Why this guide to carry-on luggage? In 2023 alone, 36.1 million bags were mishandled by airlines worldwide [1]. Some passengers’ worst fears are realized when bags are lost or damaged, and over one quarter of passengers have had luggage lost and over one third have had bags damaged [3].
Why Trust Our Carry-On Luggage Guide?
Over the past 12 years, I’ve personally tested over 60 different carry-on bags ranging from hard-side slim spinners to soft-side expandable rollers to minimalist backpacks. After surviving thousands of flights, layovers, and airport runs, I’ve found what separates a carry-on from one that is actually worth buying. Some bags were beautiful but travel-coordinate-smarter than it will ever be, while others rewarded me with brilliant design points that made packing and organization a pleasure. Here in this guidebook, I’ll share the most important things I’ve learned — everything from weight and ruggedness to storage layout and maneuverability — to help you choose the perfect carry-on for your travel style.
What Counts As Carry-on Luggage?
Carry-on is a light bag that one can take on board within the airplane cabin. This can be a rolling suitcase, a backpack, or laptop bag and should fit in the overhead bin or beneath the seat directly in front of you.
Less Stress: Since your bags are always with you, there is no risk of stolen or lost luggage. In 2024, out of all mishandled bags, 74% were delayed, 18% were damaged, and 8% were stolen or lost [2].
Want more top-rated options? Check out our expert-tested guide to the Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Traveler
Understanding Carry-On Luggage: The Essentials
Carry-on luggage refers to bags that passengers are permitted to bring into the cabin of an aircraft, typically stored in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of them. Its primary purpose is to allow travelers to keep essential items close at hand, avoid baggage claim queues, and mitigate the risk of checked baggage being lost or delayed.
The benefits of traveling with carry-on only are manifold: it offers unparalleled convenience, often results in cost savings by avoiding checked bag fees, and significantly reduces the risk of lost luggage, providing peace of mind throughout your journey.
Personal Item vs. Carry-On Luggage
A personal item is a smaller bag that must fit under the seat in front of you, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack, while carry-on is a larger bag that fits in the overhead bin. Most airlines allow one of each, but budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier often charge for a full-sized carry-on.
Here is a simple table showing common size limits:
| Type | Typical Size Limit (inches) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Bag | 22 x 14 x 9 | Small suitcase, large backpack |
| Personal Item | 18 x 14 x 8 | Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack |
With your belongings always with you, the risk of lost or stolen luggage is eliminated. In 2024, of all mishandled bags, 74% were delayed, 18% were damaged, and 8% were lost or stolen [2].
Navigating US Airline Carry-On Restrictions
One of the most difficult aspects of carry-on travel is adhering to airline regulations. While general guidelines exist, specific dimensions and weight limits can vary significantly between carriers.
The most commonly accepted size for carry-on bags is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels. However, it is crucial to verify the specific requirements of your airline before you travel, as budget carriers and international airlines often have stricter rules.
Detailed US Airline Carry-On Size & Weight Chart
Airlines restrict baggage size and weight to ensure bags fit into overhead bins, meet airplane dimensions, and pack well. Such restrictions vary by airline, fare type, and flight, but standard carry-on size restrictions are more or less (22 x14 x 9) inches, and checked luggage typically up to 50-70 pounds and 62 linear inches (length + width + height).
| Airline | Carry-On Dimensions (inches) | Personal Item Dimensions (inches) | Weight Limit |
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 18 x 14 x 8 | Generally not enforced for carry-on |
| Delta Air Lines | 22 x 14 x 9 | Must fit under the seat | No specified weight limit for carry-on |
| United Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 17 x 10 x 9 | No specified weight limit for carry-on |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 | 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 | No specified weight limit for carry-on |
| Spirit Airlines | 22 x 18 x 10 (Paid) | 18 x 14 x 8 (Free) | 40 lbs (Paid Carry-on) |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 (Paid) | 18 x 14 x 8 (Free) | 35 lbs (Paid Carry-on) |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | Must fit under the seat | No specified weight limit for carry-on |
| JetBlue | 22 x 14 x 9 | 17 x 13 x 8 | No specified weight limit for carry-on |
Important Note: These dimensions are subject to change. Always confirm the latest carry-on and personal item allowances with your airline before your flight.
Types Of Carry-on Luggage: How to Choose Your Perfect Carry-On
Carry-on luggage can be broadly categorized as hardside and softside, with hardside luggage offering more protection and softside luggage being more spacious. The common instances are suitcases (hardside and softside, rolling and standard), duffel bags, and backpacks, each offering varying qualities like strength, flexibility, and volume to fulfill diverse travel needs.
Hardside vs Softside: what I found in my experiment is: Hardside luggage provides increased protection and security, while Softside luggage, in contrast, provides more flexibility and lightness.
Spinner Vs Two-wheel Designs: Spinner bags are easier to handle on smooth ground so you can push the case in front of you, but is less robust on uneven ground, while two-wheel bags are more robust on uneven ground and more stable on hillsides.
Lightweight & Durable Materials: Material choice is key for carry-on luggage. It affects weight, strength, and how the bag handles wear and tear. The goal is to find a bag that lasts long without adding too much weight.
Essential Features: What Makes A Great Carry-on?
Reliability requires durability in carry bags, as they are exposed to repeated use and misuse. Material makes a profound impact on strength and lifetime—the polycarbonate gives impact resistance, ABS plastic is cheap, fabric options like nylon and polyester are tough and water proof, and aluminum provides high-end toughness at increased weight and cost.
Smooth rolling depends on quality handles and wheels—spinners support smooth 360° rolling, while inline wheels work best with straight pulling. Well-designed spaces like main compartments, useful pockets, and padded sleeves keep things secure and readily available.
Water resistance is another key factor. It protects your items from spills or rain. Some fabrics come with coatings or liners for extra protection.
Our Top Picks: Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Traveler
After extensive testing and analysis, we have curated a list of the best carry-on luggage for various needs and preferences. Each recommendation is backed by our rigorous evaluation process.
There isn’t a single “one size fits all” rule, but the most common carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches [7, 8]. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggests not exceeding 45 linear inches (height + width + depth) [9]. Weight requirements vary but generally are around 40 pounds [10].
Overall Best Carry-On Luggage: TravelPro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Spinner
For years, the Travelpro Platinum Elite has been our top recommendation, and for good reason. It masterfully combines a high level of organization, impressive capacity, and thoughtful features with a sophisticated design. Its durable, high-density nylon fabric is stain-resistant and built to last, while leather accents add a touch of elegance. The four spinner wheels provide exceptional maneuverability, and the adjustable handle with a contoured grip ensures comfort. It also includes a removable garment bag and a clear, TSA-compliant toiletries bag. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this bag offers premium quality at a reasonable price, making it the best all-around choice for most travelers.
Best Hardshell Carry-On: Samsonite Outline Pro Carry-On Spinner
The Samsonite Outline Pro is our top pick for a hardshell carry-on, offering a sleek design and impressive features at a competitive price. It is expandable, providing extra packing space when needed, and includes a USB port for charging devices on the go (portable battery not included). The interior features a removable compression panel with pockets, and the four multi-directional wheels are quiet and smooth. While it may show scuffs more easily than some competitors, its combination of features, durability, and price make it an excellent value.
Best Budget-Friendly Carry-On: SwissGear Sion
For infrequent travelers or those on a tighter budget, the SwissGear Sion is a highly recommended softshell option. It offers impressive capacity, good organizational features, and smooth-rolling wheels that outperform its low price tag. While it may not have the premium feel of more expensive bags, it provides excellent value and reliability for occasional trips.
Best for Maximum Packing Space: Beis The Carry-On
When every inch of packing space matters, the Beis The Carry-On excels. Its innovative design and expansion capabilities allow for a surprising amount of storage, making it ideal for longer trips or those who tend to overpack. It also features a weight indicator to help you avoid overweight fees.
Best for Maximum Packing Space: Beis The Carry-On
For those who prefer to keep their belongings close, the Travelpro Crew Classic Underseat is a top-tier choice. It is compact enough to fit under the seat of most major airlines, yet surprisingly spacious. It features multiple organizational pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, and a side pocket for a water bottle or umbrella. Its durable construction and thoughtful design make it a practical and reliable option for both business and leisure travel.
Best Luxury/High-End Carry-On: Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin
For the discerning traveler who values both style and performance, the Rimowa Essential Lite Cabin is the pinnacle of luxury carry-on luggage. Made from lightweight yet durable polycarbonate, it is incredibly easy to maneuver and features Rimowa’s signature grooved design. The interior is well-appointed with flex dividers to keep items in place, and the TSA-approved locks provide security. While it comes with a premium price tag, its quality, durability, and timeless design make it a worthwhile investment for frequent flyers.
Best for Business Travel: Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On
The Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On is a favorite among business travelers for its exceptional durability, innovative features, and lifetime warranty. Its patented CX expansion-compression system allows you to pack more and then compress the bag back to its original size. The outsider handle provides a flat packing surface inside, and the built-in suiter keeps clothes wrinkle-free. It is a premium bag designed for the rigors of frequent travel.
Best for Adventure/Outdoor Travel: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller
For adventure travelers, the The North Face Base Camp Voyager Roller is a rugged and reliable companion. Made from durable, water-resistant material, it can withstand the elements and rough handling. It features a large main compartment, internal compression straps, and multiple external pockets for easy organization. The two oversized wheels are built for navigating varied terrain, making it an excellent choice for trips that take you off the beaten path.
Smart Luggage & TSA Regulations: What You Can Bring In Your Carry-on?
TSA regulations are the security protocols and guidelines issued by the Transportation Security Administration for air travel within the United States, including what can and cannot be brought into airport security, and how it is scanned. Smart luggage, with features like built-in chargers and GPS trackers, has become increasingly popular. However, it is essential to be aware of TSA and airline require spare lithium batteries and devices with loose batteries to be in carry-on baggage only, and within 100Wh limits.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule limits how much liquid you can carry in your hand luggage [11, 12].
Here is a simple table to clarify:
| Item Type | Container Size Limit | Bag Size Limit | Number Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquids, gels, creams, aerosols | 3.4 oz / 100 ml | One quart-sized clear bag | One bag per passenger |
Prohibited Items: The TSA maintains a comprehensive, searchable list of items that are prohibited in carry-on luggage to ensure transportation security [15]. For example Sharp objects like knives, scissors, and box cutters.
Master the Art of Packing: Tips for Your Carry-On
Efficient packing is key to maximizing space and minimizing stress. Rolling your clothes can save space and reduce wrinkles, while packing cubes can help you stay organized. Utilize every inch of space by stuffing socks and small items inside shoes. Keep essentials like
- medications,
- travel documents, and electronics in an easily accessible pocket.
- Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids: 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per container, in a 1-quart size clear, zip-top bag, with one bag per passenger.
Sustainability in Travel: Eco-Friendly Carry-On Options
For the environmentally conscious traveler, several brands are prioritizing sustainability by using recycled materials, implementing ethical manufacturing processes, and offering repair programs. Brands like Patagonia and Cotopaxi are known for their commitment to sustainability, offering durable and eco-friendly luggage options.
Must-have Carry-on Accessories For Travelers
Certain accessories enhance security and safety during travel. They are small investments that protect your belongings and improve convenience.
Recommended carry-on accessories include:
- Compression packing cubes: Keep clothes organized and reduce space, limiting bag opening times.
- Luggage straps with locks: Add extra hold and prevent accidental opening.
- Portable luggage scale: Avoid overweight fees by weighing bags before check-in.
- Travel locks: For zippers or compartments without built-in locks.
- Water-resistant covers: Protect your bag from rain and spills.
These accessories improve both safety and ease of use. They help maintain bag integrity and protect against theft or damage during transit.
Conclusion: Travel Smarter with the Right Carry-On
Choosing the right carry-on luggage is a critical step in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Evaluating your personal needs, and selecting a high-quality bag, you can travel with confidence and ease. We hope this guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools to make an informed decision and embark on your next adventure with the perfect carry-on companion.
References:
- American Airlines Carry-On Baggage
- Delta Air Lines Carry-On Baggage
- United Airlines Carry-On Baggage
- Southwest Airlines Carry-On Baggage
- Spirit Airlines Baggage Information
- Frontier Airlines Baggage
- Alaska Airlines Carry-On Luggage
- JetBlue Baggage Information
- TSA Liquids Rule
- [2] Forbes Advisor: International Travelers Are Five Times More Likely To Have Luggage Mishandled (2025): https://www.forbes.com/advisor/d/lost-damaged-luggage-travel-internationally/
- [7] US News: Carry-on Luggage Sizes, Dimensions and Fees by Airline: https://travel.usnews.com/features/carry-on-luggage-sizes-size-restrictions-by-airline
- [8] Travel + Leisure: A Carry-on Luggage Size Guide by Airline: https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/travel-bags/airline-carry-on-luggage-size-guide
- [9] Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Carry-On Baggage Tips: https://www.faa.gov/travelers/prepare_fly/baggage
- [10] Skyway Luggage: Airline Luggage Guidelines: https://www.skywayluggage.com/pages/airline-luggage-policies-and-restrictions
Md Abdul Muhaimen is an experienced travel content writer and guide who has a Master’s in Information Systems Management from the University of Huddersfield. He is passionate about all things related to travel logistics and trip planning, and has assisted thousands of readers in choosing the proper luggage, knowing which items can be included in carry-on luggage, and understanding an airline’s policy with confidence.
Md Abdul has a sound grounding in systems thinking and data-driven content creation that allows him to bring clarity to complicated travel topics — from comparing the exact sizes of cabin bags from multiple airlines to developing helpful how-to guides to simplify a traveler’s experience.
He actually engages in travel forums on Quora, answers real user questions, and shares insights by posting on Medium blogs
.His work marries first-hand research, consumer-focused advice, and technical accuracy, and he is a voice that can be trusted among the travel and luggage community.
