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Lauren Savoie/Business Insider
The internet is filled with stories of travel nightmares, but imagine a scenario where you're strolling through the airport confidently and easily with your suitcase gliding by your side; everything you wanted to pack has fit neatly into one bag, and you don't have a care in the world about squeezing it into the overhead bin. The best carry-on suitcases are reliable, durable, easy to pack, hold plenty of clothes, and fit on both domestic and international planes of all sizes.
As travel editors who take more than 50 flights a year, we practically live out of our carry-ons at times. Our picks for the best carry-on bag are based on years of hands-on testing using objective tests and real-life travel. Our top choice is the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Spinner, a bag designed by an airline pilot with thoughtful features like well-placed pockets and leather detailing. If you prefer a hard-sided bag, we also recommend the Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels, which has proved to be durable, spacious, and easy to maneuver.
If you're in the market for checked luggage, be sure also to check out our guide to the best luggage, which details all our favorite travel brands.
Best overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Spinner - See at Travelpro
Best hard-sided: Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels - See at Amazon
Best budget: Quince Carry-On Hard Shell Suitcase, 21"- See at Quince
Best high-end hard-sided: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin - See at Rimowa
Best high-end soft-sided: Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-on Expandable Spinner - See at Briggs & Riley
Best for extra space: Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex - See at Away
Best aluminum: Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition - See at Away
In the process of testing for this guide, I spent hours in airport lounges cataloging the bags used by frequent travelers, and no bag was more represented than the Travelpro Platinum Elite. When I eventually tested it myself, it was easy to see why Travelpro is well-regarded among serious travelers and airline crew. The sleek-looking, high-density nylon fabric is durable and stain-resistant and has not torn or ripped in the time I've used it. Leather detailing not only adds a sophisticated look but also makes the top lifting handle extremely comfortable.
With an expansion option of two full inches, this bag holds a ton. There are three front pockets of varying sizes, including one that can hold a laptop. The main compartment has the standard layout of a soft-side bag with one deep side and a smaller zipper compartment on the other side.
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Large chrome zippers are easy to maneuver, and the four large wheels make this bag one of the easiest to wheel on every surface, including carpet. The adjustable handle is very sturdy and has a contoured grip, making it extra comfortable.
The bag also comes with several smartly designed extras, including a garment bag, a removable clear plastic bag attached to the inside for holding toiletries and liquids, and a built-in USB port. Unfortunately, the battery isn't included, and the hardware is traditional USB-A — we'd like to see it upgraded to the more common USB-C.
Overall, this is a premium bag at a moderate price point, backed by a lifetime warranty. No bag in our testing has come close to offering the same features at this price point, which is why this is our top all-around pick for most travelers.
Read our full Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On review.
I've used this bag consistently for years, and while it has a couple of very small marks upon close inspection, it has remained in remarkably good shape — especially compared to other hard-side cases I've tried.
It's easy to lift into overhead bins and a rubberized grip under the top and side handles adds extra comfort for handling. The zippers run smoothly and the expansion zipper even has a finger hole for extra ease and agility. There is also a TSA-approved lock on the right side.
Hannah Freedman/Business Insider
Despite its small size, I can fit a week's worth of clothes inside, and the 1.5-inch expansion capability comes in especially handy if you often return from a trip with more than you originally packed. While there aren't any fancy extras when it comes to interior storage, it's more than sufficient with a mesh zip close on one side and a strong buckle to keep clothes packed in tight on the other.
The bag's one downside is that the handle is a little bit wobbly when fully extended. As is the case with most suitcases, the handle poles also take up some space in the interior compartment, making it harder to lay items completely flat on that side.
Read our full Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Carry-On review.
Online retailer Quince has seemingly found a way to make high-quality, inexpensive dupes of all the internet's favorite luxury products, from cashmere sweaters to washable silk. The brand's first foray into the category is a hardshell carry-on that's a dead-ringer for Away and Monos suitcases, down to the decorative indentation on the front of the bag. We found Quince's suitcase to be a solid alternative to those pricier carry-ons — and it's less than half the cost.
This hardshell style is lightweight, but not flimsy. We liked that the interior has a removable mesh pocket and a zipped pouch that unfurls and can be easily tucked away when not in use. It's best for packing about four days worth of outfits. Otherwise, you'll find most of the same features that come standard in Away and Monos bags, including in-bag compression, integrated TSA locks, 360-degree wheels, and a fleet of on-trend colors to choose from.
The suitcase isn't a dupe in looks only: our tester found it was really easy to wheel around, which was key when navigating the subway. You'll also have an entire year to return the bag if you don't like it, and it's protected by a limited lifetime warranty (though the fine print doesn't specify exactly how long the "lifetime" of the bag materials is intended to be).
Quince also makes several other carry-on styles: a smaller 20" bag, an expandable option, and two bags with front pockets. We found the front pocket useless and cut into interior packing space. We think the 21-inch bag without the pocket is the best deal for most people.
Read our full Quince review.
Rimowa is best known for its distinctive aluminum suitcases frequently spotted on celebrity Instagram accounts. While those bags will set you back a cool grand, the luxury travel brand has alternative high-quality options that won't cost more than your monthly rent.
I was particularly impressed with the newer Essential Lite bag, which weighs less than five pounds — an especially great option for chronic overpackers who worry about their bag being overweight. Shockingly, the Lite suitcase actually holds slightly more than Rinowa's classic aluminum suitcase, too.
Hannah Freedman/Insider
The brand didn't sacrifice when it comes to the quality of the materials. Although the bag has some give at the top when pressed, the suitcase is plenty sturdy. Its thicker glossy coating also keeps it from scratching or marking up as easily as matte-finished suitcases. I tossed it around several times and it survived the back of a moving truck with no dents, scratches, or marks.
The bag has a TSA-approved lock on top, a rubberized top handle that's comfortable to grip, and a sturdy telescopic handle. The wheels are whisper quiet thanks to cushioned axles and worked beautifully on every surface from hardwood to carpet. I also liked that both sides of the interior had a mesh zipper, which I found made keeping everything organized and in place easier than the typical one-sided buckle system.
Rimowa's 5-year warranty isn't as extensive as other brands, which is a bit of a letdown given the price. However, the company works with a network of hotels to do repairs onsite should anything happen to your bag while you're traveling.
Read our full Rimowa Essential Lite carry-on review.
With a hybrid fiberglass frame, ballistic nylon exterior, reinforced corners, and smooth YKK zippers, this Briggs & Riley bag is made to withstand the test of time.
This suitcase is also full of ingenious tricks that make packing it a breeze and help you sneak in those extra outfits. For starters, the bag has a CX compression-expansion system that increases packing capacity by 25% before compressing back down to fit carry-on size regulations. Another smart feature that adds packable room to this bag is a fold-out divider in the smaller zippered compartment so you can stack clothes, fold it in, and then stack more clothes before zipping it all up.
Hannah Freedman/Insider
Unlike other bags we tested, the adjustable handle is entirely on the outside of this bag, so no packing room is lost to the poles. That said, it does mean that the poles are visible on the outside the bag and may make it slightly harder to slide the bag into the overhead compartment.
The wheels expertly navigated every surface, and the handle is sturdy and easy to grip. Two outer pockets on the front add additional space, but I found they didn't expand quite as much as the Travelpro front pockets. There's also a small zippered pocket on the back ideal for keeping your phone (especially when going through security).
The biggest downside: it's heavier than the other bags I tried and could be hard for some people to lift into the overhead, especially when fully packed.
If you're an anxious packer or just want a little more room in your bag for souvenirs, few carry-ons offer as much packable space at Away's The Bigger Carry-On Flex. This bag has all the features we love in Away carry-ons: a sturdy polycarbonate shell, sleek silhouette, smooth-glide wheels, and integrated locks. It looks just like a standard Away Carry-On, with one added feature: a zippable expansion panel that adds over two inches of packing space. When fully expanded, you'll have a whopping 53.5 liters of interior space in this bag.
However, there are some trade-offs. When fully expanded, this bag is too big to fit in any airline's sizers, and you may be asked to check it. As a result, it's best if you think of this bag as a roomy carry-on that converts to a checkable bag. That said, I've never been asked to check this bag when fully expanded, and I've carried it on over a dozen flights in the past few months. You'll have to do your own moral inventory of whether you're OK being a contributor to crowded overhead bins and "carry-on creep."
Lauren Savoie/Business Insider
I personally like using the expansion panel for easier packing and natural compression: I pack the bag while fully expanded, close it up, and then zip the expansion panel shut. Compressing the bag when it's already closed is much easier and makes for less wear and tear on the zippers.
This has quickly become one of my go-to bags for international travel or short trips that require bulkier or specialty clothing such as ski and hiking trips. It's also a fantastic option if you frequently travel by bus or train, where you don't have to worry as much about carry-on restrictions. Its manageable size and weight make it my first choice when I'm hopping the Amtrak between New York and Boston.
Like other Away bags, it has an attractive, modern look and comes in a range of on-trend colors. I've found that Away bags show wear and tear more readily than soft-sided bags like the Travelpro we recommend above. However, the bag is guaranteed for life and has a 100-day trial period.
Read our full Away Flex carry-on luggage review.
Aluminum suitcases are more expensive than standard polycarbonate options. However, they're supremely durable and built to seriously last. They also have a sleek and shiny look that stands out from the crowd at the airport.
This one from Away has quickly become one of my favorites. I was worried it wouldn't easily fit into all overhead bins because it has a bulkier look, but I was even able to fit it on a small regional plane recently.
Hannah Freedman/Business Insider
As for that shiny look, I receive compliments every time I take this bag out. And on durability, this carry-on has held up remarkably well so far, with no scratches, dings, or dents to speak of, even after I also threw it around on my rooftop to simulate the wear and tear that comes with typical plane travel.
Its 360-degree spinner wheels are a breeze to roll on numerous surface types. Rather than a typical zipper, this aluminum suitcase features two sturdy TSA-approved locks that easily click into place.
What most impressed me was the huge amount of packing space. I took this bag on a weekend ski trip and was able to fit my long underwear, sweaters, ski pants, gloves, and a light jacket on just one side. I easily fit a weekend's worth of everyday clothes on the other side.
At just under 11 pounds, this bag is heavy. While that isn't too big of an issue on car trips, train trips, or some flights, with airlines that have stricter weight limits I would hesitate to use this carry-on.
Read our full Away Carry-On review.
While they're not as trendy, we think soft-sided suitcases are the best option for durability, features, and packing flexibility.
A decade ago, hard-sided bags were a novelty. Now, thanks to trendy luggage brands like Away, they've become the norm. However, despite marketing claims, polycarbonate hard-sided luggage isn't actually any more durable than soft-sided fabric luggage. In fact, in our testing, we've found hard-sided bags show significantly more wear and tear even after just a few uses and perform about the same as soft-sided bags at protecting fragile, delicate items. The hard exterior also leaves less room for manufacturers to add features that many travelers prefer — like exterior pockets — without compromising the interior packing space of the bag. Hard-sided bags are a bit more waterproof, but the fact remains that the main reason to consider a hard-sided bag over a soft-sided bag is aesthetics rather than durability.
There are some exceptions. Aluminum hard-sided suitcases are generally more durable than even soft-sided suitcases. However, they are typically much, much more expensive.
In general, you push a four-wheel suitcase and pull a two-wheel suitcase. We think most people, especially those who only take a few trips a year, will have an easier time maneuvering a four-wheel suitcase — they glide easily alongside and offer a much quicker turning radius.
However, road warriors who travel several times a month may wish to consider a two-wheeled bag, which is the preferred style of airline staff. Luggage with two wheels usually has more packing space, since less of the overall dimensions are dedicated to the wheels. The pulling motion makes the bags easier to handle on thick carpet, uneven pavement (like brick, cobblestones, or city curbs), and up and down stairs. There's also less of a chance of your bag rolling away on a hill or incline.
Most US airlines technically cap carry-ons at 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels. However, in our experience (and the practical dimensions we've spotted in best-selling bags), you can usually get away with about an inch more room in each direction.
However, if you frequently travel on short jumper flights or often fly on budget airlines overseas, you may want to consider a carry-on no larger than 21.7" x 13.7" x 9".
In general, 7 or 8 pounds is a manageable dry weight for a carry-on bag. Keep in mind that extra bells and whistles add to the weight of the bag, so carefully consider if those features are truly worth the extra weight before committing. For example, a portable USB charger often seems like a great perk in a bag, but it can add a whole extra pound of weight.
When it comes to soft-sided suitcases, ballistic nylon is one of the most durable options, but again can mean a higher price point. Regular nylon can still be high-quality while being more affordable, while polyester tends to be a good budget option.
The most common materials for hard-sided suitcases are aluminum, polycarbonate, and ABS. Aluminum is extremely durable but also extremely pricey, and ABS is less durable but more affordable. A good polycarbonate bag can hit the sweet spot of price and quality.
Our picks are based on hands-on testing both in controlled conditions and on the road. For this guide, I narrowed down the field to the 10 top contenders based on my own considerable travel experience and knowledge as a travel editor, as well as additional research and user reviews. While some of these bags I've personally owned and used for several years, others I tested extensively specifically for this guide.
I put all 10 of the bags through the same tests, which considered packability, maneuverability, and durability. I also took into account the price point, style, quality of materials, and any extra features the bags included.
Packability: I paced the same set of clothing in each bag (enough for a five-day trip), noting both ease of packing and how much the bag could actually hold.
Maneuverability: Due to the pandemic, I have not been flying recently, but I still mimicked the conditions carry-ons would typically go through in a number of ways. I packed each bag to capacity, rolled them for several blocks on the street, tested the wheels on wood floors, thick carpet, and concrete, stress-tested the zippers, and lifted each bag onto a high closet shelf roughly the same height as an overhead bin.
Durability: I used all of the bags in a recent move where they were thrown around the back of a moving van in a similar fashion to how they might be tossed around on and off a plane by bag handlers to test durability.
Traveling with kids means you'll need easy access to snacks, entertainment devices, diapers, and other childcare items. That means outer pockets are your friend in a carry-on bag. Any of our soft-sided carry-on picks will do the job here.
