Any regular traveler needs a reliable best carry on luggage for international travel. If you don’t travel frequently, you’ll be happy to have one on hand. In our opinion, what distinguishes a premium carry-on bag beyond you to avoid checked baggage comes down to capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design.
Wemined over 150 carry-on bags, including weekenders, duffels, suitcases, backpacks, and under seat bags. To find the models that meet all the requirements and test how well they would stand up in a real-world situation, we rolled them over different surfaces, packed them up, twirled them around, lifted them above, and struck them with a baseball bat. The greatest carry-ons available today were selected by considering the outcomes of these tests and factors like price, weight, dimensions, materials, and clever features.
Our Top Picks
Travelers Club Spinner Luggages
The Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage is all about traveling in style and comfort. Because it is made of sturdy hardside material, your possessions will be well-protected and remain safe for your trip.
Our Ratings
- Capacity 5/5
- Design 5/5
- Maneuverability 5/5
- Durability 5/5
- Value 5/5
BAGSMART Expandable Carry On Luggage
A dependable and adaptable travel companion, the BAGSMART Expandable Carry-On Luggage is made to fit the needs of contemporary travelers. This luggage is made to last thanks to its sturdy construction, ensuring your valuables remain safe and secure. the best carry on luggage for international travel.
Our Ratings
- Capacity 5/5
- Design 5/5
- Maneuverability 5/5
- Durability 5/5
- Value 5/5
Grace EXT Carry on Luggage
The Grace EXT Carry-On Luggage is a chic and modern travel companion made to satisfy contemporary tourists’ demands. Because it is made of premium materials, this baggage is reliable and long-lasting, keeping your stuff safe and secure for the duration of your trip.
Our Ratings
- Capacity 5/5
- Design 5/5
- Maneuverability 5/5
- Durability 5/5
- Value 5/5
Rockland Fashion Expandable Softside Luggage
The Rockland Fashion Expandable Softside Upright Luggage delivers the perfect ratio of durability, utility, and design for your travel needs. This luggage is made of premium materials intended to survive travel’s rigors while protecting your possessions. the best 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on luggage.
Our Ratings
- Capacity 5/5
- Design 5/5
- Maneuverability 5/5
- Durability 5/5
- Value 5/5
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable
Designed to enhance your travel experience, the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage with Double Spinner Wheels is an exceptional travel companion. Because it is made of sturdy hardside material, your possessions will be exceptionally protected and stay safe and secure during your travels.
Our Ratings
- Capacity 5/5
- Design 5/5
- Maneuverability 5/5
- Durability 5/5
- Value 5/5
BEST ROLLING DUFFEL BAGS OF 2024
Tips for Buying Carry-on Luggage
Consider hardside vs. softside luggage
You can choose from a variety of hardside and softside carry-on luggage options. Hard-shell suitcases are easier to clean and offer superior protection from crushed items. However, they may scratch easily, depending on the color and material. best carry on luggage for international travel.
Conversely, soft-side luggage is usually less heavy, more adaptable if you overpack, and frequently just as strong as its hard-side equivalent. Although cleaning a textile shell can be more difficult, it also might reveal less dirt or scuffs and will probably not dent like a hard side bag.
Look for lightweight construction
When selecting a carry-on, lightweight luggage is essential. Before making a purchase, check the suitcase or bag’s empty weight carefully. Heavy models will make a tightly packed carrier much more difficult to maneuver. Weight has an impact on your ability to lift it into the overhead bin of the aircraft as well as your mobility. The weight of the wheeled carry-on luggage we examined varied from 4.36 to 12.9 pounds. For many people, anything heavier than that will be too heavy.
Decide if you want extra organizational features
Certain carry-on bags are simple, consisting of a main compartment and one or two pockets. Nonetheless, many duffel bags, weekenders, and luggage offer extra organizing capabilities that simplify storing and retrieving your belongings. This might have multiple zipped compartments, outside pockets, a wash bag, a shoe separation, a laptop sleeve, and even charging capability.
Choose between handheld, spinner, or two-wheeled luggage
Consider your packing requirements and travel preferences before selecting the ideal carry-on bag for you. Whether rushing to your airport gate or exploring a new city, spinner luggage with its four 360-degree rotating wheels is easy to maneuver. Spinner wheels are a terrific alternative if you intend to stroll with your luggage for extended periods because they make rolling over different surfaces relatively easy. Though they might not be as durable, bags with two wheels will allow you to pack with a few additional inches of more room. Additionally, two-wheeled bags are typically marginally lighter than four-wheeled ones. Last, going with a weekender or carry-on backpack allows you to travel light and maneuver the entire weight on your shoulders or back rather than rolling it.