Whether you’re crossing state lines or international borders, having the best carry-on luggage can help you enjoy your trip fully. After all, no one wants to pay to check any more baggage than they have to. The trick is to find a carry-on that is big enough to carry your belongings, without being so big it won’t fit in the overhead compartment.
While quality luggage can be expensive, a carry-on you can depend on is more than worth the investment. When comparing different carry-ons, consider not only size and maneuverability but other features like interior pockets and TSA-approved locks. Oh, and don’t forget to choose something attractive, too — you want a bag that’s easy to spot, so you don’t lose it or get it accidentally mixed up with another traveler!
What makes a carry-on bag?
Technically speaking, any bag that you “carry on” to an airplane is considered a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow travelers to bring one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin onto a flight.
What’s the maximum size for a carry-on bag?
Each airline has its own restrictions for how large your carry-on luggage can be, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t regulate a set size and weight either. This can make it confusing for travelers to know if their carry-on bag is “legal” or not. Most airlines allow carry-on luggage that according to the FAA must not be larger than 45 linear inches (length + width + height).
To avoid the hassle (and cost) of having to check your bag, make sure your carry-on doesn’t exceed this size at full capacity, especially if it is an expandable model. No matter what, you should always check with your airline for their latest guidelines on carry-on size.
How to measure carry-on luggage
Knowing how airlines will measure your bag is key to ensuring a smooth trip. For starters, the airline will measure your luggage from the contact point with the ground to the highest point — this means that both handles and wheels are included in the measurement.
What should I look for in a carry-on bag?
With so many carry-on bags available on the market, it can be hard to know what to look for to ensure you’re getting the best carry-on luggage. Here are some features that make packing and traveling a more pleasant experience.
Size Plus Weight
Arguably, the most important considerations when it comes to choosing the best carry-on luggage for your needs are size and weight. As discussed, you want a bag that meets the FAA guidelines of being less than 45 linear inches. But you also need a bag that’s large enough to hold all your gear for at least a couple of days. It’s a balancing act between the two sides.
Expandability
Carry-on luggage that is expandable offers you just that little bit of extra storage capacity so nothing gets left behind. However, if you’re going to carry on your luggage in its expanded format, be sure to measure it to see if it meets airline specifications. The expandable feature is really ideal for when you’re using your carry-on as a weekend or overnight bag for non-air travel.
Spinner wheels
Most carry-on luggage comes with wheels, and in this case, more really is more. Bags with four wheels instead of two — also called spinner luggage — are easier to navigate in tight spaces because the wheels turn 360 degrees.
Laundry bag/compartment
A carry-on bag that includes a laundry bag or compartment makes it easy to keep your clean and dirty (or wet and dry) clothes separated. Some bags also feature a dedicated shoe compartment, while others have a tri-fold garment bag to help keep your suit or fancy dress wrinkle-free.
TSA lock
TSA officers must be able to inspect your baggage and its contents. Fortunately, there are carry-ons with locks that are TSA-approved — which means they can be opened using a universal “master” key that only TSA agents have access to so that they don’t have to cut the locks off your bag.
What are the benefits of hardside and softside bags?
The advantage of hardside luggage is pretty obvious — it helps to keep the items inside the bag safe from damage. Hardside luggage is also able to withstand the elements a bit better than softside bags. The advantage of softside luggage is that it is a bit more forgiving in terms of being able to stuff more things inside — and to stuff them in the overhead compartment. They’re also better for packing irregularly-shaped items.
No matter what type of carry-on luggage you’re looking for, we’ve got an option for you. Check out our list of the best carry-on luggage below to find your next bag — and bon voyage!
