U.S. News compiled this list of the best carry-on luggage based on recommendations of travel experts and consumers. The list includes everything from affordable carry-ons to luxury carry-on luggage, along with rolling bag options for weekend getaways and adventure trips. After considering your travel style and your upcoming plans, you may decide you need multiple carry-on suitcases.
What to Look For When Shopping for Carry-on Luggage
When it comes to carry-on bags, the right choice looks different depending on the traveler and the type of trip. Choosing what carry-on is right for you comes down to three main considerations: personal travel style, domestic or international travel and your preference between hard-sided or soft-sided luggage.
Jeff Wilson, the host of PBS series “Real Rail Adventures” says, “Packing is a part of planning a trip, and as such, I find packing to be a great exercise in dreaming about what’s to come on your journey.” He recommends keeping a list of what clothes you wore and what items you didn’t use on your last trip to help decide what to pack for your next trip.
How to Determine Your Personal Travel Style
Your carry-on bag needs to meet the needs of how you travel. Wendy Perrin, travel expert and editor of travel planning site wendyperrin.com, says your carry-on bag should reflect what you need. “It makes a big difference whether you need to take dressy clothing like business suits or it’s just a trip to the beach where it’s T-shirt and shorts,” she says.
Whether you travel for work, go on family vacations or escape for romantic weekend getaways, your carry-on should be suited for the types of clothing you need. For example, if you tend to dress up for work or fine dining, you may want luggage with a built-in garment bag, whereas if you are an adventure traveler, perhaps a rolling bag will best accommodate your gear.
“In my most recent trips to Europe I’ve packed carry-on-sized, wheeled duffel luggage,” Wilson says. “I like that, on the way home, I can loosen the compression straps to make room for all of the souvenir chocolate.” He also added that depending on the types of souvenirs you want to purchase, such as Victorinox paring knives and tubes of Thomy mustard, you may need to plan to check your carry-on for the return flight.
Determine If Your Plans Are Domestic or International
Depending on if you are flying domestically within the United States or if your travels will take you internationally, airlines have varying carry-on size requirements. You may also want to consider which airlines you typically fly and check their policies to help you decide what carry-on is right for you. This will save you time (and perhaps money) during both your luggage search and your packing process.
In addition, think about your destination and full itinerary. Can you purchase items you may need during your trip easily? Will you be able to do laundry? If you are going to a resort and staying there the entire time, your suitcase needs to accommodate your clothing and meet the airline requirements. If you are going to Europe and traveling around via train, that adds additional considerations, such as how easily you can board and depart a train, and if you can navigate the cobblestone streets to reach your hotel.
“Before I became a travel host on TV, I was an avid backpacker with an aversion to carrying any more than was absolutely necessary,” Wilson says. “I still stick to a well-packed carry-on and small day pack or messenger bag, avoiding a checked bag if possible.” He recommends doing laundry or purchasing an item you need while traveling, rather than over packing. “Traveling light means you get to spend more of your energy on enjoying your trip rather than lugging the extra weight around.”
Choose Between a Hard-sided or Soft-sided Carry-on Suitcase
Deciding whether you’d like a hard- or soft-sided bag is another consideration and largely a personal preference. Travel expert Samantha Brown, host of PBS’ hit series “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” says she recently made the switch to hard-sided bags, because they won’t expand beyond airline carry-on size requirements and they provide additional protection.
Both style and durability are important features for Brown when it comes to carry-ons as well. “Having nice luggage really does make a statement,” she says. She also advises consumers to consider the wheels. “A lot of time manufacturers, to make it lightweight, will give you lighter-weight features, and the wheels will be tiny,” she explains, suggesting you find at least a 2-inch wheel, since it must carry the weight of all your luggage and navigate everything from escalators to cobblestone streets.
A great way to check a bag’s durability is to read what others have to say about it. “Reviews are a perfect way to see how a bag measures up,” Brown says.
U.S. News compiled this list of the best carry-on luggage based on recommendations of travel experts and consumers. The list includes everything from affordable carry-ons to luxury carry-on luggage, along with rolling bag options for weekend getaways and adventure trips. After considering your travel style and your upcoming plans, you may decide you need multiple carry-on suitcases. Read on to learn more about the top carry-on luggage picks from U.S. News. (Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues.)
Best Soft-sided Carry-on Luggage:
TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner: This 21-inch spinner suitcase has a deluxe tie-down system and a removable fold-out suiter designed to hang clothes and prevent garments from wrinkling. The expandable design offers up to 2 inches of extra packing space (but may exceed some airline carry-on size restrictions), while integrated accessory pockets and a removable TSA-compliant quart-size wet pocket provide easily accessible organization. Travelers say the extension handle and spinner wheels of this bag make it easy to maneuver through airports, and the high-quality construction provides a durable travel companion. This top-rated bag is available in multiple colors including black, maroon and gray.
[TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner: $329.99 or less. View deal.]
Other soft-sided carry-on luggage to consider:
Samsonite Pro Carry-On Expandable Spinner: Reviewers love all the details of this bag, including an RFID pocket to guard protective information, multiple exterior pockets for organization, wireless charging pocket and Samsonite’s signature DLX wheels. The tri-fold suiter keeps clothes folded and the Wetpak pocket provides an easy-to-access spot for toiletries. Featuring a premium nylon construction, this carry-on bag is available in black.
[Samsonite Pro Carry-On Expandable Spinner: $339.99 or less. View deal.]
Delsey Montrouge Softside Expandable Carry-On: Travelers appreciate the exterior pockets, lightweight construction and the way this suitcase handles. There are small zippered pockets on the outside and inside, the interior has a removable and washable lining and the exterior has an integrated TSA lock. Featuring vegan leather trim and gold metal accents, this suitcase is available in black, blue and sage green. Expandable up to 2 inches, this bag gives you added space for mementos you find along the way, and it has top and side handles for easy lifting. Plus, spinner wheels will help you wind your way through any terminal.
[Delsey Montrouge Softside Expandable Carry-On: $177.99 or less. View deal.]
Best Hard-sided Carry-on Luggage:
Delsey Chatelet: When it comes to the look of a bag, Brown says she likes a sleeker, more modern design, and reviewers say the Delsey Chatelet fits the bill not only in style, but also in functionality. The carry-on spinner has helpful features like a braking system that locks the two front wheels with the push of a button and prevents the bag from moving — for example, when traveling on a bus or train. You can still pull it, however, on the back two wheels. Made of durable materials in three color choices, the Delsey Chatelet also provides travelers with multiple compartments separated by a zippered fabric divider, as well as a laundry bag, shoe bag and removable hanger — extras that consumers find useful. Interior straps also help keep items in place.
[Delsey Chatelet: $319.99 or less. View deal.]
Other hard-sided carry-on luggage to consider:
Paravel Aviator Carry-On: This carbon neutral suitcase features a durable recycled polycarbonate exterior, vegan leather details and an aircraft-grade recycled aluminum handle. On the inside, the lining is made from 15 upcycled water bottles with a compression board and removable accessories pouch. Travelers love the sleek styling of the bag, along with the smooth maneuverability of the wheels, and the way it works well with Paravel’s packing cubes. Ideal for the stylish and eco-minded traveler, the bag is available in a choice of five colors, including black and navy.
[Paravel Aviator Carry-On: $275 or less. View deal.]
Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus: Ideal for the traveler who wants to stay organized and self-contained, this unique design features a patented built-in shelving system. Travelers adore the six-shelf system, saying it makes items easy to find and the compression feature maximizes packing space. They also like the built-in TSA lock, as well as the solid polycarbonate shell and aluminum frame. You can choose from four colors, including red and black, as well as limited edition color options when in stock.
[Solgaard Carry-On Closet Plus: $285 or less. View deal.]
Best Lightweight Carry-on Luggage:
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin: Weighing in at 4.9 pounds, this bag offers classic Rimowa construction including its multiwheel system with ball-bearing mounted wheels and cushioned axles, but weighs 30% less than its other models. The T-shape handle has three level choices for maximum comfort and the built-in TSA lock can be opened by security without causing damage. Inside the bag, there is a zippered mesh divider to keep contents in place. This Rimowa carry-on is available in black or green, and travelers praise the lightweight design, sleek look and wheels that seem to glide effortlessly.
[Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin: $580 or less. View deal.]
Other lightweight carry-on luggage to consider:
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner: This modern-looking, hard-sided carry-on weighs just 6.5 pounds. Popular with both business and leisure travelers, this suitcase has four double spinner wheels and is available in black, white, navy or sage green. Consumers praise its features, calling out its light weight, durability and easy-to-roll wheels. This carry-on suitcase also includes a TSA-compliant three-dial combination lock, two separate compartments for packing and a few interior zippered pockets for storage. Additionally, the suitcase is expandable if you need it to be.
[Samsonite Freedom Carry-On Spinner: $199.99 or less. View deal.]
Lipault Plume Carry-On Cabin Spinner: If you’re looking for a lightweight option with exterior pockets, this soft-sided design has a large zip pocket on the front, ideal for reading materials and other small items. Featuring a durable nylon construction in a variety of colors including black and blue, this bag can hold a lot of clothing for its size (especially if you use packing cubes), according to travelers. The suitcase weighs 4.8 pounds and has top and side carry handles, making it easy to lift into overhead bins. While the TSA lock adds protection for your bags contents, the multidirectional spinner wheels and push button handle offer a sleek design and allow travelers to maneuver the luggage around airports and train stations with ease.
[Lipault Plume Carry-On Cabin Spinner: $245 or less. View deal.]
Best Carry-on Luggage for Women:
Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage: Blending fashion with function, this chic design is available in gold, silver, rose gold and black. Crafted with polycarbonate and ABS, this lightweight suitcase weighs 6 pounds and includes a TSA-approved combination lock. Its four dual spinner wheels and extending handle provide easy maneuverability for every adventure. Inside, there is a divider with two zippered pockets, an interior accessory pocket and compression straps. Owners of this suitcase say they love the sleek style of the bag, the metallic colors and the durability, adding they appreciate that it’s roomy with an expandable option.
[Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage: $195 or less. View deal.]
Other carry-on luggage for women to consider:
Bric’s Bellagio V2.0 Carry-On Spinner Trunk: Evoking the golden age of travel, this vintage inspired suitcase is created from lightweight polycarbonate, with an ergonomic three-position adjustable handle. Available in four colors, including cream and blue, this luggage impresses owners with its fashionable design, smooth rolling Hinomoto wheels and durable construction. Offering a sizable interior, the suitcase has a zippered herringbone print divider, an accessories bag and straps to hold contents in place while traveling.
[Bric’s Bellagio V2.0 Carry-On Spinner Trunk: $665 or less. View deal.]
Best Carry-on Luggage for Men:
Tumi Tegra-Lite 2 International Expandable Carry-On: Featuring Tegris construction (the same material used in professional race cars and protective sports equipment), this sleek design is equipped with a built-in garment sleeve and an integrated USB port (battery sold separately). It expands up to 2 inches, and there is a slip case entry into the main compartment. Travelers appreciate the Tumi Tracer technology that can reunite owners with their lost bags and the complimentary monogramming, as well as the durable exterior of the suitcase and the way it rolls easily. The carry-on suitcase has a telescoping aircraft-grade aluminum extension handle, along with top, side and bottom handles for easy maneuvering.
[Tumi Tegra-Lite 2 International Expandable Carry-On: $850 or less. View deal.]
Other carry-on luggage for men to consider:
Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max: Crafted from durable German polycarbonate, this lightweight carry-on weighs 7 pounds and is available in five colors, including classic black and navy options. Inside, there’s an antibacterial lining with silver fibers woven into the material which prevents germ growth and odor-causing bacteria. Plus, there are two shoe bags and a laundry bag for staying organized. Users of this bag rave about the quality of it, the styling (many have received multiple compliments on their suitcase) and the smooth wheels. The carry-on also features an integrated aircraft-compliant charger that can be removed in just one click, a leather luggage tag and a TSA-approved combination lock.
[Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-On Max: $350 or less. View deal.]
Best Carry-on Luggage for Business Travel:
Away The Daily Carry-On with Pocket: Featuring a unique and removable accordion packing system, plus a secure 13-inch laptop sleeve, this bag is designed to carry your business travel essentials. The polycarbonate hard shell is available in black or navy, and integrates the features of a rolling laptop bag within a carry-on spinner suitcase. Travelers with this case say they love way the compression system maximizes their packing space and they like the removable laundry bag.
[Away The Daily Carry-On with Pocket: $245 or less. View deal.]
Other carry-on luggage for business travel to consider:
Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket: If your business travels tend to be domestic on medium or large aircraft, this suitcase offers maximum space with a larger interior and antimicrobial lining. The tone-on-tone hard shell zippered front compartment can stow your laptop, passport and other essentials so you’re always prepared for unexpected security checks, while the whisper-quiet wheels help you roll with your travel needs. Owners of this bag say they love the built-in airline-compliant removable charger because you can quickly charge your phone while you’re waiting at the gate, and they appreciate the bag’s durable construction and smooth wheels. On the inside, you’ll find two shoe bags and a laundry bag, plus a handy cotton cover to keep your bag from getting dusty between trips. This polycarbonate hard shell design is available in a range of colors including maroon and yellow.
[Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket: $375 or less. View deal.]
Tumi Alpha 3 Garment 4 Wheel Carry-On: Business travelers say this is the perfect suitcase for short business trips, as it easily holds a suit, a couple of shirts, dress shoes and other necessities. They also report it pairs well with Tumi briefcases that can be attached to the top of this piece. On the inside, there is a zippered garment compartment for a suit, a hanger bracket, a dual-compartment zip pocket, compression straps and two removable mesh zippered pouches. The five-stage telescoping handle and four-wheel design is engineered to roll down an airplane aisle with ease, and the gusseted front-zip pocket provides an accessible spot for your boarding pass, reading material, reports and paperwork.
[Tumi Alpha 3 Garment 4 Wheel Carry-On: $925 or less. View deal.]
Best Large Carry-on Luggage:
Monos Carry-On Plus: Designed to fit into most overhead bins on domestic flights, this bag is ideal for those that want to maximize the space in their carry-on bag. For those that love details, this bag has an aerospace-grade German polycarbonate hard shell in an array of colors, including white and olive green, Hinomoto Lisof silent run wheels and a four-height adjustable telescopic handle. Meanwhile, the interior is lined with an antimicrobial fabric and includes a built-in compression pad. Travelers who have this bag appreciate its construction, including the quiet and easy-rolling wheels, durable yet lightweight polycarbonate exterior and the sturdy ergonomic handle.
[Monos Carry-On Plus: $324 or less. View deal.]
Other large carry-on luggage to consider:
Roam The Jaunt XL: This extra capacity carry-on suitcase offers an extra 2 inches of width, giving you more room for all of the finds you gather on your travels. Measuring at 22 x 16.25 x 9 inches, this suitcase qualifies as a carry-on for most domestic flights. There’s an interior compression system on both sides, helping travelers maximize every inch of packing space. Plus, the bag’s lining is washable and water-resistant. Users of this bag love that you get to choose your own front, back and trim colors, and many praise the sleek construction and compliment the way the bag rolls smooth. In addition to the personalization of choosing your own color scheme, the brand also includes a complimentary monogram. It’s the perfect choice for the traveler looking to show their personal style.
[Roam The Jaunt XL: $575 or less. View deal.]
Best Carry-on Luggage for Under the Seat:
TUMI Oxford Compact Carry-On: Whether you’re going on a short trip or you want to keep your belongings close, this sleek TUMI carry-on offers a lockable laptop compartment and a built-in USB cable. Made of the brand’s signature nylon with gold zippers and accents, this lightweight underseat carry-on has two main interior compartments that can be transformed into one large compartment. Reviewers love the elegant look of the bag and appreciate the sleeve, which can be used to attach the suitcase to the top of another roller bag.
[TUMI Oxford Compact Carry-On: $625 or less. View deal.]
Other carry-on luggage for under the seat:
Delsey Helium DLX 2-Wheel Underseater: Perfect for business trips or weekend getaways, this bag has a built-in laptop and tablet sleeve, to keep your devices protected while traveling. There is also a zippered front pocket for quick access to small essentials such as hand sanitizer and earbuds. Travelers love the size, the fact it fits easily under the seat on the plane, the smooth spinning wheels and its spacious interior. Available in black or mocha, this two-wheel design has spinner wheels, is constructed of lightweight Duratec fabric and has a sleeve to secure the bag on the handle of a larger suitcase.
[Delsey Helium DLX 2-Wheel Underseater: $280 or less. View details.]
Calpak Murphie Underseat Carry-On Luggage: Combining practicality with design, this underseat option sells out frequently, and for good reason. Travelers love the spacious design, the way the wheels glide and the sleek style. Available in nude or black, this Calpak bag has a hidden trolley sleeve to stack the bag on an additional roller bag, water-resistant interior pockets and a storage divider with pocket. There are also exterior accessory pockets to keep must-haves like your boarding pass, phone or earphones close at hand.
[Calpak Murphie Underseat Carry-On Luggage: $110 or less. View deal.]
Best Luxury Carry-on Luggage:
Rimowa Classic Cabin: Designed and engineered in Germany, this classic style by the iconic luggage brand is a quintessential staple. Recognized around the globe and featured in some of the hottest shows, including “Emily in Paris,” this hard-shell suitcase is created in a high-end anodized aluminum alloy and finished with riveted high-gloss aluminum corners and handmade leather handles. Blending engineering with craftsmanship, the suitcase is available in black or silver. Travelers appreciate the sturdy construction, eight wheels and the iconic way the bag combines art and function. On the inside, you’ll find a height-adjustable divider to keep all your outfits and essentials organized. Finally, the telescopic handle and the ball-bearing mounted wheels will help you smoothly guide from one destination to the next like a true jetsetter.
[Rimowa Classic Cabin: $1,265 or less. View deal.]
Other luxury carry-on luggage to consider:
Globe-Trotter Safari Carry-On: For the traveler that loves classic styling, this suitcase from the iconic British brand is an essential. Since its founding in 1867, Globe-Trotter has been the destination for the “quintessential British suitcase.” This fresh take on a modern classic is available in cream or brown with natural trim, and you can choose between two or four wheels. The body of this suitcase is constructed of vulcanized fiberboard and finished on the corners and handles with genuine leather. Measuring at 21.65 x 15.75 x 8.27 inches, this carry-on suitcase meets most airline carry-on requirements, and has enough space for three to four outfits, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways. Personalization is available for an additional fee.
[Globe-Trotter Safari Carry-On: $2,195 or less. View deal.]
Best Affordable Carry-on Luggage:
Samsonite Omni 2: This hard-sided design is packed with features at an approachable price. Travelers love the oversized dual spinner wheels that help the suitcase glide easily through airports and train stations. The bag’s built-in charging system is designed to connect with your battery of choice, so you can stay powered up while traveling. Lightweight and durable, this suitcase is available in four colors, including purple and arctic silver.
[Samsonite Omni 2: $169.99 or less. View deal.]
Other affordable carry-ons to consider:
eBags Fortis Pro 22″ Carry-On Spinner: Featuring an interior compression strap with built-in packing cubes, along with a removable laundry bag, this bag offers handy travel amenities. Travelers like the external USB port along with the expandability of the bag and variety of color choices, such as red and blue.
[eBags Fortis Pro 22″ Carry-On Spinner: $159.99 or less. View deal.]
Amazon Basics 21-inch Hardside Spinner: Travelers love the look, style and price of this hard-sided suitcase. Available in four color choices, including orange and black, this bag has an extra-thick ABS hard shell, four double wheels for maneuverability and a telescoping handle. What’s more, the interior makes it easy to stay organized with a divider and an interior organizer that features three zippered pockets.
[Amazon Basics 21-inch Hardside Spinner: $76.86 or less. View deal.]
Best Tech-friendly Carry-on Luggage:
Genius Pack Carry On Supercharged v2: Travelers love the features of this bag, including the two external USB ports (power pack sold separately) and the interior category compartments made of a specialized stretch mesh for tech, socks and undergarments. The optional green cable makes it easy to recharge the suitcase and devices without special adapting kits, and the labeled interior sections with an embedded packing list and separate laundry compartment help you pack and unpack with ease. This suitcase is lightweight at 6.8 pounds and provides optimum capacity for its size. Constructed with a 100% polycarbonate shell and reinforced corners, plus an aircraft grade anodized aluminum handle, this durable design is available in brushed chrome or midnight navy.
[Genius Pack Carry On Supercharged v2: $395 or less. View deal.]
Other tech-friendly carry-ons to consider:
Away The Carry-On: Sleek and sophisticated, this spinner suitcase comes in a selection of colors and is a top-rated tech-friendly carry-on suitcase. The bag comes with a removable battery to charge your mobile devices while on the go, which is compliant with all airlines and is TSA-approved. The battery is designed to charge a mobile phone up to four times and can be instantly ejected, if required. Weighing 8.1 pounds, the luggage comes with a nylon laundry bag, as well as two interior compartments, one designed for clothing and the other for hard objects like shoes or toiletries. What’s more, for security, the bag has two zippers that slide into a TSA-approved combination lock, a feature travelers appreciate.
[Away The Carry-On: $245 or less. View deal.]
Travelpro Platinum Elite: You can also charge mobile devices with the Travelpro Platinum Elite, which has a built-in USB port and TSA-approved pocket for your battery (the battery is not included). Other top features include a fold-out organizer to help reduce wrinkles on suits and other hanging clothes, along with a removable wet pocket and sturdy zipper heads.
[Travelpro Platinum Elite: $329.99 or less. View deal.]
Best Rolling Bag Carry-on Luggage:
Dakine 365 Carry On 40L Bag: For adventure travelers or those looking for style with dependable versatility, the Dakine carry-on rolling bag is constructed in a durable recycled polyester with a water repellent finish. The bag features a large quick access front pocket, internal straps for keeping items in place, retractable handle and heavy-duty urethane wheels. Users say they like the lightweight style, ability to easily carry-on and durability, plus many remark on receiving compliments from other travelers. For added security, the bag has a tuck away ID pocket, and it is available in six colors including black, cascade camo and solstice floral.
[Dakine 365 Carry On 40L Bag: $140 or less. View deal.]
Baggallini 4-Wheel Rolling Tote: Offering a luggage sleeve and four spinner wheels, this bag can be used alone as a rolling bag or attached to an additional carry-on suitcase. Featuring multiple organizational components, this tote has an interior pocket with RFID card slots and a passport pocket, along with a padded laptop pocket. Constructed of polyester, this tote can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and it is available in four colors, including black and eggplant. Reviewers appreciate the bag’s compartments, ease of use and stylish look.
[Baggallini 4-Wheel Rolling Tote: $169.95 or less. View deal.]
You might also be interested in:
— The Top Travel Packing Cubes
— Carry-On Luggage Sizes: Size Restrictions by Airline
— Awesome Vacation Ideas for Every Type of Traveler
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The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2022: 31 Travel Expert Picks originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 02/17/22: This article was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
