10Best.Guide

Carry on

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Perfect size for kids
  • Spacious and lightweight
  • Durable and well-constructed
  • Stylish and age-appropriate designs
  • Easy to maneuver through the airport
Cons
  • Wheels are difficult to maneuver
  • Scratches easily
Bottom Line
This suitcase is a great option for kids' travel needs, with its perfect size, spaciousness, durability, and stylish designs. However, buyers should be aware of the potential issues with the wheels and scratching, and it may not be suitable for checking in on flights or withstanding common handling.
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Roomy
  • Durable
  • Good quality
  • Nice color
Cons
  • Too tall for standard carry-on
  • Soft back panel with holes
Bottom Line
The American Tourister luggage is a good quality, durable, and roomy suitcase with a stand-out design. It is lightweight and glides easily, but some models may be too tall for standard carry-on requirements. The wheels may not be strong enough or balanced, and the soft back panel with holes may not be ideal for some travelers. It is a bit expensive, but the brand is known for its quality.
Pros
  • Great quality and size
  • Pink color is attractive
  • Bottom zips to make the bag smaller
  • Can slide over luggage handle
  • Versatile and holds up well
Cons
  • Flimsy and moves a lot
  • Smells bad and needs to be aired out
Bottom Line
This bag is a great option for those who want a versatile and durable carry-on bag that can hold a lot. However, it may have some quality issues and the color may not be exactly as pictured.
Pros
  • Perfect size for short trips.
  • Fits under the seat on airlines.
  • Has many zippered compartments.
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
  • USB port is a nice feature.
Cons
  • Telescoping pull handle only locks when fully extended.
  • Wheels are not perfectly round.
Bottom Line
The TPRC 15" Smart Underseat Carry-On Luggage is a great option for short trips and airline travel. It is lightweight, has many compartments, and fits under the seat. However, the pull handle and wheels could be improved.
Pros
  • Fits under the seat well on multiple airlines
  • Well thought out design with plenty of pockets
  • Roomy and rolls along well
  • Easily fits two days worth of clothes
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • No handle on the back to lift into overhead bin
  • Inside lid storage is mostly useless
Bottom Line
This rolling carry-on is a good option for those who want to pack essentials or emergency backup items. It has a well thought out design with plenty of pockets and is lightweight. However, it lacks a handle on the back, has mostly useless inside lid storage, and small outside pockets.

The Ultimate Carry-On Buying Guide: Travel with Ease

Overview

Carry-on luggage is an essential travel accessory for anyone who wants to avoid the hassle of checking bags. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this buying guide, we'll discuss the different types of carry-on luggage, key considerations to keep in mind when making your purchase, important features to look for, typical prices, helpful tips, and frequently asked questions.

Types

1. Hardshell Luggage: This type of luggage is made of durable materials such as polycarbonate or aluminum. It offers excellent protection for your belongings but can be heavy and difficult to maneuver.

2. Softshell Luggage: This type of luggage is made of lightweight materials such as nylon or polyester. It's easy to pack and maneuver but doesn't offer as much protection as hardshell luggage.

3. Spinner Luggage: This type of luggage has four wheels that rotate 360 degrees, making it easy to maneuver in any direction. It's ideal for those who want to avoid putting strain on their arms and shoulders.

4. Two-Wheeled Luggage: This type of luggage has two wheels and is pulled behind you. It's usually lighter than spinner luggage but can be more difficult to maneuver.

5. Backpacks: This type of luggage is ideal for those who want to travel hands-free. They're usually lightweight and easy to pack, but may not offer as much protection for your belongings.

Key Considerations

1. Size: Make sure to check the airline's carry-on size restrictions before purchasing luggage. Most airlines have a limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

2. Weight: Look for lightweight luggage to avoid exceeding weight limits and to make it easier to carry.

3. Durability: Choose luggage made of high-quality materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel.

4. Maneuverability: Consider the number of wheels and how easy it is to maneuver the luggage.

5. Storage: Look for luggage with ample storage space and compartments to keep your belongings organized.

Features

1. Telescoping Handle: This feature allows you to adjust the height of the handle to make it more comfortable to pull.

2. Expandable: Some luggage comes with an expandable feature that allows you to increase the storage space when needed.

3. Packing Cubes: These are small compartments that fit inside the luggage and help to keep your belongings organized.

4. Compression Bags: These bags allow you to compress your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles.

5. RFID-Blocking Technology: This feature helps to protect your personal information from being stolen by identity thieves.

Prices

Carry-on luggage prices vary depending on the type, size, and features. Softshell luggage is usually the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $30 to $150. Hardshell luggage can range from $50 to $500. Spinner luggage is typically more expensive than two-wheeled luggage, with prices ranging from $60 to $600. Backpacks can range from $30 to $300.

Tips

1. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space.

2. Use packing cubes to keep your belongings organized.

3. Put heavy items at the bottom of the luggage to prevent it from tipping over.

4. Pack a change of clothes and important items in your carry-on in case your checked luggage gets lost.

5. Consider purchasing luggage with a warranty to protect your investment.

FAQs

Q: What is the maximum size for carry-on luggage?

A: - Most airlines have a limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

Q: Can I bring liquids in my carry-on luggage?

A: - Yes, but they must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less and stored in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag.

Q: Can I bring a laptop in my carry-on luggage?

A: - Yes, laptops are allowed in carry-on luggage.

Q: Can I lock my carry-on luggage?

A: - Yes, but make sure to use a TSA-approved lock to avoid having it cut off during security checks.

Q: What is the best type of luggage for frequent travelers?

A: - Spinner luggage is the best option for frequent travelers as it's easy to maneuver and doesn't put strain on your arms and shoulders.

By following this buying guide, you'll be able to choose the perfect carry-on luggage to make your travels stress-free and enjoyable.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Spacious and roomy
  • Expandable main pocket
  • Good quality stitching and sturdy zippers
  • Can hold as much as a traditional roller bag
  • Convenient for commuting through airports
Cons
  • No dedicated padded laptop pocket
  • Bigger than TSA approved personal item dimensions
Bottom Line
This backpack is a spacious and sturdy option for those looking to maximize their personal item on flights. However, it lacks some modern features and may be too big for some airlines' personal item dimensions.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Good size for commuting and small trips
  • Lots of compartments and pockets
  • Fits laptops and iPads
  • Has charging ports and secret pocket for valuables
Cons
  • No water bottle holder
  • Small front pocket
Bottom Line
This backpack is a good option for commuting, small trips, and light travel. It is sturdy, has lots of compartments, and fits laptops and iPads. However, it has some drawbacks such as no water bottle holder, small front pocket, and janky zippers. It is important not to over-stuff the backpack to avoid ripping seams.
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to carry around
  • Fits carry-on restrictions for most airlines
  • Spacious and durable
  • Maneuverable and rolls well
  • Well-priced and has useful features like 360-degree wheels and separate compartments
Cons
  • Handle may not close smoothly
  • Case material is not very sturdy and may crack easily
Bottom Line
The Wrangler 20" Carry-On is a lightweight and well-priced suitcase that is spacious and durable. It fits carry-on restrictions for most airlines and has useful features like 360-degree wheels and separate compartments. However, it may not be suitable for longer trips and the handle and case material may not be very sturdy.
Pros
  • Wheels move smoothly
  • Protective outer shell
  • Cute and vibrant colors
  • Holds a lot of items
  • Nice pockets on the inside
Cons
  • Handle is flimsy and unstable
  • Lock is flimsy and can break easily
Bottom Line
The suitcase is a good purchase with its protective outer shell, smooth wheels, and cute colors. However, the handle and lock are flimsy and there is a strong chemical smell from the inside of the bags.
Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Smooth rolling wheels
  • Nice compartments and organization features
  • Good value for the price
Cons
  • Prone to scuffs and scratches
  • Durability issues
Bottom Line
This luggage set has a beautiful design and good value for the price, but it is prone to scuffs and scratches and may not hold up well during travel. Buyers should be aware of the durability issues and potential combination lock issues.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}