The Best Carry on Suitcases

Whether you’re trying to avoid checked bag fees or simply want the freedom of traveling light, carry-on luggage is the way to go. We’ve rounded up the best suitcases for navigating crowded airports and flying in comfort.

Frequent fliers will appreciate this hard-sided expandable suitcase from Travelpro, which opens like a duffel instead of a clamshell and offers more packable space. Its 360-degree spinner wheels glide smoothly on all surfaces and stood up to a baseball bat test.

Cotopaxi Allpa

This 35-liter travel pack offers plenty of space for organized travel and conforms to airline carry on size restrictions. Its durable build is impressive and includes TPU-coated 1000D polyester and 1680D ballistic nylon paneling.

It also features a large zippered front compartment, clamshell-style main compartment, and an external side-zip pocket for quick access items. However, the hip belt isn’t tall enough to sit properly on people with larger torsos.

This duffel is great for extended trips, gear-heavy adventures, and cold-weather travel requiring layers. It can even serve as a traveling wardrobe for those who like to destination-hop and want their clothes in one bag until they’re ready to wear them. Cotopaxi is a B-Corp that donates 1% of its annual revenues to poverty-tackling organizations.

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0

Delsey is known for its sleek Parisian-inspired designs, and the Chatelet Air 2.0 suitcase line doesn’t disappoint. This carry-on offers a combination of style and functionality, with features like dual silent wheels and a Makrolon polycarbonate shell.

This large carry-on has ample storage space and fits in the overhead bins of most airlines. It also comes with a convenient telescoping handle, and its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver.

The durable construction of this suitcase includes corner protectors and a lining fabric that helps manage odors. Additionally, the patented Securitech zipper is three times more resistant than traditional zippers. This suitcase also comes with a limited warranty for additional peace of mind. Delsey’s wide range of luggage styles means you can find the perfect option for your travel needs.

Samsonite Freeform

With its sleek design and elevated PU leather accents, this Samsonite carry on suitcase is among the most stylish options. Its streamlined profile ensures it luggage bag fits in most airlines’ overhead compartments while its expandability offers increased packing capacity.

Compared to other Samsonite luggage, the Freeform is more affordable than some models. However, it’s not as durable and may show signs of wear and tear after a few trips. Its multiple pockets and compartments help you organize your clothes for travel and protect your belongings from wrinkles. Additionally, it features a recessed TSA combination lock to keep your belongings safe. This suitcase also comes in a range of colors and is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Tumi International Dual Access

Part of the Alpha 3 Collection, this durable nylon carry on suitcase combines innovation, superior performance and best-in-class functionality. The built-in USB port keeps you connected on the go, while the removable garment sleeve helps keep your suits in shape. The suitcase also features 4 dual spinner wheels, a 3-stage telescoping handle and a TSA-approved combination lock.

For far-flung journeys, this versatile carry on suitcase is your ticket to seamless adventures. The innovative dual access design provides easy entry to the main compartment through either the front lid or a split-case zip, both secured with theft-resistant zippers. You’ll stay organized on the go with the front U-zip pocket, gusseted front straight-zip pocket and zipper expansion that adds up to 2 inches of extra space.

Away Carry On Pro

The cult favorite among Millennial travelers, the Away Carry On Pro is tough and stylish. Its polycarbonate shell can withstand whatever a baggage handler throws at it and it comes with a lifetime limited warranty against cracks.

It also has a smart internal organization system, an underside grab handle, a TSA-approved lock and smooth-rolling 360-degree wheels. While I found these features to be impressive, they aren’t as advanced as some of the other suitcases on this list.

Away’s luggage is also expensive. The Bigger Carry On, which offers eight more liters of space and will fit most airlines’ overhead bin requirements, costs $275. It also doesn’t meet size requirements for some European budget flights. It’s a great choice for domestic travel, however. Away also offers a refundable deposit program.

July Carry On Pro

Unlike other hardshell suitcases, July’s bags have unique organizational features that address travel challenges. These include multiple handle heights, slick wheels, an ejectable battery bank, and — with the Pro — a detachable laptop sleeve.

The company’s glazed polycarbonate is tough and beautiful, though a few scratches can mar the finish over time. It also features latch locks and a hidden laundry bag, which make it more secure than zips.

Another brand to check out is best backpack manufacturers Monos, which builds minimal (but functional) polycarbonate luggage for a similar price. They’re a great choice for travelers who value quality and durability over bells and whistles. They’re even backed by a lifetime warranty.

Amazon Basics Carry On

If you’re looking for a great value suitcase with plenty of space, this Amazon Basics spinner is the way to go. Its 6.6-pound frame provides more than enough storage space for most travelers and fits into all carry-on requirements for most airlines. The clamshell design makes packing and unpacking efficient, and the interior organization is solid. The one drawback is the compression system which can snag clothes on more voluminous clothing items, and its mesh components are coarser than those on Away’s bags.

It also lacks the premium features like a soft-touch, self-locking zipper and a luxurious telescoping handle on our top pick, the Samsonite Freeform. It does, however, score highly in our Lab tests and holds up well against travel abuse. Its durable hard shell is also less expensive than the polycarbonate on Away’s The Carry-On, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.