Best Carry On Luggage For Frequent Travelers
- by Dino Paccino
- Last Updated: February 20, 2023
Getting the best carry-on luggage that’s both functional in carrying your load and aesthetic in reflecting your style is more difficult than it seems.
This is because a little defect like a broken zipper or wheel could turn your pleasure trip into a not-so-pleasant one. And that’s why we’ve brought you the best carry-on luggage that are durable, will fit your items, and show your personal style.
These bags are compliant with most airlines and they come with many functional and aesthetic features for packing for your trips.
So let’s dive in and show you what our top carry-on luggage picks are.
Our Top Carry On Luggage For Frequent Traveler Picks
- 1. Best International Carry-on Bag - Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-inch
- 2. Best Softside Carry-on Luggage - TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner
- 3. Best Hard-shell Carry-on Luggage - DELSEY Paris Chatelet Air
- 4. Best Design - Tour Paravel Aviator
- 5. Best Value - Amazon Basics 21-Inch
Jump to Section
13 Best Carry-on Luggage for Frequent Travelers
1. Tour Paravel Aviator Carry-on Luggage
The Tour Paravel hard-shell bag has won our hearts and its customers with its modern and impressive features.
The first feature that makes Tour Paravel one of the best luggage brands is its environmental impact in making sustainable, eco-friendly suitcases. Virtually every material Tour Paravel uses in making this bag is recycled: The zippers, leather, telescoping handle are recycled materials.
Furthermore, the bag was aesthetically designed to appeal to the eyes of everyone that set sights on it. The bag looks chic and stylish and is lightweight as it’s made from a durable, recycled polycarbonate shell. The vegan leather detail used to accent the bag is also recycled.
Also, the interior lining is gotten from recycled plastic bottles. There’s also an interior compression board to ensure your items fit properly. There’s also a removable accessories pouch
But not only does the Aviator look great, but it also rides great. The dual spinner wheels with carbon steel bearings turn 360 degrees without friction. Plus the recycled telescopic handle which is made from recycled aircraft-grade aluminum makes for smooth riding in the airport. The bag also comes with a TSA-approved lock.
Whether you need a checked bag or carry-on luggage, this bag from the award-winning brand fits the bill for short-stay travels.
The Aviator carry-on luggage is compatible with Paravel’s packing cubes. And this Tour Paravel bag comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Stylish and chic for the fashion-loving traveler.
- Lightweight and made from recycled materials.
- Carry-on spinner with 360 degrees rotation.
- Scuff-hiding exterior.
- Perfect carry-on luggage dimensions.
- The brand’s high sustainability policies force them into carbon-neutral production.
Cons
- Expensive luggage.
2. Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-inch Softside Carry-on Spinner
The Briggs & Riley bag is made of ballistic nylon that’s resistant to wear and tear, abrasion, dirt, and moisture. This makes it light to carry on business trips and durable enough to withstand virtually any condition.
The carry-on bag comes with lots of interior versatile pockets for storing undergarments, shoes, and ties or scarves. There are multiple compartments in the bag to fit your essentials including some small electronics. The outsider aircraft-grade aluminum handle also makes the bag more spacious and prevents your clothes from wrinkling.
If you’re looking for extra packing space for when you’re shopping and flying internationally, you should get this Briggs & Riley Baseline carry-on bag.
This expandable Briggs & Riley bag features the brand’s CX compression-expansion packing system that provides 33% more packing space while maintaining its original shape. It’s got an outside pocket between the handlebars for easy access to flat items such as your passport.
Despite the bag’s big size, it fits US airline requirements. It is built to last long to go with you on many long-distance travels. This Baseline two-wheel international carry-on suitcase comes with a TSA-approved combination lock. This international carry-on bag also has a garment compartment for the savvy business traveler. And should you be traveling with two or more bags, there’s a SmartLink strap for carrying all of them as one.
And finally, there’s a power pocket for charging and keeping your phone.
Pros
- Best carry-on luggage for international business travelers.
- Perfect for domestic and international travels.
- Made from quality materials.
- Lightweight carry-on luggage: meets the standard for most US airline requirements.
Cons
- May not have the best design for trendy travelers.
- It’s quite expensive.
3. TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner
TravelPro is a reputable brand making some of the best carry-on luggage. And if you’re a fan of softside carry-ons, you’ll love this 21-inch Travelpro Platinum Elite softside carry-on bag which is the perfect definition of practicality and functionality.
This carry-on luggage is designed for frequent travelers whose priority is durability. First, it’s made of a ballistic, hard-wearing nylon exterior that’s abrasion-, wear-, and stain-resistant. It’s also got top and side carry handles made of premium leather. Plus there’s a USB port to charge your devices on the go.
The versatile TravelPro Platinum Elite bag is built to help you organize your essentials: it comes with lots of zippered pockets for fitting your belongings. The zipper section is expandable to help you pack as much as you want, and there’s a removable fold-out suiter to prevent your clothes from rumpling. Also, the zippers are damage-resistant when dropped, and they’re designed to keep your bag’s content dry even when you’re drenched in the rain.
You’ll also get a special pocket to house your power bank. The 360-degree dual four spinner wheels are aligned by built-in magnets for stress-free maneuverability. The PowerScope extension handle can be adjusted to four different heights – both the smooth wheels and telescoping handle will allow you to navigate the carry-on luggage down tight airplane aisles.
While this TravelPro Platinum Elite softside carry-on bag may not have the best looks, the fabric comes in seven shades with leather accents. You’ll also get a garment bag for keeping your suit and special dresses.
All these combined with its affordable price make the TravelPro Platinum Elite 21-inch one of the most durable carry-on luggage.
Pros
- Multiple colors with leather accent.
- Affordable price.
- Softside durable bag that’s abrasion-, wear-, and stain-resistant.
- One of the most luxury carry-on luggage for frequent flyers.
Cons
- Heavier than other luggage.
- Quite expensive compared to other carry-on suitcases.
- The style may look old-school to the trendy traveler.
4. Away Carry-on Luggage
The carry-on suitcase also has a built-in USB charger to charge your phones so you can always stay connected to the people important to you. The 360-degree spinner wheels ensure you have a smooth ride while rolling the luggage in the airport. And when it comes to aesthetics, this may not be the most beautiful carry-on luggage on the market, but its minimalistic design makes it a coveted one. And you may get it in your favorite color as it comes in a wide range of colors.
Unlike the TravelPro 21-inch expandable bag which is a soft-sided suitcase, this Away bag is one of the best hardshell luggage to carry on business trips.
While this bag has got a soft-sided model made of nylon, we prefer this model’s hard-side polycarbonate shell construction which is lighter than many suitcases made of fabric. This material also makes it more affordable than many other hard-case suitcases. Despite the lightweight material, the luggage is sturdy enough to withstand hard impact.
The bag is also expandable to hold a lot of your travel items (just don’t overload it). The compression pad makes it maximize space – this feature increases the capacity of the soft-sided bag by up to four times. And its compact build makes it fit in all overhead bins. We also like that it comes with a removable laundry bag for storing dirty clothes.
This is one of the best-rated carry-ons. And as a mark of its quality, you can try it for 100-days and return it if you’re not satisfied. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Spacious business travel bag.
- Hard-shell but lightweight bag made of polycarbonate.
- TSA-approved combination lock.
- You can personalize the luggage.
- You have the option to buy the suitcase with or without a removable battery.
- 100-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- You may have difficulty with the handle because of how sturdy it is.
5. DELSEY Paris Chatelet Air
Delsey is one of the best luggage brands making some of the most top-quality suitcases you can find. They have several carry-on bags, but the DELSEY Paris Chatelet Air ticks all the boxes.
This 21-inch carry-on from the French luggage brand is designed for the trendy traveler with a great taste in Parisian-styled fashion. The faux leather brings out the luxury look in this suitcase. And the hard-shell exterior is durable polycarbonate which is resistant to cracking and breaking: this will last you for a long time.
The interior is divided into two large compartments so you can easily organize your items. Added to its interior is a removable hanger and two bags – a shoe bag and a laundry bag. And the integrated TSA-approved lock comes with a tracker to determine the location of the luggage should it go missing. To further guarantee the security of your items, DELSEY uses a patented SecuriTech zip that is 3 times more secure than conventional zippers.
The luxury lightweight carry-on suitcase has four double spinner wheels that allow for the multi-directional and smooth rolling of the bag. We also like that the Chatelet Air carry-on suitcase has a patented brake system that locks the front wheels so it doesn’t roll away on a steep slope.
Going on a short business trip or weekend getaway? The DELSEY 21-inch Chatelet Air carry-on spinner is one of the best carry-on bags for you.
Pros
- Advanced security features.
- Lots of patents to give your bag and the brand an edge.
- Stylish carry-on bag, designed for the trendy traveler.
- Made of quality materials.
- One of the best lightweight carry-on luggage.
Cons
- Expensive carry-on bag.
6. Amazon Basics 21-inch Hardside Spinner
While Amazon is known as one of the biggest retail giants on the planet, it’s also one of the best luggage brands. And one feature that sets them apart is that they make some of the most affordable suitcases. Regardless of the affordable price, their bags present great value for your money.
The exterior of this carry-on spinner is made of extra-thick ABS plastic: this causes Amazon to bring you this good quality bag at an affordable price: however, it isn’t as durable as polycarbonate. While the hard-sided bag may look basic, you’ll love the variety of beautiful colors that it comes in.
For the interiors, there’s a divider, an interior polyester organizer, and three zippered pockets for organizing your items. The packing space is expandable by 15%. The telescoping handle and the spinner wheels make for comfortable maneuvering in an airport.
Despite the high volume of this bag sold, it still ranks as one of the best-rated four-wheel bags on Amazon.
You can get the bag for less than $100.
Pros
- Spacious interior that can be expandable up to 15%.
- One of the most affordable carry-on luggage.
Cons
- Not scratch-resistant.
- The materials are not as durable as the other best carry-on luggage on this list.
- Not the best bag for the frequent traveler.
7. Peak Design Travel Backpack
If you regularly travel for business or to see nice places on the weekends, you’ll love this comfy backpack.
First is its durable design which will make it last you a long time. It’s made of tough nylon that can withstand all forms of harsh weather.
This 45L carry-on backpack with the size of a suitcase will give you enough room to fit a week’s worth of your essentials. It’s also designed to fit your photography equipment such as a camera, drone, or video gear.
The carry-on luggage comes with a quick-access sleeve for your laptop and tablet. There are also other pockets that are organized smartly so you can tag along with your favorite travel gear and accessories.
Despite being 45L, the Peak Design travel carry-on is expandable and can be compressed into a 35L or 30L bag to meet the international carry-on standards. The bag also comes with a waist belt, rotating shoulder straps, and a nice harness system to make sure your bag is strapped securely to your body while giving you ultimate comfort while traveling.
If you’re going hiking or to a stony environment, dragging a rollaboard may be an inconvenience: this carry-on backpack (the size of a small suitcase) may just be the best bag to travel with. It’s tough, stylish, and has 360-degree grab handles.
The packing cubes and high-density foam padding ensure your items and gadgets are safe. As proof of the bag’s quality, the carry-on backpack comes with a full lifetime warranty. And the carbon-neutral production of the bag ensures that Peak Design upholds high sustainable values.
Pros
- Best carry-on backpack for weekend trips.
- Carbon neutral bag.
- Made from durable materials that are water- and weather-proof.
- Has enough room to fit photography essentials.
- Costs around $30.
- Meets international carry-on standards.
Cons
- Expensive backpack.
8. Samsonite Carry-on Spinner
First, the Samsonite spinner under-seater is more affordable compared to the others. And it can fit both under the seat of most airlines as well as their overhead bins, so you can keep your belongings close to you. Whether you’re a digital nomad or you’re going on a short business trip, there’s an interior padded compartment for securing your laptop. Despite, being 13 inches, some reviewers have praised it because it looks bigger.
While there are other top-quality underseat carry-on luggage like those from Tumi, Delsey, and TravelPro, this one from Samsonite stands out amongst the rest.
Added to the main compartment for storing your clothes, there’s a front pocket for keeping the items you need at the airport within reach. The side pockets also support carrying credit cards and other little things. This helps you organize every item properly. It also comes with a USB port for charging your mobile devices.
The lightweight Samsonite underseat carry-on has a 360-degree multi-directional wheel that allows for the easy maneuvering of the luggage. Also, the handle has a lock button to ensure you roll the bag comfortably.
And you can get the soft-sided carry-on in other beautiful colors if you need something that’s easily distinguishable from the other luggage in the airport.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty.
- The best underseat carry-on case.
- Affordable bag compared to other carry-ons.
- Comes with a padded compartment for keeping your laptop.
- Stylish carry-on with USB port for charging your phones and tablets.
Cons
- Not as spacious as other carry-ons.
9. BAGO 60L Travel Duffel Bag
First, it weighs only 1.3 lbs. which makes it 75% lighter than the average empty suitcase. Also, it can hold 60L worth of your essentials: making it the perfect weekender suitcase for stocking up on not only your items but your family’s. You can also get larger sizes of the bag.
Despite being lightweight, it’s made of durable Honeycomb RipStop fabric that’s water- and wear and tear-resistant. Its lightweight design makes it versatile to be used as either a travel bag, gym bag, gear bag, sports bag, or overnight camping bag. You can also fold it and take it with you as an extra bag if you’re going to do lots of shopping.
If you’re fond of overpacking and you need a spacious bag to help you evade overweight charges, this lightweight duffel bag is one of the best carry-ons you can get.
While the bag has got a minimalistic design, you can get one you’ll love in trendy colors. It also has lots of zippered pockets with high-quality zippers for fitting your items. And it comes with an odor-proof compartment for carrying shoes or dirty laundry.
And you get all the quality of this versatile lightweight carrier for less than $50. This is indeed one of the best carry-on luggage.
Pros
- The carrier is designed to carry sports gear – soccer balls, basketballs, etc.
- Spacious and lightweight foldable carry-on.
- Water- and wear and tear-resistant.
- Has an odor-resistant shoe or dirty laundry compartment.
Cons
- It has no luggage wheels.
10. Arlo Skye Zipper Carry-on Max with Front Pocket
The Arlo Skye carry-on luggage also comes with an airline-compliant, removable power bank battery for charging your devices. The charger has USB C and USB A ports that can charge your phone up to halfway in as little as 30 minutes.
This is one of the best carry-on cases on this list with so many impressive features.
The luxury carry-on luggage features an impact-resistant German polycarbonate exterior ensuring it’s durable to last you a long time. The tone-on-tone hard-shell exterior compartment gives you quick and easy access to your laptop, passport, paperwork, and other essentials while securing them.
While this Max-sized model is a bit big, it can fit in the overhead bin of most medium and large airplanes. One interesting feature that makes this bag rank among the top carry-on luggage is its antimicrobial interior lining that prevents the growth of germs and neutralizes odor-causing bacteria. The interior compartment is spacious enough to fit your travel essentials.
It also comes with a full-grain leather luggage tag. The 360-degree four dual wheels roll smoothly without making noise (they’re 15% quieter).
The durable carry-on luggage comes with a TSA-approved combination lock. In the suitcase, you’ll find two shoe bags and one laundry bag for stashing dirty clothes.
Pros
- One of the most durable carry-on luggage.
- Whisper-free maneuvering.
- Roomy to carry lots of items.
- Quick access front compartment with hard shell.
Cons
- You may have issues with the handle.
- Expensive carry-on suitcase.
11. Bric’s Bellagio Carry-on 2.0 Spinner Trunk
First, we love the fashionable attention-grabbing design of this bag. You can get the bag in any of its four colors.
The suitcase is made of a durable polycarbonate shell to ensure you’re able to carry the suitcase on many trips. The shell is then accented with luxe leather trimming to elevate the suitcase’s appearance. Plus it’s very lightweight to hang in the overhead cabin.
While some of the bags on this list are basic, this Bellagio from Bric’s screams sophistication. Bric’s is an Italian brand that makes some of the most luxurious bags, and this carry-on is no exception.
The Bellagio carry-on zippers are water-resistant, and while the bag isn’t stain-resistant, it’s easy to clean. And compared to most other hardside luggage, the Bellagio offers better scratch-resistance.
The interior is also spacious enough to fit your essentials, and it comes with a zippered Herringbone patterned divider and straps to hold your items in place and prevent clothes from wrinkling. There’s also a bag for keeping accessories.
The fashionable bag comes with a USB charging port to ensure your mobile devices never run out of power.
The smooth-rolling Hinomoto wheels and its ergonomic three-position handle guarantee you’ll easily maneuver the carry-on luggage in the airport.
Pros
- Luxury and fashionable bag for the trendy traveler.
- Leather accent.
- Lightweight and durable scratch-resistant material.
Cons
- Expensive luggage.
12. Convertible Modoker Carry-on Garment Bag 2-in-1 Hanging Suitcase
If you regularly go away on short business trips, say for a day or two, this is the best carry-on suitcase for you. Unlike many other garment bags, this Modoker suitcase is two bags in one: it doubles as a duffel bag for overnight weekend trips and a garment bag for hanging clothes so they don’t wrinkle.
But what we love the most about this carry-on case is its exceptional organization. First, it’s got a garment pocket for securing your suit or dress so they don’t get wrinkled as well as a necktie pocket.
Second, when used as a duffle, it provides you a central interior space for keeping other clothes, a laptop, gadgets, and the other essentials you need for your trip. The bag has an impressive capacity of 45L to carry your items.
There are also small interior pockets for carrying small items. But that’s not all: the Modoker suitcase comes with two side pockets: the left compartment is a shoe pouch while the right can be used to keep passports, boarding passes, pens, keys, and other paperwork for quick and easy access.
The breathable fabric is made of high-quality polyester that is water- and scratch-resistant. It can also withstand wear and tear, so you can rest assured this bag will last you a lifetime. And if you ever get tired of carrying the bag, this soft-sided duffle has a detachable shoulder strap for converting it to a shoulder bag.
This bag comes with a back flap for sliding onto the handles of wheeled luggage. However, we don’t like that it doesn’t come with a handle, itself. That said, this is one of the best-rated carry-on suitcases on Amazon.
Pros
- Several compartments for organizing your items.
- It has a capacity of 45L and fits airline requirements for a carry-on.
- Doubles as a duffle bag and a garment suitcase.
- Affordable garment suitcase: costs less than $50.
Cons
- Doesn’t have a handle and wheels for rolling the bag.
- Looks cheap.
13. American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Spinner
The exterior of this bag is made of ABS shell which makes it lightweight as well as durable. Plus the pink accent gives it the perfect color palette for your Instagram reels – you can choose from the other beautiful, eye-catching colors. It also has four wheels that move 360 degrees and allow for easy maneuverability.
This list won’t be complete without an American Tourister on it. American Tourister is one of the most reputable luggage brands.
While at just 21 inches, it has a very spacious 42-liter capacity interior. The large interior packing space is expandable to fit most of your travel belongings while the interior front pocket affords you improved packing organization. The mesh divider and tie-down straps ensure that your clothes will not wrinkle.
You can adjust the aluminum handle to different heights.
Pros
- 360-degree spinner wheels.
- Spacious enough to pack for a week.
- Quality, lightweight, affordable bag with chic colors.
Cons
- Dents easily.
Buying Guide: Factors to Consider when Choosing The Best Carry-on Bags
Before buying a new luggage bag, there are a few factors you need to consider to save you time and money in your search and packing process.
Should I get a hard-shell or softside carry-on bag?
This depends on your personal preference: however, hardside luggage are becoming very popular due to their lightweight, durability, protection, and good looks. So what else makes these hardshell materials desirable?
Polycarbonate: polycarbonate shell has a high-impact resistance and is more durable than plastic but lighter than metal. However, this hardside material has low scratch resistance, but a coating could be applied to improve its scratch resistance.
ABS: this hardside material is more affordable and lightweight than polycarbonate because it’s made of plastic. However, it’s not as durable as a polycarbonate shell, and it’s more prone to scratch.
Polycarbonate/ABS Composites: some luggage use a mix of polycarbonate coating over ABS plastic. While this combo gives the benefit of both materials, it’s still less durable than only polycarbonate.
Softside luggage also have its advantages and disadvantages. While they’re more resistant to scratch, can carry more items, and fit into tighter spaces, they’re less resistant to abrasion than hardside materials.
Nylon: nylon is the most common fabric used in making soft-sided luggage. It is abrasion-resistant and durable: this makes it one of the best materials for frequent flyers.
Polyester: like nylon, polyester is another synthetic fiber. However, it’s more lightweight and less durable, and expensive than polyester.
What kind of wheels are the best?
Four wheels allow you to move your bag in all directions without tilting it. Plus you can tilt the suitcase and move it like a two-wheeled bag. Two-wheeled bags, on the other hand, only allow you to move them back and forth when they’re tilted. They don’t offer you the flexibility of moving sideways like four-wheelers.
That said, the best wheels for carry-on luggage are 360-degree wheels as they offer the best maneuverability.
Are you flying internationally or domestically?
Different airlines have different carry-on size requirements. Some requirements for carry-on dimensions that may work for international travel may not work for domestic flights.
Do I need one large compartment or several small compartments?
If you’re an overpacker, a bag with a large compartment that holds a lot of items will seem ideal for you. But if you prefer organizing your items, you should go for one with multiple compartments. You should also consider a model with exterior pockets to grant you quick and easy access to your passport, boarding pass, and whatnot.
What should I look for in a handle?
When getting a bag, look for one with a telescopic handle that’s easy to open and close and allows you to adjust it to different heights. Also, go for a bag with a sturdy handle that’s comfortable to grip so you don’t put too much strain on your hands when the bag is filled with heavy items.
Also, look out for side handles at the top and sides that are easy to grip so you can easily lift and lower your luggage.
Zippers
While this may not be a priority when you shop for a bag but many customers have complained that their zippers broke due to their low quality. So always check reviews to ensure the luggage you’re getting is durable.
Accessories
You can consider a bag that comes with USB ports for charging your mobile devices on the go. And if yours come with a battery, be sure to check that it meets the airline regulations.
Also, if you’ll be staying for a weekend or a few days and you won’t be able to do the laundry, consider a suitcase with a laundry bag.
Price
A lot of times, the price you pay for a carry-on suitcase determines the quality of the bag. Cheaper bags are mostly made with low-quality materials and may not offer you the durability you seek if you’re a frequent traveler.
While more expensive bags look more stylish and fashionable. Plus they’re more durable and will last you a long time. That doesn’t mean you should spend so much money on a high-end bag when you don’t have the budget for it. There are mid-priced bags of great quality.
Why Trust Kitchen Infinity?
Our writers and reviewers thoroughly research every aspect of kitchen appliances or home improvement products so you can make a well-informed decision when investing in these products. We evaluate top quality products from several brands within budget friendly price ranges and contrast consumer reviews, surveys, satisfaction forms, brand performance, and annual appliance rankings. We go to great lengths to ensure that your next buy is worth every penny!

Dino Paccino
Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.