Searching for a new carry-on companion? The Solgaard Carry-On Closet is our top pick for the best carry-on luggage, thanks to its genius design and overall quality, but we’ve also highlighted the top options across a variety of categories to help you choose the right carry-on luggage for your needs.
A carry-on bag is a small piece of luggage you can take with you on a plane or train. Aside from traditional carry-ons with wheels, the following items can be used as carry-on bags provided they meet carry-on size limitations (which vary by airline) and fit in the overhead bin.
- Duffel bags: Duffel bags, including those with wheels, are considered carry-on luggage. You might consider a weekender bag if you’re looking for something more compact.
- Garment bags: These are also considered carry-on baggage by most airlines, and many garment bags offer pockets for storing additional travel essentials.
- Pet carriers: Some airlines consider pet carriers to be carry-on luggage. Check with your chosen airline when preparing for your trip with Fido, and shop the best airline-approved pet carriers.
- Backpacks: If your backpack fits under the seat, it will count toward your personal item allowance on most major airlines. This means you’ll have the option to bring an additional bag for the overhead bin.
Purses, briefcases and camera bags can be carried on the plane as well, but aren’t usually considered carry-on bags and are instead labeled as personal items. Typically, travelers can bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (for under the seat) on the plane, free of charge.
If you’re traveling with a baby, diaper bags and other baby travel gear generally don’t count toward either allowance – meaning you can bring these items in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item.
Read on to discover the best carry-on bags based on travel expert opinion and consumer reviews. (Note: Prices were accurate for this carry-on luggage at the time this article was updated; they may fluctuate due to supply chain issues or other factors.)
(Courtesy of Solgaard)
Dimensions: 22.4 x 14.6 x 9.6 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime
Top features: Built-in shelving system, USB charger port and indestructible polycarbonate shell
Expert review: Sharael Kolberg, a travel expert and contributor at U.S. News, is a big fan of this carry-on suitcase. “I love the Solgaard Carry-on Closet Suitcase because I never have to unpack my clothes,” she says. “With the built-in shelving system, it’s easy to keep things neat and organized while on the road.” Kolberg also notes that while it does cost more than other carry-ons of the same size, because of the features of this bag you never have to unpack your clothes while traveling.
(Courtesy of Travelpro)
Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime limited
Top features: Expandable by 2 inches, external USB A and C ports, and smooth spinner wheels
Expert review: For long weekends or trips that are four to five days, travel expert and U.S. News contributor Gwen Pratesi likes the Platinum Elite carry-on luggage from Travelpro for its design and stylish appearance (especially in the cream with brown leather trim). “With the expandable feature, it provides enough space for me to pack the suitcase as a carry-on along with a large personal item.” She also appreciates the interior layout with the zippered pockets and space to store your power bank. “It’s also easy to maneuver, even with another bag attached to the handle by a trolley sleeve,” Pratesi adds.
(Courtesy of Travelpro)
Dimensions: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime limited
Top features: Deluxe tie-down system, removable fold-out suit and garment bag designed to hang clothes and prevent clothing from wrinkling, and 2-inch expandability
Travelers appreciate: The extension handle and spinner wheels of this carry-on luggage make it easy to maneuver through airports, and the high-quality construction provides a durable travel companion.
(Courtesy of Travelpro)
Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime limited
Top features: Two exterior pockets, expandability and spinner wheels
Expert review: Christina Maggitas, an editor at U.S. News Travel, likes this carry-on for all types of vacations, from beach trips to bachelorette parties. “I love this carry-on because it’s super lightweight and easy to maneuver through the airport thanks to its spinner wheels,” says Maggitas. She adds that it’s durable and dependable. “Plus, it’s got two exterior pockets that can hold any last minute additions when you’re packing,” she notes.
(Courtesy of DELSEY PARIS)
Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 10 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: 10-year limited
Top features: Meets carry-on suitcase size restrictions for most international airlines, offers an easily accessible front laptop compartment and features two spacious internal compartments for clothing and travel gear
Travelers appreciate: Users of this carry-on spinner say it fits in most overhead compartments, and the case is lightweight and easy to get through airports and train stations. Reviewers also note that despite its smaller size they are able to fit a lot into this rolling suitcase.
Dimensions: 20 x 14.5 x 8 inches | Weight: 7.1 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: 10 year limited
Top features: Lightweight construction, durable design and double-spinner wheels
Expert review: Marisa Méndez, senior editor at U.S. News Travel, likes the construction of her similar Samsonite suitcase, which she’s been traveling with for years. “The lightweight construction allows me more room for my belongings,” says Méndez. The bag easily holds enough for weeklong trips and, “It fits easily in the overhead bin without being too heavy,” which makes it an ideal choice for air travel.
Price: $169.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
(Courtesy of CALPAK)
Dimensions: 16 x 14.4 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.1 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Limited two-year
Top features: Secure front pocket, padded laptop sleeve, waterproof soft shell exterior and it fits under most airline seats or in the overhead bin
Travelers appreciate: Buyers love the option to pair it with the traveler-favorite Luka Duffel, a top U.S. News weekender bag pick, along with the ability to stack this bag on top of a larger suitcase.
Price: $165 or less
Shop now: CALPAK
Dimensions: 22.8 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 8.36 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime limited
Top features: Weight indicator, cushioned handle and TSA-approved locks
Expert review: Erin Vasta, a travel expert and U.S. News contributor, recommends this bag for international travel or trips with a lot of walking through busy airports and train stations. “I love that it has wonderful smooth-glide wheels and a cushioned handle – it makes it an absolute breeze to control while traveling across multiple surfaces and reduces hand fatigue,” says Vasta. She appreciates the luxury additions like the weight indicator, pouches for laundry and shoes, along with the overall aesthetics of the bag at a mid-range price point. “It is also spacious and easy to pack, even when it isn’t expanded,” she adds.
While Vasta loves every detail of this bag, she does recommend a luggage scale, rather than relying on the bag’s weight indicator if you’re one that tends to squeeze as much as possible into the bag (as the built-in weight indicator is not as effective when the bag is maxed out).
Price: $218 or less
Shop now: BÉIS
Dimensions: 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 7.38 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime limited
Top features: Antimicrobial fabric interior lining, built-in compression pad and vegan leather accents
Travelers appreciate: Owners of this bag like its construction, including the quiet and easy-rolling wheels, the durable yet lightweight polycarbonate exterior, and the sturdy ergonomic handle.
Price: $340 or less
Shop now: Monos
(Courtesy of Away)
Dimensions: 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.7 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime limited
Top features: Exterior laptop sleeve, optional USB port, interior compression system and many color options
Expert review: This bag is a favorite of several U.S. News Travel experts. “I love my Away bag, and not just because it’s trendy,” says Amanda Norcross, content and SEO strategist at U.S. News Travel. “Along with my Away Everywhere Backpack, it’s the only luggage I need for my personal belongings.” She notes that the interior compression system allows her to fit enough for weeklong (plus) trips, and that the polycarbonate shell has stood up to wear and tear with minimal scratches. But her favorite feature is the (optional) USB port. “The USB port alone makes this bag worth buying,” says Norcross. “I can charge my phone no matter where I am and have found it useful for charging devices when at home, too.”
Ann Henson, assistant managing editor at U.S. News Travel, likes this bag for short weekend trips. “I never have to worry that the airline gate agent will stop me during boarding to see if my carry-on fits in the sizer,” says Henson. She adds that this carry-on suitcase is easy to get in the overhead bin, and that it always fits. “The 360-degree wheels also make getting through the airport incredibly easy (it doesn’t take much effort to pull the suitcase or keep it upright if I want to wheel it beside me).”
Price: $335 or less
Shop now: Away
(Courtesy of Rimowa)
Dimensions: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided | Warranty: Lifetime
Top features: High-end anodized aluminum alloy construction, interior height-adjustable divider to keep outfits and essentials organized, and ball-bearing mounted double-spinner wheels
Travelers appreciate: Rimowa carry-on suitcase owners value the sturdy construction and the iconic way the bag combines art and function.
Price: $1,525 or less
Shop now: Rimowa
(Courtesy of The North Face)
Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 7.34 pounds
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime limited
Top features: Water-resistant nylon construction, high-traction wheels and an extendable luggage handle
Travelers appreciate: Owners of this carry-on duffel (selected by U.S. News as the best overall rolling duffel bag) really like the amount of clothing and gear the bag can hold, along with its sleek design and durable construction, which travelers say make it easy to navigate in a variety of travel conditions.
(Courtesy of Cotopaxi)
Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 inches | Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce
Hard-sided or soft-sided: Soft-sided | Warranty: Lifetime + repairs
Top features: Laptop compartment, removable waist belt and water-resistant (includes a waterproof cover)
Expert review: “Because it’s a backpack, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is perfect for hands-free travel,” says Leilani Osmundson, digital producer at U.S. News Travel. “It slides easily into the overhead bin even when fully packed, and it can hold more than expected. I’ve fit over a week’s worth of clothing inside.” She adds that while it does offer lots of space, it is lacking a water bottle holder like the Cotopaxi Allpa 42L.
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Rachael Hood is a senior travel editor with a luggage obsession. She rarely checks a bag, and has been researching and evaluating luggage for as long as she can remember. To curate this list of the top carry-ons, she used her own experience and spoke to numerous travel experts for their tried-and-true recommendations, in addition to using her research expertise and retail merchandising background.
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