The 7 Best Carry On Luggage Bag, Tested And Researched

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Carry On Luggage Bag
Best Carry On Luggage Bag

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Samsonite Omni Luggage

This Samsonite Omni PC Luggage with spinner wheels is lightweight, durable, and stylish luggage. Its micro-diamond polycarbonate texture is scratch-resistant, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Luggage

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Luggage is the perfect travel companion. Its lightweight design and four-wheel spinners allow for easy maneuverability. Read Review

3. Best Stylish: Kenneth Cole Reaction Luggage

The Kenneth Cole Reaction Luggage is a stylish and practical choice for your next trip. Featuring an ergonomically designed retractable trolley handle, this luggage is easy to maneuver. Read Review

4. Best Durable: DELSEY Paris Luggage

The DELSEY Paris Luggag is a sleek fusion of style and functionality. Crafted from resilient 100% polycarbonate, this luggage is not just lightweight but a durable companion for your adventures. Read Review

5. Best Lightweight: Steve Madden Luggage

The Steve Madden Luggage perfectly blends lightweight design and chic style. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this luggage offers practical features for a seamless travel experience. Read Review

Whether you are an avid traveler or someone who is just starting on a journey, finding the best carry-on luggage bag can be a daunting task. With so many different types of luggage, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for you and your needs. To make the choice more accessible, we've compiled a list of available top carry-on luggage bags.

From hard-sided and soft-sided luggage to wheeled and backpack-style bags, these are the best carry-on bags to consider when you'relooking for the perfect companion for your journeys. We've considered size, weight, durability, features, and more when selecting these bags, so you can be sure that whichever one you choose, you'll get the best possible value for your money. Whether you're looking for a bag for a short trip or a more extended vacation, you'll find the perfect carry-on luggage bag to fit your needs. 

After spending 20 hours researching and assessing, We have identified the best carry on luggage bag is Samsonite Omni Luggage. Crafted with micro-diamond polycarbonate, the texture exudes scratch resistance and keeps the case pristine trip after trip. We've developed a buying guide and additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Samsonite Omni Luggage
Our Score:
9.7
Samsonite

Samsonite Omni Luggage is a pinnacle of travel sophistication. Crafted with micro-diamond polycarbonate, the texture not only exudes scratch resistance but also keeps the case pristine trip after trip. The side-mounted TSA locks add an extra layer of security, allowing only you or a TSA agent access to your belongings.

The four oversized spinner wheels redefine mobility, making navigation a breeze. A book-opening case with a mesh divider and cross straps keeps your items organized, while the zipped modesty pocket adds a touch of discreet convenience. Moreover, the expandable feature allows for more packing space, with compression ensuring your clothing stays impeccably pressed.

The 10-year limited warranty also underscores Samsonite's commitment to quality. However, to maintain the luster of this hard-side luggage, gentle soap and warm water are recommended. Despite this, the Samsonite Omni Luggage effortlessly elevates your travel experience, combining style, durability, and security seamlessly.

TOP Choice #2 Travelpro Maxlite 5 Luggage
Our Score:
9.6
Travelpro

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Luggage is a lightweight and durable luggage essential for any traveler. The H20 Guard protects the interior lining from moisture, ensuring your belongings remain pristine. The four 360-degree spinners provide a smooth roll, complemented by the sturdy PowerScope handle with a patented contour grip for easy maneuvering.

Expanding up to 2 inches, this carry-on suitcase maximizes packing capacity without compromising weight. Multiple compartments, including a full-length interior lid pocket and side accessory pocket, ensure organized packing. The unique bottom tray design also enhances durability, while the low-profile handles add to the sleek design. While the Limited Lifetime Coverage and trusted companion promise offer peace of mind, some users may notice a slight odor when first using the suitcase. However, it can disappear after some use, so you don't need to worry about that.

TOP Choice #3 Kenneth Cole Reaction Luggage
Our Score:
9.4
Kenneth Cole REACTION

This Kenneth Cole Reaction Luggage is a perfect choice for any traveler, ensuring you travel in both style and function. The hard-side boasts a tear-resistant interior with multiple pockets and garment restraints, providing ample room for your essentials. The self-repairing coil zippers glide effortlessly, emphasizing long-lasting use. It also features a sturdy, locking, retractable push-button telescopic trolley handle that extends 41 inches tall and is conducive to simple one-handed use.

Furthermore, the exterior features molded corner guard reinforcements for maximum impact resistance, protecting the luggage from wear and tear. Its multi-directional 8-wheel spinners offer 360-degree rotation, making every journey a smooth adventure. Designed to meet domestic and international carry-on size requirements, this carry-on suitcase caters to the modern traveler's needs. The minor issue is that it doesn't have a built-in lock. But it still remains a testament to practical luxury, ensuring your travel experiences are both seamless and stylish.

4 DELSEY Paris Luggage
Our Score:
9.2
DELSEY Paris

The DELSEY Paris Luggage effortlessly combines elegance and toughness. Its 100% polycarbonate shell guarantees durability, standing up to the rigors of travel without a hint of cracking or breaking. Navigating airports becomes a breeze with the four spinner wheels, ensuring a stable base and offering multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand. The recessed 3-dial TSA-approved combination lock adds a layer of security, complemented by a unique brake system that locks two front wheels, preventing the bag from rolling away.

Its deluxe interior features a removable hanger and laundry and shoe bags. The two large lined compartments with web straps keep your items secure and wrinkle-free. The recessed "one-button" locking handle system enhances maneuverability, and the 21-inch carry-on size is ideal for weekend getaways and short business trips. Nevertheless, it is a bit challenging to push, especially if another bag is placed on top. But this is a minor inconvenience compared to the overall excellence of the DELSEY Paris Luggage.

5 Steve Madden Luggage
Our Score:
9.1
Steve Madden

Steve Madden Luggage redefines travel convenience with its lightweight and expandable design. The expandable feature provides ample packing space and helps you adhere to airline weight restrictions, ensuring a hassle-free check-in experience for domestic and international travel.

Built for comfort and convenience, the ergonomic handle and 4-spinner wheel system make maneuvering through airports a breeze. The delicate and stylish design adds a touch of elegance, making you stand out wherever you go. The suitcase lining is made of high-quality polyester fabric, ensuring durability and safety for your belongings.

Besides, the wide wheel positioning and specially developed case platform offer additional strength and stability, a crucial aspect for any frequent traveler. One minor drawback is that the wheels can make noise in the airport. Despite this, the Steve Madden Luggage remains an excellent choice, offering a perfect blend of style and functionality for the modern explorer.

6 Traveler's Choice Luggage
Our Score:
8.9
Traveler's Choice

The Traveler's Choice Luggage is famous for its indestructible polypropylene hardshell, resistant to abrasion, scratches, and water. This luggage is built to withstand the elements, ensuring your belongings remain protected throughout your journey. The 22” Carry-On Spinner takes innovation to the next level with a built-in USB port, Type C port, and an interior power bank compartment for quick electronic device charging. Its spinner wheels also provide seamless 360° rolling maneuverability through crowds and airports, while the multi-stage telescoping handle improves usability.

The large interior compartment features multiple zippered pockets, and self-mending ten zippers ensure durability. Despite its robust build, the luggage is surprisingly lightweight, making it an ideal travel companion. However, its tendency to get dirty and scuffed easily is a slight drawback. While this might be slightly inconvenient, it doesn't diminish the overall quality and functionality of the Traveler's Choice Luggage.

7 SwissGear Luggage
Our Score:
8.7
SwissGear

The SwissGear Luggage is a perfect solution for the busy traveler. The inline wheels, coupled with a locking retractable handle, guarantee smooth and noiseless navigation through bustling terminals. The durable construct also ensures longevity, with a telescopic lift handle providing rugged mobility and collapsing seamlessly into the frame when not in use. 

The hanging garment has removable hooks that allow you to hang your case in hotel closets without wrinkling your formal attire. Two large exterior zip pockets provide quick access to travel essentials, while the interior is a haven of organization. Plus, the four separate grids include two shoe pockets, a wet bag, and cinch and zip pockets, ensuring that every item has its dedicated place. One minor drawback is that the zippers on the inner top pockets are pretty hard to use, but you can get used to it after some use.

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

It may take a long longer to make the best shopping decision. As a result, we are accessible to assist you with your best carry on luggage bag issue at any time of day or night!

There are some highlighted features of best carry on luggage bag you should be aware of before make decision:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

What size and weight are allowed for carry on luggage?

The size and weight of carry on luggage is typically limited to 22" x 14" x 9" and 40 pounds or less. However, check with your airline prior to your travel as some airlines may have different restrictions.

Are there any items that are not allowed in carry on luggage?

Items that are considered hazardous or dangerous, such as firearms, explosives, flammable liquids, and chemicals, are strictly prohibited in carry on luggage. In addition, liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and placed in a single 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag.

What type of bag is best for carry on luggage?

The best type of bag for carry on luggage is a hard-sided bag as it is more durable and provides better protection for your belongings. Additionally, consider a bag with multiple pockets and compartments to help keep you organized.

Where can I find more information about carry on luggage restrictions?

You can find more information about carry on luggage restrictions on the website of your airline or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

We will keep the list of best carry on luggage bag up-to-date once there are new technology and information available. Please check our website frequently to see the most up-to-date information by our editor.

Do you have any questions or comments regarding best carry on luggage bag that you'd like to share with us? We will try to attain even greater comedy as a result of your efforts.


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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