The Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Type of Traveler
Carry-ons are better than regular suitcases. I said what I said.
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. 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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.
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!)
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.
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 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 Audience Development Manager at Future, covering fashion, beauty, and more for Marie Claire, Who What Wear US and Who What Wear UK. In addition to spearheading SEO content across brands—whether writing about wardrobe must-haves or strategizing how to make eye-catching content—she is also an avid reader with a deep love and knowledge for books of all genres. More often than not, you can find her lounging with a good book on the weekend.
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