10 Best Carry on Luggage in 2024 reviewed & compared

The Platinum Elite 21” recently launched by Travelpro easily takes the top spot on our carry-on luggage list. The robust construction, leather detailing, lifetime warranty covering airline damage, the USB pass-through for a power bank, user replaceable parts, & the price are the main reasons why we highly recommend the Platinum Elite 21” for pretty much any kind of traveler.

Buying a carry on bag for many is a one-time purchase (if done right!). If you aren’t in the habit of checking it in, you can very easily expect your carry on to last many a year (decades in some cases). Whether you are a frequent flyer, business traveler or someone who travels occasionally, it is almost impossible to go wrong with the Platinum Elite 21” luggage. Coming in at around half the price of a TUMI or our business traveler pick the Briggs & Riley (at the time of writing), the Platinum Elite’s impressive list of features are hard to beat.

Let’s begin with the wheels, one of Travelpro’s specialties. The MagnaTrac wheels which are a feature on the Magna 2 are also present here. The wheels self-align without locking into place, so it’s extremely easy to maneuver. In the unlikely case that the wheels are damaged, you can easily swap them out yourself with Travelpro’s replacement parts. The wheels are probably the best we’ve seen on a spinner and you can see the difference on even the roughest surfaces.

The main power scope handle feels extremely sturdy and has 4 stop heights (at 36”, 38”, 40” and 42.5”) as well. It has a contoured design & a textured grip which makes it more comfortable to hold. While this wasn’t something we gave a lot of importance to, it definitely adds to the overall quality.

The handle is mounted on the inside rather than the outside which means you lose a fair amount of packing capacity. Having said that you can still easily pack 1-4 days’ worth of stuff in the Platinum Elite. If you need more packing space, then the roller board version or the Briggs & Riley (which is next on our list) is your best bet.

The quality of the zippers and the leather detailing on the side & top handles make the aesthetics extremely impressive. The handles also have extremely sturdy double screw mountings on each side.

The interiors are quite refined with a tie down packing system that includes accessory pockets. There is a removable suiter & a removable wet pocket for toiletries.

You might wonder what the difference is between the Platinum Elite & the Magna 2. The two suitcases are quite similar, but the Elite is 0.5 lbs lighter and has 2 outer pockets instead of the 1 on the Magna 2. One of the Elite’s pockets is a power bank pocket with a USB pass through, a feature in common with the Crew 11 by Travelpro. The pockets have a good depth that will easily fit a lot of things. Another difference is the type of zippers used. The Platinum Elite uses SUPRA zipper heads that excel at resisting damage instead of the YKK used on the Magna 2.

The limited lifetime warranty requires registration within 120 days & covers the cost of repair due to airline damage as well. Travelpro has also introduced a new trusted companion promise which even covers shipping cost for repair. You can check out exactly what you get here.

This luggage has all the typical bells and whistles you expect in a great carry-on, like a TSA lock, straps for holding your clothes together, etc. The feature that stood out the most for us and other users is the front zippered compartment for easy access items, as well as the padded sleeve for 15.6-inch laptops or less. We quite liked this feature as it is a rarity, especially in hard-sided models. The build quality of the zippers and wheels are quite good and it rolls smoothly on multiple surfaces.

A slight downside reported by some ardent frequent flyers is that the sleeve is on the outer side, so you need to place the luggage on the ground on the handle’s side to keep items from spilling out. Another thing to note is that the polycarbonate shell and internally mounted handle make it a tad less roomy compared to other carry-on suitcases. If you are packing for shorter trips or are looking for a luggage to combine with your checked baggage, then this is the one for you.

The Briggs & Riley possesses an extensive checklist of positive traits. Many users who have traveled over 100K miles report that the suitcase holds up very well and does not wear easily. Since accidents still happen today while airlines are transporting luggage, the warranty that covers airline damage is really worth the price. The included suiter can comfortably hold 1, maybe 2 suits, making it ideal for the business traveler. The downside here is that it's not removable. The baseline is ideally suited for 3-4 day trips.

The CX expansion & compression capability is a huge hit with us and other users alike. The luggage can expand to increase packing capacity by up to 25% and shrink down to the original size when stowing away into the overhead compartment; it only stays expanded to the extent needed,  not to the extent you determine. This allows for a very compact suitcase. Getting used to the CX system can be tricky for some, but the benefits are well worth the effort.

The Baseline 22” that we have selected is a rollerboard, which may not be as easy to maneuver as a spinner, but is definitely better at handling rough terrain without any breakage. This carry on is also well-supported and not prone to tipping over. It is made from 1680D ballistic Nylon, making it quite resistant to abrasion, wear & even water. It’s important to note that this does not make it waterproof.

The Baseline 22” is specifically meant for domestic travel within the United States, and travelers may have issues on some airlines outside the United States. The packing capacity of the Baseline is quite large. When you add the fact that this is a roller board version, it really has the edge over the Platinum Elite & the Werks Traveler. The aluminum grade handle stops at 4 different heights and is placed on the outside of the bag, this is where the majority of its space advantage over the Platinum Elite stems from. Whilst the Werks Traveler is cheaper than the Baseline, the superior construction and luxurious feel are hard to beat.

The main downside is the weight. Coming in at over 8 pounds when empty, the weight of the B&R can really dissuade some people. However, relative to brands like TUMI, the B&R still fares better in weight & price.

This carry on includes a sturdy build quality among its numerous positive traits. The spinners rotate 360 degrees and roll quite well on all surfaces on which we tested it. The Maxlite 5 is also water-repellent and resists abrasion well. The size works well for most domestic travel. With the wheels included, it does tend to be slightly on the larger side, coming in at 23" overall. Nonetheless, this shouldn't be an issue for travel within the United States.

The Maxlite 5 is actually 0.5 lbs lighter without any sacrifice in durability. Despite not being as robust as our top pick, the Platinum Elite, the Maxlite 5 will last you a long time when not checked in regularly. Its checked luggage counterpart (the 25" model) is one of our favorites as well. The Maxlite 5's pricing is very affordable too & is a no-brainer in our opinion if you just want something that is light and won't quit on you.

This suitcase is made from Polyester with a Duraguard coating, making it both lightweight and stain-resistant. The interiors are as basic as they come with tie-down straps and 2 zippered compartments. The handle feels sturdy but light and stops at 38" and 42.5". The handles on the side & the top are sturdy, though not as sturdy as the Platinum Elite. The Maxlite 5 also comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a new "Trusted Companion Promise" offered by Travelpro, which even covers cost incurred for repairs due to airline damage during the 1st year.

The Freeform hardside is an impressive offering from Samsonite. Coming in at 6.5 lbs, it’s one of the lighter carry on suitcases on the market. The dual wheel system seen on brands like Travelpro is used here and the Freeform’s wheels are a lot more durable as a result. It also comes with a neat little ID tag so you can skip buying a luggage tag altogether.

This modern design is a refreshing change to the more functional designs employed by Samsonite. Like the Delsey, this model is also expandable, which is a plus for us. The luggage has plenty of packing capacity regardless and the lightweight nature can only encourage buyers to take advantage of the space. The interiors are pretty basic, though, which we were slightly disappointed by. There are mesh pockets for organization, but the tie-down straps to keep your clothes in place are extremely basic. The handles are well-built, although they aren’t present on all sides, so it can be annoying in some situations to place & remove this suitcase from a vehicle.

Some buyers did mention being confused about opening the suitcase initially as the TSA locks are preset to 000; clear instructions about this would definitely be an improvement. However, this wasn’t a major concern for us. The main downside to this suitcase is the scuff marks that can accumulate when it is handled roughly. The white color we’ve picked isn’t particularly more susceptible to scratches than the other colors. If you travel casually, then this option from Samsonite is definitely worth considering.

Sleek, aesthetically-pleasing, with a strong built and thoughtful design, the Solyte DLX is the picture-perfect luggage for shorter trips and weekend getaways. Made from rugged polyester and reinforced with 360 dual spinner wheels with hardened steel cartridge bearings, this carry-on practically drives itself. 

What makes Solyte DLX unique is certainly its smart sleeve, designed to offer a smooth stackable experience when combined with Samsonite’s Travel Duffel, 20” Spinner or the Underseat Wheel Carry-on. Conjoined together, these suitcases allow you to maneuver the airport with ease, without worrying about toppling or loose baggage ever again. Is anyone else getting that Transformers vibe or is it just us?

The push-button handle is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the travelers’ unique height and the handle stops allow you to tailor the movement of the luggage to your preference. While the carry-on doesn’t feature a TSA-approved lock, it does offer other amenable qualities such as a USB port for charging devices (no battery included), smart fix buckles designed to keep the tie-down straps out of the way when packing and a hideaway ID tag that conceals personal information from prying eyes.

Ready to step inside? With the expandable design of this suitcase you just might have a chance to do so. The interior is adorned with a WetPack pocket, as well as a zippered mesh pocket made to accommodate smaller trinkets and toiletry bags. There is sufficient packing space for 1-2 day trips. Some users did mention that having more room in the main compartment would make the experience much better. 

The luggage weighs about 7.1 lbs and has rubber corner reinforcements as well as skid rails on the back, making it extremely resistant to wear and tear. Another handy thing according to users is multiple easy-grab compartments on the exterior of the suitcase, perfectly designed to carry electronic devices, travel documents, and other essential items.

Deemed as the unbreakable luggage, the Minima is made of 100% Makrolon polycarbonate hardshell, a material lighter than aluminum but still harder and more durable than any other type of plastic. What makes it even more appealing is the fact that the ultra-strong hardshell doesn’t add any additional weight to the equation, making Chester Minima lightweight, flexible and impressively resistant.

Another great feature of its sturdy exterior is its water-resistance. This carry-on is basically the hulk of carry-on suitcases and it can withstand whatever you throw at it.

When it comes to size, standing at roughly 22”, the Minima is TSA and IATA approved and meets all domestic and international airline requirements. The carry-on is suited for both shorter trips and long-haul flights and can fit the overhead compartment with ease. Although quite compact and portable, the carry-on doesn’t hold back on space. The interior has a capacity of 38 liters accompanied by 2 spacious compartments, 3 organizers for smaller items and a removable nylon laundry bag that allows you to separate clean from dirty clothes.

With 4 silent multi-directional wheels and an aluminum telescoping ergonomic handle with two lock positions, the Chester Minima makes strolling through the airport simple and effortless. The luggage also includes top and side easy-grab handles, helping you maneuver the carry-on any way it suits you. The only negative aspect we found relating to the luggage is the overall size of the handles, with some users claiming they could use an increase in size for achieving an optimal grip.

The company is pretty confident in terms of the quality of their luggage, claiming that Minima is made to last forever. Don’t want to take them at their word? No worries, Chester offers free returns as well as a 10-year limited warranty on their luggage, (at the time of writing) so you can rest easy knowing all of your stuff is in safe hands.

Measuring 21.5” with a 42-liter capacity, the Ozone is the bag you’ll want to accompany you on your next journey. Weighing less than 5 lbs, this carry-on is one of the lightest bags on our list, offering a sustainable amount of perks for all you daredevils out there.

Let’s get into the specifics. The internally reinforced 6061 aluminum frame, large 90 mm sealed-bearing wheels and durable lockable zippers make the Ozone highly resistant and durable, even while being rolled on tough and uneven terrains. If you’re not a fan of wheeling your way through the unknown, you can make use of the top and side padded handles or the tuckaway tow strap which allows you to attach it to another bag.

Looking at the top of the luggage, you can find a large easy-access pocket for liquids, so you can always have a bottle of water nearby for the taking. The dual upper compression straps allow you to keep the contents of your bag from shifting, but they can also be used to secure a jacket or another item you get tired of carrying around.

Shift your gaze to the back and locate the rear zippered panel pocket for stashing books, magazines and travel documents furnished with a mesh obscured window for your ID.

The interior of the carry-on is quite spacious and features compression straps as well as fabric wings to keep your clothes nice and tidy until you arrive at your next destination. 

Have any issue with this backpack on wheels? Osprey has you covered - quite literally. Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee offers repairs and replacements on all defective products free of charge, regardless of whether you bought the bag yesterday or 20 years ago. How’s that for a bargain?

While we chose this suitcase for its style, the Chatelet Hard+’s durability also caught our eye. It’s made from a polycarbonate variant that provides top-of-the-line impact and temperature resistance. TUMI’s Tegra certainly still leads in this department, but its price kept us from including it in our list. The Chatelet Hard+ easily takes the title of most durable hardside luggage in our list.

As for the wheels, the Delsey rolls well & has a handy braking system. The front wheels can be locked with the push of a button and you can roll the luggage with the 2 back wheels if need be. This prevents it from rolling away, and its usage as a two-wheeled option helps you to navigate tougher surfaces more easily. The suitcase comes with a TSA lock for better security too.

The faux leather accents & stylish interiors further enhance this carry on’s appeal. There are plenty of zippered compartments to help you stay organized. The zippers used on this model work extremely well and there have been little to no reports of zippers failing. However, the packing space is slightly limited by the fact that the handles are present inside rather than on the exterior.

This carry on can put up with a lot of abuse, although the Champagne version (lighter color) does put the scratches on full display. The Chocolate variant fares better aesthetically in the long run. Another downside is that the premium features like the front brakes make for a very heavy suitcase. At over 9.3 lbs, you are much better off using this along with a check in bag rather than as a standalone for a 3+ day trip.

Measuring only 13”, this carry-on fits perfectly in just about any overhead compartment, but it can also easily be slipped under the seat for more convenience. The compactness of this case is the next level mastery and you won’t make a mistake by choosing it for your next weekend trip.

Don’t be fooled by its smallish dimensions though, this carry-on is perfectly designed to hold plenty of items. The main compartment is spacious enough to carry a weekend’s amount of clothes and shoes, while the several interior pockets make it easy to separate your trinkets and smaller items for better organization. This bag is every organizer’s dream with a plethora of separate zippered pouches fit for makeup, toiletries, shoes, liquids, jewelry and so much more. This piece of luggage would make even Marie Kondo proud.

But that’s only the beginning. The front of the bag features a handy organizer for easy-grab items such as travel documents, books, and magazines. The push handle is designed to lock itself in place when it's fully extended or when the baggage is stored away, but it can also be pushed inside the luggage when not in use with pass-through panels concealing it. The best part of the handle is that it can be locked in 3 separate locations, making it convenient for both children and taller adults.

In-line skate wheels are there to offer a smooth and fluid rolling experience, but the bag can easily be stacked on another piece of luggage for better maneuverability. 

If you’re looking for a well-engineered piece that’s lightweight, can hold plenty but doesn’t take much space, then this underseat carry-on by AmazonBasics is something you should definitely put on your list.