So congrats, you've finally marked that weekend getaway or summer trip on the calendar. If you eagerly dusted off your well-worn luggage only to find that the time has come to look for a new carry-on, this guide is for you.
For Shop TODAY's 2024 Travel Gear Awards, our team of traveling editors vetted over a dozen popular carry-on brands to see which ones are truly worth it. Needless to say, we couldn't be happier with our winners. Between a handy garment bag to a trendy Vera Bradley option, these carry-ons will get you and your belongings from point A to B not only in style but efficiently.
To make matters even easier, we also tapped some of our favorite experts to answer some specific questions and tips and tricks you should consider to make shopping less stressful. Happy travels!
Editor-tested, award-winning carry-ons | Expert-recommended carry-on luggage | Editor-loved carry-on luggage | What to look for in carry-on luggage | How we chose | Meet the experts
Editor-tested, award-winning carry-on luggage
Practical spinner at a budget price: Wrangler 20-Inch Rolling Carry-On
- Lightweight
- Has lots of space
- Wheels may squeak
Award: Best budget carry-on | Value: 5/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5
While Wrangler might be known for their iconic denim, their luggage brand definitely deserves more recognition and we’re here to give them all the roses. We especially loved the 360-degree spinner wheel system and its durable and easy zipper functions. Coming in at under $50 for a hardshell carry-on, you really can’t beat it.
Stylish duffel that won't wrinkle: Halfday The Garment Duffel
- Stylish
- Great for weekend trips
- Nice quality
- May be larger than expected
Award: Best innovative carry-on | Value: 5/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 3/5 | Overall score: 4/5
Perfect for those traveling for work or other special occasions, small but mighty is the name of the game with this winner, that was also showcased on our Shop TODAY TikTok page. Equipped with loops inside to hook hangers onto, this all-in-one garment bag and duffel will help you say goodbye to wrinkled suits or dresses. Not to mention, it also has handy shoe compartments which really blew us away.
Stylish tote with lots of pockets: Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag in Cotton
- Pockets
- Roomy
- Shoulder strap for carrying
- May be hard to fit under seat
Award: Best overall carry-on | Value: 4.6/5 | Quality: 4.6/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.8/5
Associate commerce editor Shannon Garlin has had two versions of this bag over the course of a decade and says each one has lasted her years. “I used it as a carry-on/personal item when I moved to and from Asia and jammed it with things,” she shares.
She also praised its durability, the amount of inner mesh pockets it has to keep you organized (there are five), and its ability to fit underneath the seat on a plane even when packed to the brim. Plus, it includes six exterior pockets for any last-minute essentials. The bag also comes in 33 colors and is machine-washable (just make sure to remove the shoulder strap and zip everything closed!).
Bottom compartment for the shoe lover: Baggallini Gramercy Carry-On Duffel
- Very spacious
- Super durable
- Rolls smoothly
- Splurge option
Award: Best splurge carry-on | Value: 5/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5
This winner from ever-so-loved Baggallini might be a splurge, but we were too impressed with its neverending storage options to not give it our golden stamp of approval. Not only can this bag be separated with a zipper to unveil a bottom shoe compartment, but you can also unzip it to have a deeper bag with more storage. Talk about endless storage options for us over-packers!
Expert-recommended carry-on luggage
Top pocket for the phone lover: Dagne Dover Large Dakota Neoprene Backpack
- Practical
- Super chic
- Comfortable straps
- May be heavy when full
Dimensions: 11.5 x 17 x 1 in. | Weight: 2.6 lbs | Capacity: 20 L | Expandable? No
Summer Hull, the Director of Content at travel advice website The Points Guy, likes to pair her carry-on luggage with an equally solid travel backpack — one that can slide neatly onto the handle of a carry-on. “It is made of a soft but water-resistant material and has so many useful nooks and crannies, such as a top phone pocket, a padded back laptop compartment, as well as a laptop sleeve,” she says.
Water-resistant roller: Away The Bigger Carry-On
- Easy to carry
- Super chic
- Durable
- No front pocket for laptop
- Heavy
Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 in. | Weight: 8.4 lbs | Capacity: 47.9 L | Expandable? Yes
Away's Bigger Carry-On is Hull's best overall pick for domestic travelers who want to pack as many items as possible into their carry-on. "It comes in many colors, has a stylish look and is made of a hard, water-resistant shell," she says. But the crowning glory is its internal packing system — which includes a compression pad and straps, as well as a water-resistant laundry bag — that lets you pack more and still stay within carry-on size limits.
Splurge roller with pockets: Roam Carry-On Suitcase
- Sleek and chic
- Durable
- Expensive
Dimensions: 22 x 14.25 x 9 in. | Weight: 7.3 lbs | Capacity: 37 — 51 L | Expandable? Yes, for an additional $45
“Roam entered the market with their previous industry know-how and have upped that ante by introducing completely customizable bags that combine travel with personal expression,” says Misty Belles, vice president of Global PR for Virtuoso Travel.
Belles wasn’t kidding when she describes this lightweight carry-on from Roam as customizable; you can choose the color of everything from the zipper to the binding to the interior lining. Plus, the bag as a whole is one of the most thoughtfully designed bags out there: The zippers are waterproof, it comes with a water-resistant and washable lining, two dual-sided compression pads, a roomy laundry pocket and two accessory pockets.
Editor-loved carry-on luggage
Heavy-duty backpack with straps: Terra Thread Earth Backpack
- Functional
- Durable
- No trolley sleeve
Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 5 in. | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 16 L | Expandable? No
For an unassuming backpack that rings up at just $77, this pick by B Corp-certified company Terra Thread is surprisingly roomy and heavy-duty. In fact, the brand describes it as “the workhorse of our line.” And it’s true, at least in Sales’ experience, having traveled with her Charcoal Gray Earth Backpack several times when flying domestically.
Durable duffel with pockets: Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe
- Stylish
- Quality pockets
- Nice shoulder pads
- May be heavy when full
Dimensions: 9 x 18.5 x 18 in. | Weight: 2.89 lbs | Capacity: Approx. 45 L | Expandable? No
“This bag is deceptively spacious!” raves Shop TODAY senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil of her favorite weekender duffel bag that is still in “amazing shape” after several years of use.
Her favorite part of the bag is the bottom shoe compartment: “[It] comfortably fits my favorite ankle boots and a second pair of flats, sandals or sneakers,” she says, adding that it retains its structure, so she can rest easy knowing her shoes aren’t getting crushed. She also highlighted the two regular carry handles in addition to the shoulder strap.
Durable backpack for outdoor excursions: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
- Great quality
- Easily accessible
- Hip belt
- No water bottle sleeve
Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 in. | Weight: 3.5 lbs | Capacity: 35 L | Expandable? No
“I absolutely adore my Cotopaxi carry-on,” says Julie Ricevuto, commerce editor & producer. “I’ve taken it on lengthy international trips like Guatemala and Iceland, to domestic destinations like Florida and New Orleans. It’s deceptively large and carries way more than I ever would’ve imagined. It’s perfect for any type of trip!” she explains.
Spacious shell with laptop holder: Monos Carry-On Pro
- Glides with ease
- High quality pockets
- Scuffs easily
Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 in. | Interior dimensions: 20 × 13.5 x 9 in. | Weight: 7.8 lbs | Capacity: 36 L | Expandable? No
Unlike other, similar suitcases with laptop pockets, Fran Sales was able to comfortably pack a considerable amount in The Monos Pro — without the laptop in the front sacrificing much of the bag's interior space. And by "amount," she mean about five days' worth of clothes, a toiletry bag, an extra pair of shoes, a book, a bag of resistance bands and a picture frame (a gift!). Plus, thanks to that front pocket, which held her 15-inch laptop as well as a few odds and ends in the small zip pockets.
Nylon roller that's expandable: Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner
- Super durable
- Functional
- High quality
- Pricey
Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in. | Interior dimensions: 20 x 14 x 7.9 in. | Weight: 10 lbs | Capacity: 37 - 48 L | Expandable? Yes
There's a reason why frequent jetsetters and business travelers have only praises to sing about Briggs & Riley's high-quality luggage. And their Essential Carry-On is no exception, according to Leah Ginsberg, a former travel editor turned managing editor at NBC Select who's covered a lot of miles with her rolling suitcase.
"Its handle, wheels and nylon material are really sturdy," she says of her older version of this model, which isn't expandable and has a slightly different handle design. Though Ginsberg says she mainly uses the suitcase for shorter trips, it's been to countless places: from international locations like Ecuador and Wales to domestic spots (where she mostly takes it now) like Maui and Saratoga Springs.
What to look for in carry-on luggage
According to Hull, “Generally speaking, the best luggage for you is going to be the bag that fits your budget, your priorities and [one] you are able to manage on your own (or with the assistance you know will be available),” she says.
Once you nail that down, it should be easier to determine whether you need a carry-on or a check-in bag, or one that fits overhead or under a seat, Hull adds. “No bag can do it all, which is why prioritizing what’s most important for you out of your bag matters.”
Hardside vs. softside luggage
Hard cases: If you’re in the market for a hard-shell carry-on, durability is No. 1, according to Mark Ellwood, co-host and creator of Bloomberg’s Travel Genius podcast. “Like a pair of sneakers that you’re going to wear 24/7 for the next month, [they] need to be really, really tough,” he says.
You can gauge “toughness” by looking two things: “A material that is unlikely to crack, and a very durable zipper,” says Australian-based travel bloggers Alesha Bradford and Jarryd Salem. “Hard cases get thrown around a lot, so you need something that can withstand the torture.”
Soft cases: The focus with softside carry-ons should start with compression and compartments, Bradford and Salem tell us. “A soft-case carry on that has compression straps is extremely handy for getting rid of any excess space and shrinking the size for fitting into small overhead compartments. Lots of external and internal zipper pockets, too, for storing quick-access items.”
But durability shouldn’t be discounted when it comes to soft-case options, according to Ginsberg. “One of the reasons I like my [Briggs & Riley] carry-on so much is that its handle, wheels and nylon material are really sturdy,” she says.
Size requirements
The maximum size of carry-on luggage allowed on a plane varies by airline, according to Germany-based travel expert Ali Garland. “There is no one size, but the most common size is 22 by 14 by 9 inches,” she says.
Still, always confirm the actual size limits with the specific airline before your flight, she urges, and don’t overlook your other carry-on options: “Most airlines also allow a personal item, which is smaller, like a purse or briefcase or a small backpack.”
You can even get a little creative with that personal item, as Bradford and Salem do: “We actually just use a silk carry bag that packs into itself (smaller than the palm of your hand), and we throw any small, loose items or things we need quick access to in there. Then when we’re off the plane, we can stuff it into the carry-on bag without taking up any extra space,” they say.
Weight
“Suitcases are so much heavier than backpacks when empty, [and this] eats into the weight allowance quickly,” Garland says.
Beyond airlines’ carry-on weight restrictions, this factor also matters because you’ll be lugging and handling your bag quite a lot. “You want something that’s lightweight [and] that you can lift over your head to put in the carry-on compartment,” says Dr. Nadeen White, creator of The Sophisticated Life travel blog.
If you have the tendency to overpack, Garland says there are a few things you can try: packing clothing made from lightweight fabrics, being prepared to rewear or launder your clothing as you travel or leaving out items that you can buy at your destination, for example. “Notice what you pack but never use, and start reducing what you bring along for the next trip,” she adds.
Liquids
It should be common knowledge, but Garland still couldn’t stress enough to not pack liquids in containers that are bigger than 3.4 ounces (about 100 milliliters) in your carry-on bag.
“I can’t tell you how many times I see people ahead of me in the security line getting things confiscated because they thought they could get away with it or they simply didn’t know. Remember that some of your makeup is liquid, like mascara, and it needs to go in your liquids bag,” she says.
Instead, try packing solid versions of bath or skin care items, such as shampoo bars or body wash powder, to reduce the amount of liquid you carry on, Garland advises.
Outside and inside pockets
“It used to be that travelers wanted easy access to their phone, laptop and favorite magazine; now, travelers [also] want quick access to their sanitizing regimen,” Misty Belles, vice president of Global PR for Virtuoso Travel, tells us. For items you want easy access to, she recommends softside luggage, which often have outside pockets.
Inside pockets are also one of the key features Hull looks for in a carry-on. “I want an internal zipper pocket for dirty clothes and loose items,” she says.
Consider packing cubes
Several travel experts we spoke to highly recommend using packing cubes or cells when filling your carry-on. They’re useful for organizing various items, like toiletries, tech accessories and smaller items of clothing.
“We use separate cells for underwear, shirts, pants, cold-weather gear, etc., so that we know what is in each one; plus we throw an extra one in for dirty laundry. Not only do they keep things organized, it makes packing and unpacking in hotel rooms so much easier,” Salem and Bradford explain.
Garland agrees, adding that if you don’t have packing cubes on hand, you can makeshift one out of toiletry bags. “You put your liquids in a standard liquids bag and non-liquid items in a toiletry bag. They even work great if you have lots of cords,” she says.
How we chose the best carry-on luggage
We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried the products in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best carry-on luggage by enlisting the recommendations from a number of travel executives and experts. We also filtered our searches for top-rated products, read through numerous online shopper reviews and also included a few previous award winners, as well.
Meet the experts
- Summer Hull is director of content at The Points Guy.
- Mark Ellwood is the co-host and creator of Bloomberg’s Travel Genius podcast.
- Alesha Bradford and Jarryd Salem are the directors of adventure travel blog NOMADasaurus. They’re based in Australia.
- Ali Garland is a travel blogger and co-founder of travel advice website Travel Made Simple. She’s an expat currently based in Germany.
- Dr. Nadeen White is the creator of The Sophisticated Life, a luxury and culinary travel website. She’s also a medical expert, author and speaker.
- Misty Belles is the vice president of Global PR for Virtuoso Travel.
