The Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Type of Traveler

(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen ¦ Amazon ¦ Net-a-Porter ¦ Bloomingdales)

last updated 9 September 2021

There are two types of people in this world: Those that pack a month in advance of their trip, and those that pack an hour before they need to leave. Regardless of which type you are, we all need a handy piece of luggage to do it with. And as the weather gets warmer and you start to set your sights on anywhere that is not the frigid cold you've been experiencing for the past four months—perhaps a beach with limited cell reception and no access to work emails?—now is a great time to refresh your carry-on luggage collection. (opens in new tab) I know that the thought of parting ways with the suitcase you received as a Christmas present from your parents eight years ago is difficult (I am a guilty member of this party!), but thanks to 2020 perks like built-in phone chargers and spacious storage compartments, the new generation of carry-ons are far more appealing than standard suitcases. Plus, who wants to deal with baggage claim and the hassle of potentially losing your luggage?

For the Seasoned Traveler

1. AWAY The Carry-On

Consider Away's carry-on the holy grail of carry-ons. The bag moves around the airport smoothly thanks to its four spinner wheels; has a USB charging port that comes in handy when all of the airport outlets are taken (the battery is removable!); and the side handle bar is ideal for any sticky overhead situations.

For Every Airline

2. CALPAK Trnk Carry-On Suitcase

Calpak's carry-on dimensions (height: 19 in., length: 14.25 in., depth: 8.75 in.) fit just under major airline requirements and the retro style will definitely help you stand out amongst the crowd.

For the Overpacker

3. BCBGENERATION Sunday Hardside Spinner

Be the belle of the aisle with this sturdy aluminum BCBG carry-on that fits the aesthetic of that incredibly luxurious trip you've been planning for months.

For a Weekend Trip

4. Paravel Upland Leather-Trimmed Canvas Backpack

If you don't want to use a standard carry-on with wheels (and you really know how to pack light), this leather-trimmed canvas backpack practically screams, "Take me on your next adventure." It's made of water-resistant material and features a drawstring clasp at the top so you don't have to worry about pickpocketers.

For Extra Leg Room

5. Delsey Chatelet Soft Air 2-Wheel Under-Seater

Keep everything important to you nearby with this handy bag that'll fit under the seat of most airlines. It also comes with a wide canvas strap so you can easily hook it to the handle of larger suitcases for easy travel. (Like when you're running through the airport desperately trying to catch your next flight!)

For International Trips

6. Lipault Original Plume 21" Carry-On Spinner

A trip of the lifetime deserves luggage that can be used with multiple international airlines. Lipault's suitcase is made of water-resistant material and is equipped with a removable luggage tag and a 2-digit code lock.

For Extra Security

7. Rimowa Classic Cabin

Say it with me: "Zippers are so 2019!" Feel safe knowing you not only have a five-year warranty on your new luggage, but that pesky thieves won't be able to get into your stuff. (Don't worry, the locks are TSA-approved!)

For a Long Trip

8. CALPAK 21-Inch Soft Side Spinner Carry-On Suitcase

Much like the next person, I can't help but overpack. This soft CALPAK suitcase with multiple pockets is my new best friend. It has compression straps to hold the goods (like those four pairs of jeans you won't wear) and a removable zip pouch for toiletries.

The Sturdy Option

9. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Luggage

Nobody can get enough of hard-case suitcases. This Samsonite hard shell carry-on features an expandable zipper that will leave you wondering why you didn't invest in one sooner.

For a Quick Trip

10. Briggs & Riley Rhapsody Cabin Spinner

For those incredibly quick work trips (we're talking less than 24 hours!), this 15.5-inch Briggs & Riley cabin spinner can hold a change of clothes and your laptop with ease.

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Bianca Rodriguez is the Fashion & Luxury Commerce Manager at Hearst Magazines, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Cosmopolitan, Elle, Esquire, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Town & Country. She likes lounging about with a good book and thinks a closet without platform sneakers is a travesty.