You should choose soft-sided luggage as your checked baggage because it is more versatile (has exterior pockets) and it will most likely last longer.

Industry-testing has found that soft-sided luggage is more durable than hard-sided luggage, which tend to crack under pressure and jerks. On the other hand, soft-sided luggage is more flexible, so these bags tend to bend, not break, and scratch instead of crack. 

On the minus side (somewhat), soft-sided luggage is often made from either polyester (inexpensive, lightweight, and resistant to abrasions) or nylon. Polyster material ages faster than nylon and doesn’t resist tearing or cuts as well. 

The best checked bag for most travelers: Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 29-Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter (feels and looks like a bag, made of sleek looking, durable hard-wearing ballistic nylon)

The best affordable checked bag for most travelers: Delsey Helium Aero 29-Inch (made ofdurable 100 percent polycarbonate, great pricing)

The best upgrade in checked luggage:  Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Expandable Spinner (comes with a unique compression system that lets you fit an additional week’s worth of clothing)