The best carry-on luggage checks all the boxes, and—if you’re a light packer—eliminates the need to check a bag. Clever designs make efficient use of space and are easy to maneuver around the airport, then tuck seamlessly into the plane’s overhead compartment (or in some cases, underneath the seat in front of you). The beauty of traveling with a carry-on is the ability to keep your possessions with you at all times; if you’ve ever lost a checked suitcase, you know how stressful it can be. So, we rounded up our top carry-on luggage recommendations, including the TravelPro Platinum Elite Spinner, named our best overall pick, and the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner, a worthy yet affordable option.
Our editors and travel experts have rounded up the best carry-on luggage that will make your next … [+] trip a breeze.
The Forbes Vetted team consists of several avid travelers, many of whom chimed in with their go-to carry-on luggage picks; senior travel editor (and experienced globetrotter) Astrid Taran then reviewed each selection. We also consulted travel experts including CIRE Travel’s Amy Brueckner and Colleen Kelly, host of PBS’ Family Travel with Colleen Kelly, to pinpoint exactly what makes a piece of carry-on luggage exceptional. While we focus primarily on wheeled luggage, we’ve also included backpack and duffel options that are designed to meet your on-the-go needs. A final pro tip: A set of packing cubes will help you squeeze more into a smaller bag.
- Best Carry-On Luggage Overall: TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Spinner
- Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage: Monos Carry-On Pro
- Best Carry-On Luggage For International Travel: Rimowa Original Cabin
- Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage: Away The Carry-On
- Best Affordable Carry-On Luggage: Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner
- Most Durable Carry-On Luggage: Traveler’s Choice Archer Carry-On Spinner
- Best Carry-On Luggage For Business Trips: Briggs & Riley Baseline
- Best Carry-On Backpack: Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack
- Best Carry-On Duffel Bag: Dagne Dover Layton Carryall
Editor’s Pick
Amazon
TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Spinner
Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Colors: 5 total, including Metallic Sand and Shadow Black | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
The TravelPro Platinum Elite Spinner tops our list due to its wealth of thoughtful features, including self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels, an ergonomic handle, external USB ports for convenient charging and a TSA-approved lock. If you need extra space, you’ll find a 2-inch expandable panel that can be opened or sealed with a zipper. Inside, there are mesh organizing pockets as well as a water-resistant pouch to keep damp toiletries separate from clothes.
The 100% polycarbonate shell has a textured finish that resists scuff marks while aluminum detailing at the corners further prevents dings and scratches. While this hardside suitcase is built to last, you’ll feel at ease knowing there’s a 5-year limited warranty that covers unexpected damage.
What the editors say: “I have the checked medium-size TravelPro Elite and can attest to the fact that the textured exterior shell is very durable and lightweight, and the four wheels are built for smooth gliding,” shares senior updates editor Karen Tietjen. “Some of the features differ slightly from the checked bag versus the carry-on; for instance, the carry-on has a built-in USB charging port, while the checked bag does not.”
Pros:
- External USB ports
- Resists scuff marks
- Self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels
Cons:
- No front pocket
- Limited color selections
Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Colors: 13 total, including Desert Taupe and Olive Green | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
The versatility, durability and sharp aesthetics of Monos’ Carry-On Pro make it an all-around excellent hardside luggage option. It’s designed with 360-degree spinner wheels that are easy to maneuver and an internal pad to compress your clothing. The padded front compartment offers premium organization (which is usually lacking with hard-sided luggage) without sacrificing protection—a crucial detail for those flying with expensive tech.
This polycarbonate suitcase is designed to fit in the overhead bin of “almost any flight, anywhere in the world” according to Monos and is outfitted with an ultra-sturdy telescopic handle, TSA-approved lock and vegan leather details. Note that it also comes in the Carry-On Pro Plus size, which offers more packing space but may be too big for some international flights.
What the staffers say: “Compared with similar hardsides I’ve used in the past, the Monos Pro’s front laptop pocket actually has enough room for both my laptop and other travel essentials,” says Forbes Vetted updates writer Francesca Sales. “I also love the interior compression—the board combined with the two adjustable straps makes it so that I’m really able to pack so much in it.”
Pros:
- Padded front pocket
- Built-in compression pad
- Wide range of colors available
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the front pocket takes up too much space
MOST POPULAR
Rimowa
Rimowa Original Cabin Packing Case
Dimensions: 21.7 × 15.8 × 9.1 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Colors: 4 total, including Silver and Black | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee
This aluminum shell suitcase is ultra durable for the most avid (and rough-on-their-luggage) travelers. It’s also proof that you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for utility. While you’ll pay a pretty penny for this case, you’ll enjoy effortless maneuverability with its innovative multi-wheel system and telescopic handle. Inside, there’s a flex divider for organization and two built-in TSA-approved locks for extra security no matter where your travels take you.
The Cabin automatically comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, but if you register online, it extends to 5 years. Just keep in mind that the width and depth of this pick may be slightly bigger than some airlines allow, so be sure to double-check the flight guidelines before purchasing. If you need a more compact suitcase, Rimowa offers smaller sizes in this design. Or, if you want a little extra space, try the slightly bigger Rimowa Cabin Plus.
What the staffers say: “My Rimowa Cabin Plus literally floats through the airport—the wheels and maneuverability are unmatched,” says Alexis Caldwell, executive director of business development and partnerships at Forbes Vetted. “I can squeeze so much into it with the compression system that I have never needed a larger suitcase, even on multiple three-week trips to various destinations.”
Pros:
- Built-in flex divider
- Ultra-durable aluminum shell
- Double TSA-approved locks
Cons:
- Expensive
- No front pocket
Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds | Colors: 8 total, including Navy and Seafoam | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Away is one of the most buzz-worthy luggage brands: The lightweight polycarbonate-shell suitcases come in a spectrum of Instagram-worthy colors at a reasonable price. You can pick and choose upgrades like suitcase or luggage tag monogramming or an ejectable USB charger that keeps tech juiced up. (FYI, the USB add-on is not offered with select colors.) Other convenient features include swiveling wheels, an underside grab handle, a TSA-approved lock and a hidden laundry bag.
If you’re still on the fence, the brand allows returns within the first 100 days of purchase. Take note that monogrammed items cannot be returned; however, all items are covered under the company’s limited lifetime warranty.
What the travel pros say: Brueckner mentions that her husband has The Bigger Carry-On: Aluminum Edition and “is really happy with it.” She continues, “Sometimes when we travel, we’ll buy a bottle of wine or two and check our bag on the way home. Our precious vino is definitely protected in his hardshell suitcase!”
Pros:
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Interior compression system
- Underside grab handle
Cons:
- No front pocket
- May not be suitable for longer trips
Editor’s Pick
Amazon
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner
Dimensions: 21.25 × 15.25 × 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Colors: 9 total, including Black and Mint Green | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited 10-year global warranty
The Samsonite Freeform Spinner is compact but expandable by 1 inch when you need a little extra packing room. It also has interior pockets and a divider to keep everything in its place. Four wheels make it easy to tote and a push-button handle pulls out and retracts as needed.
Other notable features include a recessed TSA-approved lock, a built-in ID tag and a modern color palette that includes Navy, Mint Green and White with gray accents. Since the shell is made out of polypropylene, it’s incredibly lightweight and comes at a wallet-friendly price; just keep in mind that it may not be as impact-resistant as a suitcase made with polycarbonate or aluminum. For casual travelers, though, it’s everything you need with an under-$200 price tag.
What the editors say: “I’ve had this carry-on for the past four years and it’s still in great shape,” says Forbes Vetted deals editor Kara Cuzzone. “I use it for both weekend trips (I’m an over-packer) and flights for longer vacations, and it has come in handy so many times. The expandable panel is so convenient for squeezing extra clothes in without having to opt for a larger suitcase, and the durable exterior ensures that my more delicate belongings stay protected.”
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Expands up to 1 inch
Cons:
- Polypropylene shell isn’t as impact-resistant as polycarbonate
- No front pocket
Traveler’s Choice
Traveler’s Choice Archer Carry-On Spinner
Dimensions: 21.5 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Light Purple | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
For hard-on-their luggage travelers, this suitcase’s polycarbonate shell is impressively durable and the diamond cut pattern is abrasion-resistant so your luggage looks new for longer. The interior has numerous pockets including mesh pouches so you can keep your shoes separate from your clothes, and the built-in TSA lock and USB charging port add functionality.
What makes this bag stand out among the endless luggage options, however, is the long telescopic handle (which is great for tall folks) and the 360-degree spinner wheels. For the over-packers among us, this luggage has tie-down straps to compress your items and zips up effortlessly (no more struggling to close your bag). If you need to squeak out some extra space—and if airline size regulations allow—you can expand it by 2 inches.
What the travel pros say: “I am in love with this carry-on,” says Kelly. She’s taken her Traveler’s Choice luggage on countless trips around the world and it has stood the test of time from years of traveling. “I use it for every trip I go on, from business to family trips,” Kelly adds.
Pros:
- Expandable by up to 2 inches
- External USB port
- Scratch-resistant exterior
Cons:
- No front pocket
Amazon
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 2-Wheel Carry-On
Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 9.7 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Olive | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
This suitcase is expandable and features two rolling wheels, an extendable handle and a built-in TSA-approved lock. Because of its clever trifold garment feature, it’s especially suited for anyone traveling for business or a formal occasion. While it’s certainly an investment, the brand’s Lifetime Guarantee covers repairs free of charge, meaning you can confidently take this bag wherever your job (or life) takes you.
What the travel pros say: “I love, love, love my Briggs & Riley Baseline carry-on in Black,” says Brueckner. “It has a lifetime guarantee, it expands and it has a hanging bag element for when I’m packing dresses. It has a little pouch in the back that holds my umbrella so I’m never without one on the road.”
Pros:
- Trifold garment feature
- Lifetime warranty that includes repairs free of charge
- Spacious front pocket
Cons:
- Not as impact-resistant as hardshell suitcases
- Some may not like the 2-wheeled design
Editor’s Pick
Peak Design
Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack
Dimensions: 20.9 x 13.4 x 7 inches | Weight: 3.17 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Sage | TSA-approved lock: No | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
If you’re looking to travel light with only a carry-on backpack, this pick from Peak Design —which we named our favorite travel backpack for women—makes it possible. It’s roomy enough to fit a couple of packing cubes stuffed with clothes but small enough that you can carry it around town when you reach your destination. It’s also way more functional than a standard backpack: The back compartment zips open so you can lay it flat to pack it full, the laptop compartment is easily accessible as you navigate security and the main compartment expands with a zipper if you need to carry more gear. It’s also versatile—the shoulder straps stash behind the padded back panel, which has a discreet handle so you carry it like a duffel.
The one drawback is that, when stuffed to the brim, it’s hard to fit a large water bottle in the expandable side pockets. The Peak Design also comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects and breakage, but it does not cover cosmetic damage or breakage due to wear and tear.
What the editors say: “The mesh zipper pockets that line the interior walls of the pack are strategically placed to maximize space and the soft pocket holds more fragile items like sunglasses or a phone,” says Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who owns this backpack.
Pros:
- Designated laptop compartment
- Can be converted into a duffel
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- May not be suitable for longer trips
- Hard to fit water bottle when backpack is full
Editor’s Pick
Dagne Dover
Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall
Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Dark Moss and Camel | TSA-approved lock: No | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Duffel bags aren’t as convenient as traditional carry-ons, especially if you have to cover distances between airport gates or hotels on foot. However, they’re lightweight and flexible, meaning you can make space for those hard-to-pack items without worrying about the constraints of a rectangular case.
Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall is ideal for weekend getaways and is designed with a laptop sleeve, interior pockets, a shoe bag and a mesh pouch for smaller essentials. A built-in trolley sleeve allows you to slip the bag right onto your rolling suitcase’s handle. The duffel bag is constructed out of premium neoprene (which is traditionally associated with wetsuits), so it’s resistant to leaks and spills. For this reason (and others), the Landon Carryall makes a particularly great travel companion for those with kids.
What the editors say: Forbes Vetted senior beauty editor Kari Molvar personally tested this duffel for herself. “After taking this bag on three recent trips to New York, I schlepped all over and can attest that the Landon Carryall held up extremely well,” she says in her review. “It’s not just that it holds a lot and is durable, but it’s versatile enough to serve other purposes.”
Pros:
- Built-in trolley sleeve
- Neoprene exterior is spill-resistant
- Designated laptop compartment
Cons:
- May not be suitable for longer trips
- Can become heavy when full
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team consists of many experienced travelers, which is why we tapped multiple editors to share their recommendations for carry-on luggage. We also consulted two additional travel experts: Amy Brueckner, chief operating officer of travel planning company CIRE Travel and Colleen Kelly, host of PBS’ Family Travel with Colleen Kelly. By referencing their (collective) decades of travel experience, we narrowed down the best carry-on luggage for any trip. Finally, this story is overseen by senior travel editor Astrid Taran, who has visited over 30 countries throughout the course of her career.
To keep you up-to-date on the best selections (and prices) available, we refresh this roundup regularly. In its latest November 2023 update, Vetted updates writer Claire Epting re-evaluated each pick and removed any products that no longer met the criteria for their respective categories.
How We Chose The Best Carry-On Luggage
We researched popular brands, pored through dozens of reviews, hunted for high-value picks and asked Vetted team members which carry-on suitcases they use for their own travels. You’ll find that staffers personally recommend several of the picks on this list, including the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner and Monos Carry-On Pro. Our travel experts were also asked about their go-to picks; Brueckner gave us the scoop on her all-time favorite carry-on, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 2-Wheel Carry-On, and mentioned that her husband backs Away The Carry-On. Meanwhile, Kelly is a big fan of the Traveler’s Choice Archer Carry-On Spinner.
When choosing our picks for softside luggage like backpacks and duffels, we prioritized brands with excellent warranties and stellar reputations, as these bags tend to wear more easily than hardside luggage. Further, both the Peak Design 30L Travel Backpack and the Dagne Dover Layton Carryall come personally recommended by two of our editors.
What To Consider When Buying Carry-On Luggage
The best carry-on luggage for you depends on your trip and travel style. Here are some things to consider, along with expert insights from Brueckner.
Size
The most important quality of carry-on luggage is its dimensions—you want to ensure it meets airline requirements so you won’t get slapped with extra fees to check your bag at the gate. Some luggage is designed to be expandable, so you can increase the amount of storage space when needed. Brueckner prefers expandable bags that qualify as carry-ons, as long as they’re compact. Often, she’ll lightly pack a carry-on for an outbound flight, and if she acquires souvenirs during her trip, she’ll expand it, stuff it full and check it on the way home.
Durability And Warranty
Quality luggage can be pricey, but a carry-on you can depend on is worth the investment. If you’re an avid traveler and plan on investing in expensive luggage, make sure it comes with a good warranty. “I travel a lot so I want my luggage to be durable,” says Brueckner. “My current bag (the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 2-Wheel Carry-On) wasn’t cheap but it has a lifetime guarantee.” Further, if you plan on purchasing from a third-party retailer like Amazon, double-check with the brand directly to make sure the warranty still applies.
Extra Features
You also want to consider maneuverability and features like interior pockets and dedicated laptop sleeves. For extra security, look for a carry-on with a built-in TSA-approved combination lock, which TSA agents can open with a master key so they don’t have to damage your luggage if it must be inspected. If the possibility of your tech running out of battery is cause for concern, consider suitcases that have built-in USB chargers, like our top pick, the TravelPro Platinum Elite Spinner.
Color
While a bright color will make your bag pop, keep in mind that lighter shades are more likely to show scuffs and spots. Says Brueckner, “I’m a big fan of black because it doesn’t show dirt or dings. But everyone has a black bag, so make sure to add some flair with a brightly colored ribbon or luggage tag so you know it’s yours.” If black feels too generic, opt for another dark shade—the Traveler’s Choice Archer Carry-On Spinner, for instance, comes in deep purple and green hues.
What Is The Size Of Carry-On Luggage For Most Airlines?
The specific size allowance for carry-on luggage varies from one airline to the next, but the general rule is that a carry-on bag should be no bigger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. We recommend always checking your preferred airline’s size restrictions online before heading to the airport, as these rules are subject to change. Brueckner adds to be especially diligent if you’re flying internationally. “Some airlines have different size rules for domestic versus international,” she says.
What Kind Of Carry-On Luggage Is Best?
Ultimately, the decision of which carry-on luggage to buy will come down to your personal preferences and travel habits. That said, many people prefer hardside carry-ons since they are durable and maintain their shape, keeping your belongings extra safe and secure.
After extensively researching the top luggage brands on the market, we elected TravelPro’s hardside carry-on suitcase as the best overall in terms of overall design, durability and added features. However, some may find that they prefer the convenience of a duffel bag, such as the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall. Still, others might prefer a hard-wearing backpack, like our pick from Peak Design.
Is Hard Or Soft Luggage Better For A Carry-On?
Some might assume that this is a question of personal preference, but in most instances, a hardside suitcase is the best option. Hardside luggage is stronger so it can protect any delicate items you may need to pack (like camera equipment or toiletry bottles). Hardside carry-on bags also hold their shape in overhead bins next to your fellow passengers’ bags and can stay strong against the unceremonious shoving they might endure up there. Plus, if you get caught in the rain with your bag, a hard-sided suitcase won’t turn into a soaked-through mess.
Soft-sided luggage has a few benefits, though: Namely, it can compress and fit into smaller spaces than hardside luggage—that is, if it’s not overstuffed. And while it might not be as durable overall as a hardside, softside carry-ons don’t scuff or scratch so they may look newer for longer. However, because they are made of nylon or other fabrics, they are prone to ripping so we recommend shopping from a brand with an extensive warranty, such as Peak Design.
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