The Best Carry-On Luggage (Updated for 2026!)

Carry-on luggage is such an important investment, but with so many choices, how do you narrow it down?

We know that choosing the best carry-on luggage can definitely be a chore, but we’re here to help! Use our updated guide and side-by-side comparisons to help you decide what’s important to you, and then buy your next carry-on bag with confidence.

A note about eBags. Samsonite bought eBags in 2017 and closed the eBags website in 2024, but the Mother Lode bags we’ve been recommending for years are back under the Samsonite name with the same design. Ours are still in rotation, so where this post used to say eBags, you’ll now see Samsonite Mother Lode.

Best Carry-On Luggage Comparison – Updated for 2026!

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Leave that checked bag at home! Why traveling lighter is better.

Many families make the mistake of assuming that they can’t get out the door for any trip without checking three bags, a stroller, a playpen, and a backpack for everyone. When we started travelling, we made the mistake of over-packing as well.

The reality is much different! Learn to be more efficient, and you’ll be better off for it.

Being organized and having a few really great pieces of carry-on luggage can make all the difference. Many hotels will provide baby gear if you ask, making it possible for you to travel without having to pack everything.

While it isn’t always possible, avoiding checked luggage saves time, relieves stress at the airport, and allows you to avoid expensive baggage fees. We love it when we don’t have to check a bag!

We’ve broken down several great choices for lightweight luggage in the table below. All vary in price, weight, and size slightly, but all of them will have your family travelling better in no time.

What to Look For When Shopping for Carry-On Luggage

Size matters – especially if you’re flying internationally.

Carry-on luggage is not standard by any means. Airlines also have their own requirements when it comes to the luggage they will allow in the overhead bins on their planes. Generally, international carriers are more strict on their size requirements than U.S. airlines. If you intend to fly internationally, make sure that you favor the smaller 19 and 20 inch models over the 21 and 22 inch ones.

These requirements can change at any time, so it’s always best that you check with the airline that you’re flying with to verify before you fly.

Can the kids manage it?

One of the expectations that we set for the kids is that they manage their own travel luggage. We do this because we want them to be responsible travelers. We’re all in this together, so everyone needs to pull his or her weight – literally. Of course, this isn’t possible with younger kids and babies, but as they get older it’s a tremendous help. When we’re in a new or foreign place, we don’t want to be hassling with the kids’ luggage while we’re trying to navigate the metro or read street signs. We make sure that the luggage works well for them too, which means lots of pockets for their stuff, and smooth-rolling wheels.

Is it durable?

Everyone wants their money to go far – that’s obvious. It’s even more true when you’re making a large purchase like luggage.

It has to last.

The best way we’ve found to vet this out is to read reviews on places like Amazon, but also the travel forums. Many places like FlyerTalk have very active forums where travelers ask about the best types of luggage. If you’re looking for an on-the-ground report on the best carry on bag, Flyertalk is a great resource.

Hard-sided or soft?

Honestly, this could go both ways. I travel with a Red Oxx bag that is soft with no wheels and no frame. I love it because it’s  able to squish into small bins even if I’ve over-packed a little bit. I can pack a week’s worth of clothes in it and be fine. It also looks deceptively small and keeps eagle-eyed gate agents from trying to gate-check it on full flights. It’s actually the same as any other – 22″ x 14″.

Some travelers prefer hard-sided luggage because it offers more protection, and the rigid design makes it easier to maneuver. The internal frame and handle will take up volume in your bag meaning less room for your clothes and gear. This will be a determination that you’ll have to make on your own, but even today’s poly-carbonate will flex a bit, so it’s not a deal-breaker either way.

Are wheels important to you, and how many?

Rolling carry on luggage comes in two different varieties – two-wheeled and four. The models with four wheels – or spinners – are able to stand upright on all four wheels and are extremely maneuverable. Drawbacks to this design are that the smaller wheels can be more fragile than other types, and your bag can roll away from you if you leave it on a slope or hill. Also keep in mind that the wheels will add a bit of overall length to the bag which could make it more difficult to fit into small places.

Upright bags with only two wheels tend to stay put better and, in our experience, roll a bit better. Keep in mind however that they can fall over if over packed and aren’t quite as maneuverable. The pink Tumi bag that Carrie is pulling in the picture to the left is prone to tipping, but the blue eBags bag that Andrew has does great.

Be mindful of the weight.

I personally love my bag because it’s all canvas and that’s about it – no extra aluminum or wheels to add bulk or weight. While this is great for me, it’s not the best lightweight luggage for kids or folks who don’t want a bag hanging off their shoulder.

As you’re deliberating over carry-on bags, weight matters. That’s why I’ve included this stat in the table. Even though aluminum doesn’t weigh much, weight is weight, and less is better.

Price doesn’t need to be a deciding factor, but…

I’ve put this one last for a reason. I think that it’s really important to consider what you need, and buy the best that you can afford. If that means planning ahead and saving for a few months, then I think that’s smart. If you are a serious backpacker and were going to carry your entire life on your back for days or weeks, you would want something that’s going to be comfortable, durable, and last a long time. Other types of luggage are no different. Most times, you get what you pay for, so don’t skimp.

The best new carry on luggage for 2026 – carry-on reviews.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 20″ 4 wheel upright

• Weight

  6.25 lbs

• Dimensions

  21.75” x 14.5” x 8.5”

• Material

  Molded ABS Plastic

Kenneth Cole has a penchant for making stylish luggage that’s also affordable, and we think that is perfect for traveling families on a budget. We wrote about its big brother – the 28″ spinner – over on our full-size suitcase post because of hundreds of solid reviews and good ratings from several sources. The carry-on version is no exception. It comes in an array of colors, and customers seem to love it.

The Reaction Out of Bounds spinner is hard sided, which will keep everything inside protected, while the smart design and unique colors will have you looking good on your trip. This bag is also lightweight, and the wheels move 360 degrees, giving you freedom of movement. Reinforced corners help keep dings and scratches to a minimum.

If you’re looking for style on a budget, this is your bag.

Check here for the latest prices on the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 20″.

Delsey Helium Aero International Carry on Spinner Trolly

• Weight

  8.2 lbs

• Dimensions

  19″ x 13″ x 9.5″

• Material

  Polycarbonate

We’ve written about the Delsey 29″ version of this bag in our suitcase comparison here. With 4.5 stars and over 7,000 reviews on Amazon, their 21″ carry-on version makes our list here as well. Delsey makes a stylish and affordable bag, and although we don’t own one, we can’t argue with its popularity.

What makes the Aero unique among other carry-on bags is the easy-access front compartment. Unzip to quickly stow or retrieve laptops, passports, chargers – anything that you may need quickly. This is great for TSA lines where you may need to throw a laptop or your liquids bag into a bin quickly, freeing up your hands to help the kids with their own gear.

Other features of this bag include double spinner wheels, giving you good mobility, self-repairing zippers, a TSA-approved combination lock, and 2″ of expandability for when you end up with a few souvenirs on the way home. It also comes in several colors, so you don’t have to blend in with the crowd.

Price, forward-thinking design, and great reviews earn the Delsey Aero a well-deserved spot on our list.

Check here for the latest prices on the Delsey Helium Aero International Carry On.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 International 21″ Carry On Spinner

• Weight

  5.4 lbs

• Dimensions

  23″ x 14.5″ x 9″

• Material

  Polyester

The TravelPro Maxlite 5 makes our list again this year replacing the older Maxlite 3 and 4. Like it’s predecessors, the Maxlite 5 21-inch spinner is super-light at 5.4 lbs, making it some of the lightest luggage of the bunch.

In addition to complying with international carry-on sizes, this bag comes with a full-length front pocket for storing things that need to be accessed quickly, a lightweight honeycomb frame, and a locking handle with two positions. It’s also soft-sided, so it can squeeze into crowded overhead bins.

This lightweight Travelpro luggage now comes in five different colors, has an affordable price, and is made from rugged polyester which will make this a great choice for any traveling family. With an extra 2 inches of expansion room, this is a definite step up from the previous Maxlite.

Check here for the latest prices on the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ International Carry On.

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

• Weight

  7.8 lbs

• Dimensions

  23.5″ x 14.5″ x 9″

• Material

  High-density nylon with DuraGuard coating

New on our list for 2026 is the Travelpro Platinum Elite, and it’s overdue. This is the bag that comes up more than any other when frequent flyers compare notes, and it’s the one Wirecutter has picked as the best carry-on for years. Think of it as the Maxlite 5’s big brother. Same Travelpro bones, nicer everything.

The fabric is high-density nylon with Travelpro’s DuraGuard coating, so spills and scuffs wipe off. The eight MagnaTrac wheels are the self-aligning kind that track straight down the aisle instead of drifting, and the handle locks at four heights so it fits whoever in the family is pulling it. There’s a built-in suiter for a jacket or a dress, a removable wet pocket for the swimsuit, and USB-A and USB-C ports on the outside with a pocket for your own power bank. It expands 2 inches for the trip home, and the lining is made from recycled bottles. At 23.5 inches tall with the wheels it’s sized for US bins, so check the limits before you fly overseas.

The warranty is the other reason it’s here. Travelpro’s limited lifetime warranty covers the bag for life, and if you register it, damage done by an airline is covered too. We don’t own this one yet, but the Maxlite 5 has earned our trust, and this is the same company at its best. If you want a step up from the Maxlite without spending Briggs & Riley money, this is the one. Be sure to check out the entire Platinum Elite collection from Travelpro.

 Check here for the latest prices on the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside 20″ Spinner

• Weight

  6.8 lbs

• Dimensions

  19″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″

• Material

  Polycarbonate

When you begin looking at Samsonite luggage reviews, the first thing you notice about this Samsonite is the bright colors. If you’re looking for a well-reviewed carry-on bag that adds a little pizzazz to your travel, then put this bag on your list. If Caribbean Blue isn’t quite your style, this bag also comes in more traditional silver and black.

The Samsonite Omni’s big brother made our list for full-size suitcases because of its popularity and value, and this bag is no different. The price is right, and will get the job done. It is hard-sided, making it a little more resistant to squishing and knocking around, and Samsonite’s ‘micro-diamond texture’ helps keep it looking good and resistant to scratches. At 6.8 pounds, it’s fairly lightweight and at 19″, you know your bag will fit in the bin, even on international carriers. TSA locks and a zippered expansion strip round out the features on this solid bag.

  Check here for the latest prices on the Samsonite Omni 20″ Spinner.

Samsonite Freeform 21″ Hardside Spinner

• Weight

  6.5 lbs

• Dimensions

  23″ x 15″ x 10″

• Material

  Polypropylene

Making our list for the first time in 2026 is the Samsonite Freeform, and it got here on sheer numbers. With close to 20,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it’s one of the most popular hardside carry-ons sold, and it’s usually one of the cheapest you’ll find from a name brand.

The shell is polypropylene instead of polycarbonate, which is why it only weighs 6.5 pounds. Polypropylene flexes and pops back into shape where some hardsides crack, and the textured finish hides scratches. You get double spinner wheels, a TSA lock, an expansion zipper, and an interior with a divider panel, cross straps and a zip pocket. Samsonite backs it with a 10-year warranty.

One thing to know. At 23 inches tall and 10 inches deep with the wheels, it’s built for US domestic bins, not the tighter international limits, so for a trip overseas we’d point you at the Omni 20″ or the Delsey instead. If every kid in the family needs their own hardside and you’d rather not spend a fortune, this is the one to buy three of.

 Check here for the latest prices on the Samsonite Freeform 21″ Hardside Spinner.

Travelpro VersaPack+ 21″ Carry-On Spinner

• Expansion

  2 inches

• Dimensions

  23″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″

• Material

  Ballistic nylon with DuraGuard coating

On our list again this year is Travelpro’s VersaPack, now in its second version as the VersaPack+. We liked the original for its versatile design and great warranty, and the new one keeps both. A compression packing cube system, two shoe bags and a laundry bag let you customize your packing to suit the trip, and the lining is made from recycled bottles, which is a nice touch.

Travelpro’s PrecisionGlide wheels and a contoured handle make getting around a breeze. While most luggage handles have just two stops, the VersaPack+ has four. The warranty is still better than most, with limited lifetime coverage that includes damage by the airline in the first three years of ownership. It’s all part of their Built For a Lifetime Limited Warranty.

We also love that this bag expands an extra two inches just in case, and the fabric has a stain-resistant coating to keep things looking great for a long time. There’s a built-in TSA lock too. Travelpro has a winner on its hands with this one.

Be sure to check out the entire collection of VersaPack luggage from Travelpro.

 Check here for the latest prices on the Travelpro VersaPack+ 21″ Carry-On Spinner.

Away The Carry-On

• Weight

  7.5 lbs

• Dimensions

  21.7″ x 14.4″ x 9″

• Material

  Polycarbonate

We get asked about Away more than any other luggage brand, so new on our list for 2026 is The Carry-On, the bag that put them on the map. Away sold only through its own site for years, but it’s on Amazon now, which is how it finally landed here.

The shell is polycarbonate, the four wheels are quiet and roll smooth, and the inside has Away’s compression panel with two buckles that cinches a week of clothes down flat. There’s a hidden laundry bag, a TSA lock, and a handle that locks at three heights. At 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches it fits the overhead bin on every US airline and most international ones. If you want more room, the Bigger Carry-On adds about an inch in every direction.

A note on the warranty, since it changed in 2026. Away now calls it LifetimeCare. Repairs and a replacement if needed are free for the first five years, and after that repairs are still available for a fee. That’s less than the lifetime coverage Away used to offer, and less than Travelpro or Briggs & Riley give you, so weigh that against the looks and the compression system. For a family that wants matching bags that look sharp and pack tight, it’s a good choice.

 Check here for the latest prices on the Away The Carry-On.

Samsonite Mother Lode Carry-On Wheeled Duffel (formerly the eBags TLS Mother Lode Mini)

• Weight

  6.75 lbs

• Dimensions

  20.7″ tall, expands 1.5″

• Material

  Nylon/polyester

We can’t say enough good things about the Mother Lode carry-on duffel, and it easily makes our list again for 2026. This is the bag our kids use and we all love it! It started life as the eBags Mother Lode Mini, and now that Samsonite owns eBags it is sold under the Samsonite name with the same design. First of all, it’s a great size. It’s skinny enough to fit into all the overhead bins we’ve ever encountered, but it also expands to accommodate the extra souvenir or two when we come home from vacation.

Secondly, the wheels on these bags are easy to roll. They are more like wheels you would find on inline skates than cheap plastic wheels on some other luggage. They don’t get caught up, and the rubber makes them easy on any terrain. They’ve conquered slushy sidewalks at Whistler Village, cobblestone streets in Cusco, Peru, and gravel roads in Iceland and still work great.

The interior of these bags is nice and bright with lots of compartments to pack and separate items. When paired with a set of Samsonite packing cubes and the Samsonite Mother Lode Backpack (that fits right over the handle), it’s an elegant and unbeatable luggage solution that every travelling family should take a look at. Even when stacked with a backpack, they don’t tip over, which if you travel with kids, that’s always a problem.

Problem solved.

 Check here for the latest prices on the Samsonite Mother Lode Carry-On Wheeled Duffel.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

• Weight

  9.9 lbs

• Dimensions

  21″ x 15″ x 9″ (expands to 11.5″)

• Material

  Ballistic nylon

While we don’t own this particular bag, we own it’s bigger brother, and it’s a great bag. Make no mistake – Briggs & Riley are not cheap. They are an investment, and one that a lot of travelers agree with. Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Briggs & Riley the #1 luggage brand in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. One of the the reasons is their warranty. They are one of the few luggage manufacturers left that have an unconditional warranty.

It even covers damage by the airline.

This is the peace of mind we needed when we bought ours. We’re able to just take our bag in to any dealer, and they will take it from there. See for yourself. Awesome!

We have found that BR luggage is extremely well made, easy to roll and spin, easy to pack and unpack, and is generally smart in every way.

If you mostly fly US carriers and want the extra inch, the Essential 22″ Carry-On Spinner is the same bag in the domestic size.

 Check here for the latest prices on the Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21″ Carry-On Spinner. It is also available on Amazon.

Honorable mentions – carry on bags without wheels

Red Oxx Air Boss

The Air Boss by Red Oxx is the bag I personally carry, and I can’t say enough good things about it. I love that it’s made in the U.S.A. (Montana), is guaranteed for life, and is tough as nails. It’s made of heavy-gauge nylon, has a smart design, and is purpose-built to be efficient. At 3.9 lbs., it’s super light. Dimensions are 22 x 14. It goes with me everywhere – business trips, camping trips – everywhere. Especially to Peru , Japan, and Iceland.

The Air Boss is literally a carry-on bag. It has no wheels, handles, or hardware. When fully packed, it can get quite heavy, although the strap is comfortable and doesn’t slip off your shoulder. This bag was designed in conjunction with Doug Dyment of OneBag.com and works great with the bundle packing method.

While this bag won’t wow you with pockets, cubbies, and fleece-lined sleeves, it delivers on simplicity, and that goes a long way in my book. With kids in tow, I need all the simplicity I can get. Red Oxx really did think of everything with this one.

Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L

Back again this year is the Aeronaut 45L from Tom Binh. My sister travels internationally with this bag, and here is what she has to say about it.

“The Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L is a great choice if you want versatility. This bag, which is also available in a smaller 30L version, is a soft-sided duffel with a magic trick; it easily converts into a backpack. With three main compartments and many packing cube and accessory options available, the ways to pack this bag are endless.

I recommend the end pocket packing cubes, 1 large packing cube and two small packing cubes. I’ve taken this bag camping, but I’ve also packed for a week in London for two people, all in this bag. Tom Bihn is made right here in the USA, and they use super tough ballistic nylon in lots of color combos. I can’t say enough good things about this bag and this company.”

And for some extra fun…

Anytime we can have a little fun, we’re all for it. These Star Wars bags from American Tourister are just the thing.

American Tourister – Star Wars 21″ Carry-On Spinner

For those with whom the Force is strong or who have kids that are Star Wars fans, then American Tourister has your bag. They’ve put together a collection of fun Star Wars themed luggage in different sizes based on several of your favorite characters in the Star Wars universe – perfect for taking to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World Resort.

Normally, we would dismiss these for being just a fad or not being great quality, but they get great reviews on Amazon, and well, they’re just fun! At less than 7 pounds, they are fairly lightweight, have 4-wheel spinners, and the usual features on the inside like nylon lining and dividers for keeping things tidy. There are even added touches like Star Wars branded zipper pulls and logos on the inside.

These bags aren’t for everyone of course, but we say if you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong! Pick your favorite character (or your kids’) and go with it. They’ll be the talk of the airplane rolling these things down the aisle!

  Check the latest prices on the American Tourister 21″ Star Wars Carry On bag.

Check out the entire Star Wars collection from American Tourister.

Don’t forget the packing cubes!

We love packing cubes and they make our trips so much easier, especially when we get spread out at the hotel. We each get our own color, and we’re sure to pack a few extras so that we have a place to put dirty clothes and keep them separate. Compare them below, and pick up a few for your next trip!

While not an exhaustive list, we hope we’ve given you some ideas on what to look for in good carry on luggage.

Be sure to follow us on Pinterest for other great guides and travel inspiration!

Drop us a line if you have any questions, or let us know in the comments what carry-on bag you travel with.

Carry-on luggage questions we get asked

Carry On Luggage Size Restrictions Reference

Airline	Overhead Bin	Under Seat
Alaska Airlines	22'' x 14'' x 9''	17" x 11" x 9.5"
Allegiant Air	22" x 14" x 9"	18" x 14" x 8"
American Airlines	22" x 14" x 9"	18 x 14 x 8
Delta Airlines	22" x 14" x 9"	22" x 14" x 9"
Frontier Airlines	24" x 16" x 10"	14" x 18" x 8"
Hawaiian Airlines	22" x 14" x 9"	16" x 10" x 9.5"
jetBlue	22" x 14" x 9"	17" x 13" x 8"
Southwest Airlines	24" x 16" x 10"	Must fit under the seat (no published size)
United Airlines	22" x 14" x 9"	17" x 10" x 9"

You May Also Like

• Underseat carry-on luggage: The Best Underseat Luggage
• Larger luggage and suitcases: The Best Suitcase for Travel – 2026 Suitcase Reviews (Updated!)
• Travel Cameras: Choosing the Best Travel Cameras

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