Monos Carry-On Luggage: Is it Worth Buying? Our Editor Finds Out!
Updated: Apr. 29, 2024
Stop gallivanting around the world with dad’s old piece of luggage from the '80s, and invest in the Monos carry-on.
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Traveling with the wrong luggage can be a nightmare. No, really. Broken zippers, jammed wheels and oversized carry-ons you end up paying an arm and a leg to check can make a day at the airport way harder than it needs to be. Although it can be tempting to go the budget-friendly route, investing in a piece of high-quality luggage, like the Monos carry-on, is actually more economical in the long run—and I’m the ideal person to test it.
Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I’m the queen of taking the wrong bag to the airport. So you can trust my judgment on if this carry-on is a pain to take to Timbuktu and back.
What is the Monos carry-on?
The Monos carry-on is a sleek piece of luggage designed to fit into virtually any airplane’s overhead bin. Besides being just the right size for a weekend getaway, the Monos carry-on is crafted with high-quality materials, including aerospace-grade polycarbonate, made to last a lifetime. This polished and functional carry-on has extra-large YKK zippers, a TSA-approved lock and a smooth-operating handle with a hidden button.
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I Tried It
Monos Carry-On
If you want a travel piece that's filled with useful features, check out the Monos carry-on.
Monos carry-on features
If you adore a pop of color or a fun pattern, you’ll be stoked to see that Monos hears you loud and clear. The brand offers a variety of colors for purchase year round and limited-edition prints, like terrazzo, available sporadically.
Besides the color options, you can choose from four different Monos carry-ons: the regular carry-on, the carry-on plus, the carry-on pro and the carry-on pro plus. The carry-on pro and the carry-on pro plus are the slightly larger versions of the original carry-on, but are still said to fit into most (but not all) overhead bin spaces on major airlines. The carry-on pro is the same size as the carry-on, but has the added bonus of a protected laptop space in the bag.
OK, back to the original carry-on. Gone are the days of tipping your suitcase back on two tiny wheels. This bag has a set of four spinner wheels that spin an impressive 360 degrees. So yes, if you suddenly realize you need an iced caramel latte from Starbucks before your flight, you can quickly pivot your suitcase without issue.
I was also impressed with the bag’s built-in compression pad, which helps you stuff every last T-shirt into your bag. To be honest, this was the lifesaver I didn’t know I needed, and it might be for you, too, if you’re a chronic overpacker.
And if you’re into being a responsible consumer, you’ll love Monos’ commitment to being a climate-neutral brand. According to its website, it was one of the “first luggage brands to have net-zero carbon emissions.” Additionally, the brand gives 1% of its revenue to nonprofits dedicated to fighting climate change. How cool is that?
How we tested it
I recently went to visit my brother in Alabama for some quality sibling bonding time. And wouldn’t you guess that I brought my brand-spanking-new Monos carry-on for the trip. Besides feeling simply adorable as I walked into the airport, I also didn’t feel like I was dragging a 25-pound boulder behind me. It was easy to move throughout the airport, and it fit neatly into the overhead bin on my regional jet. I was initially concerned it wouldn’t fit in the extremely tight space on such a small plane, but it slid in without issue.
The remainder of the trip was uneventful (in terms of my suitcase), but isn’t that what you hope for with a good piece of luggage? The outside protected my clothes and shoes and kept them dry, and the zippers didn’t move whatsoever during transit. I also felt like the laundry and shoe bags were particularly handy to keep my stinky clothes away from clean items.
Pros
- Water-resistant exterior
- Inner lining is antimicrobial
- Only weighs 7 pounds
- 360-degree wheels
- Handle height has four adjustable settings
- Comes with internal laundry and shoe bags
- Compression pad pushes clothing down
- Available in a variety of colors and patterns
- Outer shell is made of polycarbonate
- Discrete lock to keep valuables safe
- High-quality YKK zippers
- Easy to hoist into overhead bin
- Lifetime warranty
- Climate-neutral certified
- Financing is available
Cons
- Pricey
- Online colors may appear differently in person
- May scuff slightly in corners
FAQ
Does the Monos carry-on plus fit in overhead bins?
The Monos carry-on fits in every overhead bin on any flight (according to the website, I haven’t been on every plane ever). The carry-on plus fits in most overhead bins, but not on all smaller regional jets. If you’re someone who takes a lot of regional flights, I’d recommend choosing the regular Monos carry-on over the carry-on plus.
Does Monos scratch easily?
While Monos calls their carry-on “virtually unbreakable,” like all types of polycarbonate, it’s susceptible to scuffs and scratches. Luckily, the shell is easy to clean. Simply use a soft, damp cloth with warm water and mild dish soap. For stubborn marks that don’t easily wipe away, Monos includes an eco-friendly eraser sponge.
What is Monos return policy?
Monos offers a 100-day trial period to test out the luggage risk-free. But, there’s a caveat. The trial is voided if your suitcase is used to travel. “Pack it up and roll it around your house to get a feel for it,” the website says. If you don’t love it, send it back for a full refund (minus the shipping cost of the return).
What other reviewers had to say
Want to know what other shoppers truly think (besides yours truly)? Check out their Monos luggage reviews:
“After spending countless hours researching every major luggage brand, I ended up going with Monos and couldn’t be happier,” raves verified buyer, Sarah S. “I purchased both the large check-in and carry-on in olive green. They are so stylish, and the quality is top-notch. The way the interior is designed is so helpful when it comes to staying organized, and the included laundry and shoe bags are such a nice touch.”
“I appreciate the clean look of the bag and every last detail,” explains five-star reviewer Elizabeth K. “It rolls so smoothly, it holds so much, it fits everywhere you need it to, and it looks like a million bucks.”
“I LOVE the brown carry-on case from the terracotta collection,” says another five-star reviewer, Natalie F. “It’s so sleek, modern and warm! I’m also thankful it works for all airlines, including United (which has one of the smallest dimension requirements). I’m excited to travel to Spain next month with this beautiful suitcase.”
Why you should trust us
As a senior shopping editor, I help people find products worth obsessing over. I’ve got a knack for testing and reviewing, honed through years of experience in e-commerce. While my passion is fitness (former NCAA D1 Women’s soccer player here!), I bring that same dedication and attention to detail to the home and shopping world.
I’ve also been published in over a dozen notable publications including Men’s Health, Women’s Health and Everyday Health. When it comes to luggage, I’ve personally tested Monos and compared it with competitors like Carl Friedrik. I also consulted with our team of travel enthusiast editors who extensively cover the luggage market. Based on our research, Monos was named one of the best overall luggage brands available. Plus, I looked closely at Monos luggage reviews from real customers to verify its popularity.
Final verdict
Honestly, the only people I wouldn’t recommend the Monos carry-on to are those on a budget–but even then, financing is available through Shop Pay, so no guffawing at the cost! You get what you pay for most of the time and, in this case, you’re paying for quality.
If you’re looking for a suitcase that won’t make traveling harder than it needs to be, the Monos carry-on is it. I was impressed by the caliber of construction, lifetime warranty and careful attention to detail. This is a brand that cares about its consumers and makes sure the little things are just right. And isn’t that the type of product you really want to have for a lifetime?
Where to buy the Monos carry-on
Ready to take flight with a suitcase you can count on? Grab the Monos carry-on on the brand’s website or Nordstrom for around $255. BRB, rolling into (and out of) the airport in style.
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I Tried It
Monos Carry-On
With 360-degree wheels, adjustable handle height and other features, the Monos carry-on makes traveling better.
Originally Published: March 11, 2024
