The 10 Best Airplane Carry On Luggage, Tested And Researched

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Airplane Carry On Luggage
Best Airplane Carry On Luggage

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner

Get ready for anything with Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner. Carry it over your shoulder or use the easy grab handle on top for a comfortable, hands-free experience. With the exterior, brushed exoPCO surface and an interior with zippered mesh pockets and a zippered pocket, you can keep everything you need organized in this suitcase. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

Samsonite Omni PC Luggage features an innovative, scratch-resistant textures and the lightest 100% polycarbonate construction. The Hardside Expandable Luggage is engineered to handle the harshest travel elements, combining a 360-degree spinner wheel design with a durable front panel with a ventilated mesh pocket for quick access to your gear. Read Review

3. Best Convenient: SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage

SwissGear Sion Luggage gives you an ample amount of packing space. With a 21-inch expandable spinner, this luggage includes 3 extra padded exterior pockets for easy access and to hold your valuables without fear of crushing them. The exterior is made with a water-resistant fabric to keep your luggage dry and safe. Read Review

4. Best Performance: DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage

The Helium Aero Collection from Delsey Paris is extremely lightweight and durable, designed for the frequent traveller. With our unique hardside design, all your essentials are easily accessible on the inside of the case. The telescopic handle can be extended to assist with carrying this large bag or retracted when not in use. Read Review

When it comes to traveling, probably the most important thing is planning everything in advance. Whether it’s booking a hotel or finding the best place to eat, you need to plan your trip well in advance. After all, if you can leave your house at least a week in advance.

Having said that, however, planning ahead also means giving some thought to what you’ll take with you on your journey. This means going through every single item you own and figuring out which ones will make the cut when packing. Fortunately, if you’re looking for the best airplane carry on luggage then there are plenty of options out there. In this article we will go over everything that you need to know about this topic in detail so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the right carry-on bag for your next trip!.

After nearly 14 hours of research, we were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like Amazon basics, Samsonite, Swissgear, Delsey paris, American tourister, Steve madden, Kenneth cole reaction, Travelpro. Among them, We think the best airplane carry on luggage is Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner. Alternatively, if you're simply looking for another option, you may go with Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage.

Our article today focuses mainly on giving you guidelines and tips to be able to buy the right product that best suits your needs. Explore with us right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner
Our Score:
9.7
Amazon Basics

Fully lined 150D-polyester interior organizer with divider, plus 3 zippered pockets for storing smaller items

Expandable for up to 15% more packing space when needed

4 double spinner wheels ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction

Hardside spinner luggage for work travel, weekend getaways, or as international carry-on

Product dimensions: 10 x 14.9 x 22 inches (LxWxH, including wheels); interior dimensions: 9.6 x 13.3 x 18.5 inches (LxWxH)

Includes a 21-inch hardside spinner with a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell and scratch resistant navy blue finish

Sturdy telescoping handle for comfortable maneuvering and a securely mounted short handle for easy lifting

TOP Choice #2 Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.5
Samsonite

10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

PACKING Dimensions: 19" x 14.5" x 9.5", Overall Dimensions: 22" x 15" x 9.5", Weight: 6.81 lbs.

FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight

SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling

EXPANSION to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed

BOOK OPENING CASE with mesh divider and cross straps in main compartment with a zipped modesty pocket

20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light

PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use

MICRO-DIAMOND POLYCARBONATE texture is extremely scratch-resistant, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip

TOP Choice #3 SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.4
SwissGear

Effortless Organization: This luggage bag maximizes packing efficiency with a removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket for holding small items and accessories

Convenient Side Handles: With reinforced padded top handle with an integrated side and bottom handle, this roller suitcase makes lifting and carrying your luggage easy

Multiple Front Panel Pockets: Featuring front pockets with a built-in ID tag, this ergonomically expandable luggage measures 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches including wheels and handles; packing dimensions are 21 x 12.75 x 10.25 inches

Secure and Durable: Expandable travel case gives you ample parking space and made from a durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric with fully lined interior; also features adjustable tie-down straps for securing garments in place

Rolling Suitcase: Get through a crowded airport or down narrow airplane isles easily with this stylish carry-on luggage with 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels and a locking retractable push/pull handle

Maximum comfort: this carry on bag has a comfortable handle system that locks into two positions for ease of use.WEIGHT:8.2 lbs

Convenient and Secure Packing: Two large fully-lined compartments with multiple pockets allow easy access and organization for all of your items. Web straps and a zippered divider secure clothing and help minimize wrinkles.

Double spinner wheels assure exceptional maneuverability and keep zero weight on your arm

Large easy access front compartment with an integrated padded sleeve for up to a 15.6 inch laptop and 2 zippered mesh pockets for computer accessories, toiletries, or any last minute items such as tickets, passport or books

Fully linered interior with two compartments, elastic web straps, with speed buckle for securing clothes

Integrated 3 dial tsa accepted combination lock, self-repairing zippers

Superior Maneuverability: The double spinner wheels assure exceptional maneuverability and keep ZERO weight on your arm.

Large east access front compartment with integrated padded sleeve for up to 15.6 inch laptop and 2 zippered mesh pockets for computer accessories, toiletries, or any last minute items

Overall Dimensions: 21.25 x 14 x 9 inches,Body Dimensions: 19x13.5x9 inches. Weight:8.2 lbs. Two full packing compartments with lined divider and tie-down straps

100% polycarbonate which makes the case lightweight and durable. Modern design with deep metallic glossy finishes

Convenient Side Handles: With reinforced padded top handle with an integrated side and bottom handle, this roller suitcase makes lifting and carrying your luggage easy

Rolling Suitcase: Get through a crowded airport or down narrow airplane isles easily with this stylish carry-on luggage with 360-degree multi-directional spinner wheels and a locking retractable push/pull handle

Multiple Front Panel Pockets: Featuring front pockets with a built-in ID tag, this ergonomically expandable luggage measures 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches including wheels and handles; packing dimensions are 21 x 12.75 x 10.25 inches

Effortless Organization: This luggage bag maximizes packing efficiency with a removable zippered wet bag, large mesh lid pocket, and packing pocket for holding small items and accessories

Secure and Durable: Expandable travel case gives you ample parking space and made from a durable, scuff-resistant polyester fabric with fully lined interior; also features adjustable tie-down straps for securing garments in place

10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: American Tourister products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

PACKING DIMENSIONS: 19" x 13.75" x 7.2", OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 22” x 14”x 10”, Weight: 7.05 lbs.

FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL DUAL SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight.PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use

20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light

BOOK OPENING CASE with mesh divider and cross straps in main compartment with a zipped modesty pocket

Expandable Carry-On Suitcase: Our innovative carry-on suitcases with wheels expand 1.5” to increase carrying capacity by nearly 20 percent

Maximum Maneuverability & Security: Our hardshell luggage comes equipped with 8 360-degree, multi-directional spinner wheels; TSA locks deter theft while allowing agents to access your belongings

Exceptional Organization: Our carry-on luggage with wheels features a large split-case interior with tie-down clothing straps, an accessory pocket, and a power pack mesh pocket with an external USB charging port

Quality Construction: Made from durable, lightweight polycarbonate, our carry-on bags for airplanes are built to last and even feature an easy-open self-repairing zipper closure

10-Year Limited Warranty: SwissGear products are tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards; Our hard suitcases with wheels come with a 10-year warranty against defects

✈️ AIRPLANE FRIENDLY MULTI-PURPOSE DESIGN: The perfect carry-on bag for airline travel and small enough to be your underseat personal item on major airlines; The lightweight construction of this rolling bag makes airport travel a breeze. Your ideal overnight weekend boarding bag for business or personal travel

✈️ FULLY LINED interior and multiple interior and exterior packing compartments make this an ideal bag for a variety of your travel needs. Whether a quick getaway or an extended trip, the convertible underseat carry-on fits your needs

✈️ SATISFACTION GUARANTEED; Limited 5 year manufacturer warranty plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage for any manufacturer defect or replace the defective baggage carry on; CASE DIMENSIONS : 15 X 9 X 14 inch; BAG WEIGHT 5 lbs

✈️ BUILT FOR COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE; You can easily drag this 2-wheeled backpack along the airport with its ergonomic handle providing easy maneuverability and relieve any pressure from your arms while on the move; TELESCOPIC Push Button handle system that makes for a comfortable grip that won't hurt your hand

✈️ MULTIPURPOSE: Your good companion for traveling, could be served as a gym/ sports/ overnight/ weekend/ backpack/airplane carry on/ luggage. It also can be used hospital bags for labor and delivery

9 KENNETH COLE REACTION Out Of Bounds Luggage
Our Score:
8.0
Kenneth Cole REACTION

Equipped with a sturdy and user-friendly push-button retractable trolley handle that extends to be 41 inches.

Backed by a manufacturer 10-year limited guarantee against craftsmanship and manufacturer defects. The perfect lightweight and dependable 20” carry-on suitcase for travelers whom value both style and function in their luggage.

20" carry-on suitcase designed to meet most U.S based & international airline carry-on size requirements and designed to fit into most overhead bins.

Features a lightweight construction that helps you adhere to airline weight restrictions to avoid unneeded airport fees.

Exterior features a top and side grab handle for easy maneuvering and four molded side feet that allow luggage to stand upright on its side.

[Packing Dimensions] 20" H x 13.5" W x 7.5" D.

Fitted with premium 4-wheel multi-directional spinners that allow for smooth effortless 360°-degree free-weight maneuvering.

[Overall Dimensions] - 21.75” H x 14.5” W x 8.5” D. ★ (Includes Handle + Wheels)

Interior main compartment is fully lined with a tear-resistant lining and features double-sided packing, a zippered organization pocket, and garment restraint straps to hold your clothes in place.

Luggage is made of a durable, lightweight hard ABS exterior with reinforced protective molded corner guards that absorb shock for maximum impact resistance and durability.

Maximizes carry-on sizer bin restrictions. May need to check if over packe. Includes a zip-in garment organizer and additional coordinating zip-in organizers available for purchase separately: laundry organizer, suiter organizer

Supra zipper heads are engineered to resist damage from daily use. Cushioned, low-profile top and side carry handles along provide comfortable carrying option. Backed by our built for a lifetime limited warranty with our trusted companion promise

Expansion increases up 2". High-density ballistic nylon with DuraGuard coating resists stains. Built-in protection includes corner armor, skid guards and durable wheel housings. Removable, TSA-compliant toiletries bag included

Case Dimensions: 21x14.75x10; Overall Dimensions:23x15.5x10

PrecisionGlide System for precise control and roll includes a Patented Contour Grip, a Patented PowerScope Extension Handle that adjusts to multiple heights while minimizing wobble and self-aligning magnetic wheels that roll straight in any direction

What to Look For in a best airplane carry on luggage?

Different considerations must be taken during the shopping process. Study resources are obtained in a wide variety of ways. Thus, our staff is all here to lend a helping hand, advice, and solutions to your issues.

Please take a closer examination of the features below and that would be beneficial before your purchase of best airplane carry on luggage: 

Security

Traveling with your padlock is important. However, it is recommended that you have one with Transport Security Administration (TSA).
The locks are branded with the TSA red logo and include a universal masterkey.
The TSA is the only one that has this copy. This key allows American airlines security personnel to access your luggage and inspect its contents, without risk.
They can open the lock if they are unable to do so.

Size

Cases up to full-size: How easy will your suitcase fit into the car's boot if you plan to drive to the airport? It will it be possible to carry the bag around in crowds? There's also the baggage rack at the airport bus. You could hoist it onto the top. You might consider a lighter option if your travels are less than two weeks. A piece of luggage should be durable enough to endure rough transit conditions, yet not cause you pain.
Hand luggage is allowed on most airlines. Some allow for a second hand bag, such as a backpack, or sling bag. A suitcase that is "cabin-size" does not necessarily mean that it can fit into a cabin. Although there are restrictions on size, many airlines will accept suitcases up to 56x45x25 cm.

Expandability

A lot of suitcases have an expandable panel that can be removed to give you at least 10% more packing space. If you're looking for last-minute souvenirs and gifts, some of our top-scoring full-size and cabin suitcases can be expanded.

Weight

Checked luggage: Full-size bags are allowed, but the weight limits vary by airline (see below). Excess baggage fees can be very high so make sure your bag isn't too heavy. Regular flyers might find it useful to purchase luggage scales. Keep in mind, however that you will need to pack more outfits if your suitcase is empty. We found that the best suitcases were as light as 2.3kg empty. Bulkier options weighed in at around 6.2kg.
Hand luggage: Some airlines may have restrictions on the weight of cabin cases. You don't have to give up books, souvenirs and gifts if you choose a lighter cabin bag or fly with an airline that is more flexible.

Handles

Practicality is enhanced by suitcases that have handles at the top and sides. This extra handle along with the towing handle makes it much simpler to lift your suitcase onto and off luggage racks, check-in scales, and baggage carousels.
Top handles can extend into several positions to provide maximum comfort. When not in use, they can be retracted for easy pushing down.

Wheels

Four-wheelers are the most common type of suitcase. Sometimes called spinners. This means that you don’t need to tip your bag before you tow it. It can also be wheeled along with you. Two-wheeled suitcases tend to be slightly larger and are easier to lift over kerbs. However, spinners offer more versatility.

Storage

There are many internal pockets that you can find in both hard-shell and soft-sided luggages. These include small pockets with integrated zippers and large pouched pockets that will hold a laptop. You can also have removable laundry bags or garment sections to keep your suit jackets from tearing. Soft-sided suitcases are often equipped with external pockets that can be used to store easy-access items.

FAQs

Are The Inside Pockets Useful?

Your clothing and personal belongings should be contained in your luggage. Bags with too many pockets end up being useless. Think about what you prefer to pack before you go ahead and click the buy button. You may not want a large zippered lid, so make sure you have a bag that has a great design. Look for suitcases with shoe compartments. Your bag should maximize its space. If your features aren't clear, it won't work.

Is The Rolling Handle Double Barred?

You may prefer to carry a rolling bag, but the main part of a suitcase is its handle. Some brands still make luggage that has a single pull handle. Single bar bags are less sturdy than double-bar rolling bags. This feature can fail to work when you're rushing through an airport. You will be in the middle of an arm workout while carrying your bag. This can be avoided by purchasing a bag that has a double-bar handle.

What Size Suitcase Is Considered Oversized?

While baggage size regulations vary from one airline to the next, most airlines allow luggage to be checked up to 62 inches in length. These airlines would consider bags exceeding these limits to be excessive.

Is Hard Or Soft Luggage Better?

Because it is lighter than heavy luggage, soft luggage is more popular. Because of the use of lighter materials in hard luggage, this has been changed. It really depends on personal choice as to which option is better. Many soft luggage has expandable and external pockets. Hard luggage, on the other hand offers greater protection and durability.

What Is The Importance Of Luggage?

Because you need to travel a lot, you can also take the bag with you. A well-designed luggage bag will make an impression on other people. Bags are more than just bags. They can also be a fashion statement.

How Much Does It Weigh?

You should look beyond the features and attributes of the bag's pockets when you search for a travel suitcase. Check out the weight of the bag without any contents. This is a mistake I've made more times than once. A bag too heavy to carry around is a temptation that I make love to. You will need to ensure that your bag is light, especially for travelers who want to save baggage fees. Look for bags that claim to be lightweight, or give you an accurate weight. It will not be possible to carry a heavy bag on an airplane from Hawaii, or at train stations across Europe.

What Is The Most Durable Luggage?

Polycarbonate and ABS are the most reliable luggage materials on the market. While the former is more sturdy, it's usually lighter. Both durable and lightweight luggage can be constructed from both.

When the latest info related to best airplane carry on luggage comes available, we will update it as soon as possible. Please check our websites frequently for the most up-to-date research data.

Our team is able to support you with many problems, even the out of best airplane carry on luggage. If you require support with your issues, please do not hesitate to contact us.


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

Read Katie's full bio