If you’ve followed my travels for a while, you know I’m a carry-on kind of lady. A great carry-on suitcase is ideal if you want to avoid checking in luggage for your next business trip or vacation. But how do you choose the best carry-on luggage?
Traveling with wheeled carry-on luggage instead of checking your suitcase can save you time and money at the airport. It also removes the stress of worrying over whether your checked bag will get lost or damaged en route.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or summer vacationer, this guide is designed to help you pick the best carry-on luggage for your travel needs. I’ll share the top brands, the best bags for carry-on luggage, and all the details you need to make your decision.
The Best Carry-on Luggage 2024
When you’re shopping for the best carry-on suitcase, there are many factors to consider. These include:
- Hardshell vs softside cases
- Weight and dimensions
- Wheels and handles
- Internal storage features
- Additional features like USB charging ports
- Price point
Of course, you’ll also want your carry-on suitcase to look great, and you should always check the warranty and return policy, especially if you’re shopping online. And even if you’re traveling by train, plane or automobile, carry-on suitcases are compact and easy to fit in your car’s trunk, the plane’s overhead bin or a train’s luggage rack.
Traveling with carry-on only means that your packing game has to be on point. Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered with this helpful article on how to pack a carry-on suitcase. (Hint: Packing cubes are your friend!)
One quick note: while duffel bags are very popular with some people, I do not use or recommend them as they’re often heavy, bulky and not that easy to compartmentalize.
TUMI Alpha 3 Carry-On 22-Inch Rolling Suitcase
This high-tech carry-on suitcase brings together design and functionality to create a suitcase that looks great and makes packing easy. TUMI’s super-durable FXT ballistic nylon protects your belongings and is virtually abrasion-proof, so your case will stay looking great for longer. This case passes all the necessary durability tests for wear and tear.
The innovative dual entry means you have quick access to the main compartment through the front lid of the case. The case also comes with an interior garment bag and the complimentary Tumi Tracer code that helps reunite you with your case if it’s lost or stolen. The TSA-approved lock on this hard-sided suitcase will keep your personal items and valuables secure.
The sturdy telescopic handle on this travel case is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and combined with the four double-spinner wheels, makes this one of the best spinner carry on cases for maneuverability.
Only downside: The TUMI Alpha 3 comes in just over 11 lbs, which is on the heavier side. This is an important consideration if you’re petite like me, and when every ounce counts when packing for a long holiday getaway.
Dimensions: 19.69 x 14.96 x 8.66 inches
Weight: 11.88 lbs
Material: XT Ballistic Nylon fabric
Monos Carry-On
The Monos Carry-on suitcase is designed to look great for longer, with an award-winning design and solid construction. It has an aerospace-grade polycarbonate hard shell, four 360-degree spinner wheels, and a sturdy four-stop telescopic handle for easy rolling. It also comes with TSA-approved combination locks to make inspections simple, and has a lifetime warranty.
The Monos Carry-On hard cases come with built in compression straps and in a range of colors, including some limited edition versions, each with luxurious touches like a soft antimicrobial lining and ultra-microfibre vegan leather detailing. The Monos Carry-on Pro model has smart features like a front pocket laptop sleeve for easy access. This Canadian luggage company is easily one of my favorite luggage brands.
Monos also sells expandable packing cubes that in a range of matching colors and sizes. These are vital for internal organization, and I use them myself. They have made packing for international flights a breeze.
Inside the case, you’ll also find an antimicrobial hidden laundry bag (for that inevitable dirty laundry), two shoe bags, and a built-in compression compartment that helps you make the most of every inch of space.
Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches
Weight: 7.01 lbs
Material: Polycarbonate (partially recycled)
Away Carry On
If stylish good looks are a priority, the Away Carry-On could be the best carry-on luggage for you. It’s available in various gorgeous matte and bright colors and combines elegant style with robust features. These include a lightweight polycarbonate shell, smooth-gliding 360° spinner wheels, and a quick-release adjustable trolley handle.
Away’s signature double-buckle compression system and several interior pockets help you pack more into your case. There’s also a TSA-approved combination lock and ergonomic reverse coil zippers to give easy access and enhanced security.
And additional details like the color-matched leather luggage tag make this premium carry-on case one of the best hard shell carry on luggage options. You’ll love placing it in the overhead compartment on your next short trip!
Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Material: Polycarbonate
SwissGear Sion Softside Carry-On 21-Inch
The SwissGear Sion Carry-on is made from a durable scuff-resistant polyester fabric and is available in several colors. It has multiple front pockets and a built-in ID tag, while the reinforced padded top handle and integrated side and bottom handles make lifting this suitcase into overhead bins easy.
The Sion Carry-on is a little heavier than some other cases in this list. However, it features 360° multi-directional spinner wheels and a retractable handle to make navigating the airport simple.
This expandable carry-on case is designed for easy packing and has a fully lined interior with adjustable straps to keep your belongings securely in place. There’s also a zippered wet bag, a packing pocket for small items, and a large mesh lid pocket.
Dimensions: 14.25 x 10.25 x 22.75 inches
Weight: 8 lbs
Material: Polyester
Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner
If you’re shopping for a budget carry-on suitcase, the AmazonBasics 20 inches wide Hardside Spinner could be the best carry-on roller bag for your needs.
It has a scratch-resistant, extra-thick ABS hard shell, and the four double spinner wheels and telescoping handle make the case easy to move around.
The AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner is also expandable to give you up to 15% additional packing space. The interior is fully lined with a divider and three zippered pockets to keep smaller items organized.
Altogether, this is one of the best budget carry-on luggage options. It’s ideal for business travel or vacations and can easily compete with some of the more expensive luggage on the market.
Dimensions: 13.58 x 9.45 x 19.09 inches
Weight: 7.34 lbs
Material: Extra-thick ABS hard shell
Travelpro Platinum Elite Hard Shell Carry on 21”
If you need a robust carry-on suitcase for frequent business trips, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside could be the best carry-on luggage for your needs.
Business travel can be brutal on luggage, so this case has an ultra-strong polycarbonate hard shell that flexes on impact to reduce cracking, while aluminum guards give additional protection to the corners. The attractive textured finish makes any scuffs or scratches less noticeable, and the genuine leather trim enhances the case’s elegant style.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside is also packed with features like the PrecisionGlide System, which offers effortless rolling thanks to the lightweight four-stop handle and self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels, and the TSA-compliant combination lock that keeps your belongings secure.
Meanwhile, the interior zippered sections keep your belongings secure and organized, and there’s a water-resistant pocket for toiletries or damp items.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 14.5 x 23 inches
Weight: 8.1 lbs
Material: Polycarbonate hard shell
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Carry on 21”
A softshell suitcase allows you to squash in a few extra items of clothing, and it won’t crack if it gets dropped or hit. However, a soft side case also offers less protection to your belongings, especially delicates.
The Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside model is one of the best carry on suitcases if you prefer a soft-sided case. It is made from a tough nylon fabric that will resist abrasion and has water-resistant chrome zippers to help keep your possessions dry.
Like the hard shell version of this case, the Softside case comes in a range of colors and has leather detailing that gives a luxe finish. It also has the same TSA-compliant combination lock and PrecisionGlide System with lightweight and self-aligning 360° spinner wheels.
Dimensions: 9 x 14.5 x 23.5 inches
Weight: 7.72 pounds
Material: Polyester
DELSEY Paris Clavel Carry-On 19”
This award-winning hardside carry-on case is from one of the best lightweight roller luggage ranges. The Clavel is the lightest ever luggage range from Delsey Paris, and the 19-inch Clavel Carry-On weighs just a little over 5lbs. It’s perfect for a stylish weekend getaway.
The case is made from 100% polypropylene, which has a great ability to withstand wear and tear. The near-silent double spinner wheels make rolling the case a dream, and in addition to the telescopic handle, there are top, bottom and side handles for easy carry .
There are two full packing compartments inside the Clavel Carry-On, with a zippered mesh divider and straps to keep everything in place. The suitcase expands by up to 2 inches, and the unique Delsey Paris SECURITECH closing system offers optimal security for your belongings.
Dimensions: 9.75 x 13.75 x 21.75 inches
Weight: 5.3 lbs
Material: Polypropylene
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner
An under-seat carry-on bag offers easy access to your belongings during your journey. This sleek Samsonite Underseat Carry-on has many features of a full-sized carry-on case but is small enough to fit under most airline seats.
The ergonomic locking handle and four multi-directional spinner wheels give easy mobility, or you can use the Smart Sleeve on the back of the case to secure it over the telescopic handle of your regular case.
The quick stash exterior pockets maximize packing space for smaller items, and the main compartment of the Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner has a padded laptop section to fit screens up to 13.3”. There’s also a built-in USB port for charging on the go.
Dimensions: 9 x 13.5 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Material: Polyester
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside 2.0 Carry-on 21 Inch
The Deluxe Delsey Paris Chatelet Hard Spinner combines style and function in a durable hard-sided carry-on case. It has vintage-style good looks with vegan leather details on a lightweight polycarbonate shell that’s available in several colorways.
Four multi-directional double-spinner wheels give lightweight maneuverability and stability, and the recessed TSA-approved combination lock ensures the security of your possessions. The handy USB port lets you charge your gadgets on the move.
Inside this elegant carry-on suitcase, you’ll find a fully zippered compartment on one side and a compression compartment to squeeze a few extra items in. There’s also a laundry bag, shoe bag, and removable hanger.
Dimensions 15 x 10 x 22.75 inches
Item weight 7.7 lbs
Material Lightweight 100% polycarbonate
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Photo credits: Tumi, Away, Monos, TravelPro, Delsey, SwissGear, Samsonite
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