Best Luggage 2024, Tested By Our Editors

No matter the trip, the best luggage should check three boxes: durability, functionality and style. With that in mind, we researched the highest rated suitcases out there and asked Forbes Vetted&#;s team of seasoned frequent flyers to test 14 top contenders over a period of six months, selecting the ten best. After numerous domestic and international trips, our testers determined that the Away The Bigger Carry-On is the best luggage overall, while the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner scored high marks as the best affordable option.

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We asked Forbes Vetted&#;s team of seasoned frequent flyers to test 14 top rated suitcases over a ... [+] period of six months, selecting the ten best.

Our testers also selected other top-notch options for specific travel needs, whether you want a compact carry-on for short getaways or a larger checked bag for longer excursions. For this story, both hardside suitcases and flexible softside options were tested, all from established luggage brands with stellar reputations, like Briggs & Riley, Travelpro, Monos and more. Below, the best luggage to travel with in .

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The Best Prime Day Luggage Deals: Last Call To Grab These Discounts

Best Luggage Overall

Away: A Well-Priced, Reliable Favorite

Away

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 7.4 pounds | Colors: 14 total, including Coast Blue and Clay Pink | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Long-lasting hardside luggage at an affordable price
• Lightweight design
• Mid-length trips (about 6 to 8 days)

Skip if:

• You like to stand out&#;this popular suitcase is carried by many travelers (in which case, you might opt for a bright color or use a luggage tag)

Away&#;s polycarbonate shell suitcases are lightweight, highly functional and relatively well-priced. Named Forbes Vetted&#;s top pick for Best Carry-On Luggage, the brand&#;s Bigger Carry-On can easily be tucked in an overhead bin while offering a bit more extra packing space than the Away The Carry-On. It also has quiet, easy-to-use wheels, an underside grab handle and a laundry bag for storing dirty clothes while on the road. Not to mention, Away&#;s signature compression system&#;complete with adjustable straps&#;allows you to pack an impressive amount inside. As for color variety, there&#;s something for everyone, from muted Cloud Gray to vibrant Sorbet Orange.

This is a true utility suitcase that I have personally used on over a dozen trips to Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. It&#;s sturdy enough to get tossed around, has a comfortable grip handle and can be stuffed it to the absolute brim without the zippers breaking. If you need a little more room, look into the Carry-On Flex, which unzips to create an extra 2.25 inches of space. Away also provides personalized monogramming, which is handy for identifying your luggage on the carousel.

Best Softside Luggage

Briggs & Riley: Top-Quality With A Lifetime Warranty

Briggs & Riley

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Navy | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• High-mileage travelers who prefer flexible softside luggage over hardside
• Generous warranty that covers any damage
• Mid-length trips (about 5 to 7 days)

Skip if:

• You&#;re on a budget&#;this is one of the pricier suitcases out there

Another of Forbes Vetted&#;s top selections for carry-on luggage, Briggs & Riley is known for its durability, reliability and accommodating lifetime warranty. For those who prefer the flexibility of softside luggage, the Baseline Essential Carry-On has a lot to offer. It&#;s made of a ballistic nylon fabric that resists wear and tear and comes available in four rich shades that maintain their looks over time.

This pick is definitely an investment, but its compressive technology, built-in garment folder and shock-absorbent wheels warrant the luxury price tag. Plus, Briggs & Riley&#;s lifetime warranty is one of the best on the market, covering repairs for any sort of damage free of charge for as long as you own the bag.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted branded content editor Luke Fater tested the brand&#;s Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On and considers it &#;the suitcase of my dreams.&#; After traveling with it on a plane, train and bus, &#;the spinner rolled like butter,&#; says Fater. &#;It has no signs of fraying in the stitching or zippers, either.&#;

Best Affordable Luggage

Samsonite: Excellent Basic For Less Than $200

Amazon

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On

Dimensions: 23 × 15 × 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Colors: 14 total, including Amethyst Purple and Light Grey | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited 10-year global warranty

Best for:

• Casual travelers who want a basic carry-on at an affordable price
• Modern design in fun colors
• Short-to-moderate length trips (about 3 to 4 days)

Skip if:

• You travel a lot; the polypropylene shell isn&#;t as impact-resistant as polycarbonate

If you want an affordable suitcase that gets the job done well, Samsonite&#;s Freeform Carry-On is a solid choice. The brand has been producing high-quality suitcases since , and its spinner is compact but expandable by 1 inch when you need more packing room. While this option might not have the sleek, trendy look of a Monos or Away suitcase, its functionality more than makes up for it.

One thing to keep in mind: While this suitcase&#;s polypropylene shell is lightweight and wallet-friendly, it&#;s not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate or aluminum. If you need other sizes, our guide to the Best Samsonite Luggage includes larger checked bags, as well as weekender bags.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone has traveled with the Freeform Carry-On on countless trips and highly recommends it. &#;I took this suitcase with me on short weekend trips as well as longer flights,&#; says Cuzzone. &#;As an overpacker, I found the expandable panel very convenient for squeezing in extra clothes.&#;

Best Hardside Luggage

Monos: Thoughtfully Designed And Built To Last

Monos

Monos Carry-On Pro

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Colors: 11 total, including Desert Taupe and Ocean Blue | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 100-day return policy and limited lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Durable design and laptop pocket
• Stylish aesthetic and smooth wheels
• Shorter length trips (about 3 to 4 days)

Skip if:

• You need ample packing space for extended trips

Thanks to its heft, unbreakable polycarbonate shell and versatile design, Monos&#; Carry-On Pro was named the best hardside option on this list. It features TSA-approved locks, quiet wheels, vegan leather accents and a built-in front compartment for easy access to your essentials. The suitcase easily fits into the overhead bin, and this particular model features a front pocket that can hold a 15-inch laptop. Those who like to express their personality through their suitcase selection are in luck&#;the Carry-On Pro comes in 11 pleasing shades, including Rose Quartz and Olive Green.

Keep in mind that the telescoping handles can get stuck at certain heights if the suitcase is packed too tightly, so this may not be the best option for overpackers. For longer trips, the Check-In Medium offers more space without feeling too bulky.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales thoroughly tested this pick on recent trips and highly recommends it. &#;The spinning wheels are smooth, both when I&#;m rolling it upright or wheeling it via the handle,&#; she says. &#;I also like that it has the tiniest bit of heft to it&#;it feels sturdier than other suitcases I&#;ve used.&#;

Best Carry-On Luggage

Carl Friedrik: Compact And Well Designed

Carl Friedrik

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

Dimensions: 21.6 × 14.5 × 9 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Navy/Hackett | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Sophisticated style and design, minus the Rimowa price tag
• Travelers who like the ease of not having to check bags but want enough space for the essentials
• Mid-length trips (about 5 to 7 days)

Skip if:

• You prefer a traditional zip-around suitcase; this pick opens and shuts with two locks

For those who travel frequently and want to skip the checked baggage area, Carl Friedrik&#;s carry-on has quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to its sleek aesthetic and Italian leather trimmings (several of the brand&#;s bags have been featured on Succession). This pick has 360-degree silent spinner wheels, two zippered interior pockets and is sized to fit in the overhead bin of domestic and European cabins. Inside, there&#;s a set of compression straps and a pad for maximizing packing space. One side of the bag&#;s interior only has a compression strap in place of a zippered pocket, so this is a great suitcase for packing cubes.

I traveled with this suitcase on a recent trip to Mexico City and highly recommend it for both its style and build. Its ribbed texture makes any scuffing hard to spot, and the suitcase&#;s locking system&#;which secures shut with dual TSA-approved locks located on the body&#;s side&#;is incredibly easy to use. It also easily fit into the overhead bin of my flights. However, some travelers may prefer a zippered design, especially those who frequently open their suitcases pre-flight.

Best Checked Luggage

Calpak: Large And Spacious At An Affordable Price

Calpak

Calpak Ambeur Large

Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 12 inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds | Colors: 5 total, including Silver and Rose Gold | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

Best for:

• Ample packing space and non-bulky design that doesn&#;t cost a fortune
• Traveling with liquids (such as larger sizes of skincare) or items that require checking
• Lengthier trips (more than 7 days)

&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;&#;Skip if:

• You need exterior pockets on your suitcase

Clocking in at under $300, the Ambeur Large is a relatively affordable suitcase with high-quality features: It expands up to 2 inches for extra packing room, for example, and has easy-to-maneuver dual spinner wheels. There are also four zippered interior compartments (although no exterior pockets), plus a cross compression strap to make sure belongings remain in place, even when transported over bumpy cobblestone streets.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers has traveled extensively with the Calpak Ambeur Large and counts it among her favorite checked bags. &#;It&#;s super lightweight and so roomy, and as a chronic over-packer, I never have an issue fitting everything I need,&#; she says. Despite its spacious size&#;it has a packing capacity of 77 liters&#;Boyers hasn&#;t found it heavy or bulky. &#;It has a compact design and wheels effortlessly, so I never feel like I&#;m lugging an enormous bag through the airport.&#;

Best Luxury Luggage

Rimowa: Timeless Classic You Can't Go Wrong With

Rimowa

Rimowa Original Cabin Plus

Dimensions: 22.1 × 17.8 × 9.9 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Silver | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Sleek aluminum suitcase that&#;s stylish and built to last
• Easy-to-maneuver, lightweight luggage
• Mid-length to longer trips (about 5 to 7 days or more)

Skip if:

• You&#;re on a budget&#;Rimowa luggage is pricey
• You&#;re not careful since aluminum is prone to denting

German luggage brand Rimowa is a calling card in the world of luxury luggage. Durable and lightweight, its bags are known globally for their craftsmanship and innovation, and its classic Original Cabin is stylishly recognizable in any airport. It has a high-end anodized aluminum exterior and a lifetime guarantee that covers any damage, meaning this is a suitcase you&#;ll keep for life. An impressive interior compression system allows you to pack in at least a week&#;s worth of clothing, making this suitcase ideal for longer trips. Keep in mind that the shell is closed with two TSA-approved combination locks rather than a zipper.

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Those looking for something lighter (and easier on the wallet) should check out the Essential Lite Cabin, which features a polycarbonate shell and T-bar telescopic handle and claimed the top spot on our list of the Best Lightweight Luggage.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted executive director of business development and partnerships, Alexis Caldwell, has used the Rimowa Original Cabin Plus on both short and long trips, and particularly appreciates its built-in compression. &#;I can squeeze so much into it that I&#;ve never needed a larger suitcase, even on multiple three-week trips to various destinations,&#; she says.

Best Luggage For International Travel

Travelpro: Sized For International Airline Cabins

Travelpro

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On

Dimensions: 23.5 × 14.5 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Shadow Black and Bordeaux | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty; covers cost of repair for damage by an airline if registered within first 120 days of purchase

Best for:

• Those who travel abroad but don&#;t want to check their bags
• Sturdiness and a compact design
• Mid-length trips (about 5 to 7 days)

Skip if:

• You prefer a modern aesthetic&#;this pick has a more traditional look

Named Forbes Vetted&#;s top overall selection for the Best Luggage For International Travel, Travelpro&#;s Platinum Elite carry-on spinner is the perfect size for international airline cabins, meaning you&#;ll never need to worry about your bag being snagged for a gate check. The softside suitcase is smartly outfitted with compression straps, a USB port, accessory pockets and a water-resistant toiletry bag. It also has eight self-aligning spinner wheels and a contoured-grip rubber handle with four adjustable heights.

What our editors say: Forbes Vetted&#;s editorial director, Brinda Ayer, tested this bag and praised its functionality. &#;It&#;s very simple to maneuver around, even on concrete,&#; she says. &#;For a softside bag, it&#;s pretty sturdy. I haven&#;t had any tearing or scuffing yet, even after a few trips, and the handle has a comfortable grip.&#; Ayer does note that its style may not be appeal to those who want a high-design Monos or Away. &#;It&#;s not super sleek or minimalist like other trendy luggage brands out there,&#; she says, but for an excellent, all-around basic, it scores high marks. If you prefer extra durability, this suitcase also comes in a hardside version.

Best Stylish Luggage

Paravel: Accessible Luxury And Eco-Friendly

Paravel

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Colors: 5 total, including Safari Green and Scuba Navy | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

Best for:

• Stylish, durable luggage made from sustainable materials
• Smooth wheels and a comfortable handle grip
• Mid-length trips (about 5 to 7 days)

Skip if:

• You need a lot of built-in interior pockets

Paravel has quickly risen in popularity due to its timeless aesthetics and commitment to creating the first truly carbon-neutral suitcases. The brand recycles post-consumer plastic bottles and aluminum to produce proprietary materials, like Negative Nylon, which has garnered Paravel a loyal following among eco-conscious travelers. The brand&#;s Aviator Carry-On Plus offers smooth wheels, a comfortable handle grip and comes with a compression board and a laundry bag for dirty clothing.

After taking this suitcase with me on two trips to Colorado and Montana, I found it to be one of the best-looking bags I&#;ve traveled with. While some of these design-forward bags can feel pretty flimsy, this one is very sturdy. The wheels are extremely smooth and never get snagged in airport carpets, and the faux leather wrap around the handle is super comfortable. The suitcase&#;s textured finish lends it a sophisticated look, but it also works to conceal inevitable scuffs and markings. For longer trips, the Aviator comes in a larger, checked size.

Best Luggage Set

July: Great For Families And Frequent Travelers

July

July Classic Family Luggage Set

Dimensions: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches (Carry-On), 26 x 18.75 x 11 inches (Checked), 30.25 x 19.75 x 12.5 inches (Checked Plus) | Colors: 7 total, including Sand and Moss Green | Weight: 7.4 pounds (Carry-On), 8.3 pounds (Checked), 10.5 pounds (Checked Plus) | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Families and those who travel frequently
• Lightweight pieces you can easily transport
• Multiple trips with a variety of different lengths

Skip if:

• You prefer heftier luggage for rugged travel

Luggage sets are smart choices for families or those who hit the road a lot, since you&#;ll spend less up front than buying each piece separately. Australian brand July&#;s Classic Family Set won as the top overall pick in our Best Luggage Sets round-up and includes the Carry-On, Checked and Checked Plus suitcases. The variety of sizes can accommodate everything from weekend getaways to medium-length vacations to serious long-haul travel. The entire set is outfitted with smooth-rolling wheels, retractable handles, laundry bags and TSA locks.

I traveled with July&#;s Carry-On suitcase on trips to San Antonio and North Carolina and found it to be slim, lightweight and easy to maneuver. The set is available in several unique hues, including Clay and Forest. Another bonus: These suitcases are designed to nest inside one another, so you only need enough storage space to stash one piece of luggage, not three.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted travel team has written and published dozens of luggage stories, based on rigorous research and firsthand testing.

• We have extensive experience covering not only the best suitcases, but the best weekender bags, travel totes, carry-on backpacks and more travel must-haves.
• This story was written by Forbes Vetted&#;s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, a 7-year industry veteran who&#;s visited over 35 countries and traveled with all types of suitcases&#;including many on this list&#;on planes, trains, buses and boats.

Our senior travel editor rolled the Away Bigger Carry-On with ease through the St. Moritz railway ... [+] station in Switzerland.

• All of the picks on this list have been tested by Forbes Vetted editors and staffers, including senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone, editorial director Brinda Ayer, executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers and more.
• This story is regularly checked to ensure that all prices and information are as current as possible. During its most recent July update, Taran re-evaluated all selections and highlighted our editors&#; feedback for each suitcase on our list.

How We Chose The Best Luggage

We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best luggage.

• For this story, we asked Forbes Vetted editors and staffers to test 14 different suitcases, then give us their opinions on the pieces of luggage they felt truly stood apart from the pack.
• We took into consideration the factors that separate one piece of luggage from the rest. This includes not only common variables such as size, weight, build quality and features, but also how you intend to use the luggage, what kind of trip you have booked and what you&#;ll be carrying.

The Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus traveled stylishly and smoothly through the Denver airport.

• We&#;ve taken the time to compare luggage options, examining their features to determine which pieces are well-suited for travel and which ones you can do without.

What to Consider When Buying Luggage

The best luggage for you depends on the type of trip you&#;re packing for and how long that trip will be. Here are some things to consider when you&#;re researching.

Size

The size of the luggage you buy will vary with the type of trip you take. For trips one week or shorter, we recommend a carry-on suitcase, but if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, a larger checked suitcase is a great investment. The size of your suitcase will need to comply with airline rules, so make sure to check the guidelines of whichever airline you usually fly. If it varies, it may be smarter to go with a smaller option that&#;s likely to work across the board. Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international flights, so make sure to research them before you purchase.

Extra Features

Many suitcases are designed with added features that make traveling more convenient. For extra security, look for a carry-on with a built-in TSA-approved lock. These are usually combination locks that TSA agents can open with a master key so they don&#;t have to damage your luggage if it must be inspected. If you have the tendency to overpack, find a piece with an expandable zippered panel for extra room&#;these suitcases can also be helpful if you plan on bringing souvenirs home.

Color

A bright color will make your bag stand out at the airport carousel, but keep in mind that lighter shades can be more likely to show scuffs and spots. If black feels too generic, opt for another dark shade&#;the Away The Bigger Carry-On comes in several deep hues. If you prefer more neutral colors, investing in a colorful luggage tag can provide the best of both worlds.

Our executive strategy editor filled the Calpak Ambeur Large to the brim and still found it easy to ... [+] transport.

Which Suitcase Brand Is Best?

The luggage landscape has drastically evolved in recent years. As a result, we find ourselves with more brands to choose from than ever before, which makes it all the more difficult when the time comes to invest in new luggage. There are also a variety of great suitcases that work for different budgets. Our best overall pick is the Monos Carry-On Pro, but for travelers on a budget, we recommend Samsonite and Travelpro, which are trusted brands favored by pilots and flight attendants.

What Type Of Luggage Is Most Durable?

All of our luggage selections are designed to withstand rough handling through security, boarding and baggage claim, but one stands out in terms of durability&#;the Rimowa Original Cabin Plus. Its hard-wearing aluminum shell is weather-resistant and built to last; the brand&#;s lifetime guarantee covers any damage. While this pick is on the expensive side, it&#;s a worthy investment piece for frequent travelers who want something that will stand the test of time.

What&#;s Better: Softside Or Hardside Luggage?

While luggage carousels around the world are still overflowing with softside luggage, hardside luggage has quickly been gaining popularity. When deciding which type of bag you need, consider what you&#;re carrying and where you&#;re going. Soft-sided bags are great because they flex and compress, making them a suitable option for the overhead bin or the storage space on a bus, though the material wears over time and might rip. Hardside luggage, on the other hand, protects fragile contents that could break or become damaged in transit, but the material could scratch or scuff easily. What&#;s right for you is simply a matter of personal preference.

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Carry-On Luggage
Carry-on bags are convenient for air travel because they typically don&#;t have to be checked when you fly. This type of luggage must fit either under a seat or in the overhead compartment. For domestic flights on major carriers, the standard size for carry-on bags is 22x14x9 inches (height x width x depth). Depending on the airline, there may be an inch or so leeway in those dimensions. For international flights (originating or ending outside the U.S.), the size limit is generally smaller than for domestic flights.

Measure the height of your luggage from the floor to the top of the handle in its lowered position. (If your luggage has wheels, they count toward the overall height.) Depth is measured from front to back (including the handle in the back), and width from side to side.

If you fly on different carriers, you&#;ll have to decide whether you want to buy several carry-on bags to conform to the various size restrictions or use one carry-on that meets the most restrictive rules. But even rule-abiding luggage isn&#;t a guarantee that your bags won&#;t be relegated to the plane&#;s cargo hold, because the flight crew can impose further restrictions, even after boarding has begun.

Keep in mind that if you carry spare lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries or power banks and chargers for your electronic devices, federal airline safety rules require you to keep them in your carry-on. Just be sure to place them in their original packaging, or cover their contacts with nonmetallic tape, to prevent short circuits. Check the Federal Aviation Administration&#;s rules for more info.

CR&#;s rigorous tests of popular hard-shell carry-on luggage reveal that a high-priced suitcase might not always be the best choice.

Personal Item Bag

A personal item bag has to fit underneath the seat in front of you on a plane. This category includes briefcases, tote bags, camera bags, laptop bags, and small backpacks. But you can get the most out of your allowed personal item if you buy a bag specifically designed for this purpose.

Often these bags contain compartments for your passport, , pen, and wallet, as well as a padded section for a laptop and a main section for clothes and overnight essentials. Many of these underseat bags can serve you well for a one- to two-day trip. There is no standard size for these bags. For U.S. domestic flights, the typical measurement is 18x14x8 inches; some airlines don&#;t specify dimensions but say the bag must fit under your seat. Small weekender bags fit the bill here, as do some travel backpacks.

Whether a personal item fits under the seat can vary even within the same aircraft. Aisle seats are notorious for having the least room underneath. Before you shop, review the under-the-seat specifications for various airlines. You can also check the aircraft&#;s guidelines for onboard pet carriers&#;a reasonable proxy for underseat clearance.

Checked Luggage
Any suitcase larger than carry-on size must be checked. The most common size options are 24 to 30 inches in height. You can find suitcases as tall as 36 inches, but check with your carrier for size limits. There&#;s usually a weight limit, with extra fees applied for excess weight per bag.

Checked-bag fees are common on major airlines&#; domestic flights. They can run $30 for one bag, $40 for a second, and $150 for a third. (United Airlines, for example, charges $35 and $45 for the first and second bag, respectively, but shaves off $5 per bag if the fees are prepaid.) Budget airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit also charge for carry-ons, with prices ranging from $25 to $100. You may be charged more if you wait to pay at the airport. Southwest is unique in allowing two free checked bags.

What you pay in checked-bag fees also may depend on your class of service. American Airlines, for instance, charges $75 for each bag checked by passengers using Basic Economy fares on many international flights. But it charges nothing for passengers flying the next class up, Main Cabin.

Aside from paying a higher fare, you may be able to avoid bag fees by purchasing your ticket with the airline&#;s branded credit card. Or if you often fly on one airline, see whether it offers an annual subscription plan for checked bags.

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