The Best Carry on Suitcase
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or want to avoid the hassle of checking luggage, we’ve found the best carry on suitcase. The picks below have the right mix of maneuverability, smart features and space to help you fly with ease.
This hard-shell option looks sleek, glides smoothly on almost any surface and expands two inches if you need extra room. It also has a TSA-compatible combination lock.
Delsey Luggage
For those looking for a sleek, hard-sided suitcase, the Delsey St Tropez collection has some excellent options. One of our favorites, the Helium Aero, is notable for its security features and metallic sheen. It has a front handle for easy grabbing from car trunks and luggage carousels, as well as a convenient patented overweight indicator that turns red if you pack above 48.5 pounds.
Most of their bags are made from polycarbonate or polypropylene, hard plastics that can withstand fractures and cracks. They’re also often lighter than traditional suitcases. Their linings are removable and machine-washable, and some come with a separate zippered pocket for a 15.6-inch laptop.
Founded in 1946 by Emile Delahaye, the company is known for its dedication to innovation and design. They’re especially focused on creating stylish and functional luggage for all types of trips, from weekend getaways to international adventures. Their commitment to functionality and style has helped them become a top luggage brand in the world. They’ve registered more patents than almost any other luggage manufacturer. In addition to their extensive line of carry-ons, the company also sells backpacks and briefcases.
Away Medium Carry-On
This sleek carry-on looks great and has some top features, including smooth 360-degree spinner wheels and a TSA-approved lock. It also maneuvers well on best carry on suitcase rough surfaces. The price is very reasonable for a hard-sided suitcase made of polycarbonate, especially when you consider that some other luxury brands offer similar-looking luggage with much higher prices and no smart features.
Griffiths found that the bag’s compartments were easy to pack, and Reetz loved the fact that it has a laundry bag built into one of its pockets. The only downside is that the brighter colorways might show scratches and scuffs more easily than darker ones.
The brand also makes a slightly bigger version of this suitcase called the Bigger Carry-On, which is about an inch wider and longer on each side but still fits into overhead bins on domestic flights with most airlines. It is an excellent option for those who want a little more space, though the expanded size can raise baggage fees on some international flights. The company has recently started offering a suitcase with an expandable zipper, called the Carry-On Flex, that is very similar to this model but costs $50 more and has some minor design differences.
Briggs & Riley Makrolon Polycarbonate Carry-On
Experience polycarbonate perfected with this lightweight hard suitcase. The durable Makrolon polycarbonate shell is tough enough for any trip and has the flexibility to fit into most domestic overhead bins. A unique trifold garment keeper and CX one-touch system allows effortless expansion or compression that increases packing space by up to 22 percent.
This carry-on suitcase features a TSA-approved combination lock and a handy front compartment with a padlock hole for quick access to a tablet or other items. Other features include a padded laptop sleeve, a document sleeve, a wireless charging pocket, a USB charging port, and zippered storage pockets.
We loved the easy maneuverability of this luggage on a variety of surfaces, and the wheels never got stuck or caught in any cracks or crevices. We also liked that it included a comfortable, retractable handle with multiple height settings and an interior lining that minimizes wrinkles. The Briggs & Riley suitcase has an unconditional lifetime guarantee that covers any functional damage to the bag. To register your bag, simply visit their website and enter the serial number, model number, and travel dates for proof of purchase.
Samsonite Monos Pro Plus
Monos is a suitcase brand that’s relatively new to the luggage scene, but it’s quickly becoming a go-to for frequent travelers. This is partly due to its simple design, which focuses on useful features and a sleek silhouette.
The polycarbonate shell is dent-resistant, impact-friendly best wholesale handbag suppliers and virtually unbreakable. It also has a smooth, streamlined aesthetic with vegan leather material detailing. This style makes the Monos stand out from the pack, especially when compared to other hard-shell luggage.
Freedman liked the large front pocket that’s a little larger than the average carry-on, and she found it easy to fit her 15-inch laptop, headphones, charging cords, lipstick and lotion tin in it. Plus, a zippered panel in the back of the bag allows you to cinch down your clothes, which helps keep them from shifting around during transit.
Another big bonus is that the Monos offers a 100-day risk-free trial, so you can try it out for yourself without worrying about any extra charges. The luggage comes with a TSA-approved lock, anti-microbial laundry bags, two shoe bags and a vegan leather luggage tag.