Nothing is more exciting than setting off to the airport with just a carry-on suitcase, skipping all queues and breezing past everyone. No stress that my belongings will get thrown around or lost in transit. This is why I prefer to pack light with only travel essentials in my carry-on suitcase.
Choosing the most suitable carry-on luggage is subjective for each individual. This article aims to find the right cabin suitcase to satisfy your travel requirements.
Factors to consider when choosing a carry-on
What are the luggage rules and regulations for your airline?
Each airline will have its own rules and regulations on the size and weight of the carry-on luggage it permits. The optimal size for every airline would be 20x35x55cm. A carry-on suitcase of this size will fit into any airline. We also recommend that you choose something lightweight, so you can squeeze a few extra items if needed.
This means that lighter luggage would make it easier to move around.
What is the best type of carry-on? Hardshell vs. Softshell?
For fragile goods or other valuable items, a hardshell carry-on might be the best option. In contrast, a softer carry-on would be better for anyone who prefers expandability and extra pockets.
Despite allowing the flexibility to stretch and fit extra items, soft suitcases can absorb water and are susceptible to smells and stains over time. They are also more vulnerable to rips and tears.
For all the protection that a hardshell provides, they tend to be heavier than softer suitcases, and you may have to compromise a little on packing space.
It is all subjective, and everyone will have different needs and requirements. Just make sure you pick something of good quality that will last you longer than a few trips.
Carry-on suitcase or backpack?
This depends on the type of traveler you are. Many frequent business travelers prefer a carry-on suitcase with a laptop compartment. They sometimes also need an area to keep their suits crease-free. It might also make sense to have something with 4 wheels.
Whereas, some without back problems and a preference for being hands-free would prefer backpacks.
In the end, it comes down to personal preference.
2 wheel vs 4 wheel carry-on luggage
I know people who prefer 2 wheeled suitcases.
You can move quickly through airports (4 wheel spinners can slow you down). Also, 2 wheeled suitcases allow for extra space for packing, and some say wheels are more robust).
On the flip-side, 4-wheel spinners are more practical. They make up for a few centimeters of less space with their more flexible maneuverability. You can wheel your bag sideways, pull from behind or push in front when getting on or off a busy flight. The wheel quality for 4 wheel hand luggage has been improving year on year.
The most important thing is to opt for quality instead of paying for a “bargain.” The last thing you want is a wheel or two breaking off during your trip.
Compartments
A growing number of companies are designing cases with the end-user in mind. They can have compartments for shoes and suits. They have a special protective compartment to fit a laptop or a tablet. You need something that makes it easy to pull the laptop out at airport security. Or you can take a separate laptop bag with your carry-on suitcase. Many airlines allow this. Check our airline rules and regulations page for rules for your airline.
Top-rated carry-on luggage
The table below lists all the best hand luggage for different needs and tastes.
| Product | Description | Rating | ____ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rimowa Cabin S | This is a quickfire description of the product | ★★★★☆ | View Product |
| Samsonite Omni 20" Spinner | A perfect blend of affordability, durability, and maneuverability in a hardshell case. | ★★★★☆ | View Product |
| Travelpro Platinum Magna 2 | ★★★★★ | View Product | |
| Briggs & Riley Expandable Upright (2-Wheel) | ★★★★★ | View Product | |
| Tumi Alpha 3 International Expandable | ★★★★★ | View Product | |
| Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside | ★★★★★ | View Product | |
| Away The Carry-On | ★★★★★ | View Product | |
| Horizn Studios M5 | ★★★★★ | View Product | |
| Chester Minima | ★★★★★ | View Product | |
| Roam The Jaunt | ★★★★★ | View Product |
Best Hardside Carry-On
Compared to soft-shell, hardshell cabin suitcases provide added protection for your valuables. They can be made from various materials. Most popular being aluminum, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. There are also other less popular materials. But we recommend these three.
Polycarbonate carry-on
There was a time when hardshell luggage was known for easily cracking up and breaking apart. But times have changed. Many top brands are using polycarbonate materials for hardshell luggage. This type of material flexes a little. It can absorb the type of impact upon which previous generations of plastic hardshell cases would have fallen apart. It is also a little lighter than your typical plastic or aluminum. Making it an ideal material for hand luggage.
Aluminum carry-on
Aluminum hand luggage has been around forever. It is a classic choice and is often used by high-end brands such as Rimowa and Tumi. It can be on the more pricier side but it looks very stylish. You should also be mindful of how much it may weigh.
Polypropylene carry-on
Polypropylene is the lightest of all polymer materials. This is why it makes it the ideal hand-luggage for those looking for lightweight hand luggage. Despite being lightweight, polypropylene is very resilient (not as strong as Polycarbonate). This is why most top brands use this material for their lightweight luggage.
Best Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage
Despite the growing popularity of hardshell suitcases, some people prefer soft suitcases. After all, they are lighter, have more room to squeeze that duty-free wine! They also have more compartments, pockets and can come in a wider array of colors.
Brands such as Tumi have made it their mission to make the best soft carry-on suitcases.
Lightweight Carry-On Luggage
Don’t let weight restrictions hinder how much you pack in your cabin luggage. Ideally, you want to fit as many things as you need without having to pay a hefty fee for overweight luggage. This is why lightweight luggage is ideal.
By lightweight, we mean something which is around the 2.5kg mark. Just because it’s lightweight doesn’t mean its fragile. Materials like polycarbonate and polypropylene allow you to own a lightweight hardsided suitcase. These materials are sturdy enough to withstand any impact. There are some brands that even specialize in making lightweight luggage. See some of the options highlighted below.
Hand luggage for all major airlines
As stated earlier, every airline has it’s own size restrictions. There’s a chance that you have booked with an airline where the hand luggage you normally use is too big to carry-on. It might be because it’s too wide, too tall. This can be inconvenient. The trick would have been to get something that you can take on all major airlines.
The optimal size for every airline would be 20x35x55cm. A cabin suitcase of this size will fit into any airline. It is also recommended that you choose something lightweight, so you can squeeze a few extra items if needed.
There are plenty of bags that can fit this criterion. We have picked a handful of the better ones.
Best luxury carry-on luggage
We’re also beginning to see a trend in luxury brands taking at the forefront in the hand luggage market. There are two ways to look at luxury carry-on luggage. You either go for beautiful, reliable, and functional, or you choose something just for the brand name. Some of the brands that stand out the most are Rimowa and Tumi. They’re also functional companies emerging like Horizn Studios.
Best Samsonite carry-on
Samsonite has to be the most popular luggage brand since it was founded in Denver in 1910. The company understands the diverse needs of all travelers and provides products to cater for all needs. This includes some amazing carry-on luggage. You’re covered regardless of whether you need lightweight, hardshell or soft.
Best Smart carry-on
You can now combine travel and technology with some of the smart hand luggage offerings. Smart luggage can be defined as many things. People have different requirements. Some of the features for modern smart cabin suitcases include GPS tracking, USB power banks to charge your phones and tablets, electronic baggage tags, TSA approved locks and more…
Brands such as Away are leading the way with smart features that can enhance your travel.
However, there have been new regulations with regards to smart luggage. Specifically towards luggage with lithium batteries. We recommend that you remove the battery if you decide to check it in.
Best Affordable Carry-On Luggage
Despite all the stylish pieces of carry-on luggage emerging in the market, they are not going to be for everyone. Your goal might be to get from A to B with your belongings. You don’t always need a $500 carry-on suitcase to do so. There are plenty of decent and affordable cabin suitcases that will do a more than stellar job.
Not all cheap or affordable carry-ons are fit for purpose. We’ve experienced nightmare scenarios such as wheels falling apart or the handles breaking during a trip. Despite a bag being affordable, it shouldn’t compromise in the quality. Below are some of our favorite affordable carry-ons.
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