We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Travel & Lifestyle Products Our Editors Share Their Picks for Best Carry-On Luggage Tried-and-true picks to accompany you on your next adventure. By Bernadette Machard de Gramont Bernadette Machard de Gramont Bernadette is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers food, drink, travel, beauty, home, and kitchen. Her work experience spans fashion, wine, entertainment, and design, while her life experience has made her a bonafide expert in travel, skincare, and anything involving French food and culture. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Taylor Rock Taylor Rock Taylor is the senior commerce editor for Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 25, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop More to Consider Questions You Might Ask Why Take Our Word for It? Photo: Real Simple / Alli Waataja If you like to keep your belongings close or skip baggage claim when you land, you likely rely on a carry-on bag. Whether it’s a sleek hard-shell spinner or a soft-sided roller, a great suitcase can make traveling more organized and efficient both on and off the aircraft. Choosing a cabin-friendly suitcase is personal, but we’ve determined the best ones are perfectly sized, easy to maneuver, and, in most cases, have some sort of internal divider or pockets for keeping belongings organized. For recommendations on the best carry-on luggage, we tapped our well-traveled Real Simple editors as well as expert adventurers: Helene Sula, travel blogger at Helene In Between and author of Two O'Clock on a Tuesday at Trevi Fountain, and Jackie Rezk, solo traveler and blogger at Jou Jou Travels. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Away The Carry-On at Awaytravel.com $275 Jump to Review Best Budget: Open Story Hardside Carry-On Spinner at Target $90 Jump to Review Best Soft Shell: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner at Amazon $170 Jump to Review Best Expandable: Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase at Quince.com Jump to Review Best Smart: July Carry On at July.com Jump to Review Best Splurge: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner at Amazon $659 Jump to Review Most Space: Away The Bigger Carry-On at Awaytravel.com $295 Jump to Review Best Aluminum: Tumi International Carry-on at Nordstrom $1,195 Jump to Review Best With a Laptop Pocket: Monos Carry-On Pro at Monos.com Jump to Review Best Tote: Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender at Everlane.com $95 Jump to Review Best Overall Away The Carry-On PHOTO: Away $275 at Awaytravel.com What Stands Out It’s lightweight, features a TSA-approved lock, and comes in plenty of great-looking colors. What Could Be Improved The outside may scuff with airline travel, and it’s not expandable. Away's The Carry-On is beloved for its sleek appearance and trendy colors. Made of 100% polycarbonate, it features an interior compression system (a must for overpackers), three mesh pockets and one hanging pocket, a water-resistant laundry bag, and enough room for three to five days of travel or five to seven outfits. Not one, but four of our editors chose this as their favorite carry-on bag. “The hype around these bags is real,” says Lisa Freedman, executive editor at Real Simple. “I've had mine for almost 10 years (maybe more?!) and it still amazes me.” Editorial shopping director Nicole Lund, who’s had hers for seven years now, agrees. “I have gotten a ton of use out of this suitcase for a variety of trips, and it's definitely a workhorse,” she says. “I love that it can be compressed—I've been able to fit a lot more than expected in it!” Let’s hear it for the 360-degree, smooth–gliding wheels that pivot on a dime and keep up with in-a-rush travelers moving haphazardly through the terminal. The adjustable trolley handle extends to two different heights, the underside grab handle makes it easier to lift into the overhead bin, and the TSA-approved combination lock keeps your items right where they belong for the duration of your trip. "It's a classic for a reason,” says senior home editor Hannah Baker. “I've had it for years, it holds up to lots of wear and tear, and thankfully even if it's stuffed to the gills, it still zips closed. The zipper hasn't even come close to breaking, which I can't say for other luggage I've tested.” Material: Polycarbonate outer, polyester inner | Size: 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds Best Budget Open Story Hardside Carry-On Spinner PHOTO: Target $90 at Target What Stands Out It’s simply designed but performs really well at a great price, and it expands to offer more space. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have a TSA-approved lock. If you don’t want to spend a fortune, this pick from Target’s Open Story line costs much less than competitors with many of the same features. “It has protected my belongings and held up extremely well through all the different plane, train, and automobile rides,” says Real Simple senior shopping editor Taylor Rock, who purchased this luggage three years ago for a month-long trip across Europe. It was the right size for every overhead bin, but it’s sturdy enough that if it needed to be checked, we wouldn’t worry about anything inside getting crushed. This polycarbonate hard-sided model has a roomy polyester-lined interior with a divider featuring a zippered pocket to keep belongings organized. “The separate zippered side is great for storing shoes and toiletries or stashing dirty clothes separate from your clean items on a slightly longer trip,” says Kate Geraghty, VP of the commerce home group. It can even expand 2 inches to offer space when you need it. Four double spinner wheels and a telescoping handle make it easy to roll through the airport, and although it doesn’t come with a built-in lock, you can easily purchase one to thread through the zipper pulls. Material: Polycarbonate/ABS plastic outer, polyester inner | Size: 21.75 by 13.5 by 8 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds Best Soft Shell Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner PHOTO: Amazon $145 at Amazon $145 at Travelpro.com $270 at Kohls.com What Stands Out This soft-sided case is lightweight and easy to maneuver, and the inside is made with post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. What Could Be Improved When expanded, it might be too large for U.S. airline cabins. If you prefer soft-sided luggage, this one from TravelPro is unbelievably light at just 5.4 pounds. It has a roomy interior with a lining made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. The telescoping handle locks in two different positions to fit a wider range of heights, and the four spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver. Two exterior pockets are easily accessible as well as an internal mesh pocket for organizing smaller items. This expandable carry-on suitcase is spacious enough for four to six days of travel or seven to 11 outfits—just note that it may make your luggage a touch too large to fit in some overhead bins (it’s tested to fit with most major domestic airlines). Material: Nylon outer, post-consumer recycled plastic bottle inner | Size: 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds Best Expandable Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase PHOTO: Quince View on Quince.com What Stands Out It’s similar to more expensive bags but less expensive because it doesn’t come with a brand label. What Could Be Improved The outer shell feels delicate for anything other than carry-on luggage. This expandable suitcase from Quince is one of several sizes from the brand’s luggage line and features a durable yet lightweight polycarbonate exterior. “After taking it on multiple trips, I can confirm it is surprisingly lightweight, which I appreciate when I'm tossing it into the overhead bin,” says Katie Holdefehr, associate editorial director at Real Simple. Travelers will appreciate the internal compression panels and removable laundry bag to store dirty clothes, plus two mesh pockets to contain small items. It’s wonderfully affordable and has many of the same high-quality features of more expensive luggage, like Japanese-crafted Hinomoto 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, a telescopic handle, and YKK zippers. This size expands an extra inch all the way around, but if that still feels too small, it’s also available in a 21-inch version that’s suitable for most airline cabins globally. Material: Polycarbonate outer, polyester inner | Size: 22 by 14.4 by 10.8 inches (expanded), 22 by 14.4 by 9.8 inches (closed) | Weight: 6.6 pounds Best Smart July Carry On PHOTO: July View on July.com What Stands Out The stylish exterior is very durable, and it offers a surprising amount of interior space. What Could Be Improved It’s not expandable. The sleek exterior of July’s signature carry-on suitcase is just one of our favorite attributes of this futuristic piece of luggage—it comes in over half a dozen attractive colors with an option to personalize the top, side, or back with the text of your choice in one of 10 fonts and so many colors. It boasts an aerospace-grade, German polycarbonate shell with reinforced corners, making it extra durable, and a water-resistant nylon lining. “When I first got the bag, I was worried that it was small, but it's surprisingly spacious inside,” says Real Simple food director Jenna Helwig, who has owned this suitcase for over a year. You can leave your portable charger at home—this bag has an integrated USB-C port to power your devices on the go (the ejectable battery makes it FAA-compliant). This piece also includes a stain-proof laundry bag, super-quiet spinner wheels, and a 20-height multi-stop telescopic handle, making this one of the most adjustable options on this list. This bag also comes with a lifetime warranty, 100-day trial, and free shipping across the U.S. Material: Polycarbonate outer, nylon inner | Size: 21.5 by 15 by 8 inches | Weight: 7.4 pounds Best Splurge Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner PHOTO: Amazon $659 at Amazon View on Briggs-riley.com $699 at Macy's What Stands Out The impressive compression system alone makes this bag worth the expense, but it comes with a lot of other features, too. What Could Be Improved It’s pretty heavy, and it’s expensive. While there are a number of recognizable spendy suitcases on the market, this classic piece from Briggs & Riley is understated yet luxe. Made of durable nylon, it features an aluminum telescoping handle, 360-degree shock-absorbing spinner wheels, and self-repairing zippers—all hallmarks of a great bag. The best part, though, is its one-touch compression system. Press the button to fully expand the bag, pack your items, zip it closed, and press the button again to compress it down to a smaller size. Additional features include a wrinkle-resistant garment compartment, interior mesh pockets, a convenient zippered front pocket, a TSA-approved lock, and an additional pocket for your phone and powerbank for on-the-go charging. You can even add a monogram if you want. This bag is pricey and a bit on the heavier side, but there’s not much more you can ask for in luggage, and it’s backed up with a lifetime guarantee for all functional aspects of the bag. Material: Nylon outer | Size: 22 by 14 by 9–11.5 inches | Weight: 10 pounds Most Space Away The Bigger Carry-On PHOTO: Away $295 at Awaytravel.com What Stands Out It’s lightweight and sleek, with just enough extra room for overpackers. What Could Be Improved It’s not suitable for small domestic carriers or international travel. If you can’t quite seem to travel light, you’re in luck—this suitcase is built just like our best overall pick but with more space. “I've had The Bigger Carry-On for a few years now, and it's so durable,” says Leslie Corona, associate home director at Real Simple. It features the same tough polycarbonate shell, TSA-approved lock, telescoping handles, and smooth-rolling wheels but has an extra inch of room on all sides. Plus, it’s sleek and chic. This model also has a double-buckle compression pad, three mesh pockets, and one hanging pocket, so you can use every last bit of space. Travelers will appreciate the included leather luggage tag and bonus laundry bag to keep dirties from mixing with clean clothing. This bag is large enough for about four to seven days of travel or six to nine outfits and still meets the carry-on requirements for most major U.S. airlines. Material: Polycarbonate outer, polyester inner | Size: 22.7 by 15.4 by 9.6 inches | Weight: 7.9 pounds Best Aluminum Tumi International Carry-on PHOTO: Tumi $1,195 at Nordstrom $1,295 at Zappos View on Tumi.com What Stands Out It has a sturdy, striking design. What Could Be Improved It’s the most expensive bag on this list, it’s heavy, and it has a smaller capacity. It might go without saying, but this carry-on suitcase is visually stunning—there’s no doubt you’ll be able to immediately identify it in an overhead bin, at baggage claim, or anywhere, really. The aluminum bag fits most domestic and international overhead bins, though it is quite heavy at 11 pounds. The interior holds a fair amount and features a few pockets, a removable garment compartment, and compression straps to help pack clothes and other items in tightly. It also has smooth spinner wheels for breezing through busy airports, two TSA-approved locks for added security, a three-stage telescoping handle, and top and side carry handles for optimum maneuverability. Material: Aluminum outer | Size: 22 by 14 by 9 inches | Weight: 11.3 pounds Best With a Laptop Pocket Monos Carry-On Pro PHOTO: Monos View on Monos.com What Stands Out The hard-sided pocket offers protection for your laptop, and you can try it for 100 days before deciding whether you want to keep it. What Could Be Improved It does not include a lock. The original Monos Carry-On has been a hit for years, thanks to its durable hard shell, stylish good looks, and quiet, smooth-rolling wheels. The Carry-On Pro adds an exterior zip pocket with multiple interior pockets designed to hold a 16-inch laptop and any other items that you don’t want to go digging around for at the airport, in flight, or in the cab on the way to your final destination. “No one wants to open up their bag to remove the laptop for security,” says Rezk, who currently uses this model. “And you want to have easy access to things like your passport and boarding pass.” Euna Park, shopping editor at Real Simple, has had the Carry-On Pro for just under five years and says it rolls incredibly smoothly, whether on cobblestone in Paris, asphalt in Tokyo, or dirt and grass in Upstate New York. It’s lightweight yet sturdy and has fit in every overhead compartment on both domestic and international flights. “The compression pad is my saving grace for every trip—I am a heavy overpacker, and it always spoils me with extra room,” she says. “I have never had trouble packing enough clothes, accessories, snacks, and beauty items that make it look like I'm moving.” In addition to the compression pads, the interior features two shoe bags and an antimicrobial, silver-ion-coated laundry bag. It also has a TSA-approved combination lock. It’s available in a wide variety of colors and some limited edition patterns and hues, making it easy to find one to suit your individual taste. Try it for 100 days, and if you don’t like it, you can send it back. Material: Polycarbonate outer, 100% recycled polyester inner | Size: 22 by 14 by 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds Best Tote Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender PHOTO: Everlane $95 at Everlane.com What Stands Out It’s surprisingly roomy, fits on top of a roller bag, and straps to the trolley handle. What Could Be Improved It isn’t very structured. If totes are your favorite silhouette for travel bags, consider this sleek weekender tote from Everlane. It has a slew of features—a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15 inches, two water bottle holders, an exterior zip pocket, and a trolley strap—and can be carried either crossbody, on the shoulder, or in your hand. We appreciate the eco-friendly nature of this bag since it’s made of 100% polyester from recycled plastic bottles, and “it’s deceptively huge, like Mary Poppins' bag,” says Lauren Iannotti, editor-in-chief at Real Simple. “I can fit everything I need in there, including my toiletries, change of clothes, extra layers, and all the flight snacks in the world.” Material: 100% recycled polyester | Size: 14.2 by 7.3 by 19.5 inches | Weight: Not specified Best Duffel Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag PHOTO: Dagne Dover $185 at Nordstrom View on Dagnedover.com $185 at Shopbop.com What Stands Out Sturdy fabric construction gives the bag structure, and the external phone pocket and trolley strap are a nice touch. What Could Be Improved The snaps tend to unsnap when the bag is full, and a larger external pocket would be nice. While many duffel bags look purely utilitarian in nature, this carryall from Dagne Dover has plenty of style. Made of thick neoprene, the bag still has structure even when it’s completely empty. It’s available in a variety of sizes, but the extra-large version is most spacious for use as a carry-on bag. (If you’re looking for a bag that fits under the seat in front of you, go with the large). Jamie Fischer, shopping writer for Real Simple, says this is her partner in crime for weekend trips. “The thick straps and neoprene material are sturdy and durable, and they don't dig into my shoulder at all,” she says. “I love the sleek look, too. My old overnight bag was ratty and somewhat embarrassing to use in public, but this one is just as fashionable as it is functional.” It has several internal pockets for organization, including a slot for a 16-inch laptop, a leash for keys, a shoe bag, and a detachable crossbody strap. The trolley strap and external pocket for your phone are highly convenient, too. This bag comes in a handful of standard and seasonal colors so you can color coordinate with your other travel items. Material: Neoprene outer, recycled polyester inner | Size: 20.5 by 10 by 10.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds, 3 ounces Best Backpack Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Travel Pack PHOTO: Osprey View on Amazon View on Osprey.com What Stands Out It’s got the ease of a roller bag and the portability of a backpack. What Could Be Improved It’s expensive and comes in limited colors. Osprey is a trusted brand among travelers of all sorts, especially so for those whose itineraries might be a bit more rugged. The Sojourn combines the functionality of a backpack with a roller bag, thanks to the addition of oversized wheels. “The wheels are so helpful when you don't want to lug your suitcase, but once you hit those charming yet challenging European streets, you’ll bless every strap of that backpack mode,” Sula says. And if it’s warm, no worries—the harness features ventilated mesh and foam with an adjustable sternum strap. (Similarly, there is a padded mesh hip belt.) This bag is made with ballistic nylon and has a roomy interior with pockets for organization, plus extra space in the rear pocket and compression straps to pack it all in as tightly as possible. Best of all, this size bag is suitable for carrying on most flights, including international, and there’s a hidden strap on the bottom for adding on extra bags. Material: Recycled high-tenacity nylon outer, ballistic polyester inner | Size: 13 by 17 by 23.2 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds Final Verdict When it comes to airplane cabin-friendly luggage, the Away Carry-On lands the top spot. It’s lightweight, durable, stylish, and highly recommended by our editors who have used it for years. If you don’t want to spend too much on a carry-on suitcase, opt for the Open Story Hardside Carry-On Spinner Suitcase from Target, which delivers when it comes to space and maneuverability at a fair price. How to Shop for Carry-On Luggage Like a Pro Size and Weight When selecting a bag, the first consideration is what kind of travel you’ll be doing. Domestic flights within the U.S. with major carriers will have larger overhead bins, while smaller carriers and regional planes may not accept larger bags. If you travel internationally, you’ll want to keep in mind that carry-on sizes are often smaller. Always check with the specific airline to see what sizes they’re able to accommodate so that you don’t end up having to check your carry-on bag last minute. Another consideration is weight, since you’ll want to ensure your packed bag falls within the acceptable weight range for carry-on luggage. If your bag is heavy when it’s empty, you may be inadvertently limiting your personal baggage allowance. “It also needs to be light enough that I can lift it into an overhead bin without pulling a muscle,” Sula says. Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell While this is a matter of personal preference, each has its pluses and minuses. Hard-shell cases offer a little more protection against impact, have a sleeker silhouette, are easier to clean, and usually fit easily into overhead bins (provided they fall within the airline’s size guidelines). However, even the toughest hard shell cases can get damaged with extreme impact, and they tend to show scuffs and scratches more easily than soft-sided cases. Soft-shell luggage tends to be less prone to visible wear and offers a little more flexibility when packing. That said, it’s susceptible to staining and won’t usually protect against water, which is important if you travel to rainy destinations and don’t have a cover for your bag. Organization When asked what features she seeks in luggage, Rezk looks for compartments. Internal pockets help keep underwear, socks, and any other small items separate from the rest of your clothes. An external pocket may come in handy for storing a laptop, magazines, or other items that you want to easily access while you’re in transit. Some carry-on bags even offer laundry sacks and garment bags. Maneuverability Rolling bags are the easiest to maneuver when it comes to navigating airports and city streets, so if you opt for luggage with wheels, test them out. The best wheels are able to turn 360 degrees so you can take tight corners or change direction without the suitcase tipping over. Another nice-to-have feature is additional external handles or grips so you can easily lift and move your luggage to and from a car trunk, luggage rack, or other non-upright position. More Carry-On Luggage to Consider Cuyuna Overnight Bag: This gorgeous bag comes in black or brown leather or recycled knit, and you can get it in two different sizes: overnight or weekender. It’s a favorite of Real Simple features editor Melissa Matthews, who can fit a laptop, magazines, a wallet, shoes, and a sweater inside. Style does come at a cost, though, as this rings in just under $500. Member’s Mark Weekender Travel Bag: Real Simple home director Erica Finamore was in the market for a Beis bag, but then she spotted this weekender at Sam’s Club. “It's amazing! The bottom pocket can fit three pairs of shoes, and the top part fits so much clothing.” It's perfect for people who tend to overpack, is sturdy, and is comfortable to carry for long periods. The kicker? It’s only $50. Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack: Real Simple executive editor Lisa Freedman searched long and hard for a practical backpack that wasn’t bulky or unattractive. This sleek and functional option features an exterior 15-inch laptop pocket, two zip-closure pockets, internal and external water bottle pockets, and two internal slip pockets. It may be too small to use as your main carry-on bag, but it’s a great personal item to slip under the seat and an awesome work bag for any commuter. Questions You Might Ask What size is allowed for carry-on luggage? It can depend on the individual airline, but most limit carry-on bags to 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including handles and wheels. International airline limits are a bit smaller, at about 21.6 by 15.7 by 7.8 inches. Either way, it depends on the carrier and the plane they are using for your flight, so it's always best to double-check your airline's specific guidelines before travel. Are hard-sided or soft-sided carry-on suitcases better? It depends. Hard-shell suitcases offer more streamlined silhouettes and are easy to keep clean but tend to have hard limits on how much you can pack into them. On the other hand, soft-sided bags have a little more give and can accommodate an extra item or two when the bag is reaching capacity, but they’re more prone to stains and holding onto smells. Ultimately it’s a matter of personal preference. How much should you pay for carry-on luggage? There are a few rare gems that are under $100 and have proven to be great suitcases, but most of the time, you get what you pay for. “A good-quality carry-on bag is definitely an investment,” Sula says. “Expect to spend anywhere from $150 to $600 for something that won’t fall apart on your second trip.” Why Take Our Word for It? Bernadette Machard de Gramont is a Los Angeles-based writer specializing in global food, wine, and lifestyle content. A frequent flier to Hawaii, Europe, and various food and drink meccas across the country, she is always on the lookout for gear and accessories that make traveling easier and more comfortable. In addition to polling Real Simple editors, she spoke to two expert travelers: Helene Sula, blogger at Helene In Between and author of Two O'Clock on a Tuesday at Trevi Fountain, and Jackie Rezk, solo traveler and blogger at Jou Jou Travels. Real Simple senior shopping editor Taylor Rock also contributed to this roundup.