Best Carry-On Luggage 2024, Tested By Our Editors

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

Dimensions: 21.25 × 15.25 × 10 inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Limited 10-year global warranty

Best for:

• Travelers who only take a few trips each year
• Those who prefer an expandable bag (this one expands up to one inch)
• Those seeking a wide range of colors

Skip if:

• You need a more impact-resistant bag

The Samsonite Freeform Spinner is compact but expandable when you want extra packing room. It also has interior pockets and a divider to keep everything in its place. Four wheels make it easy to tote and a push-button handle pulls out and retracts as needed. Other notable features include a recessed TSA-approved lock, a built-in ID tag and a modern color palette that includes navy, mint green and white with gray accents.

“I have used this bag on dozens of trips now and it’s still in great shape,” says Forbes Vetted senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone. “It’s come in handy on both weekend trips and longer flights. The expandable panel is so convenient for squeezing extra clothes in without having to opt for a larger suitcase and the durable exterior ensures that my more delicate belongings stay protected.”

Expert tip: This suitcase’s polypropylene shell is not as impact-resistant as polycarbonate or aluminum. That’s perfectly fine for a carry-on bag, but risky as a checked bag that might get tossed around on an airport carousel.

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 9.7 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Travelers who prefer flexible softside luggage
• An elegant look made with durable material
• Generous warranty that covers any damage

Skip if:

• You’re on a budget

Briggs & Riley is a luxury luggage brand trusted for its durability and excellent lifetime warranty. Forbes Vetted’s branded content editor Luke Fater used the brand’s Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On for “multiple trips, including on a plane, train and bus.” After extensive testing, Fater is a fan. “The spinner rolled like butter,” he says. “It has no signs of fraying in the stitching or zippers, either. The ballistic nylon material seems super-resistant to wear and tear. Overall, the bag is very cleverly made.” This bag was also tested by Forbes Vetted contributor Neha Tandon, who notes that its sophisticated style has garnered many compliments at the airport. “Two strangers came up to me and asked about it on my last trip,” she says.

The suitcase features a spring-loaded handle, flat interior and built-in compartment configuration. Briggs & Riley suitcases don’t come cheap, but its high-end features like a built-in garment folder, compressive technology and shock-absorbent wheels make it a worthy investment.

Expert tip: The brand is known for its extremely forgiving warranty, covering repairs for any sort of damage free of charge for as long as you own the bag.

Travelpro Maxlite 5

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty; covers cost of repair for damage by an airline if registered within first 120 days of purchase

Best for:

• Travelers seeking a lightweight and expandable bag
• Those who don’t want to spend more than $200
• Minimal wheel noise

Skip if:

• You need a more spacious exterior pocket

Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 impressed our editors for being a lightweight bag that offers significant capacity (46 liters, to be exact). At under $200, it’s not only a solid affordable carry-on, but a great suitcase overall, which is why we named it one of our best softside luggage options. Designed with 360-degree rollers that make it smooth to maneuver around any airport, it features a rubber grip with contoured finishings for extra comfort. Its exterior is coated with the brand’s signature water and stain-resistant technology, meaning no matter how many rainstorms you drag it through, it still looks fresh. For overpackers, it also expands a generous two inches.

“This suitcase is exceedingly light and easy to maneuver,” says deputy editor Rose Gordon Sala, who traveled with the bag on a family trip to Jamaica over spring break. “I never got tripped up navigating tight aisles or security lines with it. One of my favorite features is the padded handle on the side, which makes it extra easy to grab and hoist as needed.”

Expert tip: While this bag comes with a handy exterior pocket, Gordon Sala notes that it won’t accommodate bulkier items. “The pocket could be wider,” she says.

Dimensions: 21.7 × 15.8 × 9.1 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Those looking for a long-term investment piece
• Smooth and quiet wheels
• Lifetime warranty

Skip if:

• You’re on a budget
• You plan to toss this bag around, since aluminum is prone to denting

Investing in a solid carry-on suitcase can fulfill your travel needs for years to come, and if you’re looking to make a purchase that truly lasts, Rimowa is an excellent choice. Durable and lightweight, the beloved German brand’s bags are known globally for their craftsmanship, and its classic Original Cabin is stylishly recognizable in any airport. It has a well-made aluminum exterior and a lifetime guarantee that covers any damage.

Forbes Vetted’s executive director of business development and partnerships, Alexis Caldwell, has used Rimowa’s Original Cabin Plus on both long and short trips. “This carry-on has come with me on three-week trips to various destinations, and I never felt like I needed more space,” she says. Caldwell specifically called out the bag’s built-in compression system, which “allows me to squeeze so much into it.”

Expert tip: While they are a badge of honor for some frequent flyers, an aluminum suitcase is probably not the best choice if you don’t want to see occasional dents on your bag.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner

Dimensions: 21 × 14 × 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty; covers cost of repair for damage by an airline if registered within first 120 days of purchase

Best for:

• Fitting into international airline overhead cabins
• Durable material and sturdy zippers
• Two large exterior pockets

Skip if:

• You prefer a modern aesthetic

Travelpro’s carry-on spinner is the correct size for international airline cabins, meaning you’ll never need to worry about your bag being snagged for a gate check. The softside suitcase is smartly outfitted with compression straps, accessory pockets, a water-resistant toiletry bag and a removable suiter system. There are eight self-aligning spinner wheels along with chrome zippers. As for the handle, a rubber contour grip, four adjustable heights and airline-grade aluminum guarantee comfort as well as resilience. 

Forbes Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, tested this bag on a recent trip and surprised at how well it performed. “I usually prefer hardside luggage, but this bag’s exterior felt so sturdy that I almost forgot it was softside,” she says. (It’s worth noting that this bag also comes in a hardside version). “I was particularly impressed by how durable the zippers are,” she adds. “I tend to use every inch of every pocket space and the zippers felt completely secure throughout all of my tugging.” Forbes Vetted’s editorial director, Brinda Ayer, also tested this bag and appreciates its sturdiness. “I haven’t had any tearing or scuffing yet, even after a few trips, and the handle has a comfortable grip,” she says.

Expert tip: “This bag is not super sleek or minimalist like other trendy luggage brands out there,” says Ayer, nothing that if you’re seeking the aesthetic of Monos or Away, this bag can look underwhelming at first glance. Regardless, it still scores high marks for its many versatile features.

Dimensions: 21.6 × 14.5 × 9 inches | Weight: 8.6 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: Lifetime warranty

Best for:

• Travelers who like the security of a snap locking system
• Business trips that call for sophisticated design
• Quiet spinner wheels

Skip if:

• You prefer a traditional zip-around suitcase

For the traveler who wants an alternative to zippered carry-on luggage, Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On is more than just good looks. This pick offers high-end craftsmanship (that chic trimming is Italian leather) as well as 360-degree spinner wheels that are silent as a whisper. While its stylish exterior makes it an excellent gift for the business traveler in your life, it’s a fit for any type of excursion, as it is sized to fit in the overhead bin of domestic and European cabins. For overpackers, it comes with durable compression straps as well as a pad that helps maximize packing space.

Taran has used this suitcase on several recent trips and found its lock easy to use. “I usually only use zippered bags, because I’m terrified of accidentally getting locked out of my things,” she says. “But this lock felt both super secure and very easy to open when it was time to unpack.”

Expert tip: Carl Friedrik suitcases do not come with zippers, so this is a great choice for the traveler who prefers a snap lock on their luggage.

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 10-year limited warranty

Best for:

• Sustainability lovers
• Those looking for a bag that is both stylish and durable
• Smooth wheels and a comfortable handle grip

Skip if:

• You need a lot of built-in interior pockets

Paravel’s carbon-neutral suitcases not only do good, they look good, too. The brand has gained a loyal following of eco-conscious travelers thanks to its commitment to using post-consumer recycled materials to make its bags. The Aviator Carry-On Plus is chic, sturdy and comes with a compression board and a laundry bag for dirty clothing. It’s also completely made with recycled aluminum and recycled polycarbonate.

Taran traveled with the Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus on a recent trip and was won over by its style and maneuverability. “This is a great looking bag,” she says. “There’s a lot of fashion brands out there leaning into design-forward luggage, but this carry-on actually feels very sturdy and well-made. The wheels never get snagged in airport carpets, which is a major pet peeve of mine.”

Expert tip: While this suitcase does not come with a cushioned handle, its handle features a vegan leather wrap that provides a comfortable grip.

Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | TSA-approved lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

Best for:

• Travelers seeking an alternative to heavy backpacks
• Sliding under a plane or train seat
• Budget flights where only a personal item is allowed

Skip if:

• You need more than two days’ worth of clothes

Sometimes a bulky backpack just won’t do—that’s where an underseat carry-on comes in. These smaller bags can easily slide under an airplane or train seat, making them a great choice for weekend trips where you don’t want to sling a heavy duffel over your shoulder. They can also be used as a personal item on budget airlines that tend to charge hefty fees for carry-on suitcases.

The Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On, one of our top underseat luggage picks, is just the right size to slide under most airline and train seats (but make sure to check your airline’s cabin dimensions beforehand). It comes with wheels and a top-mounted handle that make it easy to maneuver around at the airport or train station, and its hardshell exterior means it won’t snag on an aircraft or train’s carpet as you’re sliding it. Taran, who used this bag on a recent Amtrak train trip, says it’s an ideal bag for a trip that doesn’t require many items. “This bag easily slid under the seat in front of me on my train trip,” she says. “I used it for an overnight and packed it with a few shirts and two pairs of pants and still had space.”

Expert tip: When you’re not using it for short trips, this bag can easily be used as a piece of children’s luggage, making it a versatile investment for parents.