Carry on luggage is a travel essential, offering convenience, security, and efficiency for seamless trips, whether for business, leisure, or international adventures. Compact and airline-compliant, these bags save time, avoid checked bag fees, and keep essentials close.
This guide highlights the best carry on luggage for travel: Away The Carry-On, Samsonite Freeform Carry-On, Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside, Delsey Paris Helium Aero, and Monos Carry-On.
These selections prioritize functionality (storage, organization), durability (hardshell/softshell), portability (lightweight, smooth wheels), and value, with prices ranging from $100 to $350. They cater to frequent flyers, business travelers, families, and budget-conscious adventurers.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Best 18 Inch Carry On Luggage
Benefits of Carry On Luggage
Carry on luggage streamlines travel by avoiding checked bag fees, speeding up airport navigation, and keeping belongings secure, per Travel + Leisure. Ideal for short business trips, weekend getaways, or international flights, these bags fit overhead bins and offer versatile packing.
Key features include lightweight materials (polycarbonate, nylon), TSA-compliant sizes (22″ x 14″ x 9″ or less, including handles/wheels), and traveler-friendly additions like USB ports or TSA locks. Priced from $100 to $350, they suit various budgets and travel styles, from minimalist to luxury.
Top 5 Best Carry On Luggage for Travel
Here’s a detailed comparison of the top 5 carry on luggage for travel, focusing on functionality, durability, portability, price, and suitability.
Away The Carry-On – Best Overall
- Lightweight and durable design: Away’s Classic luggage is designed with a durable, water repellent, and lightweight 100%…
- Travel-friendly navigation: Premium 360° smooth-gliding wheels for maximum maneuverability and a quick-release trolley h…
- Spacious interior organization: Featuring a patented compression pad system and interior organization to help you pack m…
- Features: 22″ hardshell, polycarbonate, 360° spinner wheels, built-in battery, TSA lock, compression system, 7.1 lbs.
- Pros: Durable, stylish, device charging, per Condé Nast Traveler.
- Cons: Premium price, no external pockets.
- Best For: Frequent travelers seeking style and functionality.
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On – Best for Durability
- The Perfect Size: The textured, scratch-resistant exterior of this hardshell carry-on luggage is 15 x 10 x 23 inches” wi…
- Stay Organized: This small hard-sided carry-on suitcase provides ample packing room with a spacious 20.5″ x 14.5″ x 10.0…
- Features: 21″ hardshell, polypropylene, 4 double spinner wheels, TSA lock, expandable, 6.5 lbs.
- Pros: Lightweight, impact-resistant, spacious interior, per Wirecutter.
- Cons: Limited color options, no USB port.
- Best For: Travelers needing a sturdy, reliable carry on.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside – Best for Business Travel
- EFFORTLESS MOBILITY: Patented Precision Glide System with magnetic self-aligning 360° dual spinner wheels, 4-stop PowerS…
- POWER ON THE GO: External USB A&C ports with dedicated power bank pocket (power bank not included). Applicable power ban…
- DURABLE, ORGANIZED TRAVEL: High-density nylon with DuraGuard coating resists wear. Tapered 2″ expansion adds space and s…
- Features: 21″ softshell, nylon, 4 spinner wheels, USB port, magnetic wheels, 7.7 lbs.
- Pros: Lightweight, organized compartments, durable fabric, per Travel + Leisure.
- Cons: Expensive, softshell less impact-resistant.
- Best For: Business travelers needing professional, organized luggage.
Delsey Paris Helium Aero – Best Value
- Lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking; manufactured with an ey…
- Four double spinner wheels assuring a stable base with multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy …
- Integrated 3-dial TSA approved combination lock for security; suitcase expands up to 2 inches for additional packing spa…
- Features: 21″ hardshell, polycarbonate, 4 double spinner wheels, TSA lock, expandable, 6.8 lbs.
- Pros: Scratch-resistant, lightweight, budget-friendly, per Forbes.
- Cons: Glossy finish shows marks, no USB port.
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers seeking durability and style.
Monos Carry-On – Best for Style
- Lightweight and durable design: Away’s Classic luggage is designed with a durable, water repellent, and lightweight 100%…
- Travel-friendly navigation: Premium 360° smooth-gliding wheels for maximum maneuverability and a quick-release trolley h…
- Spacious interior organization: Featuring a patented compression pad system and interior organization to help you pack m…
- Features: 22″ hardshell, polycarbonate, 4 spinner wheels, TSA lock, vegan leather accents, 7.0 lbs.
- Pros: Sleek design, lightweight, eco-friendly materials, per TripSavvy.
- Cons: Limited expansion, premium price.
- Best For: Fashion-forward travelers needing a chic carry on.
Criteria for Selecting Top Carry On Luggage for Travel
Our selections are based on:
- Functionality: Storage (expandable, compartments), organization (laptop sleeves, dividers), per Travel + Leisure.
- Durability: Materials (polycarbonate, nylon, polypropylene), wheel quality, per Wirecutter.
- Portability: Lightweight (under 8 lbs), airline-compliant (22″ x 14″ x 9″), per Forbes.
- User Feedback: High ratings from Amazon, Reddit (r/travel, r/onebag), and X posts.
Quick Comparison of Best Carry On Luggage for Travel
| Model | Price | Features | Weight | Best Use |
| Away The Carry-On | ~$$$ | Polycarbonate, Battery, TSA Lock | 7.1 lbs | Frequent Travel |
| Samsonite Freeform | ~$$$ | Polypropylene, Expandable, TSA Lock | 6.5 lbs | Durable Travel |
| Travelpro Platinum Elite | ~$$$ | Nylon, USB Port, Magnetic Wheels | 7.7 lbs | Business Travel |
| Delsey Paris Helium Aero | ~$$$ | Polycarbonate, Expandable, TSA Lock | 6.8 lbs | Budget Travel |
| Monos Carry-On | ~$$$ | Polycarbonate, Vegan Leather, TSA Lock | 7.0 lbs | Stylish Travel |
Why Choose Carry On Luggage for Travel?
Carry on luggage offers key benefits, per TripSavvy:
- Cost Savings: Avoids checked bag fees on budget airlines.
- Convenience: Speeds up airport navigation with no baggage claim wait.
- Security: Keeps essentials secure and accessible during travel.
- Versatility: Fits overhead bins, ideal for short or international trips.
Features like USB ports, TSA locks, and durable materials enhance usability. Priced from $100 to $350, they suit solo travelers, families, and business trips.
What Travelers Say About These Carry On Luggage Options
Feedback from Amazon, Reddit (r/travel, r/onebag), and X posts:
- Away The Carry-On: Stylish, durable, pricey for some, per Condé Nast Traveler.
- Samsonite Freeform: Lightweight, robust, limited color variety, per Wirecutter.
- Travelpro Platinum Elite: Professional, organized, expensive, per Travel + Leisure.
- Delsey Helium Aero: Affordable, spacious, glossy finish shows scratches, per Forbes.
- Monos Carry-On: Sleek, eco-friendly, less expandable, per TripSavvy.
Common Concerns: Price, limited expansion in some models, or aesthetic wear on glossy finishes.
Maximize Your Carry On Luggage
Maximize your luggage with these tips, per Travel + Leisure:
- Away The Carry-On: Use compression system to pack efficiently; charge devices via built-in battery.
- Samsonite Freeform: Pair with packing cubes to maximize expandable space.
- Travelpro Platinum Elite: Store quick-access items in compartments; use USB port for charging.
- Delsey Helium Aero: Clean glossy surface to maintain appearance.
- Monos Carry-On: Add a luggage tag for easy identification; use organizers for efficiency.
Setup Tips: Verify airline size restrictions (22″ x 14″ x 9″ or less), use TSA-approved locks, and keep weight under 8 lbs for easy handling.
Choose the Best Carry On Luggage for Your Travels
The best carry on luggage for travel caters to diverse needs: Away The Carry-On for overall reliability and style, Samsonite Freeform for durability, Travelpro Platinum Elite for business travel, Delsey Paris Helium Aero for value, and Monos Carry-On for fashion-forward travelers. Match your luggage to your travel needs—durability, functionality, or aesthetics. Shop the best carry on luggage for travel on Amazon, Away, or Samsonite for seamless adventures.
