Choosing a carry-on is as simple as knowing the exact dimensions you can fly with (find any airline on this list) and finding a suitable bag you like. Unfortunately, the sizes aren’t standard across all carriers. The general rule is that domestic carriers are a bit more lenient while international carriers can be very strict. Still, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. There are some amazing bags at equally amazing prices, check them out here before you buy, and be prepared for your next trip.
For those who need a simple, easy, and light bag, this Bago duffel is hard to beat. It can pack a ton of stuff and has a nice weatherproof exterior. Plus, at this price, the durability and shoe pocket is hard to beat. That said, this bag lacks wheels meaning you’ll have to bear the brunt of its weight yourself. It also isn’t very rigid, so any protection of your goods will have to be the old-fashioned way: covering them with clothes and other soft things. Still, for those who want a cheap, compact (it folds small enough to fit in a large pocket), this Bago is tough to beat for its great value.
This Suvom duffel is a real looker. It’s a great, chic weekender and gym bag with a shoulder strap and a good size for those short to medium trips. It boasts a variety of pockets and magnetic latches. While it’s more sturdy than the above duffel bags, it’s still not quite rigid so it won’t do as a camera bag, or holding other sensitive equipment. Still, if you’re looking to travel in style this is a great bag for doing so.
AmazonBasics is often the brand to beat for the value buy and this product is no exception. Boasting a carry-on form factor, telescoping handle, and the ability to expand (for those carriers where one can get away with this), its lined interior and hard exterior will keep your stuff reasonably protected. While the vast majority of users loved it, a few had issues with the wheels and one with the handle sticking. All in all, it works great for almost everyone and is a great price to boot.
Boasting a similar look and feel to the AmazonBasics bag, this Traveler’s choice luggage offers high quality wheels and solid capacity. It’s got a great amount of space and is easy to organize. Users love the bright colors as well; this makes it easy to pick out at the baggage claim. All in all, this is a great choice for those who want a bag similar to the above, but with a bit higher quality.
Clearly a departure from some of our other bags, this Victoria’s Secret backpack is still a hot choice for a certain demographic. Plus, unlike any of the above bags, it boasts a water bottle holder, for those who need a carry-on that will double as a gym bag. It has eight interior pockets and holds a laptop snugly (up to 15 inches). Users love it, though a small percentage said the build quality wasn’t quite as good as they expected.
For those who are down to sling it and don’t have a ton of goods, this Leathario bag offers a great way to store a weekend’s worth of goods. With well-made zippers, an adjustable strap, and a look that’s undeniably cool, it’s got a lot going for it. Users love the high quality leather and stitching, though some may find it uncomfortably labeled a “man purse,” most are bound to be pleased by its cool looks and solid functionality, capacity, and appearance.
For the Star Wars fan in one’s life, this cool R2D2 roller is solid baggage and a great time. Be forewarned, however, there’s more than the force in this one; it draws a ton of attention at the airport. For certain young fans, they might be the bell of the Terminal C ball, but it can also get annoying for parents who hate socializing with the George Lucas inclined. In terms of the more normal specs, this bag offers a rigid exterior, solid wheels, and is praised as solid quality at a reasonable price. This actually might be the droid you’re looking for.
It’s not R2D2 cool, but its very high quality. This roller has wheels that are compared to the top of its class and is loved by 100s of users. It can survive a beating and has a simple downplayed exterior. It’s easy to pack, durable, and rigid. One minor drawback: it can tip over if packed in certain ways. Still, most found it be a near-perfect piece of luggage.
The Ebags Mother Lode comes in a few sizes. Junior is great for shorter people who don’t need to move a ton of stuff. The bags have a padded laptop section and are easy to organize, with customizable dividers. This is a great backpack for a traveler who needs more than a normal backpack size of goods.
If you need your carry-on bag to feel at home on a mountain or anywhere, this is an Osprey bag that is built to hold on to you. It can be stuffed to hold quite a large amount of clothes and other gear, it’s durable, and includes an array of straps for securing it tightly to one’s body. It’s got a great look and will keep your things neat and organized. It’s great for traveling types and adventure-bound.
This amazingly stylish and incredibly durable travel case won’t keep you from boarding your flight. IT is super lightweight, fits into most overhead compartments, and underneath most airplane seats. The polycarbonate shell will prevent it from getting scuffed and dinged while the easy-rolling wheels won’t slow you down. The bag also comes in 24 and 28-inch options and 3 different colors.
The brand speaks for itself (we’ve all seen Dumb and Dumber, right?). Samsonite makes great bags that people love. This particular model boasts attractive colors, lightweight, and high-quality wheels, and interior lining. It’s easy to pick out on the baggage carousel and easy to haul around. While it’s not the most interesting looking piece of luggage, it will outlast many more attractive bags.
This is a buy it for life bag. It’s nothing too fancy or complicated, it’s just extremely well-made. Boasting an outside pocket with padding that’s great for a tablet or small device, made from 100% nylon, and with high-quality wheels, what’s not to love? Well, it’s not the biggest piece around, so be sure the dimensions suit your fancy. For the price, it’s expensive, but this is a piece of luggage that will last 10 years. Looking at it as paying $40 a year for a great piece of luggage doesn’t seem nearly as unreasonable. It’s minimal, simple, and built tough. If you’re going to travel a lot, carry-on only, this bag can actually save you a lot of money in the long run.
