Travelluggagereviews.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

11 Best Hard Sided Luggage For International Travel Carry On Size 2026

Travelling with a carry-on is the only way to avoid baggage fees and long queues. We have list of the best hard sided luggage for international travel carry on size and offer buying advice for each one.

Traveling internationally can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to packing. One of the most important items to bring with you on your trip is a good piece of luggage. Hard-sided luggage is often the best option for international travel, as it is more durable and secure than soft-sided luggage.

When choosing hard-sided luggage, make sure to pick a size that meets the carry-on requirements for your airline. You should also consider the weight of the bag and whether or not it has wheels, as this can make a big difference when lugging it around an airport.

To help you choose the best hard-sided luggage for your next international trip, we've put together a list of our top picks. 

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
    Amazon Basics
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
    Kenneth Cole
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

    8.2
  • Brand
    Travelpro
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

    9.0
  • Brand
    Steve Madden
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

    9.0
  • Brand
    Steve Madden
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
    SwissGear
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

    8.6
  • Brand
    Travelpro
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

    9.0
  • Brand
    Kenneth Cole
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

    8.8
  • Brand
    DELSEY Paris
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
    Travelpro
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

    9.2
  • Brand
    Samsonite

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

How we choose best product

Finding the best products can be exciting and challenging at the same time. There are so many different choices out there, and it can be tough to know which ones are really worth your money. But with a little research and some insider tips, you can find the best products for your needs without breaking the bank. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're on the hunt for the best hard sided luggage for international travel carry on size:

Kind of locks

There are some different types of locks that can be used to secure luggage. Some people prefer to use a keylock because it is simple and easy to use, but there are other options available as well. One type of lock that is sometimes recommended for carry on luggage is a biometric lock. This type of lock uses someone's fingerprints or a retina scan to open the luggage. This is an option that may be more secure than using a keylock, but it can also be more difficult to use.

Other options include electromagnetic locks, which use a magnetic field to secure the suitcase, and spinlocks, which use a dial to rotate and secure the lid of the suitcase.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 20” Carry-On Luggage Lightweight Hardside Expandable 8-Wheel Spinner Travel Cabin Suitcase, Rose Gold, inch

Type of shell

We’ve outlined the three main types of carry on luggage and their respective pros and cons: hardshell, hybrid, and soft shell.

Hard Shell Luggage Pros: Durable and water resistant, hard shell luggage is a great choice for those who need a lot of protection from the elements. They are also typically very spacious, making them ideal for carrying larger items.

Hard shell luggage cons: Hard shells can be quite heavy and bulky, which can make them difficult to lug around. Additionally, they often do not have a lot of ventilation, so they can become uncomfortably hot during summer months.

Hybrid Luggage Pros: A blend of hard and soft components, hybrid luggage is perfect for those who want some of the benefits of both types of bags. They are typically lighter weight than hard shells but still offer sufficient protection from the weather conditions.

Hybrid luggage cons: Hybrids tend to be less spacious than hardshells, making them better suited for carrying smaller items rather than bulky items. They are also less durable than hard shells, so they may not last as long before beginning to show wear-and-tear.

Material type

What type of material will your bag be made from? Canvas, leather, nylon, or plastic? There are pros and cons to each option.

Canvas is the cheapest option and is usually softer and more prone to torn seams. It's also less durable than other materials, so it may not last as long. However, it often seen as luxurious because of its delicate appearance. Leather is the most expensive option but also the most durable. It's strong yet supple and can be handsomely personalized with embossing or stamping. Nylon comes in a middle ground price-wise between canvas and leather. It's moderately priced but can still be quite pricey if you want lots of extra features like pockets or dividers.

Plastic isn't as expensive as some of the other materials but it's also not as durable as leather or nylon. So it may not hold up well to rugged conditions like travel by plane or being dragged around by baggage handlers. Polyesterluggage is a good option if you don't care too much about the look or feel of your bag but do need something lightweight and affordable that will last a while without wearing out.

Essential features

Carry-on luggage is essential for any traveler. It’s always nice to have a bag that’s light, durable, and maneuverable while you’re on the go. Unfortunately, not all carry-on bags are created equal. Some are sturdier and more durable than others, so it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs.

Some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a carry-on bag are its weight and durability. If you plan on frequently flying, make sure to get a carry-on bag that’s lightweight but also strong enough to handle all of your gear.

Want to learn more:  

Explore further:

4
2 ratings
Pete Little
WRITTEN BY
Pete Little
Hey! I'm Pete, a guy who's turned his love for travel into a full-time gig. Based in San Francisco, I've spent the last 15 years testing, reviewing, and comparing travel luggage to help fellow wanderers on their journeys.