The Best Carry-On Suitcases for Every Type of Budget and Traveler
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The difference between an easy travel day and an irritating one often comes down to your suitcase. If you’re dragging a carry-on with broken zippers, sticky wheels or a busted handle through the airport, it’s basically a guarantee that you won’t arrive at your destination in the most pleasant of moods. If it’s time for an upgrade, we’ve rounded up some of the best carry-on suitcases to buy for 2024.
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Luggage brands like Tumi, Rimowa, Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, Away and Shay Mitchell’s Béis offer some of the best carry-on suitcases that are TSA-approved and meet most airline sizing requirements. In addition to roller bags, we’ve also highlighted a couple of options for carry-on backpacks and weekender bags for more rugged adventures (including ones from Patagonia and Calpak). With one of these bags, plus a clear toiletry case to keep your bag organized, getting through the airport is easier than ever. You might even be relaxed enough to catch some sleep on your flight.
Related: The Best Luggage Brands For Your Next Adventure
In this update, we’ve added more options for kids and outdoorsy types, along with new releases from Travelpro and Hotel Collection. From luxe pieces that last a lifetime to affordable rollers, here are some of the best carry-on suitcases at every price point to shop now.
BEST CARRY-ON OVERALL
Samsonite Voltage DLX Carry-On Spinner
$120 $190 37% off
Samsonite is practically synonymous with the luggage category, and the brand’s Voltage DLX carry-on spinner won’t disappoint. It measures 22 inches tall and has compression straps, a USB port and plenty of organizational compartments inside (including a liquid-friendly pocket). It expands up to one inch and you’ll get to benefit from Samsonite’s 10-year limited warranty.
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner Specifications
Dimensions 14 x 9 x 22 inches
Weight 6.06 pounds
Capacity 49-61 liters
Exterior material Polypyro
Expandable Yes, up to one inch
USB port/charger holder Yes (charger not included)
Other features TSA lock
Warranty 10-year global warranty
BEST CARRY-ON UNDER $80
Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner
Looking for a carry-on under $100? This Travelers Club hardside luggage from Amazon’s got you covered. It’s lightweight, expandable, and features double spinner wheels. It’s also available in a range of bright colors, so you’re in no danger of grabbing someone else’s bag by accident. Reviewers say that it’s a great value for the price.
Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Specifications
Dimensions 14 x 10 x 20 inches
Weight 5.6 pounds
Capacity 47 liters
Exterior material ABS
Expandable Yes
USB port/charger holder No
Warranty Limited warranty
BEST CARRY-ON UNDER $150
Quince Carry-On Hard Shell 20-In. Suitcase
For only $120, Quince’s 20-in. polycarbonate shell carry-on has 360-degree Japanese Hinomoto spinner wheels, a sturdy aluminum telescopic trolley handle with soft rubber for comfort, interior compression panels, TSA-approved locks and a removable laundry bag. The 40-liter capacity offers enough space for five to seven outfits, and there’s a 17-by-12-inch interior pocket for storage. It nests into Quince’s larger luggage for easy storage, and also comes in 21-, 24- and 27-inch sizes (including an expandable version for just $20 more).
Quince Carry-On Hard Shell 20-In. Suitcase Specifications
Dimensions 14.4 x x 9.1 x 22 inches
Weight 6.2 pounds
Capacity 40 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
Other features Backpack design, exterior 15-inch laptop compartment
Warranty Limited one-year warranty, 100-day return policy
BEST CARRY-ON WITH BUILT-IN GPS
Hotel Collection Carry-On
$209.97 $299.95 30% off
On sale for just over $200 for a limited time, Hotel Collection’s smart carry-on luggage boasts a built-in digital scale, GPS tracker (compatible with Apple devices only), compression system, a portable USB charger and TSA-approved lock, to name a few appealing features. (It’s worth noting that the extras make this heaviest suitcase on our list at 19 pounds.)
Also available in check-in sizes and other colors, the travel-focused brand’s carry-on also features a 360-degree spinner wheels, interior organizers and a clear luggage cover.
Hotel Collection Carry-On Specifications
Dimensions 15.25 x 9.25 x 22.75 inches
Weight 19.125 pounds
Capacity 40 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder Yes
Other features Built-in digital scale and GPS tracker, portable USB charger
Warranty Lifetime warranty
BEST CARRY-ON FOR LITTLE KIDS
Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase
Traveling with kids can be quite the adventure, and Trunki’s adorable ride-on suitcase adds some fun to a potentially stressful experience. Designed for kids ages 3-6, it comes in a variety of styles and has an 18-liter capacity. Little ones can sit on the luggage and scoot themselves or be pulled by their grown-ups with the handy pull strap. Indepedent kiddos will love carting it on their own, too.
Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase Specifications
Dimensions 18.2 x 7.99 x 12.2 inches
Weight 3.74 pounds
Capacity 18 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
Other features Ride-on design (maximum weight 110 pounds)
Warranty Lifetime warranty
BEST CARRY-ON FOR BIG KIDS
Fast Forward Hard-Sided Spinner
$79.87 $131.99 39% off
For the bigger kids who want to travel with their favorite characters, Fast Forward’s 20-in. carry-on suitcase features designs with Marvel or DC Comics superheroes, Disney princesses, Star Wars, Pixar, Paw Patrol and more. The 360-degree spinner wheels and lightweight ABS plastic case make this luggage lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the interior has plenty of organizers and dividers for efficient packing.
Trunki Ride-On Kids Suitcase Specifications
Dimensions 12 x 8 x 20 inches
Weight 4.65 pounds
Capacity ~38 liters
Exterior material ABS plastic
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
Other features Character designs
Warranty Limited warranty
BEST CARRY-ON UNDER $300
July Carry On
If you’ve had bad experiences with suitcases that break after getting tossed around, consider July’s elegant carry-on that features aluminum bumpers on the corners and a “crush-proof” German shell. It also features an ejectable battery and external USB port so you can keep your phone or headphones charged while you wait to board your flight.
July Carry-On Specifications
Dimensions 15 inches x 8.5 inches x 21.5 inches
Weight 7.4 pounds
Capacity 42 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable Yes
USB port/charger holder Yes (includes charger)
TSA lock Yes
Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 100-day return policy
BEST CARRY-ON LUGGAGE FOR UNDER $100
Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner
This 21-inch suitcase has more than 30,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and it’s also one of the best luggage pieces under $100. One particularly enthusiastic customer wrote, “No issues with fitting the suitcase in the overhead bin on even the small flights. Having the side handle along with the top handle helps me to lift the bag. Wheels couldn’t have been any smoother. They withstood long walks on tiled streets with no issues at all. I was pleased with the amount of space I had in the bag.” At only $83, this is a budget-friendly pick.
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner Specifications
Dimensions 13.58 x 9.45 x 19.09 inches
Weight 7.3 pounds
Capacity 39 liters
Exterior material ABS shell
Expandable Up to 15 percent
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock No
Warranty 1 year
BEST EXPANDABLE CARRY-ON
Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex
Away’s best-selling Bigger Carry-On Flex luggage is one of the best suitcases for travelers who can never seem to pack their stuff back in (or who always manage to bring home extra souvenirs. Boasting the travel brand’s award-winning lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell, this piece unzips to expand an extra 2.25 inches. It’s got a convenient underside grab handle, compressive pockets and a built-in laundry bag to keep your things organized, and it’s roomy enough to hold up to a week’s worth of essentials.
Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex Specifications
Dimensions 14.7 x 9.6 x 22.7 inches
Weight 8.55 pounds
Capacity 47.9 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable Yes
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock Yes
Warranty 100-day return policy, limited lifetime warranty
BEST AFFORDABLE SOFTSIDE CARRY-ON
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-in. Carry-On Spinner
$144.49 $170 15% off
This top-rated Travelpro Maxlite 5 soft-sided expandable luggage gets plenty of love from reviewers on Amazon for being lightweight and maneuverable. The interior is surprisingly spacious and keeps things simple with a zippered mesh pocket and compressive straps. Plus, it features slim exterior pockets to keep tablets, books, laptops or toiletries close at hand. This piece is available in a 19- or a 21-inch version, both in a range of colors.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner Specifications
Dimensions 14 x 9 x 21 inches
Weigh 5.4 pounds
Capacity 46 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable Yes, up to 2 inches
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock Yes
Other features Exterior pockets
Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 1-year trusted companion promise on registered products
MOST STYLISH CARRY-ON
Béis The Carry-On Roller
If you’re known among friends for being someone who always travels in style, you’re probably already familiar with Béis. The Shay Mitchell-owned travel brand is known for its chic and functional luggage, and this carry-on roller is no exception. It’s one of the only suitcases in the market with a built-in weight indicator and comes in a range of eye-catching colors that ensure you always know which bag is yours. Plus, it has multiple interior pockets, compressive straps, and 360-degree wheels to get you from place to place smoothly. Did we mention there’s also an exterior strap that holds your purse and built-in TSA-approved locks?
Béis The Carry-On Specifications
Dimensions 15.7 x 9.8 x 22.8 inches
Weight 8.36 pounds
Capacity 49-61 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable Yes, up to two inches
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock Yes
Other features Weight indicator, exterior strap
Warranty Limited lifetime warranty
BEST ROLLING DUFFEL
Patagoia Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag, 40L
If you’re loyal to your duffel bag but you’re tired of arriving at your destination with sore shoulders, consider Patagonia’s Black Hole wheeled duffel bag in the overhead bin-friendly 40-liter size. The wheels make it easy to get through the airport or train station, and the side handle makes it easy to grab and carry. Outdoorsy travelers will love the durable, ripstop exterior material that’s weather-resistant.
Patagonia 40L Black Hole Wheeled Duffel Bag Specifications
Dimensions 14 x 9.5 x 21.6 inches
Weigh 7.0125 pounds
Capacity 40 liters
Exterior material 14-ounce, 900-denier recycled ripstop polyster
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock No
Other features Weather-resistant, internal compression straps, interior organization
Warranty Patagonia Ironclad guarantee
BEST OVERSIZED CARRY-ON WITH FRONT POCKET
Monos Carry-On Pro Plus
The most annoying thing about carry-ons is that you don’t always have easy access to your belongings. Monos’ sleek Carry-On Pro Plus luggage features an “unbreakable” polycarbonate exterior, an accessible pocket on the front to store your laptop or other small items, and three interior pockets to keep things organized. This bag also simply feels luxurious, thanks to the vegan leather detailing, smooth telescoping handle, and 360-degree spinner wheels.
Monos Carry-On Pro Plus Specifications
Dimensions 15 x 9.5 x 23 inches
Weight 8.38 pounds
Capacity 46 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock Yes
Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 100-day trial
MOST LIGHTWEIGHT CARRY-ON
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin
One of the most lightweight carry-on suitcases we’ve found, Rimowa’s Essential Lite Cabin comes in at just under five pounds, making it a great investment piece for anyone who prioritizes craftsmanship and ease of travel. It also features a unique telescoping T-bar handle, easy-to-steer wheels and internal mesh dividers. If you’re still not convinced, Rimowa offers a lifetime guarantee for all functional aspects of the suitcase, so this could be your new travel companion for a long, long time. The brand’s celebrity ambassadors include Rihanna and Patti Smith, and its luggage has been spotted at airports with Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid.
Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin Specifications
Dimensions 15.8 x 9.1 x 21.7 inches
Weight 4.9 pounds
Capacity 38.2 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock Yes
Warranty Lifetime guarantee
BEST UNDER-SEAT CARRY-ON
Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
Calpak’s lightweight Hue Mini Carry-On is the definition of compact. At 16 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep, it can fit beneath most airline seats, so you shouldn’t have any problem getting it on the plane. The zippered interior pockets make it possible to pack everything you need for a long weekend in this sleek little bag.
Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage Specifications
Dimensions 14 x 8.5 x 16 inches
Weight 6.4 pounds
Capacity 31.2 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock Yes
Warranty 2-year limited warranty
BEST FOR STORING SUITS
TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner
$314.49 $370 15% off
TravelPro’s elegant piece of luggage is the perfect upgrade if you need a new carry-on. It has several impressive features, including a built-in USB port and a drop-in, fold-out suiter specifically designed to accommodate hanging clothes. Plus, it expands another two inches to offer some additional capacity for larger loads.
TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner Specifications
Dimensions 14.5 x 9 x 23.5 inches
Weight 7.8 pounds
Capacity 46 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable Yes, up to two inches
USB port/charger holder Yes (charger not included)
TSA lock No
Other features Removable quart-size wet pouch
Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 120-day trusted companion promise on registered products
BEST ECO-CONSCIOUS CARRY-ON
Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus
Travel the globe guilt-free with carbon-neutral travel brand Paravel’s Aviator Carry-On Plus, which features a polycarbonate shell, zippers, vegan leather, lining and aircraft-grade aluminum telescopic handle that are all made of recycled materials. This stylish luggage also boasts 360-degree carbon steel bearing wheels, an interior compression board, a TSA-approved lock and a removable accessories pouch and laundry bag. If you prefer more compact size for shorter trips, there’s also the regular carry-on for only $395.
Another thing to love? The company offsets the carbon emissions of sourcing, assembling and shipping each product as well as the equivalent of the suitcase’s first flight. Enjoy a 10-year warranty that covers structural damage, wear and tear and manufacturing defects.
Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus Specifications
Dimensions 14.7 x 9.6 x 22.7 inches
Weight 8.5 pounds
Capacity 46.6 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock Yes
Warranty 10-year warranty
BEST CARRY-ON BACKPACK
Away F.A.R. Convertible 45-L Backpack
Some trips are better suited to a backpack than a wheeled suitcase. If you’re looking for a lightweight but roomy option, consider Away’s F.A.R. convertible 45-liter backpack. It features dual interior and exterior compression systems to help you pack more in, plus multiple compartments to keep you organized. It also has removable shoulder straps which allow you to convert it into a duffle, plus a chest strap for more support.
Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L Specifications
Dimensions 13.6 x 9.5 x 21.7 inches
Weight 3.32 pounds
Capacity 45 liters
Exterior material Polyester
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock No
Other features Backpack design, exterior 15-inch laptop compartment
Warranty Limited one-year warranty, 100-day return policy
BEST BUSINESS CLASS CARRY-ON
Carl Friedrik Carry-On
We love the luxe look of Carl Friedrik’s hardshell suitcase, which has a zipperless aluminum frame with two combination lock closures, super-silent 360-degree wheels and is finished with Vachetta leather details that add an extra professional-looking touch when traveling. Inside are compression straps on both sides and a removable compression pad with a pocket (you have the option to add a second pad). Designed to adhere to U.S., European and most other global airline cabin-size guidelines, this carry-on also comes with a removable battery to charge devices.
Carl Friedrik Carry-On Specifications
Dimensions 14.6 x 9.5 x 21.6 inches
Weight 8.6 pounds
Capacity 40 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder Yes (includes charger)
TSA lock Yes
Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 100-day return policy
BEST WARRANTY
Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner
Besides the hassle-free Simple as That lifetime guarantee, we love Briggs & Riley’s Baseline Global 21-in. carry-on for its one-touch CX system that allows you to expand the suitcase up to two inches in depth. Business travelers will appreciate the built-in tri-fold garment folder that keeps up to two suits wrinkle-free, and genius design touches include strategically-placed mesh lid zip pockets and compression garment panels. Outside, the SmartLink strap lets you conveniently connect another bag, while the SpeedThru pocket provides easy access to items during security checks.
As for that warranty, Briggs & Riley covers repairs on all functional damage on your luggage, no receipt required. That makes the investment worthwhile, as it saves you from having to splurge on a new suitcase if, say, the zipper breaks or the fabric tears.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21-Inch Carry-On Specifications
Dimensions 15 x 9 x 21 inches
Weight 9.9 pounds
Capacity 49 liters
Exterior material Ballistic nylon
Expandable Yes
USB port/charger holder Yes (does not include charger)
TSA lock Yes
Warranty Lifetime warranty
BEST CARRY-ON FOR LONGER TRIPS
Tumi Alpha Continental Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On
Tumi is often spotted getting pulled by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and many other stars, but that’s not why the luxury travel brand is considered the best in class. The company was the first to introduce highly durable ballistic nylon in suitcases (as seen in this international-friendly carry-on), and its exclusive material features a special coating that’s “virtually abrasion-proof,” according to the brand. Details like the impact-absorbing handle, bumper rails and wheels help keep your belongings safe and sound during long flights and rough baggage handling, while other frequent flyer-minded touches include side and bottom grab handles, up to two inches expansion, interior compression straps and pockets, a myriad of exterior and interior compartments and a built-in USB port. We like that Tumi offers the option to add accent colors and monogramming for easier identification at baggage claim. Last but not least, enjoy a five-year repair guarantee.
Tumi Alpha Continental Expandable Carry-On Specifications
Dimensions 16 x 9 x 22 inches
Weight 11.4 pounds
Capacity 42 liters
Exterior material Ballistic nylon
Expandable Yes, up to 2 inches
USB port/charger holder Yes
TSA lock Yes
Warranty Five-year warranty
BEST CARRY-ON WITH BUILT-IN SHELVES
Royce & Rocket Castle Expandable Carry-On
If organization is of utmost importance when you’re living out of a suitcase, then you’ll love Royce & Rocket’s one-of-a-kind Castle carry-on. The expandable design gives you an extra two inches of luggage depth, and the unique shelving system folds flat to ensure that you’ve got plenty of packing space. Once you’re ready to settle in, fold the shelves out and snap them in place to display and store your essentials with ease.
Royce & Rocket Castle Expandable Carry-On Specifications
Dimensions 14 x 9 x 21 inches
Weight 8.5 pounds
Capacity 19 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate
Expandable Yes, up to two inches
USB port/charger holder Yes (includes charger)
TSA lock Yes
Other features Built-in shelves
Warranty Limited lifetime warranty, 100-day return policy
BEST FLIGHT ATTENDANT-APPROVED SUITCASE
Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage
Yet another Calpak pick, JSX flight attendant Roshonda Payne previously told THR that the brand’s 21-inch Ambeur carry-on “is one of my favorite suitcases for travel because it’s lightweight and expandable. It’s hard-sided so it protects your items better and it comes with a built-in lock.”
The suitcase expands up to two inches and has carbon steel-bearing wheels, and it has a capacity of 43 liters.
Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Specifications
Dimensions 14 x 9 x 21 inches
Weight 7.1 pounds
Capacity 43 liters
Exterior material Polycarbonate and ABS plastic
Expandable Yes
USB port/charger holder No
TSA lock Yes
Warranty 1-year limited warranty
BEST ALUMINUM CARRY-ON
Rimowa Cabin
Rimowa is an A-list favorite, with celebrity ambassadors including Rihanna, Lewis Hamilton and Blackpink’s Rosé and the likes of Billie Eilish, Rodger Federer, Martha Stewart and Spike Lee seen carting its luxe luggage. The brand’s best-selling Rimowa Cabin carry-on is among the best aluminum suitcases that’ll take on all of the hard knocks without adding too much extra weight.
Outside, the signature grooved anodised aluminum case, ball-bering mounted wheels with cushioned axles and a smooth telescopic handle make it handsome and easy to transport. Inside, the adjustable flex divider helps keep belongings organized.
Rimowa Cabin Carry-On Spinner Specifications
Dimensions 15.8 x 9.1 x 21.7 inches
Weight 9.5 pounds
Capacity 34.8 liters
Exterior material Aluminum
Expandable No
USB port/charger holder Yes (charger not included)
TSA lock Yes
Warranty Lifetime guarantee
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