Updated Dec 10, 2022
When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
It may be time to dust off old luggage or consider new replacements as you consider even newer destinations. We’ve tested 47 bags over the past five years and are convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite is the best carry-on luggage for most travelers. It packs five days’ worth of clothes into standard US carry-on dimensions and has premium build-quality touches you’d expect from a $500 bag at about half the price. It’s a bag that you can rely on for life, even if it’s damaged by airlines—a rarity at any price.
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner
Great carry-on luggage, great value
This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, with high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.We recommend
Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard
A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability
This two-wheeled carry-on bag isn’t as maneuverable but offers slightly more space, a garment folder, and larger, more durable wheels.We recommend
Away The Carry-On
The best hard-sided carry-on
This great-looking and relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line components—including YKK zippers and wheels as smooth-rolling as any we’ve tested.Another good choice
Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner
A carry-on that fits more in less
This carry-on bag offers superlative build quality, plenty of expandable room, and a uniquely effective compression system. It’s a buy-it-for life suitcase.A better upgrade
Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Upright
More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability
If you’re willing to give up maneuverability for more space and bigger wheels, this is also a great option.A better upgrade
LAT_56 RW_01 Road Warrior
Upgrade for dress clothes
If you travel often for one- or two-day business trips, nothing will keep your office wear as pressed and protected as this bag. But it doesn’t have the expandable space most travelers rely on.Another good choice
