Discover the best carry-on luggage for your next getaway

Before packing for your next getaway, look over your luggage. Is it beaten up, ripped, ragged, broken or outdated? If you answered “yes,” it’s time to browse our list of the best carry-on luggage to ensure you’re prepared for take-off.

Imagine the bag of your dreams. What should it look like, feel like? What features are a must-have or nice-to-have for your luggage wish list?

Got your list? Great! And if not, we selected a range of the best bags available to help guide your decision.

These editor-approved carry-ons are not only functional and durable — but they’re also compact, so you won’t have to check a bag for your next trip. And they’re brimming with the features any exceptional bag should have. Keep reading to explore our top picks.

Read more: See the best luggage brands of 2023 here

Our favorite compact travel bags

Best for international travel

Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner

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$198 at Delsey Paris

Best lightweight choice

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

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$159.99 at Samsonite

Best affordable option

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

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$64.45 at Amazon

Best hardside carry-on luggage

Away The Carry-On

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$275 at Away

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Best for international travel

Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner

$198

$198 at Delsey Paris

• Dimensions: 22 H x 15 W x 10 D in

• Capacity: 55 L

• Weight: 8.40 pounds

• Warranty: 10-year limited

Pros & Cons

• TSA-approved combination lock

• Expandable main compartment

• Available in five colors

• May not meet all airline requirements if fully expanded.

• No free shipping for Alaska and Hawaii

Sleek and chic, the Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner is a top-quality hardside suitcase, made from durable polycarbonate. Not only will it keep your valuables safe, but it’s convenient to use with a trolley handle that adjusts to two different heights.

We love that this bag comes in five trendy colors — and that it has a TSA-approved combination lock for avoiding theft. We also like the expandable main compartment for holding extra souvenirs and keepsakes you’ve collected along the way. 

As with all expandable compartments for carry-on bags, avoid overstuffing as this could result in your bag failing to meet carry-on requirements. 

Best lightweight choice

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

You save $40 (20%)

$159.99$199.99

$159.99 at Samsonite

• Dimensions: 23 H x 15 W x 10 D in

• Capacity: Not specified by retailer

• Weight: 6.5 pounds

• Warranty: Limited 10-year global

Pros & Cons

• TSA-approved combination lock

• Includes 10-year warranty

• Expandable

• May not meet all airline requirements if overstuffed

• Shell may scratch easily

Founded in 1910, Samsonite has long been a major player in the luggage industry. This is because it creates bags you can count on — and the Freeform Carry-On Spinner is no different. 

This hip travel bag has a smart design, which includes dividers on the interior for easy packing — and multiple pockets for keeping your thing organized. Also, for over-packers, it’s expandable to give you more room for clothes, shoes and other essentials.

Available in six stylish colors, this case comes with a unique, built-in luggage ID tag to easily identify your bag. And it comes with a TSA-approved three-dial combination recessed lock.

Still not sold? Don’t just take our word for it. This bag received an average 4.5-star rating from more than 3,100 reviewers.

Best affordable option

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

$64.45

$64.45 at Amazon

• Dimensions:  21.65 H x 14.96 W x 10.04 D in

• Capacity: 34.4 L

• Weight: 7.34 pounds

• Warranty: Limited one-year warranty

Pros & Cons

• Scratch-resistant exterior

• Expands to provide up to 15% more packing space.

• Durable zippers and telescoping handle

• Some reviewers say the handle can be flimsy

• Has caster wheels, which can be noisy

Looking for a bag that’s durable and budget-friendly? The Amazon Basic Hardside Spinner is the answer. Available in four color options, the sturdy ABS hard shell resists scratching — while the zippers and telescoping handle stand up to wear. For more flexibility when packing, this bag is expandable to allow for up to 15% more space. And inside, it has an interior organizer with a divider and three zippered pockets.

We love the durability of this bag, and more than 40,000 reviewers agree, giving it an average 4.6-star rating. 

Best hardside carry-on luggage

Away The Carry-On

$275

$275 at Away

• Dimensions: 21.7 H x 13.7W x 9 D in

• Capacity: 39.8 L

• Weight: 7.1 pounds

• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty (Battery: two-year warranty)

Pros & Cons

• 100-day trial available

• Option to customize with your initials

• Personalized options can not be returned

Founded in 2015, Away has quickly grown to become one of the trendiest luggage brands available. It’s a favorite among Smart Shopper editors — and in particular, we are impressed by the brand’s classic carry-on suitcase.

Made from lightweight, yet durable, polycarbonate, this bag is designed to last. And it has a TSA-approved combination lock to keep your belongings safe. 

This innovative bag features 360-degree wheels for easy navigation, and it has internal compression to keep clothes and valuables secure. As an added plus, it has a hidden laundry bag to separate dirty laundry from clean. We also like that this bag accommodates up to a week’s worth of outfits, which is excellent for longer trips.

Ready to try it out? You wouldn’t be the first. This bag claimed an impressive 5-star average rating from nearly 2,000 reviewers.

Best soft side carry-on luggage

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner

$699

$699 at Briggs & Riley

• Dimensions: 22 H x 14 W x 9 D in

• Capacity: 37 to 48 L

• Weight: 10 pounds

• Warranty: Lifetime guarantee

Pros & Cons

• One-touch CX expansion and compression

• Can personalize with your initials.

• Compression straps to prevent wrinkles

• Can be tricky to fit in overhead bin if overpacked

• Zippers can be stubborn

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner is fantastic for those who frequently travel for work. That said, it works equally well for recreational travel.

We love that this bag is made of uber-durable ballistic nylon, which is a super tough fabric that can take a beating at airports or wherever you go.

Its One-touch CX expansion technology also allows you to seamlessly expand the bag for more storage and it’s equipped with a foam roll bar that holds one or two suits without causing creases. As an added plus, it comes in four different colors — and you can personalize it with your monogram. This bag received a 4.6-star average rating from more than 200 reviewers.

Best for the fashion-savvy

Calpak Trnk Carry-On Luggage

$195

$195 at Calpak

• Dimensions: 20.5  H x 13 W x 9 D in

• Capacity: 39.3 L

• Weight: 7.4 pounds

• Warranty: Two-year limited warranty

Pros & Cons

• TSA-approved lock

• Expands up to two inches more.

• Available in three colors

• Wheel caps can be flimsy

• Must treat handle with care

Designed with style in mind, the Calpak Trnk Carry-On Luggage offers a trendy — yet durable — way to get from point A to point B. This travel bag is made to resemble a vintage trunk with an eye-catching crocodile print. Chic, no? Apart from looking great, we’re big fans of how lightweight this sturdy polycarbonate suitcase is at just over 7 pounds. Plus, it’s expandable up to 2 inches — and has a TSA approved-approved lock for keeping your belongings safe and secure.

Wondering what users thought? Of those who reviewed it, this case received an impressive 4.9-star average rating. So, you can feel confident purchasing it. 

How big can my carry-on be for flying?

Most airlines require carry-on luggage to be no more than 22 H x 14 W x 9 D in. However, this varies from one airline to another — and each airline may have additional restrictions or requirements your carry-on bag must meet. Always check with the airline before your trip to ensure your bag isn’t too large.

Which are the most lightweight & durable?

There are two different types of standard carry-on bags: hard and soft shell. A couple of top material options for hardshell bags include aluminum and polycarbonate. Alternatively, durable soft-shell fabrics include polyester, Cordura, and ballistic nylon.

Which bag gets our vote?

Shopping for luggage is often a bigger investment — and you want to be sure to choose a travel bag that will satisfy your needs for years to come. While all of the options in our roundup make great choices, if we had to choose a top choice, it would be the following. 

• Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you really can’t beat this model from Amazon. With a scratch-resistant exterior and smart organizational features inside, this functional case is for sure a top contender.

Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.