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

There are also only 3 colours to choose from – black, red and blue. You'll have plenty of room to pack all the necessities for a longer trip and won't have to worry about your luggage getting damaged en route. High Sierra wheeled duffles are backed by a 5-year warranty against manufacturing faults and defects. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is always available to help you with any questions, concerns, or recommendations you may have. We go above and beyond to ensure that you are completely satisfied with your purchase and that your travels are seamless and enjoyable. Browse 16l backpack

And, to be honest, I was a little let down by my first grab and every grab thereafter. The handles on Rimowa’s popular Original Cabin Carry-On aren’t aluminum. That’s a noticeable setback for this $1,400 suitcase, especially considering the Classic Cabin Carry-On has leather-wrapped metal handles. In their eyes, extra pockets, a built-in charger and such are what quantifies a higher cost.
For something a bit more funky to add to your travel loadout, check out the Floyd Cabin. Not only can you choose between over ten expressive colorways but this thing rides on red skateboard wheels, making it one of the most visually notable carry-ons around. If you look carefully, the Rimowa Cabin isn’t actually within carry-on compliance size at 21.7″ x 15.8″ x 9.1″. Fortunately, it looks small enough that most airport staff won’t flag you.

In terms of weight and price, there isn’t much separating the Carl Friedrik vs the July Trunk. However, the Carl Friedrik is available in more sizes which may sway your purchase decision. The Carl Friedrik Carry-on Pro also has a front pocket for a laptop. There is a 3 star review claiming the lining failed after 3 months which I consider a minor fault. The Samsonite Essens is a little more expensive than the Samsonite Magnum Eco, but you do receive a couple more extras like suspension wheels and packing cubes. The Samsonite Essens is similar in price and features, it’s really just a matter of aesthetics.
Now, I must admit that people have mixed feelings about these wheels. On the positive side, they are incredibly durable, so it’s highly unlikely they will get damaged or ripped off during transport. No need to worry, as this bag is part of the Tumi Tracer program that helps users locate their missing bags and offers peace of mind. Tumi’s 19 Degree Aluminum Continental Carry-On is simply the epitome of luxury travel.

The Titanium is also budget-friendly, so it’s one of the best mid-range options. The interior of the Centric luggage is fully lined and split into two packing compartments. The top compartment features a full panel divider with a zippered pocket, while the bottom compartment has elastic cross-straps. You don’t get any other pockets inside this suitcase, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s the worst thing about it. Also, the carry-on case weighs 9.7 lbs, which is still lighter than most other aluminum suitcases featured here.
These products have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post. Considering this, I would advise against checking this luggage if you wish to minimize the occurrence of dents. One customer shares the same sentiment, stating, they, “agreed with the other reviews about scratches; I tried to fight it for a while but eventually I just embraced them. No dings so long as I never gate check it, so I save this for cross-country flights”.

Fortunately, Rimowa is known for producing top-quality suitcases with durable aluminium and polycarbonate casings and sturdy but lightweight construction. If you have a lust for even finer premium luggage, check out Rimowa’s collaboration with DIOR. Founded by a former Peace Corp volunteer in 1975, TUMI has established itself in the decades since as a premium luggage brand concerned with sustainability and technical innovation in its designs. Standing out among the brand’s extensive collection of suitcases, backpacks, handbags, accessories and more, are the 19 Degree aluminium Extended Trip packing case and the Voyageur Celina backpack. A veteran in the luggage game, Samsonite was founded in 1910 and to this day produces innovative travel accessories for the voyage-inclined.
If the plastic handles bother you as well, go with the Original Cabin Twist, which puts leather accents on the handles and in other spots, too. I towed this option to New York Fashion Week, on an 11-hour train ride from Pittsburgh to Manhattan, up the stairs out of Penn Station,  to my hotel and back again, all in the course of 36 hours. For domestic flights, airlines will cover up to $3,800 per passenger.
If you’re used to always fitting in “one more thing”, owning one of these bags may come with a shock. Mentioning price as Rimowa’s con is trite, so I’ll skip straight to the weight. The locks  are rock-solid and latch with satisfying precision, while the internal compartments are organised in a way that’s not only intelligent, but attractive. The classic lines immediately reveal the bag’s pedigree, and the aluminium construction makes it stand out in the sea of plasticky nightmares in the overhead compartment. I’ve had a couple of travel bags go mouldy while stored , so I love that the Spectra’s internals are made from microorganism-resistant fabric.

Aluminum luggage is specifically designed to withstand rough handling and various travel conditions, making it an extremely popular choice among frequent travelers. According to Oscar Brumelis of CleverJourney, aluminum suitcases are often considered to be the most durable option available. No discussion on the best aluminum suitcases is complete without a nod to Rimowa’s Original Cabin masterpiece. This sleek suitcase is crafted from a premium anodized aluminum alloy, accentuated by riveted high-gloss aluminum corners, and finished off with meticulously hand-made leather handles. Its irresistible charm and unrivaled durability make it a true champion in its league.
This Zero Halliburton suitcase is as solid as it looks — in fact, T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco says it’s one of the most durable bags she’s ever tested. Aluminum is very protective — a fair tradeoff for the added weight. Experience the Samsonite Lite-Box Alu collection's perfect blend of style, durability, and innovation. Explore our full collection at Sydney Luggage and choose from various sizes and colours to suit your individual needs and style. For more durable and stylish options, browse our extensive collection of hard-side luggage to discover a variety of styles and features to suit your needs. I subjected the case to several trips and even a few intentional drops, and it emerged unscathed.

Billabong offers durable carry-on luggage in different styles and patterns for those travelling light but still want to give off holiday vibes. July’s unique range of colourways and designs is perfect for the stylish traveller. You can also customise your luggage with your very own monogram choosing from a range of fonts, colours and emojis.