8 Top-Rated Carry-Ons That Make Traveling So Much Easier
Between layovers, delays and packing, traveling can be ~stressful~ to say the least. But if you have a reliable carry-on (with smart add-ons like a built-in phone charger), it can make all the difference. So we scoured the internet for the top-rated carry-ons around and here are eight we love.
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1. Calpak Ambeur 22-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On
When we’re stuffing our life into 22 inches of space, every pound counts. Luckily this hard-sided spinner is just seven pounds, so we can bring along that extra pair of shoes (and, OK, all the toiletries) and still have the ability to stow this ultra-lightweight bag in the overhead compartment. But if you tend to shop on vacation (guilty) this Calpak comes equipped with a generous expansion sleeve that lets you squeeze in all your purchases.
2. Béis 21-Inch Rolling Spinner Suitcase
Actress Shay Mitchell wanted chic travel accessories that didn’t cost a million dollars and wouldn’t fall apart after just one trip, so she created some of her own. And judging by the 221 five-star reviews for this style, it’s safe to say travelers everywhere wanted the same exact things. This 21-incher features 360-degree smooth-rolling wheels that make zipping through the airport a breeze. Plus, the cushioned silicone grip is a welcome bonus many carry-ons don’t have.
3. AmazonBasics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner Luggage
This international-size carry-on might be simple, but it’s a total crowd-pleaser. From the protective hard shell to the scratch-resistant finish and even the fully lined interior with three zippered pockets, it’s everything we need in a carry-on without any unnecessary bells and whistles. One Amazon reviewer (and very frequent flier) gave it a rave review and five stars: “I'm a flight attendant so obviously I travel a lot. I’ve been searching for a chic, easy-to-roll hard suitcase that can handle an enormous amount of use. I just received my suitcase this week… and I LOVE IT!!! It rolls with complete ease!!! It’s sturdy too!! My arms and back feel absolutely zero stress.”
4. Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds 20-Inch Carry-On
When everyone’s suitcase looks the same, you just might sleepily and unknowingly take someone else’s belongings with you. But this highly-rated, hard-sided carry-on comes in 12 colors—from kelly green to magenta—so you’ll always know which bag is yours. The smart design, including two top and side handles, will make pulling it out of the bin the easiest part of your travels. Inside, you’ll find two fully lined compartments that keep shoes and clothes separate. The large interior side pocket is perfect for storing toiletries, while the garment restraint straps tighten to hold everything in place so it all doesn’t come spilling out when you open it.
5. Samsonite Omni Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels
If you want something that looks pricey but costs far less than a week of airport parking, this Samsonite carry-on is the way to go. More than 2,000 reviewers explain that it’s a quality bag made for years of travel and doesn’t easily show signs of wear. One buyer says, “I travel weekly and this has been very dependable and great at keeping my clothes dry [even] when it’s been out in the rain. Highly recommend for the frequent traveler.” Another purchaser compared it to a $600 Tumi model, raving, “The spinners are also keeping up much better than my previous set of Tumi luggage of a similar style and look.” And yet another reviewer tested its limits on a weeks-long European trip, saying, “It’s survived gravel, cobblestone roads and even being dragged up and down stairs by the handle without a scratch on the suitcase itself.”
6. COOLIFE Luggage Expandable 28-Inch Suitcase
Packing is an art made much, much easier with ample storage space. This 28-inch suitcase isn’t just the biggest TSA-approved-model we’ve seen, but it also features two mesh interior pockets that keeps socks and other small accessories from getting lost in the abyss. It can fit enough clothing for a seven- to nine-day trip, which eliminates the debate about whether or not to check a bag for that extended tour of Italy.
7. Delsey Chatelet Plus 21-Inch Carry-On Hardside Spinner Suitcase
We’ve seen this carry-on attached to the hands of some of the most stylish people at the airport. Needless to say, it’s just as much a fashion statement as it is a travel accessory. It even includes a hanger so you can easily steam an outfit as soon as you get to your Airbnb. We’re also obsessed with the matching tote, which has a sleeve that easily slips over the handle of the carry-on.
8. Away The Bigger Carry-On
This kind of goes without saying, but cult-favorite travel brand Away is basically a status symbol among millennial travelers. This suitcase, which is about an inch wider and taller than the standard carry-on, can fit enough items for a weeklong getaway and still fit into the overhead bin of major airlines. But the real kicker is the ejectable battery (which, BTW, is compliant with all airline policies, TSA-safe and approved to fly) that can charge any phone up to five times and comes with two USB hubs. The interior compartments are an organized packer’s dream: One is designed for clothing and the other for hard items like shoes. Oh, and if you’re forced to check your bag at the gate due to space, the polycarbonate shell will protect your items no matter how aggressively the bag loaders toss it into the plane.
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