8 Best Carry-On Luggage Bags for Any Type of Trip
Updated: Mar. 19, 2024
We found the best carry-on luggage and bags for every budget to simplify the packing process and make traveling a breeze.
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Choosing the best carry-on luggage can be a daunting task given the abundance of options available. Luckily, we’re here to help. These suitcase superstars are perfect for extended trips lasting more than a night or two. A compact carry-on provides plenty of packing space and allows for effortless maneuvering in bustling airports. The best luggage brands also boast 360-degree spinner wheels, ensuring smooth and easy navigation.
There are also smart luggage versions, which include built-in ejectable batteries to power up your devices while on the go. We also found affordable luggage picks for budget-conscious travelers. So, whether you’re preparing for a cruise or an airplane adventure, here’s a comprehensive overview of the best carry-on luggage options to suit your travel needs.
What to look for when buying carry-on luggage
While style and size may be the most obvious things to consider when buying carry-on luggage, travel experts recommend keeping your eyes open for other important features. “You should consider the wheel height as this can determine if the piece is considered to fit for specified height by airlines and even the fit for your particular mode of transportation,” says Iyanifa Shondra Cheris, owner and lead explorer of Black Will Travel. “You should also consider the perceived durability of the luggage based on your travel destination as well.”
As for special features, Cheris believes the best one to look for is also the simplest. ‘The best carry-on feature is hidden pockets and either the folding outer pocket or the standard pocket for your laptop, tablet or gaming system.”
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Best overall
July Carry-On Pro
You can’t go wrong with the July Carry-On Pro, which is considered among the absolute best carry-on luggage bags. This smart luggage is equipped with a handful of noteworthy features. Among them include a detachable padded sleeve (perfect for storing your laptop and other trusty tech and travel essentials), a built-in hidden laundry bag (to keep clean and dirty clothes separated), a TSA-approved lock (for added security) and an ejectable battery (perfect for on-the-go charging). The exterior features a durable polycarbonate shell while the interior is equipped with a water- and stain-resistant nylon lining.
“Worth every penny,” writes verified buyer Shon B. “Best carry-on I’ve ever owned. Rolls smoothly, has plenty of room and the detachable computer case is next level. The charging station is so convenient! Bought a second for my husband.”
Pros
- Bonus features like a detachable padded sleeve, TSA lock, ejectable battery and hidden laundry bag
- Sleek and sturdy hardshell construction
- Lifetime warranty
- 100-day free trial
Cons
- Pricey
- Does not expand
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Best budget
Canway 65L Travel Duffel Bag
This durable, do-it-all duffle bag from Canway is chock-full of functional features at a superb cost. In addition to its foldable and extendable design, the duffel also boasts several pockets (including ones solely designed for shoes) to stay organized. Its water- and tear-resistant material will last for years to come. Customers can choose from 10-plus color options—each for less than $40—so you can travel in style.
“This duffel bag has been on four or five trips with me since I bought it. EVERYTHING fits inside,” writes Gillian, one of the 13,000+ five-star reviewers. “There are so many pockets that I’ve considered a necklace or two ‘gone for good’ until the bag made a reappearance for another trip. For air travel and quick weekend trips, the duffel bag holds up and things inside stay safe.”
Pros
- Affordable
- Extendable and foldable design
- Padded straps provide added comfort
- Multiple pockets for optimal organization
- Durable water- and tear-resistant material
Cons
- No wheels, so it can get heavy if you tend to overpack
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Best for international trips
Briggs & Riley International Carry-on Expandable Spinner
This Briggs & Riley luggage carry-on is expandable, providing up to 22 percent more packing space—making it a solid choice for longer international flights. It’s also equipped with a built-in power bank and lock, both of which are TSA-approved. Its lightweight polycarbonate exterior offers resilience, too. Plus, the protective drawstring fabric bag helps keep your suitcase in top shape between travels.
Verified buyer Mari L. writes, “This is my second Briggs & Riley luggage. I wanted a carry-on and with no hesitation, I knew I wanted Briggs & Riley. This carry-on luggage expands to add more clothing and compress to its original size. I LOVE it!! I also love that you can place your portable charger and your phone outside of the luggage for easy access.” Oh, and if you like this, you should also check out the Solgaard Carry-On Closet.
Pros
- Designed for international travel
- Expansion-compression system increases packing capacity
- Mesh and zip pockets for optimal storage
- Lifetime warranty
- Monogramming available
Cons
- At nearly $600, this suitcase is a splurge
- Limited color options
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Best lightweight option
Monos Carry-On Plus
The Monos Carry-On Plus suitcase is the epitome of the best carry-on luggage. Weighing just 7.38 pounds, this lightweight travel companion provides ample room for both lengthy journeys and quick getaways. It’s equipped with exceptional details like a built-in TSA-approved lock, a sturdy telescopic handle, stylish vegan leather accents and whisper-quiet spinner wheels. Plus, the brand calls its polycarbonate shell “unbreakable,” and its lifetime warranty ensures it’ll last forever.
“Really love how sleek this suitcase is, both with the aesthetics and function,” writes Gina R. in her five-star review. “Moving from an old-style suitcase, the maneuverability of this is a dream—quiet, smooth and balanced wheeling both upright and pulling at a tilt.” (Speaking of, you can also check out our Monos luggage review.)
Pros
- Lightweight (just 7.38 pounds)
- 100-day trial
- Lifetime warranty
- Adjustable telescopic handle with four height settings
- Ten colors and patterns
- Aerospace-grade and water-resistant hard shell
Cons
- No built-in battery
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Best for over-packers
Beis The Carry-On Roller
The Beis Carry-On Roller effortlessly combines style and functionality with its expandable design and built-in scale, making it an ideal choice for those who tend to over-pack. The scale allows you to weigh your luggage in advance, ensuring you avoid any hefty baggage fees. Meanwhile, the expandable design adds an additional two inches of packing space, allowing you to fit in more essentials. This best carry-on luggage pick also includes various pouches, perfect for organizing shoes, laundry and personal items.
“I bought this specifically for a 10-day trip to Japan that I wanted to do with just carry-ons and this was absolutely perfect!” writes verified buyer Grace C. “The expander was great for extra storage as I stocked up on souvenirs. I got a ton of compliments and looks at the airport and it was really nice to be easy to spot by my travel mates.” To learn more, you can also check out our review. Pair it with the Beis Mini Weekender, and you’ll be good to go.
Pros
- Built-in scale helps you avoid overweight fees
- Expandable design lets you pack more
- Lifetime warranty
- TSA-approved lock
- Water-resistant zipper tape
- Nine fun color options
Cons
- No power bank/battery
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Best for long trips
Away The Bigger Carry-On
Designed to maximize space, this Away suitcase is an excellent choice for longer trips. Its durable polycarbonate shell ensures the utmost protection for your belongings, while the interior compression system, multiple compartments and built-in laundry bag help you stay organized. With the added convenience of a TSA-approved lock, your items remain secure throughout your journey. Furthermore, this suitcase offers a range of beautiful color options, from charming baby blue to neon green and timeless basic black, allowing for a touch of personal style.
Verified buyer Beth P. writes, “The bigger carry-on was perfect for this overseas journey to Tuscany, including Rome and Florence. The bigger carry-on held five dresses, a ball skirt, six pairs of shoes, spare jeans, multiple tees, pool and loungewear plus all the foundational garments I needed!”
Pros
- Spacious size is ideal for longer trips, but still fits in overhead bins
- Built-in lock and laundry bag are added bonuses
- Beautiful color options
- Lifetime warranty
- 100-day trial
Cons
- USB charger costs extra
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Best carry-on luggage set
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Luggage Collection
This Kenneth Cole luggage set includes a soft-sided carry-on and a matching backpack. Crafted with a stylish chevron-patterned fabric, both pieces are lightweight and fashion-forward. The tear-resistant interior provides an added layer of security for your belongings. The rolling Amazon luggage is expandable, allowing for an extra 1.5 inches of storage capacity. On the other hand, the backpack not only features a padded laptop compartment but also numerous pockets, offering hands-free convenience for storing personal items and in-flight essentials.
“Wife brought it to her office and her workmates were fawning over the design,” writes Ken C. in his five-star review of this luggage set. “She loves how light it is, how the spinner wheels tackle terrains with ease and how it carries her heavy laptop and other stuff like a champ.”
Pros
- Two-piece set includes one soft-sided suitcase and a matching backpack
- Stylish chevron design
- Wet-garment pocket
- Elastic clothing compression straps
- Backpack loops over the telescoping carry-on handle
Cons
- The suitcase’s small size isn’t best suited for longer trips or over-packers
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Best underseat option
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner
As its name suggests, this soft-sided luggage from Samsonite easily slides under your airplane seat. Its best feature, however, is the built-in USB port, which allows for seamless on-the-go charging. The exterior pockets—located on the front and side—are perfect for storing smaller items (i.e., your wallet, ID, credit cards and keys). Meanwhile, the main compartment boasts a padded compartment for your laptop or other tech devices.
There are nearly 4,000 five-star Amazon reviews that rave about this underseat luggage. “I was skeptical that this rolling carry-on would actually fit under the seat in front of me in first class and was much pleased that it did even when three-quarters full,” writes verified purchaser David P. Cole. “The key is to place it with rollers pointing toward you.”
Pros
- Compact size easily fits under the airplane seat
- Built-in USB port
- 360-degree spinner wheels
- Ergonomic push-button locking handle
- Smart sleeve on back fits over most luggage pieces
Cons
- Not as big as traditional carry-on bags
Why you should trust us
Our editors are frequent travelers of all types, from road trippers to frequent flyers. We’re parents and pet owners, solo adventurers and weekend group trippers, and have used bags, backpacks and suitcases of all types to get us there. Through our travels, we’ve tested all of the top luggage brands in real-world conditions and ranked the best carry-ons, underseat bags, weekenders, luggage sets and affordable suitcases. We also regularly try out travel accessories like neck pillows, toiletry bags, packing cubes and luggage racks. In addition to our first-hand experience, we consult with experts in the travel industry to get their insider perspective and comb through countless customer reviews to gather even more intel.Â
FAQ
What kind of carry-on luggage is best?
When it comes to the best carry-on luggage, the options are plentiful. Consumers can choose from hard shell luggage, soft-sided suitcases, underseat bags (which—you guessed it—are small enough to fit under the airplane seat), duffel bags (some with wheels, some handheld) and travel backpacks (which offer hands-free convenience). Ultimately, the choice is yours—though you should consider if you’re packing for a cruise, long trip or short excursion.
What is a good carry-on luggage size?
Before choosing the best luggage carry-on size for you, there are a few things to consider. For example, if you’re an over-packer (no judgment!) or have a longer trip coming up on the horizon, you may opt for an expandable bag. However, if you tend to pack fewer belongings—or have a shorter trip planned—then an underseat bag or duffle may work best. Also, keep in mind that each airline has different carry-on size restrictions.
About the expert
- Iyanifa Shondra Cheris, Owner/Lead Explorer, BlackWillTravel.com
Originally Published: March 12, 2024
