The Best Carry On Luggage For United Airlines In 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best Carry On Luggage For United Airlines
Best Carry On Luggage For United Airlines

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 soft-sided spinner is so light, it flies. This carry-on spinner is designed for ultimate comfort and mobility. It has a sleek and slim design with an easy-carry handle to take anywhere, plus 4 spinner wheels and a travel bag that provides added protection from bumps and scrapes on your travels. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

Introducing a line built to take the harshest travel elements. Omni PC combines scratch resistant textures with the lightest 100% polycarbonate construction. The result? A durable, lightweight, and comfortable carry-on that can handle all your travels! Read Review

3. Best For The Price: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage

Travel with ease with the Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels. This extremely lightweight and durable spinner features 100% polycarbonate construction, a built-in TSA lock and is packed full of innovative features, including our exclusive 360° spinner wheel system. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage

The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage gives you an ample amount of packing space when needed. The expandable 19 in. x 16 in. x 8 in. design features a 10 in. carry-on compartment that makes it easy to pack your items. Read Review

5. Best Easy To Assemble: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage

The Winfield 2 is a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-transport carry-on spinner with 100% polycarbonate construction. This extremely lightweight luggage features sharp molded details that stand up to the rigors of air travel. The durable spinner wheels effortlessly move your travel essentials through airports and during your journey. Read Review

When it comes to travel, you want everything to be as easy and stress-free as possible. You know that you’ll need certain items of clothing and toiletries, as well as your laptop and camera to capture all the memories ahead of you. However, with so many different airlines and a host of different rules and regulations when traveling, it can become confusing trying to work out what luggage is acceptable on your upcoming flight.

If only there was a standard bag that worked for every airline! Luckily, you don’t need to worry about which carry-on bag you should pack for your next trip using United Airlines. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about this popular U.S.-based carrier, including their strict carry-on baggage guidelines and the best options for packing for your future flights with them.

We think the best carry on luggage for united airlines is Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage, with that you will have no difficulty finding anything to meet your needs! To help you find the best fit for your needs, We've put up a purchasing guide and also shown other great options for you to consider.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.7
Travelpro

A half pound lighter than maxlite 4, this ultra lightweight 21 inch spinner meets carry on size restrictions for most domestic airlines. H20 Guard protects the interior lining from moisture

Interior dimension: 21 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches Exterior dimension: 23 inches x 14.5 inches x 9 inches; Volume : 46 liter

Limited Lifetime Coverage plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year

Weight: 5.4 lbs.

4 wheel spinners rotate 360 degree for a smooth roll. Lightweight, sturdy PowerScope handle stops at 38 inch and 42.5 inch features a patented contour grip with rubberized touch points for easy maneuvering. Unique bottom tray design increases durability

Expands up to 2 inch to maximize packing capacity. Features low profile top, side and bottom carry handles, two exterior compartments, full length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold down straps for packing convenience

TOP Choice #2 Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.5
Samsonite

SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling

FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight

20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light

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.

PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use

BOOK OPENING CASE with mesh divider and cross straps in main compartment with a zipped modesty pocket

PACKING Dimensions: 19" x 14.5" x 9.5", Overall Dimensions: 22" x 15" x 9.5", Weight: 6.81 lbs.

MICRO-DIAMOND POLYCARBONATE texture is extremely scratch-resistant, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip

EXPANSION to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed

TOP Choice #3 Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage
Our Score:
9.4
Samsonite

Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant

PACKING Dimensions: 20.0" x 13.5" x 9.5", OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0" x 14.5" x 9.5", Weight: 6.7 lbs.

FULL-ZIP INTERIOR DIVIDER and cross straps for increased packing organization

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

HANDSOME SLIDER in squared full-capacity design featuring oversized #10 zipper and interior divider with organization pockets

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.

FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight

UNIFIED BRUSHED PATTERN CUSTOM DESIGN on front and back shells hide any potential scratches or scuffs from your journey

SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling

4 SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.3
SwissGear

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

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

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

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

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

5 Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.2
Samsonite

FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight

UNIFIED BRUSHED PATTERN CUSTOM DESIGN on front and back shells hide any potential scratches or scuffs from your journey

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

Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant

LIGHTWEIGHT locking telescopic handle

SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling

HANDSOME SLIDER in squared full-capacity design featuring oversized number-10 zipper and interior divider with organization pockets

PACKING Dimensions: 20.0" x 13.5" x 9.5", OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0" x 14.5" x 9.5", Weight: 6.7 lbs.

20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light

FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL 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.

FULL-ZIP INTERIOR DIVIDER and cross straps for increased packing organization

PACKING Dimensions: 20.0" x 13.5" x 9.5", OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0" x 14.5" x 9.5", Weight: 6.7 lbs.

SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling

UNIFIED BRUSHED PATTERN CUSTOM DESIGN on front and back shells hide any potential scratches or scuffs from your journey

Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant

20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light

HANDSOME SLIDER in squared full-capacity design featuring oversized #10 zipper and interior divider with organization pockets

LIGHTWEIGHT locking telescopic handle

Interior mesh zip pocket and straps to secure clothing

Sturdy ergonomic chrome telescoping handle

Multi-directional double spinner wheels

22"X13. 5"x10" (with wheels)

Lightweight durable ABS material

Expandable

22"X13. 5"x9" (with wheels)

Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant

Lightweight yet extremely durable ABS material

Sturdy ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle

Interior mesh zip pocket and elasticated pocket

Multi-directional double spinner wheels

Case Dimensions: 21x14x9 inches, Overall Dimensions: 23x14.5x9 inches, Weight: 5.4 pounds ; Volume : 52 liter

A half pound lighter than the maxlite 4 version, this ultra lightweight, ultra durable 22" expandable Rollaboard suitcase maximizes your packing power and meets carry on size restrictions for most domestic airlines. Polyester fabric with stain resistant, water repellant duraguard coating and ergonomic, high tensile strength zipper pulls provide lasting durability

Limited lifetime coverage plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year; H20 Guard protects the interior lining from moisture

Expands upto 2 inches to maximize packing capacity with tapered shape to prevent tipping; Features low profile top, side and bottom carry handles, 2 exterior compartments, full length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold down straps for packing convenience and flexibility

High performance ball bearing wheels and lightweight yet sturdy power scope Lite handle with stops at 38 inches and 42.5 inches reduce wobble and ensure a smooth, easy roll

10 SwissGear 4010 Softside Luggage
Our Score:
8.6
SwissGear

360-degree spinner maneuverablity: propped on 4 wheels and a locking retractable handle, take advantage of its easy pushing and pulling maneuverability to seamlessly get through a crowded airport or down narrow airplane isles.

FULL FEATURED INTERIOR: Equipped with a fully lined interior, maximize packing efficiency with multiple interior packing pockets, and adjustable tie down straps to help keep clothing in place while on the move.

MULTIPLE FRONT PANEL POCKETS: Exterior front panel features two front zip compartments to organize travel essentials required while traveling as well as last-minute add-in items.

LIGHTWEIGHT LIFT HANDLE: Comfortable lightweight top lift handle for easy lifting and maneuvering without the bulk.

DIMENSIONS: Packing Dimensions: 16” x 13.5” x 7.5”; Product Dimensions (includes wheels and handles): 21.5” x 15” x 9”; weight: 5.7 lbs

What to Look For in a best carry on luggage for united airlines?

The best carry on luggage for united airlines is assessed based on many factors. best carry on luggage for united airlines research varies depending on the type, feature, and quality of this product. It is not too complex to cover, yet we will give you some buying guide and solutions to these problems.

Please take a closer look at best carry on luggage for united airlines characteristics below would be beneficial for you. Let’s look through and keep in mind:

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Our best carry on luggage for united airlines of 2024 will be occasionally updated with new and available information. Please pay more attention to the data on our website or subscribe to our newsletter so that any updates or changes will come to your mind in time.

Keep in mind that any things related to best carry on luggage for united airlines are in our hands. Thus, you can contact and ask for help whenever you need it. Thank you!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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