The Best Carry On Luggage

This luggage set from Rockland has plenty of luxury features (but without a luxury-level price tag). The larger bag has a comfort-grip retractable handle, three organizational pockets, and in-line skate wheels with stability bars for smooth movement. The carry-on tote has a full-interior lining, a detachable non-slip shoulder strap, and heavy-duty hardware.

It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns, many of which are brightly colored for easy identification at a distance (useful if you end up checking a bag on a packed flight). Overall, this is an outstanding luggage set for any savvy traveler.

Key Features

• More than a dozen color/pattern options
• Telescoping handle, inline skate wheels, and a fully lined interior
• Upright bad expandable by 2 inches
• Manufactured with heavy-duty 600-denier fabric
• Includes locks and keys

<strong>Brand</strong>: Fox Luggage | <strong>Dimensions (upright)</strong>: 19 x 13 x 7.5 inches | <strong>Dimensions (tote)</strong>: 14 x 11 x 5.5 inches

For a designer carry-on suitcase, the Out of Bounds from Kenneth Cole is remarkably accessible for any traveler. We especially like this case for its trusted brandname as well as its sturdy hard case shell and lasting zippers. The Out Of Bounds collection also comes in a wide variety of vibrant colors to better suit your fashion or just to pick out your luggage from the crowd.

We looked at the 20-inch model, which is perfectly sized for a carry-on piece. (Larger models and two- and three-piece sets are also available). The sleek design helps to keep the weight down to a little over 6 pounds, and molded corner guards prevent common dings and dents. Overall, the Out of Bounds is a handsome, convenient piece of luggage with stylistic flair.

Key Features

• Four multi-directional wheels allow for 360-degree movement
• Separated interior compartments for easier packing
• Garment restraint straps
• Molded corner guard reinforcements for impact resistance
• Sturdy telescoping handle operates with a simple push button
• Lightweight, water-resistant hard shell surface

<strong>Brand</strong>: Heritage-Kenneth Cole Luggage | <strong>Dimensions</strong>: 21.8 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches; 6.25 pounds

AmazonBasics is known for making accessible and effective products that get the job done without flashy branding. In that sense, the Hardside Spinner carry-on luggage is par for the course. At 21.6 inches tall (including wheels), this case fits neatly into the carry-on limits of most domestic U.S. and international flights.

The manufacturer assures us that this product has been fully tested to ensure that the handle holds up, the wheels roll smoothly, and the zipper will last. Overall we like this case from Amazon for its durable ABS hard plastic outer shell and scratch resistant finish. The four wheel spinner design is especially handy for wheeling through the airport after being jet lagged on a grueling flight. Your shoulders and back will thank you.

Key Features

• Extra-thick ABS plastic shell
• Interior capacity of up to 39 liters
• Four double-spinner wheels
• Slightly expandable for extra 15 percent capacity
• Telescoping handle
• Larger sizes and 2- and 3-piece sets also available

<strong>Brand</strong>: AmazonBasics | <strong>Dimensions</strong>: 21.6 x 14.9 x 10 inches; 7.34 pounds

If you're a frequent traveler, it is worth the extra research to invest in a superior piece of luggage, and Travelpro offers exceptional quality ready for every adventure you plan. Their Maxlite 5 carry on only weights 5.4 pounds, leaving plenty of the remaining TSA weight restriction open for actual belongings and souvenirs. The ergonomic PowerScope handle, four 360-degree spinner wheels, and low profile top and side handles ensures fluid, easy handling from leaving your bedroom to being tucked away into the plane's overhead bin.

While not hard shelled, the dura-guard coated high density nylon is both water and stain resistant, and the soft-sided design allows for two exterior compartments and side accessory pocket, making accessing necessities at the airport a breeze. For international travelers, a 19 inch carry-on is also available.

Key Features

• Aluminum PowerScope handle with rubberized contour grip
• Duraguard coated high density nylon exterior
• Two exterior compartments with side accessory pocket
• Tapered expansion for up to 2 inches more packing room without making bag top heavy
• Multiple color options

<strong>Brand</strong>: Travelpro | <strong>Dimensions</strong>: 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches; 5.4 pounds

When buying any type of luggage, you’ll want to look closely at dimensions, materials, and other factors that could affect functionality. Trust us; we’ve tried to pack our things into a broken piece of luggage minutes before a 14-hour international flight, and it’s not exactly a fun process.

Here’s everything you need to know when choosing carry-on luggage.

Size Requirements for Carry-Ons

Generally speaking, for domestic flights, carry-on bags can be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. That includes handles and wheels. If your bag is slightly larger, nobody’s going to stop you with a tape measurer at the gate, but be aware of the requirements when booking your trip.

International flights often have stricter limitations, and you’ll need to check with your airline to see if your luggage qualifies. Note that many international airlines have luggage weight requirements (typically allowing a maximum weight of 15 pounds) in addition to size restrictions.

Personal items (totes, laptop bags, and the like) must fit under an airline seat, but again, exact dimensions vary greatly from one airline to the next. Generally speaking, if your personal item is less than 18 x 14 x 8 inches, you’re good to go, but check with your airline before embarking on your trip.

Carry-On Luggage Durability

Consumer Reports conducted a survey on luggage preferences, with nearly 60 percent of the respondents saying that durability was among the most important features they required for a carry-on case.

While hard shell exteriors are an important feature of overall durability, the pieces most likely to fail are those under stress: zippers, handles, and wheels.

• Decent-sized metal zippers are essential for luggage. Look for “self-repairing” or “self-healing” models. This design allows you to simply unzip and rezip to close teeth that have disengaged from each other.
• You want handles that don’t wiggle or shift when you grasp them. That’s a good indicator of stability. As for extended-length handles, telescoping models should retract smoothly and entirely into the interior of the bag. Non-telescoping long handles are more vulnerable to damage.
• Many travelers prefer four-wheeled, “spinner” arrangements for their 360-degree maneuverability. Unlike many two-wheel, non-swiveling models, though, spinner wheels must be mounted externally rather than recessed into the bag’s frame, exposing them to more stress in the cabin.

Of course, usage will affect a bag’s lifespan. To get the most out of your luggage, avoid over-stuffing to limit stress on zippers and other enclosures. Avoid treating the bag roughly. You might not have any control over luggage handlers tossing your checked bags, but with carry ons, gentle use (and the resulting reliability) is up to you.