2024s Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested by Frequent Travelers

Staying true to the great stories that are intrinsically woven into the Curv technology and our award-winning iconic design, we proudly introduce C-Lite. This top-notch, made in Europe collection now ensures an even smoother travel experience offering double wheels and an elongated double pull handle. Its incredible lightness and outstanding comfort will make your journey even more delightful. Their iconic grooved design has become something of a status symbol in airports worldwide. And it’s not just aesthetics; the precision engineering that goes into each piece ensures longevity and reliability.
The suitcase features both zippered and open pockets, for effortless organization of all your smaller belongings. Since 1898, RIMOWA has engineered premium suitcases for purposeful travellers, blending timeless design with functionality. One thing to note is that this bag is on the smaller side for a carry-on, better suited for when you want to pack light or need a supplemental bag in addition to a weekender or a checked suitcase. Though it's not compression socks travel   a large bag, this carry-on has a nice amount of pockets, zippered compartments, compression straps, and even a mini hanger inside to help with packing. The wheels and handle feel durable and sturdy, even after we threw the bag off a counter so that the wheels hit the floor at different angles. Rimowa has a considerably higher price point than most rolling luggage brands, with some wondering whether it transfers to the quality of the product.

But it's more resistant to scratches than other materials used to make hard shell suitcases. If you need cabin luggage, double-check the dimensions to ensure you’re getting a bag that will get accepted inside the cabin of most airplanes. Bigger luggage usually must be checked, even if we’re talking about a maxi carry-on (24”).
It's mostly used in backpacks and other travel gear, which needs improved resistance. Compared to regular nylon or polyester, it's more tear-resistant and abrasion-resistant. Aluminum suitcases cannot be overpacked, even more so than other hard-sided bags made of plastic. Aluminum suitcases are usually more expensive than similarly-sized hard-sided plastic luggage. Aluminum suitcases tend to protect packed contents better and won’t crack like polycarbonate suitcases or tear like soft-sided options.

Our only other critique was that the side handles may feel tight if your hands are bigger. It scored nearly full marks on our drop tests, impressing us with how little damage it sustained. Its wheels proved robust too, scoring full marks on our durability test, even after continuous lugging up and down stairs. They also made a clicking sound going over anything bumpy, which could get annoying if your destination is heavily cobbled... The zips proved a bit fiddly to use and lock, and they let water in but luckily our clothes remained dry. The wheels lagged a bit on carpet and cobbles too, but they were agile everywhere else.
The luggage is made entirely of aluminum alloy, making it strong and durable. The suitcase is made of aluminum, which makes it strong and durable. Only the frame is made of aluminum; the entire suitcase is constructed of PC material. Hard-cover suitcase and keep your carry-on close, filling it with outfits and just enough toiletries to see you through connecting flights, layovers and the first night at your destination. Broken zips are a common manufacturing fault when luggage is no longer usable so zipperless luggage could be considered more durable in that respect. The main benefit of zipperless luggage vs traditional zipped luggage is zipperless luggage is more secure.

If you're on the go or short on time, you can wipe it down with a pre-moistened disinfectant wipe or even a window-cleaning towelette. This carry-on is appropriately sized to fit in the overhead bin on standard airlines without feeling overly bulky or cumbersome. Though it doesn’t have an expander, it felt like it had a larger capacity than similarly sized carry-ons that we’ve tried. Our favorite thing about this smart suitcase is that it comes with a removable battery so you don’t have to live in fear of your phone dying when you can’t find an open outlet in the airport. While many smart bags have a charger, they don’t always include the battery as well. It’s a large suitcase without many pockets or organizational features, so you may need packing cubes.
Adjustable & sturdy ergonomic aluminum 3-step telescoping handle allow you to maneuver in tight spaces and provide effortless movement. Added 2 reinforcement brackets on the flip side of top carry handle and side carry handle to avoid hardshell cracking and 2 Soft rubbers that aim to protect your fingers when lifting heavy stuffs. Virtually all carry-ons on the market have locks to prevent unauthorised entry. However, not all locks are built equal, meaning some are more reliable than others.

There are plenty of reasons why frequent travelers love aluminum suitcases. Read on to find out all about aluminum luggage’s pros, cons, and top brands. And finally, it also has a pre-installed LSA-approved lock so that you can move around with your luggage with an extra layer of security.
The telescopic handle can sit at a range of different heights too, adjusting well to you and the surface it’s on. This spacious suitcase from Samsonite performed well during testing, easily fitting everything you’d need for a two-week holiday inside. As a light packer who lives in a fourth floor walk-up in Brooklyn, I generally only fly with carry-on size luggage.
Ultimately, the best type of luggage for carry-on depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are concerned about protecting your belongings, hard luggage is a good choice as it’s usually more water-resistant and less likely to be damaged if squished in the overhead compartment. If you’re looking for a more lightweight and easier-to-store option, soft luggage might be the way to go.

Experience stylish and confident journeys with the LUGGEX 28 Inch Luggage. This durable suitcase features 4 aluminum corner protectors, providing maximum protection for your valuables. Crafted with premium high-end materials, including polycarbonate and an aluminum frame, this suitcase offers a perfect balance between durability and comfort. The convenient TSA latches allow you to open your luggage with a single press, making your travel experience hassle-free. With 8 smooth-rolling silent wheels, you can glide through airports and  streets with ease and grace.
The all new Soft Stripe suitcase allows you to pack more without worrying about weight restrictions. Unfortunately, there’s no hard-and-fast rule for carry-on size, since this depends on your airline and/or country. For U.S. travelers, the average bag allowance is around 14″ x 9″ x 22″, with some slight variation.

Our packing list fitted with room to spare, and all items stayed in place throughout testing despite its lack of internal pockets. The lining is water-resistant, so although the zip absorbed water in our rain simulation, nothing inside was wet. And the shell proved durable and fairly scratch-resistant – not to mention, July offers a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind when travelling.