The Best Carry On Luggage

Are you a jet-setter who is always on the go? Or perhaps you're an infrequent traveler who wants the added peace of mind knowing that your clothing and personal items are safe and secure? No matter how often you travel, having reliable luggage is an integral piece of preparing for your next journey. To maximize your onboard storage space and avoid checking a bag, it's a good idea to have carry-on luggage that allows you to fit everything you need. It also helps if that luggage is durable enough to hold up over years and years of planes, trains, and automobiles. We've done the research to help you find the right one for your needs.

What to Look For

When you’re searching for your new carry-on bag, we suggest focusing on three essential factors: the size of the luggage, the durability of the wheels and hardware, and the available colors. We love the Rockland luggage set because you get two practical pieces for the price of one. The hard outer shell protects the contents easily, and the 360-spinner wheels make maneuvering both pieces a breeze. The Seyfoncia faux leather duffel bag, on the other hand, isn’t as easy to maneuver but delivers a super luxurious look thanks to the high-end material and shining hardware finishes. Discover these bags and our other top picks to find the perfect solution to your packing problems.

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Luggage With Carry On

A hard bargain

This hard-shell pair of suitcases will keep all of your belongings protected.
Best Overall

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Why get just one suitcase when you can have two? This two-piece set offers a carry-on suitcase and a larger checked bag at an affordable price tag. Both bags are extremely lightweight but impressively durable, ensuring that the contents are protected from rough-and-tumble handling during air travel. They also have multi-directional spinner wheels, so turning and maneuvering through crowds or city streets is a breeze. Interior zipper compartments are the final detail that helps you stay organized, even when you’re living out of your suitcase for days.

Pros:

  • The carry-on-sized bag is expandable, so you can use the extra room for longer trips and still bring everything you want.
  • Because it has a hard shell, you can easily rest a tote bag or other personal item on top of the suitcase to manage everything in one place.

Cons:

  • If you expand the bag, it may be too big for the overhead compartment.

 Coolife Luggage Expandable Carry On

Into the blue

This bright teal suitcase is one you can spot anywhere.
Runner Up

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Never worry about finding your suitcase in a sea of boring black again when you travel with this luggage. This metallic teal beauty has a hard plastic shell and adjustable handle, resulting in a sturdy piece you can take around the world. It’s also fully lined with several pockets to make packing easier, and the included TSA-approved lock ensures that your belongings are always safe.

Pros:

  • The suitcase is expandable to deliver 15 percent greater capacity, so you can always bring that extra jacket or third pair of shoes you want to pack.
  • Inside, the suitcase has a full-zip interior divider to keep the contents of each side separate.

Cons:

  • It doesn’t have durable wheels.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry On

Like a pro

Travel like the experts with this durable design.
Best Softside Pick

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This expandable suitcase is the perfect option for avid travelers. The durable design meets carry-on restrictions for even the strictest airlines, so you can feel confident that it’s always allowed on board. It has a low-profile top that’s perfect for resting your personal item, and the interior has a full-length lid pocket, side pocket, and adjustable straps to keep your clothes and accessories secure. It’s even water-repellant to protect against unwanted moisture, so your personal items should always be fresh and ready to go upon arrival.

Pros:

  • All of the zippers are easily accessible, so you can get inside your suitcase from any angle — or even on the go.
  • The fabric handles on the top and side are padded, so it’s more comfortable to carry when you need to.

Cons:

  • It’s smaller than many other carry-ons, so doesn’t hold as much.

Seyfocnia Oversized Leather Carry On

Get a handle on it

This sleek leather carry-on is perfect for long weekends.
Best Duffel Bag

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Instead of a classic four-wheeled suitcase, opt for this easy-to-transport duffel bag on your next adventure. The faux leather design has a spacious center compartment — in addition to a shoe compartment — that gives you plenty of room to pack all of your must-haves. It has two rolled top handles that are comfortable to carry, along with an adjustable shoulder strap. When you’re not using it for your jet-setting adventures, you can also use it as a gym bag to get the most miles out of your purchase.

Pros:

  • The faux leather fabric is a luxurious option compared to most carry-on bags. It lends a high-end look without a high-end price.
  • You can easily pack for three or four days in the bag without a problem, making it perfect for long weekend trips.

Cons:

  • When full, the bag can be quite heavy.

U.S. Traveler Rio Expandable Carry On Set

Seeing green

This dynamic duo is a great choice for avid travelers.
Best On A Budget

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This luggage set is perfect for jet-setters. The set is made from durable polyester fabric that will hold up well with frequent wear and tear. Each bag is fully lined with interior pockets to keep you organized, and the wheeled carry-on has a strap to attach the tote, so you can wheel everything easily with just one hand. You can even choose from several distinct colors to find one you can spot from across the airport.

Pros:

  • Both bags tend to hold up amazingly well, even with regular travel. They’re much more durable than their affordable price tag lets on.
  • Most laptops fit perfectly in the smaller bag, so it’s easy to keep them protected while you’re on the go.

Cons:

  • They’re smaller than the average carry-on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a carry-on?

A carry-on bag is a piece of luggage that you carry onto the plane with you. They are often stored in the airplane’s overhead bins. In addition to a carry-on, most airlines also allow an additional personal item like a purse or backpack.

Do carry-on bags have a weight limit?

Typically, carry-on bags should weigh less than 35 pounds. Many airlines, however, do not weigh carry-on baggage.

About the Author

Hannah has always had an eye for fashion and beauty and is often inspired by the styles she sees on the streets of her beloved New York City. She closely follows the top fashion blogs and icons, and her goal is to help everyone look and feel their best through their clothing choices. Hannah’s work can be found in Boston Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, and more.

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