The Best Light Carry On Luggage For 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Light Carry On Luggage
Best Light Carry On Luggage

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage

This 4-wheel bag features a lightweight design in charcoal that moves with ease whether you are on the go or at home. It also has side-mounted TSA locks to deter theft and make it easy for airport security agents to access only your bag when traveling. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase is a lightweight, sturdy and expandable carry-on backpack. Features low profile top and side carry handles, a full length interior lid pocket and an adjustable hold down strap for packing convenience. Read Review

3. Best Capacity: DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage

Deley's Paris Helium Aero is a convenient and secure option for packing. With two large fully-lined compartments, multiple pockets, web straps and a zippered divider, you're able to easily access your belongings without wrinkle or hassle. Read Review

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

Whether you're taking a trip with your family or heading out on your own, this Kenneth Cole Luggage is the perfect luggage for you. This lightweight hardside luggage features a durable polycarbonate material and multi-directional wheels for effortless maneuverability. Plus, it's expandable up to 2 inches for that little extra space needed when packing. Read Review

When packing for your next trip, it can be easy to forget that you’re also trying to avoid bringing along too much baggage. The last thing you want is to spend the entirety of your getaway worrying about whether or not your luggage will fit on the plane with you. And even if the thought of spending time dutifully cramming your belongings into their allotted storage space makes you cringe, finding a carry-on that won’t leave you wishing you’d brought something a little more substantial is key.

After all, our world has become smaller than ever before; there’s no reason why any trip longer than a few days should involve lugging around a full-sized suitcase when there are other options out there that make travel so much easier on your back and wallet alike.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 13 hours conducting results through 3,863 real customer reviews. Because of this, We came to the conclusion that the best light carry on luggage is Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage. And Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.9
Samsonite
  • HANDSOME SLIDER in squared full-capacity design featuring oversized No.10 zipper and interior divider with organization pockets
  • LIGHTWEIGHT locking telescopic handle
  • FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL 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
  • Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant
  • PACKING Dimensions: 20.0" x 13.5" x 9.5", OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0" x 14.5" x 9.5", Weight: 6.7 lbs.
  • UNIFIED BRUSHED PATTERN CUSTOM DESIGN on front and back shells hide any potential scratches or scuffs from your journey
  • 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.
  • 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • FULL-ZIP INTERIOR DIVIDER and cross straps for increased packing organization
TOP Choice #2 Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.7
Travelpro
  • A half pound lighter than maxlite 4, this ultra lightweight 21 inch spinner meets carry on size restrictions for most domestic airlines. H20 Guard protects the interior lining from moisture
  • 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; Volume : 46 liter
  • Limited Lifetime Coverage plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year
  • Weight: 5.4 lbs.
  • 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
TOP Choice #3 DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.5
DELSEY Paris
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Largest capacity: this suitcase expands up to 2 inches for additional packing space and meets carry-on size restrictions for most international airlines. This feature is great for packing souvenirs on return journeys.
  • Soft-touch top and side carry handles allow you comfortably lift
  • Integrated 3 dial tsa accepted combination lock, self-repairing zippers
  • 100% polycarbonate which makes the case lightweight and durable. Modern design with deep metallic glossy finishes
  • 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
  • Maximum comfort: this carry on bag has a comfortable handle system that locks into two positions for ease of use.WEIGHT:8.2 lbs
  • 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
  • Fully linered interior with two compartments, elastic web straps, with speed buckle for securing clothes
4 Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade Carry-On Luggage
Our Score:
9.4
Kenneth Cole REACTION
  • Main compartment interior features several zippered organization pockets elastic shoe pockets and a garment restraint panel
  • Ergonomically designed retractable trolley handle
  • Weight - 7.35 lbs.
  • Overall Dimensions - 22" H x 14" L x 9-11" D.
  • Sleek and stylish exterior with corner guard reinforcements helps protect your bag from damage
  • 8-wheel multi-directional spinners for effortless handling
  • Expands an additional 2 inches
  • Packing Dimensions - 20" H x 13.5" L x 8.5-10.5" D.
  • Four spinner wheels assuring a stable base with multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy travel
  • Recessed "one-button" locking handle system for great maneuverability; 21 inch carry on size is perfect for weekend getaways and short business trips
  • Deluxe interior featuring removable hanger and laundry and shoe bags; two large lined compartments with web straps to keep items secure and wrinkle free
  • Recessed 3-dial TSA approved combination lock for security; unique brake system locks two front wheels to prevent bag from rolling away
  • Lightweight and durable 100% polycarbonate shell that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking; designed with stylish faux leather accents
  • PACKING Dimensions: 19.6”x 14.75” x 9.5”, OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 22.5” x 15.5”x 9.5”, Weight: 7.5 pounds
  • 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
  • SCRATCH-RESISTANT POLYCARB twill texture, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip
  • FULL-ZIP INTERIOR DIVIDER and cross straps for increased packing organization
  • PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use
  • 1.5" EXPANSION to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed
  • 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
  • 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • PACKING Dimensions: 19.6”x 14.75” x 9.5”, OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 22.5” x 15.5”x 9.5”, Weight: 7.5 lbs.
  • FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED DUAL SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
  • 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.
  • STAY POWERED UP Enjoy the luxury of a charging system that travels with you, designed to connect with your preferred battery
  • Expands upto 2 inches to maximize packing capacity with tapered shape to prevent tipping; Features low profile top, side and bottom carry handles, 2 exterior compartments, full length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold down straps for packing convenience and flexibility
  • 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
  • Case Dimensions: 21x14x9 inches, Overall Dimensions: 23x14.5x9 inches, Weight: 5.4 pounds ; Volume : 52 liter
  • A half pound lighter than the maxlite 4 version, this ultra lightweight, ultra durable 22" expandable Rollaboard suitcase maximizes your packing power and meets carry on size restrictions for most domestic airlines. Polyester fabric with stain resistant, water repellant duraguard coating and ergonomic, high tensile strength zipper pulls provide lasting durability
  • High performance ball bearing wheels and lightweight yet sturdy power scope Lite handle with stops at 38 inches and 42.5 inches reduce wobble and ensure a smooth, easy roll
  • Integrated 3-dial TSA approved combination lock for security; suitcase expands up to 2 inches for additional packing space
  • Fully lined interior offers two packing compartments with tie-down straps on one side and a zippered divider on the other side to minimize shifting of contents zippered pocket holds delicate items and accessories
  • Keeps items secure and wrinkle free with two large fully-lined compartments and web straps; zippered pocket for delicate items and accessories
  • Recessed "one-button" locking handle system for great maneuverability; 19 inch carry on size is perfect for weekend getaways and short business trips
  • Modern design with scratch-resistant matt finish and external, fully integrated handle system soft touch top and side carry handles provide maximum comfort
  • Perfect roll double spinner wheels assure smooth maneuverability and keep zero weight on your arm off-center wheel axles provide a wider and more stable base
  • Lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking; with an integrated padded sleeve for up to a 15.6 inch laptop
  • Titanium models backed with a 10 year limited warranty
  • Features a large, convenient front pocket with integrated padded sleeve for a 156 inch laptop and two zippered mesh pockets roomy main compartment expands 2 inches
  • Four spinner wheels assuring a stable base with multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy travel; manufactured with a scratch resistant matte finish
  • 21" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • PACKING Dimensions: 20.25" x 14.0" x 8.0", OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0" x 14.2" x 11.0", Weight: 7.1 lbs.
  • 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 DUAL SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
  • WETPAK Zippered compartment which allows you to separately pack damp or soiled items
  • SMART FIX BUCKLES conveniently keep cross-straps out of the way while packing

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

Sometimes, purchasing a product can draw some difficulties for shoppers, and that's why you shouldn't waste your time on unreliable sources of information. A variety of variables impact the best light carry on luggage, along with all of the ones listed below. The formative assessment varies depending on the types and functions of the product. 

We will give you some purchase guides to help you with your selection proc in the following sectors. Continue reading to learn about what you should look for when looking for the best light carry on luggage: 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Generally, new information is continuously included into of best light carry on luggage. Visit our sites for revisions and improvements regularly.

You now have a far better knowledge of how to purchase the best light carry on luggage on the market. Hopefully, we've supplied you with enough information to help you make an informed decision. We'll see you in the following article.


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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