Name: 10 Best Carry-On Luggage for Frequent Travelers (2023) - Road Affair
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10 Best Carry-On Luggage for Frequent Travelers (2023) - Road Affair

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Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article.Whether you’re heading off on a weekend getaway, a business trip, a longer vacation, or a round-the-world trip, choosing the best carry-on luggage is essential. You need it to contain everything you want without being crammed so tightly it’s difficult to close, while also complying with flight regulations. Your carry-on luggage needs to be comfortable, and you don’t want something that is going to show signs of wear, or even fall apart, after just a few uses.With so many different types of luggage to choose from, selecting the best carry-on luggage can be tricky. To make life easier, and save you lots of time on research, here are handy tips on how to choose the best carry-on luggage and what to consider before making a purchase.Here are the ten best carry-on luggage options for all types of travelers. Click on the carry-on luggage name to read reviews and check prices.ImagesLuggageTypePriceSterling Pacific Cabin Travel CaseHard Shell$$$$Travelpro Maxlite 4Soft Shell$Samsonite Omni PCHard Shell$$Monos Carry-OnHard Shell$$Delsey Luggage Helium AeroHard Shell$$Samsonite Aspire XliteSoft Shell$Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of BoundsHard Shell$Genius Pack G3Soft Shell$$$Osprey Farpoint 40Backpack$$Briggs &amp; Riley BaselineSoft Shell$$$Cabin Max MetzBackpack$Eagle Creek Load WarriorDuffel Bag$$Want more information, have a look at the reviews at the end of this article to help you decide which one will ultimately be the perfect choice for you; comparing the best-rated carry-on luggage is often a great place to start before dashing off to buy the first item that catches your eye.Every airline makes its own rules when it comes to the size and weight of bags that they will allow to be transported in the cabin. Carry-on luggage needs to either fit into the overhead locker or underneath the seat in front of you. Additionally, most airlines say that you should be able to lift it up into the locker without needing assistance.Some airlines are more generous than others when it comes to carry-on baggage. Some allow an extra item, such as a laptop bag or small handbag, whereas others strictly enforce a one-piece rule. It is, therefore, essential that you check all requirements before booking your flights and turning up at the airport. If you are made to check your bag, it can be costly!Of course, especially for long-term travelers, you’re highly unlikely to have already bought every single flight you’ll ever take before buying your luggage. To open up your flying choices, it’s better to buy your baggage based on some of the strictest airline requirements.A common size restriction used by many airlines is 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 7.8 inches). Buying a bag of this size, or smaller, should be compliant with many major airlines’ baggage policies.Having the lightest possible luggage is strongly recommended for many reasons. It makes it easier to comply with airline weight restrictions (when applicable). Lighter bags are easier to handle. Having as light a bag as possible is better for climbing up stairs in accommodations and walking around.What you pack will largely determine the overall weight, but why make life unnecessarily more difficult by starting out with luggage that is already substantially weighty before you put anything into it?While some airlines concentrate mainly on the dimensions of cabin baggage, others do also enforce strict weight restrictions. Some carriers are fairly generous, allowing up to 12+ kg (17.5+ pounds), although many have a weight limit of 7-8 kg (15.4-17.6 pounds). The key takeaway points are to firstly buy the best lightweight carry-on luggage, and then check the allowance ahead of time and weigh your luggage with a portable luggage scale before going to the airport.Knowing the baggage limits of commonly used airlines can be incredibly handy when it comes to choosing the best domestic and the best international carry-on luggage for your flights. Here’s what several major airlines allow, with a focus on budget carriers:There are many different items on the market that can be used as carry-on luggage. One warning though: just because a bag is labelled as being suitable for cabin baggage doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. It may meet the criteria for many airlines but fall short for others—do check each individual airline’s policies when booking!Different types of carry-on baggage include:There are pros and cons for each type of cabin luggage. There’s definitely not one bag that suits all, and you’ll likely find that there isn’t one singular carry-on bag that is perfect for you on every trip that you take. It’s important to consider the features that are most important to you and think about whether you can tolerate the downsides.After the dimensions, which are a vital consideration, there are several other considerations that will impact your choice of cabin luggage.Ask yourself is a particular bag efficient when it comes to space. Does it have useful pockets and pouches, and can you pack everything in a way that suits your travels?Is there an option to expand your luggage, while still being within the limits imposed by airlines? This can be particularly useful for return journeys when you may have added extra items to your luggage.Think about the comfort of a particular type of carry-on bag. For example, do backpacks have padded straps and is the weight evenly distributed? Can you easily lift a bag on wheels, or is it just too bulky and cumbersome for you to handle?The destinations you visit are important too. It’s no use setting your heart on, for example, a beautiful rolling carry-on suitcase if you will be mainly wandering along cobbled streets and uneven walkways. Even the best rolling carry-on luggage would need to be carried in such a situation, and your arms really may not thank you for it!It’s also useful to consider what you will be putting in your bag. The best business luggage carry-on, for example, will be very different to that chosen by a backpacker.Practically, can you afford your choice? Budget backpackers will, of course, be looking for the best affordable carry-on luggage. The best carry-on bags aren’t always the cheapest. While cost will naturally be a consideration, you should balance the quality and cost equally. After all, having to replace your luggage in the middle of a trip really doesn’t make that cheap option so appealing in the long run.Consider the quality of the item and the materials used. Look for strong stitching and sturdy zippers. Do check reviews before buying and keep in mind that the best selling carry-on luggage is popular for a reason!And finally, although many cabin bags are unisex, you might want to choose something that’s specifically tailored to people of your gender.Taking a backpack or a suitcase as carry-on luggage often comes down to personal preference and traveling style.Long-term travelers and people who plan on moving a lot between places typically prefer the convenience of backpacks. A 35- to 45-litre backpack can generally be taken as carry-on baggage and they are often large enough to fit in everything that you need for a trip. If you have a tendency to over-pack, a smaller bag can be ideal; it forces you to really think about your packing list and prevents you from carting stuff around with you unnecessarily. There are also top-loading and front-loading options to suit your preferences.The best carry-on luggage for business travel is likely to be more rigid, to prevent clothes from becoming too creased in transit. It also looks more professional; no businessperson wants to be collected from the airport looking like they’re embarking on a gap year! Businessmen and women typically travel with cases.Regular travelers and holidaymakers may like the convenience of a rolling backpack; offering the best of both worlds, it’s one of the best rolling carry-on luggage types.Do remember when choosing your luggage that straps, wheels, and handles are generally included in the overall dimensions.Depending on the type of bag, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 USD for a durable, suitable, and long-lasting carry-on bag. When you consider how many times you are likely to use the bag, coupled with the fact that it’s an essential travel item, that’s really not such a high figure.Finding the best inexpensive carry-on luggage needn’t be too difficult with all the choices on the market today. And, keep in mind, if you are paying more than around $300 USD for a carry-on bag, it’s likely that you are only paying for a well-known name.Having compared numerous carry-on bags of all different types, here’s what we consider to be the best carry-on luggage on the market today:For a high-end carry-on suitcase that’s both stylish and durable, you can’t go wrong with this sleek aluminum case from Sterling Pacific. Lightweight and super sturdy, the aluminum body has impact-bearing ridges, and the entire suitcase weighs in at just about 5.2 kg. It’s also the maximum carry-on size allowed on American airlines, making it a safe bet to hold all of your items while stowing away seamlessly in an overhead compartment.&nbsp;Special Offer: Get $500 off the Sterling Pacific 80L Check-In Travel Case. Contact us here for more details.The Italian leather handles make the case super easy to pick up, and the dual thru-axle wheels allow it to glide smoothly across the airport floor. Inside you’ll find convenient buckle straps and a mesh pocket. The case even comes with a lifetime warranty and repair service as well as an amenity care kit.View on Sterling PacificMeasuring 53.8 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm and weighing 2.7 kg, the Travelpro Maxlite 4 is one of the lightest carry-on luggage cases. It can be extended by 5 cm if you need more space on the return journey. The 360-degree rotating wheels make maneuvering the case easy. The water repellent coating adds extra protection if you’re caught in a rain shower or if you spill anything. There’s an exterior pocket for keeping tickets safe, as well as interior straps and pockets. High quality, the case looks stylish and smart.View on AmazonOne of the best hard-shell carry-on luggage cases, the Samsonite Omni PC 20″ weighs just 3 kg, making it a reasonably lightweight luggage option. Measuring 55.9 x 38.1 x 24.1 cm, it is the biggest carry-on suitcase on our list. It’s a great option for people flying within the USA. It may, however, be too large for flights in other continents. The case is scratch resistant and it is fitted with TSA-approved locks. The spinner wheels move in the same direction as you, making it an easy case to wheel. Interior organization features include a mesh pocket and straps.View on AmazonMonos has really outdone itself with its award-winning, unbreakable, whisper-quiet rolling carry-on suitcase. For starters, it comes in a variety of pleasing colors like rose quartz, stellar white, terracotta, and blue haze plus classics like midnight black and storm gray. So, it’s impossible not to feel stylish from the start while carrying this sleek and trendy carry-on. It’s also ethically designed with premium, durable materials like polycarbonate plastic and vegan leather and smartly crafted with TSA-approved locks, a reliable telescopic handle, and thoughtful measurements to ensure it fits in almost any airline’s overhead storage. The spacious interior includes divine dividers like a zippered panel on one side and a compression pad with ballistic straps on the other, plus a zippered pocket for toiletries. Not only does this make it foolproof to divide your stuff, but you can rest assured nothing is moving from its intended place.View on MonosThe Delsey Luggage Helium Aero International Carry On Expandable Spinner Trolley is a little heavier than other hard-shell cases, weighing in at 3.7 kg. It measures 54 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm, making it a reasonably “safe” option for many carriers. It can also be extended by 5 cm. It’s the best carry-on luggage with a laptop compartment on our list, with an integrated padded sleeve to keep devices safe. There are also two interior mesh pockets, a clothing divider with a zipper, and straps. The double-spinner wheels make it easy to roll too.View on AmazonThe Samsonite Aspire Xlite 20-Inch Expandable Spinner measures 58.4 x 34.3 x 24.1 cm and weighs 3.4 kg. The interior organization features, which include mesh pockets and an area for damp items, make this among the best carry-on luggage for suits; garments are well protected inside. It’s easy to roll, thanks to the smooth and multi-directional wheels, and the side and top handles make lifting and carrying the case easier too. The case is available in various colors.View on AmazonThe Eagle Creek Load Warrior is a sturdy and durable rolling bag that is ideal for adventurous travelers who generally plan lots of varied activities. You can attach gear to your luggage with the lash points and strap equipment to the top. Measuring 55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm, the bag weighs just 2.2 kg. The bag can be extended. Although the bag has a fixed frame and wheels, its malleable form means that it is easier to squash into spaces than regular luggage with wheels. The design helps to stabilize heavy bags and the fabric has water repellent features.View on AmazonThis hard-shell case is made from ABS plastic; it can easily be wiped down and washed by hand to keep it in good-looking condition. Tough and built to last, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 20″ 4 Wheel Upright weighs 2.8 kg. The measurements are 55.2 x 36.8 x 21.6 cm. The case can be stood on its side as well as upright, and there are also handles on the top and sides. The inside is fully lined and it has straps and pockets to organize your packing.View on AmazonAn award-winning item of luggage, the Genius Pack G3, although unisex, is among the best carry-on luggage for men. Optimized for organization and convenience, you can easily strap your jacket to the soft case. There’s an additional bag strap to make attaching a smaller bag easy, ideal for traveling to and from the airport. Inside, there’s a removable laundry bag, and the design keeps clean and dirty clothes completely separate. There are also additional pockets for chargers and underwear. Outer pockets store a water bottle and items like your passport and newspapers. The spinner wheels move in all directions. The lightweight case weighs 3.5 kg and measures 55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm.View on AmazonThe Osprey Farpoint 40 is by far one of the best carry-on backpack for casual weekend trips and backpacking adventures. The dimensions, when fully packed, are 55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm. The harness system and hip belt can be zipped away during transit. Shoulder straps are padded for comfort and the mesh back panel encourages ventilation. The main compartment can be locked, and there’s a zip-closing front panel for greater organization. Additional equipment can be attached via the lash points. The backpack also has inner pockets. Available in different colors, this is one of the best carry-on luggage items for backpackers. For more backpack recommendations check out our article on the best travel backpacks.View on Amazon View on OspreyA top-of-the-line carry-on case, the Briggs &amp; Riley Baseline measures 51 x 38 x 20.5 cm. It weighs 5.4 kg. Special technology means that the case can be extended by up to 34% and then compressed back to its original dimensions. Among the best carry-on luggage for women and men who are traveling for business, the case comes with a built-in suit compartment that can store up to two suits and keep them looking neat and wrinkle-free. Compression panels help to keep other items from moving and becoming creased in transit. Made from tough nylon, the fabric resists moisture, dirt, and wear and tear.View on AmazonThe Cabin Max Metz Backpack Flight Approved Carry on Bag has a 44-litre capacity. Measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm, it meets the restrictions for many international airlines. It also weighs less than 1 kg, making it one of the best lightweight carry-on luggage types. Made from nylon, the backpack is strong and shower-proof. Keeping things organized is easy thanks to three separate main compartments and two internal zippered compartments. The shoulder straps and side straps can be adjusted for greater comfort.View on AmazonFinding the best carry-on luggage for international travel or domestic trips isn’t so difficult now, is it?! Happy travels!We really love the Briggs and Riley baseline and also the Osprey Farpoint 40. Both of these would be great options for carry on bags.ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Tech &amp; GearTech &amp; GearTech &amp; GearTech &amp; GearTech &amp; GearTech &amp; GearTech &amp; GearTech &amp; GearGet more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox

Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article.Whether you’re heading off on a weekend getaway, a business trip, a longer vacation, or a round-the-world trip, choosing the best carry-on luggage is essential. You need it to contain everything you want without being crammed so tightly it’s difficult to close, while also complying with flight regulations. Your carry-on luggage needs to be comfortable, and you don’t want something that is going to show signs of wear, or even fall apart, after just a few uses.With so many different types...

10 Best Carry-On Luggage for Frequent Travelers (2023) - Road Affair

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