And no matter which one you choose, you’re getting:

• Premium materials (such as aerospace-grade aluminum and German Makrolon® polycarbonate)
  
  

• TSA-approved locks and sturdy zippers
  
  

• Whisper-quiet spinner wheels for smooth rolling
  
  

• Thoughtful interior designs with space-saving compartments
  
  

We create luggage that lasts and works with you, not against you.

Anniversary Spotlight: Adventure Carry-On 20: Made for Movers, Not Tourists

During our Anniversary Sale, the Adventure Carry-On 20 is now 20% off, and it's the perfect time to grab this top-opening game-changer. Built for travellers who move fast and pack smart, its lid-style design makes it easy to access your essentials, even in tight hotel rooms or busy terminals.

Why travellers love it:

• Top lid access for easy packing in tight spaces
  
  

• Durable Makrolon® shell resists scuffs and impact
  
  

• TSA-approved lock for stress-free security checks
  
  

• 360° spinner wheels for smooth, silent gliding
  
  

• Water-resistant exterior handles any forecast
  
  

• 36L capacity with compression straps to maximize space
  
  

• Lightweight (7.7 lbs), so you move faster, pack smarter
  
  

For short trips, weekend escapes, or just staying light on your feet, the Adventure Carry-On is the perfect mix of form and function, tough, stylish, and built for real-world travel.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

It is not about right or wrong with top-open luggage versus traditional luggage for selection. It just depends on what suits you best.

If you travel a lot and speed is your priority, or if you don't like dealing with tiny hotel rooms, "lid opening luggage" could be your favourite travel mate.

A traditional suitcase is a better option if you prefer to divide and arrange your belongings across two sections, and you typically have room to open your suitcase fully.

Whichever way you go, LEVEL8 has built premium, performance-ready luggage that’s designed to move with you, across cities, countries, and continents.

Ready to upgrade your travel game?

Check out our full collection of top open and traditional suitcases at LEVEL8. Whether you’re team clamshell or team top-lid, we’ve got your back, and your baggage.