best carry on luggage for business travel 2023

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The best carry-on luggage of 2024.

Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Things aren't always as they seem – especially when it comes to luggage. In our quest to find the best carry-on bags, we discovered that while some suitcases look good, they don't always hold up to the demands of travel. Some designs have attractive features that add bulk but not additional functionality, while others just don't live up to the hype.

To determine the best carry-on luggage, we tested dozens of bags on countless trips to find the ideal bag for every travel need. Read on to find the best option in a variety of categories, tested and reviewed by our team of experts.

Best Overall: ROAM Carry-On Front Pocket

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓
• Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Hardside Spinner

Best Hard-sided: Away The Carry-On

Best soft-sided: samsonite solyte dlx carry-on spinner, best lightweight: july carry on light, best for international travel: delsey paris helium aero international carry-on - expandable spinner, best affordable: amazon basics 20-inch hardside spinner.

• Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner
• Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Best for Business Travel: Amazon Basics Expandable Softside Carry-On Spinner – 20.4 Inch

Best luxury: carl friedrik the carry-on pro.

• Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder–22"

Best Carry-on Backpack: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time this article was published; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors. Original photos were taken by our editors during luggage testing.)

Price: $625 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14.25 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds Packing capacity: 4-7 days; 37 liters | Color options: Custom color combinations include red, black, lilac and slate Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime with a 100-day trial

This fully customizable suitcase allows travelers to create a one-of-a-kind carry-on bag. From the front and back of the bag to the handles, zippers and wheels, you choose the color combination you love.

However, it's not all about the aesthetics: This hard-shell suitcase has 360-degree ball bearing wheels that roll easily over multiple surfaces, including brick sidewalks and moving walkways. The telescoping handle is sturdy and adjustable, which makes the bag glide with you, and the front-access pocket has a key fob and room for a laptop, phone, glasses and small travel essentials. There's also a built-in TSA lock. The back of the suitcase has an inset with a monogrammable leather tag to keep your personal information discreet while traveling.

Note: This carry-on is currently on closeout with limited color availability.

What our editors say:

I was extremely impressed from the moment I opened the box. It was nicely packaged in a blue ROAM-branded dust bag and the carry-on is beautifully constructed. It's made of high-quality materials, and I found the compression panels with mesh zippered compartments to be extremely useful for both maximizing space and keeping items in place while traveling. But what really sets this bag apart is how easy it is to maneuver when fully packed for a weeklong trip. It glides effortlessly over all types of terrain, even inlaid brick sidewalks! The customized color scheme (which is really easy to do) takes this carry-on to a new level. Plus, you can create a coordinating tote or backpack to match. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best Overall Runner-up: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Price: $369.99 or less

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 10 days; 45 liters | Color options: White, red, blue, green or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Hardside Spinner is a truly well-rounded carry-on with a plethora of unique features. USB A & C ports on the outside of the bag give easy access to charging. (A power bank is not included, though the bag does have a pocket for one inside the expansion zipper.) Self-aligning magnetic wheels – a reviewer-favorite feature – allow painless travel through the airport as well as on roads, sidewalks, uneven surfaces and more. A built-in TSA zipper lock offers ultimate protection for your possessions.

Even without the features listed above, this Travelpro spinner is, at its core, a high-quality piece. The hard outer shell is ultra-strong and 100% polycarbonate; aluminum corner guards further protect your belongings. The clamshell-style suitcase has two large interior compartments along with three extra pockets, one of which is water-resistant, and the expansion zipper allows for an extra 2 inches of packing room. Plus, this carry-on is made with genuine leather trim, so you can travel in style as well as comfort.

There are some amazing features on this carry-on, but my favorite is the wheels – as someone who typically prefers hands-free travel (primarily backpacks), I found that the way this suitcase easily glides around everywhere absolutely changed my mind about wheeled luggage. Just know that since this is one of the larger bags on this list, I would still check your airline's carry-on size requirements before traveling (though it's been tested for most major domestic airlines, and it fit perfectly on Delta). – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $275 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 39.8 liters | Color options: Black, navy, blue gray or olive, plus 2 glossy options Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Limited

When it comes to hard-sided carry-on luggage , nothing beats The Carry-On by Away. The bag is lightweight yet indestructible thanks to a 100% polycarbonate exterior. Plus, you can easily wipe away most scratches with a magic eraser.

In late 2023, Away launched a new iteration of The Carry-On that somehow made it even more efficient. The most notable new features are an additional underside grab handle, three extra interior compartments, and an enhanced compression system that upholds the bag's ability to accommodate nearly a week's worth of clothing. The bag's 360-degree wheels are also slimmer than those of its predecessor for improved maneuverability. While Away has long been known for its neutral colored matte options, glossy options of this bag are now available.

The Away Carry-On is my ride or die. I've taken it on so many trips over the past five-plus years and it's still in perfect shape. I know I'll have it with me for many years to come. – Amanda Norcross, Content and SEO Strategist

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $199.99 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Black, gray, green, aqua blue or royal blue Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This classic soft-sided option from Samsonite offers everything you need for a smooth trip. There are three spacious pockets and a trolley strap on the outside so you can stack it on top of another rolling suitcase, as well as a USB port for charging your phone (though you'll have to purchase a battery separately).

Inside the suitcase, three more zippered pockets – including one for wet items – help you stay organized, while buckles keep the main compartment's tie-down straps out of your way while packing. This spinner can conveniently expand by 0.75 inches, but keep in mind if you're flying that overpacking may put it over your carry-on size allowance.

I've used other spinner suitcases in the past, but none of them glide as smoothly as this bag, with its 360-degree dual-spinner wheels. I also love the high-quality, lightweight material, but my favorite part is its organizational features – especially the WetPak pocket. I'd highly recommend the Samsonite SoLyte DLX for anyone who needs a trusty soft-sided carry-on for a flight; it definitely fits more than I thought it would. – Catriona Kendall, Associate Editor

Price: $245 or less

Dimensions: 21.25 x 14.17 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.9 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 32 liters | Color options: Beige, light green, dark green, lilac, charcoal or 3 others Hard- or soft-sided: Hard | Warranty: Lifetime with 100-day returns

Weighing just under 4 pounds, this bag is the lightest hard-sided carry-on we found on the market. It's constructed with an extremely durable German polycarbonate shell, and the interior has two mesh zippered compartments to keep your belongings from shifting. The inner nylon lining is also resistant to water and stains. To make the suitcase easy to maneuver, there's a top carry handle, a telescoping handle and dual-spinner wheels.

I was absolutely shocked by how light this suitcase is. While some lightweight designs can be extremely flimsy, this July carry-on is very durable and holds a good amount of clothing. With compression packing cubes I was able to pack enough clothing for a week. It was extremely easy to put in the plane's overhead compartment, and the wheels rolled very smoothly for my entire journey. The only thing I noticed is that since the bag is so lightweight, the trolley bag I had was making it want to topple. Next time, I'd use a smaller tote or a north-south design to avoid that issue. – Rachael Hood

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $179.99 or less

Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.16 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 41 liters | Color options: Black, blue, red or gray Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited

This DELSEY PARIS carry-on is a well-built piece of hard-sided luggage. It meets carry-on suitcase size restrictions for most international airlines and offers an easily accessible front compartment – ideal for a laptop up to 15.6 inches or other items you want to be able to grab quickly. The suitcase has a TSA lock and two spacious internal compartments for clothing, shoes and travel gear. The double-spinner wheels glide smoothly across all types of surfaces, and the handle pulls out and retracts with ease.

I was incredibly impressed by this little workhorse of a carry-on bag. There are so many different pockets and compartments within it for organization, and it fits a surprising amount of clothes, shoes and accessories. The handle and wheels make it easy to maneuver, and the glossy exterior makes it look sleek and chic. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Price: $80 or less

Dimensions: 21.46 x 14.76 x 9.45 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 23 liters | Color options: Black, navy blue, orange or light blue Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

The Amazon Basics 20-inch Hardside Spinner is similar to many other hard-sided luggage products on the market, but it's available at a fraction of the price. The ABS shell is textured, so even if you – or luggage handlers – bang it around a bit, it does not show scuffs or scratches easily. The double-spinner wheels (a must, honestly, in today's luggage landscape) make the bag effortless to maneuver.

Inside, one side of the bag features a compression strap, while the other has a large fabric zippered closure, complete with a few organizer pockets for smaller items. Thanks to its availability on Amazon Prime, the carry-on luggage ships quickly, so it's also a great option if you need new luggage in a crunch.

This carry-on bag is a superb selection for the budget-conscious traveler. I appreciated how much I was able to get into this bag (it doesn't look huge, but it fit quite a lot), and the textured exterior really ups the durability factor. The compression straps and the interior organizer even helped me squeeze in a bit more. – Erin Evans

Best Expandability: Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner

Price: $699 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 (up to 11.5) inches | Weight: 10 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 7 days; 37-48 liters | Color options: Black, navy or olive Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

The Briggs & Riley Essential 22" Carry-on Expandable Spinner has a standout feature that other bags on this list don't: one-touch CX expansion. Exclusive to Briggs & Riley, this technology allows your bag to expand and compress in one swift motion. Simply press and pull up on the red levers found at opposite ends of the bag, and it will grow 2.5 inches. Once you've packed your belongings, push down on the buttons to compress the bag before zipping it up.

This bag also features a garment folder to reduce wrinkles in a suit or dress, as well as cinch-down garment panels to secure the clothing in place. Other convenient features include interior mesh compartments for organization, an exterior pocket for airport essentials (or even your laptop) and a signature PowerPocket where you can charge your smartphone.

While the bag is undoubtedly an investment at $700, its "simple as that" guarantee (free repairs forever, no questions asked) – plus sturdy features like impact-resistant corner guards and self-repairing zippers – means you'll have it for life.

When it comes to quality, this is the best luggage I've ever used – period. The compression/expansion system is just the icing on the cake. – Amanda Norcross

Best Underseater: CALPAK Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On Luggage

Price: $165 or less

Dimensions: 16 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds Packing capacity: 2-4 days; 34 liters | Color options: Chocolate, oatmeal or rose quartz Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 2-year limited

Compact and filled with useful features, this CALPAK underseater has a water-resistant exterior, a TSA-approved lock, and side and top handles for easy lifting into the overhead or pushing under the seat. There's a telescoping handle, a luggage trolley sleeve and two exterior pockets for stowing small items like your passport, boarding pass and earbuds.

On the inside, there's a padded laptop sleeve, multiple interior pockets and compression straps. For added convenience, the main panel can be secured via built-in snaps to get your laptop out while traveling (and keep your other belongings from spilling out), or you can unsnap it while packing to maximize the interior storage space.

When I'm traveling on a quick trip with my laptop, this is my go-to bag. Its compact size glides easily under the seat, and it's also compact and light enough to fit into the overhead bin even on the smallest regional planes. I love the laptop sleeve and the zippered exterior pocket for my book, earbuds and wipes. To maximize the interior space, I use compression cubes from Lug , and I'm able to squeeze in four to five outfits, a pair of shoes and daily necessities. – Rachael Hood

Price: $83 or less

Dimensions: 20.4 x 14.9 x 8.2 inches | Weight: 6.35 pounds Packing capacity: 2-3 days; 26 liters | Color options: Black, olive, gray, red, blue or purple Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 1-year

This simple but sturdy carry-on piece from Amazon is a great option for business travelers, thanks to its front pocket for easy laptop access, smooth double-spinner wheels and TSA lock. This Amazon Basics soft-sided carry-on also features a handle on the bottom between the wheels, which makes it easy to put the bag up into and pull it out of the overhead bin. On some airplanes, it may even be small enough to fit under the seat.

The interior of the bag features one large compartment with two compression straps, plus two zippered pockets on the opposite site. The 20.4-inch option is ideal for shorter trips, but this style is available in larger sizes as well. Another bonus: It's available on Amazon Prime, so it ships quickly.

This Amazon Basics option is on the smaller side for a carry-on, but that's what makes it a solid choice for business travelers going on short trips who only need to pack a few things. The laptop pocket is easily accessible, and the handle on the bottom of the bag is super useful for hauling it out of an overhead bin. The black color is professional, and the price can't be beat. – Erin Evans

Price: $565 or less

Dimensions: 21.7 x 15 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-7 days; 43 liters | Color options: Gray/cognac, gray/chocolate, gray/black or black Hard- or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime with a 100-day trial

Constructed with premium materials, this luxury carry-on has Italian leather accents, Japanese spinner wheels and a polycarbonate exterior with an aluminum metal frame for stability. It closes via two secure latches with combination locks (rather than a zipper). There's a front laptop compartment with a smaller pocket and pen slots to keep business essentials or travel documents easy to access.

The interior has leather details, compression straps and a removable compression pad with a pocket – ideal for small items like ties, fashion jewelry or silk scarves. Travelers can also purchase an additional compression pad to have a pad on each side of the interior compartment.

This suitcase exudes luxury with its Italian leather trim and understated elegance. The design of it looks very sleek, the interior is spacious, the handle is very sturdy and the wheels glide with ease. I especially liked that the top of the suitcase is very flat, which gave my trolley bag a secure base so it wasn't moving around while I was at the airport, and the front compartment was ideal for accessing my laptop on the go. It feels very sturdy, but the only downside is it weighs more than a typical carry-on. – Rachael Hood

Best Carry-on Duffel: The North Face Rolling Thunder – 22"

Price: $270 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds Packing capacity: Up to 5 days; 40 liters | Color options: Black Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited lifetime

The North Face's 22-inch Rolling Thunder duffel doesn't have the bells and whistles of other carry-on options, but it's a sturdy and reliable option for those who want a duffel style on wheels. The duffel has a hard-sided back panel, two wheels that can withstand various terrain and plastic bumpers for abrasion resistance. The soft-sided top of the bag is made of water-resistant Base Camp material and nylon for extra durability. There are two zippered pockets on the outside to stash small items and a mesh pocket inside for some added organization.

I brought this duffel on a trip to New Zealand, and it held up very well. The Rolling Thunder had no issues after being checked on six different flights, and the flexibility of the style allowed me to easily store it out of the way in my campervan once I had unpacked. It's definitely a simpler style, but it does its job well. Be aware, though, that this wheeled style doesn't have straps that would allow you to carry it like a duffel; it can only be rolled. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $200 or less

Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds Packing capacity: 5-10 days; 35 liters | Color options: Multiple options but color availability changes frequently Hard- or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime

When it comes to hands-free and adventure travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L can't be beat. This lightweight carry-on backpack comes with a sternum strap, a removable waist belt and a weight-distributing harness system, all to make for a comfortable carry (since sore shoulders can be a concern when it comes to carrying backpacks through time-consuming airport experiences).

Organization is a breeze with a top zippered pocket – perfect for storing travel documents or a Cotopaxi hip pack – and a padded laptop sleeve on the outside. Internally, you'll find two mesh compartments, one large and one subdivided, that work great with Cotopaxi packing cubes . The backpack's straps can be tucked away for more streamlined travel, and the bag even comes with a rain cover (though the Allpa is already TPU-coated to be water-resistant).

Furthermore, Cotopaxi is dedicated to sustainability : 94% of Cotopaxi products contain repurposed, recycled or responsible materials. The vibrant, one-of-a-kind Del Dia Allpa backpacks , for example, use remnant fabric.

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures and it's survived everything – wind, rain, being shoved into tiny rental cars, you name it. Besides being incredibly durable, I love how much this backpack can fit; my longest trip so far with only the Allpa 35L as my luggage has been a comfortable nine days, and that included packing bulky cold-weather gear. I just wish it had a water bottle pocket like the Allpa 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson

Also Recommended

Solgaard Carry-on Closet – Large: This bag packs a built-in organizer component along with a durable exterior. The Solgaard Carry-on Closet is worth considering if you like to avoid packing and unpacking.

Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner: While the Solo New York Re:Serve Carry-On Spinner is a solid (and sustainable) carry-on bag for less than $200, it doesn't offer quite enough space – especially for someone who may be traveling for longer.

Away The Aluminum Carry-On Bag: This is a well-built carry-on bag. The only downfall is that it's on the heavier side, weighing nearly 11 pounds. Away's Aluminum Carry-On is also more than twice the cost of the standard carry-on by Away, which works just as well.

Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner: This is a great soft-sided option if you're looking for a lightweight suitcase. Featuring a sleek nylon construction, a large front exterior pocket and internal zippered pockets, the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner works well but isn't as lightweight as the July Carry-on Light.

Monos Carry-on Plus: It's a high-quality suitcase with a lot of internal details, but given its larger size this bag doesn't fit in the overhead compartment on multiple planes (especially regional jets). That said, if you're traveling domestically on larger planes, the Monos Carry-on Plus could be an option to consider. Or, the smaller standard Monos Carry-on could be a good option as well.

Pros and Cons of Hard-sided Luggage

Pros and cons of soft-sided luggage, frequently asked questions.

Aside from traditional rolling suitcases, the following items can be used as carry-on luggage provided they meet carry-on size limitations (which vary by airline) and fit in the overhead bin or fully under the seat (not sticking out) in front of you.

• Duffel and weekender bags:  This includes weekenders and duffel bags with wheels . Just note that wheels are included in carry-on dimension restrictions.
• Garment bags:  These are also considered carry-on baggage by most airlines. You can place your garment bag in the overhead bin, or in some cases, a small closet on the plane.
• Pet carriers:  Some airlines consider pet carriers to be carry-on luggage. Check with your chosen airline when preparing for your trip with Fido.
• Backpacks:  If your carry-on backpack fits under the seat, it will count toward your personal item allowance on most major airlines. This means you'll have the option to bring an additional bag for the overhead bin.
• Diaper bags: If you're traveling with a baby, diaper bags and other baby travel gear generally don't count toward either allowance – meaning you can bring these items in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.

Purses , briefcases and camera bags can be carried on the plane as well, but usually aren't considered carry-on bags and are instead labeled personal items. Underseater bags – often designed specifically to fit comfortably under a plane seat – are also ideal as a personal item.

Typically, travelers can bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (for under the seat) on the plane, free of charge.

Carry-on luggage sizes can vary by airline. Several major U.S. carriers, such as American Airlines and United, impose a 22 x 14 x 9-inch rule. If you're buying new carry-on luggage, this is a good default size to choose – especially if you fly with a variety of airlines.

For international airlines, it's often 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. To be sure about dimensions as well as any weight restrictions, see our guide to Carry-on Luggage Size & Weight by Airline . It usually doesn't matter how heavy your carry-on bag is, though some airlines do monitor the weight.

• Hard-sided: The hard-sided July Carry On Light weighs less than 4 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight carry-on bags on the market. Other lightweight carry-on bags we recommend include the hard-sided Away The Carry-On (7.5 pounds) and the Amazon 20-Inch Hardside Spinner (7.3 pounds).
• Soft-sided: If you're looking for a lightweight, soft-sided carry-on bag, consider the Lipault Plume Cabin Size Spinner (4.8 pounds) and the Samsonite SoLyte DLX Carry-On Spinner (7.1 pounds).

Hard-sided luggage is often heavier than soft-sided luggage – but only by a few pounds. If you're planning to purchase a hard-sided carry-on bag, look for something that's made of polycarbonate or polypropylene, both of which are lightweight yet durable materials.

How We Tested

Our team tested 26 carry-on bags across several price points and on a variety of trips spanning overseas flights, weekend getaways, overnight trips and more. We traveled by car, plane, train and cruise and packed for a variety of climates and activities, from shore excursions in Mexico to rainy road trips around Iceland. For bags with wheels, we tested their maneuverability on multiple surfaces, including gravel, pavement, grass, moving walkways, cobblestone and carpet. After four months of testing, we deem these carry-on bags the best of the best for 2024.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

The following editors personally tested the luggage recommended in this article:

Erin Evans , Managing Editor: Evans loves a durable bag and also can't say no to a good deal. Considering how banged up luggage can get, her picks on this list are both well-made and affordable.

Rachael Hood , Senior Editor: Hood rarely checks a bag, yet she loves to pack a lot and pick up some new finds along her journey. She looks for a combination of durability, functionality, interior space and overall appearance.

Catriona Kendall , Associate Editor: Kendall opts for convenient and versatile carry-ons that can work well for weekend and weekslong trips alike.

Amanda Norcross , Content & SEO Strategist: Norcross has mastered the art of traveling with a carry-on bag only, but believes this is only possible with the right luggage.

Leilani Osmundson , Digital Producer: Osmundson prefers lightweight, streamlined luggage that's ideal for adventure travel.

You might also be interested in:

• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies

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The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Rachael Hood , Erin Evans , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson March 29, 2024

• Best hard-sided overall
• Best soft-sided overall
• Best budget
• Best high-end hard-sided
• Best high-end soft-sided
• Best for extra space
• Best aluminum
• How we tested

The best carry-on luggage of 2024, tested and reviewed

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The internet is filled with stories of travel nightmares, but imagine a scenario where you're strolling through the airport confidently and easily with your suitcase gliding by your side; everything you wanted to pack has fit neatly into one bag, and you don't have a care in the world about squeezing it into the overhead bin. The best carry-on suitcases are reliable, durable, easy to pack, hold plenty of clothes, and fit on both domestic and international planes of all sizes.   

As travel editors who take more than 50 flights a year, we practically live out of our carry-ons at times. Our picks for the best carry-on bag are based on years of hands-on testing using objective tests and real-life travel. Our top pick for a hard-sided suitcase is the Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels , which has proved to be durable, spacious, and easy to maneuver. If you prefer a soft-sided bag, we also recommend the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Spinner , a bag designed by an airline pilot with thoughtful features like well-placed pockets and leather detailing.

If you're in the market for checked luggage, be sure also to check out our guide to the best luggage , which details all our favorite travel brands.

Our top picks for carry-on luggage

Best hard-sided overall: Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels - See at Amazon Form, function, durability, and an excellent price all meet to make the Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage a winner.

Best soft-sided overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Spinner - See at Travelpro The Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On holds everything you need and then some, but its attention to detail makes it stand out from the competition. 

Best budget: AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner - See at Amazon For the casual weekend traveler, the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Carry-On is an attractive bag that does the job at an extremely affordable price.

Best high-end hard-sided: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin - See at Rimowa True to its name, the Rimowa Essential Lite sets itself apart with its under 5-pound weight without compromising on durability or quality. 

Best high-end soft-sided: Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner - See at Briggs & Riley The Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On is worth the investment thanks to its impressive compression feature and high-end materials that stand the test of time.

Best for extra space: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus - See at Monos If you're not restricted to smaller overhead bins, the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is a sleek suitcase with extra room inside and a smart front pocket for easily stowing accessories.  

Best aluminum: Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition - See at Away Away's heavy-duty aluminum carry-on is as sleek and eye-catching as it is durable.

Best hard-sided overall: Samsonite Centric Hardside

Pros: Excellent price for the quality, durable, scratch-resistant, wheels easily, expandable, 10 year warranty

Cons: Handle wiggles a decent amount when fully extended, may be too big for some budget airlines outside the US 

I've used this bag consistently for years, and while it has a couple of very small marks upon close inspection, it has remained in remarkably good shape — especially compared to other hard-side cases I've tried. 

It's easy to lift into overhead bins and a rubberized grip under the top and side handles adds extra comfort for handling. The zippers run smoothly and the expansion zipper even has a finger hole for extra ease and agility. There is also a TSA-approved lock on the right side.

Despite its small size, I can fit a week's worth of clothes inside, and the 1.5-inch expansion capability comes in especially handy if you often return from a trip with more than you originally packed. While there aren't any fancy extras when it comes to interior storage, it's more than sufficient with a mesh zip close on one side and a strong buckle to keep clothes packed in tight on the other. 

The bag's one downside is that the handle is a little bit wobbly when fully extended. As is the case with most suitcases, the handle poles also take up some space in the interior compartment, making it harder to lay items completely flat on that side. 

Read our full Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Carry-On review .

Best soft-sided overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite

Pros: Durable and high-quality materials, leather detailing, doesn't tip forward even when fully packed

Cons : Easy to overpack, may be too big for some budget airlines outside the US 

Travelpro is well-regarded among serious travelers for a reason. The high-density nylon fabric is durable, stain-resistant, and has not torn or ripped in the time I've used it. Leather detailing not only adds a sophisticated look but also makes the top lifting handle extremely comfortable. However, the additional handle on the side is a little bit tight, even for my small hands.

With an expansion option of two full inches, this bag holds a ton. There are three front pockets of varying sizes, including one that can hold a laptop. The main compartment has the standard layout of a soft-side bag with one deep side and a smaller zipper compartment on the other side.

Large chrome zippers are easy to maneuver and the four large wheels made this bag one of the easiest to wheel on every surface, including carpet. The adjustable handle is very sturdy and has a contoured grip, making it extra comfortable.

The bag also comes with several handy extras, including a garment bag, a built-in USB port (battery pack not included), and a removable clear plastic bag attached to the inside for holding toiletries and liquids.

However, I did find that with so many front pockets, the bag was very easy to overpack, especially when fully expanded, which defeats the purpose of having a carry-on if you end up having to check it after all. 

Read our full Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On review .

Best budget: AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner

Pros: Very affordable, durable for the price, solid adjustable handle that doesn't wobble

Cons: Marks up easily, may not hold up well over time, no lock

For a bag that costs much less than our top picks, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality and look of this carry-on. It was sturdier than I was expecting and the material only had a little bit of give when I pressed on the top and sides.

Though it is expandable up to 15% for additional packing room, I found that it held less overall than the similar Samsonite suitcase we recommend in this guide, making it a good option for shorter or weekend trips.

The interior has one mesh zip side and one side with a buckle. The buckle isn't too sturdy, but it will do the trick of keeping clothes in place. The adjustable handle is comfortable and didn't wobble very much. The wheels also glided smoothly on nearly every surface (thick carpet gave it a bit of trouble), though they were just a little bit louder than others I tested. 

The zippers ran smoothly and for the most part, the bag held up throughout my tests, though it did get marks relatively after just one use. That said, some reviewers have complained that after about five or six trips the bag starts to break down, with complaints of broken handles, wheels, and zippers.

Best high-end hard-sided: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin

Pros: Incredibly lightweight, durable

Cons: Not as good for organization, expensive

Rimowa is best known for its distinctive aluminum suitcases frequently spotted on celebrity Instagram accounts. While those bags will set you back a cool grand, the luxury travel brand has alternative high-quality options that won't cost more than your monthly rent.

I was particularly impressed with the newer Essential Lite bag, which weighs less than five pounds — an especially great option for chronic overpackers who worry about their bag being overweight. Shockingly, the Lite suitcase actually holds slightly more than Rinowa's classic aluminum suitcase, too.

The brand didn't sacrifice when it comes to the quality of the materials. Although the bag has some give at the top when pressed, the suitcase is plenty sturdy. Its thicker glossy coating also keeps it from scratching or marking up as easily as matte-finished suitcases. I tossed it around several times and it survived the back of a moving truck with no dents, scratches, or marks. 

The bag has a TSA-approved lock on top, a rubberized top handle that's comfortable to grip, and a sturdy telescopic handle. The wheels are whisper quiet thanks to cushioned axles and worked beautifully on every surface from hardwood to carpet. I also liked that both sides of the interior had a mesh zipper, which I found made keeping everything organized and in place easier than the typical one-sided buckle system. 

One added bonus of owning a Rimowa bag is the 5-year warranty, and the company works with a network of hotels to do repairs onsite should anything happen to your bag while you're traveling.

Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review .

Best high-end soft-sided: Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner

Pros:  Durable, high-quality materials, smart and unique features to help fit more in 

Cons:  Pricey, heavy

With a hybrid fiberglass frame, ballistic nylon exterior, reinforced corners, and smooth YKK zippers, this Briggs & Riley bag is made to withstand the test of time. 

This suitcase is also full of ingenious tricks that make packing it a breeze and help you sneak in those extra outfits. For starters, the bag has a CX compression-expansion system that increases packing capacity by 25% before compressing back down to fit carry-on size regulations. Another smart feature that adds packable room to this bag is a fold-out divider in the smaller zippered compartment so you can stack clothes, fold it in, and then stack more clothes before zipping it all up.  

Unlike other bags we tested, the adjustable handle is entirely on the outside of this bag, so no packing room is lost to the poles. That said, it does mean that the poles are visible on the outside the bag and may make it slightly harder to slide the bag into the overhead compartment.

The wheels expertly navigated every surface, and the handle is sturdy and easy to grip. Two outer pockets on the front add additional space, but I found they didn't expand quite as much as the Travelpro front pockets. There's also a small zippered pocket on the back ideal for keeping your phone (especially when going through security).

The biggest downside: it's heavier than the other bags I tried and could be hard for some people to lift into the overhead, especially when fully packed. 

Best for extra space: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

Pros: Significantly more packable space, smart front pocket that doesn't protrude when packed

Cons: Doesn't meet all carry-on size requirements, marks up easily

At 23 inches, the Monos Pro Plus is just a hair too big for some smaller planes or budget airlines. However, if you mainly take larger cross-country or transatlantic flights where overhead bins are bigger and space isn't usually an issue and relish every last ounce of packable space, this carry-on is worth a look. 

It offers more packable space than any other bag on this list. It features one side with a zippered mesh compartment and an alternative side that has a fold-out mesh pocket and two wide and sturdy buckles that seriously compress clothes when pulled tight. 

What really sets this bag apart is the front pocket space, which is unusual for a hard-sided suitcase. The padded pocket holds a 15-inch laptop and has additional space for organizing everything from your phone to headphones. 

The bag itself has a simple and chic look and comes in an array of attractive colors like pale pink and royal blue. However, my bag did get several small scuffs rather quickly. The adjustable handle is sturdy and doesn't wobble, the YKK zippers didn't catch, and the wheels glided smoothly on all surfaces. 

As an additional bonus, the bag is guaranteed for life and has a 100-day trial period. 

For those who want to ensure their carry-on fits on all flights, Monos recently launched a smaller carry-on option with a pocket, the Carry-On Pro . However, you do lose 10 liters of packable space, so the Pro is best for shorter trips.   

Read our full Monos carry-on luggage review .

Best aluminum: Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition

Pros: Durable, sleek look, dual locks, ample packing space

Cons: Heavy, expensive

Aluminum suitcases are more expensive than standard polycarbonate options. However, they're supremely durable and built to seriously last. They also have a sleek and shiny look that stands out from the crowd at the airport.  

This one from Away has quickly become one of my favorites. I was worried it wouldn't easily fit into all overhead bins because it has a bulkier look, but I was even able to fit it on a small regional plane recently. 

As for that shiny look, I receive compliments every time I take this bag out. And on durability, this carry-on has held up remarkably well so far, with no scratches, dings, or dents to speak of, even after I also threw it around on my rooftop to simulate the wear and tear that comes with typical plane travel. 

Its 360-degree spinner wheels are a breeze to roll on numerous surface types. Rather than a typical zipper, this aluminum suitcase features two sturdy TSA-approved locks that easily click into place.

What most impressed me was the huge amount of packing space. I took this bag on a weekend ski trip and was able to fit my long underwear, sweaters, ski pants, gloves, and a light jacket on just one side. I easily fit a weekend's worth of everyday clothes on the other side. 

At just under 11 pounds, this bag is heavy. While that isn't too big of an issue on car trips, train trips, or some flights, with airlines that have stricter weight limits I would hesitate to use this carry-on.

Read our full Away Carry-On review .

How we test carry-on luggage

For this guide, I narrowed down the field to the 10 top contenders based on my own considerable travel experience and knowledge as a travel editor, as well as additional research and user reviews. While some of these bags I've personally owned and used for several years, others I tested extensively specifically for this guide.

I put all 10 of the bags through the same tests, which considered packability, maneuverability, and durability. I also took into account the price point, style, quality of materials, and any extra features the bags included. 

Packability: I paced the same set of clothing in each bag (enough for a five-day trip), noting both ease of packing and how much the bag could actually hold.

Maneuverability: Due to the pandemic, I have not been flying recently, but I still mimicked the conditions carry-ons would typically go through in a number of ways. I packed each bag to capacity, rolled them for several blocks on the street, tested the wheels on wood floors, thick carpet, and concrete, stress-tested the zippers, and lifted each bag onto a high closet shelf roughly the same height as an overhead bin.

Durability: I used all of the bags in a recent move where they were thrown around the back of a moving van in a similar fashion to how they might be tossed around on and off a plane by bag handlers to test durability. 

Carry-on luggage FAQs

What size carry-on should i buy.

Most US airlines technically cap carry-ons at 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels. However, in our experience (and the practical dimensions we've spotted in best-selling bags), you can usually get away with about an inch more room in each direction.

However, if you frequently travel on short jumper flights or often fly on budget airlines overseas, you may want to consider a carry-on no larger than 21.7" x 13.7" x 9".

Should I buy hard-sided or soft-sided luggage?

Ah, the age-old luggage debate. The answer depends on your priorities.

Hard-sided bags have a fixed shape and size, which is a boon if you're prone to overpacking. They're also more durable. However, soft-sided bags offer some flexibility, which can be good for squeezing your bag into tight overhead spaces. They also usually have outer pockets, which is a rarity in hard-sided bags. The style you choose here will ultimately be down to your personal preference.

What's the best weight for a carry-on?

In general, 7 or 8 pounds is a manageable dry weight for a carry-on bag. Keep in mind that extra bells and whistles add to the weight of the bag, so carefully consider if those features are truly worth the extra weight before committing. For example, a portable USB charger often seems like a great perk in a bag, but it can add a whole extra pound of weight.

What's the best carry-on for traveling with kids?

Traveling with kids means you'll need easy access to snacks, entertainment devices, diapers, and other childcare items. That means outer pockets are your friend in a carry-on bag. Any of our soft-sided carry-on picks will do the job here.

Should I get a carry-on with two wheels or four wheels?

Our testers are staunch believers that a carry-on bag should have four wheels for maximum maneuverability. There's really no advantage to a two-wheeled bag.

What's the best material for luggage?

The most common materials for hard-sided suitcases tend to be aluminum, polycarbonate, and ABS. Aluminum is extremely durable, but also extremely pricey, and ABS is less durable but more affordable. A good polycarbonate bag can hit the sweet spot of price and quality.

When it comes to soft-sided suitcases, ballistic nylon is one of the most durable options, but again can mean a higher price point. Regular nylon can still be high-quality while being more affordable, while polyester tends to be a good budget option.   

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

• Main content

The Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested & Reviewed By Our Editors

By Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Carry-ons are arguably the piece of luggage travelers pull out most often, whether it's the only bag coming on a weekend trip or used in tandem with a checked suitcase. It also spends the most time with us in transit, which means the functionality is even more important: Are your belongings easy to get to if you need to retrieve something while waiting at your gate? Is there a space to stash whatever item you remember on your way out the door? These are a few of the things Traveler editors considered when sifting through the seemingly endless options on the market. We set out to find the best of the best—bags that are lightweight but still sturdy, have enough space to house clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories, and will hold up for many trips to come. After months of testing, these are the pieces we've deemed the best carry-on luggage of 2023.

What we considered:

When testing out carry-on luggage, we asked editors and contributors to consider several factors: How light a bag was on its own, how much it could fit, whether the design and organizational factors were helpful (and aesthetically pleasing), how well it held up in transit, how easy or difficult it is to roll and pick up, whether it's worth the price point, and if there are any unique features that set it apart from other carry-on suitcases or bags they've used.

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler' s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

What size can a carry-on bag be?

It depends on which airline you're flying with, but typically, dimensions are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high for domestic airlines (Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines adhere to these figures; American Airlines allows for an extra inch of height, while and Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines's max is 24" x 16" x 10" and Spirit Airlines's allotment is 22" x 18" x 10"). Some airlines provide a single number; dimensions must add up to that number or below to be considered compliant.

International airlines tend to have slightly different size requirements; 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" is typical, but here are some exact specifications by airline:

• Air Canada: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9"
• Air France: 21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8"
• British Airways: 22" x 18" x 10"
• Emirates: 21.6" x 15" x 8.6"
• Lufthansa: 21.6" x 15.7" x 9"
• Qatar Airways: 20" x 15" x 10"
• Singapore Airlines: 45 total inches

What can’t I take in my carry-on?

Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are not allowed in your carry-on. Additionally, firearms and other potentially hazardous items are prohibited. Check TSA's website for specific items you may have questions about.

Are carry-on bags free?

Again, it depends on which you're flying with and what kind of ticket you purchase. These airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item), regardless of what level ticket you bought:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines

While these airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item) to all travelers except those who purchased a base fare:

• United Airlines

Top recommendations:

• Best overall carry-on: Paravel The Aviator Carry-On
• Best lightweight carry-on: July Carry-On Light
• Best budget carry-on: Béis The Carry-On Roller
• Best expandable carry-on: Away Carry-On Flex
• Best softside carry-on: Travelpro Platinum Elite softside spinner

Weight: 8.2 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Glides smoothly even when fully packed, unique look and feel Cons: No external phone charger included, could use an interior pocket along the length of the bag

Luggage brand Paravel has built a dedicated following thanks to its retro Wes Anderson–style designs and use of sustainable materials. The Aviator Carry-On is no different: Available in shades like scout tan, safari green, and scuba navy, it has a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and an interior lining made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles. It's a favorite of senior editor Megan Spurrell : “This is one of two carry-on roller bags I have used regularly for nearly three years—we’ve traveled everywhere from Lisbon to Mexico City to Los Angeles together.” Spurrell has used it for weeklong trips, and notes that it's still in good shape after years of use: “It has definitely gotten scratched up from being thrown into the hull of planes (I have checked it before, even though it’s carry-on), but it has held up well otherwise—there are no cracks in the shell, zipper issues despite how much I have stuffed it, nor sticky wheels.” The one minor flaw: The top handle placement is a bit counterintuitive, placed on the side of the suitcase further from your body.

Weight: 8.36 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 16" x 10"

Pros: Comfortable handle, fairly easy to clean Cons: Although the beige color is incredibly pretty, it gets dirty very quickly; I would recommend a darker color

With a pretty, ribbed design and thoughtful features like a cushioned silicone grip on the handle, you wouldn't guess this is one of the most affordable suitcases on our list. It's been tested by commerce producer Paris Wilson , who used it to pack for her and her boyfriend on a weeklong trip to the Florida Keys; with the help of the expandable zipper, it fit at least 14 outfits as well as four pairs of shoes and two purses. The wheels have stood up to bumpy roads—“We live in downtown Manhattan where cobblestone streets are a staple and we still managed to make it to the subway without any hangups”—and the included pouches come in handy for dirty clothes or even souvenirs. “I’m tempted to buy the remaining luggage to create a set; I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in building their luggage collection but might not know where to start.”

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity

Away recently upgraded a few of its core suitcases, including The Bigger Carry-On. Updates include an additional zipper compartment, a color-matched interior made of recycled polyester, and an underside grab handle for easy overhead bin lifting. Tested by editorial assistant Jessica Chapel , who has taken it on a flight to New Mexico, a bus ride to New Jersey, and in cars on weekend trips from New York, it's one of the lighter bags on the list at under eight pounds. Compared to her previous suitcase, “It does wonders. Prior to this luggage I often traveled with a checked bag. I can fit almost as much in this suitcase, and it's way more practical—and feels more swift, given the 360-degree wheels.”

Weight: 3.9 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 14" × 7.5"

Pros: I enjoy the ease with which you can move this piece of luggage around; it feels very zippy Cons: The telescopic handle sometimes sticks

July calls this the lightest double-wheel suitcase in the world, and it is the lightest we've tested here at Traveler at just under four pounds when empty. Research director Alexandra Sanidad has brought it on planes to Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon, and on an Amtrak to Woodstock, New York; she says “it's very cute and fits nicely in tight spaces,” and is a “good price for a sturdy, colorful, functional suitcase.” As for what it fits, light packers can fit a week’s worth of clothing in here; if you’re bringing multiple day and night outfits, plan for a weekend’s worth.

Weight: 11.1 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 9"

Pros: Extremely functional and stylish, glides smoothly even when full Cons : It’s a little large for a carry-on; I've had to check it twice so far

Tumi bags are an investment—at over $1,000, this is one of the priciest bags on our list of the best carry-on luggage—but for frequent business travelers or those looking for a lifelong investment piece, it might be the bag for you. It's gone with former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian on trips to Mexico, Italy and France, a bachelorette party at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, and Boston. She calls it “the most beautiful suitcase I’ve owned,” and appreciates the “zipper expansion that drastically increases the depth of the suitcase,” as well as the “sneaky zipper around the front that allows you to pull out clothes quickly.” It is one of the heavier bags on the list, though, and Erdekian says she's had difficulty lifting it overhead when full. Also of note: It comes with a five-year warranty, and can be customized with a monogram or set of “pop of color” accessories.

Weight: 6.53 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Budget-friendly, very lightweight Cons: Since its design is pretty plain, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing suitcase on our list

This hardside carry-on with spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock has racked up rave reviews on Amazon, like this one: “It fit an odd amount of stuff in it. It's like a clown car. It has compartments and zippers that keep things separate and organized. It holds up well and is really good looking. It's absolutely worth every penny. I'm purchasing more for the rest of the family.” Traveler editor Meaghan Kenny agrees, calling it an overpacker's dream bag. The hardside spinner comes in black, navy, bright blue, and orange.

Weight: 8.1 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10.3"

Pros: The front zipper is such a plus, with lots of sections for organizing Cons: The color range isn’t huge—I wish they alternated in more shades

This Arlo Skye zipper-front suitcase has gone on many trips with Spurrell —she alternates between this and a Paravel carry-on, and this one has been to Peru, upstate New York, and Montauk: “I take it as a carry-on for most flights—from weekend trips to weeklong getaways—because it’s surprisingly roomy, with an organized front pocket that I can easily stow essentials like my laptop, book, and magazines in.” Sleek yet durable, it comes with a removable charger (boasting both USB C and USB A ports), two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a cotton storage cover. The aesthetics are a plus, too: “I love the design of this bag—it feels like a reliable, sleek rolling bag, with design you’ll never get tired of.”

Weight: 7.8 lbs. Dimensions: 23.5" x 14.5" x 9"

Pros: Expandable design, multiple exterior pockets Cons: Some travelers may prefer a clamshell opening; may be too large for some international flights

Every inch counts—especially if you're traveling with just a carry-on—and softside luggage offers a little more give than hard-shell bags. This expandable pick has a telescopic handle, spinner wheels for easy gliding, and an external USB port for charging your devices. It's earned an “Amazon's Choice” distinction thanks to its consistently high reviews and competitive pricing (its larger size, which has many similar internal features, is a favorite of former Traveler editor Louis Cheslaw). The suitcase is available in several shades (including black, Bordeaux, and true navy) and three carry-on sizes (19-, 20-, and 21-inches).

Weight: 8.15 lbs. Dimensions: 21.7" x 13.7" x 9"

Pros: Expandable, easy to roll Cons: Scuffs easily, no exterior pockets

Go one step further, space-wise, with this expandable suitcase, which gives you an additional 2.25" of packing space when needed. Traveler 's global associate director of audience development Lara Kramer has used this bag for trips as long as a week (including a trip to London ), and noted how smoothly it rolled across almost any surface, thanks to its 360-degree spinner wheels. “The joy of this luggage is its simplicity,” she says. “It's a pretty straightforward design, but what it does, it does very well: glide smoothly and easily with its 360-degree spinner wheels and provide the luxury of expanding to add more room if needed. Between my husband and I, one of us is always snagging it as our main carry-on.” Kramer recommends choosing a unique color for your bag, or adding your favorite sticker to the outer hard shell to help it stand out, and notes the inevitable scuffs can look pretty jarring against the black colorway.

Weight: 12.5 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Very easy to store, even in small places; soft handle grip Cons: Expandable mechanism can be tricky to lock into place

The designers at Béis knew what they were doing when they built this soft-sided expandable carry-on , a favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager . It's a big space saver for people with minimal closet or storage space, and yet still fits plenty when expanded—enough for a long weekend to five-day trips. An exterior front pocket holds a laptop sleeve, pocket to place a portable charger (and a small hole to slip the charging cord through), plus a key clip. Smooth-rolling wheels and a soft hand cushion on the underside of the handle are great touches, too.

Weight: 7.16 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Responsive handle, very lightweight Cons: No exterior pockets for added storage

Lightweight with a rugged exterior, frequent traveler Patrick Thompson noted that this bag “seems like it would hold up to the hustle and bustle of an airport, getting jammed into an overhead compartment, and any excessive packing into the trunk of a car.” He's been using it regularly for over a year, bringing it on trips as long as two weeks (Argentina and Italy), as well as long weekend trips to Utah, Georgia, and Florida, and while it has gotten scuffed, it's still in good shape, and is a bag he'd recommend to other travelers. “I love the color and that it's very lightweight. I find it to be easily rollable when traveling.” While there is “a stealth pocket on the top corner that holds smaller items, which can be very useful and convenient while trudging through the airport,” he hasn't often utilized the front exterior zipper, which is meant for easy access to the main compartment, and would prefer another exterior pocket in place of it.

Weight: 10 lbs. Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 7.9"

Pros: Built-in garment folder, interior compression system, exterior pockets Cons: Doesn't roll as easily when full

Senior features editor Rebecca Misner calls this suitcase “a professional travelers’ dream carry-on: very sturdy, and full of bells and whistles that actually make packing easier.” Briggs & Riley's signature expansion system allows travelers to press a button and pull up on a lever in the main compartment to expand the suitcase sides vertically. “Once you’re packed and zipped, you just push down on the exterior sides to compress.” Other notable features include mesh interior pockets, a built-in garment folder with a foam roll bar that keeps clothes from wrinkling, and unassuming SpeedThu pocket pockets on the exterior made to fit a passport and boarding pass—with a bright orange lining that signals when the pocket is open (meaning your important docs are at risk).

Weight: 9.9 lbs. Dimensions: 14" x 22" x 9.5" Pros: Keeps dress clothes wrinkle-free, exterior pocket to hold documents or other small items Cons: May not be large enough to be your only suitcase on a trip

Heading to a wedding or business trip ? Kramer vouches for this compact Travelpro garment bag. “The lay-flat garment bag design is the real gem of this carry-on. It holds way more than you think—and arriving with all of your dresses and shirts wrinkle-free is a huge game changer.” The durable nylon fabric, made with a Duraguard coating, is a bonus, too.

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 22.8" x 9.4" x 15"

Pros: Smooth-rolling wheels, built-in phone charger, antimicrobial lining Cons: Scratched easily on first use

Tested by destinations editor Shannon McMahon , who prefers to travel with expandable hard-side spinners, this one stands out for “its super roomy packing capacity and its smooth-rolling wheels.” It's become her go-to carry-on after first using it for a four-day getaway last year with room to spare ( even after buying souvenirs ). Smart features of the utilitarian bag include a built-in phone charger, zippered laundry compartment, oversized mesh organizational pockets, and antimicrobial lining. The exterior scratched surprisingly easily on that first trip, but beyond that it hasn't seen much damage: “It's not a fight against scratches on the outside like I thought it would be, it seems like it was just a first-use thing.” The bag's biggest pros: Its packing power and its ultra-lightweight—“it's light as a feather when empty,” McMahon says.

Weight: 6.06 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" Pros: Wheels smoothly, easy to carry around Cons: Laptop sleeve doesn't fit much else, so if not using it, feels like an unnecessary use of space

Frequent traveler Katie Thompson has been using this suitcase for over a year, bringing it to Italy, Argentina, Florida, upstate New York, and Savannah, and calls it “an organizer's dream.” The Samsonite carry-on is loaded with zip pockets and mesh nets to give every item its own place. Thompson says it “can comfortably fit a week's worth of clothing if you are a light packer, but is probably best for a weekend trip,” and notes it rolls easily and in all directions. Another perk: The hardshell exterior has built in patterns that help to hide any scratches, though it has gotten some scuffs with time. Overall, it is “sleek, unique, and compact,” though overall storage is on the smaller side: “The additional pockets on the top side make the inside smaller,” Thompson says. “It fits less than my previous carry-on, but I still managed 10 days in Italy with it.”

Weight: 8.25 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 13.5" x 9.5" Pros: Front pocket for last-minute items, plenty of interior compartments Cons: Limited color options, no expansion

Hard-shell bags with a front pocket are few and far between, but this Calpak bag makes a strong case for it. Executive editor Erin Florio says she “actually [looks] forward to packing this thing;” while she was worried about its size at first glance, after traveling with it, she says smart packers could pack for up to 10 days with it. “The inner compartments make it really easy to organize all your items, from shoes to laundry to toiletries, which helps you fit in more,” she says. As for that exterior pocket, it can fit a laptop, hardcover book, and magazines.

Weight: 6.3 lbs. Dimensions: 23" H x 14.5" W x 9.5" D Pros: Lightweight and fits a lot of clothing including shoes Cons: Hard to lift when heavy. Also hard to clean/get scuffs out

Recommended by associate social media manager Kayla Brock , this expandable carry-on has a mesh zip compartment and zip-lock compartments inside, which make organizing clothes, accessories, and toiletries easy. She has brought it to North Dakota, Europe, New York, Zanzibar, Seattle, Jamaica, Chicago, Colorado, and the Cayman Islands, packing for as long as three weeks with it (though in winter time, it's better suited for weekend trips). “Although it originally looks like my clothes wouldn’t fit (I’m guilty of overpacking), the suitcase closed with ease,” Brock says. In the year-plus that she's been using it, it has gotten some scuffs and discoloration on certain parts of the body, and the zippers have bent a little; however, Brock still strongly recommends it: “Out of all the suitcases I have this is my absolute favorite and without a doubt the one that I take with me on a trip.”

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The Best Carry-On Luggage

Traveling well is not always easy. Keeping your suitcase with you when you fly not only protects your belongings from loss or damage but may help you avoid extra fees as well.

If you decide to do so, you need a good carry-on bag.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve handled, tested, and traveled with 67 bags from more than 35 brands, and we remain convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of value and quality for most travelers. It packs five days’ worth of clothes into standard US carry-on dimensions 1 and has premium touches you might expect from a $600 bag at about half the price. It’s a bag that you can rely on for life, even if it’s damaged by airlines —a rarity at any price.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The best soft-sided carry-on.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, plus high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability.

This two-wheeled carry-on bag isn’t as maneuverable, but it offers slightly more space, a garment folder, and larger, more durable wheels.

Away The Carry-On

The best hard-sided carry-on.

This great-looking and relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line components—including wheels as smooth-rolling as any we’ve tested.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Slightly more room, but you might get checked.

With more capacity than Away’s standard carry-on, this suitcase is sized appropriately for most flights. On smaller planes, though, you may get gate-checked.

Budget pick

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Lightweight and appealingly inexpensive.

Remarkably well priced for a reputable brand, this is an ideal lightweight pick and provides many features of luggage costing nearly twice as much.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

A soft-sided carry-on that fits more in less.

This carry-on bag offers superlative build quality, plenty of expandable room, and a uniquely effective compression system. It’s a buy-it-for-life suitcase.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On

More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability.

If you’re willing to give up maneuverability for more space and bigger wheels, this is also a great option.

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

A more luxe hard-sided carry-on.

Luxury touches and a strong polycarbonate and aluminum design give this bag a standout look with exceptional feel and performance. It does cost nearly $200 more than the comparably sized Away bag, though.

Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage

A bag built for tough conditions.

A polycarbonate back and rugged wheels make this design suited for rougher travel over difficult surfaces. However, it has a limited warranty, and it’s somewhat unwieldy to handle.

What to consider

Four-wheel bags, aka spinners, are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two-wheel bags will always be more durable .

Hard-sided looks better to most people, but soft-sided luggage withstands the bumps and knocks of travel for longer .

Plenty of reputable brands offer lifetime warranties; it’s generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind .

Depending on where you travel, you might need to look for specialty luggage sizes .

We’ve also included picks that stood out for their form and individual functionality: an upgrade with best-in-class compression, a pick made of polycarbonate , an upgraded hard-sided case with latch closures and an aluminum frame, a rolling soft-top hybrid , and a budget pick that’s also the best ultra-light suitcase we can find.

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line of luggage is still our top pick after 10 years of testing. It addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price while offering the best warranty against potential airline damage in the industry (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase, which you can do in minutes).

The Platinum Elite features smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, as well as solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. Travelpro also provides a full catalog of other replaceable parts . Instead of chasing the smart-bag moment, Travelpro added an exterior pocket with a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And weighing less than 8 pounds when empty, the Platinum Elite is dead in the center of average weight for bags this size.

In our view, soft-sided luggage lasts longer and shows less wear, but if you prefer the look of a hard-sided bag, Away’s The Carry-On is our choice. Like our other picks, this bag stands out for its high-end components: YKK zippers, smooth-running wheels, and a well-braced handle. Its strong but flexible polycarbonate shell shows scratches—however, after seven years of using the Away Carry-On, our testers have found that it is capable of enduring most of the trials of travel with fewer knocks than other similar models we’ve tested.

Away also makes a slightly larger version of the same model: The Bigger Carry-On . It conforms to carry-on size for most major airliners, but you might be asked to gate-check it on smaller planes.

Similar to our soft-sided picks, this Away bag is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. And though the coverage doesn’t explicitly protect against airline damage, it does apply to any damage that an airline could possibly dish out—specifically, but not limited to, the shell cracking or wheels breaking off.

Some companies have tried to shave off a few pounds from their standard luggage designs to make so-called ultra-light luggage. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is the best of these bags we’ve seen, and it comes with the pedigree of our top pick but not quite as strong a warranty.

The Maxlite 5 is just over 2 pounds lighter than our top pick—that’s the weight of two or three pairs of jeans. It’s not a huge difference, but if you have trouble lifting luggage over your head and prefer an easier-to-manage suitcase, the Maxlite 5 may be your choice. This bag is also the best one we’ve found under $200, with almost all the benefits of luggage nearly twice the price.

For the more frequent flyer who is willing to invest in a higher-quality bag, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On . Every detail of this bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested.

Briggs & Riley boosts this extra capacity with a ratcheting compression system that easily presses an entire extra outfit (if not more) into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. It’s simple, impressive, and unmatched by any other brand’s compression system.

The Expandable Spinner version is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder, which helps shirts and pants stay wrinkle-free if you pack them well. If things go awry, Briggs & Riley has a catalog of replaceable parts and a global network of repair centers , as well as a reliable lifetime warranty covering repairs for airline damage.

For some people, Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On may be worth the extra cost. Behind the maturity of Italian leather accents and polish of higher-end Hinomoto wheels, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On bypasses the biggest compromise in most polycarbonate designs: the stitched-in zipper. Incorporating an aluminum frame around the center of the case and two latch locks, it feels comfortingly secure and well structured where other luggage tends to sag or bend away.

There’s a potential catch, however: The flex in a polycarbonate design (and most luggage, incidentally) is its strength. The more robust a piece of luggage becomes—by replacing, for instance, a zipper with an aluminum frame—the greater the chance that if something hits the case hard enough, the frame can bend or break. That said, you need to hit a frame like this with an extreme amount of focused force for that to happen. And Carl Friedrik provides a lifetime warranty that appears to cover airline damage in the event that an airline doesn’t compensate you within 14 days.

The Yeti Crossroads 22”/35L Wheeled Luggage represents the best of a relatively niche type of luggage design. Call it a hybrid model—a blend of a soft-sided luggage on top and hard-sided luggage on the back—that lends itself to fairly specific circumstances. It’s ideal for tough roads, broken streets, and slamming your luggage into uneven curbs with abandon. Do most people need this kind of luggage for their day-to-day travel? Absolutely not, and it can feel heavier than it really is. But if you do, this is the best there is—at least for the moment.

The Yeti Crossroads has everything you might expect from a brand that has built its reputation for over-the-top toughness and durability. The two heavy-duty wheels are among the largest and broadest that we’ve seen. Externally, Yeti blends a polycarbonate shell back with a water-resistant 700-denier nylon front and waterproof zippers. However, Yeti backs its luggage with only a three-year warranty and no mention of airline damage. That’s very limited protection, especially for the conditions this bag was designed for and definitely in comparison with the standards that our other picks set.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, our pick for the best carry-on luggage: travelpro platinum elite, our pick for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage: away the carry-on, budget pick: travelpro maxlite 5 carry-on spinner, upgrade pick for the best carry-on: briggs & riley baseline essential, upgrade pick for the best hard-sided carry-on: carl friedrik the carry-on, also great for tough conditions: yeti crossroads 35l wheeled luggage, other good carry-on luggage, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been covering luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. Over the years we’ve also spoken with plenty of experts: flight attendants for major airlines, product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies, and travel and gear writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

In the 10 years we’ve been covering this category, luggage has evolved, and so has our thinking about what makes the best carry-on for most people. After spending well over 200 hours doing research and interviews and easily twice that time conducting hands-on testing, we’ve seen a few truths become clear. First, at a certain threshold—roughly over $200—most luggage is fine. It will more than likely get you from point A to point B without incident many times a year for many years. What distinguishes great luggage from everything else is mostly an attention to detail—the quality of a bag’s handle, its wheels, the frame, and stitching—and a company’s guarantee that it will stand behind its product.

Every year we try to refine our testing and find new ways to consider what it means to be the best luggage. We’ve weighed and measured suitcases, comparing our results with company claims. We’ve calculated true internal capacity with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls 2 and some decently complex math for a writer to scratch out. We’ve packed and unpacked more bags than I care to remember. We’ve studied and compared wheel bearings, wheel sizes, pocket counts, pocket quality, the curious subtleties of garment bags that will (or more often won’t) keep your clothes wrinkle-free, the strength of warranties, and repairability.

We believe that any maximally sized carry-on should be capable of holding enough clothes to last you five days with room to spare for miscellaneous necessities. Most years we aim to have two testers, one male and one female, pack two bags individually as if headed to the same wedding. 3 What we included isn’t representative of a family traveling or a couple splitting a bag, but we erred on the side of bulky, and we hope it gives you a clear idea of how much of your own stuff these bags will hold.

We looked at how each bag loaded. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? Did it have compression straps to keep things in place? Were the straps thick enough to avoid creasing the clothes? Just how much would the bag compress? How much room was left over? Once packed, was the bag prone to tipping over?

Over the years I’ve torn bags apart to see how the frames were put together, taken apart wheels, dismantled handles, and more or less treated luggage as poorly as one person could. I’ve wheeled loaded bags around many neighborhoods, looking at how well each bag rolled and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. I’ve dragged bags up and down two flights of concrete stairs, noting how easy this task was and how much damage the bags sustained. For our finalists, I’ve repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route because I like the sound that polycarbonate luggage makes when it bounces down cavernous stairwells.

In fall 2023, we asked a panel of paid testers with a wide range of body types, dexterities, and mobilities to examine our picks and share their perspectives. We’ve incorporated their feedback in this review.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is our pick for a soft-sided carry-on; if you need a little more room, we also recommend the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard .

It has a history of great performance. Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line has been our top pick for almost every iteration of this guide because it addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price: In addition to smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, it features solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid 7.8-pound internal chassis. Travelpro backs it all with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase). Additionally, Travelpro supplies a full catalog of other replaceable parts .

It moves well across most surfaces and through most situations. The spinner bag’s configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moving. The small tracking assistance makes a large difference when you’re navigating the Platinum Elite through a crowded airport or down a busy street. It also has an easy-to-use, removable garment bag. After years of testing, we think the superior maneuverability of spinner luggage, along with improvements in manufacturing processes, makes four-wheel bags a better choice for most people. However, if you prefer slightly more packing capacity (the equivalent of squeezing in two more sweatshirts), larger wheels that run more smoothly over rough terrain, and a more protective built-in garment folder, 4 you may appreciate the two-wheeled 22-inch version of the Platinum Elite. One of our paid testers, who’s 6-foot-6, told us that although he could see the appeal of a spinner, “I would still choose the two-wheeler. It has a little more space, and when you’re my size, packing is just so horrible.”

It’s sized to maximize your space, but you have options. Measuring 23 by 13.5 by 9 inches, the Platinum Elite carry-on bag (in either wheel configuration) hits the upper margins of actual carry-on size limits and could get you gate-checked by an overzealous agent. However, it fits into most standard-size baggage caddies at check-in, including that of American Airlines and United Airlines. I’ve personally traveled with Travelpro carry-ons this size for more than 45,000 miles spread across 50 flights, from regional to long-haul to international routes, and I’ve never had an issue fitting within gate-side luggage sizers. If you’re nervous about getting caught at the gate or often fly in very small regional planes, Travelpro makes a 20-inch Platinum Elite as well as a slimmer international size, but they hold less (naturally) and lack a suiter insert.

It keeps clothes compacted but not creased. Inside, the Platinum Elite has a pair of tie-down straps and two broad panels with pockets that cinch down, similar in design and function to what you’d find in much more expensive Briggs & Riley luggage . Compared with the simple tie-down straps you often find in cheaper luggage, the panels do a great job of keeping things compacted without creasing clothes—a problem we’ve encountered in numerous other bags we’ve tested. Beyond that, the Platinum Elite’s internal organization system is about average. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means there’s no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. One long mesh pocket sits on one of the bag’s sides, and a smaller removable transparent plastic bag sits on the other side for easy TSA inspection of toiletries.

It’s tough yet flexible. The exterior is made of a hard-wearing nylon fabric, a key feature of all the bags we’ve tested. It hides scuffs and scratches, and it’s much more versatile than hard-sided bags. An expansion zipper lets you increase storage by about 30% in a pinch—although the bag is no longer carry-on compliant at that point. We prefer to use the expansion zipper as something of an ad-hoc compression system: We unzip the expansion zipper while packing the bag and then zip it at the end, tamping everything down tight. The Platinum Elite carry-on also has a variety of convenient exterior pockets, including two in the front, suitable for a sleep mask and other small miscellaneous items, and one on the side for a battery, though it can fit a bit more if necessary. It also has an accordion pocket on the front for magazines and electronic tablets.

It’s well balanced and spacious. This luggage has an 1,856-cubic-inch interior, which we measured using hundreds of Ping-Pong balls . In real-world terms (the needs of Ping-Pong champions notwithstanding), the Platinum Elite swallowed up five days’ worth of clothes with no problem and had a good deal of room to spare—and that’s without our resorting to the expansion zipper.

It has an excellent warranty. Should anything go wrong, you can take advantage of Travelpro’s generous lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage . The sole other company we’ve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose carry-on suitcases start at about $500. Travelpro bags have owner-serviceable parts and multiple repair centers . To get repair service, you can either drop the bag off at a repair center or ship the bag to Travelpro, the cost of which the company will cover. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic wear.

Travelpro has a history of fixing production errors remarkably quickly. In 2019, we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. We reached out to Travelpro, and a representative told us that a production error expanded the capacity of the front pocket of the Platinum Elite; this allowed travelers to overpack the pocket, which put excessive strain on the zipper. Travelpro identified and fixed the issue before it had reached the threshold of more than a few comments online.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.8 pounds Volume: 46 liters

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After nearly a decade of testing the Platinum Elite line of bags from Travelpro, we have yet to encounter a single serious issue. The fabric exterior brushes off scrapes and is easy enough to clean. Simply, it is a remarkably built bag that continues to travel well, year after year.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though the Platinum Elite rolled well in general, we are still concerned when dragging the bag up stairs. Some of the other bags we tested had long plastic bumper strips running most of the way up the length of the bag; this Travelpro model’s skid plate isn’t as big or as protective. I haven’t had an issue, but if you’re particularly rough on your luggage or uncomfortable lifting the bag over curbs or up stairs, it’s something to be aware of.

• In 2018, Travelpro added a USB-A pass-through cable to the Platinum Elite as a way to compete with so-called smart bags. We like the battery pocket, but the built-in cable itself, which routes from the pocket to a USB port less than 6 inches away, is an unnecessary item, which at best adds a potential point of failure to the bag—USB cables do not last forever. Does it ruin the bag? No. Is it a feature? Not really.

If you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage or the security of knowing that you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Carry-On is the carry-on we recommend. If you want to maximize your available carry-on space, it also comes in a slightly larger size: The Bigger Carry-On .

It can take wear and tear. Most travelers are still better off with one of our soft-sided picks than a hard-sided carry-on; soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But the Away Carry-On’s wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than that of hard-sided competitors.

We’ve tested the Away Carry-On for six years, traveling with it ourselves across the country and lending several units to testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using the bag. Its polycarbonate feels similar to that used on more high-end (and significantly pricier) suitcases such as the Rimowa Essential Cabin , which is more than three times as expensive.

You have options if you need extra space. Away makes a similar model of suitcase with an expandable zipper, The Carry-On Flex . The Flex is the same bag as the standard Carry-On except for the expanding center zipper and the price (it’s about $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers on suitcases. It feels like just one more thing to break. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

It feels great to use. The bag itself feels good in the hands, and the wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we tried. Away also uses YKK zippers, outclassing our top pick in that regard (Travelpro moved to Supra zippers in 2015). At this point, we’re pretty comfortable saying that years of debate over the best zipper are largely redundant, but YKK still sets the standard.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Away has sparked more imitators and outright duplicates than any other brand in the past decade, in part due to its appeal with younger travelers. I’ve thought about why, and as best as I can guess, a simple polycarbonate cube dripped in limited-edition soft hues does exude a certain calm; the fact that some of those same colors also coat the exteriors of pills ending in suffixes -ax and -il is not, one assumes, accidental.

It has a great warranty. The Away Carry-On is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. Though the warranty doesn’t specifically mention airline damage, the damages it does list—cracks or breaks in the shell, wheels or handles becoming unusable, zippers that don’t work, fabric tears that render any pocket unusable—basically outline anything an airline could possibly dish out.

Dimensions (for The Carry-On): 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.5 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• The Carry-On’s sleek style comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks.
• It lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have.
• The clamshell design, which splits down the middle and opens into two parts, can make the bag frustrating to pack and unpack. Packing cubes help, but after years of packing and unpacking soft-sided luggage with a single lid, I personally find a clamshell design to be more finicky when packing.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is one of the lightest pieces of luggage we’ve tested, at a great price.

It’s lightweight. We have a hard time imagining how anyone could make a suitcase much lighter than this without breaking certain laws of physics. A few years ago, I took apart a Maxlite suitcase to see how the internal frame was built. What I found beneath the fabric was a clever lattice of plastic supporting the frame, which offered the best balance between weight-saving and structure.

For some people, especially those with limited upper-body strength, a lighter bag—even by just a few pounds—may be easier to lift or manage. That said, most people don’t need extremely light luggage, but just to pack less. For all the innovative design, the Maxlite 5 shaves only 2.4 pounds off the weight of our top pick. That’s the equivalent of a couple of pairs of jeans.

It’s inexpensive. My general advice to friends is to spend more than $200 but less than $500 to get good, if not great, luggage. The Maxlite 5 is the one piece of luggage I’ve found that breaks that rule. You can usually find it for about $150 or less, which is a remarkable price considering the bag’s quality.

Simple is good. This model doesn’t have any real bells or whistles—no battery pass-throughs or magnetically tracked wheels, as with our other Travelpro picks. Instead you’ll find two simple front pockets, a few well-placed handles, and a cavernous main compartment with a couple of pockets and two light straps to hold your stuff in place.

It comes from a trusted brand. We haven’t covered, examined, and interrogated a single luggage brand at Wirecutter for as long as we have Travelpro. For a decade, Travelpro has done a premier job of maintaining trust with its customers and with us—we’ve watched the company make small changes in design, catch flaws quickly, and address warranty concerns promptly. This is not something we say lightly: Travelpro is a name you can trust.

Dimensions: 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 5.4 pounds Volume: 46 liters

• The Maxlite 5’s warranty isn’t as robust as that of our top pick: Manufacturing defects in the wheels, zippers, and handles are covered for as long as you own the bag, but airline damage and shipping to a Travelpro repair center are covered only for the first year. (And you do need to register the bag.) Considering that this bag costs half the price of the Platinum Elite, this makes sense, but it’s something to be aware of.

If you’re a frequent flyer and willing to invest in higher-quality gear, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner (also available in a two-wheeled version with more capacity).

It’s the best of the best. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found that it had a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. Briggs & Riley keeps its design consistent, adding, at most, small improvements such as this year’s upgraded lifting handle. Our 6-foot-6 paid tester pointed out that the Baseline Essential’s handle extended an inch and a half farther than that of the Travelpro Platinum Elite, which made it less likely to hit his heels as he pulled it.

Although the wheels don’t snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth-rolling and easy to maneuver. If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worthwhile to invest in luggage that goes beyond merely being sturdy and actually improves your overall travel experience. That’s why we’ve been recommending it since we first covered this topic in 2014. The Baseline Essential is one of the best carry-on luggage options available today.

Its compression system is truly a marvel. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Essential bag is its CX expansion and compression system. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2.5 inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed. Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. It’s a unique design and very satisfying to use.

It’s the easiest to pack. Briggs & Riley placed the tracks for the Baseline Essential handles on the outside of the bag, which allows for a flat surface in the interior of the bag, with no small crevices to work around for simple packing. And in our tests, after packing 10 bags and trying to figure out strategies for each nook and cranny, packing on a broad flat surface felt like a luxury. According to our measurements, the bag, unexpanded, offers 1,905 cubic inches of storage room (and that accounts for the space occupied by the wheel wells and such). Expanded, it can stow 2,110 cubic inches. That’s remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested.

The Baseline Essential spinner is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder. It’s similar to the folder in Travelpro’s two-wheeled Platinum Elite bag, and that’s a good thing. It’s easy to pack and has an anchor point for hangers. Each of the three folds has a bit of padding that helps to keep a suit from pinching onto itself and creasing, though much of that depends on how well you pack. You can fit a week’s worth of clothes in the Baseline Essential, including some puffy gear for colder weather. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package.

It’s understated. On the outside, the Baseline Essential is pretty unremarkable. There’s nothing eye-grabbing about the bag, which is good if you’re trying to avoid being gate-checked (or having it stolen). Its outer, nylon fabric seems to be of a tighter weave than that used on the other bags we’ve tested. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK.

Similar to our top pick, the Baseline Essential includes a charging pocket. However, Briggs & Riley skipped the internal USB wiring, instead opting for a simple pocket arrangement (video) on the back of the bag for discreetly storing a charge pack and your phone. It’s an elegant solution.

It comes with an excellent warranty. All Briggs & Riley bags come with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the “functional aspects” of the bag, even if caused by an airline (like Travelpro, Briggs & Riley does not cover cosmetic wear or cleaning). Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, you do have to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers . Briggs & Riley emphasizes that returning your bag to you in its original condition, even after repairs, is not always possible. The bags are easy to service and repair, so you can also order the parts you need and replace them yourself at home.

We’ve put in the miles, and the Baseline Essential is in a separate league. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter founder Brian Lam carried a two-wheeled Baseline Essential carry-on while traveling 150,000 miles and farther. After considering all the bags in our test and logging an additional 40,000 miles with a similarly priced bag by Tumi, he was convinced that this model is the best for anyone who’s always on the move. “I love this bag. It carries so much,” Brian said. “Sometimes I check it. Sometimes I carry it. It always fits.”

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 (expands to 11.5) inches (HWD) Weight: 10 pounds Volume: 37 liters (expands to 48 liters)

• Despite the plastic shielding, the exposed rails on the exterior could use more protection. While dragging the bag up stairs (which we don’t advise doing), we felt more scraping than we’d like.
• At first glance, the handle feels too loose for a roughly $700 bag. We spoke to Briggs & Riley representatives, and they explained that this is a deliberate choice: The looser tolerances allow for the handle to retract by itself when you click its button, without your having to force it down. In practice, this is very helpful for scaling stairs and could save you some hassle in tight quarters, such as in the aisle of an airplane.
• At 10 pounds, the Baseline Essential is the heaviest bag we recommend. In this price range, weight often equals durability, which equals quality. But if you’re uncomfortable with a heavier bag, this isn’t the best pick for you.

Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On is an impressive polycarbonate case that improves in areas where most other companies tend to cut corners.

It’s robust and durable. It improves the usual hard-case design primarily by replacing the zipper with an aluminum frame sealed with two metal latches incorporating TSA locks. This trim makes the case feel far more robust, which is a very satisfying feeling when you’re wheeling luggage around an airport.

Clasping shut an aluminum frame with a metal lock is pleasing—it feels like closing a safe and locking it tight. The polycarbonate shell has an equally rigid feeling but exhibits plenty of flexibility under strain. Although it’s difficult to compare polycarbonates between brands, higher-end polycarbonate feels dense to the touch even as the material flexes; in this piece of luggage, Carl Friedrik offers impressive quality.

Additionally, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On has YKK zippers internally and Hinomoto spinner wheels from Japan—both considered the top of their class.

It’s thoughtfully styled. The soft leather accents and bolted frame all have a certain maturity that’s often lacking in other, competing cases. This look carries to the inside of the luggage as well. A simple gray polyester lining accompanies two sets of compression straps and a removable compression pad, which has a zippered pocket.

It has an excellent warranty. As you might expect for the price, Carl Friedrik backs up its luggage with a lifetime warranty that protects against airline damage (assuming the airline hasn’t responded to your request for compensation within 14 days).

Dimensions: 21.6 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8.6 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• This is a brand-new pick—so far we haven’t found any flaws, but we’re keeping an eye on the latches. Luggage latches are small, complicated mechanical devices that have a myriad of ways to fail.
• The handle feels just a touch loose, which, as with our upgrade pick from Briggs & Riley , can be a benefit. It can also sometimes be a hazard. Again, we’ll continue testing it.

Hybrid designs like the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage aren’t for everyone, but if you like the flexibility of a soft-sided luggage with the hard-hitting ruggedness of a polycarbonate back and two large fixed wheels, then this bag is just right.

It’s made from tough materials and easy-to-repair parts. Yeti has a reputation for using tough, sometimes cutting-edge, materials in all its gear. The Crossroads is no exception. The 700-denier nylon is one of the better nylons we’ve tested—tightly woven and exceptionally durable. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.)

The Crossroads comes in only a two-wheeled design, which is usually able to withstand more damage than a four-wheeled design. The wheels are also easier to service on the road and often replaceable. 5

It’s well organized. It includes a front panel organizer, similar to that of modern laptop backpacks, with two slots for your laptop and tablet plus a mesh pocket for spare gear. Fully packed, it still has room for a few magazines as well, if you like. Internally, the soft top has a zippered main compartment with a decent amount of packing space, as well as two mesh organizing pockets.

It’s a pleasure to pack. As the Crossroads is built around a molded polycarbonate base, the entire suitcase becomes, in essence, a large tray to pack and then zip shut. It’s a very satisfying design—easier to manage than many of the clamshell designs that are currently popular. Yeti’s packing cubes are designed to fit snugly in the Crossroads’s main compartment, and the bag does come with one small cube. But if you choose these, you’re spending a premium for additional packing cubes when almost any packing cube will work.

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• We’d love to see a better warranty. Three years is very limited when compared with other luggage brands selling similarly priced suitcases—especially for a bag that claims to be as tough as the brand’s reputation.
• Occasionally, Yeti’s tough-gear reputation veers almost into absurdity, as with the inclusion here of self-sealing zippers on a bag that isn’t actually waterproof—merely weather resistant. They’re top-of-the-line zippers. But self-sealing zippers can be hard to operate and require regular lubrication, which most people aren’t used to providing.
• The front-facing laptop organizer is woefully unshielded. If you’re traveling with a laptop, place it deep within the bag if you want it properly protected.
• The bag feels heavy—by our measurements, it weighs about a half pound more than Yeti’s 7.5-pound estimation. It’s not the heaviest of our picks, but something about the weight distribution and shape of the bag makes it feel heavier when you’re swinging it around.

If you need a hard-sided budget bag: Look at the Gregory Quadro Hardcase 22″ , an unexpectedly high-quality suitcase from an outdoor-gear company. Gregory offers a lifetime warranty with service and repair. Although the warranty doesn’t explicitly mention airline damage, Gregory’s good reputation speaks for itself in this matter. However, the Quadro Hardcase is a pound heavier (at 6.5 pounds) and about $60 more than our budget pick.

If the Away Carry-On is sold out: Consider the Monos Carry-On Plus . Picking between these two models came down to splitting some very fine hairs. Both use YKK zippers. Both have lifetime warranties. The handles and interiors are almost identical. Monos even hides the stitching that attaches the zipper to the polycarbonate frame, which is a nice aesthetic touch. The difference came down to the Away Carry-On’s wheels, which spun just that much more freely in our testing, and the underside handle, which made it easier to pull out of overhead bins. And we’ve tested the Away Carry-On for longer. However, if it’s unavailable, the Monos model is a good, nearly identical substitute.

If you want a bag made of recycled materials: We suggest the Paravel Aviator Carry-On . Paravel is attempting to design luggage with recycled materials and some environmentally minded transparency to the company’s production methods. However, you pay a premium for the effort. Quality-wise, the bag is similar to our other hard-sided picks, for about a hundred more dollars. And much of the Paravel branding is built on carbon offsets, which we are deeply skeptical of (though we wish they worked).

If you’re an infrequent adventurer: Try the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller , which could almost be an also-great pick under our hybrid pick . It’s cheaper, has a better warranty (but no explicit coverage for airline damage), and is made from recycled materials. However, the overall build quality is wanting. For example, the polycarbonate shell doesn’t fully cover the tubes for the extendable handle as it does with our hybrid pick. It seems an oversight for bags that are built to knock around.

If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, and money is no object: The Vocier C38 Carry-On Luggage is worth a look, despite a few flaws and an $800 price tag. The C38 takes a unique, fold-free approach to packing clothes. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. This packing method creates no creases and therefore no wrinkles. The case is protected by a limited lifetime warranty that doesn’t cover airline damage.

We hope to take a look at the European brand Floyd , which is currently popular on Instagram. At first glance, it’s another piece of luggage looking to appeal to a younger mass audience. But the easy-to-replace polyurethane wheels and bearings—similar to skateboard wheels—do have “user-serviceable parts inside” curb appeal.

We’re currently testing Level8’s Voyageur series of luggage, which features an extra-wide handle. It’s a design trend we’re starting to track with a few lesser-known brands (and, incidentally, a Louis Vuitton case costing several thousand dollars). A wide handle should do two things: It should free up a little more space inside the luggage, and it should improve handling.

Lastly, we’re considering expanding our coverage to include equipment cases like those made by Pelican . Though their appropriate use is very specific, when you need to travel with high-end gear or fragile valuables, Pelican cases more or less set the standard.

Soft-sided carry-on luggage

Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag : We’re generally fans of Cotopaxi’s Allpa line, but this two-wheeled bag falls short. Specifically, the bottom of the bag is split by the zipper, which gives the bag an unstable feeling when it’s standing upright.

Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 4-Wheel 22″ Carry On Luggage : If this bag were about $150 cheaper, it would be a good price for the quality. We like the recycled materials, but the bag lacks framing.

Solo Re:Treat Carry-On Spinner : I appreciate any bag made entirely out of recycled materials, but this model (from a brand owned by the same company that manages Briggs & Riley) felt awfully flimsy. Even with its five-year warranty, I just don’t trust that this bag can go the distance.

Thule Subterra : The clamshell design—similar to the ones you find on hard-sided bags—makes this bag difficult to close if you’re trying to fill it to its full capacity. It just isn’t as easy to use as our soft-sided picks.

Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller : The balance on this bag was decent, and it stood up well unloaded or loaded. Its wheels had a cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter, though, and the abundance of zippers and internal compartments made it tedious to pack.

Tumi Aerotour International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On : At about half the price, this would be a great bag. But paying nearly $700 for a five-year warranty and a bag that doesn’t do nearly as much as a Briggs & Riley suitcase seems a bit silly.

Hard-sided carry-on luggage

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner : This bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for about $90. However, its ABS plastic shell is not as tough as a polycarbonate shell. It’s worth investing more in your luggage—the bag you choose will last longer and work better.

Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On : The Arlo Skye carry-on is a decent piece of luggage, but it’s hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than our pick from Away .

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition : 10 pounds! At this weight, you’ve lost a quarter of your allowable luggage weight to the suitcase alone, unpacked. And it’s nearly as expensive as our upgrade pick, with a much less satisfying compression system.

Briggs & Riley Torq and Sympatico : Though these collections seek to solve a different problem, neither is as impressive as the Baseline series.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage : We preferred sturdier polycarbonate shells over Calpak’s blended ABS polycarbonate shell. Also, the bag’s handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces.

Delsey Rempart Expandable Spinner Carry-On : At just around $200, the Rempart is a decent budget option. However, the external styling (like layers of pressed sheet pans) is an odd choice. It has some practicality, but only if you’re stacking identical Delsey cases one on top of another, which might happen, I suppose, at some point … maybe.

July Carry On : In the lineup between July, Monos, and Away, July falls just short. We appreciate the lifetime warranty, YKK zippers, and flexible but dense-feeling polycarbonate. But the overall design doesn’t do much to improve on the category (as the Monos bag subtly does).

Level8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On 20″ : This is potentially a decent budget pick at just around $200. But the one-year warranty and the somewhat fiddly TSA lock and front latching panel give us pause.

Lojel Cubo Medium : Although we liked the uncommon top-loading design, the internal organization of the lid made packing this carry-on difficult. We also weren’t impressed by the zippered expansion system, which made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks.

Lojel Voja Medium : An odd suitcase, this would be a great children’s suitcase or a budget pick—especially if it were under $200. But its current price is steep for a polypropylene blend with a couple of latches.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Chris Ryan.

Airline policies vary, but a general rule is that the bag must be under 45 linear inches—the total sum of the bag’s length, width, and depth. Here’s the current sizing breakdown among the major US airlines:

• Alaska Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Allegiant Air: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• American Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (the dimensions of soft-sided garment bags are allowed to add up to 51 inches)
• Delta Air Lines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Frontier Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches (and less than 35 pounds)
• Hawaiian Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• JetBlue Airways: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Southwest Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches
• Spirit Airlines: 22 by 18 by 10 inches
• Sun Country Airlines: 24 by 16 by 11 inches
• United Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches

We double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers’ listed volumes by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly 0.5 pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents approximately 2 cubic inches (PDF) . After weighing each piece of luggage three times to establish an average empty weight, we filled the bags as full as we could with Ping-Pong balls and measured the change in weight. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space.

His five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 two-piece linen suit on a hanger
• 1 dress shirt on a hanger
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of khakis
• 5 medium-weight to lightweight shirts
• 1 heavy sweater
• 2 flannel shirts
• 5 pairs of boxer briefs
• 5 pairs of sport socks

Her five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 dress on a hanger
• 1 blazer on a hanger
• 1 blouse on a hanger
• 1 pair of heels
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of light sneakers
• 5 pairs of underwear and 3 bras
• 1 pair of yoga pants
• 1 flannel shirt
• 1 hair dryer
• 1 curling iron
• 1 jewelry/makeup kit
• 3 pairs of sport socks
• 4 lightweight shirts

You use a garment folder by laying a suit or dress across the panels, folding them into themselves, and zipping up the inner compartment. A folder should be wide enough that a suit isn’t cramped, and it should include hanger straps (which should fit around everything, even larger plastic hangers) to keep things from shifting around too much. Some folding boards have 0.75-inch-diameter foam rolls in them to help prevent creases along the packed clothes’ fold lines. When you aren’t traveling with fancy clothes, you can take the whole apparatus apart and use it as luggage dividers in the main bag itself, or leave it at home, converting the suit/dress compartment into an extra packing cube.

Yeti doesn’t seem to have an easy way to order replaceable wheels. But the 3.5-by-1-inch wheels are fairly common, and we’re looking at the best possible alternatives.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

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We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases.

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Are Away Carry-Ons Worth the Hype?

Although we still prefer the better durability of soft-sided luggage, if you want the look and feel of a hard-sided case, we recommend the Away Carry-On .

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The Best Carry-On Luggage, Recommended By Travel Experts

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The best carry-on luggage checks all the boxes, and—if you’re a light packer—eliminates the need to check a bag. Clever designs make efficient use of space and are easy to maneuver around the airport, then tuck seamlessly into the plane’s overhead compartment (or in some cases, underneath the seat in front of you). We rounded up our top carry-on luggage recommendations, including the Monos Carry-On Pro , named our best overall pick, and the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner , a worthy yet affordable option.

We've rounded up the best carry-on luggage, vetted by our own team of travel experts.

The Forbes Vetted team consists of several avid travelers, many of whom chimed in with their go-to carry-on luggage picks; senior travel editor (and experienced globetrotter) Astrid Taran then reviewed each selection. We also consulted travel experts including CIRE Travel’s Amy Brueckner and Colleen Kelly , host of PBS’ Family Travel with Colleen Kelly, to pinpoint exactly what makes a piece of carry-on luggage exceptional. While we focus primarily on wheeled luggage, we’ve also included backpack and duffel options. Looking for more options? Check out our Best Luggage list, which includes checked sizes, suitcase sets and more.

• Best Carry-On Luggage Overall: Monos Carry-On Pro
• Best Affordable Carry-On Luggage: Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner
• Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage: Away The Carry-On
• Best Softside Carry-On Luggage: Tumi Alpha International Carry-On
• Best Carry-On Luggage On Amazon: TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Spinner
• Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin
• Most Durable Carry-On Luggage: Traveler's Choice Archer Carry-On Spinner
• Best Carry-On Luggage For Business Trips: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 2-Wheel Carry-On
• Best Carry-On Backpack For Weekend Getaways: Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack
• Best Carry-On Duffel Bag: Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall

Best Carry-On Luggage Overall

A sleek, stylish option to keep your essentials safe, monos carry-on pro.

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Colors: 13 total, including Desert Taupe and Olive Green | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

The versatility, durability and sharp aesthetics of Monos’ Carry-On Pro make it an all-around excellent hardside luggage option—and our top recommendation overall. It’s designed with 360-degree spinner wheels that are easy to maneuver and an internal pad to compress your clothing. The padded front compartment offers premium organization (which is usually lacking with hard-sided luggage) without sacrificing protection—a crucial detail for those flying with expensive tech.

This polycarbonate suitcase is designed to fit in the overhead bin of “almost any flight, anywhere in the world” according to Monos and is outfitted with an ultra-sturdy telescopic handle, TSA-approved lock and vegan leather details. Note that it also comes in the Carry-On Pro Plus size, which offers more packing space but may be too big for some international flights.

What our travel experts say: “Compared with similar hardsides I've used in the past, the Monos Pro's front laptop pocket  actually  has enough room for both my laptop and other travel essentials,” says Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales . Senior updates editor Karen Tietjen adds, “It’s also worth noting is how cute it looks—traveling with an attractive suitcase just makes the journey better. (Plus, it's easy to identify in a busy airport or baggage claim.)”

• Padded front pocket
• Built-in compression pad
• Wide range of colors available
• Some reviewers say the front pocket takes up too much space

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Best Affordable Carry-On Luggage

A sleek, affordable option from a top name in travel, samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Dimensions: 21.25 × 15.25 × 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Colors : 9 total, including Black and Mint Green | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited 10-year global warranty

The Samsonite Freeform Spinner is compact but expandable by 1 inch when you need a little extra packing room. It also has interior pockets and a divider to keep everything in its place. Four wheels make it easy to tote and a push-button handle pulls out and retracts as needed.

Other notable features include a recessed TSA-approved lock, a built-in ID tag and a modern color palette that includes Navy, Mint Green and White with gray accents. Since the shell is made out of polypropylene, it’s incredibly lightweight and comes at a wallet-friendly price; just keep in mind that it may not be as impact-resistant as a suitcase made with polycarbonate or aluminum. For casual travelers, though, it’s everything you need with an under-$200 price tag.

What our travel experts say: “I've had this carry-on for the past four years and it's still in great shape,” says Forbes Vetted senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone . “I use it for both weekend trips (I'm an over-packer) and flights for longer vacations, and it has come in handy so many times. The expandable panel is so convenient for squeezing extra clothes in without having to opt for a larger suitcase, and the durable exterior ensures that my more delicate belongings stay protected.”

• Lightweight
• Available in a wide range of colors
• Expands up to 1 inch
• Polypropylene shell isn’t as impact-resistant as polycarbonate
• No front pocket

Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage

A minimalist carry-on with optional upgrades, away the carry-on.

Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds | Colors: 8 total, including Navy and Seafoam | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Away is one of the most buzz-worthy luggage brands: The lightweight polycarbonate-shell suitcases come in a spectrum of Instagram-worthy colors at a reasonable price. You can pick and choose upgrades like suitcase or luggage tag monogramming or an ejectable USB charger that keeps tech juiced up. (FYI, the USB add-on is not offered with select colors.) Other convenient features include swiveling wheels, an underside grab handle, a TSA-approved lock and a hidden laundry bag. It also comes in a slightly larger size as well as an expandable Flex version , which is featured as the best carry-on option on our list of the best luggage for international travel .

If you’re still on the fence, the brand allows returns within the first 100 days of purchase. Take note that monogrammed items cannot be returned; however, all items are covered under the company’s limited lifetime warranty.

What our travel experts say: “The Away Carry-on is my favorite piece of luggage of all time,” says managing editor Emmy Favilla. “It's lightweight, and I appreciate the interior mesh pocket and compression buckles to help fit more items. The handle is the perfect height and has two settings.”

• Interior compression system
• Underside grab handle
• May not be suitable for longer trips

Best Softside Carry-On Luggage

A luxe, expandable pick that glides through airports.

Neiman Marcus

Tumi Alpha International Carry-On

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 10.9 pounds | Colors: Black | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year warranty

For fans of softside luggage, the Tumi Alpha International Carry-On can’t be beat. Made of durable FXT ballistic nylon, the expandable soft shell resists scuffs and snags like a champ. What really elevates this suitcase, however, is its set of four high-quality spinner wheels that glide effortlessly across the floor. A spacious front pocket provides easy access to your airport essentials, while the TSA-approved lock ensures your valuables remain safe throughout your travels. You’ll also find a built-in USB port for powering up your devices while you wait to board. For added peace of mind, each suitcase comes with a unique Tumi Tracer barcode that helps reunite you with your luggage if it gets lost.

At just under 11 pounds, this bag is heavier than the other picks on this list—which is something you’ll want to keep in mind if you plan on lifting it a good deal. While this design only comes in Black, it can be monogrammed for a personalized touch.

What our travel experts say: “ Rolling this bag is a joy—I can understand why people will pay almost $900 for a carry-on, because it's just so easy to wheel around,” says home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala . “I can see this bag lasting—it's the kind of bag you buy once and use for years on end.”

• Multiple pockets for storage
• Ultra-smooth spinner wheels
• Built-in USB port
• Only available in Black
• On the heavier side

Best Carry-On Luggage On Amazon

A durable hardside case with security features, travelpro platinum elite compact spinner.

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Colors: 5 total, including Metallic Sand and Shadow Black | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

The TravelPro Platinum Elite Spinner has a wealth of thoughtful features, including self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels, an ergonomic handle, external USB ports for convenient charging and a TSA-approved lock. If you need extra space, you’ll find a 2-inch expandable panel that can be opened or sealed with a zipper. Inside, there are mesh organizing pockets as well as a water-resistant pouch to keep damp toiletries separate from clothes.

The 100% polycarbonate shell has a textured finish that resists scuff marks while aluminum detailing at the corners further prevents dings and scratches. While this hardside suitcase is built to last, you’ll feel at ease knowing there’s a 5-year limited warranty that covers unexpected damage. Plus, you can conveniently order it through Amazon Prime, which is great if you’re shopping for a suitcase last minute.

What our travel experts say: “I have the checked medium-size TravelPro Elite and can attest to the fact that the textured exterior shell is very durable and lightweight, and the four wheels are built for smooth gliding,” shares Tietjen. “Some of the features differ slightly from the checked bag versus the carry-on; for instance, the carry-on has a built-in USB charging port, while the checked bag does not.”

• External USB ports
• Resists scuff marks
• Self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels
• Limited color selections

Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage

A classic design that's just under 5 pounds, rimowa essential lite cabin.

Dimensions: 21.7 × 15.8 × 9.1 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Colors: 4 total, including Silver and Black | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

This polycarbonate shell suitcase is ultra-lightweight, coming in at just 4.9 pounds—that’s 30% less than the other suitcases in Rimowa’s Essential line. In addition to its slight yet sturdy build, you’ll enjoy effortless maneuverability with its innovative multi-wheel system and telescopic T-bar handle. Inside, there’s a mesh divider for organization and built-in TSA-approved locks for extra security no matter where your travels take you. These features combined earned this suitcase the top spot in our roundup of the best lightweight luggage .

While it may have a luxury price tag, the Essential Lite Cabin automatically comes with a lifetime warranty that covers all functional aspects of the suitcase, which is a nice perk when you’re in the market for an investment piece. It’s designed to fit in most airplane overhead compartments, but as always, be sure to double-check the flight guidelines before purchasing.

What our travel experts say: Executive director of business development and partnerships Alexis Caldwell doesn’t have Rimowa’s Essential Lite Cabin, but as an owner of the Cabin Plus , she vouches for the impeccable quality of the brand. “My Rimowa Cabin Plus literally floats through the airport—the wheels and maneuverability are unmatched,” says Caldwell. “I can squeeze so much into it with the compression system that I have never needed a larger suitcase, even on multiple three-week trips to various destinations.”

• Super lightweight at under 5 pounds
• Mesh divider
• Ultra-smooth maneuverability thanks to multi-wheel system
• Polycarbonate shell isn’t as durable as the brand’s aluminum suitcases

Most Durable Carry-On Luggage

A scratch-resistant exterior and sturdy frame.

Traveler's Choice

Traveler's Choice Archer Carry-On Spinner

Dimensions: 21.5 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Light Purple | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

For hard-on-their luggage travelers, this suitcase’s polycarbonate shell is impressively durable and the diamond cut pattern is abrasion-resistant so your luggage looks new for longer. The interior has numerous pockets including mesh pouches so you can keep your shoes separate from your clothes, and the built-in TSA lock and USB charging port add functionality.

What makes this bag stand out among the endless luggage options, however, is the long telescopic handle (which is great for tall folks) and the 360-degree spinner wheels. For the over-packers among us, this luggage has tie-down straps to compress your items and zips up effortlessly (no more struggling to close your bag). If you need to squeak out some extra space—and if airline size regulations allow—you can expand it by 2 inches. 

What our travel experts say: “I am in love with this carry-on,” says Kelly. She’s taken her Traveler’s Choice luggage on countless trips around the world and it has stood the test of time from years of traveling. “I use it for every trip I go on, from business to family trips," Kelly adds.

• Expandable by up to 2 inches
• External USB port
• Scratch-resistant exterior

Best Carry-On Luggage For Business Trips

A thoughtfully designed suitcase that’s travel expert-approved, briggs & riley baseline essential 2-wheel carry-on.

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 9.7 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Olive | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

This suitcase is expandable and features two rolling wheels, an extendable handle and a built-in TSA-approved lock. Because of its clever trifold garment feature, it’s especially suited for anyone traveling for business or a formal occasion. While it’s certainly an investment, the brand’s Lifetime Guarantee covers repairs free of charge, meaning you can confidently take this bag wherever your job (or life) takes you.

For those who prefer four-wheeled suitcases, this bag is also available in a Spinner design that comes in Black and Navy.

What our travel experts say: “I love, love, love my Briggs & Riley Baseline carry-on in Black,” says Brueckner. “It has a little pouch in the back that holds my umbrella so I’m never without one on the road.” Vetted’s associate branded content editor Luke Fater (who tested the four-wheeled version) says, “After a journey each by flight, train and bus, this spinner still rolls like butter, with no signs of fraying in the stitching or zippers either. The ballistic nylon material seems super resistant to wear and tear.”

• Trifold garment feature
• Lifetime warranty that includes repairs free of charge
• Spacious front pocket
• Not as impact-resistant as hardshell suitcases
• Some may not like the 2-wheeled design

Best Carry-On Backpack For Weekend Getaways

The ultimate carry-all for one-bag trips.

Peak Design

Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack

Dimensions: 20.9 x 13.4 x 7 inches | Weight: 3.17 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Sage | TSA-approved lock: No | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

If you’re looking to travel light with only a carry-on backpack , this pick from Peak Design —which we named our favorite travel backpack for women —makes it possible. It’s roomy enough to fit a couple of packing cubes stuffed with clothes but small enough that you can carry it around town when you reach your destination. It’s also way more functional than a standard backpack: The back compartment zips open so you can lay it flat to pack it full, the laptop compartment is easily accessible as you navigate security and the main compartment expands with a zipper if you need to carry more gear. It’s also versatile—the shoulder straps stash behind the padded back panel, which has a discreet handle so you carry it like a duffel.

The one drawback is that, when stuffed to the brim, it’s hard to fit a large water bottle in the expandable side pockets. The Peak Design also comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and breakage, but it does not cover cosmetic damage or breakage due to wear and tear.

What our travel experts say: “The mesh zipper pockets that line the interior walls of the pack are strategically placed to maximize space and the soft pocket holds more fragile items like sunglasses or a phone,” says Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta , who owns this backpack.

• Designated laptop compartment
• Can be converted into a duffel
• Lifetime warranty
• Hard to fit water bottle when backpack is full

Best Carry-On Duffel Bag

An over-the-shoulder pick with organizational features.

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall

Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Dark Moss and Camel | TSA-approved lock: No | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Duffel bags aren’t as convenient as traditional carry-ons, especially if you have to cover distances between airport gates or hotels on foot. However, they’re lightweight and flexible, meaning you can make space for those hard-to-pack items without worrying about the constraints of a rectangular case.

Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall is ideal for weekend getaways and is designed with a laptop sleeve, interior pockets, a shoe bag and a mesh pouch for smaller essentials. A built-in trolley sleeve allows you to slip the bag right onto your rolling suitcase’s handle. The duffel bag is constructed out of premium neoprene (which is traditionally associated with wetsuits), so it’s resistant to leaks and spills. For this reason (and others), the Landon Carryall makes a particularly great travel companion for those with kids.

What our travel experts say: Deputy editor Kari Molvar personally tested this duffel for herself. “After taking this bag on three recent trips to New York, I schlepped all over and can attest that the Landon Carryall held up extremely well,” she says in her review . “It’s not just that it holds a lot and is durable, but it’s versatile enough to serve other purposes.”

• Built-in trolley sleeve
• Neoprene exterior is spill-resistant
• Can become heavy when full

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The 14 best treadmill sales to shop right now, why trust forbes vetted.

• We tapped multiple experienced Forbes Vetted travelers, including editors and staffers, to share their recommendations for carry-on luggage.
• We consulted two additional travel experts: Amy Brueckner , chief operating officer of travel planning company CIRE Travel and Colleen Kelly , host of PBS’ Family Travel with Colleen Kelly.
• This story is overseen by senior travel editor Astrid Taran , who has visited over 30 countries throughout the course of her career.
• To keep you up-to-date on the best selections (and prices) available, we refresh this roundup regularly. In its latest February 2024 update, Vetted updates writer Claire Epting added the Tumi Alpha International Carry-On as our top softside pick.

How We Chose The Best Carry-On Luggage

• Forbes Vetted travel experts personally recommend several of the picks on this list, including the TravelPro Platinum Elite Spinner and the Monos Carry-On Pro .
• Brueckner and Kelly also contributed their own carry-on luggage recommendations; Bruekner uses the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 2-Wheel Carry-On , while Kelly is a big fan of the Traveler’s Choice Archer Carry-On Spinner .
• We prioritized brands with excellent warranties, so you can feel confident in your luggage purchase in the long run.
• We sought out carry-on luggage pieces that have garnered a substantial amount of positive reviews; each of our picks has an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars. (Note that the Rimowa website doesn’t have customer reviews enabled, but we chose to include its Essential Lite Cabin design because of the brand’s stellar reputation.)

What To Consider When Buying Carry-On Luggage

The best carry-on luggage for you depends on your trip and travel style. Here are some things to consider, along with expert insights from Brueckner.

The most important quality of carry-on luggage is its dimensions—you want to ensure it meets airline requirements so you won’t get slapped with extra fees to check your bag at the gate. Some luggage is designed to be expandable, so you can increase the amount of storage space when needed. Brueckner prefers expandable bags that qualify as carry-ons, as long as they’re compact. Often, she’ll lightly pack a carry-on for an outbound flight, and if she acquires souvenirs during her trip, she’ll expand it, stuff it full and check it on the way home.

Durability And Warranty

Quality luggage can be pricey, but a carry-on you can depend on is worth the investment. If you’re an avid traveler and plan on investing in expensive luggage, make sure it comes with a good warranty. “I travel a lot so I want my luggage to be durable,” says Brueckner. “My current bag (the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 2-Wheel Carry-On ) wasn’t cheap but it has a lifetime guarantee.” Further, if you plan on purchasing from a third-party retailer like Amazon, double-check with the brand directly to make sure the warranty still applies.

Extra Features

You also want to consider maneuverability and features like interior pockets and dedicated laptop sleeves. For extra security, look for a carry-on with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, which TSA agents can open with a master key so they don’t have to damage your luggage if it must be inspected. If the possibility of your tech running out of battery is cause for concern, consider suitcases that have built-in USB chargers, like our top pick, the Monos Carry-On Pro .

While a bright color will make your bag pop, keep in mind that lighter shades are more likely to show scuffs and spots. Says Brueckner, “I’m a big fan of black because it doesn’t show dirt or dings. But everyone has a black bag, so make sure to add some flair with a brightly colored ribbon or luggage tag so you know it’s yours.” If black feels too generic, opt for another dark shade—the Traveler’s Choice Archer Carry-On Spinner , for instance, comes in deep purple and green hues.

What Size Is A TSA-Approved Carry-On?

The specific size allowance for carry-on luggage varies from one airline to the next, but the general rule is that a carry-on bag should be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. We recommend always checking your preferred airline’s size restrictions online before heading to the airport, as these rules are subject to change. Brueckner adds to be especially diligent if you’re flying internationally. “Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international,” she says.

What Is The Best Bag To Use As A Carry-On?

After extensively researching the best luggage brands on the market, we elected the Monos Carry-On Pro as our top pick for carry-on luggage. It has so much to offer in terms of overall design, durability and added features. However, if you’re looking for a more basic option that won’t break the bank, we recommend the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner . While it may not be as durable as our top choice, it’s great for occasional fliers who’d rather put their money into another aspect of their travel budget.

Is Hard Or Soft Luggage Better For A Carry-On?

Both hardside and sofstide luggage have their advantages, but based on our travel experts’ experiences, hardside pieces make better carry-ons. Hardside luggage is stronger so it can protect any delicate items you’re packing (like toiletry bottles or souvenirs). They also hold their shape in overhead bins next to your fellow passengers’ bags and can stay strong against the unceremonious shoving they might endure up there. However, softside luggage can compress and fit into smaller spaces than hardside luggage. And while they might not be as durable as hardside versions, softside carry-ons don’t scuff or scratch. Because they’re made of fabric, they are prone to ripping, though—so we recommend shopping from a brand with an extensive warranty, such as Briggs & Riley or Peak Design .

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The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024

Let’s face it, traveling can be stressful. But with the right carry-on luggage, transit on planes, trains, and automobiles can be a lot easier.

Looking for the best new piece of carry-on luggage for your next trip? We all know there’s nothing worse than toting around a cumbersome piece of luggage, bulging at the seams with the amount of clothes you’ve tried to stuff into it for a weekend getaway. Making travel an easier affair starts with what you do before you get to the airport — namely, finding the right piece of luggage to suit your needs best and packing it appropriately. 

Carry-on luggage comes in a variety of styles, from the hardshell classics to soft-sided, duffel bags. Whether you value features like external pockets or 360-spinner wheels, internal compression, or TSA-approved locks, we’ve got you covered with our wide selection of the best carry-on luggage of 2024.

Our team has tested 17 different carry-ons over a year now to narrow in on the best of the best. We brought them all over the world on over 10 domestic and international flights, winnowing our selection to bring you the crème de la crème of these versatile pieces of luggage. We tested each carry-on with a mind for a number of different performance metrics, including build quality, packability, weight, and ease of transport.

Lead tester Miya Tsudome, along with supporting staff writers Steve Graepel and Chris Carter, are globetrotters at their core, and have legions of airfare miles under their belts. They know what makes a carry-on worth its mettle, and won’t waste time toting a piece of junk around the airport. Rest assured — every bag on this guide has been vetted by these stone-cold pros, and had to pass a series of taxing tests to earn their spot on this guide.

Read on to learn more, explore our carry-on buyer’s guide , and reference our handy comparison chart and FAQ sections for all the info you need to snag the best carry-on for your next trip.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Carry-On Luggage guide on April 3, 2024, to add further testing notes, double-check our selection, and ensure all carry-ons are still available.

• Best Overall Carry-On:  Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller
• Best Budget Carry-On: Rockland Melbourne 20
• Runner-Up Best Carry-On: TravelPro Platinum Elite 21
• Most Stylish Carry-On: Away The Carry-On Suitcase
• Best Carry-On for Rugged Travel: Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40
• Best Carry-On for Organization: SwissGear 6283 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller

• Weight 6 lbs., 9.6 oz.
• Dimensions 13.5" x 21" x 9"
• Materials 1000D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon, 1680D recycled ballistic nylon & PC recycled plastic shell
• External Pockets 3 zippered pockets
• Volume 44 L

• Incredible organizational features
• Beefy YKK zippers that inspire confidence
• Loads of daisy chains and attachment points
• Detachable shoulder straps for extended carry over uneven surfaces
• Large, sturdy wheels can handle rough roads/sidewalks
• Shoulder straps aren't the most cozy
• The sheer amount of extra flaps and pockets inside takes up internal volume space
• All the pockets may not be attractive for minimalist travelers

Behold — the carry-on king of organization and traveling comfort! Boasting a staggering 12 separate compartments for storage, you’d think we’re reviewing a specced-out 120 L expedition duffel with more flaps and zippers than you can count … but you’d be wrong. The Topo Designs 44 L Global Travel Bag ($299) manages to cram so much under the hood that nearly every category of your travel loadout gets its own dedicated home.

We brought this feat of engineering on over seven domestic flights, two international flights, and a slew of road trips to truly push it to its limits, and we came away convinced. This has to be the best, most versatile carry-on for just about any border-hopping romp you could drum up.

Here’s a rundown of your storage options: a zippered main compartment, an internal zippered divider with two separate zippered pockets on top, two internal zippered mesh pockets in the lid, and a separate pouch that zips open internally from the lid — deep breath — one large external zippered pocket with three different pouches inside that, a smaller zippered pocket on top of this, and finally, a small zippered pouch on top for passports or wallets. If you need more organization, we don’t know what to tell you.

This elaborate design is both a resounding pro, and a con. While we love being able to keep every element of our travel kit separate and organized, the sheer number of zippers, pouches, and flaps this introduces does limit the bag’s overall storage volume. While it’s advertised as 44L, we found we were able to pack less gear overall than other carry-ons with the same claimed volume.

That said, as a soft-sided bag it has more give than hard-sided models, allowing you to still haul a bulging load — with the risk of it not fitting in the overhead compartment. Also, 12 pockets can feel like a bit much for less involved weekend trips where a change of clothes and a toothbrush suffices. For the hyper-organized business traveler or seasoned globetrotter on the other hand — this is a dream.

Soft-sided carry-ons also come with the inherent con of less durability and gear protection than their hard-sided peers. That said, the 1000-denier recycled nylon face fabric of the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag shrugs off some serious torture, and has shown little signs of wear even after years of rough use.

The chassis is sturdy, and the large red wheels roll smoothly over airport hallways, or bumpy cobblestone sidewalks alike. Trotting over some truly gnarly terrain to your next hostel for the night? Whip out the removable shoulder straps, and quickly convert it into a makeshift backpack.

While we wouldn’t recommend trekking long miles like this (the straps are sparsely padded, and it doesn’t have a hip belt), it’s an awesome feature that boosts the bag’s versatility and isn’t found on many other carry-ons.

With the most robust feature set of any carry-on on this list, a sleek, stylish silhouette, and durable design, this bag easily snagged our Best Overall award. Pop over to your cousin’s place a few states over for Christmas, or set off on a month-long escapade across Europe, the Global Travel Bag is the do-it-all travel companion you need.

Rockland Melbourne 20

• Weight 7 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 22” x 13.5” x 9”
• Materials Durable ABS material

External Pockets

• Volume 43 L

• Comes in many different colors
• 360-degree spinner wheels and expansion zipper
• Durability is questionable
• Not many organizational features

Looking for a simple carry-on with those coveted 360-degree spinner wheels — but don’t want to break the bank? The Rockland Melbourne 20 ($120) is sure to fit the bill, earning its spot as our best budget carry-on. This no-frills bag opens up in a clamshell style, with one side having a zippered compartment and the other side remaining open with an optional criss-cross strap for keeping bulkier clothes secure. An expansion zipper allows for an extra 2 inches of packing space, maximizing the constraints of carry-on luggage for longer trips.

The Rockland Melbourne 20 won’t dazzle you with its organizational features, however, and its quality is noticeably lesser than more expensive models in our lineup. The straps on the inside don’t do much to compress, rather will just keep your clothes from moving around too much. There are no smaller pockets in the interior of the suitcase, and the cloth material for the zippered compartment feels flimsy and prone to tearing.

While this suitcase wouldn’t be our first choice in taking on a long trip across the world, it will more than suffice for the occasional traveler looking for an inexpensive suitcase for short work trips or holidays, and comes in a variety of colors as a bonus. 

TravelPro Platinum Elite 21

• Weight 7 lbs., 12.8 oz.
• Dimensions 23.5" x 14.5" x 9"
• Materials Ballistic nylon
• External Pockets 4
• Volume 46 L

• Large volume
• Useful accessory pockets
• Fantastic wheels and zippers
• Ergonomic handle is best in class
• On the expensive side

This sharp-looking soft shell carry-on has multiple internal and external pockets to help keep you organized during travel and at the hotel. But what steals the show are its buttery smooth wheels.

The TravelPro Platinum Elite ($370) rides over four MagnaTrac “dually” spinner wheels. With 360 degrees of mobility, low-powered magnets gently pull the wheels into alignment when pushing the carry-on straight. The result is wheels that track and remain wobble-free. When will grocery carts adopt this technology? The Platinum Elite wheels were the smoothest we tested. Almost too smooth. When left unattended, we occasionally found the bag rolling away from us.

On the outside, the Platinum Elite has four external pockets. Three pockets sit over the lid, with two smaller pockets for loose items, like keys, papers, devices, and a large deep pocket that can hold a 17-inch laptop (or the entire New York Times Sunday edition). Unlike other carry-ons, this large laptop pocket doesn’t have a padded computer sleeve.

But the pocket itself is padded and we liked that it was gusseted, which allowed us to effortlessly pull out the computer from an overstuffed bag. While it’s narrow, the pocket has a lot of room — and we feel it sort of misses the mark. We think it would benefit from a padded sleeve to better lock in the laptop, or even a mesh pocket for accessory cables.

A fourth “power bank” pocket hides on the left side, allowing you to plug in your own power bank to the internally routed cable that ports to the external USB port on the backside of the bag. While most airports are upgraded with USB ports these days, we like that this configuration allows you to charge your device without pulling out the power bank. You can charge anywhere (think the train station) without the risk of forgetting an expensive power bank when rushing to the gate.

The main compartment is deep, and unzips to hinge along the carry-on’s long side. It’s big enough to swallow supplies for a week-long vacation and expands an extra two inches in case you want to bring a bit extra home. Lining the bin-side are four accessory pockets. A long side pocket can hold brushes, belts, or ties. Two mesh pockets are tacked mid-depth on the top and bottom and buckle together to form a compression divider. A fourth, clear plastic pocket is perfect for holding any liquids that might need to be removed at TSA.

The pair of pockets that buckle together do help wrestle a wardrobe into submission, but they aren’t removable, and when flipped out of the bag, they roll upside-down — making them much harder to access. They are also small, maybe just large enough to hold your passport, loose coins, and receipts. 

Under the lid is a large mesh pocket that’s great for keeping your pressed wears tidy. If you travel with a suit or dress, the Platinum Elite comes with a hanging garment bag that folds up perfectly inside the main bin. 

Like the wheels, all zippers slide exceptionally smooth, including the 2-inch expansion zipper that buys you more packing real estate. A pair of replaceable leather grips are bolted to the top and sidewall with Phillips head screws, and a pull handle sits on the underside. The ergonomic handle has four extension lengths, extending from 36 inches to 42.5 inches, making the TravelPro comfortable and easy to pull, push, or grab from any angle.

All in all, this is a versatile carry-on that blends function and style, and boasts stellar organizational features.

Away The Carry-On Suitcase

• Dimensions 21.7” x 14.4” x 9”
• Materials Polycarbonate shell exterior
• External Pockets Zero
• Volume 39.8 L

• Stylish and sleek
• Interior divider acts as a compression panel as well as provides an extra pocket
• TSA-approved lock on exterior
• Expensive for such a simple suitcase
• No expansion zipper

A bestselling, hard-sided, attractive suitcase, The Carry-On by Away ($275) is our pick for the most stylish suitcase. While style might not matter for some travelers, others going on business trips — or who are the fashion-forward type — might appreciate the sleek modern look of this bag.

These suitcases come in gloss or matte finishes, with many colorways to choose from. Whether you’re the bold and bright type, or prefer more subdued pastels, there are a variety of options to choose from.

Though style is part of this suitcase’s appeal, function is given equal weight in its design. While hard-sided suitcases are always going to have fewer pockets than soft ones, the interior of The Carry-On is designed with organization in mind. A clamshell opening reveals two compartments — one with a zippered enclosure and the other with a divider that acts as a way to compress down your clothes.

The divider cinches down with two buckled straps and maximizes space by including two zippered mesh pockets on one side for small items. The other compartment is a great place to store bulkier items like shoes or things that are best held in place by the zippered closure.

We took this carry-on on a 5-day trip and felt that it had just enough space for a getaway of this length, but would probably be too small for anything much longer. Soft-sided suitcases do better at maximizing every inch of an airplane’s overhead bins and typically have more pockets, making them more suitable for longer trips.

Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40

• Weight 5 lbs., 15.8 oz.
• Dimensions 23.6” x 14.1” x 11”
• Materials Bluesign-approved 900D recycled polyester, PFC-free DWR, TPU-coated
• External Pockets 1 large pocket
• Volume 40 L

• Made with burly, 900D recycled polyester
• DWR & TPU-coated to protect agains the elements
• Sturdy wheels
• May be overkill for the everyday traveler
• Lack of organizational pockets

For your more rugged travels, whether backpacking around Southeast Asia, or flying to Europe for a hiking trip in the Alps, the Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 40 ($300) is a great choice for withstanding rougher conditions. A workhorse duffel, the outside of this carry-on is made with 900D recycled polyester, has a DWR coating for protection against wet weather, and is TPU-coated to boot.

Overlapping rain flaps and weather-resistant zippers ensure your contents won’t get drenched if you find yourself caught in a storm in transit. Put simply, this piece of luggage is burly. Oversized wheels roll easily through long layovers in foreign airports and perform excellently over uneven surfaces like dirt and grass. We even sprayed it with a hose to test its weatherproofing capabilities, and our clothes inside remained dry as ever.

Duffel bags are made to be tossed around and lashed to the roofs of cars or pack animals, but can be awkward and uncomfortable to carry. The Osprey Transporter has the benefit of being as burly and featured as a good duffel bag with the added bonus of a pair of wheels making it a great hybrid suitcase.

We stuffed its 40-liter interior with the contents for a climbing trip and could fit a rope, harness, shoes, ten quickdraws, plus clothes and toiletries for a week. The soft top was indeed bulging, but we could still zip it shut and were grateful that it expands.

SwissGear 6283 21” Expandable Carry On Spinner

• Weight 8 lbs.
• Dimensions 20” x 13.5” x 7.5”
• Materials Scuff-resistant Polyester fabric
• External Pockets 2 panel pockets, one large and one small
• Volume 28 L

• Many pockets and organizational features
• Expandable zipper
• On the heavy side
• Tie-down straps don’t offer too much compression

Some travelers prefer the sleek look of hard-sided luggage. Others will look for bags with pockets and organizational features to maximize packing space. Those in the latter category will appreciate the features of the SwissGear 6283 21” Expandable Carry On Spinner ($120). The most prominent features are two exterior pockets, a removable zippered pouch for dirty laundry, an internal storage pocket, and a large, flat panel pocket on the underside of the suitcase’s lid.

It’s hard to deny that it’s nice when your bag can be somewhat organized, and our testers really appreciated utilizing the exterior pockets for small items like an e-book, passport, phone, and earbuds for quick and easy access. Opening up this carry-on , there is one main compartment to put the bulk of your items, and some adjustable tie-down straps to keep them in place.

The large, zippered flat pocket on the underside of the bag’s lid was a perfect place for a laptop. The internal storage pocket provided another ideal storage spot for small items like toiletries or electronics, and the zippered “wet” bag proved useful, especially for keeping our dirty sundries separated.

The SwissGear 6283 provides ample organizational features for its relatively low price tag, and our reviewers were pleased with the capacity of this utilitarian carry-on.

American Tourister Moonlight 21” Spinner

• Weight 7 lbs., 13.2 oz.
• Dimensions 22” x 15” x 9.5”
• Materials N/A
• Volume 50 L

• Comes in a selection of fun colors and patterns
• Expands up to 1.5” for more packing space
• Four 360-degree spinner wheels
• Simple design, no extra organizational pockets or features
• Small wheels

If you’re looking for a basic, hard-sided suitcase that isn’t boring and won’t break the bank, look no further than the American Tourister Moonlight 21” Spinner ($130). With a classic, split-case construction, this carry-on also expands 1.5 inches to give you the most bang for your buck.

Four single spinner wheels allow you to roll this suitcase with ease, and the interior hosts buckled straps to keep your clothes packed down and a mesh compartment to keep the rest of your items secure.

This isn’t the most feature-rich carry-on. Hard-sided suitcases already have fewer features and pockets by design, and the interior of the American Tourister is pretty lackluster. The quality of this carry-on is decent for the price point, and American Tourister makes fun Disney- and Star Wars-themed suitcases if you’re into that kind of thing.

All in all, our testers weren’t overly impressed with the American Tourister , which is just a regular hard-sided suitcase with some fun branding. But for a decent price and fun color schemes, this could be a great choice for those who like to express a more offbeat style.

Samsonite Centric Carry-On Spinner

• Dimensions 22.5” x 15.5” x 9.5”
• Materials 100% polycarbonate shell
• Volume 53 L

• Sleek and rugged design
• Anti-scratch twill texture
• 360-degree spinning wheels
• No extra organizational pockets

The Samsonite Centric Carry-On Spinner ($200) is a sleek and rugged hard-sided suitcase that fulfills the basic duties of a good carry-on without much fuss. This carry-on’s polycarbonate shell has a twill texture that protects against the inevitable scuffs and scratches of transit. 360-degree spinner wheels allow for easy gliding across crowded airport terminals. TSA-approved locks cleverly secure the zippers so you can feel at ease that your valuables are secure.

The Samsonite Centric is a well-made suitcase with very few frills. The wheels are quite small, and not as robust across varying terrain as some of the other suitcases in our lineup, but will do well enough as you rush to your gate or try to find the hotel at your destination. Our reviewers appreciated the build quality of this carry-on, and were not afraid to toss it around and find that it did indeed come away with fewer scratches than some of its competition.

The suitcase’s interior is a little lackluster, however, with the basic setup of two compartments on each side of the clamshell, one that is large and zippered, and the other with some straps to keep your bulky items at bay. The suitcase in general lacks any exterior pockets, as is typical with a hardshell design, and doesn’t have much in the way of pockets or other organizational tools on the inside, either. But if you are looking for a simple, well-made suitcase that is sleek enough for a business trip but burly enough to withstand use and abuse, the Samsonite Centric is a good bet.

YETI Crossroads 22 Carry On

• Dimensions 22" x 16" x 9"
• Materials Hardshell polycarbonate back and 700-denier side
• External Pockets 2; one with two sleeves and an internal pocket

• Sharp modern styling
• Robust wheels
• Functional external pockets and multiple large device sleeves
• Pocket configuration may turn off some buyers
• Waterproof zippers are harder to pull

From the land of overbuilt and “Ford tough,” YETI entered the baggage game in 2021 with its Crossroads luggage series. The Crossroad 22 ($350) is positioned as the brand’s carry-on bag. Built for where the road ends and adventure begins, YETI’s hybrid 700-denier softshell/polycarbonate clamshell bag is a sophisticated take on the carry-on.

In addition to the main storage, the Crossroad 22 has two external pockets. Off the front, a large gusseted pocket reveals two padded sleeves that can protect both a 17-inch laptop and a large tablet. An accessory mesh pocket works great for keeping your cables and power supplies in order. A second, stealth pocket with a key keeper can hold your wallet, device, glasses, passport, etc. 

Unlike most carry-ons which hinge at the side, the main pocket drops open with a clamshell configuration hinging at the bottom of the bag. The deep side is protected with a polycarbonate back and has enough room to store a pair of dress shoes, running shoes, and your wardrobe for a week.

A mesh divider unzips off the backside of the lid, allowing you to separate your laundry or keep your shirts pressed while in transit. Laying over the mesh wall, a small and large mesh pocket zip-up toiletries or accessories.

All external zippers are water-resistant and machined to hook a lock, keeping both the elements and sticky fingers at bay. As expected from YETI, the zippers are tough. And a bit sticky. They don’t slide as easily as zippers found on other high-end carry-ons, like the TravelPro Platinum Elite.

The hardshell polycarbonate back and 700-denier water and abrasion-resistant top yield a carry-on that is overbuilt for the road and should last for years. We’ve used it for work and the computer sleeves are a practical addition to the mobile office. Just as long as you don’t overpack the bag. Overpacking the main compartment pushes contents up against the external pocket space, making it harder to pull and store the laptop from the sleeves.

And like the Crossroad 29 our editor reviewed back in 2022 , the 22 suffers from the same pocket dilemma. There are just so many of them. If you keep an organized garage, this can bring some piece of mind. Everything has its place. For others, sifting through which pocket stores what can be an overwhelming game of hide and seek. And like backpacks, more pockets mean more components that can eventually fail.

Like all good carry-ons, the Crossroad has an extendable arm that pulls to 31 inches and 42 inches, and that fat grip feels good in the hand. 

Need more space? We paired our Crossroad 22 with YETI’s 27L Crossroads backpack and had no trouble walking through security with both bags. The backpack slips over the carry-on handle, the 22 stowed nicely on its side in overhead storage and the backpack slid under the seat in front.

In short, like all YETI products, the Crossroad 22 is overbuilt and should last you for years of travel.

Dakine 42L Carry-On Roller

• Weight 6 lbs., 8 oz.
• Dimensions 21.5" x 14" x 9"
• Materials 600-denier polyester with polycarbonate internal backing
• External pockets 1
• Volume 42 L

• Inexpensive
• Large volume bag
• Soft-sided configuration feels floppy
• Handle feels lesser quality
• Lesser quality than pricer carry-ons

Dakine’s 42L Carry-On is a simple single pocket, split-level clamshell style carry-on that opens on the long edge of the bag. Prices vary according to fabric (they offer a variety of fabrics to choose from). We reviewed the black 600-denier version, available for $185.

Regardless of the material, all Dakine 42L Carry-On bags are configured the same, with a single external pocket closing the split-level main storage.

A large horseshoe pocket unzips over the lid, allowing you to store a 17-inch laptop (or two) behind a padded sleeve. An accessory pocket can keep your cables organized. 

The main compartment unzips to hinge on the long side, revealing the split-level storage. The deep bucket is backed by a hard polycarbonate. Behind the lid, the top-level storage is zipped behind a mesh divider and has a flexible polycarbonate sheet that protects the underside while providing some framework to keep the pocket from falling in on itself. 

The entire carry-on is wrapped and protected with a 600-denier ripstop water-repellent polyester and has stealthy internal zippers to access the hardware. This allows you to repair or replace the handle, wheels, or stubby support legs beaten down during travel. Dakine backs this with a limited lifetime warranty.

Extending to 33”, 38”, and 44”, the handle doesn’t feel as durable as other handles we tested. Dakine uses a thinner diameter aluminum tubing that looks (and feels) more dainty than the other bags.

Quirks? We found the bag feels tippy when standing. And while the bottom of the lid has a plastic molded insert, the top does not. This leaves the bag feeling floppy while packing.

As the adage goes, you get what you pay for. At $185 you won’t break the bank, but Dakine’s 42L Carry-On lacks the durability and accessories of pricer carry-ons.

Mystery Ranch Mission 40L Wheelie

• Weight 7 lbs., 4.8 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5” x 14” x 12”
• Materials Hardshell polycarbonate back and 1000-denier CORDURA fabric
• External Pockets 3 — one zippered dirty laundry pouch, one zippered shoe pouch, and one small exterior pocket for small items

• Large, spacious bag
• Ample pockets for maximum organization
• Made with burly materials
• Hard to access everything inside when bag and all accessory pouches are full
• May not fit in overhead compartments of small, regional planes

It’s hard to find a carry-on suitcase that’s more innovative than the Mystery Ranch Mission 40L Wheelie ($349). This suitcase has a plethora of features that make it unique and is made with burly, 1000-denier CORDURA fabric to withstand years of use and abuse. This bag makes the most out of being a mere carry-on, and for that reason, it earns an honorable mention in our review. 

Being a soft-sided piece of luggage, the Mission 40L feels way more spacious than its hard-sided, clamshell counterparts. A large, U-shaped zipper on the front of the suitcase opens to reveal the spacious main compartment. The inside flap is composed of large, zippered mesh pockets to hold small items.

There is a removable, large zippered pouch that floats in the middle of the main compartment as well, which provides some mild compression for bulky items, as well as helps keep more of your smaller items organized.

The most unique features of the Mission 40L are the separate pouches for dirty laundry and shoes — both of which can be accessed from exterior zippers and allow for even more organization of your items. They can also be rolled up and stowed away if you choose not to use them. 

Nothing is perfect, though, and while this carry-on has an incredible amount of thought and ingenuity behind it, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. The 40L size, packed to the gills, will most likely be denied entry as a carry-on on regional flights with small planes. It definitely is on the larger side of a carry-on, and as such you could run into issues with the more scrutinizing of airlines. 

While the shoes and laundry pouches make organization a breeze, when full it becomes more difficult to quickly see and access other articles in the suitcase. This, however, is only really an issue in transit, because when you get to your destination you can take out your shoes and laundry and easily live out of the suitcase as it is. 

Our reviewers also wished for two zippers for the main compartment, for quick opening and closing of the bag as well as providing the option to lock the compartment with a zipper lock. 

Despite these cons, we took our Mission 40L from the West Coast to the East Coast and back again for a 6-day trip, and were very pleased with how comfortably we could fit a week’s worth of clothes and not have to check a bag.

The North Face All Weather 4-Wheeler 22”

• Weight 9 lbs., 12 oz.
• Dimensions 22.5" x 14.2" x 9.5"
• Volume 24 L

• 4-wheel design is easy to roll
• No zippers to bust means locking security
• Small (24 L)
• Equally sized bins limit packing
• Heavy (almost 10 lbs.)

The North Face knows adventure and has been supplying travelers with luggage to escape off the grid for decades now. Its 22” All Weather 4-Wheeler carry-on ($350) is a hardshell carry-on that can hold a long weekend’s worth of supplies. 

With no external bling, this brutalist hard-sided carry-on feels more like a Pelican Case, and is truly inspired by deconstructing the bivalve. Hinged in the middle, the top and bottom halves mirror the same volume and open flat along the long side. The lid locks shut with a pair of TSA-compatible combination locks. Two rubberized handles sit on the long and tall side to help wrestle the smooth polycarbonate cube.

On the inside, both halves hold 12 liters of contents. One side is open with a removable compression divider that buckles into place mid-depth to the four corners. The divider has a thin mesh pocket to hold loose items, like papers or receipts. A long mesh pocket tucks on the inside along the hinge and stows an accessory bag that can be deployed for trail shoes or laundry.

The other half is zipped shut with a mesh divider that has both a horizontal quick-access zipper, and a horseshoe zipper that opens up the bin entirely. Both bays are trimmed with smooth-facing nylon, adding elegance to the otherwise spartan exterior.

True to The North Face’s modus operandi, the All Weather looks and feels like it could survive a weekend at war. The polycarbonate shell is secure and sturdy. The two sides close shut with a rubber gasket rand, sealing out water, and making the All Weather the most waterproof carry-on on our list. The four double wheels have 360˚ of mobility and track effortlessly from gate to transportation. And the Brut-design handle locks at three positions (30”, 33”, and 38.5”).

On the downside, at $350, it’s expensive and limiting — offering just over half the volume of other carry-ons on the list. And with both sides of the carry-on being equal, the capacity feels much smaller than others.

But, if durability, security, and weatherproof are your key metrics (and you pack light), the All Weather 4-Wheeler is worth a look. This carry-on is like a Volvo — boxy but good, with limited volume. It’s best suited for long weekend trips where you won’t overpack but want bomber durability.

Patagonia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel 40L

• Weight 7 lbs.
• Dimensions 21.6" x 14" x 9.5"
• Materials 100% recycled polyester ripstop with TPU-film laminate
• External Pockets 1 small zippered pocket

• Beefy seams and zippers
• Sleek, stylish look
• Weather and tear-resistant TPU laminate coating
• Sturdy wheelset delivers a smooth ride
• Only one external pocket
• Jealous friends

If you haven’t seen the ubiquitous Black Hole duffel bag while flying around on your travels — you probably aren’t getting out as much as you should. It’s a cult classic, and like every hero, it has a sidekick. Meet the Patagonia Black Hole Rolling Duffel ($359), a sleek rolling version of the outdoor community’s favorite rugged duffel.

With that same shiny, bombproof TPU laminate coating we’ve grown to cherish, a stalwart chassis, and a silky smooth ride, the carry-on version of this line brings some serious competition to the market. We took the Black Hole Roller on four domestic flights and a number of road trips during our testing period, and got a slew of compliments each time. This is a good-looking carry-on.

But its allure doesn’t stop at style, and the durable but compressible nature of its malleable face fabric means it can cram into smaller spaces with ease, and compress down as your loadout fluctuates during extended travel. A limit with hard-sided bags, and a relief while trying to cram your bag into the overhead compartment while everyone waits impatiently behind you on the plane.

While it easily fits the dimension restrictions of carry-ons, the interior space seems more voluminous than others we tested — largely due to the lack of internal features and high side walls. One small front zippered pocket constitutes the bag’s external organization, and two zippered pockets on the inside of the lid round out its simple featured set.

It does come with internal compression straps, and a full internal liner that zips open for a second makeshift compartment if you feel the need. We ended up shoving our dirty clothes into this pouch to keep them separate from our clean ones as they amassed mid-trip.

The hallmark of these bags is their signature shiny TPU coating. This affords both the duffle and rolling carry-ons top-shelf durability while keeping weight to a minimum. The external material is extremely water-resistant, and the fabric overlays the zippers, which allows rain to roll off the bag without seeping in.

This came in quite handy on one trip when our bags were unloaded from the plane in an absolute downpour, and came onto the luggage carousel soaking wet (we had to check our carry-ons at the gate for that particular trip).

Cons? Well, aside from a relatively minimal feature set, it was hard to drum up any quibbles with this bag. It comes with the same precautions as any soft-sided carry-on, namely a comparable lack of protection for sensitive internal contents. But that is standard, and the sturdy base and sidewalls provide adequate defense for anything not on the very top of your package.

The Patagonia Black Hole Rolling Duffel has a supremely smooth ride, durable chassis, and plenty of volume for a weekend getaway — and looks stylish to boot. Anyone looking to add some glossy, outdoor flair to their country-hopping loadout shouldn’t sleep on this one.

Carry-On Luggage Comparison Chart

How We Tested Carry-On Luggage

Our GearJunkie testers are avid travelers, with a combined experience of hundreds of flights taken, domestic and international, many trains traveled, and numerous countries visited. From the city streets of Paris, to the remote mountains of the Himalayas, our testers have covered a lot of ground in their lifetimes and know what can make or break a good piece of luggage. 

From flying frequently around the country for work to spending loads of time lugging baggage around Europe, as well as stuffing suitcases full of climbing gear for far-off adventures, our lead tester Miya Tsudome has had over 2 decades of hands-on experience with carry-on luggage. 

She collaborated with two other of our staff writers, Steve Graepel and Chris Carter, for this guide. They tested 17 different carry-ons over a period of 4 months — during which the three writers racked up some significant domestic and international air travel. They tested each carry-on with an eye for a handful of specific features, including packability, durability, and ease of use while battling around busy airports.

Finally, this is an organic guide, and we add the newest carry-ons and revisit our old favorites each season. We work hard to stay on top of the newest and best carry-ons on the market to bring you the most relevant suggestions possible.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Carry-On Luggage

Though no one bag “has it all,” there are many high-quality bags to choose from, and some that may fit your needs better than others. It’s worth considering the types of trips you make. Do you typically go on business trips or far-off adventures? Are you looking for something sleek and stylish or rugged and durable?

It’s also worth considering how often you travel and for how long — and what bag might make the most sense for your needs and budget. Read our comprehensive buyer’s guide below to gain some insight that might help you decide.

This article focuses solely on carry-ons. To add even more diversity to your travel loadout, be sure to check out our buyer’s guides on duffel bags , and travel backpacks .

Size is extremely important when considering purchasing a carry-on suitcase. It isn’t wise to assume that all suitcases labeled as “carry-ons” by their brand will automatically comply with all airline size restrictions. Although the standard is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, some airlines will be more strict, especially if you are flying on small regional planes or on airlines in different countries.

If you are spending a good amount of money on a new suitcase, and are worried about being able to easily fly with it, it would be best to err on the smaller side when considering your new purchase. This is also important to note for expandable suitcases, which when they are compact may qualify as a carry-on, but when stuffed full and expanded might exceed the limit. 

In our review, the Rockland Melbourne 20 , Dakine 42L , and SwissGear 6283 are the only suitcases strictly under the size threshold. However, it is worth noting that many airlines aren’t super discerning about an extra inch or two in any direction. 

Types of Carry-Ons 

Carry-on luggage comes in all shapes and sizes, but can typically be categorized as being hard-shell or soft-sided. The type you choose will be determined by whether you prefer the protection of a hard shell or the versatility of a soft-sided case, as well as being a personal style choice.

Hard-Sided Carry-Ons 

Hard-sided luggage is usually what comes to mind when one pictures a suitcase — ubiquitous, sleek, rolling clamshells that slide easily into overhead compartments. These shells are usually made of polycarbonate materials, and can sometimes be textured to be more resistant to scratches and dings but will inevitably reveal scuffs more than their soft-sided counterparts.

Being hard-sided allows for more protection of their interior components, and is ideal if you are traveling with fragile items. But a lack of exterior pockets is typically a big trade-off when choosing a hard shell model, as well as the fact that their clamshell opening doesn’t allow for quick access to the interior — you typically will have to unzip the whole bag to go in and search for an item. The Samsonite Centric and Away’s The Carry-On both have a textured exterior that is supposed to protect against scuffs and scratches. 

Soft-Sided Carry-Ons

Soft-sided carry-ons have several distinct advantages. One is that they are typically more lightweight, which can make a difference when packing a bag full for a week of travel, and then having to pick it up and put it into an overhead compartment. Wear and tear over time will be less obvious on their fabric exteriors versus visible scuffs on a hard shell, and because most soft shells have a U-shaped zippered opening instead of a clamshell, there is less stress on the zipper over time. 

Soft-sided luggage also makes the most of their exteriors with ample pockets. While hard-sided luggage tends to look sleeker and can be easier to slide into an overhead compartment, soft-sided carry-on luggage can provide more bang for your buck with its extra pockets and ability to expand.

Packability

Clamshell .

The suitcases we tested mainly feature two different designs that influenced their packability. All of the hardshell suitcases feature a clamshell construction — a zipper opens all the way around to reveal two separate compartments on either side. This is beneficial for organization, as you can separate your clothing from your other items. Some brands, like Away’s The Carry-On , also have custom packing cubes to make organization even more satisfying.

Our testers found that the clamshell design helps to keep us more organized and less likely to just stuff a bunch of clothes into a duffel bag because closing them up easily is dependent on how well you packed your items. However, a big drawback to this style is when you’d like to grab something out of the suitcase in transit, you have to open it all the way and splay out both sides to find what you’re looking for.

U-Shaped Zipper 

A U-shaped zipper opening to one main compartment is the other common suitcase design you’ll find from many brands, as found on the Osprey Transporter , Patagonia Black Hole , Mystery Ranch Mission , and in some ways increases a bag’s packability. Being able to quickly pack and unpack a suitcase without having to separate any components is a big plus for ease of use.

U-shaped zipper openings are typically found on soft-sided suitcases, and can allow a bag to be stuffed to the brim and still be able to zip close with a little bit of extra legwork.

These suitcases tend to be deep and can accommodate layers of clothing, especially when put into packing cubes or rolled up tightly to maximize space. Occasionally, bags like this will have some organizational components such as side pockets and compression straps, but staying organized will be more of a challenge when all of your items share one main compartment.

Extra Features

Compression straps.

Having the ability to compress bulky items to make more room in your carry-on luggage is a very desirable feature, but these straps are not all created equal. Many suitcases will have some sort of strap system, but often won’t do much to compress at all and will merely serve to hold your items in place.

If you are planning to pack as much as you can and love what some good compression straps can provide, it pays to be discerning about the bag that you buy. The best compression straps in our lineup can be found in Away’s the Carry-On , and the Osprey Transporter .

Internal Zippered Storage

Arguably one of the most important things to keep the inevitable stress levels lower when it comes to travel is good organization. No matter how hard you try to stay organized, things can unravel quickly when you open up your bag, pull out a toiletries kit, and your whole system of neatly folded clothes comes apart with it.

That’s why it can be nice to find a bag with good internal zippered storage, so you can keep items separate and accessible without disturbing the whole order of your packing.

The Mystery Ranch Mission has an impressive amount of internal zippered storage which helps keep organization an easier affair. In our hard-sided suitcase selection, we liked that Away’s The Carry-On made extra use of their compression divider adding a large, zippered mesh pocket suitable for slim items.

Spinner Wheels vs. Non-Spinner Wheels

360-degree spinner wheels have been a boon to the evolution of the carry-on suitcase. Four wheels that spin independently in every direction make maneuvering a bag through crowded train stations and in the narrow aisles of planes easier than ever before. And it is hard to deny that the feeling of “gliding” your suitcase along instead of dragging it behind you makes transit more appealing. 

There are some advantages of two-wheeled suitcases, however, that are worth mentioning. There are usually four spinner wheels on a suitcase which means more parts that can break. The wheels are also much smaller than on two-wheeled suitcases, and worse for maneuvering over cobblestone streets, grass, or other uneven terrain.

The wheels on non-spinner suitcases are typically much larger, sometimes even with lugs for better traction, and are a better choice if you know you’ll be going over varying terrain. They are also usually easily replaceable and longer-lasting than their spinner counterparts. 

External pockets are another category that can be aligned with the hard-sided versus soft-sided debate. They are typically a feature of soft-sided suitcases, such as the Mystery Ranch Mission or the SwissGear 6283 , though there are rare brands that have figured out ways to incorporate pockets or panels into the front of their bags.

External pockets can be desirable for a number of reasons, namely for storing smaller items that you might want to access in transit such as a passport, e-book, iPad, headphones, sleep mask, etc. Especially when putting a suitcase in an overhead compartment, knowing that those items can be easily accessible if needed will be a relief to you and the passengers surrounding you.

Some may choose not to want external pockets, however, for security reasons among others. Having all of your items safely locked inside a hard-shell suitcase may be desirable for some. Especially when on a train where the luggage storage area can be far away from your seat. 

TSA-Approved Locks

When looking for a suitcase that features a lock for extra security, it would be wise to make sure the lock is “TSA-approved.” These are usually combination locks that can be opened with a master key by security personnel so that your luggage isn’t subject to damage during a routine inspection.

Materials and Design

It is typical for hard-sided suitcases to be made of polycarbonate shells, while soft-sided suitcases are made with varying types of nylon. As mentioned before, hard-sided suitcases will be more prone to scratches and scuffs as they are tossed around in transit, and if this degradation in aesthetics is something that will bother you, a soft-sided suitcase may be the better option. Of course, though nylon won’t reveal scratches as readily, it is still a fabric that can be prone to tearing.

It is a good idea to check the denier of the fabric for soft-sided suitcases, with a higher denier meaning the more resistant the nylon will be to snags or tears. Some suitcases, like the Osprey or Patagonia Black Hole , will even have a DWR coating in addition to high-denier fabric that makes their bags even more durable as well as weather-resistant.

Another consideration is that the polycarbonate shells of hard-sided suitcases typically have the option of coming in bright colors or patterns, which can make recognizing your suitcase at baggage claim or in the stuffed luggage compartment of a train a breeze. Some might also like the expression of style these bags allow for.

Frustratingly, there is no universal airline standard for maximum carry-on luggage size. The general guideline followed by many airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but small regional flights or foreign airlines may have different restrictions. Because of this, we absolutely recommend looking up the restrictions of your preferred airline, to get a sense for what size suitcase might work best for your needs.

Choosing between a hard-sided and soft-sided carry-on is a matter of personal choice and desired features. Hard-sided luggage of the right dimensions can help ensure that you don’t accidentally exceed airline restrictions of carry-on sizes. In the same vein, they are also more difficult to overpack. 

But they will lack many of the features that soft-sided bags allow for, such as external pockets, u-shaped openings for easier access to the main compartment, as well as features such as pouches for shoes or dirty laundry and more room for internal pockets. Hard-sided luggage also tends to show wear and tear more easily than soft-sided luggage.

The answer to this question varies greatly depending on the season you are traveling in, and what kind of trip you are planning to go on. Are you going on an adventure vacation where you’ll pack extra accessories like hiking boots, rain jackets, or special gear? Are you traveling in the winter where bulky layers may take up a lot of space? Or are you going on a beach vacation where all the clothing is light and easy to pack? There are a lot of factors that go into how much you can realistically bring on each trip.

Typically, you will probably be able to fit 5 to 7 days’ worth of clothing in your carry-on suitcase. If you pack smart, you can maximize the space. Some tips include rolling your clothes into tight cylinders instead of folding them. This will help reduce wrinkles and allows you to squeeze thinner items between the spaces of bulkier ones.

Also, wearing as much of your bulky clothing while you’re actually traveling will maximize the amount of room you have in your luggage for the rest of your clothing. If you’ll be staying at an Airbnb, check if they have a laundry machine and you can pack less and plan on doing a load midway through your trip to extend the use of some of your layers.

There are pros and cons for having a bag with wheels or without wheels as your carry-on of choice. A backpack will allow you to be more nimble in transit, as you take up less space and can quickly grab your bag and throw it on your back without having to fumble with handles or wheels.

Therefore, a backpack could be a good choice for someone who is traveling by train or bus. But carrying a heavy bag on your shoulder or back throughout the day can be tiring, and a rolling suitcase eases the load on your body. If you know you’ll have to carry your bag for a longer period of time, a roller can be a better choice.

The Best Duffel Bags of 2024

We tested the best duffel bags of 2024 with options for every adventure and budget. Top picks include Patagonia, Black Diamond, and more!

The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

We found the best travel backpacks of 2024, including top picks from Peak Design, Osprey, Patagonia, and more.

Originally from New York, Miya graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Skidmore College and quickly fled west to see what the great outdoors had to offer. What was supposed to be a summer job in Yosemite National Park turned into five years, with her ultimately becoming a rock climbing guide with the Yosemite Mountaineering School. She now works as a photographer and freelance writer and is always looking for ways to share her passion and expertise for outdoor gear through her writing.

Based in beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, Chris Carter is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie, while squeezing in side gigs as an adventure filmmaker and content creator in the outdoor industry. Drawing from his childhood in Africa, experience as a rock climbing and backpacking guide, ultra-marathon running, and years of extensive thru-hiking, he’s passionate about journalism that gets people into the wild. He has thru-hiked the Triple Crown of long trails in America: the Pacific Crest Trail (2018), the Continental Divide Trail (2021), and the Appalachian Trail (2021), and has explored, rock-climbed, and backpacked all over the world. He hopes to spread his love of adventure and travel through his writing, art, and videography.

Steve Graepel is a Contributing Editor and Gear Tester at GearJunkie. He has been writing about trail running, camping, skiing, and general dirtbagging for 10+ years. When not testing gear with GearJunkie, he is a Senior Medical Illustrator on the Neurosurgery Team at Mayo Clinic. Based in Boise, Idaho, Graepel is an avid trail runner, camper, angler, cyclist, skier, and loves to introduce his children to the Idaho outdoors.

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The Very Best Carry-on Luggage

From duffel bags and rolling suitcases to roomy backpacks..

In this article

• Best carry-on luggage overall
• Best less expensive
• Best polycarbonate cases
• Best aluminum case
• Best softside
• Best mixed-material
• Best duffels
• Best backpacks

As someone who hasn’t checked a bag in more than five years of travel across the U.S. and abroad, I’ve thought a lot about what makes a good piece of carry-on luggage. A summertime European vacation calls for a sturdy wheeled suitcase, whereas backpacks will suit more rugged trips. Either way, the best carry-ons should be both capacious and easy to keep organized, with handy pockets and compartments. I prefer a carry-on that looks good, too, as I often take it out and about with me on the last day of my trip.

When it comes to shopping for luggage — especially online — it’s tough to know where to look and whether a suitcase will fit everything that you need inside. Luckily, my colleagues and I have tested all of these suitcases and bags ourselves, while also seeking advice from travel experts and frequent fliers about what they recommend. While you’re here, I’ve also written guides to the best personal item bags , the best toiletry bottles , and the best Dopp kits for men .

What we’re looking for

Most major U.S. airlines agree on the limits of a carry-on’s size (22 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches high, to be exact). All the luggage on our list meets those requirements, so I’ve instead specified liter capacity.

Hard-sided or soft-sided

All the cases featured here have spinner wheels, making them easier to maneuver, and most of them are hard-sided. With bags (which on this list, are all soft-sided), I’ve specified which kinds of straps and padding they have, as you’ll need to think about how they distribute the weight of your stuff.

Compartments

Again, this comes down to personal preference, and you may have your own system to keep your essentials organized. But if you’re anything like me and you need to frantically check for your passport every five minutes, various pockets are really handy. They’ll also help you easily grab your laptop and liquids when heading through security.

I’ve highlighted the warranty on each carry-on and the kinds of damage it covers. Most companies I’ve listed will fix faults that are due to manufacturing defects, but general wear and tear isn’t covered.

Best carry-on overall

Dimensions: 39.8 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Organizational compartments, laundry bag | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

The Away carry-on has been recommended to us time and time (and time) again, prompting my fellow Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths to try one out for herself. She already knew the suitcase had 360-degree spinner wheels, a polycarbonate shell, built-in dividers, and dimensions that match the airline guidance for a carry-on-size case. As for its capacity, she was able to roll and pack three tops, a pair of jeans, a skirt, a dress, two bikinis, underwear, socks, and pajamas in the secondary compartment. On the other side, she put a bulkier sweater , a weekend’s worth of toiletries (including her entire skin-care routine), some trainers, and an AirWrap. “Not only did it all slot in with plenty of space, but I also appreciated the built-in laundry bag for my dirty clothes,” she says.

The Away Carry On’s spinner wheels are perhaps its most underrated design feature. Griffiths’s street in London is cobblestoned, so she previously dreaded lugging suitcases along it. “But the sturdy wheels meant the Away didn’t rattle as much as I’d anticipated,” she says. And on flat surfaces, “just a flick from my finger sent the case gliding.”

The brand’s warranty is also worth noting. Strategist editor Maxine Builder’s internal zipper broke in March 2019, and she emailed Away to ask if this damage was covered. “There was a fair bit of back-and-forth over the next four months,” she says. “But I ended up with a replacement suitcase in exactly the same limited-edition colorway with the same hand-painted monogram, all for free.”

If you’re traveling domestic — and not across Europe, where carry-on allowances are smaller — consider the Away Bigger Carry-On . It’s slightly roomier at 47.9 liters, meaning you can squeeze that extra sweater or spare pair of shoes inside.

Best less expensive carry-on case

Capacity: 37 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Compressed compartments | Warranty: Three-year warranty

This budget-friendly case is a favorite of writer Robin Reetz . It’s cheaper than many polycarbonate options because it’s made from ABS, which is a less durable plastic. But when Griffiths tested it, she was struck by how durable the shell felt (and even punched it a few times for good measure, to a satisfying thud sound).

Although the case is made of cheaper materials, both Reetz and Griffiths found that its compartments and 360-degree spinner wheels perform very well. “It’s really perfect for a weekend or a four-to-five-day trip,” Reetz says. “I’ve traveled recently with friends who have Away and Delsey luggage, and all of them are now thinking about getting this bag.” It feels noticeably smaller, though, and as Griffiths was attempting to squeeze her boots inside, she did find herself longing for the extra few liters of her Away case.

Best roomy polycarbonate carry-on case

Capacity: 46 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Hidden laundry bag | Warranty: Lifetime warranty  

Meanwhile, Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell favors this polycarbonate case from July. “I’ve never had an issue with mine fitting in an overhead cabin, and it’s been roomy enough to hold clothes for an outfit-change-heavy weekend in Miami and a weeklong trip to my parents’ house over the holidays,” she says. She’s also impressed by the bag’s silent wheels: “I used to only Uber to JFK because dragging my suitcase to the subway and getting stuck on every uneven patch of sidewalk in Brooklyn was infuriating. Now I have no problem rolling it wherever.” Even though it’s on the larger side — when Griffiths tested it, she had room for an extra pair of boots as well as her regular packing list — the bag just about squeezes through airline carry-on restrictions. It also comes with an ejectable battery (which had more than enough juice to fully recharge my iPhone 13). Much like the Away, the July case is easy to wipe clean, but its color range has a little more to offer — particularly its seasonal shades, which right now include a dreamy sky blue and neon green.

Best statusy polycarbonate carry-on case

Capacity: 37 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Flexible compartments | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

A Rimowa case is like the Frette sheets of luggage: luxurious but expensive. Part of the luxury is how it streamlines common annoyances. It slots seamlessly into overhead bins and glides through the airport on its resilient spinner wheels. Taymoor Atighetchi , the founder and CEO of Papier , put it simply: “Nothing beats Rimowa’s smooth wheels.”

You also get the brand’s Multiwheel system, adjustable dividers, a sturdy telescopic handle, and TSA-approved locks. The Essential Cabin’s polycarbonate shell makes it much lighter than a classic aluminum Rimowa. This means you can almost treat it like a checked bag, without the weight, according to fashion content creator Isabel Tan , who recently squeezed 15 outfits into hers for a trip to Bali. Stylist Tina Leung , who fills her case to the brim, agrees. Like Away, Rimowa offers a lifetime guarantee on its cases, and Leung told us that almost every destination she has traveled to has a place to pop in for repairs. “If the wheels break off or something, it’s so easy to just go and get it fixed,” she says. “There’s pretty much one in every major city.”

Best polycarbonate carry-on case for longer trips

Capacity: 39-liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Compression shelving | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Solgaard’s closet case is an absolute revelation. I first heard about it from Kiki Reginato, New York Magazine’s senior director of e-commerce operations. “This case has space — and then some. I have the smallest one, and I’ve taken it on many ten-day trips ,” she says. The case has a set of compression compartments that unfold to create a makeshift closet — eliminating the need to unpack into a real closet. The Solgaard had space for the weekend essentials that Griffiths packed in the July and the Away (to recap: three tops, jeans, a skirt, a dress, two bikinis, underwear, socks, pajamas, a bulkier jumper, toiletries, trainers, and a hair dryer).

But it had an added bonus: When she tested it, she could clearly see where everything was. And compressing the clothes is satisfying, too. “Once you pack everything, you can pull the straps on the side and it presses everything into this compact mass of clothing,” says Reginato. “It’s kind of like a vacuum seal.” Most airlines worldwide accept her medium 39-liter bag, and you can take the large-size case on most U.S. airlines.

Best aluminum carry-on case

Capacity: 40.9 liter | CaseHard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Compartments: Laundry bag and compression bands | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Aluminum cases have plenty of attractive qualities. They’re far more durable than both polycarbonate and soft-side cases , there’s less chance they’ll crack, and they often use clamps instead of zips, making them even more secure . Less attractive, though, is their price point — the classic Rimowa aluminum case is an eye-watering $1,500.  

But just like its polycarbonate case, the Away aluminum version is worth the money: It actually has the same features as the more expensive Rimowa for a fraction of the price . That includes the sturdy shell and clamp closing — which travel writer Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon says are ultra-secure — as well as the spinner wheels, telescopic handle, and built-in lock that I like so much about the original Away case. All in all, it’s a great more affordable option for any travelers who have their heart set on aluminum. Just remember that metal suitcases are a few pounds heavier than their plastic counterparts.

Best soft-side carry-on case

Capacity: 39 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft sided | Compartments: Zip pockets and removable toiletry bag | Warranty: Ten years

Victorinox is best known for knives ( we’ve featured several on the Strategist ), but its luggage is also known for being equally utilitarian — simple and durable. “I swear by a soft-shell bag over a hard shell,” says Jessie Hyman , co-founder of Pruzan Running . “It takes up less space in the hotel room because you don’t need to lay it flat to access what’s inside.” Hyman travels with the Victorinox specifically because of its roomy capacity and squishy recycled polyester exterior. “I have always managed to squeeze in a vacation purchase inside this bag since it expands and compresses,” she says. “It’s actually converted me to be more of a carry-on gal than before.”

Best less-expensive soft-side carry-on case

Capacity: 39 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft sided | Compartments: Two exterior compartments, lid pocket, and device pocket | Warranty: Five years

TripSavvy’s former general manager Molly Fergus is a big fan of this “basic but effective” suitcase. Strategist readers are too: It’s one of the best-selling picks in our story on the best rolling luggage , while also being a best seller from our Travel 100 (a list of all the best travel items we’ve ever written about.) As it’s a soft-side, Fergus is able to squeeze her clothes and essentials inside, and she says that the wheels are tough enough to be “dragged across sand, dirt, and cobblestones.” If the wheels aren’t up to scratch, though, they and the zips and handles are covered under the Travelpro five-year warranty.

Best mixed-material carry-on case

Capacity: 38 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided shell with soft-sided pockets | Compartments: Dedicated laptop pocket | Warranty: Two-year warranty for manufacturing faults

This case’s shell and wheels are hardy, and the pocket is “great to quickly tuck in your laptop and get it out fast through security,” says Brittany Allyn, founder of Thirty Waves . It also rolls along quickly and smoothly. As Allyn puts it, “having a bag that can fit as much as possible (because I’m an overpacker and not afraid to say so) and can get me to my gate ASAP is most important.” The bag is also a tried and tested favorite of Strategist deals editor Sam Daly, who’s been traveling with it since 2019. Daly appreciates the steadfast lock and a small but mighty selection of colorways (the sage green looks similar to Rimowa’s Bamboo).

Best carry-on duffel bag

Capacity: 40 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided with handles and shoulder straps | Compartments: Various handy pockets | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

We recently named the Black Hole by Patagonia the best overall weekend bag as praised by Strategist editors and frequent travelers. To give you an idea of how much you can fit inside, Pruzan Running co-founder Lexy Copithorne told us she packed “everything for a two-week trip, including city and surfwear” inside her Black Hole. “That included two sweaters, several fitted tanks and running sets, two pairs of sneakers, boots, a few swimsuits, and my toiletry bag,” she says. While the bag is lightweight (at less than three pounds) and water resistant thanks to a waxy coating, the strap design is what makes it a thoughtful travel companion. If you’ll be trekking far, the over-the-shoulder strap can be switched out for backpack straps to give your shoulders a respite.

Best carry-on backpack for short trips

Capacity: 35 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided with shoulder straps | Case vs. bag: Bag with shoulder straps | Compartments: Mesh packing cubes | Warranty: One-year return period

The Cotopaxi Allpa is one of those rare products that’s as good as the people on TikTok say. Essentially a soft suitcase with backpack straps, it’s easy to organize as it has built-in packing cubes made from colorful see-through mesh and, unlike most backpacks that just unzip at the top, a butterfly opening allows you to see and rummage around those cubes easily. I took mine on a train trip through Morocco last summer, and it earned many admirers on the journey. Writer Margaret Eby used it to take a change of clothes, a laptop, snacks, a sun hat, a jewelry case, a day purse, and even a crochet project on a ten-day trip to Italy. And she says it fits comfortably under the seat in front of you — no squishing required.

Best carry-on backpack for long trips

Capacity: 40 liter | Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided with shoulder straps | Case vs. bag: Bag with shoulder straps | Compartments: Large main compartment, adjacent zipped mesh compartment, laptop sleeve | Warranty: Lifetime

Tortuga is another brand that makes excellent suitcase-style backpacks that are ideal for using as carry-on luggage. I’ve recently been testing out this bag, which lacks the Allpa’s built-in packing cubes but does include a more built-out laptop sleeve with a few zips and compartments for small items. It is also larger in capacity without being too heavy or unwieldy. The sternum straps are comfortable and can be tucked away when not in use, the bag’s rectangular shape means it slots easily into overhead lockers, and I like that the exterior fabric is waterproof and easy to wipe down.

Some other carry-on luggage we’ve written about

Our experts

• Brittany Allyn, digital creator behind Thirty Waves • Taymoor Atighetchi, the CEO and founder of Papier • Gabby Beckford , travel blogger • Lexy Copithorne , co-founder of Pruzan Running • Lauren Chan, the CEO and founder of Henning • Margaret Eby , writer • Molly Fergus , TripSavvy’s former general manager • Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon , travel writer also known as Jet Set Sarah • Summer Hull, Points Guy travel content director • Jessie Hyman , co-founder of Pruzan Running • Simone Kitchens , Strategist senior editor • Briona Lamback, Buoyant Travel founder • Tina Leung , stylist • Heather Morri s, actress, producer, and host of podcaster The Bystanders • Robin Reetz , Strategist contributor • Kiki Reginato, New York Magazine senior director of e-commerce operations and strategy • Isabel Tan , fashion content creator • Jenna Milliner Waddell , Strategist associate editor • Andres Zuleta, travel expert and founder of Boutique Japan

Additional reporting by Rachael Griffiths .

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Keep calm and carry on: The best carry-on luggage for every kind of trip

Editor's Note

From frequent travelers to fashionistas, there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to carry-on luggage.

If you fly so often that you are on a first-name basis with your local airport's Transportation Security Administration agents, you need a carry-on suitcase that is durable enough to stand up to repeated use.

If your carry-on bag should be as stylish as you are, you'll want an eye-catching option that expresses your unique personality.

Backpacking through Europe or headed for the great outdoors? You'll need a carry-on bag that's both rugged and comfortable.

Related: Carry-on luggage showdown: Away vs. Roam

Regardless of how often or where you travel, we've rounded up the best of the best to help you find the carry-on bag that fits your travel style.

July Carry On Essential

Size: 21.5 inches by 15 inches by 8.5 inches.

Price: $255.

Buy now: July.com .

Before bringing its product to market, July pored over thousands of customer reviews of other luggage brands to determine what it could do to out-design the competition. The result is a carry-on suitcase that is crush-proof, scratch-proof and sophisticated.

Related: These are the checked bags carried by TPG's staff

The no-nonsense July Carry On Essential has only, well, the essentials – a sleek shell with a TSA lock, an interior compression system and a hidden laundry bag. July's bags are made to last, and it stands by that promise with a lifetime warranty and a 100-day return policy.

For an additional $40, you can order an upgraded version that includes metal bumpers and a portable power bank.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Size: 22.7 inches by 14.7 inches by 9.6 inches.

Price: $295.

Buy now: Awaytravel.com .

This larger version of the original Away Carry-On isn't just bigger; it's better. The Bigger Carry-On is large enough to hold four-to-seven days' worth of clothing.

It's also made with a durable polycarbonate shell and has a slew of functional features like 360-degree spinning wheels, a TSA lock, an interior compression system and a waterproof laundry bag. For easy portable charging, you can pay an additional $20 to add a USB charger to your bag.

Related: Carry-on luggage showdown: Away vs. Rimowa

Just as, if not more important, The Bigger-Carry-On from Away comes in a range of colors, including limited-edition hues that are released throughout the year.

Whether you're looking for a suitcase in your favorite color or you just want something that stands out in a sea of black luggage, you are sure to find just what you are looking for.

Add more personalization with monograms and luggage tags in an array of colors and styles.

Beis The Carry-On Roller

Size: 22 inches by 14 inches by 9-12 inches.

Price: $198.

Buy now: Beistravel.com .

Beis bags are made to look just as good on their hundredth trip as they did on their first, all while gliding through the airport with ease and navigating even the bumpiest of cobblestone streets.

The Carry-On Roller from Beis comes in six colors that coordinate with other Beis products, so you can mix and match or go for the monochromatic look.

Related: 5 best backpacks for every travel style

Beis' The Carry-On Roller also has just the right amount of bells and whistles, with smooth-rolling 360-degree wheels, a cushioned trolley handle for comfort, a TSA lock, interior compression and a built-in weight indicator.

Also, because it's almost guaranteed you'll come home with more than you left with, this Beis bag expands with the simple pull of a zipper.

Monos Carry-On

Size: 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches.

Price: $255 (regular price $284).

Buy now: Monos.com .

With its sleek, rounded design and vegan leather accents, it may be hard to believe the Monos Carry-On is unbreakable and water-resistant. In fact, it performs as well as it looks in every aspect, from the telescopic handle with four adjustable height settings to the antimicrobial interior fabric.

Other standout features include a TSA-approved lock, a built-in compression system, a laundry bag, two shoe bags and a vegan leather luggage tag. Get it in standard colors like black, white and gray or have a little fun with pink, forest green, sky blue or one of Monos' limited-edition prints.

Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On

Size: 21.7 inches by 15.8 inches by 9.1 inches.

Price: $1,400.

Buy now: Rimowa.com .

If you want a bag that can stand up to hundreds of thousands of miles of travel by air, by land and by sea, the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On is the gold standard ... and not just because it comes in metallic shades of gold, silver and black.

In addition to durability, the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On features TSA locks, a unique multiwheel system and adjustable interior dividers.

Related: Over 400,000 miles and counting: Review of the Rimowa carry-on bag

The Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-On comes with a steep price tag compared to most on this list, but it could potentially be a decade (or more) before you need a new one. Also, Rimowa backs up the longevity of its iconic aluminum suitcases with a lifetime guarantee.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

Size: 21 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches.

Price: $195.

Buy now: Calpaktravel.com .

Every bag in Calpak's Ambeur Collection shines in stylish shades of silver, gold, rose gold and metallic black, ensuring this carry-on luggage looks great rolling through the airport toward your next adventure.

Related: I fly almost 100,000 miles per year and don't travel without these packing cubes from Calpak

This hard-sided carry-on suitcase weighs in at a super-lightweight 6 pounds. However, it still has room for handy details like a TSA combination lock, interior organization pockets, compression straps and the ability to expand up to 2 inches.

Paravel Grand Tour Set

Size: The carry-on is 21.7 inches by 13.7 inches by 9 inches; the duffle is 20 inches by 11 inches by 10 inches.

Price: $675.

Buy now: Tourparavel.com .

The Paravel Grand Tour Set includes the brand's popular Grand Tour Duffle and the Aviator Carry-On suitcase. The duffle is best for weekend trips, while the carry-on is better for three-to-four-day trips. Both easily fit in airplane overhead compartments and are made with eco-friendly recycled materials.

Both pieces of luggage have interior and exterior pockets to keep your items tidy. The carry-on also features an interior compression board and a removable laundry bag. Both pieces can be customized with a monogram in a variety of colors.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On

Size: 21.25 inches by 15.25 inches by 10 inches.

Price: $179.

Buy now: Amazon.com .

Samsonite has been making luggage for more than 100 years, so it knows a thing or two about creating long-lasting suitcases with features travelers want.

This hard-sided bag is ultra-light and made with a scratch-resistant exterior in a rainbow of eye-catching colors like tangerine orange and amethyst purple, plus the requisite neutral shades.

The Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On from Samsonite also has smooth-rolling 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA lock, interior compression and organization, and can be expanded if you need a bit of extra space.

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

Size: 22 inches by 14.9 inches by 10 inches.

Price: $120.

The 21-inch Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner has a budget-friendly price tag but doesn't sacrifice style or function. This hard-sided carry-on has an extra-thick textured finish designed to keep scuffs and scratches at bay. It also comes in various colors that coordinate with other pieces in the collection.

Related: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card review

The double spinner wheels ensure a smooth ride, and the expandable zipper can net you up to 15% more space for those times when you just can't quite fit everything you need without sitting on your suitcase to force it closed.

Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack

Size: 24 inches by 15 inches by 4 inches.

Price: $178.

If you need a carry-on bag large enough to store all your travel essentials yet comfortable enough to carry while hiking through a new city (or running between airport terminals), the Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack is the perfect addition to your luggage lineup.

This backpack features a breathable back panel that provides structure and comfort, exterior and interior organization so you can always find what you need and adjustable shoulder straps and a hip belt for a custom fit.

Bottom line

No matter where you're headed or how you plan to get there, you need a carry-on bag that can smoothly navigate the terrain (even if that terrain is the airport's moving walkway) and hold everything you need for your adventures.

Every bag on this list looks good and performs well enough that you'll likely find the one that deserves a spot in your closet.

Related: The best credit cards for online shopping

The 12 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Travel lighter and easier with these suitcases

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Tamara Staples

These days, with more and more airlines charging fees for checked bags, many travelers are choosing to limit themselves to a carry-on whenever they can. This means it’s more important than ever to purchase a bag tough enough to withstand being hauled in and out of overhead compartments—yet light and spacious enough to give you the greatest amount of packing space possible. Handy extras range from TSA-approved locks and integrated luggage scales to USB ports for keeping your devices charged in transit. 

With so many brands and styles out there, choosing the right suitcase can seem overwhelming. To make it a little easier, we tested 41 of the most popular options in our testing lab. We put them through their paces and scored them for attributes, including capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value.

Final Verdict

How we tested, other carry-on luggage we tested.

• What To Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Maneuverability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Superior movement

Built to handle rigors of travel

Effortlessly cool

Not enough zippered pockets

An instant favorite with our testing team, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On is made of injection-molded polypropylene for a hardside case that’s exceptionally lightweight, durable, and impact-resistant. It stood up well to our baseball bat test with barely any scuffs—so much so that we’d feel confident if we had to check it. We loved its minimal, ultra-modern aesthetic and found that it had sufficient space for everything on our packing list, even without employing the expansion feature. 

Potential purchasers should be aware that although the expansion feature is a definite bonus, overstuffing the suitcase could make it exceed some airline carry-on restrictions. We felt the interior organization options were good, with a cross ribbon, divider, and several pockets. The only downside was that there was only one zippered pocket, meaning you’d have to choose whether to separate shoes or dirty laundry. 

The suitcase has four 360-degree double spinner wheels for flawless maneuverability, and we found that it had the best glide of any bag we tested. It was easier to operate on two wheels over bumps, but transitioning between two- and four-wheeled use was a breeze. The suitcase also features a multi-stage handle with a wider grip for added comfort; a recessed, TSA-approved combination lock; and a built-in ID tag. Colors range from classic black to silver or sky blue. Finally, your purchase includes a limited 10-year global warranty. 

Dimensions: 21.25 x 15.25 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Tamara Staples

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Travelpro platinum elite carry-on spinner.

• Capacity 4.7 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

Easy to maneuver

Solid, adjustable handle

Excellent impact and scratch resistance

Capacity could be more generous

Power bank sold separately

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Carry-On is a relatively expensive option; however, a 100 percent polycarbonate shell with reinforced aluminum corner guards makes it impressively durable and, therefore, worth the investment. Even after multiple drop tests and bat beatings, we could see no visible signs of damage. The textured finish should help reduce the visibility of scuffs or scratches, keeping your luggage looking brand new for longer. Exterior highlights include an integrated TSA lock and USB-A and USB-C charge ports. 

This suitcase benefits from Travelpro’s famous PrecisionGlide System, with eight self-aligning spinner wheels and a PowerScope Lite handle with four height settings. We found it incredibly smooth and easy to navigate and particularly liked the handle’s sturdy feel and textured grip. When it came to packing, we had to use the expansion feature to fit everything in, which made it a tight squeeze getting the bag into an overhead compartment. However, we liked the zippered divider panel and water-resistant toiletries section.

Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes

Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Amazon basics hardside spinner.

Minimalist, sleek aesthetic

Functional internal division

Easily handles any terrain out there

No TSA-approved lock

The AmazonBasics 21-inch spinner retails for well under $100, making it the most affordable option on this list. Despite its modest price tag, it surpassed our expectations on every test, making it an exceptional value for the money. It features a thick ABS plastic shell with a scratch-resistant, textured finish. We loved the simple sleekness of its design and the four bold colors to choose from, including black, navy blue, light blue, and orange. 

Four double-spinner wheels provide smooth maneuverability in any direction, with the suitcase performing admirably over bumps, obstacle courses, and smooth and carpeted surfaces during our testing process. The fully lined interior is expandable by up to 15 percent, although we didn’t have to use this feature to fit everything in. We particularly liked the built-in organizer with its three separate zippered pockets and the compression straps that kept all our belongings in place. The durable zippers and a sturdy handle complete the bag’s list of attributes.

Dimensions: 22 x 14.9 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.3 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Samsonite Omni PC Carry-on

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Maneuverability 3.8 /5

Great resilience to cosmetic damage

Ample packing space from the outset

Simple yet effective internal layout

Wheels are too small

The Samsonite Omni PC Carry-On may retail for roughly double the price of our budget pick, but it's still considerably cheaper than many of the suitcases on this list and combines durability, capacity, and lightness to provide impressive value for the money. It features a 100 percent polycarbonate shell with micro-diamond texturing for extreme scratch resistance (even after our rigorous testing, it showed no visible scratches). And it's protected by Samsonite's generous 10-year global warranty—just one of many things we love about Samsonite luggage .

We found we could fit everything in without using the suitcase's expansion feature. However, it was still a tight fit in the overhead compartment, so it's a good idea to check the exact requirements of your favorite airline before purchasing. We liked the organizational features—namely, a zippered divider and compression straps. The only drawback was the undersized spinner wheels, which caught easily on ruts (but performed well on carpet and sharp turns). The handle has two height settings, and the integrated lock is TSA-compliant. 

Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 7.05 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best Softside

Travelpro platinum elite 21-inch expandable carry-on.

• Organization 5 /5
• Maneuverability 4.9 /5

Made to last from premium fabrics

Plenty of storage solutions

Smart capabilities

Relatively expensive

If you’re looking for a softside carry-on, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is an excellent pick, featuring high-density nylon with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and abrasions. This showed up during our durability tests, and the suitcase survived completely unscathed. With its genuine leather accents and chrome zippers, we feel this is a quality investment likely to endure long enough to justify its high price tag. As a bonus, it includes a built-in USB charge port with an external power bank pocket that adheres to FAA regulations. 

We did have to use the tip-resistant expansion feature to make space for everything on our packing list, which made the bag significantly larger. However, we really appreciated the thoughtful interior organization features, including two separate compartments, a deluxe tie-down system, and integrated accessory pockets. There’s even a removable, quart-sized wet bag for your toiletries and a fold-out suiter. Other highlights include Travelpro’s renowned PrecisionGlide System and a choice of elegant colors such as Bordeaux and Rich Espresso. 

Dimensions: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.3 pounds | Wheels: 8 | Expandable: Yes

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Best Hardside

Samsonite outline pro carry-on spinner.

Samsonite 

• Maneuverability 3.5 /5

Chic and streamlined 

Great choice of storage compartments

Several nice-to-have features

Rolled less smoothly than others

We loved the ultra-modern, contoured design of the Samsonite Outline Pro’s polypropylene shell, which not only looked excellent but also protected it entirely from scratches and dents during our testing process. The case also stands out for its integrated extras, including a USB charge port and a TSA-approved lock, while an interior lined with fabric made from recycled plastic bottles wins points for sustainability and a 10-year limited global warranty affords peace of mind.

We were able to pack everything without using the expansion feature and loved this suitcase’s intuitive organization options. These include a KompressPak panel to keep your belongings in place and two integrated, zippered pockets (one of which is waterproof for any damp items). The bag was slightly let down by its movement, which was clunkier than expected on all four wheels. However, the molded trolley handle is height-adjustable and infused with an additive to help reduce germs. 

Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 10 inches | Weight: 6.39 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best for Business Travel

Béis the carry-on roller.

• Durability 2.5 /5

Outstanding organization

Simple to move

Resilient, attractive exterior

Somewhat unwieldy on four wheels

The Béis Carry-On Roller is an excellent fit for frequent business travelers, with an ultra-lightweight and durable virgin polycarbonate shell that’s easy to roll, drag, and lift while also withstanding extensive rough handling. The appealing 3D stripe design and range of sophisticated colors (from beige to dusky pink) ensure you’ll also earn style points with your colleagues. We found the Hinomoto 360-degree spinner wheels turned tightly and rolled smoothly over bumps, while the handle’s cushioned silicone grip was infinitely comfortable. 

Perhaps best of all is this suitcase’s thoughtfully designed interior, which features multiple zippered flaps, pockets, and pouches for everything from small essentials to shoes and laundry. In fact, the storage options were so comprehensive our tester wished they could exceed our maximum points score on this front. Other highlights include a 2-inch expansion feature, a retractable strap for attaching your purse, a weight limit indicator, and a TSA lock. Lastly, the suitcase comes with the brand’s limited lifetime warranty. 

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.36 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Best Organization

Away the bigger carry-on flex.

• Durability 4 /5

All around fluid movement

Great choice for overpackers

Comes with sponge for removing scratches

Not a budget pick

If you’re the traveler who always needs more packing space—for last-minute items from home or souvenirs bought on your trip—you’ll love The Bigger Carry-On Flex from Away. Built using durable polycarbonate with stylish leather details, it fits 20 percent more than the brand’s standard carry-on and expands to reveal an additional 2.25 inches of space (although utilizing it may mean you have to check the bag on some airlines). An interior compression system helps you to fit even more. 

On the inside, the lining is removable—handy for washing out any accidental spills. We enjoyed the multiple organization compartments, including a hidden laundry bag designed to keep dirty clothes separate. The suitcase survived our durability tests intact and also aced our maneuverability trials. We found that the 360-degree spinner wheels glided smoothly, turned easily, and functioned just as well whether we were using two or four of them. Choose from a range of eye-catching colors and enjoy a 100-day trial and free shipping.

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

Conor Ralph

Best Sustainable

Paravel aviator carry-on plus.

• Durability 4.5 /5

Entirely carbon neutral 

Frictionless wheels for a super smooth ride

Great capacity and interior layout

No expansion feature

Paravel is a brand with sustainability at its core, and the Aviator Carry-On Plus is no exception. The carbon emissions involved in sourcing, producing, and shipping the bag are all offset—as is its first trip with you. Materials are all sustainable, from the recycled polycarbonate shell with its recycled vegan leather trim to the lining made from 15 recycled plastic bottles. And you won’t be sacrificing anything in terms of style, thanks to the chic two-tone color scheme and the test-proven scuff-hiding finish. 

Although this carry-on doesn’t expand, we were able to fit everything on our packing list with room to spare. We loved the luxurious, impeccably organized interior, which boasts a compression board, pockets, and a removable laundry bag. The suitcase was also incredibly easy to maneuver, thanks to 360-degree wheels with carbon steel bearings that rolled like a dream. Other pros include a TSA lock and Paravel’s five-year warranty, making this purchase well worth it for those with the cash to spare. 

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Design

July carry on pro snapsleeve.

• Value 4.5 /5

External laptop sleeve 

Smart features

Sturdy, quiet wheels for a smooth glide

The compression system could be more effective 

Made from crush-proof polycarbonate that stood up well to our durability tests, the July Carry-On Pro represents the next generation of carry-on suitcases. Its most exciting feature is the detachable SnapSleeve, a padded 16-inch laptop compartment with space for documents and an extra zippered pocket that uses magnets to click into place on the outside of the suitcase. Want to store your bag overhead but keep your laptop with you? No more rummaging around in the aisle.

You can also charge your laptop and phone using the ejectable battery with its USB and FastCharge USB-C ports. The bag fits everything on our packing list, with a Twin-Strap compression system and hidden laundry bag. We especially loved how well the suitcase rolled on cement and rough surfaces, with four SilentMove wheels that never caught or got stuck. Other highlights include a 20-height telescopic handle, a TSA lock, and the ability to personalize—either with text or an illustration of your pet.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Durability

Monos carry on plus spinner.

• Design 4 /5
• Maneuverability 4 /5

Durable exterior

Excellent capacity and organization

Gorgeous colors

Movement could be improved

The Monos Carry-On Plus is a looker with its premium materials, vegan leather details, and beautiful color choices like Desert Taupe and Rose Quartz. Not just a pretty face, though, it’s also incredibly tough, with an aerospace-grade polycarbonate shell that withstood multiple drop tests and bat beatings without sustaining anything more than easily removable scuff marks. Its longevity is proven by the fact it comes with a lifetime warranty. All details, from the YKK zippers to the sturdy telescopic handle, are top quality. 

We loved the suitcase’s interior too. We felt it was beautifully made and were impressed with how much we were able to fit. The clamshell design features a zippered panel on one side for keeping shoes or dirty laundry separate, while the other uses a compression pad and ballistic nylon straps to keep your belongings firmly in place. The only downside was the case’s maneuverability. We felt it was relatively hard to turn, and it worked better on two wheels than four.

Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.38 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: No

Best Splurge

Tumi continental dual access carry-on.

Spacious interior with superb layout

Seamlessly glides over any terrain 

Comes with Tumi Tracer

Exorbitant price tag

Retailing at more than $1,000, the Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On is undoubtedly a splurge (and one our tester found difficult to justify despite its excellent performance). However, if you’re looking for a suitcase that’s as much a status symbol as a luggage item, this is it. It features Tumi’s proprietary FXT ballistic nylon with a unique weave and special, extra-durable coating. The benefit was clear after our durability tests, of which the bag showed no evidence of damage. 

It opens two ways: clamshell style and via a front lid, both with quality security zippers. With three exterior pockets, multiple interior pockets, and dividers (including a removable garment sleeve), it’s the organized packer’s dream. We loved that we could fit everything without using the expansion feature and that it slid easily into the overhead compartment. Four dual spinner wheels and a premium telescoping handle guarantee a smooth roll over all surfaces, while extras range from a USB port to optional monogramming. 

Dimensions: 22.0 x 16.0 x 9.0 inches | Weight: 11.7 pounds | Wheels: 4 | Expandable: Yes

The Samsonite Freeform Spinner earns first place among our testers thanks to its exceptional maneuverability, chic aesthetics, and long-lasting build. A close second, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Spinner is easy to control and includes functional extras.

All carry-on luggage was tested in our purpose-built laboratory. First, bags were packed with a prescribed list of items to reflect what one might take on a four-day sightseeing trip in the fall . During the packing process, organization features and component quality were evaluated. Once full, we tested how well the suitcase rolled over a variety of terrains (smooth concrete, carpet, and gravel) before using an obstacle course designed to simulate a busy airport terminal to test maneuverability. 

Next, we lifted the luggage into a simulated overhead compartment to check fit and how easy it was to pick it up and set it down again. Finally, we subjected the suitcase to stringent durability tests, including pushing it off the top of a shelving unit and beating it with a baseball bat. Both tests were repeated to check all areas of the bag for weaknesses. Based on these tests, we gave each product a score from 1 to 5 for capacity, design, durability, maneuverability, and value. These scores determined our category winners. 

In all, we tested 41 pieces of carry-on luggage. The top performers are those included above. Here are some other pieces we deemed as honorable mentions:

Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket : This suitcase performed quite well in our tests, particularly in terms of durability, capacity, and maneuverability, but the internal organization could be better and the price tag was a bit high.

Bric's Bellagio V2.0 21" Carry-On Spinner Trunk : Stylish, tough as nails, and stellar organization capacity are a few things we loved about the Bellagio. Our tester subtracted some points because the toiletry bag didn't fit and the price tag leaned toward the higher end.

Briggs & Riley Sympatico Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner 22" : For frequent travelers who can invest a bit more upfront for an extremely durable suitcase, this is a no-brainer. The interior featured a less-than-intuitive expansion feature and our tester struggled with the zippers.

COOLIFE Carry On with Pocket : We couldn't fault the long-lasting build or the value of this pick. Though generally a solid option, we noticed the maneuverability was lacking (performing some tasks better on two wheels and some on four), and the internal compartment made packing bulky items a bit more complicated.f

What to Look For in Carry-On Luggage

Although weight restrictions for carry-on bags vary depending on the airline you’re flying with, the aircraft size, and your travel class, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) states that limits can be as strict as just 11 pounds. Therefore, the weight of your empty carry-on affects how much you’ll be able to pack within it and is an essential factor to consider. Different materials and designs affect luggage weight; generally, polypropylene is the lightest choice for hardside cases, while nylon and polyester are favorite lightweight picks for softside cases. 

Maneuverability

Imagine you’re late for your plane and need to run through a crowded airport terminal , dodging fellow passengers as you go. You need a carry-on that rolls effortlessly, whether pushing it in front of you or pulling it behind you and one that can turn instantly in any direction. For the best maneuverability, always choose a suitcase with four wheels instead of two, and make sure they’re the spinning kind that offers seamless, 360-degree movement. Good quality wheels and a sturdy telescoping handle will give you the same maneuverability on various terrains. 

Organization

Even the most basic carry-ons will typically have at least one interior pouch or pocket, usually for separating dirty laundry or shoes or for stashing smaller items so they’re easy to find. More sophisticated options include multiple pockets of varying sizes and materials (perhaps a waterproof one for damp items), zippered dividers that split your packing space in two, and fold-out suiters or removable garment bags. Exterior pockets are typically reserved for softsided bags and can help stash passports and other documents you need to keep handy.

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Hardside and softside cases have pros and cons, and which is better is primarily a matter of personal preference.

Hardside cases generally offer a trendier and more modern aesthetic, provide better weather resistance, are easier to clean, and protect delicate items with their rigid frame. However, they tend to show more wear and tear on their sleek exteriors than softside bags, so if you're choosing purely based on looks, keep that in mind. Also, hardside bags tend to have fewer pockets and organizational features.

Softside cases are more able to withstand rough handling since they won’t dent or crack and are often lighter and more flexible. The latter means that you have more wiggle room if you tend to overstuff your bag or need to pack odd-shaped items. However, if you're packing fragile items in a softside bag, you need to do so with extra caution as the soft exterior won't provide much protection from drops or hard landings. For breakables, we recommend packing in a hardside bag that can better protect items inside.

Dimensions vary from airline to airline (and sometimes from plane to plane), but the IATA gives the general rule that dimensions should not exceed 22 inches in length, 18 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth. These dimensions include any exterior pockets, wheels, and handles, albeit with the telescoping handle retracted. 

A smart bag is any bag with integrated tech capabilities. Most often for carry-on bags, this means a built-in battery pack that powers a USB charge port so you can keep your electronics going throughout your journey. Be aware that the battery should be removable in case you have to check your bag since lithium-ion batteries cannot be put in the hold.

Before cleaning your bag, you should check the manufacturer’s guidelines since the process will differ depending on the materials. However, you can generally use a soft-bristled brush (softside luggage) or a damp cloth (soft and hardside luggage) to spot-clean any dirt or stains. Dry your bag entirely before storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert. After traveling across six continents for everything from scientific expeditions to gap year adventures, family vacations, and across-the-world emigration, she’s well-versed in the art of packing the perfect carry-on bag and knows which features are most helpful.

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Best carry-on luggage 2024: premium cabin luggage and cheap lightweight cases

The best carry-on luggage will help you breeze through the airport and make your journey quick and easy

The top three

• 1. Best overall carry-on luggage
• 2. Best lightweight option
• 3. Best affordable option
• 4. Best premium option
• 5. Best stylish option
• 6. Best elegant option
• 7. Best convenient option
• 8. Best long-haul option
• 9. Best quality option
• 9. Best laptop option

Best carry-on luggage 2024: Jump Menu

00. The top three↴ 01. Best overall : Tumi Tegra-Lite Max Continental 02. Best lightweight : Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm Spinner 03. Best affordable : Aerolite 55cm Hard Shell 04. Best premium : Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage 05. Best stylish : Eastpak Tranzshell 54cm Hand Luggage 06. Best elegant : Ted Baker Albany 2-Wheel 07. Best convenient : July Carry-On Pro  08. Best long-haul : Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Dual-Caster 09. Best quality : Aerotrunk Pangolin Carry-On Luggage 10. Best laptop : Samsonite Guard It Rolling Tote

Looking for the best carry-on luggage of 2024? You've come to the right place as our guide has all the information you need to make an informed purchase for your next getaway.

We're long-time proponents of travelling light and think if you’re going on a short or a long trip there's little reason you need to check-in luggage – all you need to do is pack carefully. However, good intentions go nowhere unless you have the best carry-on luggage.

With a small cabin-sized suitcase, you can keep everything you need with you, bypassing both the bag drop queue and the luggage carousel at your destination... and get to the taxi rank before everyone else on your flight.

Looking for something larger? Check out the best suitcases or if you're looking to travel lighter, we suggest the best backpacks and best travel bags . If you're travelling with a baby or toddler then we recommend travelling with the best travel stroller .

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. Lizzie is lucky enough to travel a lot, so she knows her stuff when it comes to the best carry ons. 

The best overall carry-on luggage

Available in a sleek Graphite grey, the Tumi Tegra-Lite Max comes with four double wheels for stability, a telescopic aluminium handle, and is made from tough polycarbonate so should be able to clock up as many air miles as you do. The Tumi contains three zipped compartments, as well as straps for keeping clothes in place. 

Read more below

The best lightweight option

Customers who use this Samsonite are impressed with the amount of space inside, and say they are definitely worth the cost as they are built to last. Some think the handle feels a little flimsy, but with this cabin case being super lightweight, the 4 wheels make it really easy to get around the airport with no fuss. 

The best affordable option 

This case from Aerolite is extremely light and extremely affordable, two things that make it very appealing. It has four wheels and a retractable trolley grip handle, which make it easy to steer in any direction. It all feels very well made, despite how affordable it really is. 

Best carry-on luggage you can buy today

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The best overall carry-on option

1. tumi tegra-lite max continental expandable carry-on, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Available in a sleek Graphite grey, the Tumi Tegra-Lite Max is the perfect carry-on case for a short trip away. It comes with four double wheels for stability, a telescopic aluminium handle, and is made from tough polycarbonate so should be able to clock up as many air miles as you do. The Tumi contains three zipped compartments for safely stowing all your belongings, as well as straps for keeping clothes in place. The case is secured with a zip fastening too, with TSA-compatible combination locks for security. 

Unfortunately, it's heavier than the other carry-on suitcases on this list, weighing in at 4.99kg. That's by no means uncomfortable to carry around, but it's not quite as impressive as the featherlight cases we've also reviewed.

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm Spinner Cabin Case

If you’re a frequent flyer, whether it is for business or please, you need to have a Samsonite. Customers who use this Samsonite are impressed with the amount of space inside, and say they are definitely worth the cost as they are built to last. Some think the handle feels a little flimsy, but with this cabin case being super lightweight, the 4 wheels make it really easy to get around the airport with no fuss. 

It also has a TSA lock which is perfect for those who travel regularly, and the hard casing means your case will be protected when in the hold. 

The best affordable option

3. aerolite 55cm hard shell cabin luggage.

This case from Aerolite is extremely light and extremely affordable, two things that make it very appealing. It has four wheels and a retractable trolley grip handle, which make it easy to steer in any direction. It all feels very well made, despite how affordable it really is.

The outer casing is made from durable but lightweight hard shell plastic which offers a high level of protection. The interior features packing straps and an internal zipped divider with elasticated pockets (perfect for shoes), to keep the contents in place during transit. The case includes a free three-digit combination barrel padlock for extra security, plus a five year guarantee for ultimate peace of mind.

The best premium option

4. Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage

Our expert review:

The Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage is the best suitcase for travelling professionals. It's well-made, highly functional and made from mostly recycled materials. It's a bit heavy, and the sturdiness of the bag might be OTT for some travellers; however, photographers and videographers should consider it as their next small travel case. 

For all the details, see our Db Ramverk Pro Carry-on Luggage review . 

The best stylish option

5. Eastpak Tranzshell 54cm Hand Luggage

The Eastpak Tranzshell is available in seven different colours to suit your style. Our favourite is this distinctive Camo print (which is now sold out). It also comes in three different sizes Small, Medium and Large, although we’ve chosen the smallest model here. The Eastpak Tranzshell also promises to be tough and long-lasting with innovative foam and hybrid fabric, impressive 30-year warranty, and smooth-running wheels on its base. It also comes with a comfortable padded handle so it's easy to move around. 

Inside it's just as smart, with two zipped pockets to keep your belongings in place during your travels. This case is reasonably light at 2.9kg, so for a short holiday or business trip away it’s ideal, especially given the large 32-litre capacity. It also includes a locking zip system with is TSA compatible.

The best elegant option

6. Ted Baker Albany 2-Wheel Business Bag

Available in black with a bright `Blue Butterfly`pattern interior, Ted Baker's stylish carry-on suitcase is a real designer piece with a distinctive, elegant look. Made from lustrous 900 denier twill material with rose gold highlights, the Albany also includes two smooth-rolling wheels in its base, plus large handbag-like handles. Inside the classy looks continue with a bright pattern, and plenty of room for your essentials. 

Other goodies include a 3-digit combination lock with TSA, and contrasting saffiano envelope style front pocket. The Albany case is also available in range of other sizes – so whether you want a carry-on bag, or something larger for an extended trip away, Ted Baker has you covered. 

The best convenient option

7. July Carry-On Pro

Apart from looking great, the July Carry-On Pro has two features that really help it to stand out from regular carry-ons. The first is the power bank that sits just under the handle and can be easily popped out for charging. It’s enough to fully charge your phone a couple of times, a perfect solution when you can't find a wall plug nearby. 

The second feature is a removable laptop sleeve which is padded for protection and will fit a 15-inch MacBook with ease. The fact that it’s removable means that you can easily keep this part in your seat pocket, or take it with you to meetings when you arrive. 

The case runs of four spinning wheels which are nice and smooth to push the case and appear hard-wearing. Priced at £275, it might not be the cheapest carry-on, but it has everything you need.

The best long-haul option

8. Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Dual-Caster Wide-Body Carry-On

Here’s a carry-on with global importance. Although it’s technically within the 56x45x25cm limit, in practice this carry-on is – when packed (and definitely when expanded) – too wide for short-haul flights in the UK and Europe. However, long-haul routes tend to have far less restrictions (though always check before you travel). 

Able to take 42 litres in an expandable main section, this hybrid case/carry-on has double-spinner wheels for maximum mobility, an adjustable handle with three different heights, and vertical X-shaped compression straps for squeezing even more inside. It’s for those that want to travel far, and travel light… ish.

The best quality option

9. Aerotrunk Pangolin Carry-On Luggage

This Aerotrunk carry-on is made from makrolon polycarbonate materials that are designed to make it as durable and long-lasting as possible. It also features a built-in front compartment for easy access to your travel essentials, including laptops and tablets. This makes it a great option for on-the-move professionals.

It's also fitted with an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, ultra-sturdy telescopic handle, TSA-approved lock, whisper-quiet wheels and vegan leather details. After regular use, it does noticeably cuff, especially on the darker models. However, this doesn't impact its durability at all. 

The best laptop option

10. Samsonite Guard It Rolling Tote

When travelling for business on a regular basis, carrying a laptop can be a real pain. However, this Samsonite laptop carry-on is the best way to ensure your device is protected on your flight. It offers a generous padded compartment which can accommodate laptops up to 17.3 inches, and you get an additional tablet pocket, for screens up to 10.1 inches. 

This carry-on luggage only has 2 wheels for rolling, but it certainly takes the stress out of carrying an additional laptop bag on your shoulder as well as a cabin bag. You’ll still have ample space to fit in your clothing for a short trip.

How to choose the best carry-on luggage

Most airlines these days have the same rules and regulations about carry-on luggage. Common airlines at British airports, such as EasyJet and British Airways, allow you to bring on board a cabin bag with dimensions up to 56x45x25cm. 

However, be sure to check with the specific airline you are travelling with, as they may vary. Read T3's guide to the most popular airline's baggage allowance: luggage limits, excess charges, and how to avoid them .

It is also important to be aware that the budget airlines including EasyJet, Ryanair and Flybe sometimes operate a one-bag policy, which means you cannot have your carry-on luggage and your handbag, as this would count as two pieces (although you can always just shove it inside your case while boarding and take it out again once seated like everyone else). 

So, what’s the best carry-on luggage? That depends on what kind of traveller you are, but know that they come with 2 wheels, 4 wheels or even 8 wheels, so you barely have to make any effort to carry your bag at all. So if you struggle to pack light, at least you won’t struggle through the airport. However, a carry-on size backpack can also be a great option.

If you do plan on cramming in as much stuff as possible, opt for feather-light luggage. They can weigh as little as 2kg and will make your life a whole lot easier when you’re lifting your bag into the overhead compartment. What determines their weight is what they’re made of, but bags made of light fabrics do tend to have more built-in pockets.

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Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage for Business Travel

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links. See our full disclosure here .

Savvy frequent flyers pay special attention to every little detail when booking flights, hotels, and rental cars; this same vigilance applies to buying gear. This can be doubly true of business travelers, mainly because their needs can be more stringent than leisure travelers.

Those who frequently go on work trips must keep their documents, laptops, smartphones, and other electronics safe at all times, so they need luggage that accommodates these needs and meets airline regulations in weight and size. And, ideally, without risking lost luggage by having to check a bag.

An excellent piece of luggage will not only be ideal for keeping your essentials organized and secure, but it’ll also give you the peace of mind you need during your travels so you can focus on the job at hand. Below you’ll find some of the best carry-on luggage for business travel on the market so you can have the peace of mind you deserve.

Monos Hybrid Carry-On

Possibly the perfect carry-on suitcase for business travelers, Monos’ Hybrid Carry-On combines the best features of polycarbonate and aluminum luggage into a single premium rolling trolley. While most of the shell is crafted from lightweight thermo-plastic, the corners and latch are reinforced with aluminum to add extra protection to potential impact points and eliminate the possibility of a zipper malfunction. The result is a piece you can covet for years, and happily so, thanks to the intelligent organization features.

Not sure if it’s the right fit for you? My detailed Monos Hybrid Carry-On review might help you decide.

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On Pro

Business travel requires a professional-looking case made of premium materials, and The Carry-On Pro from Carl Friederik is exactly that – and so much more. Crafted from first-rate polycarbonate, with a secure aluminum lock frame, silent Japanese spinner wheels, and sleek leather details, it delivers the ultimate blend of style and performance.

Apart from its good looks and outstanding construction, a few other things stood out when testing the bag: the snap-shut locks are way more secure and satisfying to use than a zipper, and the hard-shell front pocket, complete with a laptop compartment, is truly a lifesaver and makes passing security a breeze.

Thanks to an ideal combination of size, aesthetics, and innovative features, this suitcase has also emerged as one of the best carry-on luggage for business travel in our tests.

Horizn Studios M5 Smart

A combination of innovation and eco-conscious design makes the Horizn Studios M5 Smart the perfect cabin suitcase for business travel. This carry-on, with its robust, partially recycled German polycarbonate shell and chic vegan nylon front pocket, not only withstands the rigors of travel but also speaks to the environmentally aware traveler. Its sleek design and lightweight structure are meticulously tailored for effortless air travel, ensuring your journey is as smooth as your arrival.

Functionality meets sustainability in the M5 Smart’s design. The one-click removable smart charger keeps your devices powered up, eliminating the hassle of searching for power outlets. The four-stage telescopic handle and TSA-approved lock, coupled with the smooth glide of the Japanese spinner wheels, provide security and ease of movement, essential for the fast-paced business traveler.

Inside, the M5 Smart reveals its true genius. The interior, crafted from the finest recycled materials, offers an ideal layout with dual zippered mesh compartments and a compression pad. This design not only maximizes space but also keeps your business attire and essentials impeccably organized and wrinkle-free. The addition of a premium laundry bag adds a thoughtful touch, enhancing the overall packing experience.

July Carry-On Pro

If you hate the struggle to free your laptop from your carry-on to pass through security, you’ll want to consider July’s Carry-On Pro seriously. Designed so that the included laptop sleeve – which has room for your passport, documents, keys, and other essentials in addition to a 16″ laptop – attaches directly to the front of the case, it’s easy to snap off quickly to place through the scanner.

Like many contemporary suitcases, this one comes with an integrated power bank. However, the Carry-On Pro has a mechanism that quickly ejects the device whenever you’d like to tote it with you separately. Combined with its premium organization features, the Carry-On Pro is a strong candidate to become your new favorite travel companion.

Béis Soft-Sided Collapsible Carry-On Roller

Perfect for corporate urbanites living in small spaces, the Soft-Sided Collapsible Carry-On Roller from Béis folds into a slim profile to store it away. When you’re ready to travel, the integrated wall panels in the interior snap right into place, ready to pack.

The easy-access front pocket can carry your laptop and essentials you need to keep at hand and includes a cord pass-through you can use with a battery bank to charge your phone on the fly. Though it’s packed with functionality, the design is far more distinguished and streamlined than your average soft-side trolly, so it’s as impressive to look at as it is to use.

Briggs & Riley International 21″ Carry-On Spinner

A lightweight, hard-shell suitcase that’s perfect for those who travel with tech, the Briggs & Riley International 21″ Spinner has a dedicated hard-shell space for your essentials aside from the main compartment. Opening the hinged front pocket reveals several organizational dividers, with room for your laptop, hard drives, cables, and even a small drone. And its double-spinner wheels are designed to keep the bag upright even when the front panel is open.

The main compartment boasts all the amenities business travelers require: built-in mesh suiting straps, cinch-down garment dividers, and midline panels to keep your belongings organized.

Samsonite Stryde 111 Carry-On Spinner

Although they’re already a legacy brand, Samsonite’s Stryde 111 Carry-On Spinner proves they’re never done innovating. While its exterior appears deceptively simple – although beautifully designed – the back has a retractable luggage pass-through, allowing it to rest on top of a check-in bag, and the handle telescopes out to reveal LEDs that ensure you’re visible, even on dark streets.

Business travelers especially will appreciate the included amenities: pocketed dividers split the bag at the midline; the matching toiletry bag and packing cube keep your essentials mobile, and dual USB charging ports power up your devices in transit.

MVST Select Space Aluminum Suitcase

MVST makes some of the coolest aluminum luggage out there , and this stunning cabin case marries retro sensibilities with updated functionality to prove it. Though it bears the ultra-secure latch closure that makes checking a bag worry-free, its TSA-approved size ensures you may never have to. Pocketed panels split the Space Aluminum Suitcase at the midline to keep your things organized, whether laying it flat to rifle through your belongings or hefting it into the overhead bin.

Tumi Oxford 16-Inch Compact Wheeled Carry-On

The Tumi Oxford 16-Inch Compact Wheeled Carry-On is a quintessential choice for business travelers seeking both luxury and practicality. Designed to snugly fit under an airplane seat, this small carry-on is ideal for short trips where efficiency and accessibility are key. Its sophisticated design features a two-way, top-zip closure and a sleek, top carry handle, complemented by a five-stage telescoping handle. The exterior boasts a front straight-zip pocket, four recessed wheels for smooth mobility, and the unique TUMI Tracer luggage tag for added security.

Internally, the Tumi Oxford is a marvel of organization. It offers two spacious main compartments, seamlessly connected by a U-zip pocket, allowing for versatile packing options. The carry-on is equipped with a dedicated, lockable laptop compartment, fitting most 14″ laptops, and includes a built-in USB cable for on-the-go charging (power bank sold separately). Additional features like two media pockets, a card pocket, and a pen pocket cater to all your tech needs, making this carry-on not just a luggage piece, but a mobile office companion.

Hook & Albert Garment Luggage Carry-On

Already featured in our men’s carry-on luggage piece, we truly believe this cabin-sized garment suitcase from Hook & Albert will make business travelers’ life a lot easier. Made of lightweight Ballistic nylon, with elegant top-grain leather details and a pair of smooth-gliding wheels, the bag is both stylish and easy to maneuver. It also comes with durable YKK zippers, a TSA-approved lock, and a front zip pocket for quick access to essentials.

Where the Garment Luggage Carry-On really stands out is in its brilliant design – a garment section designed to keep up to two suits wrinkle-free folds out into a suitcase shape, creating room for more clothes and accessories inside. Here, an adjustable compression system keeps everything neat and compact, helping you pack more into the available space.

Level 8 Pro Carry-On with Laptop Pocket 20”

With a beautiful, minimalist profile, the 20″ Pro Carry-On With Laptop Pocket from Level 8 perfectly marries functionality with design. Inside you’ll find panels and straps typical of a rolling carry-on, though it’s maximized internally by the innovative placement of the handle and wheels.

The real boon is the hard-shell front pocket: though it looks incredibly slim from the exterior, opening it reveals a finely crafted organizational dock for your laptop, phone, passport, and other small essentials. While the main compartment has a three-side zipper, the front pocket is equipped with a quick-open latch to help you breeze through security even faster.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Spinner

Dynamic, ultra-lightweight, and affordable, the Maxlite 5 Softside Spinner from Travelpro is an ideal choice for both business and leisure travel. It has several smart features for the business traveler, such as organizational dividers in its front pocket. But if you occasionally jet off on vacation, it can expand 2 inches to give you extra room to tote home souvenirs. Bonus: it’s crafted from durable polyester canvas fabric that’s been weatherproofed to repel the elements.

Halfday Garment Duffel

For business travelers who make frequent short trips, the Halfday Garment Duffel can be a game changer if you’ve struggled to keep your jackets, pants, and gowns wrinkle-free in transit. It has an ingenious design wherein the walls of the integrated garment bag zip securely around end caps to create the main compartment of the duffel, giving you room for a Dopp kit, shoes, pajamas, and more. Bonus: it fits under most airline seats, so you’ll never have to worry about your suit getting crushed in the overhead bin or your dress getting wrinkled by baggage handlers.

Bric’s Bellagio Business 21″ Carry-On Spinner

A fully functional rolling trolley for business professionals that still looks effortlessly elegant, the Bellagio Business 21″ Carry-On Spinner from Bric’s hits the mark with the well-heeled. Though it has a fracture-resistant polycarbonate shell, it’s trimmed in contrasting vegetable-tanned leather, adding a refined quality. Its hard-sided front pocket holds your laptop and other small tech, and zips closed with the same water-repellent, self-sealing zipper as the main compartment for added protection.

RIMOWA Cabin Twist

An updated version of their legacy flagship case, RIMOWA’s Cabin Twist has become a clear favorite from the already iconic line. Just like their original luggage, the shell is made from corrugated anodized aluminum. But this model has been updated for the 21st century with proprietary cushioned-axel wheels and the Flex Divider system that adjusts to your needs. The twist comes in the styling: the handles, locks, and seal are all wrapped in contrast premium leather, and it comes with a matching luggage tag.

Samsonite Spinner Underseater with USB Port

Compact, durable, and efficient, the Spinner Underseater with USB Port is the perfect choice for travelers craving comfort and convenience during their flight. It fits perfectly under the seat in front of you and is brimming with practical details that place it at the top of its category.

Its four multi-directional spinner wheels glide effortlessly across all surfaces, ensuring smooth transitions from the airport to the boardroom. The integrated USB port is a standout feature, providing convenient access to personal portable chargers (not included), keeping your devices powered up and business-ready.

Inside the Spinner Underseater, there’s an impressive level of organization. It features interior mesh pockets and dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, ensuring your tech essentials are secure and easily accessible. The bag’s exterior is just as thoughtfully designed, with a zippered pocket featuring an organizational panel for smaller items, and an additional pocket for quick access needs. The SmartSleeve on the back allows for seamless stacking on larger luggage pieces, making it an ideal companion for the savvy, tech-oriented traveler.

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The 7 Best Carry-On Luggage for Business Travel

Effortlessly transport all your work clothes

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Savvy travelers know that the right luggage makes a trip less stressful. But between costly baggage fees, forced gate checks, and long lines at baggage claim, it’s easier to limit your luggage to a carry-on. From wheeled bags to backpacks and totes, here are the best carry-on luggage options for business travelers. 

Best Overall: Away The Carry-On

Loaded with features, Away’s The Carry-On is as close to perfect as it gets. With 19 different color choices, including black and blush, this durable hardshell suitcase will fit anyone's aesthetic. The exterior measures 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches, but it easily fits in most airline overhead bins. If you choose to check it, the TSA-approved combination lock provides a built-in theft deterrent.

The interior of the suitcase has lots of conveniences like an internal compression system, which is particularly useful for over packers. There's also a hidden water-resistant laundry bag and an additional compartment to separate clothing from shoes. Even more, business travelers will like the removable battery with USB port. This battery can charge your phone up to four times before needing to be recharged, and it’s even ejectable for charging on the go.

Best Value: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On

Travelpro’s carry-on might be affordable, but its quality and features are comparable to more higher-end luggage. With seven color choices available, including two shades of black, it easily goes with any luggage you may already own.

Designed to expand up to two inches, the 23.5 x 14.5 x 9-inch suitcase is handy for anyone who likes to shop when they travel—you won’t even have to worry about any extra weight because it's tip-resistant. It’s also easy to maneuver around busy terminals with, thanks to 360-degree spinner wheels and a rubberized contour grip extension handle. Best of all, this suitcase has a drop-in, fold-out suiter to help hang clothes and prevent wrinkling. So, there’s no need to travel with an additional garment bag. You also won’t need to search for a plug or charging station as this suitcase has a built-in USB port with an FAA-compliant power bank pocket, although it isn't removable.

Best Duffel: Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall

Dagne Dover 

A duffel, like Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall, is a great choice for shorter stays and quick flights. It also stashes easily into larger pieces of luggage or suitcase pockets, making it ideal for anyone who tends to come home with extra things.

Unlike most duffel bags in the market, this one is perfectly designed for business travelers. With its built-in padded laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 13-inch device, you won’t have to travel with a separate briefcase. The water-resistant neoprene exterior and interior nylon lining also help protect electronics. Additionally, there are plenty of external and internal pockets, a key leash, a shoe bag, and more. Sleekly designed, this 14.5 x 7.5 x 9-inch carryall can also double as a gym bag. With eight color choices including black, moss, and blush, it easily coordinates with anything you’re wearing.

Best Underseater: Samsonite Solyte Deluxe Underseat Carry-On

If you’re booked for a shorter trip, opt for Samsonite’s Solyte Deluxe. Measuring 17.5 × 14 × 8.25 inches, it fits under the seat, so you won’t have to bother lifting it in the overhead bin.

Efficiently designed, the underseater can fit up to two devices with a padded dual sleeve, which has enough room for a tablet and laptop up to 15.6 inches. There’s even a built-in USB charging port, but the battery is a separate purchase. In addition to the main section, the bag's front compartment is perfect for separating wet or dirty clothing from the rest of your things. With three bold color choices—midnight blue, Mediterranean blue, and mineral gray—this luggage gets extra points for style. A 10-year warranty makes this bag a smart choice that will last for years to come.

Best Smart Luggage: Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max

Measuring 23 x 15 x 10.3 inches, Arlo Skye’s hardshell carry-on is generously sized, yet easily fits in the overhead bin. A front pocket is useful for storing your laptop, jacket, and anything else that needs to be taken out for security. Choose from five colors, including black, blue, red, navy, and yellow.

As for smart features, this suitcase has an airline-compliant integrated removable charger with dual USB A and USB C ports. In other words, this device can supercharge your phone fast—up to 50 percent in less than 30 minutes. Should you need to check your luggage, the tamper-proof, double coil zippers and a TSA-approved combination lock will keep all of your things safe. Better yet, the impact-resistant polycarbonate shell will stand up to even the most turbulent flight. Despite its durability, this 8.1-pound suitcase is light enough to glide easily through a hectic terminal.

Best Style: Calpak Ambeur Carry-On

For a super stylish, yet functional option, Calpak’s Ambeur Carry-On comes in glossy shades of black, gold, or rose gold. At just 7 pounds, this carry-on is easy to move around tight spaces with. Measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches, the suitcase has enough room to pack a week’s worth of clothing. Still, if you need more space, the bag can expand up to two more inches. Two zippers and a TSA-approved lock assure everything is safe, even if you end up checking it.

The suitcase's interior is just as impressive as its polycarbonate, hardshell exterior. Lined in a bright blue chevron fabric, there are two divided compartments, and additional zipper pouches separate your clothing and toiletries. Built-in elastic pouches also neatly store shoes away from clothing.

Best Tote: Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Shoulder Tote

Just as practical as it is sophisticated, Longchamp’s Le Pliage tote is a versatile, modern wardrobe classic. This foldable bag is generously sized at 12.25 x 11.75 x 7.5 inches—enough space for you to use it as your everyday handbag.

If you’re worried about losing your things, the bag’s zipper and tap closure assure everything stays inside. Extremely light yet sturdy enough for storing clothing and electronics, the bag’s double leather handles have an 8-inch drop, making it comfortable to carry on your shoulders or in your hands. There are four timeless colors to choose from, like gunmetal grey, navy, green, and red.

Meet the Expert

This roundup was written by  Amanda Lauren , a lifestyle writer who covers fashion and office accessories for The Balance and The Balance SMB.

Away. " The Carry-On ."

TravelPro. " Travelpro® Platinum® Elite 21” Expandable Carry-On Spinner ."

Dagne Dover. " Landon Carryall Bag ."

Samsonite. " SoLyte DLX Underseat Wheeled Carry-On ."

Arlo Skye. " The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket ."

CALPAK. " Ambeur Carry-On Luggage ."

Longchamp. " Le Pliage Original ."

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The Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Budget And Destination

By Avidan Grossman , Gerald Ortiz , and Tyler Chin

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The quest to find the best carry-on luggage shouldn’t be as onerous as your search for the perfect vacation destination —Instagrammable, but not, like, too Instagrammable—but it absolutely is. And though vacation destinations might feel beholden to your limited budget and even more limited OOO days, suitcase options abound at every price point.

The Best Carry-on Luggage, at a Glance

Gotta get to the airport ASAP? Don't run through the airport like a fool—our top picks for the best carry-on luggage are right here.

• The Best Softside Luggage : TravelPro MaxLite 5 Expandable Spinner , $170
• The Best Hard Shell Luggage : Away Carry-On , $275
• Another Solid Hardside Spinner : Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max , $375
• The Best Duffle Bag, Overall : Lotuff No.12 Weekender , $1,200
• The Best Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag , $415
• The Best Do-Everything Duffel : Peak Design Travel Duffel , $140
• The Convertible Travel Bag : Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag , $159
• The Best Budget Carry-On Bag : Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner , $83

Even the most cursory search for a good carry-on turns up a bewildering mixture of products from established luggage brands to agile fashion houses to venture-capital infused juggernauts. So, we've drummed up a short guide on how to shop for the best carry-on luggage, from indestructible aluminum-shell bags to slightly squishier softside luggage that you can squeeze under an airplane seat, then outlined some of our top-tier winners below.

Your Luggage-Related FAQs, Answered

→ What's the Difference Between Hardside and Softside Luggage?

→ What Makes a Good Carry-On Bag?

→ How We Tested

The Best Softside Luggage: TravelPro MaxLite 5 Expandable Spinner

Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner

Big on practicality and low on cost, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 offers the best value of any softside bag out there. It's the brand's lightest four-wheel spinner suitcase at five pounds, maximizing on maneuverability for when you're sprinting to catch your flight. The cavernous, expandable interior includes tons of weird little zippered sections and mesh pockets for you to cordon off your toiletries, small items, dirty clothes, and shoes from your clothes without busting out the packing cubes. And after you've racked up plenty of miles on those wheels, the Platinum Elite comes with a limited lifetime warranty for repairs and replacements.

The only ding against the TravelPro is its humdrum looks, which evoke the dated carpeting of one of the airports it'll be dragged through. But that hasn’t kept it from becoming a favorite of frequent flyers. If the TravelPro logo looks familiar, it's probably because you’ve spotted it on the luggage of the flight attendants and pilots that spend most of their lives in the sky.

The Best Hard-Shell Luggage: Away The Carry-On

The Carry-On

There are plenty of good reasons why the Away team has just about upended the luggage industry since it launched. Instagram-ready looks? Check. Durable shell? Check. Smooth Hinomoto spinner wheels, top and side handles, clothes straps, a mesh zip pocket, a laundry bag, sturdy YKK zippers, and—maybe most game-changing of all—a built-in USB charger so you don't have to screw around with airport outlets? Yeah, check. At just under three hundred bucks and spanning a range of handsome, low-key colorways, Away's carry-on means you don't have to choose between getting something cheap and ugly and spending a rent check on something luxe. For an industry that never really did the low-to-mid-tier thing well, that's a very welcome change of pace. Our testers have taken theirs on planes across the country and halfway across the world, and never run into issues. Provided you do , there's a limited lifetime warranty that'll cover any functional damage.

Another Solid Hardside Spinner: Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max

"The Zipper" Carry-On Max

The Arlo Skye Zipper carry-on is a winner for a couple reasons. The bag’s polycarbonate shell isn’t as hearty as the fabric on the TravelPro or the aluminum of a Rimowa, say, but we found the suitcase a bit more capable of withstanding regular use than many other hard-shelled suitcases we’ve tested. (It's also much cheaper.) All of Arlo Skye’s carry-on sized suitcases boast internal pockets for organizing your travel gear, including a few zippered areas for separating out dirty clothes and shoes. The company also makes a version with an easy-access front pocket, presumably for a laptop or magazines, but we’d imagine you’d rather store those things in a backpack or tote rather than in the suitcase you're hauling into an overhead bin. Arlo Skye’s luggage features a removable external charger, but unlike the USB port from Away that can only juice up your phone, it comes with a USB-C connection for keeping your laptop charged up, too. Still, the five-year warranty that Arlo Skye offers doesn’t compare to Away’s limited lifetime warranty, which is why the latter is still our top choice for long-hauler luggage that you'll want to keep dragging around a decade from now.

The Ultimate Travel Flex: Rimowa Classic Carry-On

Classic Cabin Suitcase

Rimowa, the storied German luggage company founded in the late 1800s, has been a powerhouse in the luggage space for over a century, with a litany of perks to its name: A single-stage telescoping handle, a hinged double latch lock by the main compartment, elastic compression straps with magnetic pull-release fastenings, its signature ridged exteriors, the works. Couple that with some choice collabs with the likes of Dior, Off-White, Moncler, and beyond, and you'll see why Rimowa's become a status symbol among elite travelers and celebs like Rihanna and LeBron James. Each bag will set you back at least a grand, but if you've ever been stuck traveling with a lackluster piece of luggage and thought, Man, I wish my suitcase could do that , chances are Rimowa's can, and masterfully. We went deep on the legacy brand's signature bag here in case you want to hear more about the intricacies of how it maneuvers and exactly how it compares to something more pedestrian like the Away.

The Best Luxury Duffle Bag: Lotuff No.12 Weekender

No. 12 Weekender

Lotuff's handsome, all-American No. 12 duffle bag is our favorite of the genre , with all the details that matter (or matter enough to justify this $1,200 price tag). Take the zipper closure for one, which runs from end to end for extra security, and a wide opening that allows you to shove in a glut of your equally fancy sweaters and toiletries without breaking a sweat. Unlike other cheaply-made and poorly-designed duffles, the vegetable-tanned leather also gives it a first-class patina that only gets better with every trip. But should the leather break or that zipper snag, Lotuff will repair it for a fee, so this bag will stay in your family for many, many flights to come. The interior of the bag features a zip pocket for corralling your loose miscellanea, and the bottom of the bag is also reinforced with double leather for durability. With this bag, you're looking at an investment piece that, if you're treating it right, won't ever need to be replaced.

The Best Travel Backpack: Topo Designs Global Travel Bag

Topo Designs

Global Travel Bag 40L

Backcountry

Topo Design has built up a loyal following of rugged adventurers over its 16 years of business. The Colorado-based brand is making some of the best mountaineering, hiking, and travel packs and gear in the Mountain Standard Time zone, and we've found its Global Travel bag to be an excellent pack for doing exactly as the name implies. The bag actually offers three ways to carry it—whether you use it as a backpack, briefcase, or shoulder bag—but what it really has going for it is its plethora of pockets and U-shape entry, which means the bag unzips to fold in half.

That means no longer having to blindly and aimlessly rummage through your bag in the overhead compartment for one tiny thing before takeoff. Topo Designs put padding almost everywhere this bag touches your body, which also makes running through the airport with two minutes to board less torturous on your frame. Almost everything about the Global Travel bag has been configured to allow you to customize it with the brand's assortment of packing gear: The daisy chain lets you hook on accessory packs; the sizing of the compartments is perfectly measured to accommodate storage cubes; and attachment clips further turn you into a pack mule for even more baggage options.

The Best Do-Everything Duffel: Peak Design Travel Duffel

Peak Design

Travel Duffel 35L

If you have duffels reserved for specific purposes—travel, the gym , schlepping your everyday goods—then you have more space than us, friends. Peak Design, a brand that's become famous for its ingenious storage solutions for hauling camera and video gear, makes a travel duffel that fits the bill for every purpose. Available in 35- and 65-liter options (only the former can be used as a carry-on), the Travel duffel is one of the nicer bags we've seen in the sub-$150 price bracket.

There's also something every satisfying about the way the hand-carry straps snap together with a magnet, and if your arms are getting tired, those straps can be work on your back. The extra-wide zipper allows for great access to your goods, and some internal pockets make it easier to know where you've put your chargers, passports, and other miscellaneous travel goods. While the duffel doesn't fold into itself like the Patagonia bag below, it does fold down fairly flat. One of our staffers brings this duffel with him on his travels and stores it in his other carry-on in case the travel shopping bug bites him and one bag isn't enough to get his goodies home.

The Best Convertible Travel Bag: Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

Black Hole Duffel Bag, 40L

Remember that hapless kid in fifth grade the whole class mocked for showing up with a rolling backpack the first day of school? ( People don't forget! ) Well, if you still holding onto some secondhand trauma from the incident, Patagonia's streamlined duffel might be good enough to risk straining your back to carry. Late last year, Patagonia updated its popular line of Black Hole bags , swapping out the high-gloss finish for a new matte look that makes good on the eco-conscious brand's commitment to sustainable sourcing. Aside from the new 100% recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) finish, essentially everything about this bag is the same. While we miss the look of the OG bags, we're happy to say the duffel loses none of the specs or details that made the originals so damn great.

The body fabric, lining, and webbing are all made out of water-resistant recycled materials designed to keep your valuables dry, while two padded straps make for an easy switch if you'd rather sling it over your shoulders like a carry-on backpack . The bag's handles are also specially reinforced to make for comfortable hand-carrying so your lower vertebrae will hold up fine no matter how far your terminal is from the gate. Best of all, the whole thing folds into itself for storage. With all due respect to your childhood classmate (who you definitely owe an apology), sometimes carrying your bag just looks cooler than wheeling it around.

The Best Truly Budget Carry-On: Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

Amazon Basics

20-Inch Hardside Spinner

We've all been there: You forgot to pack for your trip in two days, and wait, you don't have a suitcase. Take advantage of that Prime membership burning a monthly hole in your credit card statement, and scoop up the most popular carry-on Amazon from its namesake brand. With over 45,000 overwhelmingly positive reviews to its credit, this 20-inch hardside spinner has earned more than its fair share of compliments like “perfect for the price,” “light and sturdy,” and “great, all-around suitcase.” For an suitcase that costs less than a Benjamin, this spinner is built pretty well and features everything you'd want from a quality spinner: an expander, interior zippered pocket with additional storage, and smooth-rolling wheels for breezing through that moving walkway like you're The Flash.

4 More Carry-Ons We Like

We've also assembled a number of other worthy alternatives that'll help you jet off in style, even if you're on a Frontier budget. These may be slightly less accessible or less well-rounded than our top picks—and some of these we haven't had the luxury of testing ourselves—but they boast many of the same features you'd hope for in a well-traveled suitcase, from easy-gripping telescoping handles to a roomy, organized interior.

22-Inch 19 Degrees International Expandable Spinner Carry-On

Perhaps no other suitcase brand on the planet has the same name recognition as a Tumi, the workhorse luggage of choice for business travelers, and plenty of celebrities, since it first came on the scene in the ‘70s. Beyond the absolute basics—trustworthy zippers, a bevy of pockets and dividers, and locks for keeping everyone else out except the TSA—this shellacked spinner has style in spades. Add to that a Lever Lock system that fully enables your overpacking tendencies, and Tumi's tracing system (in case you ever lose sight of your bag), and you have hardly any reasons not to scoop one. The polished diagonal ridges on this spinner give it some subtle Rimowa vibes, too, without entreating you spend more than $1,000.

The North Face

Base Camp Duffel

Upgrading from the $30 Carhartt duffel you've had since college to something slightly more distinguished? North Face's base camp bag is the next logical progression, with a similar rugged style for outdoorsy folks, plus a water-resistant, recycled exterior that can handle a little dirt and distressing. It's extremely generous with a 50 liter capacity for tucking in gear, clothes, and beyond. Plus, the price point at under $150 is just right. It's probably the next best thing if for some reason Patagonia's high-vis logos aren't to your liking and you'd prefer something stealthier to haul your stuff into the great outdoors or onto the main cabin.

In the war between direct-to-consumer suitcases, Away is the clear winner by sheer popularity. But for anyone trying hard to not cave into peer pressure, Monos makes a comparable hardside suitcase that doesn't scream Instagram-obsessive-millennial. It's built with nearly the same specs as Away's carry-on and features nearly all the same design details from the interior compression, included laundry bag, 360-degree spinner wheels, and ribbed exterior. It's a whole Andrew Jackson less than the Away if that's enough to sway you to shop a suitcase from a lesser-known brand.

Cabin Luggage

Help your suitcase stand out in a sea of black nylon by copping a polycarbonate spinner in robin's egg blue. Floyd's retro carry-on spinners are inspired by ‘70s skating culture (peep the wheels!), with a breezy, laid-back sensibility that’ll help ease you into the vacation mindset. The glaringly orange, well-apportioned storage section inside only amplifies the brand's ethos of good vibes and great design. If you want swervier luggage that doesn’t look like everyone else's in the terminal, this one's a solid bet that perfectly blends high-vis colorblocking and design chops.

What's the Difference Between Soft and Hardside Carry-On Bags?

Hardside luggage used to be a bit of a novelty. If you had any 15 years ago, you might have been one of the few people in the airport hauling around their characteristic sleek shells—which made finding your bag at the luggage carousel a lot easier. But as these models started to become available in polycarbonate plastics, hardside options become just as ubiquitous as their soft shell counterparts.

By Oren Hartov

By Frazier Tharpe

By Cam Wolf

On the other hand, the main advantage of soft fabric luggage is its durability. That might seem counterintuitive because shouldn't something with a hard protective shell last longer? But in our experience, after the same amount of use, softside luggage looks more or less like it did when you bought it. Think about it: If you toss a soft fabric cube back and forth against a wall for a year, it might look a little bit busted on the corners, but its stretchy-soft surface would probably absorb much of the impact. But if that cube was made out of a thin, hard substance, you'd probably see a dent or nick in the paint basically anywhere it hit the wall.

That said, a bunch of fabric luggage options (save for the super expensive models) leave a lot to be desired aesthetically. Even when they're new, pulling a fabric suitcase behind you makes you look, at best, like someone who knows their way around a day planner. At worst, especially when they're covered in all sorts of metal rivets and extra zippers, they can look dinky—the tuxedo T-shirt of things to put your clothes in. So it makes sense that hard shell luggage almost always looks much better. Their glossy shells catch the light nicely as they float alongside you. And in recent years, companies have gotten a lot better at making them as durable as can be.

Fabric luggage does have one other advantage over hard shells, though. Thanks to their stretchiness, soft suitcases tend to be a little bit more accommodating to over-packers, while still maintaining the same carry-on size. You'll find it a little bit easier to actually zip them shut, even when they're filled to the brim with extra pairs of clothes. Hard shell suitcases offer a lot less give in terms of packing space, which makes them less than ideal if you tend to accumulate endless tchotchkes while you're traveling. It might not be a dealbreaker, but still something to consider.

What Makes a Good Carry-On Bag?

Size : According to the TSA, carry-on size restrictions vary by airline, but generally, the dimensions max out at 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Another important number to note regarding carry-on sizes is the capacity, usually denoted in liters. Considering size restrictions, the most capacity you'll have is around 40 liters, which is good for a week-long trip, but we did find one duffel bag that has a 50-liter capacity but can fly under the size restrictions because of its shape.

Style : Rolling bags, suitcases, luggage—those are probably the most popular style of carry-on bag. They easy to move around and don't require a rock-hard body to transport around the airport. However, some folks might prefer a lighter-weight duffel bag or backpack to trek into the great outdoors or keep close at home for short weekend sojourns. It all depends on where you're traveling, how much you're hauling, and

How We Tested

We here at GQ have been scanning the wild world of luggage retailers to find the carry-on bags you can comfortably roll up the cobblestone steps of Lisbon, zip-line with through the canopies of Belize , or begrudgingly leave at the gate on the way home for your nephew’s “graduation” from elementary school. We’ve combined our knowledge of the best luggage across a range of prices, styles, and construction types—ones that we've taken on planes, trains, and automobiles—to figure out which offer the best combination of solid construction, useful features, and magnificent looks.

We also added some runner-ups that we haven't had the pleasure of testing, but think combine the right features, price point, and reputation to go toe-to-toe with other contenders in their price range. Not so into the Away? Spring for a slightly more innocuous Monos. Want a heritage bag without blowing more than a grand? Tumi's got your back. After all that, here are our top picks that we’d be happy to drag behind and beside us on every single one of our upcoming trips.

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Affordable and lightweight suitcases and bags for smooth travel.

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Checking your luggage can be a pain. Spending the extra time to drop it off, stressing during your flight that it may get lost and then having to pick it up from the baggage claim at your destination isn't always worth the trouble. Not to mention the exorbitant fees many airlines charge for checked bags. Investing in a carry-on bag that can hold all your stuff and is easy to carry through the airport seems like a no-brainer. Even if you aren't traveling by plane, a carry-on suitcase can be a great pick for car travel, since it's easier to transport than larger luggage and much more compact, leaving plenty of room for you, your passengers and their bags.

Our top picks

Best Overall Carry-On Luggage

Away the carry-on.

Best Value Carry-On Luggage

Amazon basics 21-inch hardside spinner.

Best Softside Expandable Luggage

Samsonite solyte dlx softside expandable luggage.

Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage

Open story hardside carry-on spinner suitcase.

Best Carry-On Luggage for Business Travel

Travelpro platinum elite softside expandable luggage.

Best Weekender Carry-On Luggage

Lo & sons catalina deluxe.

Smoothest Carry-On Luggage

Calpak ambeur 22-inch rolling spinner carry-on.

Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage

Delsey softside spinner suitcase.

Best Backpack Carry-On Luggage

The north face borealis commuter laptop backpack.

Best Duffel Carry-On Luggage

Eagle creek cargo hauler 40l duffel bag.

You can read more about how we evaluate luggage in our Textiles Lab and via consumer tests — plus everything you need to know when shopping for your perfect carry-on — at the end of this guide.

Best Luggage Brands | Best Underseat Luggage | Best Hardside Luggage | Best Luggage on Amazon | Best Kids' Luggage | Best Duffels | Best Smart Luggage | Best Travel Backpacks

This ultra-trendy bag is worth the investment. The hardside polycarbonate is even lighter than some fabric suitcases we've tested , and it's super durable. After being put through our drop tests, we were impressed that there were no dents or any noticeable damage, and it aced our scratch tests, showing minimal scuffs. The inside is surprisingly spacious, too, and is equipped with convenient packing features, like a hidden laundry bag for dirty clothes and a compression strap to maximize space.

It comes in five neutral and fashion colors, so there's something for almost everyone. Plus, you can personalize the suitcase for an added fee and also choose to buy it with or without a removable battery. Some of our testers wished the handle were sturdier, but they loved the bag and its smooth wheels overall, sharing that it was easy to maneuver. Away offers a generous trial period, so you can test it out yourself for up to 100 days and, if you don't love it, you can return or exchange it, even after it's been used. Depending on your preference, you could also opt for a carry-on from Away's Flex collection , one of the brand's aluminum carry-on styles or The Carry-On with Pocket for easy access to your belongings.

RELATED: Away's Most Popular Carry-On Lives Up to the Hype

Quality carry-ons can cost several hundred dollars, but this one from Amazon is a better deal if you're on a budget. Besides having more than 42,000 five-star reviews and a 4.6-star average rating, it also wowed both our experts and our consumer testers with its smooth wheel performance in our tests.

Some of our testers didn't find the telescopic handle to be as sturdy as others in our tests, and we do want to note that this bag is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic (ABS), which keeps the cost down but isn't as durable as polycarbonate material. It showed some marks in our scratch tests, though it avoided dents fairly well in our durability drop tests. Its spacious interior held an impressive amount during our packing evaluations, and it can also be expanded to allow even more room for your belongings. Amazon Basics offers two larger sizes, in 26- and 30-inch heights, and you can save more than $100 by purchasing a set of all three models together.

Samsonite is our best overall luggage brand and has repeatedly earned top scores in our evaluations over the years, impressing Textiles Lab analysts and consumer testers alike. This polyester softside suitcase is durable, lightweight and compact. The bag features four outer zipper pockets for easy access to travel essentials (including a USB port pocket — portable charger not included) and unzips into one primary compartment with three additional smaller zippered pockets for even more organization. Although it aced our tests for being easy to pack and holding a standard load, some online reviewers expressed concerns that the interior isn't as spacious as other carry-on bags they've used.

When we evaluated the bag in Lab, we appreciated the smooth gliding wheels that are easy to push and pull in all directions, as well as the sturdy telescopic handle. Plus, the brand's durable polyester material held up well in our abrasion tests, resisting major signs of wear and tear.

With both the highest score and one of the lowest price points among our picks, this sleek yet functional carry-on from Open Story at Target proves you don't have to spend a fortune to get a great case. Its durable 100% polycarbonate shell is lightweight, but we were blown away by the fact that it withstood drop after drop in our tests without dents or damage . Plus, its spacious compartment held our entire sample load in Lab packing tests. On top of that, in our obstacle course, consumer testers found the loaded case easy to maneuver as they swerved it around cones, rolled it over a variety of surfaces and lifted it onto a table. They also gave it high appearance scores for its "cute, modern" look.

The case comes in five trendy colors, which showed slight marks in our scratch test, as well as a larger checked size if you want a matching set — one to check and one to bring with you. This carry-on also features a built-in USB port and a laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate, as well as generously sized zippered pockets for easy packing. The bag can also be expanded for extra room.

Ideal for frequent flyers who are rough on their bags, Travelpro's luxe model is made using strong nylon fabric that comes in six shades and features leather accents and sturdy chrome zippers. This softside suitcase stood out in our evaluations for its impressive durability and convenient packing features — great to have when it comes to international travel too. For starters, its nylon exterior aced our abrasion and drop tests with no signs of wear. Plus, the zippers kept contents dry in our water resistance test.

Not only that, but it fit every item in our packing test with room to spare, and the organizational compartments inside made loading it a breeze. It comes with a garment bag for suits or dresses, a removable, TSA-approved toiletry case for liquids and an outer pocket with a USB port. (You'll need to supply the power bank for charging.) We appreciate that the handle is contoured for a better grip and cushioned for comfort, and it even adjusts to four different heights. Some testers thought it looked old-fashioned and said they had less control when the suitcase was on four wheels but liked that it glided well when tilted back on two wheels.

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe

The perfect addition to your luggage collection, a weekender bag is ideal for a shorter trip. This one from Lo & Sons is lightweight yet roomy without being too bulky or cumbersome to carry. The "small" option featured here is filled with pockets and can hold an impressive load, despite its compact size . One analyst who tried this bag pointed out the convenience of the separate bottom compartment, ideal for carrying shoes or keeping dirty laundry away from your new vacation clothes.

For longer trips that require more than one piece of luggage, simply slide the outer sleeve of the bag over the handle of your rolling suitcase to wheel both pieces at once so you don't have to lug the weekender around while also pulling your suitcase. If you prefer to carry your bag, it comes with a removable shoulder strap that's padded for added comfort. If you're an over-packer, you can opt for the larger size. Both the small and large sizes are available in two materials: a softer cotton canvas and a polyester weave that we especially love because it's durable and easier to wipe clean. Some online reviewers share that they wish the bag had more stability; the brand recommends choosing the polyester material if you prefer a bag with more inherent structure.

Fashion meets function in this carry-on case from Calpak. Not only is this rose gold bag sleek in appearance, but it also had high scores from our tester panel for its smooth wheel performance, sturdy handle and easy maneuverability when rolling it through our obstacle course. Testers said its padded handles felt comfortable to lift, pull and use for steering, and they also loved its design — nearly every tester said they wanted to keep it for themselves. They spoke enthusiastically about its "eye-catching design," "smooth wheels" and "sturdy handle" after pushing and pulling it during evaluations.

Its smooth wheels glide effortlessly, even when it's loaded, and its hard outer shell, a polycarbonate and ABS plastic composite, keeps it light. Know that the composite material is more prone to scratching than 100% polycarbonate, and this suitcase didn't resist scratches as well as other bags in our tests. Still, it held up to our drop tests without denting and impressed our experts with its roomy interior that was easy to pack. The interior has a combination of zippered storage, elastic pockets and compression straps to help you stay organized.

No more struggling to lift your luggage up to trunks, counters or overhead bins. This softside style from Delsey is made with polyester fabric and has a no-frills interior that's roomy without feeling heavy. It weighed less than any other carry-on suitcase in our tests, yet still held our entire packing load . This impressive carry-on also held up well to durability tests despite its weight. Inside, you'll find one main compartment with straps to keep items in place, plus smaller zippered pockets on both the inside and outside, and the suitcase expands two inches for extra packing space.

It's unique in that it has a removable lining that's machine washable for easy cleaning, and there's a built-in bifold organizer to store your toiletries. Though the zippers required effort to use, our testers appreciated the bag's easy-access external sections. "I love the pockets," one said. It got lower scores for maneuverability, and some testers said the handle didn't feel as sturdy as other picks, but testers gave it good scores overall during use.

This hands-free travel backpack isn't your average carry-on bag. It outperformed other bags in our in-Lab backpack test and wowed our consumer testers, too. Although a backpack doesn't provide as much storage as a traditional carry-on, it's lightweight and compact — great for an overnight adventure, a day trip or to use as a personal item on a flight. There are multiple compartments to keep you organized, including a padded laptop sleeve, a spacious interior section, two water bottle holders, tons of easy-to-access smaller zippered pockets for your phone, pens and sunglasses and an outer bungee system to store a lightweight jacket or travel blanket .

During our abrasion tests, the fabric proved durable, resisting water and holding up well without showing major signs of wear. However, some reviewers wished the material had more structure, sharing that the bag didn't stand up well on its own when they were loading and unloading it. We appreciate the thoughtful design elements, like a chest strap and a removable waist strap for added support, and that the shoulder straps are padded for comfortable wear. And with more than 20 colorways to choose from, there's bound to be one that you love.

This duffel bag from Eagle Creek was designed for adventure trips, but we love it for all types of travel. There are removable straps that can be worn three ways , including as a backpack for when you need to be hands-free. It's made of a durable and water-repellent polyester fabric with foam padding to protect the contents inside, and the zippers lock for added security.

The bag is incredibly lightweight and spacious, especially because it doesn't have the wheel and handle mechanisms that are found in most carry-ons. And as a bonus, it compresses into a zippered pouch for easy storage when you're not using it. Unlike a standard duffel, this one has a detachable divider inside to help you keep your belongings organized, and there are enclosed zippered compartments on each end, as well as a zippered mesh pocket for more storage. For longer trips, the brand also offers two larger sizes with more space for your belongings.

How we test carry-on luggage

At the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles Lab, we've been reviewing luggage using standardized test methods and state-of-the-art lab equipment for years. In our most recent evaluations, we researched suitcases and bags from popular brands and tested 20 models out in our Lab and with consumer testers , considering dimensions, packability, durability and more.

Plus, we set up an obstacle course for users to try them out and share their thoughts on properties like ease of using the handles, maneuverability and appearance . Here's an in-depth look at how we rate the luggage in our evaluations:

✔️ Size and weight : We weigh each piece of luggage when it's empty because the specs listed online aren't always accurate. We then place the luggage in a 22" x 14" x 9" area (as shown) to check whether it complies with the standard dimension restrictions for carry-on luggage that most U.S. airlines have.

✔️ Packing capabilities : We pack each piece of luggage (as pictured) using a standard load with real items like clothing, shoes, toiletries and more. During this process, we rate the ease of opening and closing the zippers, the ease of accessing the compartments and how much of our standard load actually fits inside.

We also assess important features like the wheels, the telescopic handle and any extras like USB ports or locks. When the bag is fully packed, we practice rolling it over different surfaces, such as tile, carpet and hardwood, and lifting it on and off countertops to see how the handles feel while in use.

✔️ Durability when dropped : We fill the luggage with a standard weight, load it onto our drop tester (as pictured) and release the luggage from a set three-foot height. The test is repeated in various directions, and we note any damages and imperfections that result.

✔️ Water resistance : To measure how well the luggage resists water, we conduct a test using absorbent material. We put an absorbent material behind the zipper, place water on the zipper and then weigh how much moisture soaks through the zipper and to the material. The more the absorbent material weighs, the more water has seeped through and the less water-resistant the luggage is.

✔️ Abrasion resistance: We cut swatches of fabric from softside suitcases and load them into our abrasion machine (as pictured), which rubs the fabric over an abrasive material 15,000 times before being we grade it for signs of wear.

✔️ Scratch resistance : We drag a wire over hardside luggage material and then visually assess any scuffs and marks left behind.

✔️ Consumer tests: We fill each suitcase with weight to mimic a real travel load and then set up a standard course to cover a variety of surfaces and obstacles, such as navigating twists and turns (pictured), lifting over curbs, transitioning to different flooring and more. Consumer testers then rate the luggage on factors like ease of using the handles, comfort when pulling the carry-on, sturdiness, wheel performance and maneuverability, among other subjective aspects.

What to keep in mind when shopping for the best carry-on bag

Besides checking airline dimensions and deciding which material is right for your needs, here are a few other helpful tips for picking out carry-on luggage:

✔️ Wheels : We recommend checking for four 360-degree wheels, as these consistently have the top maneuverability scores in our tests. If you're deciding between two and four wheels, here are the main differences to keep in mind:

• Four wheels give you the flexibility to push it, pull it and move it in all directions, yet you can still tilt it back and use it like two-wheeled luggage if you prefer.
• T wo wheels roll only when you tilt the luggage, and you can only pull it back and forth, instead of side to side. There's also carry-on luggage with no wheels, meaning it needs to be carried.

✔️ Telescopic handle : Check how easy it is to open and close, whether it can be adjusted to different heights and how comfortable it is to grip. Some handles even have extra padding for comfort. It may not seem like a big deal when the luggage is empty as you're shopping, but having a comfortable and sturdy handle makes a big difference once the case is filled with heavy contents. Also, be sure to use care when opening and closing the handle; constant jerking can lead to damage over time.

✔️ Side handles : If you're going to be lifting and lowering the luggage from high surfaces, make sure there are top and side handles that are easy to grip.

✔️ Compartments: Consider whether you prefer a large open space that can hold a big load or smaller compartments that can help keep you organized. Carry-on interiors vary greatly among different models, and there are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your needs. You can also opt for a carry-on with exterior pockets if you need easy access to essentials when you're traveling.

✔️ Zippers: Zippers may not be top of mind when you shop, but it's important to consider both their water resistance and how easy they are to open and close. Some zippers can be finicky, so make sure to check before you commit to buying the bag by zipping and unzipping the bag multiple times. If you have water on hand, try placing a drop on the zipper to see if it seeps through or beads up.

✔️ Weight: A lightweight carry-on case should weigh less than eight pounds when empty.

✔️ Charging capabilities: Some styles come with USB ports and the option to add a battery to charge devices on the go; some even come with a battery included. Just make sure the battery meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations .

✔️ Warranties and returns: Warranties typically only cover manufacturer defects, which can be difficult to prove. If you're worried about committing to a purchase, instead of focusing on a warranty, check to see if there's an any-reason return policy or a trial period. This is an especially helpful option if you're shopping online without seeing and trying out the suitcase in person.

What is considered carry-on luggage?

The most important thing to consider in a carry-on bag is its dimensions. Each airline has its own size restrictions, and international airlines tend to have more stringent requirements, but the most common size restriction in the U.S. is 22" x 14" x 9" . Keep in mind that this includes the handles and wheels, so be careful you're not just measuring the case itself.

Which is better: hardside or softside luggage?

We've had top performers (and poor performers) in both categories, but each material has its own advantages that can help you make a decision when you shop. Here's what to keep in mind for each:

Hardside luggage: These cases have been gaining steam in the market because they're protective, good-looking and surprisingly lightweight. But not all hard-shell materials are the same:

• Polycarbonate : This is the most popular hardside option because it's lighter than metals (like aluminum) yet more durable than plastic. It has high impact resistance — i.e., it's durable when dropped — but it has lower scratch resistance, though sometimes the manufacturer will apply a special coating to prevent scuffs.
• ABS: Most low-cost hardside luggage is made of this plastic material. It's more affordable and more lightweight than polycarbonate, but it's less durable and more prone to scratches.
• Polycarbonate/ABS composites : You can also find suitcases that combine these materials, typically using ABS plastic underneath with a polycarbonate coating. This blend gives you some benefits of both, but it still isn't as durable as 100% polycarbonate.

Softside luggage: Fabric-based luggage is often easier to stuff into tight spaces and fill with more things. It also doesn't show scratches, though certain fabrics can abrade more easily over time, so you still need to shop with care:

• Nylon: The most common material for soft fabric cases, this synthetic fiber is durable and can withstand abrasion, making it ideal for frequent flyers who are rough on their bags.
• Polyester : This material is also a synthetic fiber, but it's typically less expensive and more lightweight than nylon. The downside is that it's also less durable, though we've seen some polyester suitcases with good abrasion resistance.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute . She has spent the past decade evaluating luggage and has personally tried out many of these suitcase brands in her own travels. Lexie also spearheaded testing for the 2023 Family Travel Awards .

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute last year as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She's tested and written about carry-ons, duffels, travel backpacks and hardside luggage .

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage in 2023, for All Types of Travelers

Whether you prefer a suitcase, duffel bag, or backpack, we've got you covered.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

Which brings us to arguably the most vital piece of luggage a person can own: a carry-on bag. The first step to finding your personal best carry-on luggage is by deciding what kind of travel you will be embarking on. If it's a short weekend trip, a backpack or duffel bag will suffice, but if you're going away for, say, a week then a carry-on suitcase (or travel bag ) will likely be more efficient.

Best Carry-On Duffel Bag

Filson medium rugged twill duffle bag.

Best Carry-On Travel Backpack

Nomatic travel bag 40l carry-on backpack.

Best Carry-On Suitcase Overall

Away the carry-on.

Best Luxe Carry-On

Rimowa hybrid cabin carry-on.

Best Adventure Travel Bag

Exped radical 45l travel pack.

Best Budget Carry-On Suitcase

Samsonite omni pc hardside expandable luggage.

Best Carry-On Garment Bag

Modoker convertible garment bag.

Most Durable Carry-On Luggage

The north face base camp voyager 42l duffel bag.

Before upgrading your carry-on bag there are a few factors to consider. First, make sure your bag's measurements are TSA-approved—most airlines allow carry-ons no larger than 22 inches long by 14 inches wide by 9 inches tall, including the wheels and handle. If you’re a heavy packer, you’ll want an expandable bag to maximize space. If you’re storing your suitcase in a small closet, you might want a bag that flattens when empty.

Read more: Best Luggage Brands

We curated the top carry-on bags for all types of flyers. The pieces of luggage below represent a wide range of budgets, travel styles, and aesthetic preferences. But the common denominator is that each carry-on prioritizes function above all else. Your carry-on luggage probably won't be able to help you tune out the screaming baby across the aisle, but it will certainly get your gear from point A to point B safely and with as low amount of stress as possible! Here is the best carry-on luggage for every type of travel in 2022.

About the Expert : I’ve spent most of my life hiking, kayaking, camping, and exploring the great outdoors. For more than a decade, I’ve traveled the world, including all seven continents, and covered outdoor and adventure travel, sharing my advice on Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. These days, I personally evaluate adventure travel gear (like carry-on luggage) and tech gadgets for Men’s Health from my home base south of Boston. So, you might say I’m a little gear-obsessed.

Made with beautiful bridle leather and rain-resistant rugged twill that’s sourced from one of Britain’s most storied mills, Filson duffle bags are guaranteed to last for years to come. The Medium Rugged Twill Duffle Bag is extremely durable and abrasion-resistant, so it’s built to take a beating even in the unlikely event that you need to check it. Bespoke design notes like a rust-proof brass zipper and storm flap closures help bolster the bag to combat weather, and its interior pockets are made of dry finish tin cloth for added durability. Simply put, this is the All-American choice (one that's actually made in the USA) of carry-on duffles.

With a 43-liter capacity, it’s well-sized for all but the longest trips. Extended weekends are no problem, and even a week is possible with some smart planning. There’s little to dislike about this bag beyond the price. At nearly $600, it’s among the most expensive duffles on the market. But, with heirloom-quality design touches and a handsome, retro-military-inspired look, we think it’s easily the sharpest and best carry-on duffle bag this year. Plus, it’s available in Large or XL sizes, if Medium isn’t enough for your loadout.

Read more: Best Travel Bags

For the ultimate in travel versatility, nothing beats a good backpack . That’s true whether you’re a weekend warrior, a frequent flier, or a digital nomad with no fixed address. A travel backpack is more portable and always “ready to go” than a wheeled rollaboard and easier to tote around than a traditional duffle bag. This year, our go-to backpack carry-on is the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L. At 22” x 14” x 9”, it’s the perfect size for stashing in overhead bins. Plus, it’s wrapped in a durable, water-resistant shell. The patented strap system allows this one to convert from a duffel to a backpack and back again on the fly.

Inside, as the name implies, you’ll find 40L of usable space—that’s more than enough for most trips, especially if you pack right. There’s plenty of clever organization features, too, including a laptop sleeve, a sunglass case, and a dedicated water pouch. In short, there’s a lot to love about this bag. It’s lightweight, innovative, perfectly sized, and we like the modern, minimal aesthetic too. But the part? It’s a steal at under $300—all of which is why it’s our pick for the best carry-on backpack of 2022.

What do buyers say? “I couldn't be more pleased with the build quality and how well it has worked in even the tightest carry on situations,” said one Amazon reviewer. Read more: Best Travel Pants

Because Away is a direct-to-consumer brand, you’re able to score top-quality carry-ons (and checked luggage too) without the usual "middleman" markup. The brand’s simply named The Carry-On has risen to become a luggage staple for frequent travelers. What you get is a strong polycarbonate hard shell with easy-rolling, 360-degree spinner wheels and an ejectable USB charger to give your phone extra juice while on-the-go. The lightweight, minimalist shell is available in a dozen handsome colors and secures with TSA-approved combination locks.

Inside, an interior compression system and water-resistant laundry bag are added to make packing for the ride back just as easy as the initial departure. For couples who like to coordinate with matching luggage and more than one suitcase, the Carry-On lineup is available in a variety of other sizes with smaller versions built to nest inside larger. That’s a serious win for apartment dwellers or anyone short on space. Did we mention the Away Carry-On is less than $300?

What do buyers say? “Stylish and very versatile. It also kept my belongings packed beautifully,” said one AwayTravel.com reviewer.

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It wouldn’t be right to talk about the best carry-on luggage without bringing up Rimowa. The luxury German luggage maker has a long and storied history with some of the world's most premium bags. The Hybrid Cabin blends extremely lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy with even lighter polycarbonate for a carry-on that’s easy to maneuver and incredibly durable. Decked out in stark white or jet black, it boasts an understated sophistication that feels undeniably luxurious. Inside, a customizable Flex Divider can be arranged however you like to keep your belongings in order. Plus, the whole suitcase rolls on a proprietary Multi-Wheel system that’s whisper-quiet and moves effortlessly.

From the luxurious good looks to the durable construction to the thoughtful detailing in every piece of this carry-on, it’s hard to find anything bad to say about it. But, premium luggage of this caliber doesn’t come cheap. This is the most expensive carry-on in our roundup with a price tag north of $1,000. Not surprisingly, it’s also one of the swankiest pieces of luggage we’ve seen this year. So, if you’ve got money to burn on new luggage and only the best will do, this is your man.

What do buyers say? “Bought this impeccable piece of luggage for my husband and he loves it, especially for its maneuverability. The spinner wheels glide seamlessly over any type of flooring and the aluminum corners adds that touch of style,” said one Bloomingdales.com reviewer.

Adventure travel usually requires a ton of extra gear. So, we appreciate an ultra-versatile bag that can pull double duty as both your carry-on luggage and your adventure backpack—no need to pack both. Exped’s latest Radical series is purpose-built to do just that. Situated in the middle of the lineup, the Radical 45 is a near-perfect carry-on size. With clever straps, it converts easily from a duffle bag to a backpack, so it’s whatever you need it to be. The main compartment is accessible via an extra-long zipper that provides easy access for packing and unpacking of large items or packing cubes. Large side pockets offer additional storage and direct access to the main compartment in a pinch.

We love that this one is ridiculously light with a minimum weight of just 24.7 ounces (barely 1.5 pounds!), yet it’s capable of holding up to 45 liters of your belongings. It’s available in a handful of smaller and larger sizes, too, so you can buy several bags to coordinate your gear storage for longer trips. It’s also a tremendous value at under $100. The only downside? The “open concept” main compartment means there’s little in the way of organizational pockets or pouches to keep your gear separated.

What do buyers say? “... a great bag, perfect for weekends or a carryon. I love the compression aspect, it allows you to fit way more than you would think,” said one REI reviewer.

You can never go wrong with Samsonite when it comes to carry-on suitcases. For us, the Samsonite carry-on with the best overall value is the Omni PC Hardside Expandable. The stylish hardshell case is crafted in polycarbonate with a micro-diamond texture that’s highly scratch-resistant, so your case will stay looking clean and sleek, trip after trip. Don’t let the roughly $150 price tag fool you. It comes loaded with all the bells and whistles. We’re talking multi-directional spinner wheels, TSA-compatible side locks, and a retractable pull handle. Interior compression straps keep everything in place while in transit.

At around $150, this is one of the best bang-for-your-buck carry-ons on the market. Sure, there are less expensive hardsided-carry-ons, but few with the same durability, number of features, and great looks. If you’re a heavy packer or like to keep a variety of luggage at the ready, the collection is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes too, including larger checked luggage. Plus, you score free shipping and free returns through Amazon, which is almost like a free in-home trial.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 20,000 Amazon reviews, 92% recommend the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside luggage with at least a 4-star rating.

Don’t let the outside of this bag fool you. Modoker designed this compact, 45-liter duffel to fit a suit, a pair of shoes, and a weekend’s worth of clothes. The secret is in the bag’s “rolled tube” design, which makes it so you can store your suit wrinkle-free by gently wrapping it around the everyday clothes you’re storing on the interior. It’s an ingenious design with a surprising number of pockets and storage that almost reminds us of Mary Poppins’ iconic carry-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink bag. It works as an accompaniment to a classic rollaboard suitcase for longer trips or stands on its own for weekend business trips where you want to pack as little as possible.

The handsome, minimalist design is available in several colors—all of which work with just about any aesthetic. What truly sets this one apart, however, is the price. At under $50, it’s an amazing value, especially if you’re looking for the simplest, most straightforward carry-on you can find. All of which makes it our pick for the best carry-on garment bag.

What do buyers say? Out of more than 7,700 Amazon reviews, 87% recommend the Modoker Convertible Garment Bag with at least a 4-star rating.

When you value functionality over flashy good looks, The North Face’s Base Camp Voyager Duffel Bag is your man. At 23 x 14.67 x 10.2 inches, it’s technically larger than maximum allowable carry-on size. But, the soft-sided construction means you can easily make it fit with a little clever packing. The 300D recycled polyester tarpaulin exterior features a non-PFC DWR coating, together making this one extremely rugged and water-resistant to boot. Inside, it offers a generous 42-liter capacity which is more than enough for a hard-packing weekend away or more than a week, depending on your packing ability. External webbing allows you to clip extra gear to the outside, while a divided interior makes for easy organization.

At under $150, this one is a steal, especially given the premium The North Face branding. The Voyager line-up also features several other sizes, in case you prefer to travel ultra-light or you like bringing all your gear along for the ride.

What do buyers say? “This is the best bag I have ever had. It's functional and perfect for a 2-14 day trip depending on your packing skills,” said one Backcountry.com reviewer.

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Of course, there’s no one best carry-on bag. But, there is a best carry-on for you . Here’s what to look for when shopping for your perfect luggage.

Consider Your Travel Style

Above all else, your personal travel style is likely the most important consideration. Think about how you travel and what you like to do when you land. If you’re an adventurous traveler who values function over flash, a rugged backpack or duffel might be for you. If you’re a weekend warrior jetting off to cross-country business meetings every few weeks, a rolling garment bag would be ideal. For occasional vacationers who travel a few times a year, a traditional rollaboard with a telescoping handle, a durable outer shell, and decent interior organization should do. It’s all about what works for you.

For hard-sided carry-ons, you’ll likely want an aluminum (or aluminum alloy) or polycarbonate shell. These offer the best value in terms of durability and price. Either material is tough enough to endure modern travel, and will be fine in those rare instances where the airline forces you to—gasp—check your bag at the gate. Soft-sided carry-on travel bags, like backpacks and duffels, are typically made from some sort of ripstop nylon. Ideally, you want one with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish that fends off rain, splashes, and light snow. While this material is built to take a beating, it’s less than ideal if you’re forced to check your bag. So you’ll want to measure it when it’s fully packed before heading to the airport to be absolutely sure it fits in the overhead bin.

In our experience, it rarely makes sense to spend more than $300 on a well-made carry-on. That includes everything from backpacks and duffel bags to hard-sided luggage and rollaboards. Brands like Samsonite and Away make excellent, durable luggage designed to last a decade or more, and many of their best products are in the $150-$300 range. Spending any more than that is usually just a splurge, and you’re typically paying a premium only for the name.

Other Features

The best modern luggage offers a long list of features. TSA-approved combination locks are a great security feature, ensuring your belongings stay safe while in transit. Easy-rolling wheels are critical for rollaboard travelers—these allow your suitcase to glide through the airport with minimal effort. Some suitcases these days even feature a built-in USB battery bank for topping up small gadgets on the go without having to scramble to find a power outlet at your next layover.

How We Selected

For the past year, we consulted with Men's Health 's editors and travel-savvy writers on the best carry-on luggage. Our experts—including our Gear and Commerce Editor, John Thompson—put a number of carry-on luggage pieces to the test and evaluated their storage capacity, organization features, durability, weight, and price. We also considered well-reviewed carry-ons with high customer ratings on etailer websites we trust. The list above represents our honest picks of the best of the best carry-on luggage for every type of traveler in 2022.

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The best carry-on suitcases for every type of budget and traveler.

From classic rollers to backpacks, these compact suitcases by Rimowa, Béis, Away, Calpak, Tumi and other top brands will get you through the airport and beyond with ease.

By Jamie Ballard , Danielle Directo-Meston February 27, 2024 12:48pm

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The difference between an easy travel day and an irritating one often comes down to your suitcase. If you’re dragging a carry-on with broken zippers, sticky wheels or a busted handle through the airport, it’s basically a guarantee that you won’t arrive at your destination in the most pleasant of moods. If it’s time for an upgrade, we’ve rounded up some of the best carry-on suitcases to buy for 2024.

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Related: The Best Luggage Brands For Your Next Adventure

In this update, we’ve added more options for kids and outdoorsy types, along with new releases from Travelpro and Hotel Collection. From luxe pieces that last a lifetime to affordable rollers, here are some of the best carry-on suitcases at every price point to shop now.

Samsonite Voltage DLX Carry-On Spinner

Samsonite is practically synonymous with the luggage category, and the brand’s Voltage DLX carry-on spinner won’t disappoint. It measures 22 inches tall and has compression straps, a USB port and plenty of organizational compartments inside (including a liquid-friendly pocket). It expands up to one inch and you’ll get to benefit from Samsonite’s 10-year limited warranty.

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner Specifications

• Dimensions 14 x 9 x 22 inches
• Weight 6.06 pounds
• Capacity 49-61 liters
• Exterior material Polypyro
• Expandable Yes, up to one inch
• USB port/charger holder Yes (charger not included)
• Other features TSA lock
• Warranty 10-year global warranty

Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner

Looking for a carry-on under $100? This Travelers Club hardside luggage from Amazon’s got you covered. It’s lightweight, expandable, and features double spinner wheels. It’s also available in a range of bright colors, so you’re in no danger of grabbing someone else’s bag by accident. Reviewers say that it’s a great value for the price.

Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Specifications

• Dimensions 14 x 10 x 20 inches
• Weight 5.6 pounds
• Capacity 47 liters
• Exterior material ABS
• Expandable Yes
• USB port/charger holder No
• Warranty Limited warranty

Quince Carry-On Hard Shell 20-In. Suitcase

For only $120, Quince’s 20-in. polycarbonate shell carry-on has 360-degree Japanese Hinomoto spinner wheels, a sturdy aluminum telescopic trolley handle with soft rubber for comfort, interior compression panels, TSA-approved locks and a removable laundry bag. The 40-liter capacity offers enough space for five to seven outfits, and there’s a 17-by-12-inch interior pocket for storage. It nests into Quince’s larger luggage for easy storage, and also comes in 21-, 24- and 27-inch sizes (including an expandable version for just $20 more).

Quince Carry-On Hard Shell 20-In. Suitcase Specifications

• Dimensions 14.4 x x 9.1 x 22 inches
• Weight 6.2 pounds
• Capacity 40 liters
• Exterior material Polycarbonate
• Expandable No
• Other features Backpack design, exterior 15-inch laptop compartment
• Warranty Limited one-year warranty, 100-day return policy

Hotel Collection Carry-On

On sale for just over $200 for a limited time, Hotel Collection’s smart carry-on luggage boasts a built-in digital scale, GPS tracker (compatible with Apple devices only), compression system, a portable USB charger and TSA-approved lock, to name a few appealing features. (It’s worth noting that the extras make this heaviest suitcase on our list at 19 pounds.) Also available in check-in sizes and other colors, the travel-focused brand’s carry-on also features a 360-degree spinner wheels, interior organizers and a clear luggage cover.

Hotel Collection Carry-On Specifications

• Dimensions 15.25 x 9.25 x 22.75 inches
• Weight 19.125 pounds
• USB port/charger holder Yes
• Other features Built-in digital scale and GPS tracker, portable USB charger
• Warranty Lifetime warranty

Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase

Traveling with kids can be quite the adventure, and Trunki’s adorable ride-on suitcase adds some fun to a potentially stressful experience. Designed for kids ages 3-6, it comes in a variety of styles and has an 18-liter capacity. Little ones can sit on the luggage and scoot themselves or be pulled by their grown-ups with the handy pull strap. Indepedent kiddos will love carting it on their own, too.

Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase Specifications

• Dimensions 18.2 x 7.99 x 12.2 inches
• Weight 3.74 pounds
• Capacity 18 liters
• Other features Ride-on design (maximum weight 110 pounds)

Fast Forward Hard-Sided Spinner

For the bigger kids who want to travel with their favorite characters, Fast Forward’s 20-in. carry-on suitcase features designs with Marvel or DC Comics superheroes, Disney princesses, Star Wars, Pixar, Paw Patrol and more. The 360-degree spinner wheels and lightweight ABS plastic case make this luggage lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the interior has plenty of organizers and dividers for efficient packing.

• Dimensions 12 x 8 x 20 inches
• Weight 4.65 pounds
• Capacity ~38 liters
• Exterior material ABS plastic
• Other features Character designs

July Carry On

If you’ve had bad experiences with suitcases that break after getting tossed around, consider July’s elegant carry-on that features aluminum bumpers on the corners and a “crush-proof” German shell. It also features an ejectable battery and external USB port so you can keep your phone or headphones charged while you wait to board your flight.

• Dimensions 15 inches x 8.5 inches x 21.5 inches
• Weight 7.4 pounds
• Capacity 42 liters
• USB port/charger holder Yes (includes charger)
• TSA lock Yes
• Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 100-day return policy

Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner

This 21-inch suitcase has more than 30,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and it’s also one of the best luggage pieces under $100. One particularly enthusiastic customer wrote, “No issues with fitting the suitcase in the overhead bin on even the small flights. Having the side handle along with the top handle helps me to lift the bag. Wheels couldn’t have been any smoother. They withstood long walks on tiled streets with no issues at all. I was pleased with the amount of space I had in the bag.” At only $83, this is a budget-friendly pick.

Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner Specifications

• Dimensions 13.58 x 9.45 x 19.09 inches
• Weight 7.3 pounds
• Capacity 39 liters
• Exterior material ABS shell
• Expandable Up to 15 percent
• TSA lock No
• Warranty 1 year

Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex

Away’s best-selling Bigger Carry-On Flex luggage is one of the best suitcases for travelers who can never seem to pack their stuff back in (or who always manage to bring home extra souvenirs. Boasting the travel brand’s award-winning lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell, this piece unzips to expand an extra 2.25 inches. It’s got a convenient underside grab handle, compressive pockets and a built-in laundry bag to keep your things organized, and it’s roomy enough to hold up to a week’s worth of essentials.

Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex Specifications

• Dimensions 14.7 x 9.6 x 22.7 inches
• Weight 8.55 pounds
• Capacity 47.9 liters
• Warranty 100-day return policy, limited lifetime warranty

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-in. Carry-On Spinner

This top-rated Travelpro Maxlite 5 soft-sided expandable luggage gets plenty of love from reviewers on Amazon for being lightweight and maneuverable. The interior is surprisingly spacious and keeps things simple with a zippered mesh pocket and compressive straps. Plus, it features slim exterior pockets to keep tablets, books, laptops or toiletries close at hand. This piece is available in a 19- or a 21-inch version, both in a range of colors.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner Specifications

• Dimensions 14 x 9 x 21 inches
• Weigh 5.4 pounds
• Capacity 46 liters
• Expandable Yes, up to 2 inches
• Other features Exterior pockets
• Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 1-year trusted companion promise on registered products

Béis The Carry-On Roller

If you’re known among friends for being someone who always travels in style, you’re probably already familiar with Béis. The Shay Mitchell-owned travel brand is known for its chic and functional luggage, and this carry-on roller is no exception. It’s one of the only suitcases in the market with a built-in weight indicator and comes in a range of eye-catching colors that ensure you always know which bag is yours. Plus, it has multiple interior pockets, compressive straps, and 360-degree wheels to get you from place to place smoothly. Did we mention there’s also an exterior strap that holds your purse and built-in TSA-approved locks?

Béis The Carry-On Specifications

• Dimensions 15.7 x 9.8 x 22.8 inches
• Weight 8.36 pounds
• Expandable Yes, up to two inches
• Other features Weight indicator, exterior strap
• Warranty Limited lifetime warranty

Patagoia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag, 40L

If you’re loyal to your duffel bag but you’re tired of arriving at your destination with sore shoulders, consider Patagonia’s Black Hole wheeled duffel bag in the overhead bin-friendly 40-liter size. The wheels make it easy to get through the airport or train station, and the side handle makes it easy to grab and carry. Outdoorsy travelers will love the durable, ripstop exterior material that’s weather-resistant.

Patagonia 40L Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag Specifications

• Dimensions 14 x 9.5 x 21.6 inches
• Weigh 7.0125 pounds
• Exterior material 14-ounce, 900-denier recycled ripstop polyster
• Other features Weather-resistant, internal compression straps, interior organization
• Warranty Patagonia Ironclad guarantee

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

The most annoying thing about carry-ons is that you don’t always have easy access to your belongings. Monos’ sleek Carry-On Pro Plus luggage features an “unbreakable” polycarbonate exterior, an accessible pocket on the front to store your laptop or other small items, and three interior pockets to keep things organized. This bag also simply feels luxurious, thanks to the vegan leather detailing, smooth telescoping handle, and 360-degree spinner wheels.

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus Specifications

• Dimensions 15 x 9.5 x 23 inches
• Weight 8.38 pounds
• Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 100-day trial

Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin

One of the most lightweight carry-on suitcases we’ve found, Rimowa’s Essential Lite Cabin comes in at just under five pounds, making it a great investment piece for anyone who prioritizes craftsmanship and ease of travel. It also features a unique telescoping T-bar handle, easy-to-steer wheels and internal mesh dividers. If you’re still not convinced, Rimowa offers a lifetime guarantee for all functional aspects of the suitcase, so this could be your new travel companion for a long, long time. The brand’s celebrity ambassadors include Rihanna and Patti Smith, and its luggage has been spotted at airports with Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid.

Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin Specifications

• Dimensions 15.8 x 9.1 x 21.7 inches
• Weight 4.9 pounds
• Capacity 38.2 liters
• Warranty Lifetime guarantee

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

Calpak’s lightweight Hue Mini Carry-On is the definition of compact. At 16 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep, it can fit beneath most airline seats, so you shouldn’t have any problem getting it on the plane. The zippered interior pockets make it possible to pack everything you need for a long weekend in this sleek little bag.

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage Specifications

• Dimensions 14 x 8.5 x 16 inches
• Weight 6.4 pounds
• Capacity 31.2 liters
• Warranty 2-year limited warranty

TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner

TravelPro’s elegant piece of luggage is the perfect upgrade if you need a new carry-on. It has several impressive features, including a built-in USB port and a drop-in, fold-out suiter specifically designed to accommodate hanging clothes. Plus, it expands another two inches to offer some additional capacity for larger loads.

TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner Specifications

• Dimensions 14.5 x 9 x 23.5 inches
• Weight 7.8 pounds
• Other features Removable quart-size wet pouch
• Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 120-day trusted companion promise on registered products

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus

Travel the globe guilt-free with carbon-neutral travel brand Paravel’s  Aviator Carry-On Plus , which features a polycarbonate shell, zippers, vegan leather, lining and aircraft-grade aluminum telescopic handle that are all made of recycled materials. This stylish luggage also boasts 360-degree carbon steel bearing wheels, an interior compression board, a TSA-approved lock and a removable accessories pouch and laundry bag. If you prefer more compact size for shorter trips, there’s also the regular carry-on for only $395. Another thing to love? The company offsets the carbon emissions of sourcing, assembling and shipping each product as well as the equivalent of the suitcase’s first flight. Enjoy a five-year warranty that covers structural damage, wear and tear and manufacturing defects.

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus Specifications

• Weight 8.5 pounds
• Capacity 46.6 liters
• Warranty Five-year warranty

Away F.A.R. Convertible 45-L Backpack

Some trips are better suited to a backpack than a wheeled suitcase. If you’re looking for a lightweight but roomy option, consider Away’s F.A.R. convertible 45-liter backpack . It features dual interior and exterior compression systems to help you pack more in, plus multiple compartments to keep you organized. It also has removable shoulder straps which allow you to convert it into a duffle, plus a chest strap for more support.

Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L Specifications

• Dimensions 13.6 x 9.5 x 21.7 inches
• Weight 3.32 pounds
• Capacity 45 liters
• Exterior material Polyester

Carl Friedrik Carry-On

We love the luxe look of Carl Friedrik’s hardshell suitcase , which has a zipperless aluminum frame with two combination lock closures, super-silent 360-degree wheels and is finished with Vachetta leather details that add an extra professional-looking touch when traveling. Inside are compression straps on both sides and a removable compression pad with a pocket (you have the option to add a second pad). Designed to adhere to U.S., European and most other global airline cabin-size guidelines, this carry-on also comes with a removable battery to charge devices.

Carl Friedrik Carry-On Specifications

• Dimensions 14.6 x 9.5 x 21.6 inches
• Weight 8.6 pounds

Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Besides the hassle-free Simple as That lifetime guarantee, we love Briggs & Riley’s Baseline Global 21-in. carry-on for its one-touch CX system that allows you to expand the suitcase up to two inches in depth. Business travelers will appreciate the built-in tri-fold garment folder that keeps up to two suits wrinkle-free, and genius design touches include strategically-placed mesh lid zip pockets and compression garment panels. Outside, the SmartLink strap lets you conveniently connect another bag, while the SpeedThru pocket provides easy access to items during security checks. As for that warranty , Briggs & Riley covers repairs on all functional damage on your luggage, no receipt required. That makes the investment worthwhile, as it saves you from having to splurge on a new suitcase if, say, the zipper breaks or the fabric tears.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21-Inch Carry-On Specifications

• Dimensions 15 x 9 x 21 inches
• Weight 9.9 pounds
• Capacity 49 liters
• Exterior material Ballistic nylon
• USB port/charger holder Yes (does not include charger)

Tumi Alpha Continental Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On

Tumi is often spotted getting pulled by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and many other stars, but that’s not why the luxury travel brand is considered the best in class. The company was the first to introduce highly durable ballistic nylon in suitcases (as seen in this internati o nal-friendly carry-on ), and its exclusive material features a special coating that’s “virtually abrasion-proof,” according to the brand. Details like the impact-absorbing handle, bumper rails and wheels help keep your belongings safe and sound during long flights and rough baggage handling, while other frequent flyer-minded touches include side and bottom grab handles, up to two inches expansion, interior compression straps and pockets, a myriad of exterior and interior compartments and a built-in USB port. We like that Tumi offers the option to add accent colors and monogramming for easier identification at baggage claim. Last but not least, enjoy a five-year repair guarantee.

• Dimensions 16 x 9 x 22 inches
• Weight 11.4 pounds

Royce & Rocket Castle Expandable Carry-On

If organization is of utmost importance when you’re living out of a suitcase, then you’ll love Royce & Rocket’s one-of-a-kind Castle carry-on . The expandable design gives you an extra two inches of luggage depth, and the unique shelving system folds flat to ensure that you’ve got plenty of packing space. Once you’re ready to settle in, fold the shelves out and snap them in place to display and store your essentials with ease.

Royce & Rocket Castle Expandable Carry-On Specifications

• Capacity 19 liters
• Other features Built-in shelves

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

Yet another Calpak pick, JSX flight attendant Roshonda Payne previously told THR that the brand’s 21-inch Ambeur carry-on “is one of my favorite suitcases for travel because it’s lightweight and expandable. It’s hard-sided so it protects your items better and it comes with a built-in lock.” The suitcase expands up to two inches and has carbon steel-bearing wheels, and it has a capacity of 43 liters.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Specifications

• Weight 7.1 pounds
• Capacity 43 liters
• Exterior material Polycarbonate and ABS plastic
• Warranty 1-year limited warranty

Rimowa Cabin

Rimowa is an A-list favorite, with celebrity ambassadors including Rihanna, Lewis Hamilton and Blackpink’s Rosé and the likes of Billie Eilish, Rodger Federer, Martha Stewart and Spike Lee seen carting its luxe luggage. The brand’s best-selling Rimowa Cabin carry-on is among the best aluminum suitcases that’ll take on all of the hard knocks without adding too much extra weight. Outside, the signature grooved anodised aluminum case, ball-bering mounted wheels with cushioned axles and a smooth telescopic handle make it handsome and easy to transport. Inside, the adjustable flex divider helps keep belongings organized.

Rimowa Cabin Carry-On Spinner Specifications

• Dimensions 15.8 x 9.1 x 21.7 inches
• Weight 9.5 pounds
• Capacity 34.8 liters
• Exterior material Aluminum

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• People Tested

The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024 for Your Next Trip

Travel light with picks you'll use for years

Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com with 2 years’ experience in journalism and digital media. She regularly tests the best and buzziest products in the beauty and lifestyle spaces and has researched and written about moisturizers, blow dryers, clothing, and luggage, among many other popular products.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Things to Consider
• How We Tested

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What is people tested.

People / Jhett Thompson

What's one staple every traveler needs? A good piece of carry-on luggage. Whether you're going away on a short trip or don't want to deal with the hassle of checking a bag, a piece of quality carry-on luggage is indispensable. Any seasoned traveler will tell you that easy-gliding wheels are crucial for an efficient travel day, and many of the newest suitcase models come with handy details like combination locks and USB-enabled charging capabilities.

With so many different types of luggage (and each touting its own special features), it can be hard to know what to pick — that's why we turned to travel specialist Rebecca Mazzaro for her expert opinion. "I do like a hardside carry-on to protect my items," Mazzaro tells PEOPLE. "But a soft carry-on can be molded a bit more to the space."

To find the best options, we tested 18 pieces of carry-on luggage to see which ones earned top marks on things like organization, size and weight, maneuverability on different surfaces, and durability. (It was a fun day in the PEOPLE Tested lab for the testers who got to push suitcases off a six-foot ladder and swing a baseball bat at them!)

Read on to discover our picks for the best carry-on luggage that PEOPLE tested.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

The full-rotational, 360-degree spinning wheels glide smoothly over every surface.

The lightweight, sturdy hard-shell design was easy for us to lift to the height of an overhead bin.

This suitcase comes with only a few internal organization pockets.

When you're rushing through the airport to make a flight, you need a bag that's dependable, easy to maneuver , and tough enough to handle every knock and bump, and the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On is exactly that. Equipped with four full-rotational, 360-degree spinning wheels, this luggage aced our tests. We were blown away with this bag's easy glide, whether using all four wheels or tilting on two.

This bag is made from a lightweight yet sturdy hard shell and comes in a variety of unique colors that will help your suitcase stand out from the rest on the checked luggage conveyor belt. Because this bag is compliant with most carry-on size restrictions, you can skip the frantic rush and stressful wait at baggage claim altogether. This luggage has a built-in TSA-compatible combination lock to ensure that you arrive at your destination with all of your belongings intact.

Some good news for all the over-packers out there: This expandable bag is notably spacious, with a simple but roomy interior that includes two interior sections, a cross ribbon divider, and a small zip-up pocket that could easily fit delicates. We would prefer the bag to include an extra pocket to stash your shoes, but despite that small qualm, we would still recommend this bag to family and friends.

Dimensions : 21.25 x 15.25 x 10.0 inches | Weight: 6.5 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: No

People / Tamara Staples

Best Overall, Runner Up

Travelpro platinum elite carry-on spinner.

The sleek hard shell was tough enough to power through our drop tests and easy to wipe down.

This suitcase comes with a TSA-approved combination lock to keep items safe.

Two zippered clamshell pockets help us feel confident that our items won't slide around inside.

It has charging capabilities but doesn't come with a power bank.

This carry-on luggage from Travelpro lives up to the brand's name: It can make even the novice traveler feel like an expert. The sleek and stylish hard-shell exterior is resilient and easy to clean, made from flexible 100 percent polycarbonate to resist dents and cracks. An external USB charging port means no more scrambling through the airport with a dead device, and a TSA-approved combination lock helps protect your belongings.

This suitcase is thoughtfully designed with a practical layout, which features two zippable clamshell sections and multiple pockets for various travel accessories, plus a handy water-resistant pocket to store your toiletries or damp items.

This luggage is made with a zippered expansion to increase its depth by two inches. A comfortable contour grip handle easily pulls the bag on both two or four of the bag's PrecisionGlide spinning wheels. Though we love the USB charging option, we wish that the necessary power bank was included in the moderate purchase price. Even if you don't use the charging capabilities, we think this carry-on luggage is a great buy.

Dimensions : 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: Yes, but battery not included

Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 Carry-on Spinner

Delsey Paris

The dual-density spinner wheels maneuver easily on two or four wheels.

This small bag has a surprisingly spacious interior with a mesh-zip pocket and elastic crisscrossing straps.

Three handle options make this lightweight bag easier to lift into the overhead bin.

The telescoping handle feels a bit shaky when extended to its tallest height.

The USB-compatible case doesn't come with a charging battery.

The Cruise 3.0 Carry-On exceeded expectations across all of our tests. The wheels glided smoothly over every surface on two wheels and four. It tackled any curve or spin like a pro and felt lightweight in hand through each maneuver. We were worried that the shell might be flimsy because of how lightweight it was, but we were swiftly proved wrong: The luggage looked nearly spotless after a brutal meeting with our baseball bat. 

Another reason to love this easy-rolling suitcase is the spacious interior. One side of the clamshell-style suitcase can be zipped up with a mesh divider to keep your items safely in place. The other side is crisscrossed by elastic straps, and the entire lining is removable and washable. The exterior of the bag has a classic telescoping handle, a loop strap on the top, and one on the side to make it easier for you to lift into the overhead bin. 

The Cruise 3.0 rolls smoothly, has a spacious layout , and fits easily into standard overhead bins. We struggled to find anything that we didn’t like about this bag but did notice that the handle felt slightly wobbly when extended to its fullest height. We were also a little annoyed that though the case has a slot for a portable charger and a USB port on the outside, it doesn’t come with a battery. But, other than a few small qualms, the Cruise 3.0 is worth its reasonable price.  

Dimensions : 15 x 10 x 22.75 inches | Weight: 7.4 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: Yes

Best Investment

Tumi alpha international dual access carry-on.

This smartly designed suitcase offers plenty of organization pockets, including a removable hanging garment sleeve.

The smooth-rolling, 360-degree wheels roll easily over every surface we’ve tried, including dirt and gravel.

The soft case is sturdy and durable and comes with a 5-year warranty.

This is one of the most expensive carry-on suitcases we tested.

For frequent fliers who value an organized suitcase, the International Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On from Tumi is the best splurge pick we’ve tried. Every detail of this soft-sided case has been carefully planned to create a smooth, user-friendly travel experience. The case has pockets aplenty — a front U-zip pocket,  a gusseted straight pocket, and even a hanging mesh zipper pocket with a removable garment sleeve to hang up your finery. 

We love that this suitcase has two convenient entry options and a dual-access section that’s the perfect place to keep a jacket for easy access mid-flight. It also has smooth, 360-degree rotating wheels that made it a breeze to roll around the airport. The band glided over dirt and rocks without a hitch, and the outer soft shell looked as good as new after all of our testing. Plus, it has a USB port , three handles, and a TSA-approved combination lock . 

Through all of our tests, the Tumi International bag proved to be top of its class. But the smartly designed bag does come with an eyebrow-raising price tag. So, the question stands — do we think the bag is worth the price? For frequent travelers who want a long-lasting, organized piece of luggage, we think the International Dual Access bag is worth its high price if you can swing it, especially since it comes with a five-year warranty. 

Dimensions : 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 10.7 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: Yes

Best Soft-Sided

Travelpro platinum elite carry-on.

This soft-sided suitcase can be squeezed into tighter spaces than its hard-shell counterparts.

It has 360-spinning wheels, which glided and pivoted easily in our tests.

The interior doesn't offer as many organizational options as some of the other suitcases we’ve tested.

The zippers are difficult to distinguish and didn't work as intended in our tests.

This bag compares well to similar, much more expensive bags. It performed amazingly in our durability tests, sustaining no noticeable scuffing or damage with the ladder or baseball bat. It also performed well on different surfaces, and the 360-degree spinner wheels pivoted nicely. The handle can be adjusted to five different heights , and the exterior handles are well-placed for lifting the bag.

There are a few downsides — for one, the interior doesn't come equipped with much in the way of organization, so you may want to spring for your own packing cubes . When packing, we also found it difficult to distinguish between the zipper that expands the interior and the zipper that closes the bag. Lastly, the bag we tested came with one of the two external zippers broken.

All that said, this bag looks and mostly performs just as well as its pricier counterparts. Based on its sleek look and the fact that there were no major issues during testing, it's easy to recommend this bag. It's not perfect, but it's more than good enough.

Dimensions : 21.75 x 13.75 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 6.9 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: No

Best Hard-Shell

Away the bigger carry-on flex.

This bag comes with smart technology, with three charging ports, including one "fast" port.

The sleek exterior suffered no damage during our ladder drop test.

It comes with handy organizational features like a shoe bag and interior pouch compression pad.

We found the exterior zipper to be slightly sticky.

The included cleaning sponge didn't remove all the scuffs caused by our drop-testing.

We loved how easily this bag rolled indoors, and it also fared well on cobblestones during testing. The hardside exterior pays off in durability. There was no damage after our ladder test! And there was no denting when we took a baseball bat to it.

As far as "smart" bags go, this one is a great choice. It comes with three charging ports , one of which is a "fast" charger that we found worked very well. If you're traveling with lots of devices, this is a really nice feature.

The luggage itself comes with a shoe bag, interior pouch compression pad, and enclosed compartment, which are all nice to have, but the interior space does suffer a little because the telescopic handle retracts inside. Still, this bag is Away's larger-size carry-on model, so you should have a decent amount of room. At 8 pounds , it was pretty easy to lift and store overhead.

The bag comes with a sponge to clean the exterior, but in practice, we found the sponge pretty useless, and it didn't do much to help with scuffing. The exterior zipper can also get a little sticky occasionally. Other than these minor complaints, it's a solid bag.

Dimensions : 22.75 x 15.25 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: Yes, two USB ports and an additional port

Best Features

Tumi continental dual access carry-on.

It has two entry points, which makes packing and unpacking more convenient.

The built-in garment bag and hanging rod allowed us to easily pack dress clothes without worrying about wrinkles.

This is one of the most expensive bags that we've tested.

If you're looking to shell out cash for a high-quality, thoughtfully designed suitcase, look no further than the Tumi Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On. This soft-sided bag is an organized traveler's dream, complete with a large mesh zip pocket, three smaller zip pockets, and a removable garment sleeve with a fiberglass rod to hang up your clothes once you arrive at your destination. To keep your belongings safe, this bag features a TSA-approved combination lock and comes with a complimentary Tumi Tracer code to track your suitcase if it's lost or stolen.

One of the features that set this carry-on luggage apart from the rest is the dual-access sections , which allow you to enter the bag through a front lid or traditional split-case section, both of which are closed with security zippers. This feature is especially handy when you need to access something in your bag at the airport.

Though we love the gambit of nifty features included with this luggage, including a built-in USB port , retractable top, side grab handles, and a complimentary monogram option,  this bag also comes with some sticker shock. But, for all of its handy, luxurious features, the price may just be worth it.

Dimensions : 22 x 16 x 9 inches | Weight: 11.1 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: Yes, but battery not included

Best Lightweight

Calpak luka carry-on.

The interior of this suitcase has one large compartment that keeps things simple and clean.

The front of the bag is covered in a puffer jacket padding that looks stylish and helps protect the external laptop sleeve.

Because this bag has a very simple design with few extra features, we think it’s priced a little higher than it should be.

If you’re looking for a basic, sturdy bag without all of the extra bells and whistles, we recommend this stylish choice from Calpak. It has one main compartment without a barrage of pockets and slots, so you can organize it however you like. The small, zip-flap carry-on is a great size for a long weekend trip. It’s also super lightweight , at just under seven pounds.

One organizational feature that this bag does offer is a padded laptop pocket that can fit a computer up to 17 inches in size. In fact, the whole front of the bag is padded with a puffer jacket-like casing that not only looks trendy and unique but also helps protect the suitcase from impact.

Overall, this suitcase isn’t the most expensive we’ve tried, but it costs a little more than we’d expect it to, considering the bare-bones design. But if you’re willing to pay for style, then this simple suitcase is a solid choice. 

Dimensions : 21 x 13.75 x 9 inches | Weight: 6.6 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: No

People / Joy Kim

People / Alexander Huang

Best Longevity

L.l.bean medium carryall pullman.

This softside carry-on was one of the sturdiest bags we tested, thanks to a thick, durable twill outer fabric and a sturdy inner frame.

It offers great organization options, with plenty of external pockets and two large internal zippered sections.

This bag didn’t roll as smoothly on carpeted floors as it did on linoleum and concrete.

Who says a softside bag can’t be sturdy? The L.L.Bean Carryall Spinner proves any nay-sayer wrong with durable rubber edges and sturdy wheels . The carry-on suitcase is made with an abrasion-resistant twill that looked as good as new after our vigorous drop-testing. Though it’s a soft suitcase, it’s made with a rigid base frame that makes it feel sturdier than other soft-shell carry-ons we’ve tested. 

Another reason to love the L.L.Bean Carryall is its impressive organization . The bag has more external pockets than any other bag we’ve tested, including two outer side pockets that were the perfect size for us to slip in a pair of shoes so we could separate them from the rest of our clothes. The outside of the bag also has two front pockets that can hold a laptop, chargers, tablets, books, or anything else that you want to have easily accessible during your travels. 

The only point-subtractions this bag garnered from us came from its performance in the roll test. This bag didn’t roll as easily on carpeted floors as we would've liked, but it did maneuver smoothly on hard surfaces. Overall, this bag’s sturdy construction and multiple organization options make it well worth its price. 

Dimensions : 22 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.9 lbs. | Charging-Enabled: No

Things to Consider Before Buying Carry-On Luggage

Loyal to one airline? Check their guidelines on bag dimensions before purchasing — some luggage labeled "carry-on" may be too big for their overhead bins, especially if you tend to travel on smaller regional airplanes. Here is a guide you can reference that details the requirements of most major U.S. carriers. In addition to making sure the size is compliant, consider if you want an expandable bag, as well. If you are prone to picking up souvenirs, it's a good idea to have an expandable bag for the journey home.

Weight and Maneuverability

Can you easily lift the bag to store it overhead? Bags we tested ranged from 5.1 to 10.8 pounds, but make sure you can lift your bag while it's both empty and full if you're traveling solo. In addition to lifting and storing your bag, you'll want to make sure it's easy to roll around. Do the wheels catch, or do they roll pretty smoothly? Does the bag easily handle sharp airport turns and weaving in and out of crowds? Can the bag roll on smooth surfaces like airport terminals as well as bumpy sidewalks? You'll definitely want to consider this. If your new carry-on bag arrives and it can't pass your own maneuverability tests, most luggage companies have flexible return policies.

Smart Capabilities

If you travel with a lot of devices, it can be really handy to have a bag that doubles as a charger. Some luggage comes with USB and USB-C charging capabilities, but keep in mind that you might need to purchase the power bank yourself if it’s not included.

Carry-ons go through a lot, especially if you end up in one of those "the bins are full, and we need you to check your bag" situations. A bag that can stand up to a battering is key. That's why we put our carry-on bags through numerous durability tests to see which ones showed wear and tear. Our best overall pick, the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On , is both lightweight and durable. That's the best-case scenario for a carry-on bag.

How We Tested Carry-On Luggage

We tested 18 pieces of carry-on luggage in our PEOPLE Tested lab (and 45 pieces of luggage total, including checked luggage, backpacks, and duffels). We assessed the suitcases on the following qualities: 

• Organization: We weighed and measured each bag, devoid of contents. Then, we packed for a weekend getaway, using the same amount of items for each bag. We took note of how many pockets the suitcases had, both internally and externally, and filled the pockets with items from our packing list to see how practically designed they were. 
• Maneuverability: Once the bag was packed, we closed it up and wheeled it around on multiple surfaces, including a smooth indoor floor, an outdoor sidewalk, and cobblestones. We also tested whether it rolled on two or four wheels. We used the bag’s external handles and straps to attempt to lift the bags overhead into our model standard-sized airline bins. 
• Durability: We put the packed bag on top of a six-foot ladder and pushed it off three times, checking after each fall to see if the contents of the bag had shifted. Finally, we took a baseball bat to the bag and hit it up and down the exterior. Once that was finished, we checked for dents and recorded our findings.

The pieces of luggage that passed our tests with flying colors made this PEOPLE-Tested list of the best carry-on luggage.

Technically, any piece of luggage could function as a carry-on as long as it does not exceed the airline's size and weight limits. Generally speaking, this means if it can fit in the overhead compartment, it can be carried onboard.

As mentioned above, the size limits of carry-on luggage vary from airline to airline. The standard carry-on size, however, is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, with a maximum size between 45 and 51 linear inches. To find the maximum size, add the height, length, and depth of the bag together.

Again, this is at the discretion of each airline, and many of them do not restrict the weight of carry-on luggage for domestic flights. Weight limits can go as low as 15 pounds on budget airlines and up to 35 pounds on others. Consult your company's policies before you arrive at the airport.

That depends on the dimensions of your bag. If it does not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, it will fit. Most commonly, personal items should be able to fit under the seat, and your carry-on should be able to easily fit in the overhead compartment.

Cai Cramer is a commerce writer at PEOPLE, covering the best and buzziest products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. To inform this story, Cai spoke with travel specialist Rebecca Mazzaro about what to look for in a carry-on suitcase, which helped inform the winning categories. Cai did extensive research and consulted the testing insights from the PEOPLE Tested Labs, where we rolled, carried, and packed 45 different suitcases to choose the winning carry-ons featured on this list.

Rebecca Mazzaro is a travel specialist at ATJ where she designs unique, custom travel experiences to Asia. She has also been named one of Travel & Leisure ’s A-List Travel Advisors seven times.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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I Haven’t Checked a Bag in 10 Years — Here, My 14 Sure-fire Travel Essentials to Get Everything in a Carry-on

These frequent flier-approved picks cover all of your travel bases, and they start at $10.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure

I travel twice a month covering destinations that inspire readers and those planning vacations. In order to efficiently move through airports, take Ubers, and lug everything on my own, I’ve had to master the art of packing light . But as a chronic overpacker in my former days, this didn’t come easy. However, once I started embracing the carry-on-only lifestyle, I would never go back. It’s been over 10 years since I’ve checked a bag — regardless of where I’m going or how long the trip is. 

In addition to quality luggage pieces (I swear by my Gregory Quadro 22-Inch Hardcase Carry-On and always bring Calpak’s Luka Duffel as my personal carry-on tote to fit extra clothes and accessories), successful carry-on-only traveling involves strategic packing. When planning which clothes to bring, I think in terms of outfits and try to incorporate versatile capsule wardrobe items that match with several things (layers are also key). Lastly, compression packing cubes work wonders — as do my 14 travel essentials that always make my packing list so I never have to check a bag.

These go-to items include packing aids, versatile clothing and accessories, and more to help me maximize every inch of suitcase space without going over the limit. Even better, they start at $10 at Amazon. 

Cambond Compression Packing Cubes

Compression organizers are game-changers. Not only do they flatten your items so you can pack more in your suitcase, but they also aid in organizing your outfits; you can pack your clothes according to style, color, or category. Cambond’s sturdy nylon packing cubes have a double zipper for easy access and hassle-free compressing. They’re also water-resistant, which means that they'll protect your items from any potential leaks or spills. I also like that they’re lightweight; the last thing you want to do is add weight to your carry-on. 

They’re sold in sets with various sizing options, and are available in 45 colors. This item is a favorite among shoppers because of how effective the compression is for packing. And, according to one Amazon reviewer , they helped them travel to Europe for "a week with only a backpack and a carry-on." 

Anrabess Romper With Pockets

I always pack a romper because it saves space and maximizes your outfit potential. This super cute one from Amazon-loved brand Anrabess is made with a comfy polyester-rayon-spandex blend to ensure comfort and stretch. You can play with the neckline and wear it several ways — crewneck style, off-the-shoulder, or Bardot-style. The tie-front drawstring at the waist accentuates your silhouette, offering a flattering fit. 

The fabric is thick so it’s not see-through. It makes the perfect loungewear item and is versatile enough to wear to the beach, picnics, by the pool, and even out running errands. Pair it with a nice pair of sandals or heels and it’s the perfect outfit for dinner. I’m a huge fan of pockets, and the romper has two side pockets for holding lightweight (but essential) items such as lipstick or cash.

M.M. LaFleur Moreland Jacket

M.M.Lafleur 

A seasonless suit is a no-brainer when I head out for work trips. Even if you’re traveling for pleasure, sporting a blazer and a pair of trousers creates an instantly sophisticated look. M.M. LaFleur’s Origami Tech collection is specifically designed to be your ultimate travel companion; the Moreland Jacket and matching Colby pants are wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable. 

The set can be worn together or separately; the jacket matches well with a good, old pair of jeans on sightseeing days or leggings when you’re catching a flight. You can also wear it over a dress or blouse-skirt combo for polished lunch or dinner looks. To get the same workwear-inspired travel outfit for less, you can grab Amazon’s best-selling blazer for $58. 

Amazhiyu Button-Down Midi Dress With Pockets and Belt 

Pack a dress that does everything, one that you can wear during the day and do double duty at night. While I’m obsessed with the celeb-favorite Jenni Kayne Day Dress , at a whopping $395, a girl’s got to budget. That’s why, when I found this linen button down dress at Amazon, I couldn’t wait to try it on. It features a sleeveless, collar design with side slits and a removable self-tie belt to give it shape; it’s very flattering and accommodates all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, I use my favorite woven belt (I'll go into more detail about it later) instead, which instantly creates a different vacation look without requiring additional clothing items. 

It’s a great travel piece for spring because it’s made of 100 percent linen, which is known for being a breathable and moisture-wicking fabric. There are two side pockets for stashing essentials, a feature that reviewers praised. One shopper wrote , "I absolutely love this dress. The pockets are really big, which is great. Everything about this dress is quality, and I stayed cool in the summer heat." Another noted that the pockets "are flat and don't stick out" when they have stuff in them. 

Lightbird Foldable Summer Straw Bucket Beach Hat

This packable straw hat is the best travel hack. There have been many times where I’ve wanted to bring a stylish hat, but ended up not doing so because it takes up too much real estate in my luggage. That's no longer a worry with this stylish bucket hat that folds down for easy packing. It also easily adjusts to fit almost everyone with a cinch drawstring lining on the inside. 

It’s a hot travel accessory because not only does it keep you safe from the sun’s rays, it also keeps you cool and looking stylish. Plus, you can use it to spice up your vacation outfits, giving the already-worn looks a fresh feel. 

Vermouth Beauty In The Nude Flight of Five Crayons

When traveling, I always bring these cleverly packaged Vermouth lip crayons, which are sustainably sourced and free of plastics and chemicals. Each "flight" features a color palette of five crayons in various hues, giving you multiple lipstick options without taking up precious toiletry bag space. 

What's more, these long-lasting and hydrating crayons can be worn dabbed on your cheeks like blush or swiped across your eyelids in place of eyeshadow, further helping you cut down on beauty products and freeing up room for other trip essentials in your toiletry bag and carry-on. 

Fjallraven Women's Kanken Hip Pack

I’m a huge fan of Fjallraven travel bags because of their timeless designs and practicality. Made with 100 percent vinylon fabric, this hip pack is durable and water-resistant, and is the only bag that you need to pack. It works whether you’re hitting the streets for a day of window shopping, the trails for hiking, or the strip for dinner. It’s just small enough that it also works as a wallet within a bigger bag or purse, if that's more your vibe (and you need the extra carry-on space). I like wearing it as a crossbody, though some fans wear it as a fanny pack. 

Versatility aside, this bag really shines because of its roominess. One shopper wrote , "I was worried at first because it looks very small, but it has three compartments [and a] lot of room." 

Everlane Day Ballet Flats

Everlane's Day Ballet Flats are easy to pack and don’t take up a lot of space. They can be worn with a casual outfit or dressed up for a nice dinner. Because of their adaptability, you’ll always find them on my packing list. While I own several pairs of the brand’s flats, these are my favorite because they’re chic and comfortable. I especially like the sweet little bow on top. 

The soft, buttery leather molds to your feet, so they get more comfortable with wear. They’re great travel shoes because they’re stylish when paired with denim, leggings, dresses, pants, and even shorts. What's more, the outsoles are made of rubber, which keeps you from slipping on smooth or wet surfaces.

SeptCity Woven Rattan Wide-Stretch Straw Belt

It's time to give my favorite belt its flowers. A belt changes everything, and I love getting creative and refreshing an outfit with this trendy belt. It converts one outfit into another one, requiring you to pack less — a.k.a. why it's a must on my packing list. Its rattan fabric adds an elegant touch to my favorite outfits, and I love to wear it with skirts, dresses, over cardigans, and even tunics (one of my favorite looks is pairing it with this Trovata shift or PrettyGarden’s floral frock ).

It has a sturdy wooden buckle and measures 41.3 inches in length and 1.8 inches wide, but still offers you a little wiggle room with its stretchy design. The belt is also available in beige and cream, which are both neutral colors that work with most outfit palettes.  

Acelitt Short-Sleeve V-Neck Button-Front Belted Jumpsuit

Similar to rompers, jumpsuits streamline the amount of clothes that you need to pack, offering you extra room so you don’t have to overpack and check your bags. This elegant version from Amazon-favorite brand Acelitt is ready for any situation; just add a sweater, blazer, or jacket on top to change it up. It’s comfortable, trendy, and super flattering, and the fabric is soft and stretchy so you can sport it on the plane, around town, and out to dinner without needing an outfit change. 

One traveler wrote , "I love this jumpsuit so much that I have it in blue and black, [and I'm] ordering the olive green next. It's super easy to dress up or down [and] fits true to size. I always get compliments on it. It's great to travel with as well." 

Mammut Runbold Light Pants

Mammut’s Runbold Light Pants are multi-functional for me. I wear them while running, hiking, and lounging, and they're lightweight and breathable material makes them perfect for spring’s transitional temperatures (you can even wear them well into the summer). The elastic waistband offers comfort for all activities, and you can convert to three-quarter-length pants to change up their look when your itinerary calls for it.  

The two slit side pockets have zippers, which are ideal for hiking and traveling. They’re super easy to pack and water-repellent, so if the forecast warns of a slight drizzle, you’ll be okay. 

Everlane’s Cotton Modern Trench Coat

A classic trench coat is a wardrobe staple, and I especially like to pack one for spring travel because it is well-suited for the variable weather. If you’re like me and have been fan-crushing on Jennifer Aniston’s wardrobe on "The Morning Show," then you’re going to fall for Everlane’s Cotton Trench Coat, which is half the price of other brand names and has a classic silhouette, with a belt to cinch at the waistline — and is fully-lined and water-resistant. 

But, if $268 is too much for your travel wardrobe budget, I also spotted various, under-$100 versions at Amazon. Give the Farktop Double-Breasted Oversized Long Trench Coat (on sale for $80) or the Tanming Notch Lapel Double- Breasted Pea Coat-style Trench (which is on sale for $60) a look.

M.M. LaFleur Merritt Jardigan

M.M. LaFleur

The Merritt Jardigan is an investment that I’m glad I made. A cross between a tailored jacket and a cardigan, with a tie-front belt that accentuates your figure, it works wonders for elevating your ensemble, and can be worn from your desk to the airport to dinner. Wrinkle-resistant, stretchy, and long enough to cover your assets, I’ve worn it on the way to Pilates class, at the airport, and for numerous dinners. Plus, the fabric is season-less, which makes it great for any time of the year. 

You can achieve the same elegant, quiet luxury wardrobe vibes with the Anrabess Open Front Cardigan Jacket , which is an Amazon-favorite outerwear piece that's just $50. 

Feisedy Polarized Vintage Sunglasses Jackie O Cat-Eye Sunglasses

I stopped shelling out hundreds of dollars for brand-name glasses because they can easily get damaged or lost, especially when traveling. These elegant sunglasses give off a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” look at a compelling price, and they're incredibly versatile with their classic black, cat-eye silhouette that can be worn with any outfit for any occasion. 

Not only are they light and comfortable, they’re polarized and offer 100 percent UV protection from the sun. The lenses are scratch-resistant, which enhance their durability. Singing the sunnies' praises, one shopper said , "They're better than my expensive, name-brand sunglasses. I can see better while traveling. I will take them with me on any of my trips without being afraid to lose them… not [a] scratch yet." 

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The 12 Best Luxury Luggage Brands for International Travel, According to Pros

Don’t splurge on a suitcase until you’ve read this expert shopping advice.

"Sturdiness is the most important quality for long, international travel because a dense suitcase will ensure that it comes off the scanning belt without major damage," Marchant says. "Durability and a lifetime warranty are also important because you never know what can happen while traveling, who is handling your bag, or what kind of weather it has to wheel through. In the unpredictable realm of international travel, a sturdy and resilient suitcase is a traveler’s best friend."

Here, the best pieces of luggage for international travel, straight from the pros.

Paravel Weekender

Paravel is one of Schroeder’s go-to brands for personal luggage due to its quality craftsmanship, stylish aesthetic, and still-attainable price point. The Weekender is a favorite piece (Schroder calls it her “ Mary Poppins bag”), as it easily slides over the handle of any suitcase for streamlining speedy layovers.

Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Bag

"Large, heavy suitcases are popular because they offer more packing space, but they are cumbersome to bring around the airport and may result in additional fees when checking in," Marchant says. "I recommend travelers prioritize finding a balance between capacity and portability and ensure that their luggage is both functional and practical."

A favorite of Marchant’s (and many seasoned travel pros, for that matter), Rimowa’s aluminum suitcases are all about longevity, while boasting one of the most iconic luggage designs of the modern day. “The best quality luggage is Rimowa, without hesitation, because of its durability, capacity, design, and style,” she says. “The suitcases are an investment, but a guaranteed piece for life,” he says.

Globe Trotter Safari XL Trunk

This heritage British luggage brand was founded in 1897 and truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re a watch collector or particular enough to seek out fully customizable luggage (or both!). Globe Trotter boasts a host of unique collections, from the eternally chic safari line to collabs with luxury accessories brand Casablanca and James Bond.

The brand’s items are made from vulcanized fiberboard, which boasts being as strong as leather yet light as aluminum for seamless travel. Plus, old-school jet-setters will love Globe Trotter’s chic trunks that are suited for your next Grand Tour.

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend

If you’re looking for a bag that can go from office to plane to drinks and back again, look no further than Carl Friedrik's weekender bag. This heritage luggage brand focuses on premium materials, thoughtful design to improve functionality and reduce waste, and innovation that will have you hooked for life. The brand is also a go-to destination for travel accessories made from vegetable-tanned vachetta leather that will patina beautifully over the years.

AWAY The Bigger Carry-On

This Instagram-adored brand is also a personal favorite of Schroder’s, as the brand’s Bigger Carry On is her-go to when jet-setting for a variety of trips. This top-rated luggage retailer is beloved for cleverly designed products with unique features such as laundry bags, underside grab handles, lightweight yet durable shells, and array of color options for every type of aesthete.

“In my opinion, the products are well-made and available at a price point that balances both luxury and accessibility,” says Schroeder. “Most of my clients appreciate this, as they are looking for both functionality and a level of style in their luggage.”

Bric's Bellagio Pocket Spinner Trunk

The celeb-adored Italian luggage brand features a range of leather goods that appeal to a variety of styles, whether you prefer vintage-inspired designs, sleek lines, or punchy colorways. Bric’s is all about showcasing Italian craftsmanship and design innovation, from the Tuscan leather trim on the Firenze bags to the steamer trunk-inspired design of the Bellagio collection and seaside hues of the Positano collection.

Bric’s offers a five-year warranty on all wheeled products and a two-year warranty on other bags and accessories. Warning: You'll be scheming up your next trip to Italy as soon as your purchase arrives.

Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey

Iconic luggage brand Hartmann first gained notoriety in 1908 with its namesake trunk winning first prize at the California exposition. It’s been serving discerning travelers ever since (think: James Bond in Ian Flemming’s novels, as well as IRL with Halston and Gloria Vanderbilt).

Schroeder is fan of both their carry-on and checked luggage options that feature American-made vegetable-tanned leather, signature tweed, and other high-performance materials to travel as far and wide as you do for decades to come. It’s a top pick for those who love soft luggage without having to sacrifice on durability or style.

Monos Check-In Large

Monos has quickly become a must-have brand for the jet-set needing Instagram-worthy luggage. But the brand is much more than a pretty face (though we do love the number of colorways offered): Monos luggage has received more than 10,000 five-star reviews and is centered around creating timeless modern heirlooms you'll treasure for years to come.

They back that up with lifetime warranties on all luggage, even if purchased from an authorized third-party retailer, along with two-year warranties for the Metro collection and packing cubes. Plus, adults and kids alike will love the stylish alphabet stickers for personalizing suitcases and more.

TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4-Wheeled Packing Case

“My husband has all things TUMI, which is a brand we often recommend to our clients,” Schroder says.

The comprehensive travel brand is a great pick for enthusiasts of all kinds, as the brand’s portfolio ranges from suitcases in six different sizes, active backpacks, and even a host of golf accessories (the brand just became the official luggage of the PGA Tour and LPGA). This also makes TUMI an excellent option for those who are seeking a full matching set of travel goodies, as Marchant says he swears by matching family sets of luggage to help keep track of everyone’s belongings as best as possible.

The brand features a slew of valuable amenities, from the TUMI Tracer product recovery program to repair and personalization services, as well a five-year-luggage warranty (two for wallets and accessories). Plus, there are more than 300 TUMI stores around the world to test out their suite of products in person with ease.

Royce & Rocket

The youngest brand on our list, Royce & Rocket was created by two well-traveled friends in 2022 who were looking to make packing (and unpacking upon arrival) as smooth as possible, allowing people to make the most of their vacations. Their suitcases, offered in three sizes feature built-in shelving systems (in chic colors, might we add) to help you stay organized with ease, no matter how much city-hopping is on your itinerary. Don’t miss out on the brand’s catchall travel pouches for keeping your suitcase mess-free and your beauty routine a breeze while abroad.

Delsey TURENNE Medium Trunk Spinner

Since 1946, Delsey has been bridging the gap between luxury and accessibility in the luggage market. No matter what kind of traveler you are or style of luggage you prefer, the brand has something well-designed, eco-friendly, and innovative to offer. The brand created the first luggage on wheels, after all! Delsey features an authorized repair center to ensure proper upkeep for those who travel hard. The brand is available for purchase through many major retailers around the world, so it’s a great pick if you prefer to shop IRL.

BÉIS The Convertible Mini Weekender

Schroder loves BÉIS for its lightweight carryon options that can keep you organized, no matter the itinerary. This is a great brand to know for families looking for chic, kid-friendly travel gear, hard-working totes, and clever carry ons in a slew of appealing colors.

“I own the Weekender and the Backpack, and I use both on different trips, depending on the type,” she says. “For example, when traveling to Africa, the Backpack helps to keep me most organized. When traveling to Europe and I need something to hold what doesn’t fit in my carry on, the Weekender is my go-to!"

Meet the Experts

Emma Schroder is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Major Traveler .

Tom Marchant is the co-founder and owner of Black Tomato .

Why Trust VERANDA

For more than 35 years, VERANDA has been the authority on extraordinary design, outdoor living, art and craft, entertaining, travel, and culture. Every product we feature is expertly curated by our discerning editors and industry experts. Through market research, experience, and rigorous product testing, we only give our stamp of approval to the very best. (edited)

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

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Luggage Storage Moscow

Carry less, do more, +1m bags safely stored.

You’ve just arrived at Moscow airport, and you want to start your day? That can be difficult if you can’t check in at your rental or hotel right away, and your suitcases are slowing you down. Instead, you can easily store your luggage in Moscow.

Next time you’re in Moscow, remember that LuggageHero is here to save the day! You can check the map below to find the most convenient locations to store your luggage, and remember, LuggageHero is the only luggage storage service that offers hourly and daily rates for maximum flexibility. 

Drop off your bags by using LuggageHero’s network of local shops and hotels located in Moscow. 

Luggage storage has never been more accessible! Just go to the LuggageHero reservation platform to find a handy storage site inside a shop or other business – all verified by us . Using our map, you can locate the shops close to transportation hubs and top visitor attractions and store your luggage there.

Luggagehero is the ONLY luggage storage service that offers you a choice of hourly or daily rates in Moscow. A flat rate starting at €4.5 per day and from €1 per hour allows you to pick an option that will best suit your needs. If you’re only planning on staying for a few hours in a city, why pay for an entire day, as you would with other luggage storage services?  All luggage is covered against damage, loss, and theft.

Half price compared to station lockers and airport lockers

Luggage lockers, also called city lockers, are generally at least double as expensive on a daily basis compared to LuggageHero’s luggage storage service.

Until recently, travelers could only stow their bags in these luggage lockers offering very little flexibility in regard to pricing and where to go, and luggage deposit. Also, LuggageHero offers stores in countless places in order for you to always have the option of dropping off your luggage in a safe environment. Unlike luggage lockers in stations and airports, LuggageHero offers both hourly and daily rates. LuggageHero strives to offer flexible and cheap luggage storage nearby you at all times. 

We store all kinds of luggage – any size and any shape

LuggageHero’s users can store luggage of any size and/or shape in any of our store locations. It doesn’t matter if it is ski equipment, photo equipment, or backpacks. In other words, you can get baggage storage, suitcase storage, luggage deposit, or whatever our satisfied customers call it in a safe way as we accommodate it all. LuggageHero’s customers can choose to be charged by the hour or choose our daily rate, regardless of what they store.

We can stow your bags for several days

LuggageHero also provides multi-day storage because we know flexibility is essential when you travel.

LuggageHero offers a lower daily rate when you store your luggage for longer. From the second day onwards, our customers pay from only €4.5 per bag per day.

Download LuggageHero’s free luggage storage app

For even more comfort and ease, you can download LuggageHero’s bag storage app. There you can see all our locations around you.

Use LuggageHero anywhere with the official app for iPhone and Android.

Opening hours

We have a variety of stores with different opening hours, so choose what fits you best! Go and pick the store here  to see the opening hours.

Which payment methods are accepted?

You don’t need to worry about having the right currency on hand when paying online. All major credit cards are accepted. The shops do not receive cash when using LuggageHero. The insurance on your luggage is valid only if the payment has been made directly to LuggageHero.

We provide the solution to your luggage storage problem in verified shops

LuggageHero is here to set you free from your luggage so you can explore Moscow without your bags. Just go to our booking platform and find the nearest and most handy storage space inside a shop, hotel, or another business.

All our luggage storage locations in Moscow and in our other cities are verified by us . Using the LuggageHero map, you can easily find the shops that are nearest to the metro stops and attractions and store your luggage there. 

Is there a difference between left luggage and luggage storage?

Left luggage and luggage storage are basically the same things.  The term “left luggage” is mostly used in the UK. Luggage storage is the most common name used internationally when referring to storing luggage. They are both defined by people’s need to store luggage that can be collected at a later time. So whether you are looking for “left luggage” or “luggage storage,” LugaggeHero is here to take care of your belongings.

You will not find any other luggage storage providers in Moscow that offer the same.

Why book luggage storage in Moscow with LuggageHero?

• Convenience: We are the only service that offers both hourly and daily options,  so you can choose what best fits your plans for the most affordable price!
• Flexibility: From overnight storage to just a few hours, our luggage storage options are as flexible as it gets! We even have some stores where you don’t need a reservation.  Click here  to check which stores.
• Affordability: Our luggage storage facilities offer the best value for money
• Trust: Our service has the best and the most reviews around. 

LuggageHero redefines convenience for travelers. Take advantage of our generous baggage allowance and leave your luggage and carry-on bags in our secure, innovative, and environmentally friendly locker storage. You can easily bounce into our store and embark on your adventures unburdened by heavy luggage!  

Cancellation of booking

For same-day cancellations, a fee of €5.00/$5.00/£5.00/DKK30.00 per bag will be charged for the booking, and for no-shows, there will be a fee that equals the daily rate at the selected storage location starting at €4.5 per bag.

Luggage storage chart

Based on the chart below, LuggageHero is the best luggage storage option in Moscow . LuggageHero is the only one that offers both hourly and daily prices with the possibility of insurance. Luggage storage in Moscow has never been so easy!

The chart is created based on the most popular luggage storage options.

• Pricing models
• Flexible arrival

• LuggageHero
• Daily, Hourly, & multi-day
• Up to €2500

• Up to $1100

• Up to $5000

• Radical Storage

Download our free app

For greater convenience,  you can download our LuggageHero bag storage app, where you can easily see all our locations around Moscow. With our luggage storage app, you are able to store your bags anywhere in our 1000+ locations.

Discount Vouchers – Click here to see if we have any available at the moment for Moscow.

Also been featured in The New York Times , Lonely Planet , and CNBC .

LuggageHero in the press

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Moscow extends a warm welcome to Indian travellers with enhanced infrastructure and hidden gems

Russia actively promoting moscow as a tourist destination for indian travellers, improving infrastructure and visa process..

Russia is making an active bid to attract Indian travellers to visit Moscow -- a huge megalopolis and the historical, political and spiritual heart of the Russian Federation. The Moscow City Tourism Committee is promoting the city not only as a cultural capital but also as a business hub as it plans to onboard trade partners, tourists and vacationers. Moscow has also strengthened cooperation with the tourism sectors of allied nations, hosting familiarization tours for delegates and arranging business trips to showcase the city's tourism potential.

To accommodate visitors, Moscow is improving its infrastructure: signs are now available in English and Chinese, all announcements on public transport are repeated in English, and hotels are also adapting to cater to the needs of guests from various countries and ensure a comfortable stay. "We are still on our way to restore the flow of Indian tourists in Moscow like it used to be before the pandemic," said Bulat Nurmukhanov, Head of International Cooperation Division of Moscow City Tourism Committee.

Bulat further said that before the pandemic, there was a steady growth of 12-15 per cent on a year-on-year basis. In the first half of the year, Moscow received about 20,000 Indians, compared to the same period a year ago, it is about 56 per cent higher. In a bid to make Moscow a must-visit destination, the committee is actively working on improving the infrastructure for international travellers. Moscow is spearheading the development of innovative standards in catering to the needs of foreign travellers.

Tourists arriving in the capital can stay in hotels of various price segments. They can savour traditional Russian cuisine, and can also indulge in a diverse culinary experience, with options ranging from authentic Indian delicacies to continental dishes prepared to the highest standards. In 2022, the number of foreign tourists who visited Moscow increased by 6.3 per cent compared to 2021, reaching a total of 1.7 million.

Travelling to Moscow has now become easier as tourists from India and 54 other countries can apply for an electronic visa to enter Russia from August 1, 2023. The impact of e-visa rollout would be available by October this year after the quarterly data from the Russian border control agencies is analysed, Bulat said.

Moreover, the Russian government is planning to come out with a virtual 'Foreign Tourist Card' that will enable cashless payments for various services. "The idea behind this card is, a person back home in India can remotely apply for this card and then he/she can transfer money from the personal bank account to this bank account," Bulat added.

Meanwhile, sources in the Indian Embassy in Moscow told reporters that the Indian tourism ministry as well as the governments of Goa and Kerala are slated to participate in roundtable discussions this month. There are also plans to engage social media influencers to improve the inward traffic to India. Before the pandemic, around 3 lakh Russian tourists visited India annually. The numbers are down to around 80,000-90,000 of late.

To facilitate easy visitor movement across the city, there is "Discover Moscow" -- a navigation and travel web portal about Moscow and "RUSSPASS travel service" -- a digital platform designed for planning trips across Russia. The Discover Moscow portal features descriptions of over 1,200 architectural landmarks in Moscow. The site provides news, digests with festival and event information and curated lists of exhibition venues.

By availing the RUSSPASS travel service, tourists can access all essential information for a trip to Moscow on the site, including visa and currency matters, accommodation and transportation options in the capital. The site also offers a trip builder feature, allowing tourists to select pre-designed city routes or create their own itinerary from their favourite locations. There are versions of the site in Russian, English, Spanish and Arabic.

On the cultural scene, Moscow boasts 10,000 cultural venues including theaters, museums, libraries, parks, cinemas, concert halls, and more. In the last decade, around 900 parks and green spaces have been renovated.

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Travelicious

7 Tips From TSA to Make the Security Line Smooth and Easy

Posted: April 24, 2023 | Last updated: June 26, 2023

Airports are always hustling and bustling—and with the summer travel season looming, they're only bound to get busier. Of course, more travelers means more people that need to make their way through security checkpoints , so you'll want to prepare for longer lines and wait times. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing as well, offering important recommendations to simplify the screening process. Read on for seven tips the agency recommends to make the security line smooth and easy.

READ THIS NEXT:  7 Surprising Items TSA May Flag You for at Airport Security .

1 Sign up for PreCheck.

If you don't have TSA PreCheck—which allows you to enter a separate (often shorter) security line—you've probably experienced a pang of jealousy when watching others bypass the regular line. PreCheck does require you to enroll ahead of time, but TSA says the program is actually a perfect gift to yourself.

"Members of the popular TSA PreCheck program have access to checkpoint lanes that move faster than standard checkpoint lanes because travelers who are enrolled in TSA PreCheck can leave on their shoes, belts, lightweight jackets and they can leave electronics and small containers of liquids in their carry-on bags," the agency wrote in a Dec. 2022 news release. According to TSA's data, 92 percent of those with PreCheck waited less than five minutes at checkpoints in November last year.

Ahead of the 2022 holiday season, the agency also announced a price drop for PreCheck, which is now $78 to enroll in a five-year membership and $70 to renew.

2 Download the myTSA app.

These days, there's truly an app for everything, and TSA is no exception. Also on its list of suggestions is that you download the free myTSA app.

"You will love its many features, the best of which is the 'Can I bring?' feature," the press release reads. "Type in the name of an item and the app will let you know immediately whether you should pack it in a checked bag, carry-on bag, either or neither. The app also has a link directly to TSA's social media team so you can send a question via Facebook Messenger or Twitter."

READ THIS NEXT:  10 Airport Security Secrets TSA Doesn't Want You to Know .

3 Upgrade your carry-on game.

There's nothing worse than going to pack your carry-on and forgetting about the liquid requirements. Keep yourself prepared and the next time you're at the drugstore, grab a few of those cute travel-sized toiletries (3.4 ounces or smaller). They even sell reusable options so you can fill them up using your regular-sized shampoo or lotion.

Having these on hand will be extra convenient, as all you'll have to do is pop them into your clear quart-size bag when you're ready to go.

4 Be aware of medication dos and don'ts.

Whenever you're gearing up for a trip, you want to make sure you pack your prescriptions and any sort of over-the-counter medications you'll need during your travels. With that in mind, TSA asks that you consider a few things—especially if your medication is considered a liquid.

"Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight," the TSA explains. "It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container."

READ THIS NEXT: If You're Offered This at the Airport, Just Say No, Experts Warn .

5 Stay organized.

If you're extra excited about your travels, you may pack days in advance, but TSA has a few words of advice if you tend to haphazardly throw your necessities in at the last minute.

"It takes time for TSA officers to make sure a jam-packed, cluttered, overstuffed bag is safe," the agency says. "And the more time it takes to screen your bag, the longer you—and everyone behind you—are stuck in line."

To keep yourself in order and maximize space, invest in some packing cubes. These nifty little mesh bags help you stay organized while packing, while going through security, and when you eventually unpack at your destination.

6 Know what you can't take through security, and take extra care if you own a firearm.

It's important to have a firm understanding of what you can and cannot take through a security checkpoint—and double-check anything you're unsure of with TSA's " What Can I Bring? " tool.

One thing that definitely won't get past TSA is a firearm. If you plan to travel with a gun , TSA says that a hard-sided case is a worthy investment. According to the agency's Dec. 2022 press release, options are available at sporting goods stores, gun shops, and online.

"You can travel with a firearm as long as it is packed properly," the agency said. "If it's not packed properly, you will come face-to-face with a police officer and you'll get a hefty civil citation from TSA."

For more travel advice sent straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

7 Level up your checked luggage, too.

If you tend to overpack, you might prefer to check your bag and eliminate the need to follow TSA's many rules for carry-ons. But your bag is then in the airline's hands and potentially a target for bad actors if left unattended.  So, if you do hand your bag off, you'll be that much more relaxed in the security line if you're confident it's secure.

One way to achieve this confidence is by investing in a luggage lock—but the trick here is that it should be TSA-compatible.

"If your checked bag triggers an alarm during the security screening process, the bag will need to be opened so that a TSA officer can resolve the alarm," the agency explained in its press release. "If there is a TSA-compatible lock, then the TSA officer will use a master key to open the lock to peek inside the suitcase and then re-lock the suitcase afterward." If your lock isn't compatible, it'll be cut off and your bag will be left to fend for itself.

A surefire way to check if your lock is compatible is by looking near the keyhole. You should see the letters "TSA" engraved with a code number, which lets the TSA agent know what kind of master key they need to use.

Read the original article on  Best Life .

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