The Best Carry On Luggage

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Two-Piece

Take Flight

This stylish and functional two-piece is here to be your perfect companion on any kind of flight.

Best Hard-Sided

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Samsonite’s two-piece is ideal for long trips where one piece of carry-on luggage won’t suffice. Only the smaller one meets the airlines’ size restrictions for carry-on luggage, so the larger one is meant to be checked.

But you don’t need to worry about rough handling doing any damage to this luggage. The luggage’s outer layer is cased with a hyper-durable micro-diamond polycarbonate texture, which is supremely scratch-resistant and helps keep your possessions safe no matter where they are on the plane. Both suitcases come equipped with multi-directional oversized spinner wheels, so you’ll have no problem wheeling them through airports at any direction or speed. The asking price for both is a little steep, but we feel the quality here is too good to pass up.

Pros:

• It has side-mounted TSA locks that make sure the only people opening your luggage are you or a TSA agent
• It has a self-retracting carry handle that sits flush alongside the rest of the case when not in use

Cons:

• One of the suitcases is too big to be used as carry-on

AmazonBasics Under-Seat Rolling Carry-On Luggage Bag

Under the Radar

This understated and highly effective under-seat rolling bag is here to help you keep all of your carry-on items as close as possible.

Best Soft-Sided

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This little bag is a stellar display of practical minimalism in action. It comes equipped with a slew of compartments and pockets so you can neatly organize all of your essential travel items. The spacious main pocket is big enough to carry your clothing for a trip and possibly even a pair of shoes. And to make it even more convenient, this bag also has wheels. The carry handle pulls out far enough to make rolling the bag with your hands comfortably at your side easy as can be. This bag is definitely worth a look from those who want a reasonably priced carry-on suitcase that will help them travel lightly.

Pros:

• It has plenty of smaller pockets to hold toiletries or other travel essentials
• It fits right under your feet, so you don’t have to worry about losing it

Cons:

• The zipper quality could be better
• The handle might not stay up unless it is in the full-height position.

American Tourister Disney Softside Upright Carry-On Luggage

Take Some Friends Along for the Ride

This suitcase is kid-tested and mom-approved.

Best for Kids

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If you’re looking for a durable suitcase that’ll make you and your kids happy, look no further than this lighthearted offering from American Tourister. With six different Disney themed designs to choose from, there’s sure to be one for every kid to fall in love with. Better yet, it’s well within the carry-on luggage size restrictions. You should have no problem fitting it into the overhead compartment. There’s a large mesh pocket added to the interior panel that’s ideal for easy access to books, passports, and video games. Just like our other picks, this thing comes equipped with in-line skate wheels so your kids can feel like grown-ups rolling their bags through the airport at your side.

Pros:

• Kids love the designs
• The wheels roll smoothly and easily
• The small frame makes it super easy to fit into the overhead storage

Cons:

• Some of the Disney designs make this product quite a bit more expensive

Traveler’s Club Chicago Carry-On Luggage

Join the Club

Make your luggage vibrant, colorful, and practical with this fashionable carry-on suitcase.

Most Stylish

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Traveler’s Club goes fashion-forward in a big way with this piece of carry-on luggage. With nine different colors to choose from (including head-turning choices like teal, rhubarb, fuchsia, and rose gold), you’re sure to find a color that suits you best. Not only is the Traveler’s Club suitcase a stylish pick, but it’s also a durable one. The hard shell is made out of 100% ABS, which means it can take quite a beating. It’s got four single-wheel spinners that allow for total 360-degree maneuverability and free-weight rolling. The bag is also easy-expanding for maximum capacity packing. If you’re in the market for an eye-grabbing suitcase that’s tough as nails, this is the pick for you.

Pros:

• Approved for all airlines’ carry-on section
• There’s a fully lined interior accessory pocket
• It comes in nine different gorgeous colors
• Low price

Cons:

• The wheels could feel a bit smoother

SwissGear Sion Softside Carry-On Luggage

Swiss Bliss

One of the most well-known brands in the game does it again with this high-end, exquisitely compartmentalized beauty.

Premium Pick

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SwissGear’s carry-on suitcase is finely crafted for convenience. It’s covered with all kinds of compartments and pockets that make organized packing a cinch. It also comes in nine different colors, featuring a couple of pleasantly unexpected choices like burgundy and pewter. It also includes helpful TSA locks that add an extra layer of security to your carry-on luggage. Plus, the spinning wheels and expandable carry-handle make it a breeze to walk down the terminal with this suitcase. You can keep your passports and other important documents safe with the water-resistant zippered wet bag in the interior. This suitcase is a little pricey, but we think that the undeniable quality makes up for it.

Pros:

• It has multiple interior mesh storage pockets
• The adjustable tie-down straps prevent the inside of the suitcase from becoming disordered
• There are left handles on each side of the suitcase that make it easy to carry from any angle

Cons:

• It doesn’t have an outer-layer hardshell for extra protection
• It’s on the pricier side, but the quality is top-notch

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of carry-on luggage as opposed to checked bags?

Carry-on luggage is more convenient than checked baggage for many reasons. For starters, checked bags will cost you per pound at most airlines, so if you plan on packing for a long trip, it could cost you quite a chunk of change. Baggage claim wait lines can be long, tiresome, and frustrating. Carry-on luggage can save you money, save you time, and make your flying experience far less stressful.

What is more durable: polycarbonate or ABS hardshell?

A few of our picks have either polycarbonate material or ABS for a hardshell. They are similar materials, but a few key distinctions exist. Polycarbonate is known for being better for color options and design potential. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is more known for its strength level and impact resistance.