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Whether you are planning your dream vacation or just hate paying extra fees for checked bags, it is essential to invest in the best carry-on luggage for your travel preferences. You may be considering a featherweight duffel, a durable hard-shelled case, or a flexible soft-sided suitcase, but with so many brands and models to choose from, some travelers have a difficult time selecting the right carry-on for their needs.
A quality piece of hardside carry-on luggage is essential for travelers who have to know that their items will survive the journey in one piece, and if you need that sense of security, Samsonite’s Novaire is certainly worth the investment. The shell of each Novaire carry-on is composed of 100% Makrolon, a thermoplastic made to withstand severe impacts, extreme temperatures, and endure for far longer than you may expect it to.
In addition to its extreme toughness, the Novaire features an integrated TSA-approved lock, a retractable handle that securely fastens in place, plenty of storage space with multiple organizational pockets and convenient tie-down straps, and a set of four rugged, 360-degree wheels.
You won’t find another sleek, wheeled, and versatile hardside case that’s this tough at this relatively affordable price point.
Some travelers prefer the versatility, flexibility, and lightweight construction of a soft-side carry-on, and we found that no other soft-side luggage sports the range of handy features found in a roomy Briggs and Riley ZDX bag. We were particularly impressed with the brilliantly designed mobile battery pocket that lets busy fliers charge devices via its USB opening while they are on the go, as well as its built-in RFID shielding technology that actively protects electronics from passing data thieves.
This quality soft-side carry-on sports an extendible interior that provides an additional 2.5” of depth as needed, making it a top selection if you plan on bringing home a few souvenirs. Between its reinforced handles, durable zippers, and wear-resistant nylon exterior, the ZDX is easily one of the toughest soft-side carry-on bags out there.
You don’t have to drain your savings to get a carry-on case that’ll go the distance, and Coolife’s polycarbonate + ABS suitcase is the best budget-friendly model on the market. Available in your choice of five sharp colors including a classy wine red and a bold pumpkin orange, this carry-on sports an expandable interior that adds an additional 15% of storage space: a handy feature rarely seen at this lower price point.
Some of the other key perks of this affordable model include a lightweight yet durable and scratch-resistant hard-shelled design, side-mounted Transportation Security Administration-approved lock, ergonomic telescoping aluminum handle with two convenient height settings, and silent gliding wheels.
If you’ve always wanted luggage that is as solid as a heavy metal carry-on but with half the weight and far more stylish, a Samsonite Proxis Spinner is a dream come true. Samsonite designed these carry-on cases with their signature Roxkin material, which is surprisingly light at just under five pounds, automatically bounces back after severe impacts and rough handling, and is available in four sharp color choices.
The Proxis also features a sizable interior with multiple silky-soft pockets, dividers, and removable cross-straps to organize your gear, a TSA-friendly lock, and ultra-rugged aluminum wheels with silent rubberized tires and matching telescoping handle that was made to last for years to come.
Samsonite’s futuristically-styled Proxis isn’t just for show, as this feature-packed and ultra-rugged piece of luggage was made to last.
If you need a lightweight, yet feature-rich piece of carry-on luggage that sports more storage than you may expect, yet is easy to slide under your seat or toss in the overhead compartment, the Widemouth is your best bet. Weighing in at just 6 pounds, this compact model features a roomy padded laptop sleeve, telescoping handle with smooth rolling wheels, an plenty of compartmentalized pockets for efficient packing. My favorite design choice is its signature wide frogmouth-like opening that allows for immediate access to its organized interior at a moment’s notice.
Delsey Paris is no stranger when it comes to merging versatility and style, and their expandable Helium Aero continues this trend. We found that the small Helium Aero’s main compartment is easily expanded to accommodate up to an impressive 55-liters of storage, and it features a pair of packing compartments, tie-down straps, and a lined divider to organize your travel essentials and souvenirs.
The Helium Aero’s versatile telescoping handle features two positions to make rolling on two or four of its durable double wheels a smooth walk between airport terminals. In addition, the Helium Aero is offered in multiple sizes and five glossy hues of rugged polycarbonate material, so there really is a model for everyone’s travel tastes.
This shockingly lightweight smart suitcase is a remote worker’s best friend. It has a built-in battery pack with both USB C and A ports to charge up your phone wherever you roam, providing you remember to keep the battery pack itself charged. It also has an elusive hardside luggage feature: a front pocket to keep your laptop within easy reach for TSA checkpoints.
The Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-on is formidable: it has rugged 360-degree spinner wheels and is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate (the stronger cousin if ABS). It also has tamper-proof zippers and a TSA-approved combination lock to keep all your stuff safe and secure on its journey. This suitcase isn’t expandable but it does have a zipper that’s engineered to stretch up to one inch for those last-minute necessities you need to cram inside.
Some cool extras: the luggage comes with a laundry bag (and a shoe bag!), but the the interior lining of this suitcase is treated with an antimicrobial coating, just in case you don’t use it!
With its convenient storage capacity of 40-liters, ultra-rugged nylon construction, and ability to be carried in your hand or worn as a backpack, the Thule Chasm is hands-down the best carry-on duffel bag you can buy. Although you can get a Thule Chasm in even larger sizes, we can attest that the flexible 40-liter variant is the most carry-on friendly option for frequent travelers.
Its collection of mesh pockets ensures that you get the most out of this roomy bag, and its weather-resistant nylon materials will effectively shield your essentials from the elements even if the Chasm was somehow left on the tarmac. Between its range of appealing color options, comfortable backpack straps, and featherweight materials, it’s easy to appreciate the adaptability of this resilient duffel bag.
Roomy, comfortable to carry around the terminal, and flexible enough to stow wherever you need it to go, the Chasm is the most versatile duffel bag out there.
Featuring a one-of-a-kind design, durable nylon construction, and up to 35 liters of storage space, Cotopaxi’s vibrant Allpa is the best carry-on backpack available. Each bold color combination is the result of recycling leftover materials and pieces for a truly unique handmade backpack. This limited-edition bag keeps waste out of landfills and your travel gear protected within its sturdy nylon material and myriad internal storage compartments, which include a padded laptop pocket, zippered mesh pockets, and bonus rain cover that will come in handy if you plan on taking this vibrant pack into the elements.
With its exclusive style, collection of convenient handles and straps for easy carrying, and admirable environmentally friendly concept, you’ll happily reach for your trusty Allpa Del Dia for day trips and long flights alike.
Read, Also: Best Travel Backpacks for Your Next Adventure
This featherweight backpack sports a huge amount of convenient storage space, and the one-of-a-kind color combo you’ll receive is a special stylistic touch.
While many think of flexible and less durable options when searching for underseat carry-on luggage, Calpak bucks the trend with their lineup of metallic Ambeur Minis. They’re slim, sleek, sport a rock-solid polycarbonate shell, feature an assortment of pockets and plenty of storage space, but its low price point makes it an especially attractive option for thrifty travelers. Some brands would have stopped at its ergonomic carry handle, but I certainly appreciate that Calpak included gliding wheels and a telescoping handle in this miniature value-packed model for maximum convenience.
The Ambeur Mini’s durable hard shell, convenient smooth-rolling wheels, and telescoping handle set it apart from other compact underseat models.
With its brilliantly designed 5-tier shelving system that keeps clothes tidy, separated, and folded throughout your trip, handy USB charging port for instant device charging, and extremely resilient construction, Solgaard’s Carry-On Closet provides a luxury luggage experience without an extravagant price tag. Between its rearrangeable shelves and pockets for fully customizable packing, silent smooth-gliding wheels, and rainbow of attractive color options, there’s a lot to appreciate about this premium carry-on.
The Carry-On Closet’s convenient USB port, sturdy construction, and signature shelving system comes together for a premium piece of luggage that frequent travelers will appreciate.
While I’ll be the first to admit that its modern geometric style grabbed my attention, but its ability to effortlessly slide under seats, spacious and expandable interior, as well as its USB port for phone or laptop charging that made this a standout piece of luggage for international travel. Other highlights that frequent jetsetters will appreciate include its premium TSA-approved lock, the secret hidden nametag beside its handle to prove it is definitively yours, sturdy wheels and retractable handle, lightweight design, and reinforced polypropylene shell made to effortlessly survive all of your upcoming adventures.
Anyone who wants their luggage to stand out in a sea of polycarbonate, aluminum, and duffel bags will love the timeless charm of The Illustrator. Available in your choice of white and pink or white and blue pinstripes, and sporting attractive leather straps, closures, and a handle, as well as shiny golden accents, these spacious handcrafted suitcases are works of art. In addition, The Illustrator’s telescoping handle with matching leather handle, premium wheels, and rugged TSA approved locks demonstrates that its beauty is not merely skin deep.
While there are many rugged polycarbonate options out there, this colorful and durable carry-on from BÉIS stands apart from the competition for its expandable zipper for additional storage, water-resistant design, and office chair-like swivel wheels. The ability to expand this case by an extra two inches is an especially convenient, yet rare feature for the average rigid polycarbonate carry-on. Some of the other features that set this model apart include its well-situated retractable bag-carrying strap, side handle, and impressive range of color options to choose from.
You’ve seen plenty of carry-ons with dependably strong polycarbonate shells, silent wheels, and roomy interiors on this list, however the Carry-On Pro Plus and its special fold-out compartment makes this the best option for business trips. This front-facing section has plenty of room for wide laptops, as well as many pockets and pouches for organizing and quick access to your travel essentials. I was also impressed by how its telescoping handle lies flush with the case when fully retracted, its rugged premium components, and array of charming color options to choose from.
Here are some key carry-on factors to consider:
The main benefit of a hardside carry-on is its waterproof, impact-resistant exterior that protects its contents from damage. A softside carryon tends to be a bit lighter, have more outside compartments, and is more flexible if you pack a lot. One thing to consider is that carry-ons are not tossed around by baggage handlers, so impact isn’t as important. But if you think you’ll check your carry-on from time to time, this should be a consideration.
The Federal Aviation Administration sets a maximum size limit of 45 linear inches for a carry-on, which translates to a 22 inch x 14 inch x 9 inch bag (including handles and wheels). However, acceptable dimensions for carry-on bags can vary by airline. In addition to meeting requirements for an airline, consider whether you really need your carry-on to hold a lot or whether you prioritize something more compact. Expandability may also be an important feature.
Similarly, think about the way you want to use your carry-on. Is it important to have a front pocket for easy access to important things like a laptop or passport. Do you want to store lots of little things inside interior compartments for organization, or are you ok with keeping everything in one big main compartment? You might also look for tie-down straps to keep everything in place.
First, decide whether you want a rolling carry-on or something you carry on your shoulder or back. If you choose a rolling bag, look for features that signal solid navigation, like smooth 360-degree spinner wheels (four of them is best) and a rugged telescopic handle.
Some carry-ons have things like tamper-proof zippers, TSA-approved locks, and RFID protection. Decide how important built-in safety features are for you.
Nowadays, some pieces of luggage include built-in battery packs to charge your phone, and a few even have high-tech features like GPS tracking capabilities, WiFi connectivity, and built-in luggage scales.
By its very nature, luggage experiences wear and tear. Carry-ons don’t generally take as much of a beating as checked luggage, but it’s still worth checking out your luggage’s warranty before you decide. Often, you can get a lifetime guarantee.
This is a style element, of course, but you might also opt for an interesting color that’s not black or gray just so you can keep an eye on your bag in a busy airport or train terminal.
We’ve compared everything from inexpensive, yet solid options to impressive premium picks to assemble our list of the best carry-on luggage models for tourists and explorers of all kinds.
The best experience to draw upon for finding the best carry-on luggage is firsthand experience. As a frequent traveler, I am very well-acquainted with navigating airports, airplanes, and new destinations with a carry-on. Here are some factors I considered when I made this list:
Different travelers have different priorities, which is why I researched the notable features shoppers look for when they begin their search for a carry-on. Whether it’s a lightweight bag or a compact bag with extra capacity, these products help solve common travel complaints.
Some of us prefer first class, others prioritize economy overall. That’s why I included a range of prices, along with identifying products that represented a good value for their price tag.
While the accepted dimensions may vary slightly between airlines, the general maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage is 22 inches high x 14 inches wide x 9 inches deep. Airlines that accept these standard dimensions for carry-on luggage include Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue, but check with your preferred airline when planning a flight to ensure that your bag will be approved as a carry-on item so you aren’t stuck with an additional fee for checked luggage.
Although many airlines do not have a weight limit for carry-on luggage, there are a few exceptions that enforce a strict weight restriction for carry-on bags. It is rare to find a domestic airline in the United States with a weight limit rule, but international airlines such as Air France, Nippon Airways, and Qatar Airways all enforce a strict weight limit for carry-on luggage. International travelers should take the time to research the rules regarding carry-on weight limits ahead of time to ensure their carry-on doesn’t become checked luggage.
Yes, but the TSA has strict rules regarding how makeup and liquids are transported in your carry-on luggage. Each traveler is technically allowed one transparent quart-sized bag to store containers holding 3.4 ounces or less of cosmetic and liquid items. These include liquid soaps, toothpaste, hairspray, shampoo, and lip gloss, however medications, liquid formula, and baby food are a few exceptions to the rules regarding how liquid products may be stored in your carry-on. Actual rules may vary by airport.
Both hard-shell and soft-sided carry-on luggage have their positives and negatives, so neither is inherently superior, but frequent travelers tend to gravitate towards one style over the other.
Hard-shell luggage made of ABS, polycarbonate, or aluminum provide superior protection, making them the best choice for transporting breakable items, and their slick, water-resistant surfaces are easy to wipe down as needed. On the other hand, hard-shell carry-on bags are inflexible, bulky, and heavier, making them just a little harder to comfortably fit in an overhead compartment when compared to their soft-sided counterparts.
Soft-sided carry-on luggage is lightweight, easy to shove into a tight spot, and they tend to be more affordable than hard-shell luggage. Although a soft-sided carry-on bag isn’t as sturdy as hard-shelled luggage, if you plan on placing it into the plane’s overhead compartment versus subjecting it to baggage handlers, your suitcase may not need the additional defense of a hard case.
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