10 Carry-On Bags That Make Packing Easier and Save You Time in the Airport
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Skip the checked luggage: From spinners and backpacks to spacious duffles, these carry-on bags are perfect for every type of trip and traveler.
Courtesy of Amazon, Solgaard
While you may think you need a spacious suitcase when packing for a vacation, you shouldn't underestimate the convenience of a quality carry-on bag. This travel essential can eliminate the need for checked luggage altogether, saving you money and time spent at baggage claim (or worse—stressful hours spent trying to locate a lost suitcase). Carry-on bags also make accessing items you might need mid-flight a breeze, so you can be prepared for just about anything.
Choosing the perfect carry-on bag, however, is easier said than done. There are a lot of options to choose from, from shoulder bags and backpacks to larger rolling styles. But no matter what type of vacation you're planning, there's a carry-on bag on our list that fits your travel needs.
Coowoz Large Travel Backpack
Courtesy of Amazon
Planning a weekend getaway? This travel backpack has room for everything on your packing list. "It's a great choice for freeing up your hands—and is especially useful if you are pushing a stroller or traveling with a pet," says Darla DeMorrow, a certified professional organizer, the owner of HeartWork Organizing, and the author of the best-selling book series SORT and Succeed. It has a zipper pocket on the back of the bag for storing things you'll need while you're on a plane, like your cell phone or e-reader.
Price at time of publish: $33.99
Solgaard Carry-On Closet
Courtesy of Solgaard
Carry-ons can be just as spacious as a real suitcase. Case in point is this award-winning luggage designed with six spacious, collapsible shelves for neatly storing clothing. It was also engineered with an indestructible polycarbonate shell and integrated USB port for on-the-go charging.
Price at time of publish: $295
Béis The Weekender
Courtesy of Beis
This bag streamlines the packing process. Its easy-access opening makes getting everything in and out a breeze; the bottom compartment was designed to keep your shoes and toiletries separate. If you are also planning on checking a bag, this carry-on has a trolley sleeve on the back, so it fits conveniently over your luggage handle.
Price at time of publish: $108
Steele Canvas Weekender Bag
Courtesy of Martha Stewart
Martha is no stranger to travel, which is why you can always trust her travel gear picks. She carries this weekender bag from Steele Canvas in her shop. The spacious interior gives you ample room to stow away clothes for your trip, while the exterior slip is the perfect size for any technology you're bringing with you. The adjustable cross-body strap will keep your hands free as you move through the airport.
Price at time of publish: $144.95
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Luggage
Courtesy of Amazon
If you prefer a classic-style carry-on, this one is a safe bet. "These smaller suitcases are chic and easily hoisted into overhead compartments," says DeMorrow. "The TravelPro brand is preferred by flight attendants and road warriors." This one has self-aligned magnetic wheels for precise control.
Price at time of publish: $369.99
Calpak Luka Duffel
Courtesy of Calpak
You'll want to use this bag as more than just a carry-on—it's that stylish. It comes with nine separate pockets—including a bottom compartment for shoes and toiletries—so you can keep all of your necessities organized. Digging through your luggage to find one item is officially a thing of the past.
Price at time of publish: $128
Samsonite Freeform Carry On
Courtesy of Amazon
As one of the most beloved luggage manufacturers, Samsonite offers a 10-year warranty on all of their luggage offerings. This suitcase, which comes with a TSA combination lock and ultra-light shell, maximizes your packing space while still adhering to carry-on size restrictions.
Price at time of publish: $179.99
MOSISO Women Laptop Tote Bag
Courtesy of Amazon
The ideal size for electronics and an extra outfit, this bag is perfect for the light packer or a quick business trip. "Polished and professional, the zippers will hold everything in place through security," says DeMorrow. "And it works as a tote once you get to your destination."
Price at time of publish: $56.49
Briggs & Riley Carry-On Expandable Spinner
Courtesy of Briggs & Riley
Need more room? No problem. This carry-on is expandable, so you can store extra items inside without needing to level up to a checked bag. Simply press the side buttons to make it expand, put your garments inside, zip up the suitcase, and collapse it back down to return to carry-on width.
Price at time of publish: $699
Lululemon City Adventurer Duffle Bag
Courtesy of LuluLemon
The ultimate on-the-go bag, this waterproof duffle has a top compartment for clothes and a bottom compartment for shoes, toiletries, and other miscellaneous items. The exterior padded pocket fits a 16-inch laptop and has an additional easy-access pocket for your phone, keys, and wallet.
Price at time of publish: $168
