Best Carry-On Luggage 2021 | Top Carry-On Suitcases

Frequent fliers know the annoyances of checking a bag, especially for short flights. Aside from the extra fees, checking luggage involves waiting in additional lines, waiting for your suitcase at baggage claim once you’ve landed, and risking your bag ending up in London when you’re in Los Angeles. A good piece of carry-on luggage solves all that.

Although carry-on suitcases gives you less space, the best models have features that make the trade-off worthwhile, including compression straps to save space, backpack straps for easy portability, and USB chargers so you won’t find yourself with a dead tablet mid-flight.

What to Consider When Buying Carry-On Luggage

With more people traveling again, now could be the right time to upgrade your carry-on luggage. If you’re buying a new piece of carry-on luggage this year, you have several factors to consider, of which color is probably the least important.

First, you’ll want to make sure it’s carry-on size; after all, the whole point is to save time and hassle at the airport. In the U.S., the standard carry-on size is about 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which matches the bins in airports designed to measure your bag (though most airlines give you a good deal of wiggle room.)

But on some airlines or aircraft, the specs might be smaller. Planes like the Bombardier CRJ 700, which United Airlines uses for short-haul flights like those between Reno, Nevada, and San Francisco, have smaller overhead compartments. On those, your bag can be no wider than 10 to 12 inches.

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The next question comes down to hard-shell versus softshell. Hard-shell cases are more durable and provide better protection for delicate items. On the other hand, soft-sided carry-ons are easier to fit in overhead bins and easier to lift because they weigh less.

Also, consider whether you want two wheels or four (or none at all). Bags with four wheels are more maneuverable in tight spaces, but they also tend to weigh and cost more. Two-wheeled suitcases can only move forward and backward, but they’re usually more cost-efficient and sometimes fit better in tight overhead bins. Because their wheels are often larger, they can be more durable, too. Backpacks and small duffels—best for weekend trips—forgo wheels for more substantial and comfortable straps.

Lastly, think about the color and design. Luggage tags make it pretty unlikely that anyone will grab your bag accidentally, but having a uniquely colored bag can make it easier to spot your suitcase on conveyor belts and luggage carts.

How We Selected

As a travel writer who (pre-pandemic) traveled monthly and often overseas, I learned a thing or two about effectively packing and about the hassle of dealing with checked luggage across countries and airlines. Whether I’m going scuba diving in southeast Asia or hiking in Montana, I always try to go carry-on only. And since I’m also a gear tester, I’ve traveled with dozens of different carry-ons, learning along the way what features work well and what materials and brands don’t stand up to heavy usage.

The recommendations below are based on my personal experience and also factor in customer rating, each brand’s repair and warranty services, and research into what brands are high-quality enough to be worth the spend. Not every great carry-on suitcase has to be expensive, but cutting too many corners can result in broken zippers and clothes spilling everywhere in the middle of a train station (which happened to me once while traveling through Japan.)

Here is the best carry-on luggage to consider buying for your next flight.