What Is The Best Carry On Travel Bag For Your Trip?

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1. Our Testing Process

At Travel + Leisure, luggage testing is taken seriously! A total of 454 carry-on bags have been tested over the years. The most important criteria for a carry-on are capacity, organization, design, maneuverability, durability, and value. Each carry-on is weighed with a luggage scale to see if the actual weight matches the manufacturer’s listed weight. Then, each carry-on bag is filled with enough clothing and accessories for a four-day trip, including six shirts, three pairs of pants, five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear, two jackets, and two pairs of shoes, plus one small and one large toiletry bag. The ease of closing the bag’s zippers and compartments and whether any expandable features need to be used is then analyzed.

After packing the carry-ons full, they are pushed and pulled over carpet, concrete, and hard floors to see how well the wheels glide, and also take a stroll through our obstacle course to see how each bag handles tight twists and turns. Each carry-on is placed into an overhead bin on a simulated airplane set to ensure it fits. The durability of each bag is then tested by hitting it a few times with a baseball bat and throwing it off a counter to see how well it can withstand wear and tear.

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After each lab test, editors take these suitcases on real-world trips over six months, and results are updated with long-term insights to ensure recommendations still stand. This list will continue to be updated with new results as more carry-ons are tested.

2. Tips for Buying the Perfect Carry-On Bag

What should you consider when buying a carry on travel bag? Here are some helpful tips.

2.1. Hardside vs. Softside

How do you choose between hardside and softside luggage? Choosing between a hardside and softside carry-on suitcase mostly comes down to preference, but there are several important factors to consider. A hardside suitcase will fare better than a softside bag when it comes to protecting any delicate items inside your bag, and they’re arguably more sleek looking. However, hardside luggage is more prone to getting scuffed, scraped, and dented, and can show more wear and tear over time. Softside suitcases don’t get as beat up as quickly, and also offer more flexibility for overpackers. However, the fabric exterior is less protective and may not be the best choice if traveling in inclement weather. Consider the nature of your upcoming trips and what factors are most important to you before deciding.

2.2. Lightweight Construction

Why is lightweight luggage important? The importance of lightweight luggage cannot be stressed enough. If your carry-on is already light to begin with, you won’t have to worry about carrying a bulky suitcase around in the event you overpack. Weight also affects the maneuverability of the suitcase and how easy it is to lift it into overhead bins. The wheeled carry-on suitcases tested ranged from 4.36 to 12.9 pounds. Anything heavier than that is likely not the best choice to bring on board.

2.3. Extra Organizational Features

Do I need extra organization in my carry on bag? Most carry-ons have a main compartment with one or two mesh pockets for organization. If you like to stay highly organized while traveling, look for carry-ons that offer even more compartments. This may include a shoe separator, a laptop sleeve, a laundry bag, additional zippered sections, exterior pockets, and even an AirTag holder.

3. Our Top Picks for Carry-On Travel Bags

What are the best carry on bags available? Here are our top picks:

4. Best Overall

4.1. Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner

Why is the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner the best overall carry on bag? For the past couple of years, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner has come out on top as T+L’s favorite carry-on. When testing it in our New York City lab, we loved its organization, capacity, and value. We’ve now tested this bag three times in our New York City lab, and each time we were blown away by its surprising capacity, offering ample packing room for trips up to a week. If you tend to overpack or plan to do some retail therapy during your travels, the expandable zipper unveils an extra inch of depth which gives you wiggle room to fit any shopping hauls and souvenirs you plan to take back home. We were able to pack enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags — all without having to use the expander.

In terms of maneuverability, it handled tight turns like a champ and went over our simulated concrete curbs without incident. We also gave it a few whacks with a metal baseball bat and noticed that the slight bend of the exterior shell made this suitcase impervious to dents while still protecting its contents (a win if you ever decide to take the gate agent up on the offer to check your bag). Although we did notice the Samsonite Freeform showed a few surface scratches after six months of consistent travel, we still consider it the gold standard for a hardside carry-on suitcase. It may be too large for some overhead compartments, so always check the dimensions of your airline before flying.

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The Details: Hardside | 23 x 15 x 10 inches | 6.5 pounds | Expandable (1 inch) | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

5. Best Overall, Runner-up

5.1. Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on

What makes the Tumi Alpha International Dual Access Carry-on a great choice? Coming in right behind our beloved Samsonite Freeform is the Tumi Alpha Dual Access Carry-on. This close contender fell just short of our Best Overall slot due to its heaviness and lack of open packing space, but it’s a sophisticated piece of luggage that’s in a league of its own when it comes to organization and helpful features. For starters, it has a built-in front access pocket, which allows you to quickly grab items like a light sweater or your in-flight essentials without having to unzip your entire suitcase in the middle of the airport. There’s also another small exterior pocket for stashing smaller belongings like a travel umbrella, as well as a built-in USB port you can connect to your own portable power bank. Perhaps the biggest selling point of this suitcase is the removable garment sleeve, which makes this bag the perfect companion for business trips or destination weddings. While the garment sleeve and three mesh zip pockets are no doubt useful, they will eat into the bag’s overall capacity, so you’ll have to pack strategically. Thankfully, you can always rely on the Tumi Alpha’s expandable zipper to grant you 2 extra inches of depth if things get tight.

In terms of durability, we couldn’t ask for more. T+L Associate Editorial Director and Tumi loyalist Morgan Ashley Parker took this suitcase for a spin in our testing lab, and after hitting it with a bat several times, she noticed there were no scuffs or dents to speak of. “As someone who owns a Tumi bag that has lasted 16-plus years (and still kicking), I know the durability will extend beyond our lab tests,” says Parker. “I truly can’t imagine a world in which this would puncture or rip. This is great for people who are reluctant to try a softside bag as there’s more ‘give’ than a hardside bag, but it’s so durable that it performs and holds up like a hardside bag would.”

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The Details: Softside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 10.7 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | USB port | Ballistic nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels

6. Best Expandability

6.1. Away The Carry-On Flex

What are the benefits of Away The Carry-On Flex? Stroll through any airport, and you’ll see loads of passengers toting one of Away’s signature striped suitcases. After personally testing dozens of Away products, I can assure you’ll have no regrets hopping on the Away trend. The brand’s built-to-last luggage can always be counted on to help overpackers travel more efficiently, and The Carry-On Flex is a testament to that. Offering a generous 2.25 inches of extra packing space with its expandable feature, this is the exact kind of suitcase to bring on trips where you want extra room for those “just in case” items.

Inside The Carry-on Flex, you’ll find an open compartment with a mesh divider and another compartment opposite of that with a mesh pocket and compression straps to help you pack down all your belongings for an easier close. We enjoyed floating this compact suitcase through the obstacle course in our testing lab thanks to its easy-gliding 360-degree wheels. It also showed minimal damage after our table drop and baseball bat tests — a good indicator that the exterior will stand up to the roughest of handling.

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The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 7.9 pounds | 39.8-liter capacity (unexpanded); 46.7-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable (2.25 inches) | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

7. Best Budget

7.1. Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 21-inch Spinner

Why is Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside 21-inch Spinner a budget friendly pick? You might have assumed that finding a budget suitcase means you have to sacrifice on the quality front, but Amazon’s slate of luggage continuously proves that theory wrong. After testing their 21-inch expandable hardside spinner in the T+L lab, I’m convinced the retailer’s wallet-friendly suitcase is the best you can buy on a budget. For starters, it offers the same capacity as suitcases that are more than double the price. Inside, you’ll find an X compression strap and a mesh zip divider that makes storing underwear, socks, and swimsuits a breeze. The bag has four “feet” on its right side to keep it propped up horizontally on an airport scale or in the trunk of a car. Though the telescoping handle was a bit wobbly, I was able to adjust between the three handle heights with ease. We do caution that, like other expandable suitcases, it would be at risk of being flagged by airline staff because it looks much wider in its expanded state.

We tested the Amazon Basics 21-inch carry-on three times in our lab just to make sure we still loved it over the years. Though it got a bit scuffed from our bat tests during its second round of testing, it proved easy to buff the scratches out by hand. Considering all you get for under $100, you can’t go wrong taking the plunge on this affordable yet solid option.

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The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 inches | 6.8 pounds | 34-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) | 4 dual spinner wheels

8. Best Design

8.1. Dagne Dover Smaller Seattle Carry-on Luggage

What makes the Dagne Dover Smaller Seattle Carry-on Luggage stand out? While softside luggage is more durable and less prone to wear and tear, it isn’t known for being the most stylish type of luggage. Dagne Dover completely changed the game when it launched its debut luggage collection last summer. T+L editors were among the first to try them out, and we were enamored by the sheen and elegance of the Seattle Carry-on — a modernized softside bag with the structure and sturdy frame of a hardside suitcase. Its 33-liter capacity and 20.5-inch height is ideal for short getaways, business trips, and international flights. It also offers two ways to pack: via clamshell opening and a top-loading option.

Senior Testing Editor Jackie Cucco was the first T+L editor to take this beauty for a spin and noted all of the nifty features that make the Seattle Carry-on a cut above the rest. “What makes this bag really stand out are the front pockets — you can zip the larger, U-shaped one all the way open and then fold it back to give you full access to everything inside. There’s a spot for a 13-inch laptop and also flaps with fabric fasteners that you can use to secure other items like paperwork or a sweater.” During testing and on actual trips, we couldn’t help but notice that the wheels glide like a dream over various surfaces.

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The Details: Softside | 20.5 x 13 x 8.75 inches | 9.13 pounds | 33-liter capacity | Recycled 900D polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels | 13-inch laptop sleeve

9. Most Durable

9.1. Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner

What makes the Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner stand out for durability? In case you weren’t aware, Samsonite’s Proxis carry-on is kind of a big deal. Like, it was sent into space and dropped from 130,000 feet-level big deal. To date, this is the most lightweight and durable suitcase Samsonite has ever released. We brought the Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner into our testing lab for some experimenting of our own and found that this textured, hardside carry-on lived up to its claims of being virtually indestructible. Using our own luggage scales, we clocked this model at just under 5 pounds. To our delight, its light-as-air build didn’t make it any less durable.

In fact, it’s one of the most durable hardside suitcases you can get your hands on right now. The outer shell of this bag is made of Roxkin — an exclusive recycled material developed by Samsonite that is lightweight and engineered to bounce back into shape. “Samsonite sent this suitcase to space, and it survived, which is only a small amount of what we did to it with a bat,” says T+L Associate Editorial Director Morgan Ashley Parker. “I also stood and jumped on it. I completely trust this bag to hold up against baggage handlers.”

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The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 4.7 pounds | Expandable (0.5 inches) | Roxkin material | 4 dual spinner wheels

10. Most Spacious

10.1. July Carry-on Max

Why should I choose the July Carry-on Max? Sometimes, a diminutive carry-on just won’t do (especially for longer trips). In these instances, we’d recommend something like the July Carry-on Max. It has a 50-liter capacity that jumps to 62 liters when fully expanded — the largest carry-on we’ve ever tested. Weighing in around 8 pounds, it’s on par with other carry-ons with similar dimensions. However, we noticed that it became a little cumbersome to maneuver around tight corners the more we packed it, and because of its size, you may be forced to gate-check it at the airport.

The exterior shell of the suitcase didn’t get too banged up when we put it through the wringer of our durability tests, and that’s a crucial factor to consider when it comes to hardside luggage. We were also amazed that you can choose between 20 different height handles — another design quirk that helps July stand out from the pack. Inside, there’s a Y compression strap and panel on one side, while the other side is secured by a mesh panel with no pockets (a missed opportunity, if you ask us).

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The Details: Hardside | 23 x 16 x 9 inches (23 x 16 x 10.6 inches when expanded) | 8.16 pounds | 50-liter capacity (unexpanded); 62-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels | Packable tote included

11. Best Softside

11.1. Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On

What are the advantages of the Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On? Last year, Away unveiled its first iteration of softside luggage, and The Softside Bigger Carry-on immediately became our favorite softside suitcase. The brand essentially reformatted its classic striped hardside design into a puffy, water-resistant outer shell and instituted a lid opening versus a typical clamshell. We think it looks pretty chic for a softside bag, and the open design made packing feel less like a chore.

The open internal compartment allows you to pack as you see fit, while the attached compression pad with small mesh pockets keeps everything tucked neatly in place. The lid of the suitcase also included a giant mesh pocket designed to hold smaller items you prefer to keep separate (think: jewelry, an AirTag, and charging cords). There is a slim but useful front zip pocket on the outside to slip in things you might need on the fly, like a passport, small wallet, or phone — but we noticed it can’t accommodate anything bulky or else it will protrude and make the carry-on unwieldy. It has a top, side and bottom handle that made it easy to hoist into our overhead bin space, and the smooth wheels made it through the obstacle course pretty easily.

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The Details: Softside | 23 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches | 9.8 pounds | 38.3-liter capacity (unexpanded); 44.3-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Water-resistant nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels

12. Best Compression

12.1. Briggs & Riley 22 Inch Spinner

What makes the Briggs & Riley 22 Inch Spinner the best choice for compression? Like Tumi, Briggs & Riley has a best-in-class reputation for luggage. This 22-inch spinner is a classic hardside with some innovative features that allowed us to pack way more than expected. The top lid unzips to reveal a main large compartment which has a built-in compressor pad. While the compressor isn’t removable, it did a great job of helping us stuff this suitcase to the brim. Unlike other expandable suitcases that use a simple zipper mechanism, this one has a unique one-touch system: you simply push two buttons on either side of the inner compartment, and raise them up to expose an extra 25 percent more packing space.

There’s a pouch on the back of the outside of the suitcase with a place to zip up a power bank and pull a charger through the outer pocket so you can replenish your phone or tablet’s charge while waiting to board your flight. There is also a designated space for a luggage tag here.

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The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.6 pounds | 41-liter capacity (unexpanded); 51-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Recycled polycarbonate, recycled polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels

13. Best With Brakes

13.1. Aer Carry-On Max

Why should I consider a carry on bag with brakes, like the Aer Carry-On Max? If you’ve ever been on a fast-moving airport shuttle, bus, or subway, you know the struggle of trying to keep your luggage from rolling away while holding on for dear life. Aer, a new kid on the luggage block, saw this common problem hadn’t yet been solved by its competitors and created a carry-on suitcase with brakes. Similar to a stroller, the wheels on Aer’s Carry-on Max can be locked in place with the simple slide of a button located beneath the handles. “It’s such a unique feature and helpful if on public transport or stopping on an incline with bags since it securely holds the bag in place,” says Associate Editorial Director Morgan Ashley Parker, who owns and loves this Aer model. Speaking of the wheels, they’re some of the smoothest we’ve seen on a carry-on. We were able to roll them over our cement pavers with ease, and it didn’t lag behind even when packed full.

In terms of capacity, Aer really meant it when they said max. The slender profile of this bag allowed us to fit everything on our packing list despite the fact that it’s not expandable. Though Aer touts this as a minimalist’s suitcase, there are some undercelebrated details about this bag that we found helpful. There’s a hidden pocket for you to stash a luggage tracker, a Y-shaped compression system secured with an intuitive and sturdy buckle, and puncture-resistant YKK zippers that open and shut effortlessly. The top and side handles also have a hole to where you can attach other bags and belongings to it with a carabiner.

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The Details: Hardside | 22.7 x 15 x 9 inches | 8.4 pounds | 48-liter capacity | Makrolon polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

14. Most Stylish

14.1. Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner

What makes the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 21-inch Spinner the most stylish? T+L editors reach for this timeless carry-on from Delsey Paris again and again, thanks to its vintage charm and useful functionality. The polycarbonate shell is accented with reinforced corners, and with its two-tone colorway, you’re guaranteed to arrive at your destination in style. Aesthetics aside, there’s also substance. Inside, you’ll find a fully zippered compartment on one side of the suitcase and compression straps to keep clothing from shuffling on the other. We also found pockets throughout and even a handy USB port with which you can attach your own battery pack.

After inspecting it closely, we found that the zippers all open and close smoothly, and the spinner wheels glide with little effort (even over carpet!). After taking the cream colored version on the road for six months, we observed little scuffs and scrapes to the bag even after it was checked — a pleasant surprise considering light-colored luggage tends to show the wear and tear quickly. Its maneuverability and lightweight profile also makes it a breeze to travel with. “I had to carry it up and down multiple flights of stairs and get it onto a train, and I had no trouble lifting it and moving the handle in and out quickly,” says T+L editor Taylor Fox who brought it on a two-week trip to Egypt.

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The Details: Hardside | 22.75 x 15 x 10 inches | 7.74 pounds | 44-liter capacity | USB port | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

15. Best Trunk

15.1. July Carry On Trunk

What are the best features of the July Carry On Trunk? There’s something about a zipperless closure on a suitcase that instantly makes it feel a tad more luxury. Such is the case with the July Carry On Trunk. Built with two TSA-approved latch locks, a German polycarbonate shell, and a removable power bank, we’d say this pick serves equal parts style and function.

We found an abundance of helpful organization on the interior of the bag: there are two dividers on each side of the bag with mesh pockets on each, clips to keep the dividers in place, Y compression straps on each side, and a cylindrical zip pocket on one side. We also noticed that the bag opens evenly as opposed to the 30/70 design that we typically see in other travel trunks. The wheels were so smooth, they practically rolled themselves through our testing lab floors and in airports. However, our favorite thing about the bag, as with all July luggage, was the handle which has 20 different heights and can be customized down to the exact millimeter. It’s a small detail that makes a world of difference when you’re hustling to make your plane, train, or bus.

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The Details: Hardside | 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | 8.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Ejectable USB-C battery | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels

16. Best Aluminum

16.1. Tumi Aluminum International Carry-on

Why choose the Tumi Aluminum International Carry-on? More and more luggage brands are throwing their hats in the aluminum suitcase ring, answering the demand for this popular style. But after testing several aluminum options from trunks to briefcases, we determined Tumi offers the best carry-on option you can buy right now. This 19 Degree Aluminum International Carry-on is an absolute stunner with its wavy textured frame, ergonomic handle, and striking colorways. We had no trouble finding space for it in the overhead bin, though since the bag itself weighs 11 pounds, it’s a bit of a workout to place it there. “This is an aluminum suitcase, so a higher weight is to be expected,” says T+L Associate Editorial Director Morgan Ashley Parker. “However it’s very sleek, so it makes up for that in style.”

In the testing lab, we noticed that each side of the clamshell has both compression straps and zippered dividers, which kept our clothes, shoes, and toiletries shifting around as the bag moved. With only 31 liters of packing space to work with (the smallest on this list), you likely won’t be able to fit more than a long weekend trip’s worth of items. However, with the use of packing cubes and the convenient compression straps on both halves of the bag, you could possibly fit more. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! There were a few microscopic knicks near the wheels after we performed our bat test, but overall its durability seemed on par with other Tumi luggage we own and love.

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