Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.
From expandable options to suitcases with brakes, these are carry-ons T+L editors swear by.
Credit:Travel + Leisure
You also get to skip the longchecked baglines, and those pesky fees, too.
Our Testing Process (Video)
Testing luggage is serious business here at T+L!
Over the years, weve managed to test 454 carry-on bags.
Travel + Leisure
Next, we fill each carry-on bag with enough clothing and accessories for a four-day trip.
to ensure it fits.
We will continue to update this list with new results as we test more carry-ons.
Travel + Leisure
Consider the nature of your upcoming trips and what factors are most important to you before deciding.
Look for a lightweight construction
The importance oflightweight luggagecannot be stressed enough.
Weight also affects the maneuverability of the suitcase and how easy it is to lift it into overhead bins.
Credit: Amazon
The wheeled carry-on suitcases we tested ranged from 4.36 to 12.9 pounds.
Anything heavier than that is likely not the best choice to bring on board.
If you like to stay highly organized while traveling, look for carry-ons that offer even more compartments.
Credit: Travel + Leisure
The outer shell became a bit scratched after months of traveling.
When testing it in our New York City lab, we loved its organization, capacity, and value.
The protective edges and ballistic nylon details make it heavier than the average softside suitcase.
Coming in right behind our beloved Samsonite Freeform is the Tumi Alpha Dual Access Carry-on.
The brand also offers extra peace of mind with its generousfive-year warranty.
Depending on your airlines carry-on rules, you may be required to check it once fully expanded.
Stroll through any airport, and youll see loads of passengers toting one ofAways signature striped suitcases.
The color options are limited.
For starters, it offers the same capacity as suitcases that are more than double the price.
It’s heavy for a carry-on of this size.
Dagne Dover completely changed the game when it launched itsdebut luggage collectionlast summer.
It also offers two ways to pack: via clamshell opening and a top-loading option.
But with the beauty of this suitcase comes one painful fact: it’s heavy for a carry-on.
The price tag is quite hefty.
In case you werent aware, Samsonites Proxis carry-on is kind of a big deal.
Like, it wassent 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.
Using our own luggage scales, we clocked this model at just under 5 pounds.
To our delight, its light-as-air build didnt make it any less durable.
This is actually a good thing if the goal is for your luggage to weigh less and hold more.
It doesnt have as many internal pockets as wed prefer.
Sometimes, a diminutive carry-on just wont do (especially for longer trips).
In these instances, wed 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 weve ever tested.
Weighing in around 8 pounds, its on par with other carry-ons with similar dimensions.
Who doesnt love a freebie?
This makes it a wonderful gift for the traveler in your life.
The material is heavier than other softside bags weve tested.
Our chief complaint about Aways softside carry-on is its weight.
Part of the appeal of softside luggage is that it’s lighter because of its fabric construction.
But at nearly 10 pounds, we found this one to be heavier than some hardside bags we own.
It didnt pass our durability test with flying colors.
Like Tumi, Briggs & Riley has a best-in-class reputation for luggage.
The top lid unzips to reveal a main large compartment which has a built-in compressor pad.
There is also a designated space for a luggage tag here.
We thought it rolled well through our obstacle courses.
Unfortunately, the very bottom of the bag did get scratched when going over a concrete curb during testing.
It doesnt have an expander.
In terms of capacity, Aer really meant it when they saidmax.
Due to its limited capacity, its best for light packers.
Aesthetics aside, theres also substance.
Its maneuverability and lightweight profile also makes it a breeze to travel with.
It gets scuffed after every trip, but the marks are easy enough to buff out.
Theres 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.
The wheels were so smooth, they practically rolled themselves through our testing lab floors and in airports.
It only offers enough packing room for short trips.
Where theres a will, theres a way!
It may be a tight squeeze in overhead bins if overstuffed.
Even though there is no expandable feature, I didn’t feel as though I was tight on space.
Though the puffy exterior is equipped with a compression strap, it does add bulk to the suitcase.
I noticed that when fully packed, itjustbarely fit in the overhead compartment in our testing lab.
However, they do possess a few redeeming qualities we feel are worth mentioning.
However, we appreciated itshelpful features, like its protective front pocket for laptops and removable power bank.
During packing, we struggled to fit everything on our list.
We also noticed that the laptop compartment protruded the more we packed it.
Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-on:The durability on this suitcase was top notch.
In fact, it’s one of the most solid suitcases weve ever tested.
Still, we wouldve appreciated an expandable feature here.
The Pioneer Carry-on is very durable and stylish, but there werent any unique features that stood out.
Bagsmart Roamer Expandable 20-inch Carry-on Luggage: This affordable bag has lots of impressive features.
It even held strong after we whacked it with a metal bat about 10 times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accepted carry-on dimensionsvary by airline, according to theTSA.
However, standard dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Again, this varies.
No liquid in your carry-on or personal item can exceed 3.4 ounces.
Any amounts larger than that will need to be checked or will be disposed of.
Solid toiletries like powdered makeup, bar soap, and solid deodorant should pose no issue.
Yes, AirTags and other luggage trackers are allowed in carry-on luggage.
Credit: Tumi
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Away
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Dagne Dover
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Samsonite
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: July
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Away
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Briggs & Riley
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Aer
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Delsey Chatelet Carry-on Plus Spinner.Credit: Delsey
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: July
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: TUMI
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Rains
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure
