If you’ve been following my travels, you know that I prefer to travel with a carry-on suitcase. A reliable carry-on is perfect for avoiding the hassle of checking in luggage during your next business trip or holiday. However, how do you select the ideal carry-on luggage?
Traveling with a wheeled carry-on rather than checking your bag can save both time and money at the airport. It also eliminates the anxiety of whether your checked bag might be lost or damaged along the way.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just heading out for a summer vacation, this guide will help you select the best carry-on luggage for your travel needs. I’ll highlight the top brands, the best bags available, and all the important details needed to make an informed choice.
The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2024
When looking for the best carry-on suitcase, there are several important factors to consider, including:
- Hard shell vs. soft-sided options
- Weight and size
- Wheel and handle quality
- Internal storage features
- Extra features like USB charging ports
- Price range
Of course, you’ll want your carry-on suitcase to not only be functional but also visually appealing. Be sure to check the warranty and return policy, especially when shopping online. Whether you’re traveling by train, plane, or car, carry-on luggage is compact enough to fit in your vehicle’s trunk, the overhead compartment of an airplane, or a train’s baggage rack.
Packing efficiently is key when you’re traveling with just a carry-on. Don’t worry—I have you covered with this helpful article on how to pack a carry-on suitcase. (Tip: Packing cubes can be incredibly useful!)
One quick word of caution: While duffel bags are popular for some, I do not recommend them. They’re generally heavier, bulkier, and lack organization features.
Quick Summary
Best Business Carry-On: TUMI Alpha 3
Most Fashionable Carry-On: MONOS, Away
Top Soft-Shell Bag: SwissGear, TravelPro
Best Brightly Colored Carry-On: Delsey Paris Clavel
Best Underseat Carry-On for Weekend Getaways: Samsonite Underseat
TUMI Alpha 3 Carry-On 22-Inch Rolling Suitcase
This advanced carry-on suitcase merges style with functionality, making packing a breeze. Crafted from TUMI’s incredibly durable FXT ballistic nylon, it protects your belongings and is resistant to abrasions, ensuring your suitcase maintains its appearance for years. It passes all necessary durability tests for wear and tear.
The innovative dual-entry feature provides easy access to the main compartment through the front lid. The suitcase includes an interior garment bag and a complimentary Tumi Tracer code to help recover your bag if it’s lost or stolen. The hard-sided suitcase also comes with a TSA-approved lock to keep your valuables secure.
The sturdy telescopic handle, made from aircraft-grade aluminum, combined with four double-spinner wheels, makes this one of the smoothest spinning carry-on cases available.
Drawback: Weighing just over 11 lbs, the TUMI Alpha 3 is on the heavier side. This is something to consider if you’re petite or need to maximize your packing capacity.
Dimensions: 19.69 x 14.96 x 8.66 inches
Weight: 11.88 lbs
Material: XT Ballistic Nylon fabric
Monos Carry-On
The Monos Carry-On suitcase boasts an eye-catching design with solid construction that promises longevity. Built with an aerospace-grade polycarbonate hard shell, it features four 360-degree spinner wheels and a robust telescopic handle that offers ease of movement. The suitcase is equipped with TSA-approved combination locks for hassle-free inspections and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Monos carry-on cases include built-in compression straps and come in various colors, including limited-edition styles that include luxurious touches like antimicrobial lining and vegan leather details. The Monos Carry-On Pro model includes a front pocket for easy laptop access. This Canadian luggage brand is among my favorites in the market.
Monos also provides expandable packing cubes available in matching colors and sizes. These cubes are essential for internal organization, and I’ve found them invaluable for international trips.
Inside the suitcase, you’ll discover an antimicrobial hidden laundry bag (for dirty clothes), two shoe bags, and a compression compartment to make the most of your packing space.
Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Weight: 7.01 lbs
Material: Polycarbonate (partially recycled)
Away Carry-On
If you prioritize style, the Away Carry-On is a top contender. Available in a variety of stunning matte and bright colors, it merges elegant design with practical functionality. Key features include a lightweight polycarbonate shell, smooth-gliding 360° spinner wheels, and an adjustable trolley handle.
Away’s signature double-buckle compression system and several interior pockets enable efficient packing. The suitcase includes a TSA-approved lock and convenient reverse coil zippers for easy access and enhanced security.
Complete with a color-matched leather luggage tag, this premium carry-on is an excellent choice for your next quick getaway.
Dimensions: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Material: Polycarbonate
SwissGear Sion Softside Carry-On 21-Inch
The SwissGear Sion Carry-On is constructed from durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric and comes in various colors. It features multiple front pockets, a built-in ID tag, and reinforced padded handles for effortless lifting into overhead compartments.
This slightly heavier option compared to others in this guide offers 360° multi-directional spinner wheels and a retractable handle for easy maneuverability through the airport.
This expandable case makes packing simple, equipped with a fully lined interior featuring adjustable straps to keep your belongings secure. Additional features include a zippered wet bag, a packing pocket for smaller items, and a large mesh lid pocket.
Dimensions: 14.25 x 10.25 x 22.75 inches
Weight: 8 lbs
Material: Polyester
Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner
If you’re on a budget, the AmazonBasics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner might be the best fit for you.
This suitcase features a durable, scratch-resistant ABS hard shell, four double spinner wheels, and a telescoping handle for easy movement.
Additionally, it can be expanded for up to 15% more packing space. Inside, it boasts a fully lined interior with a divider and three zippered pockets for organization.
Ultimately, this model stands out as one of the best budget-friendly carry-on luggage options, making it suitable for both business trips and vacations while competing with higher-end brands.
Dimensions: 13.58 x 9.45 x 19.09 inches
Weight: 7.34 lbs
Material: Extra-thick ABS hard shell
Travelpro Platinum Elite Hard Shell Carry-On 21”
If you frequently travel for business, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside might be ideal for you.
Designed to withstand the rigors of business travel, this suitcase features an ultra-strong polycarbonate shell that flexes upon impact to prevent cracking, along with aluminum corner guards for added durability. Its attractive textured finish helps conceal any scuffs or scratches, while the genuine leather accents enhance its stylish appearance.
Equipped with the PrecisionGlide System, this suitcase rolls smoothly with lightweight wheels and a self-aligning handle. It also includes a TSA-compliant lock to secure your belongings.
Inside, you’ll find zippered sections to keep your items organized, as well as a water-resistant pocket for toiletries or damp clothing.
Dimensions: 9.5 x 14.5 x 23 inches
Weight: 8.1 lbs
Material: Polycarbonate hard shell
Travelpro Platinum Elite Soft-Side Carry-On 21”
If you prefer a soft-sided case, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside model is one of the best options available. It’s made with tough nylon fabric that resists abrasion, accompanied by water-resistant chrome zippers.
Just like its hard shell counterpart, this model comes in various colors and features luxurious leather detailing. It includes a TSA-compliant lock and the PrecisionGlide System with self-aligning 360° spinner wheels.
Dimensions: 9 x 14.5 x 23.5 inches
Weight: 7.72 lbs
Material: Polyester
DELSEY Paris Clavel Carry-On 19”
This award-winning hardside carry-on is part of Delsey Paris’s lightweight luggage range. The Clavel is the lightest collection they offer, weighing just over 5 lbs. It’s perfect for a stylish weekend getaway.
Made from 100% polypropylene, this case is engineered to withstand wear and tear. The nearly silent double spinner wheels make rolling effortless, complemented by top, bottom, and side handles for carrying convenience.
Inside, the Clavel features two compartments with a zippered mesh divider and straps to secure your belongings. It expands by up to 2 inches, and the unique Delsey SECURITECH closing system offers superior security for your items.
Dimensions: 9.75 x 13.75 x 21.75 inches
Weight: 5.3 lbs
Material: Polypropylene
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner
An under-seat carry-on offers easy access to your belongings during travel. The sleek Samsonite Underseat Carry-on features many of the same design benefits as larger carry-ons but is compact enough to fit under most airline seats.
Its ergonomic locking handle and four multi-directional spinner wheels enhance mobility, while the Smart Sleeve on the back allows it to be securely placed over the handle of a larger suitcase.
The design includes quick-stash exterior pockets that maximize space for smaller items, and the main compartment contains a padded laptop section suitable for devices up to 13.3 inches. There’s also a built-in USB port for convenient charging on the go.
Dimensions: 9 x 13.5 x 16.5 inches
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Material: Polyester
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside 2.0 Carry-On 21 Inch
The Deluxe Delsey Paris Chatelet Hard Spinner combines fashion and function in a stylish hard-shell carry-on. With a vintage aesthetic, it features vegan leather accents on a lightweight polycarbonate shell available in various colors.
It rolls smoothly with four multi-directional double-spinner wheels, providing stability, and includes a TSA-approved combination lock to keep your belongings secure. A convenient USB port enables you to charge your devices while on the move.
Inside, there’s a full zippered compartment on one side and a compression compartment to fit extra items. The suitcase also comes with a laundry bag, shoe bag, and a removable hanger.
Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 22.75 inches
Weight: 7.7 lbs
Material: Lightweight 100% polycarbonate
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Photo credits: Tumi, Away, Monos, TravelPro, Delsey, SwissGear, Samsonite
Claudia Laroye is the founder and publisher of ClaudiaTravels. An award-winning writer, content creator, and author, Claudia is a recognized and trusted travel expert with decades of experience in adventure, family, and sustainable travel. Her family book, A Gelato a Day, was published in fall 2022.
