Not a new debate but one in which I suspect FTers would fall on the side of yes.

https://thepointsguy.com/news/is-exp...gage-worth-it/

My take is, never worth it for large suitcases that you have to check in because they get beat up very quick. Baggage handlers will just lay them on their front on filthy conveyor belts.

For cabin luggage, maybe they don't get beat up as much but I would think weight and functionality would rule here since you're typically taking electronics. So for instance an outer laptop compartment that you can lock away as well as a larger main compartment?

And maybe rigid enough, which means it will be heavier, to protect contents from people wedging their belongings vs. your luggage. I once lost a lens because someone crushed it and the bag that it was in had padding but not a rigid frame preventing it from being pushed in.