Polycarbonate luggage is any piece of luggage made from a type of thermoplastic known as polycarbonate; this material creates a hard shell around the contents of the luggage, protecting it from impacts. Many travelers prefer polycarbonate luggage because it is durable and strong, as well as being lightweight. Others avoid this type of luggage because the polycarbonate shell is inflexible and will not allow a traveler to stow extra belongings inside the luggage; the inflexibility can also prevent a person from squeezing the luggage into an overhead bin on an airplane.

People who often travel with electronics or other fragile items may want to consider polycarbonate luggage for its strength and durability. The hard plastic shell will keep the luggage from compressing, thereby risking damage to the fragile items inside. It is important to remember, however, that unlike luggage made from fabric, the polycarbonate luggage will not flex to allow that last pair of pants or that souvenir from your trip to fit inside the already-full bag. The bag will also not bend inward, which is both an advantage and disadvantage: it will protect items inside, but it will not squeeze into tighter spaces like the overhead bin on a plane.

The polycarbonate luggage is also susceptible to scratching and, in some cases, cracking. Scratches will not usually affect the structural integrity of the luggage, but it will affect the aesthetic of the luggage, especially after a multitude of scratches have penetrated the polycarbonate after many trips through the airline's baggage system. If aesthetics are not important to the buyer, this is not an especially important disadvantage. The polycarbonate can crack if impacted with a large enough force, though this is generally unlikely during train or airplane travel. The luggage is usually quite durable and resistant to shattering.

The weight of polycarbonate luggage is usually heavier than fabric luggage, though not by much. Any weight difference may be worth the extra effort to carry, especially if the polycarbonate luggage features locks, waterproof seams, heavy duty wheels and handles, or other features that can make the luggage more functional. The price difference between polycarbonate luggage and fabric luggage can vary, though a buyer will be likely to pay more for luggage made from polycarbonate. The material is usually more durable and long-lasting than fabrics, however, so the buyer may end up saving on replacement costs down the road.