Skip Checked Bag Fees Forever with the Best Carry-On Luggage

A quality piece of hardside carry-on luggage is essential for travelers who have to know that their items will survive the journey in one piece, and if you need that sense of security, Samsonite’s Novaire is certainly worth the investment. The shell of each Novaire carry-on is composed of 100% Makrolon, a thermoplastic made to withstand severe impacts, extreme temperatures, and endure for far longer than you may expect it to.

In addition to its extreme toughness, the Novaire features an integrated TSA-approved lock, a retractable handle that securely fastens in place, plenty of storage space with multiple organizational pockets and convenient tie-down straps, and a set of four rugged, 360-degree wheels.

Some travelers prefer the versatility, flexibility, and lightweight construction of a soft-side carry-on, and we found that no other soft-side luggage sports the range of handy features found in a roomy Briggs and Riley ZDX bag. We were particularly impressed with the brilliantly designed mobile battery pocket that lets busy fliers charge devices via its USB opening while they are on the go, as well as its built-in RFID shielding technology that actively protects electronics from passing data thieves.

This quality soft-side carry-on sports an extendible interior that provides an additional 2.5” of depth as needed, making it a top selection if you plan on bringing home a few souvenirs. Between its reinforced handles, durable zippers, and wear-resistant nylon exterior, the ZDX is easily one of the toughest soft-side carry-on bags out there.

You don’t have to drain your savings to get a carry-on case that’ll go the distance, and Coolife’s polycarbonate + ABS suitcase is the best budget-friendly model on the market. Available in your choice of five sharp colors including a classy wine red and a bold pumpkin orange, this carry-on sports an expandable interior that adds an additional 15% of storage space: a handy feature rarely seen at this lower price point.

Some of the other key perks of this affordable model include a lightweight yet durable and scratch-resistant hard-shelled design, side-mounted Transportation Security Administration-approved lock, ergonomic telescoping aluminum handle with two convenient height settings, and silent gliding wheels.

If you’ve always wanted luggage that is as solid as a heavy metal carry-on but with half the weight and far more stylish, a Samsonite Proxis Spinner is a dream come true. Samsonite designed these carry-on cases with their signature Roxkin material, which is surprisingly light at just under five pounds, automatically bounces back after severe impacts and rough handling, and is available in four sharp color choices.

The Proxis also features a sizable interior with multiple silky-soft pockets, dividers, and removable cross-straps to organize your gear, a TSA-friendly lock, and ultra-rugged aluminum wheels with silent rubberized tires and matching telescoping handle that was made to last for years to come.

If you need a lightweight, yet feature-rich piece of carry-on luggage that sports more storage than you may expect, yet is easy to slide under your seat or toss in the overhead compartment, the Widemouth is your best bet. Weighing in at just 6 pounds, this compact model features a roomy padded laptop sleeve, telescoping handle with smooth rolling wheels, an plenty of compartmentalized pockets for efficient packing. My favorite design choice is its signature wide frogmouth-like opening that allows for immediate access to its organized interior at a moment’s notice.

Delsey Paris is no stranger when it comes to merging versatility and style, and their expandable Helium Aero continues this trend. We found that the small Helium Aero’s main compartment is easily expanded to accommodate up to an impressive 55-liters of storage, and it features a pair of packing compartments, tie-down straps, and a lined divider to organize your travel essentials and souvenirs.

The Helium Aero’s versatile telescoping handle features two positions to make rolling on two or four of its durable double wheels a smooth walk between airport terminals. In addition, the Helium Aero is offered in multiple sizes and five glossy hues of rugged polycarbonate material, so there really is a model for everyone’s travel tastes.

This shockingly lightweight smart suitcase is a remote worker’s best friend. It has a built-in battery pack with both USB C and A ports to charge up your phone wherever you roam, providing you remember to keep the battery pack itself charged. It also has an elusive hardside luggage feature: a front pocket to keep your laptop within easy reach for TSA checkpoints.

The Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-on is formidable: it has rugged 360-degree spinner wheels and is made of impact-resistant polycarbonate (the stronger cousin if ABS). It also has tamper-proof zippers and a TSA-approved combination lock to keep all your stuff safe and secure on its journey. This suitcase isn’t expandable but it does have a zipper that’s engineered to stretch up to one inch for those last-minute necessities you need to cram inside.

Some cool extras: the luggage comes with a laundry bag (and a shoe bag!), but the the interior lining of this suitcase is treated with an antimicrobial coating, just in case you don’t use it!

Featuring a one-of-a-kind design, durable nylon construction, and up to 35 liters of storage space, Cotopaxi’s vibrant Allpa is the best carry-on backpack available. Each bold color combination is the result of recycling leftover materials and pieces for a truly unique handmade backpack. This limited-edition bag keeps waste out of landfills and your travel gear protected within its sturdy nylon material and myriad internal storage compartments, which include a padded laptop pocket, zippered mesh pockets, and bonus rain cover that will come in handy if you plan on taking this vibrant pack into the elements.

With its exclusive style, collection of convenient handles and straps for easy carrying, and admirable environmentally friendly concept, you’ll happily reach for your trusty Allpa Del Dia for day trips and long flights alike.

While many think of flexible and less durable options when searching for underseat carry-on luggage, Calpak bucks the trend with their lineup of metallic Ambeur Minis. They’re slim, sleek, sport a rock-solid polycarbonate shell, feature an assortment of pockets and plenty of storage space, but its low price point makes it an especially attractive option for thrifty travelers. Some brands would have stopped at its ergonomic carry handle, but I certainly appreciate that Calpak included gliding wheels and a telescoping handle in this miniature value-packed model for maximum convenience.

With its brilliantly designed 5-tier shelving system that keeps clothes tidy, separated, and folded throughout your trip, handy USB charging port for instant device charging, and extremely resilient construction, Solgaard’s Carry-On Closet provides a luxury luggage experience without an extravagant price tag. Between its rearrangeable shelves and pockets for fully customizable packing, silent smooth-gliding wheels, and rainbow of attractive color options, there’s a lot to appreciate about this premium carry-on.

While I’ll be the first to admit that its modern geometric style grabbed my attention, but its ability to effortlessly slide under seats, spacious and expandable interior, as well as its USB port for phone or laptop charging that made this a standout piece of luggage for international travel. Other highlights that frequent jetsetters will appreciate include its premium TSA-approved lock, the secret hidden nametag beside its handle to prove it is definitively yours, sturdy wheels and retractable handle, lightweight design, and reinforced polypropylene shell made to effortlessly survive all of your upcoming adventures.

Anyone who wants their luggage to stand out in a sea of polycarbonate, aluminum, and duffel bags will love the timeless charm of The Illustrator. Available in your choice of white and pink or white and blue pinstripes, and sporting attractive leather straps, closures, and a handle, as well as shiny golden accents, these spacious handcrafted suitcases are works of art. In addition, The Illustrator’s telescoping handle with matching leather handle, premium wheels, and rugged TSA approved locks demonstrates that its beauty is not merely skin deep.

While there are many rugged polycarbonate options out there, this colorful and durable carry-on from BÉIS stands apart from the competition for its expandable zipper for additional storage, water-resistant design, and office chair-like swivel wheels. The ability to expand this case by an extra two inches is an especially convenient, yet rare feature for the average rigid polycarbonate carry-on. Some of the other features that set this model apart include its well-situated retractable bag-carrying strap, side handle, and impressive range of color options to choose from.

You’ve seen plenty of carry-ons with dependably strong polycarbonate shells, silent wheels, and roomy interiors on this list, however the Carry-On Pro Plus and its special fold-out compartment makes this the best option for business trips. This front-facing section has plenty of room for wide laptops, as well as many pockets and pouches for organizing and quick access to your travel essentials. I was also impressed by how its telescoping handle lies flush with the case when fully retracted, its rugged premium components, and array of charming color options to choose from.