Traveling smart means traveling light and efficiently, and the cornerstone of this approach is choosing the Best Travel Luggage Carry On. Say goodbye to checked baggage woes and hello to streamlined airport navigation. As a seasoned traveler who prioritizes carry-on bags to keep essentials secure and accessible, I’ve rigorously tested a wide array of suitcases – 12 to be exact, encompassing both hardside and softside designs. These trials spanned numerous trips over six months, featuring renowned brands such as Monos, Away, and Béis. My quest? To pinpoint the ultimate carry-on luggage options that blend capacity, durability, organization, and style. After extensive evaluation, the Away The Bigger Carry-On emerged as the frontrunner. Its impressive capacity, coupled with intelligent organization features and a built-in compression system, sets it apart. It comfortably accommodates a week’s worth of clothing while maintaining a robust yet reasonably priced build.
The best carry-on luggage from brands like Briggs & Riley, Monos, and Away, allows you to keep your personal items close and travel in style.
Various top-rated carry-on luggage options from leading brands like Briggs & Riley, Monos, and Away, showcasing a range of styles and features for discerning travelers.
Beyond my top overall pick, the Monos Carry-On Pro, a hardside marvel with a dedicated laptop compartment, and the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner, a resilient softside choice with ample pockets, also garnered high praise. Below, explore my curated selection of the 10 best travel luggage carry on options, designed to elevate your next journey.
Top Rated Carry-On Luggage: Our Best Picks
Best Overall Carry-On Luggage: Spacious and Value-Packed
Away The Bigger Carry-On
Score: 10/10 | Dimensions: 22.7 x 15.4 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 7.93 pounds | Capacity: 47.9 liters | Colors: 9 | Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Ideal for:
- Trips lasting six to eight days
- Efficient interior compression
- Comfortable grab handles
Consider other options if:
- You need a front pocket for easy access
My experience with Away suitcases dates back to 2018, consistently recommending them as an excellent gateway into the world of hardside luggage. Even Forbes Vetted senior reviews editor Anna Perling, a first-time Away user, lauded the standard Carry-On after trips to Paris, Austin, and New York.
Packed Away Bigger Carry-On suitcase showcasing its spacious interior and compression system, ideal for fitting bulky winter clothing for a ski trip to St. Moritz, Switzerland.
The Bigger Carry-On is my most trusted companion in my luggage collection. Its compression system is truly effective, maximizing space even with overstuffed packing cubes. Thoughtful features like comfortable handles, an integrated TSA lock, and handy accessories like a laundry bag enhance its appeal. While Away suggests it fits up to nine outfits for seven days, I found it surpasses expectations. On a challenging ski trip to Switzerland with tight connections on different airlines where checking bags wasn’t feasible, the Bigger Carry-On effortlessly swallowed eight days of bulky winter wear.
Its near 48-liter capacity is remarkable for a carry-on. I’ve never encountered issues fitting it in overhead bins across various airlines. Only the Briggs & Riley Sympatico and Béis Carry-On Roller offer larger capacities, but the Away achieves this spaciousness without expandability, a testament to its design. Priced significantly lower than Briggs & Riley, the Away Bigger Carry-On offers exceptional value.
Best Expandable Carry-On Luggage: Maximize Packing Space
Béis The Carry-On Roller
Score: 9/10 | Dimensions: 21 × 14.5 × 9.8 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Capacity: 61 liters (expanded) | Colors: 10 | Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Ideal for:
- Trips of five to seven days
- Built-in weight indicator and 2-inch expansion
- Comfortable, soft-grip handle
Consider other options if:
- Lightweight luggage is a top priority
For trips demanding extra layers or those prone to overpacking, an expandable suitcase is indispensable. Béis’ Carry-On Roller excels in this category, providing two extra inches of depth. On week-long trips, I’ve packed sweaters, jackets, and more, still finding room after expanding it. A unique built-in weight indicator alerts you if your bag exceeds 50 pounds, helping avoid airline fees.
Béis Carry-On Roller, highlighting its expandable design that offers up to two additional inches of packing space, perfect for travelers needing extra room.
The cushioned handle is a standout feature, providing comfort when navigating long distances. Smooth wheels, an integrated TSA lock, and stylish color options further enhance its appeal. Slightly heavier than the Away Bigger Carry-On, it remains a top choice, especially for those needing extra flexibility.
While the Away Bigger Carry-On is spacious, the Béis expandable option is more forgiving for overpackers. It offers greater capacity than the Away Bigger Carry-On Flex and even the Briggs & Riley Sympatico after expansion. However, note that the Béis hardshell may be more susceptible to scuffs than the Sympatico.
Best Lock Closure Carry-On Luggage: Enhanced Security and Style
Carl Friedrik The Carry-On
Score: 9/10 | Dimensions: 21.6 × 14.5 × 9 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | Capacity: 40 liters | Colors: 4 | Warranty: Lifetime
Ideal for:
- Trips of five to seven days
- Preference for snap-lock security
- Business travel aesthetics
Consider other options if:
- You prefer traditional zipper closures
Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On distinguishes itself with premium craftsmanship, Italian leather trim, and whisper-quiet 360-degree spinner wheels. Its zipper-free snap-lock system offers a sleek, secure alternative. While I typically favor zippers, this lock felt both secure and easy to use. The reassuring click of the lock instilled confidence in its security, preventing accidental openings.
Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On, emphasizing its stylish and secure lock closure system, a sophisticated alternative to traditional zippers for peace of mind.
Its sophisticated design suits business travelers, yet it’s versatile for any trip, sized for both domestic and European overhead bins. Internal compression straps and a maximizing pad aid in efficient packing. While only one side has a zipped interior, packing cubes and compression straps effectively organize and secure clothing.
Away also offers an aluminum version of the Bigger Carry-On with snap-lock closures, but it’s heavier than the Carl Friedrik.
Best Carry-On Luggage for International Travel: Built for Durability
Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner
Score: 10/10 | Dimensions: 21 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Capacity: 46 liters | Colors: 8 | Warranty: 5-year limited, airline damage repair in first 120 days
Ideal for:
- Trips of five to seven days
- Robust materials and zippers
- Two external pockets
Consider other options if:
- Modern, minimalist aesthetics are preferred
International travel demands durable luggage. The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner’s robust exterior fabric makes it ideal for extended trips. It’s also Forbes Vetted’s top pick for international travel in their broader luggage guide. Its chrome zippers feel exceptionally sturdy and tug-proof. After rigorous testing, it’s clear why pilots and flight attendants favor this brand.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner, showcasing its durable softside exterior and sturdy zippers, designed for the rigors of international travel.
Features include interior compression straps, accessory pockets, a water-resistant toiletry bag, and a removable suiter. The handle offers a comfortable rubber contour grip and multiple adjustable heights, along with a padded top handle for easy lifting.
While less overtly stylish than minimalist hardside options like Béis, Monos, and Away, and even some softside options like Briggs & Riley Essential Baseline, its practicality for international travel is undeniable. For softside luggage enthusiasts prioritizing function over high fashion, the Travelpro Platinum Elite is a top contender.
Best Carry-On Luggage with Laptop Compartment: Tech-Savvy and Reliable
Monos Carry-On Pro
Score: 8/10 | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Capacity: 36 liters | Colors: 11 | Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Ideal for:
- Short trips of three to four days
- Smart organization and compression
- Laptop users needing a padded front pocket
Consider other options if:
- You tend to overpack
The Monos Carry-On Pro balances lightweight design with robust construction. Its substantial feel is immediately apparent, inspiring confidence in its durability. The polycarbonate shell proved remarkably scuff-resistant even in lighter colors after multiple domestic trips. This durability extends to the dedicated laptop compartment, accommodating up to a 15-inch laptop with space for accessories. Smooth 360-degree spinner wheels and a sturdy telescopic handle enhance maneuverability. It also includes a laundry bag and shoe bags for organized packing, plus an integrated TSA lock.
While advertised for five-day trips, the laptop compartment slightly reduces interior space, making it better suited for three to four days. Overpacking might cause handle stiffness, so expandable options like Briggs & Riley or Béis might be preferable for heavy packers.
Most Spacious Carry-On Luggage: Premium Capacity
Briggs & Riley Sympatico Essential Spinner
Score: 10/10 | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 8.8 pounds | Capacity: 52 liters | Colors: 2 | Warranty: Lifetime
Ideal for:
- Trips of six to eight days
- Durable exterior
- Pop-up expansion system
Consider other options if:
- Budget is a primary concern
Briggs & Riley, a premium brand, justifies its higher price with exceptional quality, durability, and longevity. Their suitcases are built to last for years, making them a worthwhile investment.
Briggs & Riley Sympatico highlighting its handle design that maximizes interior packing space, providing exceptional roominess for extended trips.
The redesigned Sympatico boasts a robust, glossy Makrolon polycarbonate shell that resists scratches and dents. Its handle system is cleverly positioned externally, maximizing interior packing space – the most among hardside bags tested. The pop-up expansion feature further increases capacity, easily accommodating over a week’s worth of clothing.
While Away’s Bigger Carry-On and Béis’ Carry-On Roller offer comparable capacity, Briggs & Riley’s Makrolon polycarbonate is superior in scratch and dent resistance, justifying the investment for pristine luggage.
Best Softside Carry-On Luggage: High-End Expandability
Briggs & Riley Essential Baseline Carry-On
Score: 10/10 | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Capacity: 37 to 48 liters (expanded) | Colors: 4 | Warranty: Lifetime
Ideal for:
- Business travelers
- Longevity seekers
- Overpackers
Consider other options if:
- Fragile items are frequently packed
While I typically prefer hardside luggage for impact resistance, the Briggs & Riley Essential Baseline impressed me. Highly recommended by travel editors and colleagues, it excels as a softside option.
Features like a built-in garment folder for wrinkle-free clothing and practical pockets – a large front pocket and a smaller one for essentials – enhance its functionality. Like the Sympatico, it features pop-up expansion, and the soft exterior allows for even more flexible packing.
Although pricier, its durability ensures years of use. Its sophisticated, minimalist design appeals to business travelers. Being the heaviest option on this list at 10 pounds, weight-conscious travelers should be mindful of airline restrictions.
Best Carry-On Luggage for Style: Eco-Chic Design
Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus
Score: 9/10 | Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Capacity: 46.6 liters | Colors: 6 | Warranty: 10-year limited
Ideal for:
- Trips of five to seven days
- Style and durability seekers
- Smooth wheel and handle performance
Consider other options if:
- Extensive color choices are desired
Paravel’s carbon-neutral suitcases are both eco-conscious and stylish. Their use of recycled materials resonates with environmentally aware travelers, without sacrificing aesthetics. The Aviator Carry-On Plus is exceptionally stylish; I received compliments on its appearance during my trip to Mexico City.
Despite its fashion-forward design, it’s remarkably sturdy. Features include a comfortable vegan leather handle wrap, an integrated TSA lock, and built-in compression. Smooth-rolling wheels navigate airport carpets effortlessly.
While color options are more limited than Away or Monos, the six palettes offered are exceptionally elegant. The Scout Tan and Safari Green hues offer sophisticated alternatives to standard luggage colors.
Best Carry-On Luggage with Locking Wheels: Stay-Put Stability
Aer Carry-On
Score: 9/10 | Dimensions: 22.7 x 15 x 9 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Capacity: 48 liters | Colors: 5 | Warranty: Lifetime
Ideal for:
- Luggage roll-away prevention
- Stacking bags on top
- Smart tracker users
Consider other options if:
- Free-spinning wheels are preferred
- A front pocket is essential
As an Aer travel bag enthusiast, I was eager to test their Carry-On luggage. On a trip to Los Angeles, its spaciousness and style impressed me. Durable zippers, a TSA lock, and three interior pockets, including one for smart trackers like Apple AirTags, enhance its functionality. The Safety Orange color is distinctive yet refined.
Its standout feature is the integrated brake system. This lockable wheel system prevents unwanted rolling, a common travel frustration. Simply engage the brake to “park” your luggage securely.
Compression features aid in packing efficiency, and the integrated TSA lock adds convenience. However, the handle grip is less comfortable than some competitors, particularly the Béis Carry-On with its padded handle.
Best Underseat Carry-On Luggage: Compact Convenience
Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
Score: 9/10 | Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Capacity: 31.2 liters | Colors: 9 | Warranty: 5-year limited
Ideal for:
- Overnight or weekend trips
- Under-seat storage on planes or trains
- Budget flights with personal item restrictions
Consider other options if:
- You need more than two days of clothing capacity
The Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On is perfectly sized to fit under most airline and train seats (always verify specific airline dimensions). Wheels and a top handle provide easy maneuverability, and the hardshell exterior prevents snagging. It includes an integrated TSA lock for security, similar to full-size luggage.
Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage, demonstrating its compact design and smooth-rolling wheels, ideal for underseat storage and short trips.
On an Amtrak trip to Boston, it proved a smooth-rolling alternative to backpacks or weekender bags. It easily held three shirts, two pants, and shoes, fitting comfortably under the train seat. It’s also excellent for budget airlines with strict personal item allowances. Its compact size also makes it suitable for children’s trips.
While the Calpak Hue Mini is my preferred underseat option, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Bag is another highly-rated rolling alternative.
Other Carry-On Luggage Tested
Beyond the top picks, I tested other bags that didn’t quite make the cut, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation to identify the best travel luggage carry on options available.
Why Trust Our Carry-On Luggage Recommendations
The Forbes Vetted team has extensive experience in travel gear, publishing numerous luggage reviews since 2020, based on rigorous research and hands-on testing.
About the Author
Astrid Taran, Senior Travel Editor at Forbes Vetted, authored this guide. With seven years of travel content experience, she’s visited over 35 countries and flies twice monthly, prioritizing carry-on luggage. Her expertise ensures informed and practical recommendations.
Our Testing and Review Process
Executive Editor Dave Johnson and Commerce Content Director Cory Baldwin reviewed this article for accuracy and editorial standards. Johnson, a seasoned diver, brings extensive travel luggage experience. Baldwin, with 15 years in travel guide editing, offers valuable insights into carry-on bag essentials. Forbes Vetted continuously updates its reviews to reflect new product developments and ensure current, helpful recommendations.
Key Considerations When Choosing Carry-On Luggage
Beyond testing criteria, consider these factors when selecting your best travel luggage carry on:
Materials
Hardside luggage, primarily polycarbonate, offers impact resistance and durability. Softside luggage uses nylon or polyester for rip-resistance and flexibility.
Color
Neutral colors like black and navy are practical for hiding scuffs, while brighter colors offer easier identification but may show wear more readily.
Features
TSA-approved locks and front compartments for electronics enhance security and convenience.
Warranty
Luggage warranties vary, ranging from limited years to lifetime coverage. Review warranty details to understand coverage terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hardside vs. Softside Carry-On?
Hardside is generally preferred for carry-ons due to impact resistance and style. Softside offers expandability, but some hardside models also feature expansion options.
Top Carry-On Luggage Brand?
Away’s The Bigger Carry-On is our top pick for its capacity, compression, and value.
TSA Carry-On Size Limits?
Domestic airlines typically adhere to 22″ x 14″ x 9″ size limits. International flights may vary, so verify with your airline.
This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to select the best travel luggage carry on for your needs, ensuring efficient, stylish, and stress-free travel.
