We understand that the original “Keep Calm and Carry On” phrase has to do with Luggage. Still, we firmly believe in avoiding checked bags whenever possible. With all your belongings on board, you can rest assured that everything you’ll need upon landing is with you and not on its way to a different destination because it didn’t make the connection.
Consider the following while selecting your new carry-on Luggage.
SIZES OF DOMESTIC VS. INTERNATIONAL CARRY-ON BAGS
While there are just a few inches between carry-on luggage dimensions, pay attention to the carry-on size restrictions of the airlines you frequently fly. A fair rule of thumb for domestic flights within the United States is to stick to Luggage measuring 22 by 14 by 9 inches. If you frequently fly abroad, you may want to choose a bag that measures 21 inches instead, to make sure you won’t have any problems boarding. International carry-on luggage regulations are more stringent, especially if you fly with a low-cost carrier.
CARRY-ON BAGS: SOFT-SIDE VERSUS HARD-SIDE
Soft-sided bags typically withstand the most wear and tear, yet hard-shell bags embrace more cosmetically robust materials as their popularity develops. Hardside Luggage is often more protective of what’s inside. However, soft-sided bags may allow you to pack a bit of Luggage for the trip home due to the fabric’s increased give.
SPINNER CARRY-ON VS. TWO-WHEEL
Spinner luggage is helpful if you like to stroll with your bag beside you rather than lugging it behind you, and maneuvering the carry-on down tight airplane hallways is always challenging. Remember that two-wheeled Luggage doesn’t have to lend as many inches in dimension to the wheels.
HOW TO ENSURE YOUR CARRY-ON IS FUNCTIONAL
When you receive your bag, put it through its paces before your trip. Did you just like the way it looked, or is it the perfect bag for how you travel? Fill it up and roll it about to see how it behaves. Please pick it up and place it in the overhead bin by lifting it above your head. Make yourself acquainted with all of the pockets and features. If there’s one existing law of Luggage, it’s that if it’s going to break, it’ll do so at the most inconvenient time during your trip.
Check out our selection of the best luggage options for this year in each category, and keep reading for more information on each.
THE BEST LARGE CARRY-ON: ROAM
Roam Luggage is customizable, allowing you to create the Luggage of your dreams. From zipper pulls to embroidery, you can completely customize a Roam suitcase. The hard-side bags are composed of scratch-resistant 100 percent virgin polycarbonate. The brand offers four distinct types of baggage, including two carry-ons, such as The Large Carry-on (measured 22 by 16.25 by 9 inches), which is acceptable on practically all domestic flights in the United States.
Travelpro has been a pioneer in the luggage industry since its inventor, pilot Bob Plath, invented the Original Rollaboard in 1987. Travelpro’s dedication to technological advancement is still palpable in its new Platinum Elite series. The Platnum Elite has sleek, leather-trimmed packaging. This spinner combines a curved and comfy handle, wheels aligned by built-in magnets for simple rolling, and loads more organizational components.
BRIGGS & RILEY SYMPATICO EXPANDABLE 21-INCH INTERNATIONAL SPINNER IS THE BEST HARD-SIDE.
This gleaming suitcase truly is the whole thing. The Sympatico carry-on is a best-seller at Briggs & Riley. It has twin swivel wheels, an impact-resistant polycarbonate casing, and a fantastic compression technology that allows you to snap back down to regulatory size effortlessly after packing 22 percent more within. It’s well worth the money, especially with the lifetime warranty – the best in the industry.
TRAVELPRO MAXLITE 5 ROLLING UNDERSEAT CARRY-ON BAG IS THE BEST UNDER-SEAT BAG.
This bag is robust despite its miniature size. The polyester covering is water- and stain-resistant, and the high-performance inline skate wheels allow easy movement. It’s small enough to fit beneath all standard airplane seats, measuring 15.25 by 13 by 9 inches. It even includes a matching hanging toiletry organizer to hold your 3.4-ounce liquids.
AMAZON BASICS 21-INCH HARD SIDE SPINNER IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE OPTION
More cheap Luggage is probably worth considering if you only travel a few times a year. More than 19,000 five-star reviews indicate that Amazon’s line is on to something in the luggage market. As the name implies, this petite polycarbonate spinner has it all: expansion, zipped pockets, and an internal compression system to keep goods secure and wrinkle-free.
ARLO SKYE POLYCARBONATE CARRY-ON MAX IS THE BEST ZIPPER LESS BAG
You might not know how much time you waste with zippers until you try Luggage that clasps shut. This carry-on is from a Tumi and Louis Vuitton alumnus. It has a rugged casing, a portable charger, Japanese Silent Run wheels, and an appealing yet straightforward design.
RIMOWA ORIGINAL CABIN SPINNER LUGGAGE IS THE BEST LUXURY.
Rimowa’s grooved bags are nothing short of iconic; it’s no surprise that the brand has a devoted following of A-list clients. They’re water-resistant, secure, and surprisingly robust for their size. And any dents, scars, or stickers you collect will add character, offering micro-stories about where you’ve gone.
EBAGS MOTHER LODE 21-INCH WHEELED CARRY-ON DUFFEL IS THE BEST-WHEELED DUFFEL
On eBags, nearly 5,000 reviewers gave this best-selling wheeled duffel an average 4.6-star rating, so it’s easy to say it’s a crowd favorite. It has two major packing compartments, a divider, and plenty of auxiliary pockets, making it far more compartmentalized than the ordinary one-compartment bag. The two wheels roll quietly and smoothly. The four external compression straps keep your contents secure. It’s also available in seven colors, so there’s bound to be one to suit every traveler’s taste.
TORTUGA SETOUT BACKPACK IS THE BEST BACKPACK.
The Tortuga Setout backpack has the capacity of a suitcase. It’s composed of waterproof material and includes several innovative organizational components for your gadgets, padded straps, a retractable hip belt, lockable YKK zippers, and many other features you’ll appreciate when on the go