The best carry-on luggage for every traveler

This carry-on bag from Samsonite checks all the boxes: It’s lightweight, it expands, it has spinner wheels, and it has a built-in lock to keep your belongings safe and sound. It also fits into the overhead compartment of most domestic and international flights — the only time you might have trouble is with small aircraft. It is available in more than a dozen different color options to suit any personal style, and includes double spinner wheels that make maneuvering through the airport a breeze. There is a cross ribbon and divider on the interior for easy packing, while multiple pockets help you keep your belongings organized.

If you’re looking for carry-on luggage at an affordable price point, this bag from American Tourister is great. It meets the size restrictions for most domestic flights and weighs an impressive 8.2 pounds. Inside you’ll find a mesh divider and cross straps in the main compartment, with a zipped modesty pocket in the center. It offers 1.5” of expansion so you can pack everything you need for your trip. The multi-directional spinner wheels offer effortless mobility in the airport or on city streets. This bag also includes an impressive 10-year warranty. You’re also sure to find a pattern to suit your style with more than 12 color options available.

This hardside carry-on features a compact design that means you’ll have no problem safely stowing it in the overhead bin of even (most) small planes. It boasts a durable yet lightweight aluminum frame, and aluminum corners to keep your gear nice and safe. There are two TSA-approved clasp combination locks for unmatched security. You won’t have to worry about running out of juice for your phone when traveling with this luggage, since there’s a removable charger featuring USB C and A ports that can charge your phone halfway in under 30 minutes! It’s available in a choice of three finishes including black, navy, and champagne.

Prefer a bit more give to your carry-on luggage? This softside carry-on is a great option, and is available in a choice of six different color options for the fashion-focused traveler. It meets FAA regulations for carry-on and checked baggage. It features four Magnatrac wheels that self-align to roll straight in any direction. Speaking of which, wheeling it is easy thanks to the cushioned touch points on the extendable handle, which adjusts to multiple heights without any wobble. You can also charge while on the go thanks to the external USB port and dedicated power bank on the exterior pocket of this case.

This soft shell suitcase is worth the investment for those who don’t mind splurging on a piece of luggage that’ll last for years and years. The brand’s lifetime guarantee means that all repairs are covered free of charge — so you can confidently take this bag wherever work (or play) takes you. Available in a choice of three colors, it is expandable and includes a built-in TSA-approved lock to keep your belongings safe. There are four rolling wheels and an extendable handle that make maneuvering hassle-free. It also includes a clever tri-fold garment feature, which is especially great for people who need to travel for business or a formal occasion. 

If you’re up in the air making frequent trips for business travel, this carry-on is an excellent option. Its hardside polycarbonate construction means it can withstand the beatings it’s likely to take on the road. Eight multidirectional spinner wheels and a locking telescopic handle with a reinforced grip make it easy to maneuver. There’s even a built-in USB outlet with a power-ready port, so you never have to worry about running out of juice or missing an important call. The TSA-approved combination lock on the side of the bag helps provide added security — perfect for if you’re bringing your laptop or important documents along. 

 Can’t leave home without your laptop? A carry-on bag with a dedicated laptop pocket makes it easy to protect your computer, while still having ample space for all your other necessities. This bag from Hanke has a front pocket that can securely hold a laptop and a tablet, as well as two ID pockets to keep your documents close at hand. The main compartment has a pocket with tie-down clothing straps, a closed zip pocket, a mesh zippered pocket, and a waterproof PVC pocket. The outer shell is made from three layers of durable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate, and the ultra-quiet double spinner wheels mean you do not squeak when making your way to your gate. 

Is it a backpack? Is it a duffle bag? It’s both! And, it can even be used as a carry-on for short trips. The backpack straps are great for when you’re running through the airport trying to make it to your gate on time but easily tuck away when you no longer need them. There are grab handles on four sides of this bag, so your stuff is always close at hand. A removable and adjustable shoulder strap offers even more carrying choices. There is an internal organizer section to keep your gear tidy, while the separated shoe/laundry compartment keeps clean and dirty things from mixing. Sports zipper pulls provide easy access to your stuff, while the nylon fabric resists dirt and debris. 

I hands-on tested the Away Carry-On Flex, and absolutely fell in love with how lightweight yet durable it was. The option to "flex" the main compartment for a couple of extra inches of space was perfect for domestic travel, but I think it would be great for international trips too once you arrive at your destination and need a little extra room for anything you pick up once there. The 360-degree spinner wheels rolled smoothly, tackling the stairs up and down from my house with ease, and the handle was incredibly sturdy and solid. I also loved that it came in a beautiful selection of colors, including the optimistic light blue limited edition Sky. 

Air travel has a bit of a negative rap because of its environmental impacts, but what if we told you there was a carry-on that could help offset some of the impacts? The Paravel Aviator carry-on is the world’s first carbon-neutral carry-on, crafted of sustainably-sourced materials including recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum, and recycled vegan leather.

The company offsets all carbon emissions that are generated by creating and shipping the Aviator Carry-On – then, offsets the estimated emissions of its first trip with you! I was a bit skeptical that a bag made from recycled materials would be any good, but the Aviator was surprisingly durable (and I gave it a few good bangs!) Everything about the materials and workmanship screamed quality, including the protective bag for storage in between trips. (It felt like a designer handbag!) I also loved the included removable laundry bag for keeping my clean and dirty clothes separate. The only thing I didn’t really like about this carry-on was how wobbly the handle felt when fully extended – both carry handles felt super secure, however.