Written by: Segun Akomolafe
Standing at the luggage carousel watching bag after bag tumble down the chute—none of them yours—is a travel nightmare we’ve all experienced. The solution? A reliable carry-on that fits in the overhead bin, saving you time, money, and anxiety. But with countless options flooding the market, finding the 5 best carry-on luggage can feel overwhelming.
I’ve spent years testing carry-ons across continents, through bustling terminals, and down cobblestone streets. After rigorous evaluation based on durability, maneuverability, organization, style and value, I’ve narrowed down the 5 best carry-on luggage that deserve your attention this year.
What Makes a Great Carry-on?
Before diving into the recommendations, let’s clarify what separates exceptional carry-ons from merely adequate ones:
Dimensions: Most airlines limit carry-on sizes to approximately 22″ x 14″ x 9″ (including wheels and handles), though requirements vary.
Weight: The lighter, the better—especially with increasingly strict weight restrictions.
Durability: Your luggage should withstand being tossed into overhead bins and dragged across various surfaces.
Maneuverability: Smooth-rolling wheels and comfortable handles make airport navigation infinitely easier.
Organization: Thoughtful compartments and packing features maximize space and accessibility.
Style: While subjective, your luggage represents you on the road.
Value: The best carry-on delivers quality and features proportionate to its price.
With these criteria in mind, here are the five best carry-on luggage that you should consider today:
1. Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Spinner
Travelpro Platinum Elite
Price range: $329 — $369
The Travelpro Platinum Elite is one of the 5 carry-on luggage that has earned its reputation as the professional traveler’s choice. Originally designed for flight crews, this carry-on brings commercial-grade durability to everyday travelers.
The high-density nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating resists stains and abrasions remarkably well. After pushing it through airports and hotels for months, mine shows minimal wear—impressive considering how frequently it’s been handled.
What truly distinguishes the Platinum Elite is its wheel system. The self-aligning MagnaTrac wheels actually snap into place when you push the luggage forward, ensuring it rolls straight with minimal effort. This feature becomes increasingly valuable when racing through terminals or navigating crowded spaces.
The interior offers a surprising amount of organization with a fold-out suiter for wrinkle-prone clothing, multiple mesh pockets, and adjustable hold-down straps. The inclusion of a removable TSA-compliant toiletry bag and an external USB port (battery not included) adds convenience without sacrificing space.
The leather-wrapped handles feel substantial and comfortable—a small detail that makes a big difference during extended travel. The only significant drawback is its weight (7.8 pounds when empty), which consumes more of your weight allowance than some alternatives.
Best suited for: Business travelers and those who prioritize durability and smooth operation over ultralight design.
2. Away The Carry-On
Away Carry-On
Price Range: $275-$295
Away disrupted the luggage industry with its direct-to-consumer model and minimalist design, but it’s the functionality that makes The Carry-On worth considering.
The polycarbonate shell strikes an excellent balance between lightness (7.1 pounds) and durability. After subjecting it to numerous trips, the shell has resisted cracks or significant scratches—though it does show some minor scuffs over time.
The interior compression system is genuinely effective, allowing you to pack more than you’d expect in such a compact frame. The designated laundry bag, while simple, proves incredibly useful for separating dirty clothes throughout your journey.
Away’s 360° Hinomoto wheels glide smoothly across most surfaces. This makes it one of the 5 best carry-on luggage you should consider today. The built-in battery (easily removable to comply with airline regulations) can save you from hunting for power outlets during layovers.
However, this feature adds minimal weight and takes up space that could otherwise be used for packing. Where Away truly excels is in its clean aesthetic and color options. Your luggage becomes a statement piece rather than merely functional equipment.
Best suited for: Style-conscious travelers who value simplicity, efficient packing, and modern conveniences like charging capabilities.
3. Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner
Price Range: $599-$649
The Briggs & Riley Baseline’s price point places it firmly in the premium category, but several distinctive features justify the investment for dedicated travelers.
Most notable is the patented CX expansion-compression system, which allows the bag to expand by 25% for packing, then compress back to standard carry-on dimensions. This engineering marvel means you can pack significantly more while still fitting in overhead bins—a game-changer for longer trips or shoppers returning with souvenirs.
The ballistic nylon exterior appears unassuming but proves remarkably abrasion-resistant. After testing across multiple continents, my Baseline shows virtually no wear. The reinforced corners and protective skid guards prevent damage at vulnerable points.
The SpeedThru pocket provides quick access to items needed during security screening, while the TriGlide buckle system keeps clothes securely in place without wrinkling. The outsider handle placement maximizes interior packing space—a thoughtful decision that yields noticeable benefits.
Perhaps most compelling is Briggs & Riley’s “Simple as That” lifetime guarantee, which covers all functional aspects of the bag, including damage caused by airlines—a level of protection unmatched in the industry.
The primary drawbacks are weight (8.2 pounds empty) and price. This isn’t a casual purchase but rather an investment in travel equipment.
Best suited for: Frequent travelers willing to invest in exceptional quality and clever design features that will serve them for decades.
4. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable
Samsonite Freeform
Price Range: $160-$200
Not everyone needs (or wants) to spend thousands of dollars on luggage. The Samsonite Freeform delivers remarkable performance at a mid-range price point, making it an excellent value proposition.
The lightweight design (6.5 pounds) is immediately noticeable when lifting it into overhead bins. The shell, made from injection-molded polypropylene, provides better impact resistance than many competitors at similar prices.
The double spinner wheels perform admirably on smooth surfaces, though they struggle slightly more than premium models on carpets or uneven terrain. The handle system occasionally feels less robust than higher-priced options but holds up well under normal use.
Interior organization is straightforward but effective, with cross-straps and a divider pocket. The expandable feature (which adds 1.5″ of depth) provides flexibility, though expanding may push dimensions beyond some airlines’ carry-on limits.
Where the Freeform truly shines is in its combination of lightness, durability, and affordability. The 10-year limited warranty provides reasonable protection for the price point, covering manufacturing defects but not airline damage.
Best suited for: Budget-conscious travelers and occasional flyers who want reliability without overspending.
5. Eagle Creek Caldera Convertible International Carry-On
Price Range: $229-$259
While hardshell and traditional spinner designs dominate the market, the Eagle Creek Caldera offers something different: versatility through convertible design.
This hybrid bag functions as both a wheeled carry-on and a backpack, making it ideal for adventures extending beyond smooth airport terminals. The padded backpack straps tuck away when not needed but deploy quickly for navigating stairs, cobblestone streets, or dirt paths.
The recycled poly ripstop material provides impressive durability while maintaining a reasonable weight (7.1 pounds). Weather-resistant coatings and sealed seams protect contents from unexpected downpours—a feature I particularly appreciated during a sudden storm in Southeast Asia.
The organization system is where the Caldera truly excels. The main compartment expands by 15%, while multiple external pockets provide easy access to essentials. The “No Matter What” warranty covers workmanship and materials for the life of the product.
The wheels are smaller than typical spinner designs, resulting in less smooth rolling on perfect surfaces but better performance on uneven terrain. The trade-off feels worthwhile given the bag’s adventure-oriented design.
Best suited for: Adventure travelers whose journeys extend beyond airports and hotels to more rugged destinations and varied terrain.
Read more: The 5 Best Travel Backpacks You Should Consider Today
How to Choose the Right Carry-On for You
With these five exceptional options, how do you determine which is right for your specific needs? Consider these factors:
- Travel frequency: Frequent flyers should invest in higher-quality options like the Briggs & Riley or Travelpro.
- Typical destinations: Urban travelers benefit from spinner wheels, while adventure destinations might warrant the Eagle Creek’s versatility.
- Packing habits: Over-packers will appreciate expansion features in the Briggs & Riley and Samsonite.
- Budget constraints: The Samsonite offers excellent value, while the Away hits a sweet spot of quality and price.
- Aesthetic preferences: Away and Eagle Creek offer more distinctive styling options.
Beyond the Luggage: Maximizing Your Carry-On Experience
Even the best carry-on luggage performs better with thoughtful packing strategies:
Use packing cubes: These simple organizational tools transform how you pack, allowing easy access to specific items without disturbing your entire suitcase.
Follow the 5-4-3-2-1 rule: For a week-long trip, pack five pairs of socks/underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one jacket. Adjust based on your specific needs, but this framework prevents overpacking.
Wear your bulkiest items: Boarding in your heaviest shoes and jacket saves valuable space and weight.
Roll soft clothes, fold structured items: This hybrid approach minimizes wrinkles while maximizing space.
Keep essentials accessible: Medications, travel documents, and electronic devices should remain easily reachable during your journey.
The Verdict
There’s no single “best” carry-on for everyone. Your ideal choice depends on your travel patterns, preferences and budget. However, the 5 best carry-on luggage discussed today represent the current pinnacle of carry-on design, each excelling in particular areas:
- Travelpro Platinum Elite: Best overall performance and durability for frequent travelers
- Away The Carry-On: Best style-to-function ratio with modern features
- Briggs & Riley Baseline: Best expansion system and lifetime protection
- Samsonite Freeform: Best value and lightweight design
- Eagle Creek Caldera: Best versatility for varied travel environments
Whichever you choose, investing in quality luggage transforms your travel experience. The right carry-on becomes more than a container for your belongings—it becomes a trusted travel companion that makes journeys smoother, more organized, and more enjoyable. Your perfect travel companion is waiting. Choose wisely, pack smartly, and enjoy the journey.
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