2024s Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested by Frequent Travelers
The two generous mesh pockets are great for flat items and accessories, keeping things organized inside. While they do offer a more streamlined selection compared to some competitors with wider style options, they prioritize premium materials, modern functionality, and robust construction. MVST’s commitment to quality extends to a limited lifetime warranty covering the shell and all functional aspects of your luggage.
This particularly applies if the carry-on luggage in question will be used for international travel. The July Carry-on Pro 16l backpack is a good example of a TSA-compliant travel case. You also need to check the type of zippers on the carry-on luggage.
Packed items are kept in perfect order during transit with the height adjustable Flex Divider, which can be adapted to suit your belongings. The sky really can be the limit with suitcase options, even with cheap luggage. So we have narrowed down the best and cheapest ones on the market right now. Sign up and receive updates, including collection launches, early access to products and more. "This local brand ticks all the boxes when it comes to travel luggage."
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Their 19 Degree Aluminum collection is a symphony of sleek design, impeccable craftsmanship, and reliability. These pieces are crafted to withstand the rigors of travel while making a statement. Zero Halliburton, a pioneer since 1938, introduced the world to the marvel of aluminum luggage. When you touch a Zero Halliburton suitcase, you’re connecting with a legacy of innovation. These suitcases blend the nostalgia of travel’s golden age with cutting-edge design, creating a timeless piece that speaks both of history and of the future. As a seasoned luggage tester, I’ve rolled, lifted, and journeyed with countless bags, but nothing quite matches the allure of aluminum luggage.
Mixing both contemporary and classic styling, the Carl Friedrik offers premium Italian leather detailing, durable aluminium lock frame and silent Japanese spinner wheels made by made by Hinomoto. The Travel + Leisure team has tested more than 600 pieces of luggage, including checked bags and carry-ons, to see which ones stack up. We also built an airplane set in our lab to lift carry-on suitcases into overhead bins, place them underneath seats, and roll them down carpeted aisles to see how portable and lightweight they are. Melbourne-designed, July is relatively new on the scene but is quickly becoming a cult luggage brand for weekender bags and suitcases. For frequent jetsetters, the Carry On Pro suitcase is a fine choice, featuring a hard-shell front pocket for easy access to your laptop plus an ejectable power bank to charge your electronics on the go.
CHOICE is an independent, nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping consumers. While we make money if you buy through some retailer links, this doesn't influence any of our rankings. 100% of the money we make goes straight back into our nonprofit mission. We're currently testing this service and will consider providing more shopping links in the future. For the last-minute packers, expand July’s new hard suitcase model from 80L to 90L with the flick of a zip. For those who love a pop of colour, this is the best hard suitcase for you.
Recognizable by its ridged aluminum exterior, Rimowa’s Original Cabin Carry-On is a go-to for first-class, full-time and famous travelers. Our tester took several suitcases all over the continental US — from Austin, Texas to New York City. They assessed how easy the suitcases were to pack, but also roll through security, lift into the overhead bin, lock, load back into the car and unload, too.
In terms of lifting this thing overhead, I do wish there were a bottom handle of some sort. Tumi offers an extended high-end range of luggage for short and long trips. But in addition to their classy appearance, they also include features not seen from other brands, such as the option to add a monogram. Designed for luxury and longevity, Rimowa suitcases are engineered for high performance. Their aluminium and polycarbonate ranges feature various colours and finishes as well as a ton of extras such as multi-wheel systems and dual interior organisers.
This suitcase didn't roll as well as some other aluminum models we tried — though it might be smoother if it's not packed to the brim — but it does a good job turning and navigating obstacles. This compact carry-on is one of the lightest hardside suitcases we've tested and helps you stay organized while traveling. An exclusive multi-layered material developed by Samsonite that bounces back into shape, offering remarkable strength, resilience and lightness. The sophisticated, self-reinforced design resonates confidence and is built to last while fully equipped to meet your needs when travelling. Our experienced travel experts are always available to provide you with expert advice on the latest trends, brands, and styles in the luggage industry. We also offer tips and tricks for packing and maintaining your luggage to ensure that it lasts for many travels to come.
The last thing we want is to break a handle or lose a wheel while on the go because we put our precious pennies towards a dud. It doesn’t have an expander, and we wish there were more internal pockets for additional storage. This compact bag holds a lot thanks to its compression straps, zippers, and an expansion feature. "I brought this to Egypt and ended up checking it more than once, and it still looks beautiful and surprisingly clean," says Travel + Leisure editor Taylor Fox. "We carried it on planes, trains, and boats, and it was easy to lift and maneuver throughout every situation."
That's why we've created the Astra Luggage Set our premier line of sleek travel cases. Each set includes one carry-on and two check-in bags, so you have ... Coupled with stylishness and lightweight, this 2 Piece Luggage CarryOn Hard Shell Travel Suitcase Set is the best bet for any traveller. The luggage set features two portable bags measuring 12 and 20 inches.
Sleek on the outside and functional on the inside, our luggage really packs a practical punch. Pockets, dividers and combination locks offer safekeeping, while the elastic Y-straps and expander zips neatly compress your clothes and create room for a few extra things. Purpose-designed for easy transport, explore hard and soft cases in your most-loved colours. It shows every little ding and can accumulate cosmetic damage over time. However, it is important to note that all materials used to make hard shell suitcases, including polycarbonate, are susceptible to scratches. While aluminum may show more visible wear, it remains a durable option.
The Samsonite Lite-Box Alu isn't just about strength and functionality; it's a statement piece that redefines travel style. The collection showcases Samsonite's commitment to modern aesthetics, boasting a sleek, minimalist, elegant, timeless design. Clean lines and understated detailing create a sophisticated look that will turn heads wherever your travels take you. The aluminum shell feels indestructible, and the zipperless design with TSA locks inspires confidence. The reinforced corners provide additional strength where it’s needed most, ensuring that belongings stay safe and secure no matter what the journey throws at them. MVST crafted this suitcase out of aviation grade aluminum, the same stuff used in, well, airplanes.