The Best And Lightest Carry On Luggage For 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best And Lightest Carry On Luggage
Best And Lightest Carry On Luggage

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

Introducing a line built to take the harshest travel elements - Omni PC combines scratch resistant textures with the lightest 100% polycarbonate construction. The result is a lightweight, durable and easy manoeuvrable bag that'll take on the most challenging flights. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Lightweght Luggage

This lightweight and durable spinner has a stylish soft-sided design that makes it easy to pack, carry and travel with. The spinner has 4 front swivel spinner wheels, can easily be expanded from 21" to 32" and is made with a lightweight Polycarbonate shell that is puncture resistant. Read Review

3. Best Expandable: Lucas Ultra Lightweight Expandable Softside Carry On Luggage

The Lucas Ultra Lightweight Carry On - Expandable Softside 20 Inch Luggage is the perfect bag for you and your family. With features including two expandable side pockets, two front pockets and a zipper pocket, it provides plenty of room to fit all of your things. The push-button lock secures your belongings and helps keep them safe on the go. Read Review

4. Best Ergonomically: Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade Lightweight Carry-On Luggage

Get the perfect travel outfit for your next trip with the Kenneth Cole Reaction 'Renegade' Collection 20-inch lightweight, hardside, expandable 8-wheel spinner carry-on suitcase. With its sleek design, you'll be stylishly set for all your adventures without breaking the bank. Read Review

Backpacks are the most popular type of luggage among travelers. They offer easy portability and plenty of storage space, making them an ideal travel companion. For those who prefer a hands-free experience and minimal handling of their luggage, check out the best carry on bags available on the market today.

These lightweight bags are so compact that you can easily fit them inside your checked baggage when flying. Practical checkers appreciate the fact that they can pack as much as they need into smaller spaces while more adventurous travelers will love having more options to explore new places. Explore our top picks for the best carry on luggage below.

However, after investing in 21 hours, we've come up with a name that's worthy of your requirement: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage. If you desire extra features not included in this model, you might look into another one, Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Lightweght Luggage. It could better suit your needs.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.9
Samsonite

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

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

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.

FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED 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

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

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

Limited Lifetime Coverage plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year. H20 Guard protects the interior lining from moisture

Expands up to 2 inch to maximize packing capacity. Features low profile top, side and bottom carry handles, two exterior compartments, full length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold down straps for packing convenience

4 wheel spinners rotate 360 degree for a smooth roll. Lightweight, sturdy PowerScope handle stops at 38 inch and 42.5 inch features a patented contour grip with rubberized touch points for easy maneuvering. Unique bottom tray design increases durability

Interior dimension: 21 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches Exterior dimension: 23 inches x 14.5 inches x 9 inches

Weight: 5.4 lbs,Volume: 46 L

A half pound lighter than maxlite 4, this ultra lightweight 21 inch spinner meets carry on size restrictions for most domestic airlines

✈️ LIGHTWEIGHT AND EXPANDABLE; The expandable luggage provide lots of packing area for your personal belongings; Helps you adhere to airline weight restrictions and avoid unneeded airport fees which make it best suitcase for domestic and international travel

✈️ 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 (with wheels and handles): 22.8 X 14 X 9 inch - (without wheels and handle) : 20 X 14 X 8 inch; BAG WEIGHT 5.8 lbs

✈️ HI-STABILITY: Wide wheel positioning provides better balance and resistance from falling forward/ unique base structure - specially developed case platform provides additional strength and stability

✈️ 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

✈️ BUILT FOR COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE; You can easily drag along the airport with its ergonomic handle providing easy maneuverability and relieve any pressure from your arms while on the move; The 8-spinner wheels system allow smooth, 360° degree movement over any rough terrain for complete mobility free-weight rolling

4 Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade Lightweight Carry-On Luggage
Our Score:
9.4
Kenneth Cole REACTION

Packing Dimensions - 20" H x 13.5" L x 8.5-10.5" D.

Ergonomically designed retractable trolley handle

Overall Dimensions - 22" H x 14" L x 9-11" D.

Weight - 7.35 lbs.

Main compartment interior features several zippered organization pockets elastic shoe pockets and a garment restraint panel

Expands an additional 2 inches

Sleek and stylish exterior with corner guard reinforcements helps protect your bag from damage

8-wheel multi-directional spinners for effortless handling

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

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

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

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.

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

Sturdy ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle

Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant

Interior mesh zip pocket and elasticated pocket

22"X13. 5"x9" (with wheels)

Multi-directional double spinner wheels

Lightweight yet extremely durable ABS material

Double spinner wheels that allow complete 360 degree movement

Fully-lined interior with accessory pockets

Patented 3-in-1 cup holder, USB port, and phone holder located in back of luggage for travel convenience

20" Carry-on: 20" H x 13. 5" L x 11" W, 6. 92 lbs.

Expands for extra packing capacity

Ultra-lightweight, ultra-durable 19" expandable Rollaboard suitcase maximizes your packing power and meets carry-on size restrictions for most international airlines. Polyester fabric with stain-resistant, water-repellant duraguard coating and ergonomic, high-tensile-strength zipper pulls provide lasting durability

High-performance inline skate wheels and lightweight yet sturdy PowerScope Lite handle with stops at 38" and 42.5" reduce wobble and ensure a smooth, easy roll. Expands up to 2" to maximize packing capacity with tapered shape to prevent tipping

Case Dimensions: 20x 15x7.7, Overall Dimensions: 21.75x15.75x7.75, Weight: 5.4 lbs ; Volume : 45 L

Features low-profile top, side and bottom carry handles, two exterior compartments, full-length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold-down straps for packing convenience and flexibility

Limited Lifetime Coverage plus new trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year

SELF RETRACTING carry handles that maintain a low profile when not in use

NEW FOUR POCKET REVERSIBLE panel that maximizes organization without extra bulk or weight

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

PACKING Dimensions: 20.0" x 14.25" x 9.5", OVERALL Dimensions: 22.5" x 14.5" x 9.5", Weight: 6.97 lbs.

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

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

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

100% POLYCARBONATE that’s tough and scratch resistant

Easy-to-use large pull handle with a rubber-enclosed protected push button.

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.

Tough fiberglass structure - Exceptionally lightweight frame is deceptively strong and built to last

Flat packing interior - 'No pipes' means more space and keeps clothing crease-free

High-tensile fabric - Durable, lightweight material resists abrasion and prolongs use

Wide comfort handle - Easy grip non locking handle offers superior comfort

Overall Dimensions: 21.8 x 14.2 x 7.3", Case Dimensions: 19.1 x 13.4 x 7.3", 3.75lbs

What Does Our Expert Advice You To Consider For Selecting best and lightest carry on luggage?

best and lightest carry on luggage is chosen based on a number of parameters. Depending on the product category, the learning process differs. And so, we're here to consult, guide, and address your product-related problems.

Please keep in mind the following points before selecting best and lightest 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Because we are product consulting professionals with much expertise, we believe the data is credible. Aside from that, the best and lightest carry on luggage data is kept up to date, and you may feel confident that the information is up to date and correct.

We can help you in addition to best and lightest carry on luggage. If you want to support, please don't hesitate to contact us. Thanks for reading!


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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