When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Emily Hochberg/InsiderWaiting in a long line when running late for a flight, having to pay hefty baggage fees, and your shoulder hurting from carting around a heavy duffle bag are all hassles that make quality carry-on luggage a must-have.
The best carry-on suitcases are reliable, durable, easy to pack, hold plenty of clothes, and fit on both domestic and international planes of all sizes. As a travel editor who takes more than 50 flights per year and am often in a destination for just a day or two before moving on, I practically live out of my carry-on at times. I’ve also had checked luggage lost or arrive late enough times to avoid going that route whenever possible, making a carry-on my go-to item even for longer trips.
While my luggage may go through a few more rigorous trials than the average leisure traveler, most people are looking for these same qualities in any good piece of luggage. For this guide, I put 10 carry-ons to the test. You can read our full testing methodology at the bottom of this guide.
Here is the best carry-on luggage of 2022Best hard-side carry-on overall: Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, $144. 25 at AmazonForm, function, durability, and an excellent price all meet to make the Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage a winner. Best soft-side carry-on overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Spinner, $369.
99 at TravelproThe Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On holds everything you need and then some, but its attention to detail makes it stand out from the competition. Best budget carry-on: AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner, $65. 01 at AmazonFor the casual weekend traveler, the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Carry-On is an attractive bag that does the job at an extremely affordable price.
Best high-end hard-side carry-on: Rimowa Essential Lite, $675 at RimowaTrue to its name, the Rimowa Essential Lite sets itself apart with its under 5-pound weight without compromising on durability or quality. Best high-end soft-side carry-on: Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner, $699 at Briggs & RileyThe Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On is worth the investment thanks to an impressive compression feature and high-end materials that stand the test of time. Best carry-on for extra space: Monos Carry-On Pro Plus, $295 at MonosIf you’re not restricted to smaller overhead bins, the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is a sleek suitcase with extra room inside and a smart front pocket for easily stowing accessories.
Best aluminum carry-on: Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition, $625 at AwayAway’s heavy-duty aluminum carry-on is as sleek and eye-catching as it is durable. Best hard-side carry-on overallHannah Freedman/InsiderForm, function, durability, and an excellent price all meet to make the Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage a winner. Dimensions: 22.
5 x 15. 5 x 9. 5 inchesWeight: 7.
5 lbsVolume: 45 litersMaterial: PolycarbonatePros: Excellent price for the quality, durable, scratch-resistant, wheels easily, expandable, 10 year warrantyCons: Handle wiggles a decent amount when fully extended, may be too big for some budget airlines outside the US I’ve used this bag consistently for three years, and while it has a couple of very small marks upon close inspection, it has remained in remarkably good shape — especially compared to other hard-side cases I’ve tried. It’s easy to lift into overhead bins and a rubberized grip under the top and side handles add extra comfort for handling. The zippers run smoothly and the expansion zipper even has a finger hole for extra ease and agility.
There is also a TSA-approved lock on the right side. The four multi-directional wheels are quiet and make rolling the bag in front of you, beside you, or behind you on almost any surface a breeze, though it was harder to pull on thick carpet. Despite its small size, I’ve can fit a week’s worth of clothes inside, and the 1.
5-inch expansion capability comes in especially handy if you often return from a trip with more than you originally packed. While there aren’t any fancy extras when it comes to interior storage, it’s more than sufficient with a mesh zip close on one side and a strong buckle to keep clothes packed in tight on the other. The bag’s one downside is that the handle is a little bit wobbly when fully extended.
As is the case with most suitcases, the handle poles do also take up some space in the interior compartment, making it harder to lay items completely flat on that side. Read our full review of the Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Carry-OnBest soft-side carry-on overallHannah Freedman/InsiderThe Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On holds everything you need and then some, but its attention to detail makes it stand out from the competition. Dimensions: 23.
5 x 14. 5 x 9 inchesWeight: 7. 8 lbsVolume: 46 litersMaterial: High-density nylon with DuraGuard coatingPros: Durable and high-quality materials, leather detailing, doesn’t tip forward even when fully packedCons: Easy to overpack, may be too big for some budget airlines outside the US Travelpro is well regarded among serious travelers for a reason.
The brand was pioneered by a pilot who knew exactly which small details make a world of difference in a bag, and that thoughtful care and attention is apparent in the Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On. The high-density nylon fabric is durable, stain-resistant, and has not torn or ripped in the time I’ve used it. Leather detailing not only adds a sophisticated look but also makes the top lifting handle extremely comfortable.
However, the additional handle on the side is a little bit tight even for my small hands. With an expansion option of two full inches, this bag holds a ton. There are three front pockets of varying sizes, including one that can hold a laptop.
The main compartment has the standard layout of a soft-side bag with one deep side and a smaller zipper compartment on the other side. Large chrome zippers are easy to maneuver and the four large wheels made this bag one of the easiest to wheel on every surface, including carpet. The adjustable handle is very sturdy and has a contoured grip making it extra comfortable.
The bag also comes with several handy extras, including a garment bag, a built-in USB port (battery pack not included), and a removable clear plastic bag attached to the inside for holding toiletries and liquids. However, I did find that with so many front pockets, the bag was very easy to overpack, especially when fully expanded, which defeats the purpose of having a carry-on if you end up having to check it after all. Read our full review of the Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-OnBest budget carry-onHannah Freedman/InsiderFor the casual weekend traveler, the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Carry-On is an attractive bag that does the job at an extremely affordable price.
Dimensions: 21. 6 x 14. 9 x 10 inchesWeight: 7.
3 lbsVolume: 39 litersMaterial: Extra-thick ABSPros: Very affordable, durable for the price, solid adjustable handle that doesn’t wobbleCons: Marks up easily, may not hold up well over time, no lockFor a bag that costs much less than our top picks, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality and look of this carry-on. It was sturdier than I was expecting and the material only had a little bit of give when I pressed on the top and sides. Though it is expandable up to 15% for additional packing room, I found that it held less overall than the similar Samsonite suitcase we recommend in this guide, making it a good option for shorter or weekend trips.
The interior has one mesh zip side and one side with a buckle. The buckle isn’t too sturdy, but it will do the trick of keeping clothes in place. The adjustable handle is comfortable and didn’t wobble very much.
The wheels also glided smoothly on nearly every surface (thick carpet gave it a bit of trouble), though they were just a little bit louder than others I tested. The zippers ran smoothly and for the most part, the bag held up throughout my tests, though it did get marks relatively after just one use. That said, some reviewers have complained that after about five or six trips the bag starts to break down, with complaints of broken handles, wheels, and zippers.
But for the casual traveler who only takes a couple of trips a year, this is an extremely affordable option that still gets the job done. Best high-end hard-side carry-onHannah Freedman/InsiderTrue to its name, the Rimowa Essential Lite sets itself apart with its under 5-pound weight without compromising on durability or quality. Dimensions: 21.
7 x 15. 8 x 9. 1 inchesWeight: 4.
9 lbsVolume: 38 litersMaterial: PolycarbonatePros: Incredibly lightweight, durableCons: Not as good for organization, expensiveRimowa is best known for its distinctive aluminum suitcases frequently spotted on celebrity Instagram accounts. While those bags will set you back a cool grand, the luxury travel brand has alternative high-quality options that won’t cost more than your monthly rent. I was particularly impressed with the newer Essential Lite bag, which weighs less than five pounds — an especially great option for chronic overpackers who worry about their bag being overweight.
Shockingly, the Lite suitcase actually holds slightly more than Rinowa’s classic aluminum suitcase, too. The brand didn’t sacrifice when it comes to the quality of the materials. Although the bag has some give at the top when pressed, the suitcase is plenty sturdy.
Its thicker glossy coating also keeps it from scratching or marking up as easily as matte-finished suitcases. I tossed it around several times and it survived the back of a moving truck with no dents, scratches, or marks. If an aesthetically pleasing or eye-catching bag is important to you, you’ll also likely enjoy the subtle vertical ribbing, and array of rainbow-hued color choices that range from a candy apple red to a deep teal.
The bag has a TSA-approved lock on top, a rubberized top handle that’s comfortable to grip, and a sturdy telescopic handle. The wheels are whisper quiet thanks to cushioned axles and worked beautifully on every surface from hardwood to carpet. I also liked that both sides of the interior had a mesh zipper, which I found made keeping everything organized and in place easier than the typical one-sided buckle system.
One added bonus of owning a Rimowa bag is the 5-year warranty, and the company works with a network of hotels to do repairs onsite should anything happen to your bag while you’re traveling. Read our full review of the Rimowa Essential Lite carry-onBest high-end soft-side carry-onHannah Freedman/InsiderThe Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On is worth the investment thanks to an impressive compression feature and high-end materials that stand the test of time. Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inchesWeight: 9.
3 lbsVolume: 46 litersMaterial: Ballistic nylonPros: Durable, high-quality materials, smart and unique features to help fit more in Cons: Pricey, heavyWith a hybrid fiberglass frame, ballistic nylon exterior, reinforced corners, and smooth YKK zippers, this Briggs & Riley bag is made to withstand the test of time. The bag is incredibly durable and mine has experienced no rips, tears, or marks to speak of. This suitcase is also full of ingenious tricks that make packing it a breeze and help you sneak in those extra outfits.
For starters, the bag has a CX compression-expansion system that increases packing capacity by 25% before compressing back down to fit carry-on size regulations. Another smart feature that adds packable room to this bag is a fold-out divider in the smaller zippered compartment so you can stack clothes, fold it in, and then stack more clothes before zipping it all up. Unlike other bags we tested, the adjustable handle is entirely on the outside of this bag so no packing room is lost to the poles.
That said, it does mean that the poles are visible on the outside of the bag and may make it slightly harder to slide the bag into the overhead compartment. The wheels expertly navigated every surface, and the handle is sturdy and easy to grip. Two outer pockets on the front add additional space, but I found they didn’t expand quite as much as the Travelpro front pockets.
There’s also a small zippered pocket on the back ideal for keeping your phone (especially when going through security). The biggest downside it’s heavier than the other bags I tried and could be hard for some people to lift into the overhead, especially when fully packed. Best carry-on for extra spaceHannah Freedman/InsiderIf you’re not restricted to smaller overhead bins, the Monos Carry-On Pro Plus is a sleek suitcase with extra room inside and a smart front pocket for easily stowing accessories.
Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9. 5 inchesWeight: 8. 4 lbsVolume: 47 litersMaterial: Aerospace-grade polycarbonatePros: Significantly more packable space, smart front pocket that doesn’t protrude when packedCons: Doesn’t meet all carry-on size requirements, marks up easilyAt 23 inches, the Monos Pro Plus is just a hair too big for some smaller planes or budget airlines.
However, if you mainly take larger cross-country or transatlantic flights where overhead bins are bigger and space isn’t usually an issue and relish every last ounce of packable space, this carry-on is worth a look. It offers more packable space than any other bag on this list. It features one side with a zippered mesh compartment and an alternative side that has a fold-out mesh pocket and two wide and sturdy buckles that seriously compress clothes when pulled tight.
What really sets this bag apart is the front pocket space, which is unusual for a hard-side suitcase. The padded pocket holds a 15-inch laptop and has additional space for organizing everything from your phone to headphones. While some Away bags also feature a front pocket, this one has significantly more compartments for superior organization.
The bag itself has a simple and chic look and comes in an array of attractive colors like pale pink and royal blue. However, my bag did get several small scuffs rather quickly. The adjustable handle is sturdy and doesn’t wobble, the YKK zippers didn’t catch, and the wheels glided smoothly on all surfaces.
As an additional bonus, the bag is guaranteed for life and has a 100-day trial period. For those who want to ensure their carry-on fits on all flights, Monos recently launched a smaller carry-on option with a pocket, the Carry-On Pro. However, you do lose 10 liters of packable space, so the Pro is best for shorter trips.
Read our full review of Monos carry-on luggageBest aluminum carry-onHannah Freedman/InsiderAway’s heavy-duty aluminum carry-on is as sleek and eye-catching as it is durable. Dimensions: 21. 5 x 13.
5 x 9 inchesWeight: 10. 7 lbsVolume: 35 litersMaterial: AluminumPros: Durable, sleek look, dual locks, ample packing space, option for a portable batteryCons: Heavy, expensiveAluminum suitcases are more expensive than standard polycarbonate options. However, they’re supremely durable and built to seriously last.
They also have a sleek and shiny look that stands out from the crowd at the airport. This one from Away has quickly becoming one of my favorite suitcases. I was worried it wouldn’t easily fit into all overhead bins because it has a bulkier look, but I was even able to fit it on a small regional plane recently.
As for that shiny look, I receive compliments every time I take this bag out. And on durability, this carry-on has held up remarkably well so far, with no scratches, dings, or dents to speak of, even after I also threw it around on my rooftop to simulate the wear and tear that comes with typical plane travel. Its 360-degree spinner wheels are a breeze to roll on numerous surface types.
Rather than a typical zipper, this aluminum suitcase features two sturdy TSA-approved locks that easily click into place. What most impressed me was the huge amount of packing space. I took this bag on a weekend ski trip and was able to fit my long underwear, sweaters, ski pants, gloves, and a light jacket on just one side.
I easily fit a weekend’s worth of everyday clothes on the other side. At just under 11 pounds, this bag is heavy. While that isn’t too big of an issue on car trips, train trips, or some flights, with airlines that have stricter weight limits I would hesitate to use this carry-on.
As with almost all Away bags, you have the option to choose a standard bag or one that comes with a removable and TSA-approved battery. What else we testedMaliah West/InsiderWhat else we recommend:Away Carry-On ($275): I’ve had an Away bag for years and it’s another good option. I have found that over the years it’s gotten quite a few marks and scratches though, and it’s more expensive than the Samsonite bag and not as high-quality or lightweight as the Rimowa bag.
That said, I would recommend this bag to anyone who absolutely wants charging capability for their phone or who wants a wide array of fun color options. Tumi International Carry-On ($599): This is a high-quality, premium bag that will likely last you years. However, the extremely high starting price point is prohibitive for many.
Target Open Story 21-inch Hardside Carry-On ($170): Travel Editor Emily Hochberg tested out this bag and found it to be another great option at a similar price point to the Samsonite bag. It features a durable but lightweight polycarbonate shell, heavy-duty zippers, quiet spinner wheels, and a telescoping aluminum handle. She also liked the multiple interior compartments for easy organizing and the built-in USB port for use with a power bank or battery charger, though that’s not included.
However, the lighter colors especially show marks easily and more than one reviewer has noted that the lock didn’t work properly. Genius Pack G4 Carry On Spinner ($219): This is a solid option for traveling with kids in tow. Extra pockets you can use to stay organized include a hidden interior lining pocket perfect for shoes, a removable laundry compartment, and separate spaces for chargers, socks, underwear, and more.
If you wind up needing extra room on the ride home, a simple pull of a zipper will garner a 20% increase in space. Biaggi ZipSak Boost ($90): This is a great pick if you don’t have a lot of room in your house for storing luggage. It can fold down small enough to easily fit inside a drawer.
It also features a flexible outer shell that makes packing in lots of stuff a breeze. Its exterior pockets are perfect for storing baby wipes, tablets, or snacks, making it a good option for traveling with kids. How we test carry-on luggageJoey Hadden/InsiderFor this guide, I narrowed down the field to the 10 top contenders based on my own considerable travel experience and knowledge as a travel editor, as well as additional research and user reviews.
While some of these bags I’ve personally owned and used for several years, others I tested extensively specifically for this guide. I put all 10 of the bags through the same tests, which considered packability, maneuverability, and durability. I also took into account the price point, style, quality of materials, and any extra features the bags included.
Packability: I paced the same set of clothing in each bag (enough for a five day trip), noting both ease of packing and how much the bag could actually hold. Maneuverability: Due to the pandemic, I have not been flying recently, but I still mimicked the conditions carry-ons would typically go through in a number of ways. I packed each bag to capacity, rolled them for several blocks on the street, tested the wheels on wood floors, thick carpet, and concrete, stress-tested the zippers, and lifted each bag onto a high closet shelf roughly the same height as an overhead bin.
Durability: I used all of the bags in a recent move where they were thrown around the back of a moving van in a similar fashion to how they might be tossed around on and off a plane by bag handlers to test durability. Carry-on luggage FAQsWhat size carry-on should I buy?Most US airlines technically cap carry-ons at 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels. However, in our experience (and the practical dimensions we’ve spotted in best-selling bags), you can usually get away with about an inch more room in each direction.
However, if you frequently travel on short jumper flights or often fly on budget airlines overseas, you may want to consider a carry-on no larger than 21. 7″ x 13. 7″ x 9″.
Should I buy hard-sided or soft-sided luggage?Ah, the age-old luggage debate. The answer depends on your priorities. Hard-sided bags have a fixed shape and size, which is a boon if you’re prone to overpacking.
They’re also more durable. However, soft-sided bags offer some flexibility, which can be good for squeezing your bag into tight overhead spaces. They also usually have outer pockets, which is a rarity in hard-sided bags.
The style you choose here will ultimately be down to your personal preference. What’s the best weight for a carry-on?In general, 7 or 8 pounds is a manageable weight for a carry-on bag. Keep in mind that extra bells and whistles add to the weight of the bag, so carefully consider if those features are truly worth the extra weight before committing.
For example, a portable USB charger often seems like a great perk in a bag, but it can add a whole extra pound of weight. What’s the best carry-on for traveling with kids?Traveling with kids means you’ll need easy access to snacks, entertainment devices, diapers, and other childcare items. That means outer pockets are your friend in a carry-on bag.
Any of our soft-sided carry-on picks will do the job here. Should I get a carry-on with two wheels or four wheels?Our testers are staunch believers that a carry-on bag should have four wheels for maximum maneuverability. There’s really no advantage to a two-wheeled bag.
What’s the best material for luggage?The most common materials for hard-sided suitcases tend to be aluminum, polycarbonate, and ABS. Aluminum is extremely durable, but also extremely pricey, and ABS is less durable but more affordable. A good polycarbonate bag can hit the sweet spot of price and quality.
When it comes to soft-sided suitcases, ballistic nylon is one of the most durable options, but again can mean a higher price point. Regular nylon can still be high-quality while being more affordable, while polyester tends to be a good budget option. More great travel buying guidesJen Gushue/InsiderThe best travel backpacksThe best packing cubesThe best checked luggageThe best duffle bagsRead the original article on Insider.
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/guides/travel/best-carry-on-bag
