The best carry-on luggage for every traveler

Avoid the hassle and expense of checked baggage with these 10 great options to suit any type of trip.
By Caitlin McCormack  on 
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Whether you’re crossing state lines or international borders, having the best carry-on luggage can help you enjoy your trip fully. After all, no one wants to pay to check any more baggage than they have to. The trick is to find a carry-on that is big enough to carry your belongings, without being so big it won’t fit in the overhead compartment.

While quality luggage can be expensive, a carry-on you can depend on is more than worth the investment. When comparing different carry-ons, consider not only size and maneuverability but other features like interior pockets and TSA-approved locks. Oh, and don’t forget to choose something attractive, too — you want a bag that’s easy to spot, so you don’t lose it or get it accidentally mixed up with another traveler!

What makes a carry-on bag? 

Technically speaking, any bag that you “carry on” to an airplane is considered a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow travelers to bring one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin onto a flight.

What’s the maximum size for a carry-on bag?

Each airline has its own restrictions for how large your carry-on luggage can be, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t regulate a set size and weight either. This can make it confusing for travelers to know if their carry-on bag is “legal” or not. Most airlines allow carry-on luggage that according to the FAA must not be larger than 45 linear inches (length + width + height). 

To avoid the hassle (and cost) of having to check your bag, make sure your carry-on doesn't exceed this size at full capacity, especially if it is an expandable model. No matter what, you should always check with your airline for their latest guidelines on carry-on size.

How to measure carry-on luggage

Knowing how airlines will measure your bag is key to ensuring a smooth trip. For starters, the airline will measure your luggage from the contact point with the ground to the highest point — this means that both handles and wheels are included in the measurement.

What should I look for in a carry-on bag? 

With so many carry-on bags available on the market, it can be hard to know what to look for to ensure you’re getting the best carry-on luggage. Here are some features that make packing and traveling a more pleasant experience. 

Size Plus Weight

Arguably, the most important considerations when it comes to choosing the best carry-on luggage for your needs are size and weight. As discussed, you want a bag that meets the FAA guidelines of being less than 45 linear inches. But you also need a bag that’s large enough to hold all your gear for at least a couple of days. It’s a balancing act between the two sides.

Expandability

Carry-on luggage that is expandable offers you just that little bit of extra storage capacity so nothing gets left behind. However, if you’re going to carry on your luggage in its expanded format, be sure to measure it to see if it meets airline specifications. The expandable feature is really ideal for when you’re using your carry-on as a weekend or overnight bag for non-air travel. 

Spinner wheels

Most carry-on luggage comes with wheels, and in this case, more really is more. Bags with four wheels instead of two — also called spinner luggage — are easier to navigate in tight spaces because the wheels turn 360 degrees.

Laundry bag/compartment

A carry-on bag that includes a laundry bag or compartment makes it easy to keep your clean and dirty (or wet and dry) clothes separated. Some bags also feature a dedicated shoe compartment, while others have a tri-fold garment bag to help keep your suit or fancy dress wrinkle-free. 

TSA lock

TSA officers must be able to inspect your baggage and its contents. Fortunately, there are carry-ons with locks that are TSA-approved — which means they can be opened using a universal "master" key that only TSA agents have access to so that they don’t have to cut the locks off your bag. 

What are the benefits of hardside and softside bags?

The advantage of hardside luggage is pretty obvious — it helps to keep the items inside the bag safe from damage. Hardside luggage is also able to withstand the elements a bit better than softside bags. The advantage of softside luggage is that it is a bit more forgiving in terms of being able to stuff more things inside — and to stuff them in the overhead compartment. They’re also better for packing irregularly-shaped items.

No matter what type of carry-on luggage you’re looking for, we’ve got an option for you. Check out our list of the best carry-on luggage below to find your next bag — and bon voyage!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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Hanke carry-on luggage in black

Hanke Upgrade Carry On Luggage

Best carry-on with a laptop compartment

 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. 

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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. 

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Light blue roller luggage against a fence.

Away The Carry-On Flex

Best for international travel

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. 

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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. 

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How we tested

How we chose

While we haven't hands-on tested all of these carry-ons yet, our writer is head over heels for the Solo All-Star Hybrid Backpack Duffle Bag, which she’s had for years and has taken on many trips, including an extended weekend getaway to Iceland. As someone who will only travel with a carry-on, never checked luggage, she knows exactly what to look for in a quality carry-on, and how to pack like a pro. Beyond that, we put forth hours of careful research to find a variety of quality carry-on luggage, and specifically sought out options to cater to different use cases. We also hands-on tested Away's Carry-On Flex, and Paravel's Aviator Carry-On.

First, we prioritized carry-on luggage from well-known brands to come up with a list of options that are widely regarded to be dependable and well-made, with customer service and warranties to match. We then narrowed down the field by focusing on items that were well-rated and had no glaring issues with their functionality (at least not that we could find among a large portion of user reviews). Each of the carry-ons on this list has hundreds, if not thousands, of carry-on luggage reviews—a generally reliable sign that the product is often in stock and available for purchase.

To ensure a varied range of options for different types of travelers, there were a number of factors that we took into consideration while researching the best carry-on luggage, including:

  • Capacity: Whether you’re packing for an overnight or a week abroad, the best carry-ons can carry all your gear while still fitting into the overhead bin. Expandable options offer extra space while still meeting many airline standards. 

  • Cost: While most of these carry-ons fall in the $300-$500 range, we wanted to include options for shoppers who were looking for a more budget-friendly (but still high-quality) item, as well as those who were looking to treat themself with a splurge-worthy piece of luggage with all the bells and whistles.

  • Functional features: A carry-on is an essential component of your travel plans, so it’s important that it pulls double (or triple) duty. This helps to not only reduce the amount of baggage you need to pack for your trip, it also cuts down costs. So, we sought out carry-on luggage with additional features like built-in laundry bags, zippered compartments, and plenty of handles that make travel a breeze.

  • TSA-friendly: Luggage that meets TSA carry-on requirements and has special zippers for opening and closing makes travel smoother and helps ensure your belongings stay secure.


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