The Best Carry-On Luggage 2024 (Tested on Most Airlines!)

 Disclaimer: This very helpful post on how to choose the best carry on luggage contains Affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) answer all your questions and recommendations are made where we believe they will improve your trip and help with your planning. As such we thank you in advance should you decide to click, buy or book. Read my full Disclosure here.

The Best Carry On Wheeled Luggage

Just a few quick notes when it comes to the best carry on wheeled luggage. All the ones below fall within international carry-on regulations, and they don’t include builtin USB ports that some luggage brands have begun to incorporate. This is because a lot of domestic airlines in the USA have banned “smart luggage” ie carry on luggage with inbuilt tech and I’m sure this rules will be extended to Europe and Australia in the not too distant future. And the could be nothing worse than buying the best carry on luggage you could find to discover you couldn’t use it!

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Antler Atom

Quick Stats: 36L | 1.9kg | 55 x 20 x 40 | $$$
Quick Features – Reinforced protective outer shell, four rotating wheels, waterproof, fixed TSA lock, grip handles and is the perfect carryon size.

.This cleverly designed suitcase with its honeycomb outer shell acts as a reinforcing protective layer to help keep all your items in one piece throughout your journey, no matter how many times it gets knocked about! This outer covering is also waterproof which gives you one less thing to worry about and guess what? This is one of the lightest wheeled pieces of carry-on hardshell luggage available on the market, meaning you can pack even more pairs of shoes (if you can squeeze them in that is!). Of the bags we tested this is one of my favorites and is my vote for the best carry on for international travel.

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MVST Select Trek Aluminum Suitcase

Quick Stats: 40L | 4.3kg | 55 x 35 x 22 | $$$
Quick Features – Unbreakable aluminum-magnesium alloy shell, Zipper-less closure, Dual TSA-approved combination locks

This rolling suitcase features a grade 5052 aluminum alloy hardshell exterior, Rubber seals, a zipperless closure, TSA-approved combo locks, and ultra-smooth spinner wheels ensure your belongings are secure and easy to carry when on the road for business or leisure. And it even comes with it’s own protective travel cover to keep it looking super shiny and in mint condition!

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CoolLife Carry on with Laptop Pocket

Quick Stats: 36L | 3.6kg | 55 x 37 x 23 | $$
Quick Features – Lockable laptop compartment, Double TSA locks, Scratch resistant 100% Bayer PC Shell, 2 year warranty

Whisper quiet spinner wheels make this baby glide practically silently through airports; lockable valuables pocket (which makes getting your laptop/passport out at the security line super easy!) and zip closed internal pockets make organizing your carry on a breeze. Extra touches such as soft grip handle (for throwing it up into the overhead lockers), compression straps for securing clothing and telescopic handle make it perfect for travelers of any height.

Not to mention that it looks both smart and beautiful. (I’ve been using this case on my recent trip to Japan and have had several compliments!)

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Eastpak Tranverz S

Quick Stats: 42L | 2.4kg | 51 x 24 x 32 | $$
Quick Features – Padded top & side handles, x2 internal zipped compartments, compression straps.

With top-rated online reviews, you can’t go wrong with this wheeled holdall suitcase. It’s easy to maneuver (great when you’re in a rush at the airport) and the additional side handles make it a doddle to lift into the overhead cabin on board your flight. Despite its size, you will be surprise at how much can fit in this compact suitcase, with internal pockets to make organising smaller bits and pieces easier, along with compression straps, that are a savior if you are like me and more often than not try to pack too many clothes! Although the outer fabric is not waterproof, with a 30 year guarantee, you don’t have too much to worry about! It’s one of the best luggage pieces available.

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Olympic Denmark 21″ Carry on Spinner

Quick Stats: 42L | 3.6kg | 55 x 40 x 23 (+7.5 exp) | $
Quick Features – Hard-shell, 360 degree spin, 21 inch expandable to 23 inch, hidden laptop sleeve.

If you are looking for a budget carry-on suitcase, this is the one for you – and is heavily discounted at the moment! Perfect for when you need to travel light and the hard shell case with internal organisation is perfect for storing all your stuff – even if you have to pack for multiple occasions.

It is also built out of ABS material for durability so you can stop fretting about your luggage getting damaged in the unlikely event that you don’t get on the plane in time to put it in the overhead bins and it gets confiscated at the gate. (Everyone has been there at least once, right?!) And it’s my favourite expandable spinner on the list which complies with all international carry on requirements and is perfect for frequent fliers..

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Cabin X ONE

Quick Stats: 38.5L | 3.6kg | 55 x 20 x 35 | $$
Quick Features – Back Strap, Laptop Compartment, Packing Straps, Telescopic Handle, Wheels, Zip Closure

Oh my, we do love a convertible and with this hybrid wheeled/backpack suitcase you get just that! Carry this cabin luggage however you see fit with its backpack straps and telescopic handle and wheels. With plenty of inner and outer compartments you can keep your stuff nice and organised and its showerproof material means you won’t be nervous about a dash through a downpour, if needed! (Now there’s a great feature for travel luggage!)

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Travelon

Quick Stats: 28L | 2.4kg | 53 x 24 x 32 | $½
Quick Features – Fold Out compartment, two wheels & telescopic handle, water bottle holder, add a bag strap, foldable back up bag and exterious pockets for easy access.

This bag may be tiny but it’s not short on features! With an outer front compartment for all your easy to reach essentials, a water bottle holder and even a back – up bag that can be folded away, you will be able to pack a lot more than your first expected! Plus, the quilted material of this bag makes it very attractive (if style is important to you).

Cabin Max Icon

Quick Stats: 44L | 2.6kg | 55 x 40 x 20 | $
Quick Features – Impact shell casing, four multi-directional wheels, compression straps, combination lock, hardside luggage.

You definitely won’t miss this bag, which is sometimes a good thing and with its range of added features, you can’t help but fall in love with it, if you have a desire to travel! A protective shell keeps all you stuff safe and sound inside, of which you can squeeze in as much as possible with the added compression straps (for the best compression system.)

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Samsonite Omni PC 20

Quick Stats: 40L | 3kg | 50 x 37 x 25 | $
Quick Features – 360 spinner wheels, push button retractable handle, TSAapproved lock.

The Samsonite Omni PC line is built to take the harshest travel elements! The case combines scratch-resistant textures with the lightest polycarbonate construction, ensuring your luggage looks as great on the 100th trip as it did on the first. Extremely light and visually impactful (you gotta check out the range of colours available!), this collection takes polycarbonate design to the next level and comes complete with a TSA approved combination lock.

It can also become part of a luggage set if paired with it’s larger counterparts – perfect for those wanting to match their cases for both check in and carry on. Its one of only a few ‘cute’ carry on bags and can seriously be considered as pretty luggage!

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TravelPro Platinum Magna 21/22

Quick Stats: 42L | 3.6kg | 58 x 40 x 24 | $$$
Quick Features – Fold out screen for packing suits/dresses, slightly on the bigger side, some of the strictest buget airlines may question it, but it easily fits in all overhead bins.

Travelpro makes some great luggage. It’s a bit pricey but for those that travel frequently, it’s worth it as it holds up well. The bag is light yet very roomy; the telescopic handle is sturdy and very easy to manipulate and locks in to 3 positions perfect for even the tallest of travelers. It has a focus as a garment bag which is perfect for business travelers
It has 4 wheels, two large at the back and two small at the front which gives you more interior space for the size due to their design that incorporates the wheels as part of bag rather than have them stick out.

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Best Carry On Backpacks

When it comes to the best carry on luggage I’m always going to go for a 4 wheel spinner hardside case, but I know that some of you really prefer to pick from the best carry on backpacks – but I will have to draw the line at recommending a duffle bag (unless it is this Eage Creek Rolling Duffel which I quite like and is the only exception to the rule) because for the most part duffel bags are just not practical!

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Standard Luggage 35-45L Flight Approved Backpack

 

Quick Stats: 35-45L | 1.6kg | 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 | $$
Quick Features – Hideaway Straps, 3 in 1: Backpack, Suitcase and Shoulder Bag, Dedicated Laptop & Water Bottle Compartments (it’s one of the best cabin luggage pieces that is airline approved!)

It’s the ultimate luggage for international travel with so many amazing features you’ll wonder why you ever had another bag. AND it and meets airline carry-on cabin size rules.
The bag features padded hideaway straps and removable hip belt which seamlessly integrate with the body of the bag, which can be worn as a backpack, carried as a suitcase or slung over your shoulder; it’s main compartment is accessed through a full perimeter 360º zip making packing easy, multiple various internal compartments and external pockets make organizing your stuff a dream.

It also has a dedicated laptop sleeve which can be easily removed and replaced at security checks, and a zippered water bottle pocket which expands when in use.

The backpack itself is roomy at 35L, but can be expanded a further 10L to give a 45L carrying capacity (expanded the bag measures 21.5 x 13.5 x 9.5) – and my favorite feature – the accent colours can be switched between orange and blue, depending on what mood you are in! It is one of the biggest carry on luggage models in this list, and well worth it for those backpacking adventures.

Deuter Transit 40

Quick Stats: 40L | 1.9kg | 45 x 36 x 24 | $$
Quick Features – Water resistant, stabilising straps, inner compartments

The aim of this backpack is to combine comfort with practicality and it definitely succeeds in achieving this. With a fully-adjustable frame and removable padded should straps, along with separate inner compartments for your shoes, sleeping bag and even a laptop you will be all set for your big adventure in no time.

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Osprey Farpoint 40

Quick Stats: 38L | 1.3kg | 20 x 14 x 8 | $$
Quick Features – Hip belt, laptop compartment, padded shoulder straps

This compact backpack is perfect for all of you looking to travel light. Stuff in as much as you can (inc. your laptop) with the help of the bags flexible fabric, sling it over your shoulder and get comfy with the adjustable and breathable back panel for a lightweight trip.

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Cabin Max Arena

Quick Stats: 27L | 600g | 45 x 30 x 20 | $
Quick Features – External elasticated bands, out mesh pockets, padded back and adjustable straps/waste straps, headphone port

Not only does this backpack come at a great price, it also comes with all the bells and whistles too! Outer elasticated bands and pockets for additional storage, along with fully-adjustable straps make it a great choice if you want to have everything to hand and be comfortable too. And as one of our small luggage recommendations, you’ll have absolutely no problem taking it on board any aircraft!

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EverVanz Outdoor Canvas Backpack

Quick Stats: 20L | 800g | 19 x 12 x 6 | $
Quick Features – Water resistant, stabilising straps, inner compartments

This backpack might be on the petite size but it sure is stylish and comes in an entire range of different colours! Its many compartments means you can pack all your essentials from your laptop and clothes to a water bottle. Its fully adjustable padded straps help you to evenly distribute the weight of you backpack, allowing you stay happy & comfortable throughout your trip. It really is the best carry on luggage for women who want to take a small but super stylish bag.

ZOMAKE

Quick Stats: 30L | 335g | 49 x 39 x 18 | $
Quick Features – Waterproof, inner & outer compartments, foldable, adjustable straps

Not only is this fab little backpack waterproof, when you don’t need it, fold it up and pack it away into it’s cute little small carry on bag! How cool is that? Its adjustable straps help you stay comfy and even when you have filled all the compartments, it’s so lightweight, (it’s the lightest carry on luggage on this list) you may even forget you’re wearing it!

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The Best Carry On Bag for a Woman

Delsey Luggage Chatelet Hard+ in Champagne

Quick Stats: 45L | 335g | 60 x 38 x 25 | $$$
Quick Features – Incredible brake system, recessed TSA lock, two removable travel organisation bags + 2 zippered compartments and travel hanger make this an incredible piece of small carry on luggage.

Named after the famous central district of Paris, our top pick for the best carry on suitcase / carry on bag for a woman is this timeless and elegant spinner luggage. CHATELET offers leather-like accents as well as a deluxe interior. It is made from virgin polycarbonate formulated to achieve the highest standards of extreme temperature and impact resistance.

It also comes with an award-winning brake system to stop that bag rolling away on a bus or train (or any other moving vehicle). Activated with a button, the brake locks the two front wheels of the luggage preventing the bag from drifting away while allowing travelers to roll the bag on the back two wheels.

My only minor qualm with this bag is that it is slightly big for some of the short haul/budget providers when they are having a super strict day – but is perfect most of the time and one of the best carry on bags on the market for long haul international trips!

Delsey also have a second bag that I would highly recommend for female travelers – the Delsey Luggage Helium Aero, which is under $100 and really packs a punch!

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The Best Carry On Luggage for Men

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Ooh, this one is a tough one. After taking these two babies out for a spin, its hard to pick a winner. So I won’t! My vote for the best carry on luggage for men goes in equal measure to the American Tourister Curio Spinner Carry on Hardside – sleek, stylish and effortlessly cool; and the Rockland Luggage 20 Carryon expandable (which is sold with a matching 28 inch expandable hardside case) to cover any and all adventures across the world!
Both are two of my favorite travel bags for men and are tied for the best carry on bag for men in 2023.

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And that’s a warp folks. I hope we have helped you narrow down your luggage options and helped you to pick out your new travel companion from our selection of the best carry on luggage and are planning your next epic adventure! (Psst. if you need a little inspiration – check out our list of the best group tours on the planet!)

And if you like this post – or know a friend who needs a new carry-on case, please tweet, pin, flip or share on Facebook – I’d really appreciate it!

And if you liked this travel gear list, take a look at the other recent posts and packing lists in this series:

• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List– keeping you and your care happy, entertained & healthy on the road
• The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List– packed full of ski essentials to help you have the best time on the piste
• How to Pack for Iceland (in Summer OR Winter) – Iceland can be cold and unpredictable, but out list will have you covered whatever season you plan to visit.

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