The Best Affordable Carry On Luggage In 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Affordable Carry On Luggage
Best Affordable Carry On Luggage

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: U.S. Traveler Rio Rugged Fabric Expandable Carry-on Luggage Set

With this U.S. Traveler set you'll be able to travel with style and ease. The expandable feature allows for more packing capacity and the luggage set comes with an inline skate wheels that are reinforced to give you a smooth ride no matter where your travels take you. This carry-on luggage set is fully lined, has a detachable non-slip padded shoulder strap, and polyester construction. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage

This amazing carry-on luggage offers all the features you'll need to make your travel experience smooth. The locking telescopic handle offers ease and convenience, while the unified brush pattern hides any potential scratches or scuffs from your journey. With four, multi-directional spinner wheels, you're never going to be stuck again! Read Review

3. Best Durable: Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

Carrying your essentials on the go is simplified with the Rockland Melbourne Luggage. This lightweight yet extremely durable ABS material lets you find your things easily and quickly. The sturdy ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle makes this carry-on easy to maneuver and carry. With a carry-on that meets size restrictions for these airlines, this luggage is perfect for your next trip! Read Review

4. Best Performance: Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage

The Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage is lightweight and highly durable. This suitcase includes four, multi-directional oversized spinner wheels for effortless mobility while traveling. It also includes a TSA lock to deter theft and a push button locking handle for easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase. The interior is lined with a mesh material to allow for quick drying of wet items and mesh pockets to store Read Review

If you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you probably want to take as many items of clothing, accessories and personal items as possible with you. After all, the more things you have with you, the less likely it is that something will be missed when you’re not able to return home again. Fortunately, having a good quality carry on luggage is an easy way to ensure that your entire wardrobe and other essentials are easily transportable.

And because these bags are so compact and lightweight, they’re a great option for travelers who plan to use public transportation instead of renting a car or hiring a taxi whenever they leave their hotel room. Read on to learn more about the best affordable carry on luggage that can fit your needs and budget.

After nearly 13 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like U.s. traveler, Samsonite, Rockland, Travelers club, Travelpro, Swissgear, Wrangler, Kensie, Travel select, Ogio. Among them, We think the best affordable carry on luggage is U.S. Traveler Rio Rugged Fabric Expandable Carry-on Luggage Set. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for another option, you may go with Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

  • Elegant fully lined interior with tie-down straps and large interior meshed zipper pocket
  • Expandable feature that offers more packing capacity
  • Piggy-bag-strap for easy-carrying the tote bag together
  • Adjustable and detachable non-slip padded shoulder strap on tote
  • Polyester construction
  • Dimensions : Tote Bag measures 14"W x 10"H x 6"D ; 1.3 lbs and the rolling bag measures 21"H x 13.5"W x 8.5"D (Expands to 10.5""D); 6.6 lbs
  • Inline skate wheels, reinforced wheel housing
  • Internal deluxe retractable push-button, Self-locking handle system for easy maneuvering
TOP Choice #2 Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.8
Samsonite
  • 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • LIGHTWEIGHT locking telescopic handle
  • 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
  • FULL-ZIP INTERIOR DIVIDER and cross straps for increased packing organization
  • UNIFIED BRUSHED PATTERN CUSTOM DESIGN on front and back shells hide any potential scratches or scuffs from your journey
  • HANDSOME SLIDER in squared full-capacity design featuring oversized 10 zipper and interior divider with organization pockets
  • FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
  • PACKING Dimensions: 20.0" x 13.5" x 9.5", OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0" x 14.5" x 9.5", Weight: 6.7 lbs.
  • Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant
  • SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling
  • 22"X13. 5"x9" (with wheels)
  • Interior mesh zip pocket and elasticated pocket
  • Lightweight yet extremely durable ABS material
  • Sturdy ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle
  • Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant
  • Multi-directional double spinner wheels
  • SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKs act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling
  • 1.5" EXPANSION to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed
  • 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • FULL-ZIP INTERIOR DIVIDER and cross straps for increased packing organization
  • SCRATCH-RESISTANT POLYCARB twill texture, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip
  • PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use
  • PACKING Dimensions: 19.6”x 14.75” x 9.5”, OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 22.5” x 15.5”x 9.5”, Weight: 7.5 lbs.
  • FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
  • 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
5 Travelers Club Midtown Hardside Luggage
Our Score:
9.3
Travelers Club
  • Travel kit toiletry bag case: 5" H x 10" L x 5" W, 0. 5 lb.
  • Boarding tote: 10" H x 15" L x 5" W, 1 lb.
  • Features pockets for accessories
  • 26" Spinner suitcase: 26" H x 17. 5" L x 11" W, 8. 4 lbs.
  • 20" Carryon spinner luggage: 20" H x 13" L x 9. 5" W, 7. 2 lbs.
  • FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
  • 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
  • SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling
  • PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use
  • MICRO-DIAMOND POLYCARBONATE texture is extremely scratch-resistant, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip
  • BOOK OPENING CASE with mesh divider and cross straps in main compartment with a zipped modesty pocket
  • EXPANSION to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed
  • 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • PACKING Dimensions: 19" x 14.5" x 9.5", Overall Dimensions: 22" x 15" x 9.5", Weight: 6.81 lbs.
  • This hard shell carry on luggage has interior zippered divider panels and accessory pocket to keep contents organized, separated, and secure while the interior lining with H20 guard is made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles to help reduce environmental waste
  • Sizer bin carry on luggage with spinner wheels tested to fit in the overhead bins of most major domestic airlines while allowing for more packing capacity. Hard shell luggage with 8 Spinner wheels that rotate 360°, providing superior maneuverability and a smooth glide in every direction
  • This lightweight luggage has 100% Polycarbonate hardshell engineered for impact-absorbing flexibility with a stylish outer finish that helps reduce visible scratches and scuffs. Built-in lock allows TSA authorities to safely unlock and relock this carry on suitcase for inspection when needed (default code set at 0-0-0)
  • Overall Dimensions: H: 23 in. W: 14.5 in. D: 9.5 in.; Case Dimensions: H: 19.75 in. W: 13.75 in. D: 9.5 in.; Weight: 6.3 lbs. Durable hard case luggage backed by Travelpro built for a Lifetime Limited Warranty with our Trusted Companion Promise which includes the cost of repair for damage caused by an airline or other common carrier for the first year after registration
  • This carry-on luggage has low profile top and side carry handles along with bottom grip provide multiple carrying options. Roomy main compartment expands 2” to maximize packing capacity when needed for this hard luggage
8 SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
8.9
SwissGear
  • Multiple Front Panel Pockets: Featuring front pockets with a built-in ID tag, this ergonomically expandable luggage measures 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches including wheels and handles; packing dimensions are 21 x 12.75 x 10.25 inches
  • Secure and Durable: Expandable travel case gives you ample parking space and made from a durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric with fully lined interior; also features adjustable tie-down straps for securing garments in place
  • Effortless Organization: This luggage bag maximizes packing efficiency with a removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket for holding small items and accessories
  • Rolling Suitcase: Get through a crowded airport or down narrow airplane isles easily with this stylish carry-on luggage with 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels and a locking retractable push/pull handle
  • Convenient Side Handles: With reinforced padded top handle with an integrated side and bottom handle, this roller suitcase makes lifting and carrying your luggage easy
  • Fully-lined interior with accessory pockets
  • Patented 3-in-1 cup holder, USB port, and phone holder located in back of luggage for travel convenience
  • Double spinner wheels that allow complete 360 degree movement
  • 20" Carry-on: 20" H x 13. 5" L x 11" W, 6. 92 lbs.
  • Expands for extra packing capacity
  • Expandable: expands for extra packing capacity
  • Top and side handle with matching trims
  • Recessed TSA lock system provides secure travel. Upon receipt, set lock to 0-0-0 and press open. Instructions are included
  • Multi-directional spinner wheels to provide 360º effortless mobility and ease on traveler's wrist
  • 20" Carry-on: 20" H x 13. 5" L x 9. 5" W, 6 lbs.

What to Look For in a best affordable carry on luggage?

A range of elements, including those listed below, influence the best affordable carry on luggage. The study process varies depending on the material. We'll be able to assist you and provide solutions since we're here to help you.

Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best affordable carry on luggage:

Wheels

Four-wheelers are the most common type of suitcase. Sometimes called spinners. This means that you don’t need to tip your bag before you tow it. It can also be wheeled along with you. Two-wheeled suitcases tend to be slightly larger and are easier to lift over kerbs. However, spinners offer more versatility.

Security

Traveling with your padlock is important. However, it is recommended that you have one with Transport Security Administration (TSA).
The locks are branded with the TSA red logo and include a universal masterkey.
The TSA is the only one that has this copy. This key allows American airlines security personnel to access your luggage and inspect its contents, without risk.
They can open the lock if they are unable to do so.

Expandability

A lot of suitcases have an expandable panel that can be removed to give you at least 10% more packing space. If you're looking for last-minute souvenirs and gifts, some of our top-scoring full-size and cabin suitcases can be expanded.

Size

Cases up to full-size: How easy will your suitcase fit into the car's boot if you plan to drive to the airport? It will it be possible to carry the bag around in crowds? There's also the baggage rack at the airport bus. You could hoist it onto the top. You might consider a lighter option if your travels are less than two weeks. A piece of luggage should be durable enough to endure rough transit conditions, yet not cause you pain.
Hand luggage is allowed on most airlines. Some allow for a second hand bag, such as a backpack, or sling bag. A suitcase that is "cabin-size" does not necessarily mean that it can fit into a cabin. Although there are restrictions on size, many airlines will accept suitcases up to 56x45x25 cm.

Handles

Practicality is enhanced by suitcases that have handles at the top and sides. This extra handle along with the towing handle makes it much simpler to lift your suitcase onto and off luggage racks, check-in scales, and baggage carousels.
Top handles can extend into several positions to provide maximum comfort. When not in use, they can be retracted for easy pushing down.

Storage

There are many internal pockets that you can find in both hard-shell and soft-sided luggages. These include small pockets with integrated zippers and large pouched pockets that will hold a laptop. You can also have removable laundry bags or garment sections to keep your suit jackets from tearing. Soft-sided suitcases are often equipped with external pockets that can be used to store easy-access items.

Weight

Checked luggage: Full-size bags are allowed, but the weight limits vary by airline (see below). Excess baggage fees can be very high so make sure your bag isn't too heavy. Regular flyers might find it useful to purchase luggage scales. Keep in mind, however that you will need to pack more outfits if your suitcase is empty. We found that the best suitcases were as light as 2.3kg empty. Bulkier options weighed in at around 6.2kg.
Hand luggage: Some airlines may have restrictions on the weight of cabin cases. You don't have to give up books, souvenirs and gifts if you choose a lighter cabin bag or fly with an airline that is more flexible.

FAQs

Is The Rolling Handle Double Barred?

You may prefer to carry a rolling bag, but the main part of a suitcase is its handle. Some brands still make luggage that has a single pull handle. Single bar bags are less sturdy than double-bar rolling bags. This feature can fail to work when you're rushing through an airport. You will be in the middle of an arm workout while carrying your bag. This can be avoided by purchasing a bag that has a double-bar handle.

What Is The Importance Of Luggage?

Because you need to travel a lot, you can also take the bag with you. A well-designed luggage bag will make an impression on other people. Bags are more than just bags. They can also be a fashion statement.

What Size Suitcase Is Considered Oversized?

While baggage size regulations vary from one airline to the next, most airlines allow luggage to be checked up to 62 inches in length. These airlines would consider bags exceeding these limits to be excessive.

Are The Inside Pockets Useful?

Your clothing and personal belongings should be contained in your luggage. Bags with too many pockets end up being useless. Think about what you prefer to pack before you go ahead and click the buy button. You may not want a large zippered lid, so make sure you have a bag that has a great design. Look for suitcases with shoe compartments. Your bag should maximize its space. If your features aren't clear, it won't work.

Is Hard Or Soft Luggage Better?

Because it is lighter than heavy luggage, soft luggage is more popular. Because of the use of lighter materials in hard luggage, this has been changed. It really depends on personal choice as to which option is better. Many soft luggage has expandable and external pockets. Hard luggage, on the other hand offers greater protection and durability.

What Is The Most Durable Luggage?

Polycarbonate and ABS are the most reliable luggage materials on the market. While the former is more sturdy, it's usually lighter. Both durable and lightweight luggage can be constructed from both.

How Much Does It Weigh?

You should look beyond the features and attributes of the bag's pockets when you search for a travel suitcase. Check out the weight of the bag without any contents. This is a mistake I've made more times than once. A bag too heavy to carry around is a temptation that I make love to. You will need to ensure that your bag is light, especially for travelers who want to save baggage fees. Look for bags that claim to be lightweight, or give you an accurate weight. It will not be possible to carry a heavy bag on an airplane from Hawaii, or at train stations across Europe.

When updated data are available, our system and editor will update a list of best affordable carry on luggage. Please periodically review our website for the newest data.

We can help you with more than just finding best affordable carry on luggage.  Please do not hesitate to contact us when you need assistance.


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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