Best Carry-On Luggage 2024 • Top Rated Carry-On Bags

As airline fees for checked bags continue to rise, owning the best carry-on luggage is becoming the easiest way to save money on your flight. From purses to small suitcases, carry-on luggage comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes to fit your needs.

Click here to see the best carry-on luggage on Amazon.com.

There are so many different options available, that it can be hard to know where to start. If you are going on a short overnight trip, a duffel bag might be a good option. Those who are going on a week-long vacation might need something more substantial.

Of course, the biggest thing to think about when choosing your luggage is price. How much money do you want to spend? There are high-quality options in every price range. Once you have figured out a budget, you need to decide what features you need. Do you want wheels or no wheels? Do you need lots of pockets or will one large compartment work? What material are you thinking about – leather, polyester, plastic, etc? Soft-sided or hard-sided? Are you overwhelmed? That’s okay because this guide will help you decide which bag is right for you.

Ultimate Guide to Carry-On Luggage

In this guide, we will take a quick look at the top-rated best carry-on luggage in 2024, and then we will go over airline restrictions and regulations regarding carry-on bags. After a few tips for packing a carry-on, we will provide in-depth reviews on the best carry-on suitcases for 2024. Feel free to keep scrolling or you may use the table of contents to skip ahead to the section you are interested in.

Best Carry On Luggage 2024

20-Inch AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage Review

A great option for any international traveler is the 20-Inch AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage in a convenient 20-inch size. It can be carried onto virtually any domestic or international flight. It also works great for weekend trips to the cabin or overnight business trips. This spinner suitcase has plenty of room for clothes, toiletries and shoes.

My favorite thing about this bag besides the fact that it has a durable zipper that won’t break or snag, is that it is expandable. It can give you up to 15% more space when fully expanded. This will allow you to bring home all those souvenirs you bought without having to leave anything behind.

Outside of the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage

The outside of the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage contains a protective hard shell for added strength and will protect your items from being crushed. The scratch-resistant finish will keep the suitcase looking like new after every trip. The telescoping handle locks into place to your desired height. Use the handle when moving the bag and then collapse it down when not in use. The second handle on the bag is a short handle that is securely attached so you will be able to lift the heaviest items without worrying about the handle falling off.

On the bottom of the luggage, you will find four double spinner wheels that let you roll the suitcase backward, forwards, left, or right. It will glide along the floor, allowing you to effortlessly move the bag through an airport.

Inside of the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage

Inside, you will find that it is fully lined which will protect your clothes from getting snagged and your shoes from getting scratched. There are plenty of organization features to keep your belongings neat and tidy. The divider will keep everything separated and the three separate zippered pockets give you storage space for your smaller items like phone chargers or credit cards.

Overall, we highly recommend the AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage in the 20-inch size for those who need a durable, high-quality carry-on. This suitcase comes with a three-year limited warranty which makes it one of the best carry-on luggage in 2024.

Best Hard Shell Carry On Luggage

Coolife Luggage Suitcase Review

For those looking for a carryon that has some style, consider the Coolife Luggage Suitcase in the 20-inch size. This suitcase comes in six vibrant colors including Caribbean Blue, Radiant Pink, Teal, Black, New Blue, and Charcoal. The stylish design will get you compliments from the flight attendants to your fellow passengers.

This suitcase is made from an ABS+PC hard plastic shell. It is extremely durable and has been tested to ensure that it can withstand rough handling. The Coolife Luggage comes in more than just the 20-inch size. It also comes in a 24-inch and an expandable 28-inch. If you choose to purchase the larger sizes, they will all fit together for easy storage.

One thing I like about this suitcase is the 3-level adjustable 100% pure aluminum telescoping handle. It lets you maneuver through tight spaces such as a crowded airport terminal. The handle is sturdier than most other handles on the market. The spinner wheels can not only glide across the floor effortlessly, but they are extremely quiet. This makes it great for sneaking up behind someone if that’s your thing.

The inside of this suitcase is full-lined and includes organizational pockets to make packing for your next trip a breeze. The Coolife Luggage Suitcase comes with a 2-year warranty and a TSA lock to keep your valuables safe.

Best Carry-On Tote Bag

BAOSHA HB-28 Ladies Canvas Carry-on Tote Bag Review

The BAOSHA HB-28 Ladies Canvas Carry-on Tote Bag is a stylish option for any woman. It is a high-quality, durable bag made from a strong canvas that won’t tear, fade, or break down. The smooth zipper will keep all your stuff secure while making it easy to get to while on the plane. The bag is lightweight and is large enough to fit enough clothes for an overnight trip.

The PU leather straps allow you to carry the tote over the shoulder. If you don’t want to carry it, the backside has a sleeve that allows you to put it over the handle of a rolling suitcase. The BAOSHA HB-28 Ladies Canvas Overnight Carry-on Tote Bag meets standard dimensions for carry-on luggage on most airlines and has a dimension of 16x12x8 inches. BAOSHA stands behind its products and offers a 100% lifetime money-back satisfaction guarantee on this tote bag.

Top Rated Carry-On Spinner

Olympia Denmark 21 Carry-on Spinner Review

Olympia is a well-known brand in the luggage industry and for good reason. They produce some of the highest quality suitcases available. The Olympia Denmark 21 Carry-on Spinner lives up to that reputation. This carry-on spinner has everything you need to make your trip joyful. The aluminum locking handle system and 4-wheel spinner design allow you to move freely in all directions. There is also a grip handle at the bottom for lifting the suitcase into the overhead bin or to just set it on a bench.

Inside of the Olympia Denmark

The interior of the Denmark features a zippered divider with shoe pockets and a mesh zip pocket. Additional zip pockets and a buckle tie-belt allow you to organize everything so your stuff is right at your fingertips. This suitcase also comes with a clear vinyl wet zip pouch for stuff that might leak and makes getting through security a breeze. The interior is fully padded and lined with hidden compartments. It is also expandable to hold even more stuff. It is expandable up to 20% and the dimensions of the Denmark are 21x14x9 inches.

Exterior of the Olympia Denmark

The exterior of the Olympia Denmark 21 Carry-on Spinner is made from super strong ABS which won’t break or crack under stress. The four 360-degree spinner wheels allow you to move the suitcase in all directions. The handle has a push-button locking system and is designed for comfort.

My favorite part of this suitcase is Olympia’s USA Worldwide patented “Hidden” compartment. This compartment is hidden within the expandable section of the suitcase and allows you quick access to your personal belongings. It is a great place to store essential items that you will need at the airport. You’ll be able to get to them without having to open the entire suitcase.

Best Samsonite Carry-On Suitcase

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner Review

The Samsonite Omni Pc Hardside Spinner could easily be considered as the best carry on luggage for 2024. This bag is designed to handle the toughest travel elements. The outside of the Omni PC is a super lightweight 100% polycarbonate covered with a scratch-resistant texture. This ensures that your luggage will look like new even after your 100th trip.

The Samsonite Omni PC provides the protection of a heavy suitcase in a lightweight package. It glides effortlessly on four 360-degree spinner wheels. This suitcase will comfortably follow you throughout your trip.

No matter how long you will be gone, the Omni PC will hold everything you need. It is expandable to hold a few sets of clothes, toiletries, and a pair of shoes. To keep your belongings safe, a TSA lock is included with the purchase. All of your belongings will arrive safely at your destination. The best thing of all is that the TSA lock is a combination lock which means you won’t have to worry about losing keys.

Options for the Samsonite Omni PC

The Samsonite Omni PC comes in three different sizes include a 20” spinner (19×14.5×9.75 inches), a 24” spinner (24×17.5×11.5 inches) and a 28” spinner (28.5×20.5×13.5 inches). Of course, the 20” spinner is designed to be a carry-on. Besides the three sizes, you can also choose from a variety of stylish colors including radiant pink, black, burnt orange, Caribbean blue, teal, and silver. You will never have to wonder which bag is yours with one of these great colors.

One of the top-rated features when it comes to this luggage is the handles. The extension pull handle is designed to be extra wide which allows a comfortable grip. It is made from aluminum to be lightweight yet is still very durable. The top and side carry handles will retract into the suitcase, so they won’t get in the way while storing the bag. Overall, the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner is a top-quality bag that is easily considered one of the best carry-on luggage for 2024.

2024 Airline Carry-On Baggage Policies

According to the Department of Transportation, Americans spent over 4.2 billion dollars on checked luggage fees in the past year. You can easily avoid paying these fees by taking the best carry-on luggage on the airplane with you. However, you need to be aware of the regulations and costs (yes, some airlines charge for carry-on luggage as well) that airlines impose on carry-on baggage. Below is a summary of the most popular airline’s carry-on luggage policies. If you don’t see your airlines listed, please check their website for their specific luggage policy.

American Airlines

American Airlines lets each passenger bring on one personal item and one additional bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of them. It cannot be larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. Medical items, diaper bags, and child safety seats will not count as your personal item. The additional bag must fit through the x-ray machine at security and cannot exceed 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. If the bag cannot fit in the overhead bin or under your seat, it must be checked. Click here to see American Airline’s 2024 carry-on baggage policy.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Airlines allows each passenger to take a carry-on bag and a personal item on board for free. The personal item can include a briefcase, camera bag, purse, diaper bag, laptop computer, or any bag of a similar size to those just listed. Certain items can be brought on board and will not count as your personal item including a jacket, an umbrella, strollers, child restraint seats, or a wheelchair. All bags carried onto the plane should be able to fit under your seat or in the overhead bin. The carry-on should not be larger than 45 linear inches including handles and wheels. While most flights do not have a weight restriction regarding carry-on bags, certain Asian flights do have restrictions that vary from 15 lbs to 22 lbs. Please see Delta Airlines 2024 baggage policy to see if your flight has any additional restrictions.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines lets each passenger bring on two bags – a carry-on and a small personal item. The carry-on is limited to dimensions of 10-inches by 16-inches by 24 inches and must be able to fit in the overhead storage bin with wheels facing out. Pet carriers are considered a personal item. All sharp items in a carry-on must be secured. The personal item cannot exceed 18.5 inches by 8.5 inches by 13.5 inches. If it cannot fit under your seat, it must go in the overhead bin. You can find Southwest Airlines 2024 carryon baggage policy here.

United Airlines

United Airlines will let you bring on a personal bag for free. The personal bag should not exceed the following dimensions: 9 inches by 10 inches by 17 inches. If you are not a Basic Economy passenger, you are also allowed a second carry-on bag. Your carry-on should not exceed the following dimensions: 9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches including the handles and wheels. The following items can be brought onboard and will not count against your one (or two) free bags: jacket, umbrella, books, food, medical assistant devices, child restraint system or safety seat, diaper bag, breast pump, or pet carrier. United Airlines 2024 carry-on baggage policy can be found by clicking here.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines states that each guest can bring on a carry-on bag and a personal bag such as a purse, briefcase or laptop bag. Any bag brought onto the plane cannot exceed 45 linear inches (L+H+W) or 22” x 14” x 9” including the wheels and handles. All bags should include an identification tag placed inside the bag. Here is the current Alaska Airline carry-on luggage policy.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways lets each person boarding the plane bring with them one carry-on bag and one personal item. The carry-on bag should not exceed 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in height including the wheels and handles. The personal item should not exceed 17 inches in length, 13 inches in width, and 8 inches in height and should fit under the seat in front of you. View the JetBlue Airways baggage information here.

Preparing Your Carry On for TSA Security Screening

Types of Carry-On Luggage

Most airlines will allow you to bring on two types of bags on the plane with you – a carry-on bag and a personal item. The best carry-on luggage will be one of each item below.

Personal Item

Personal items include smaller bags such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, diaper bags, pet carriers, and laptop bags. Be sure to check with your specific airline to make sure your bag is approved as a personal item according to their carry-on baggage policy.

Carry-On Bag

A carry-on bag is a larger bag that is usually on wheels. It can come in both hard-sided or soft-sided options and usually includes a pull-out handle.