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The 11 Best Carry On Luggage 2026 - Highly rated

Carry-on luggage can be a pain to pack and unpack, especially when you are an endless traveler. Finding the best carry on luggage that is light, functional, and easy to travel with can be a lot of work, but it doesn't have to be.

I asked advice from experts who told me what they thought would make their best carry on luggage and these are the results.

As you prepare to jet off on your next vacation, it's important to be prepared. And what better way to be prepared than by packing the perfect bag?

Whether you're headed for a long trip or just a day trip, here are our top picks for the best carry on luggage and tips on how to choose the right one for you. 

Comparison Table

1
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    SwissGear
2
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Coolife
3
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Amazon Basics
4
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Travelpro
5
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Samsonite
6
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Amazon Basics
7
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    SwissGear
8
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    SwissGear
9
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    Travelpro
10
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Coolife
11
  • TLR Rank

    TLR Rank is a ranking system developed by TravelLuggageReviews.com. TLR Rank has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.0
  • Brand
    Travelpro

Last update on 2023-05-04 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What is most important things when shopping

There are a few key things to keep in mind when trying to find the best carry on luggage

Customer Ratings

Looking at customer ratings can give you a good idea of what features are most important to people when choosing carry on luggage.

For example, many customers seem to value durability and spaciousness above all else. Others place a premium on lightness, while others still might prefer bags with lots of compartments and pockets.

Of course, customer ratings are just one tool you can use when trying to decide which carry on luggage is right for you. Ultimately, it's important to choose something that will suit your individual needs and preferences. But if you're looking for a starting point, customer ratings are a great way to get an idea of what's out there.

SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Roller Luggage, Black, Carry-On 21-Inch

Lock Types

Carrying your luggage on an airplane can be a headache, but it's easier than you think with the right lock. Here are the three types of locks that are best for travel:

Cable Lock: Cable locks are the most common type of lock used for luggage. They're simple to use and easy to store, making them a great option for anyone who wants an easy go-to lock for their luggage.

Combination Lock: Combination locks are a bit more complicated to use than cable locks, but they offer a higher level of security. What makes combination locks so secure is that you need two separate codes to open them – one for the front door and one for the back door. This means that if someone was to get access to your luggage at either end, they would need both codes.

Key Lock: Key locks are becoming more popular as airlines begin requiring them for checked bags. While they may seem more complicated than combo or cordlocks, key locks have been proven time and time again to be incredibly secure – meaning that even if someone has access to your key, they won't be able to open your bag without the correct code.

PadLock: Padlocks aren't technically a type of lock used for luggage, but they're such an important part of traveling that I wanted to include them here. Padlocks are perfect for storing your passport and other important documents in case you lose your laptop or purse – they're also lightweight and compact.

Wheel Type

If you're looking for a way to enjoy your day while staying active, in-line skating is a great choice. Not only is it a great exercise, but inline skating also comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

In particular, finding the right wheel type can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying the experience.When it comes to in-line skating, there are three main types of wheels: inline skaters use traditional rollerblades on an "inline skate," disc skaters use small discs on their feet instead of blades and scooters use two cycles resting side by side.

All three have advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right type for you and your specific needs.

For in-line skaters, inline skate wheels are typically the best option. They provide good stability and are easy to control. However, they don't offer as much grip as scooter or rollerblade wheels, so they can be less stable when going downhill or turning sharply. That said, many people find that inline skate wheels work well for most types of skating, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.

Scooter wheels are often favored by budget-conscious customers because they're cheaper than other options and offer decent stability without sacrificing performance.

However, scooter wheels tend to be less responsive than rollerblade or inline skate wheels and can be less comfortable over long distances. They're also not ideal for turning quickly or going uphill.

Special features

The best carry on luggage is one that is light weight, maneuverable, sturdy, and value for money. These are all important factors when choosing a suitcase to take with you on your travels.

A heavy suitcase can be difficult to move around and can also be expensive to replace if it is damaged or loses its contents during your trip. Lightweight luggage is generally easier to transport and can withstand more wear and tear than heavier pieces of luggage.

Finally, a good suitcase should have plenty of storage space so that you can pack everything you need without having to spend time sorting through multiple compartments.

Many people also choose luggage based on the tone of voice they want their luggage to have. Some travelers prefer luggage that has a vintage feel to it while others prefer something more modern and sleek.

Styles

There are many different types of styles that can be important to you as a traveler. Some people prefer to pack light and not bring too many clothes, while other people like to pack as much as they can so they have more options when they get where they're going. It really depends on what you're comfortable doing and what will make your trip easier.

Here are a few of the most popular carry-on luggage styles:

Small item bag - This is perfect for people who only want to bring a limited number of items with them on their trip. These bags are very small and easy to transport, making them perfect for carrying around smaller items like wallets, passports, sunglasses, or travel amenities like lip balm or snacks.

Tote bag - This style of bag is popular because it's versatile. You can use it to carry around anything from books to laptops to clothes. They come in all different sizes and colors, so whether you want something bright and cheerful or something more sophisticated, there's likely a touque bag out there that'll work great for you.

Backpack - Backpacks are definitely one of the most popular styles of carry-on luggage because they're comfortable and versatile. You can wear them crossbody or over your shoulder, which makes them perfect for long trips where you might need to walk a lot or take multiple buses or trains.

Find more: The 10 Strongest Carry On Luggage

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Doris Lemire
WRITTEN BY
Doris Lemire
Doris Lemire, a seasoned editor hailing from Chicago, is renowned for her meticulous luggage reviews and comprehensive travel guides. Her expertise spans over 1 decade, making her a trusted voice in the travel luggage industry.