future travel suitcase

Best smart bags, suitcases, luggage and rucksacks for the future of travel

You'll be on cloud nine with these clever cases

The best smart suitcases make traveling just a little easier. And, considering that getting on an airplane has never been more accessible yet never more frustrating, we’ll take what we can get to make life a little better.

Outside of traveling first class, you’ll be scrambling for amenities, especially on cheaper airlines so having a suitcase that can help keep your devices charged for when you finally land and need to call an uber is crucial. And, if you’re traveling by train, it’s even more paramount.

Plus, some of these options come with other useful features like hidden compartments and GPS trackers so that you’ll know where your luggage is even when the airline doesn’t. There are even some that can follow you around or double as a motorized scooter. And, you thought the future wasn’t here yet… Even if the more esoteric features aren’t as of interest to you, the best smart suitcases are a benefit for travel from keeping your smartphone charged to ensuring that your laptop along with all your other personal items are safe.

What is smart luggage?

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So-called smart luggage includes cases and bags designed to keep your gadgets charged while you travel.

At their most basic, they’ll include a rechargeable battery pack that can be used to power your devices on the go, and at their most advanced they may include a GPS luggage tracker, putting your mind at ease as to the location of your baggage as it travels alongside you.

Some brands, such as Horizn Studios even include a personalised travel service, managing bookings and reservations on your behalf.

While not strictly tech-infused, gadget-friendly backpacks and rucksacks can also be a lifesaver when travelling, with secret pockets for valuables and dedicated pouches putting gadgets easily within reach when you’re rushing through security.

Travel restrictions

However, the rise of smart luggage has not been a straightforward one. With airports on high alert due to never ending terrorism threats and passenger safety paramount, some earlier attempts at smart luggage have been banned on flights.

Remember the exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 debacle ? Or flaming hoverboards? They’re to blame – with airlines unable to verify the safety of onboard batteries, luggage that contained lithium-ion batteries were banned from the hold – and in the case of some airlines, from being taken onboard as hand luggage too.

Major airlines like American Airlines, Delta and Alaska Airlines have all put restrictions on smart luggage. But all is not lost, provided you know what you’re travelling with.

So what can, and can’t, you take on board? Essentially, if you buy a suitcase that has a removable battery pack onboard, you should be fine – they’re allowed in the cabin and, so long as you eject the battery before check in, they can be stored in the hold, too.

However, some airlines are still a little touchy about cases with battery compartments built in, so just to be on the safe side, eject your battery pack before you go through security even if you’re taking it as carry on luggage.

What you definitely shouldn’t do is buy a case with a battery pack built in that can’t be removed. This is a sure-fire way to get you held up at the gate, where you and your belongings will be stranded unless you purchase a new, dumb case.

The best smart luggage: cases

If you’re after the best of the best smart luggage, the best we've tried so far would be the cases built by Away . It makes smart cases in a range of sizes, including two different carry-on capacities, and a kid friendly case too.

The Carry-On with Pocket is our pick of the bunch. Capacious with a 38L main compartment, and lightweight at 3.8kg when empty, it comes complete with an ejectable 10,000mAh battery tucked under the slide-out handle with two power-out ports for charging a pair of gadgets at once.

<a href="https://www.pntra.com/t/8-11514-101987-155614?sid=hawk-custom-tracking&website=194177&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.awaytravel.com%2Fluggage%2Fcarry-on-pocket" data-link-merchant="awaytravel.com"" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Carry-On with Pocket - smart case suitable for storage in an aircraft cabin with ejectable 10,000mAh battery: £275 / $275.

Its polycarbonate shell is tough while still having enough give to overstuff the bag in a pinch, and 360-degree Hinomoto wheels let you glide around the airport concourse.

A dedicated pocket at the front also lets you slip a laptop or tablet in and out in seconds to help a speedy sprint through security.

An inner compression system maximises the amount of clothes you can fit inside, while a TSA-approved combination lock keeps your valuables safe while also letting authorities safely open your bag if required without resorting to tearing the the thing apart.

A pink July travel suitcase on a beige background.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a second option, we also like July's Carry On travel luggage. It's a tiny bit more expensive than Away and a smidge heavier, but it comes with a 10,000mAh battery and offers a good number of dividers and pockets.

In a recent trip to New York, July's case felt incredibly light and maneuverable despite being loaded with tech and travel essentials, and the carbon fiber shell did a great job holding strong against bumps and scrapes.

For security features, you've got two separate combination locks that can be set independently from one another and a TSA key so that the security agency can get in and out of the bag without causing a fuss.

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjuly.com%2Fus%2Fluggage%2Fcarry-on%2F%3Fnavy&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - july.com"" target="_blank"> July Carry On (Original) - a lightweight, maneuverable travel case that can be embossed with your signature and charge your electronics for $245.

Other brands to consider include Horizn Studios and Incase

The best smart luggage: rucksacks

If you’re after a rucksack we’d suggest trying wares by ModernistLook and Horizn Studios. We've not tried these ourselves, but from our research these look by far the most sensibly-designed, with all the elements we're looking for.

The more tech-savvy of the two is the ModernistLook Smart Pro. Large enough to house a 15-inch laptop, it has an integrated USB port to which you can connect up any portable charging pack on the inside.

Then, it’s just a matter of plugging your depleted device into the port on the outside of your device to charge while on the go. With a hidden rear pocket for valuables against your back and a luggage strap for hooking your bag onto your suitcase, it’s feature rich.

<a href="https://www.modernistlook.com/en/product/modernistlook-smart-pro-water-resistant-everyday-backpack/" data-link-merchant="modernistlook.com"" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> ModernistLook Smart Pro - smart rucksack with built-in USB charging port and water resistant coating: £105 / $132

The Smart Pro isn’t the best looking bag we’ve seen. If you’re feeling fashion conscious, and don’t mind losing out on the USB port, check out the Horizn Studios Gion, which has a classier pod-like look, ample easy-access storage space and water resistance.

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X363&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhorizn-studios.co.uk%2Fen%2Fcollections%2Fbags%2Fbackpacks%2Fproducts%2Fbackpack-gion%2Fblack-tarpaulin-m%2F&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - horizn-studios.co.uk"" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Horizn Studios Gion - tech-friendly rucksack with water resistant coating and 15-inch laptop pouch: £149 / $189.

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Lightspeed luggage – the cases of the future

The future of luggage? It's looking like it'll be hands-off, and ride-on. With GPS trackers mastered and onboard charging as standard, the future suitcase will look to do the really hard work for us – wandering aimlessly through cookie-cutter departure gates while dragging our stuff behind us.

Take for instance the forward-thinking Modobag , as seen in the video above. Not only is it a vessel for your vestments, it also doubles up as a 6mph motorised scooter, turning a trip to the airport lounge into a makeshift Mario Kart track. Though released in 2016, there's still little out there yet to match it.

Or how about Xiaomi's Puppy 1 Smart Suitcase? Remote control powered with a secure finger print lock, it'll follow its owner around, complete with a parking brake and bi-directional steering, with sensors allowing it to adjust to different inclines and adapt its center of gravity accordingly to avoid tipping over.

And what about if you want to be buddies with your luggage? The Panasonic Personal Porter Robot concept was shown off in late 2018, and features facial recognition tech which lets it lock its contents off to anyone but its owner, whom it'll follow around like a faithful dog. While it's intended more for a trip to the shops than an overseas jaunt, its mere existence makes it easier to imagine a future where we've all got our own personal luggage-bot to carry our belongings around for us. Let the AI worry about your passport and dirty laundry while you hope off the plane and find the nearest beach.

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Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site's home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don't expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of 'Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future', published by Aurum Press.

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Best smart luggage in 2024

These are the smartest suitcase for every traveler's budget.

Samsara smart suitcase, one our best smart luggage picks

If you haven't tried any of the best smart luggage yet, then you're seriously missing out. Adding some smarts to your carry-on suitcases offers up the best upgrades since the day someone realized how invaluable 360-degree wheels and telescoping handles could be.

But those have nothing on the neat features you can get right now, including GPS locators, USB charging ports, motorized wheels, and even built-in measuring scales. Most of them are TSA-approved too, though you will need to remove the batteries if you plan on checking them.

Smart luggage can be an incredibly versatile companion, especially if you regularly traveling by air. But picking up a piece of smart luggage can be a little daunting, and if you need some help we have you covered.

Based on our research, these are the best smart luggage options for every kind of traveller.

1. Away Travel Bigger Carry-On

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Away is the cult favorite when it comes to smart luggage. Its sleek design, multiple size options and practical features made it the first suitcase to successfully break into the influencer market. We happen to thinks it's one of the best suitcases overall — the smart features just make it all that much better.

Founded by former Warby Parker executives, the Away delivers on design while keeping your devices charged for any adventure. The Bigger Carry-On's compression bag gives you maximum packing capacity while still fitting into overhead bins, but the battery pack pops out quickly if you need to check the bag. The exterior is scratch-resistant, but if there's any kind of issue with your Away, you're covered with a lifetime warranty.

2. Samsara Tag Smart Carry On

The Samsara Tag Smart Carry On has a feature that distinguishes it from every other carry-on on this list: an included AirTag. Keeping tabs on your luggage is a major anxiety for many travelers, especially for those who are always on-the-go with multi-stop trips. Since this luggage comes with an AirTag (and a compartment designed to keep it safe) you're able to see when your suitcase is with you, and when it's been left behind.

These features require you to have an iPhone with the Find My app, which excludes Android users. Still, if you do have an iPhone, you'll find it easy to know when your luggage is at all times. And we'll bet it's a lot of luggage, since the Samsara Tag Smart Carry On has a huge capacity. You'll also have several color choices to choose from, including a hot pink limited-edition partnership with T-Mobile branded the Un-Carrier On. This model comes with a battery pack and wireless charging compartment for added smarts.

3. Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage

If you're looking for a smart suitcase that feels premium all-around, the Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage is among our top picks. It's not the most affordable carry-on bag, but it's packed with convenient features. It sports a secure laptop sleeve in the front, so you can tuck in your computer and any additional items you might need to access quickly. Like some of the other bags on this list, the Horizn Studios M5 Cabin Luggage also offers an optional portable battery pack, complete with a USB-C and USB-A inputs for charging two devices at once.

It helps that the luggage is nice-looking, too. After testing it ourselves, we especially like how the wheels let it sit close to the ground. It's a sleek companion for all kinds of travel — and if you bundle it with check-in luggage, you'll save $50 on the set.

4. The Andiamo Classico

For those who can pull off the retro-trunk aesthetic, the Andiamo Classico suitcase delivers with vibrant, high-gloss finishes and a zipper-less frame. The "royal sapphire" option especially catches our eye.

As for the luggage's smart features, the RFID-blocking technology pocket keeps sensitive materials safe. There's also a single USB port, but you'll need to supply your own removable battery. It's pretty heavy for a carry-on, and it's definitely not the smartest bag out there, but it certainly looks nice and reviewers seem to love it.

What reviewers say:

Forbes : "Now you can sparkle like the fanciest jet setters with the shiniest roller around."

Luggage Spots : "[It’s] without a doubt one of the best pieces of luggage available on the market in recent years. It is now one of my most frequently used pieces and I love it. With a 100-day trial period, no harm in trying it out first!"

5. Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-on

Arlo Skye’s most popular carry-on is so for a reason: It's deceivingly lightweight, comes in five beautiful finishes, and has just enough smart features to make air travel easier.

Two TSA-approved combination locks effectively end the need for luggage zippers. You can charge your device on the go with the USB C and A Ports, and pop out the battery with a simple press when your bag gets gate-checked. Silent Run Lisof wheels make the bag a pleasant companion, while hand-stitched handles add the designer touch you'd expect from Louis Vuitton and Tumi alums. Great customer service is simply an added bonus.

Travel + Leisure: "I’ve never considered this a necessary luggage amenity, as someone who travels with a portable battery pack, but it is easier than unearthing a small battery from your backpack and potentially carries a higher charge capacity."

Forbes: "I tested it on a trip to Mexico and am reasonably confident I have never had such a big crush on a carry-on bag. Built of scratch-resistant aluminum with Florentine leather handles and trim, the 9.5-pound case sports a removable high-speed charger with two USB ports and purrs along on whisper-quiet Japanese quad wheels."

How we picked the best smart luggage

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

There's a lot out there, so to find the best smart luggage we tested some of the bags ourselves. We also looked at what customers and experts were saying. We looked at the top picks from the likes of Travel + Leisure, Forbes, TripSavvy, and other travel sites, as well as the top-selling smart luggage models on Amazon. We've also tested several of these models ourselves.

From there we were able to narrow the list down to the following models, taking into account smart features, price, practically, and other key factors.

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Kate Kozuch is the managing editor of social and video at Tom’s Guide. She covers smartwatches, TVs and audio devices, too. Kate appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account , which you should be following. When she’s not filming tech videos, you can find her taking up a new sport, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef.

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Transforming Travel in 2024: The Rise of Drivable Suitcase

As 2024 beckons, travel enthusiasts are embracing a groundbreaking solution that steals the spotlight: drivable suitcases. Beyond just storage, these innovative travel companions offer a dynamic riding experience, transforming the way we navigate the world.

Must-have Drivable Luggage for Ultimate Travel

Imagine your suitcase not just as storage, but as a drivable, remote controll for heavy luggage on your travels. Enter the era of electric suitcases – a revolution that promises to make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable.

Key Features Making Waves in Travel

Embrace the future of travel with these rideable electric suitcases, where every journey becomes an adventure in itself.

Rideable: Bid farewell to dragging heavy luggage. These electric suitcases are designed for convenient riding, adding an element of fun to your travels.
Drivable: The suitcase that you can ride is easy to move forward, backward, and brake with just two buttons. The suitcase's handle can steer, much like a car.
4 Uses: Pull-behind or ride-on or hand-carrying or remote control.
Smart Mobility: Navigate through crowds effortlessly. With remote control capabilities, your suitcase becomes an extension of you, following your lead.
Tech Integration: Sync your smartphone to control your suitcase remotely. No more wrestling with unwieldy luggage in crowded spaces.
Travel Woes Solved: Say goodbye to the age-old problem of lugging around hefty suitcases. Electric suitcases promise a seamless travel experience, especially for those in the know.

Why Electric Drivable Suitcase

In a world where travel essentials are a hot topic, drivable suitcases are emerging as a must-have. They not only lighten the load of carrying heavy luggage but also bring an extra thrill to your journey.

Educating the Travel Community

Many are still unaware of this innovative travel solution. This article aims to guide and enlighten. Drivable suitcases are more than a trend; they're a practical solution for modern travelers.

"This isn't just about suitcases; it's about redefining how we approach travel. Drivable suitcases solve travel challenges and bring joy to the journey," said Zoey, U.S. at Airwheel.

Is Airwheel Drivable Luggage Allowed in Flight

When it comes to flying with Airwheel drivable suitcases, flexibility is key. Equipped with a detachable power bank, these suitcases ensure a smooth journey through baggage check and security procedures.

Detachable Power Bank Convenience

The highlight lies in the detachable power bank. During check-in or security checks, simply remove the battery and carry it with you. This feature not only enhances convenience but also aligns with TSA regulations, ensuring a seamless airport security screening.

TSA-Compliant Power

Rest assured, the battery is TSA-compliant, meeting the standards set by the Transportation Security Administration. This means a hassle-free experience as your suitcase effortlessly glides through airport security.

Note: Always check with specific airlines for their policies on carrying electric suitcases and batteries.

two women carry smart luggage at airport

Why Choose Airwheel Drivable Luggage

In 2004, a group of tech enthusiasts founded Airwheel with a mission to change the world. Today, it's a high-tech enterprise focusing on smart IoT sensor tech, AI, and intelligent transportation products. With centers in China, the U.S., and Belgium, Airwheel has a global presence.

Leader: Airwheel is the global leader in drivable luggage that get 56+ smart luggage patents.
Trust: Airwheel's success comes from the trust of customers
Innovation: Innovation drives Airwheel's brand, drawing inspiration from nature.
Interaction: Interaction and experience shape Airwheel's design philosophy.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage

Alt Text: Three of our top picks for carry-on luggage, shown side by side, an Away The Carry-On, a Travelpro Platinum Elite, and a Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential.

Traveling well is not always easy. Keeping your suitcase with you when you fly not only protects your belongings from loss or damage but may help you avoid extra fees as well.

If you decide to do so, you need a good carry-on bag.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve handled, tested, and traveled with 67 bags from more than 35 brands, and we remain convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of value and quality for most travelers. It packs five days’ worth of clothes into standard US carry-on dimensions 1 and has premium touches you might expect from a $600 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.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The best soft-sided carry-on.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, plus high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability.

This two-wheeled carry-on bag isn’t as maneuverable, but it offers slightly more space, a garment folder, and larger, more durable wheels.

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 wheels as smooth-rolling as any we’ve tested.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Slightly more room, but you might get checked.

With more capacity than Away’s standard carry-on, this suitcase is sized appropriately for most flights. On smaller planes, though, you may get gate-checked.

Budget pick

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Lightweight and appealingly inexpensive.

Remarkably well priced for a reputable brand, this is an ideal lightweight pick and provides many features of luggage costing nearly twice as much.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

A soft-sided 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.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On

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.

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

A more luxe hard-sided carry-on.

Luxury touches and a strong polycarbonate and aluminum design give this bag a standout look with exceptional feel and performance. It does cost nearly $200 more than the comparably sized Away bag, though.

Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage

A bag built for tough conditions.

A polycarbonate back and rugged wheels make this design suited for rougher travel over difficult surfaces. However, it has a limited warranty, and it’s somewhat unwieldy to handle.

What to consider

Four-wheel bags, aka spinners, are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two-wheel bags will always be more durable .

Hard-sided looks better to most people, but soft-sided luggage withstands the bumps and knocks of travel for longer .

Plenty of reputable brands offer lifetime warranties; it’s generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind .

Depending on where you travel, you might need to look for specialty luggage sizes .

We’ve also included picks that stood out for their form and individual functionality: an upgrade with best-in-class compression, a pick made of polycarbonate , an upgraded hard-sided case with latch closures and an aluminum frame, a rolling soft-top hybrid , and a budget pick that’s also the best ultra-light suitcase we can find.

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line of luggage is still our top pick after 10 years of testing. It addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price while offering the best warranty against potential airline damage in the industry (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase, which you can do in minutes).

The Platinum Elite features smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, as well as solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. Travelpro also provides a full catalog of other replaceable parts . Instead of chasing the smart-bag moment, Travelpro added an exterior pocket with a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And weighing less than 8 pounds when empty, the Platinum Elite is dead in the center of average weight for bags this size.

In our view, soft-sided luggage lasts longer and shows less wear, but if you prefer the look of a hard-sided bag, Away’s The Carry-On is our choice. Like our other picks, this bag stands out for its high-end components: YKK zippers, smooth-running wheels, and a well-braced handle. Its strong but flexible polycarbonate shell shows scratches—however, after seven years of using the Away Carry-On, our testers have found that it is capable of enduring most of the trials of travel with fewer knocks than other similar models we’ve tested.

Away also makes a slightly larger version of the same model: The Bigger Carry-On . It conforms to carry-on size for most major airliners, but you might be asked to gate-check it on smaller planes.

Similar to our soft-sided picks, this Away bag is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. And though the coverage doesn’t explicitly protect against airline damage, it does apply to any damage that an airline could possibly dish out—specifically, but not limited to, the shell cracking or wheels breaking off.

Some companies have tried to shave off a few pounds from their standard luggage designs to make so-called ultra-light luggage. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is the best of these bags we’ve seen, and it comes with the pedigree of our top pick but not quite as strong a warranty.

The Maxlite 5 is just over 2 pounds lighter than our top pick—that’s the weight of two or three pairs of jeans. It’s not a huge difference, but if you have trouble lifting luggage over your head and prefer an easier-to-manage suitcase, the Maxlite 5 may be your choice. This bag is also the best one we’ve found under $200, with almost all the benefits of luggage nearly twice the price.

For the more frequent flyer who is willing to invest in a higher-quality bag, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On . Every detail of this bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested.

Briggs & Riley boosts this extra capacity with a ratcheting compression system that easily presses an entire extra outfit (if not more) into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. It’s simple, impressive, and unmatched by any other brand’s compression system.

The Expandable Spinner version is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder, which helps shirts and pants stay wrinkle-free if you pack them well. If things go awry, Briggs & Riley has a catalog of replaceable parts and a global network of repair centers , as well as a reliable lifetime warranty covering repairs for airline damage.

For some people, Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On may be worth the extra cost. Behind the maturity of Italian leather accents and polish of higher-end Hinomoto wheels, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On bypasses the biggest compromise in most polycarbonate designs: the stitched-in zipper. Incorporating an aluminum frame around the center of the case and two latch locks, it feels comfortingly secure and well structured where other luggage tends to sag or bend away.

There’s a potential catch, however: The flex in a polycarbonate design (and most luggage, incidentally) is its strength. The more robust a piece of luggage becomes—by replacing, for instance, a zipper with an aluminum frame—the greater the chance that if something hits the case hard enough, the frame can bend or break. That said, you need to hit a frame like this with an extreme amount of focused force for that to happen. And Carl Friedrik provides a lifetime warranty that appears to cover airline damage in the event that an airline doesn’t compensate you within 14 days.

The Yeti Crossroads 22”/35L Wheeled Luggage represents the best of a relatively niche type of luggage design. Call it a hybrid model—a blend of a soft-sided luggage on top and hard-sided luggage on the back—that lends itself to fairly specific circumstances. It’s ideal for tough roads, broken streets, and slamming your luggage into uneven curbs with abandon. Do most people need this kind of luggage for their day-to-day travel? Absolutely not, and it can feel heavier than it really is. But if you do, this is the best there is—at least for the moment.

The Yeti Crossroads has everything you might expect from a brand that has built its reputation for over-the-top toughness and durability. The two heavy-duty wheels are among the largest and broadest that we’ve seen. Externally, Yeti blends a polycarbonate shell back with a water-resistant 700-denier nylon front and waterproof zippers. However, Yeti backs its luggage with only a three-year warranty and no mention of airline damage. That’s very limited protection, especially for the conditions this bag was designed for and definitely in comparison with the standards that our other picks set.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, our pick for the best carry-on luggage: travelpro platinum elite, our pick for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage: away the carry-on, budget pick: travelpro maxlite 5 carry-on spinner, upgrade pick for the best carry-on: briggs & riley baseline essential, upgrade pick for the best hard-sided carry-on: carl friedrik the carry-on, also great for tough conditions: yeti crossroads 35l wheeled luggage, other good carry-on luggage, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been covering luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. Over the years we’ve also spoken with plenty of experts: flight attendants for major airlines, product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies, and travel and gear writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

Six of the carry-on suitcases we tested, shown lined up.

In the 10 years we’ve been covering this category, luggage has evolved, and so has our thinking about what makes the best carry-on for most people. After spending well over 200 hours doing research and interviews and easily twice that time conducting hands-on testing, we’ve seen a few truths become clear. First, at a certain threshold—roughly over $200—most luggage is fine. It will more than likely get you from point A to point B without incident many times a year for many years. What distinguishes great luggage from everything else is mostly an attention to detail—the quality of a bag’s handle, its wheels, the frame, and stitching—and a company’s guarantee that it will stand behind its product.

Every year we try to refine our testing and find new ways to consider what it means to be the best luggage. We’ve weighed and measured suitcases, comparing our results with company claims. We’ve calculated true internal capacity with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls 2 and some decently complex math for a writer to scratch out. We’ve packed and unpacked more bags than I care to remember. We’ve studied and compared wheel bearings, wheel sizes, pocket counts, pocket quality, the curious subtleties of garment bags that will (or more often won’t) keep your clothes wrinkle-free, the strength of warranties, and repairability.

A person pouring white plastic balls into the Travelpro Platinum Elite Spinner.

We believe that any maximally sized carry-on should be capable of holding enough clothes to last you five days with room to spare for miscellaneous necessities. Most years we aim to have two testers, one male and one female, pack two bags individually as if headed to the same wedding. 3 What we included isn’t representative of a family traveling or a couple splitting a bag, but we erred on the side of bulky, and we hope it gives you a clear idea of how much of your own stuff these bags will hold.

Women's clothes, shoes, and accessories packed for a five-day trip and a fancy gathering.

We looked at how each bag loaded. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? Did it have compression straps to keep things in place? Were the straps thick enough to avoid creasing the clothes? Just how much would the bag compress? How much room was left over? Once packed, was the bag prone to tipping over?

An obstacle course and mock fuselage in Virgin America’s old training facility.

Over the years I’ve torn bags apart to see how the frames were put together, taken apart wheels, dismantled handles, and more or less treated luggage as poorly as one person could. I’ve wheeled loaded bags around many neighborhoods, looking at how well each bag rolled and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. I’ve dragged bags up and down two flights of concrete stairs, noting how easy this task was and how much damage the bags sustained. For our finalists, I’ve repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route because I like the sound that polycarbonate luggage makes when it bounces down cavernous stairwells.

The twenty carry-on suitcases we tested lined up against a fence.

In fall 2023, we asked a panel of paid testers with a wide range of body types, dexterities, and mobilities to examine our picks and share their perspectives. We’ve incorporated their feedback in this review.

Our top picks for the best carry-on luggage, The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner and the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22-inch Carry-On Rollaboard.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is our pick for a soft-sided carry-on; if you need a little more room, we also recommend the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard .

It has a history of great performance. Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line has been our top pick for almost every iteration of this guide because it addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price: In addition to smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, it features solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid 7.8-pound internal chassis. Travelpro backs it all with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase). Additionally, Travelpro supplies a full catalog of other replaceable parts .

It moves well across most surfaces and through most situations. The spinner bag’s configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moving. The small tracking assistance makes a large difference when you’re navigating the Platinum Elite through a crowded airport or down a busy street. It also has an easy-to-use, removable garment bag. After years of testing, we think the superior maneuverability of spinner luggage, along with improvements in manufacturing processes, makes four-wheel bags a better choice for most people. However, if you prefer slightly more packing capacity (the equivalent of squeezing in two more sweatshirts), larger wheels that run more smoothly over rough terrain, and a more protective built-in garment folder, 4 you may appreciate the two-wheeled 22-inch version of the Platinum Elite. One of our paid testers, who’s 6-foot-6, told us that although he could see the appeal of a spinner, “I would still choose the two-wheeler. It has a little more space, and when you’re my size, packing is just so horrible.”

Our pick for best carry-on luggage sitting in front of an American Airlines carry-on size diagram to show that it will fit in the overhead bin.

It’s sized to maximize your space, but you have options. Measuring 23 by 13.5 by 9 inches, the Platinum Elite carry-on bag (in either wheel configuration) hits the upper margins of actual carry-on size limits and could get you gate-checked by an overzealous agent. However, it fits into most standard-size baggage caddies at check-in, including that of American Airlines and United Airlines. I’ve personally traveled with Travelpro carry-ons this size for more than 45,000 miles spread across 50 flights, from regional to long-haul to international routes, and I’ve never had an issue fitting within gate-side luggage sizers. If you’re nervous about getting caught at the gate or often fly in very small regional planes, Travelpro makes a 20-inch Platinum Elite as well as a slimmer international size, but they hold less (naturally) and lack a suiter insert.

An opened Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner next to its removable garment bag.

It keeps clothes compacted but not creased. Inside, the Platinum Elite has a pair of tie-down straps and two broad panels with pockets that cinch down, similar in design and function to what you’d find in much more expensive Briggs & Riley luggage . Compared with the simple tie-down straps you often find in cheaper luggage, the panels do a great job of keeping things compacted without creasing clothes—a problem we’ve encountered in numerous other bags we’ve tested. Beyond that, the Platinum Elite’s internal organization system is about average. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means there’s no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. One long mesh pocket sits on one of the bag’s sides, and a smaller removable transparent plastic bag sits on the other side for easy TSA inspection of toiletries.

It’s tough yet flexible. The exterior is made of a hard-wearing nylon fabric, a key feature of all the bags we’ve tested. It hides scuffs and scratches, and it’s much more versatile than hard-sided bags. An expansion zipper lets you increase storage by about 30% in a pinch—although the bag is no longer carry-on compliant at that point. We prefer to use the expansion zipper as something of an ad-hoc compression system: We unzip the expansion zipper while packing the bag and then zip it at the end, tamping everything down tight. The Platinum Elite carry-on also has a variety of convenient exterior pockets, including two in the front, suitable for a sleep mask and other small miscellaneous items, and one on the side for a battery, though it can fit a bit more if necessary. It also has an accordion pocket on the front for magazines and electronic tablets.

It’s well balanced and spacious. This luggage has an 1,856-cubic-inch interior, which we measured using hundreds of Ping-Pong balls . In real-world terms (the needs of Ping-Pong champions notwithstanding), the Platinum Elite swallowed up five days’ worth of clothes with no problem and had a good deal of room to spare—and that’s without our resorting to the expansion zipper.

It has an excellent warranty. Should anything go wrong, you can take advantage of Travelpro’s generous lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage . The sole other company we’ve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose carry-on suitcases start at about $500. Travelpro bags have owner-serviceable parts and multiple repair centers . To get repair service, you can either drop the bag off at a repair center or ship the bag to Travelpro, the cost of which the company will cover. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic wear.

Travelpro has a history of fixing production errors remarkably quickly. In 2019, we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. We reached out to Travelpro, and a representative told us that a production error expanded the capacity of the front pocket of the Platinum Elite; this allowed travelers to overpack the pocket, which put excessive strain on the zipper. Travelpro identified and fixed the issue before it had reached the threshold of more than a few comments online.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.8 pounds Volume: 46 liters

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After nearly a decade of testing the Platinum Elite line of bags from Travelpro, we have yet to encounter a single serious issue. The fabric exterior brushes off scrapes and is easy enough to clean. Simply, it is a remarkably built bag that continues to travel well, year after year.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The back of a Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on suitcase.

Though the Platinum Elite rolled well in general, we are still concerned when dragging the bag up stairs. Some of the other bags we tested had long plastic bumper strips running most of the way up the length of the bag; this Travelpro model’s skid plate isn’t as big or as protective. I haven’t had an issue, but if you’re particularly rough on your luggage or uncomfortable lifting the bag over curbs or up stairs, it’s something to be aware of.

Close-up of the battery pocket on the side of the Travelpro Platinum Elite.

In 2018, Travelpro added a USB-A pass-through cable to the Platinum Elite as a way to compete with so-called smart bags. We like the battery pocket, but the built-in cable itself, which routes from the pocket to a USB port less than 6 inches away, is an unnecessary item, which at best adds a potential point of failure to the bag—USB cables do not last forever. Does it ruin the bag? No. Is it a feature? Not really.

Our picks for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage, an Away The Carry-On and the Away The Bigger Carry-On.

If you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage or the security of knowing that you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Carry-On is the carry-on we recommend. If you want to maximize your available carry-on space, it also comes in a slightly larger size: The Bigger Carry-On .

It can take wear and tear. Most travelers are still better off with one of our soft-sided picks than a hard-sided carry-on; soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But the Away Carry-On’s wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than that of hard-sided competitors.

We’ve tested the Away Carry-On for six years, traveling with it ourselves across the country and lending several units to testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using the bag. Its polycarbonate feels similar to that used on more high-end (and significantly pricier) suitcases such as the Rimowa Essential Cabin , which is more than three times as expensive.

You have options if you need extra space. Away makes a similar model of suitcase with an expandable zipper, The Carry-On Flex . The Flex is the same bag as the standard Carry-On except for the expanding center zipper and the price (it’s about $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers on suitcases. It feels like just one more thing to break. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

It feels great to use. The bag itself feels good in the hands, and the wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we tried. Away also uses YKK zippers, outclassing our top pick in that regard (Travelpro moved to Supra zippers in 2015). At this point, we’re pretty comfortable saying that years of debate over the best zipper are largely redundant, but YKK still sets the standard.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Away has sparked more imitators and outright duplicates than any other brand in the past decade, in part due to its appeal with younger travelers. I’ve thought about why, and as best as I can guess, a simple polycarbonate cube dripped in limited-edition soft hues does exude a certain calm; the fact that some of those same colors also coat the exteriors of pills ending in suffixes -ax and -il is not, one assumes, accidental.

It has a great warranty. The Away Carry-On is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. Though the warranty doesn’t specifically mention airline damage, the damages it does list—cracks or breaks in the shell, wheels or handles becoming unusable, zippers that don’t work, fabric tears that render any pocket unusable—basically outline anything an airline could possibly dish out.

Dimensions (for The Carry-On): 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.5 pounds Volume: 40 liters

The Carry-On’s sleek style comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks.
It lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have.
The clamshell design, which splits down the middle and opens into two parts, can make the bag frustrating to pack and unpack. Packing cubes help, but after years of packing and unpacking soft-sided luggage with a single lid, I personally find a clamshell design to be more finicky when packing.

Our budget pick for best carry-on luggage, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch Carry-On Spinner.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is one of the lightest pieces of luggage we’ve tested, at a great price.

It’s lightweight. We have a hard time imagining how anyone could make a suitcase much lighter than this without breaking certain laws of physics. A few years ago, I took apart a Maxlite suitcase to see how the internal frame was built. What I found beneath the fabric was a clever lattice of plastic supporting the frame, which offered the best balance between weight-saving and structure.

For some people, especially those with limited upper-body strength, a lighter bag—even by just a few pounds—may be easier to lift or manage. That said, most people don’t need extremely light luggage, but just to pack less. For all the innovative design, the Maxlite 5 shaves only 2.4 pounds off the weight of our top pick. That’s the equivalent of a couple of pairs of jeans.

It’s inexpensive. My general advice to friends is to spend more than $200 but less than $500 to get good, if not great, luggage. The Maxlite 5 is the one piece of luggage I’ve found that breaks that rule. You can usually find it for about $150 or less, which is a remarkable price considering the bag’s quality.

Top view of an opened Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch Carry-On Spinner.

Simple is good. This model doesn’t have any real bells or whistles—no battery pass-throughs or magnetically tracked wheels, as with our other Travelpro picks. Instead you’ll find two simple front pockets, a few well-placed handles, and a cavernous main compartment with a couple of pockets and two light straps to hold your stuff in place.

It comes from a trusted brand. We haven’t covered, examined, and interrogated a single luggage brand at Wirecutter for as long as we have Travelpro. For a decade, Travelpro has done a premier job of maintaining trust with its customers and with us—we’ve watched the company make small changes in design, catch flaws quickly, and address warranty concerns promptly. This is not something we say lightly: Travelpro is a name you can trust.

Dimensions: 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 5.4 pounds Volume: 46 liters

The Maxlite 5’s warranty isn’t as robust as that of our top pick: Manufacturing defects in the wheels, zippers, and handles are covered for as long as you own the bag, but airline damage and shipping to a Travelpro repair center are covered only for the first year. (And you do need to register the bag.) Considering that this bag costs half the price of the Platinum Elite, this makes sense, but it’s something to be aware of.

Two Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinners, the four- and two-wheeled versions, shown side by side.

If you’re a frequent flyer and willing to invest in higher-quality gear, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner (also available in a two-wheeled version with more capacity).

It’s the best of the best. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found that it had a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. Briggs & Riley keeps its design consistent, adding, at most, small improvements such as this year’s upgraded lifting handle. Our 6-foot-6 paid tester pointed out that the Baseline Essential’s handle extended an inch and a half farther than that of the Travelpro Platinum Elite, which made it less likely to hit his heels as he pulled it.

Although the wheels don’t snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth-rolling and easy to maneuver. If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worthwhile to invest in luggage that goes beyond merely being sturdy and actually improves your overall travel experience. That’s why we’ve been recommending it since we first covered this topic in 2014. The Baseline Essential is one of the best carry-on luggage options available today.

Close-up of the plastic handle of the Briggs & Riley’s CX expansion and compression system.

Its compression system is truly a marvel. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Essential bag is its CX expansion and compression system. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2.5 inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed. Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. It’s a unique design and very satisfying to use.

The inside of a Briggs & Riley and a Travelpro Platinum Elite spinners.

It’s the easiest to pack. Briggs & Riley placed the tracks for the Baseline Essential handles on the outside of the bag, which allows for a flat surface in the interior of the bag, with no small crevices to work around for simple packing. And in our tests, after packing 10 bags and trying to figure out strategies for each nook and cranny, packing on a broad flat surface felt like a luxury. According to our measurements, the bag, unexpanded, offers 1,905 cubic inches of storage room (and that accounts for the space occupied by the wheel wells and such). Expanded, it can stow 2,110 cubic inches. That’s remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested.

The Baseline Essential spinner is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder. It’s similar to the folder in Travelpro’s two-wheeled Platinum Elite bag, and that’s a good thing. It’s easy to pack and has an anchor point for hangers. Each of the three folds has a bit of padding that helps to keep a suit from pinching onto itself and creasing, though much of that depends on how well you pack. You can fit a week’s worth of clothes in the Baseline Essential, including some puffy gear for colder weather. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package.

It’s understated. On the outside, the Baseline Essential is pretty unremarkable. There’s nothing eye-grabbing about the bag, which is good if you’re trying to avoid being gate-checked (or having it stolen). Its outer, nylon fabric seems to be of a tighter weave than that used on the other bags we’ve tested. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK.

Similar to our top pick, the Baseline Essential includes a charging pocket. However, Briggs & Riley skipped the internal USB wiring, instead opting for a simple pocket arrangement (video) on the back of the bag for discreetly storing a charge pack and your phone. It’s an elegant solution.

It comes with an excellent warranty. All Briggs & Riley bags come with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the “functional aspects” of the bag, even if caused by an airline (like Travelpro, Briggs & Riley does not cover cosmetic wear or cleaning). Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, you do have to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers . Briggs & Riley emphasizes that returning your bag to you in its original condition, even after repairs, is not always possible. The bags are easy to service and repair, so you can also order the parts you need and replace them yourself at home.

We’ve put in the miles, and the Baseline Essential is in a separate league. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter founder Brian Lam carried a two-wheeled Baseline Essential carry-on while traveling 150,000 miles and farther. After considering all the bags in our test and logging an additional 40,000 miles with a similarly priced bag by Tumi, he was convinced that this model is the best for anyone who’s always on the move. “I love this bag. It carries so much,” Brian said. “Sometimes I check it. Sometimes I carry it. It always fits.”

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 (expands to 11.5) inches (HWD) Weight: 10 pounds Volume: 37 liters (expands to 48 liters)

Despite the plastic shielding, the exposed rails on the exterior could use more protection. While dragging the bag up stairs (which we don’t advise doing), we felt more scraping than we’d like.
At first glance, the handle feels too loose for a roughly $700 bag. We spoke to Briggs & Riley representatives, and they explained that this is a deliberate choice: The looser tolerances allow for the handle to retract by itself when you click its button, without your having to force it down. In practice, this is very helpful for scaling stairs and could save you some hassle in tight quarters, such as in the aisle of an airplane.
At 10 pounds, the Baseline Essential is the heaviest bag we recommend. In this price range, weight often equals durability, which equals quality. But if you’re uncomfortable with a heavier bag, this isn’t the best pick for you.

A Carl Friedrik The Carry-On, our upgrade pick for the best hard-sided carry-on.

Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On is an impressive polycarbonate case that improves in areas where most other companies tend to cut corners.

It’s robust and durable. It improves the usual hard-case design primarily by replacing the zipper with an aluminum frame sealed with two metal latches incorporating TSA locks. This trim makes the case feel far more robust, which is a very satisfying feeling when you’re wheeling luggage around an airport.

An opened Carl Friedrik The Carry-On suitcase showing its removable compression pad.

Clasping shut an aluminum frame with a metal lock is pleasing—it feels like closing a safe and locking it tight. The polycarbonate shell has an equally rigid feeling but exhibits plenty of flexibility under strain. Although it’s difficult to compare polycarbonates between brands, higher-end polycarbonate feels dense to the touch even as the material flexes; in this piece of luggage, Carl Friedrik offers impressive quality.

Additionally, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On has YKK zippers internally and Hinomoto spinner wheels from Japan—both considered the top of their class.

It’s thoughtfully styled. The soft leather accents and bolted frame all have a certain maturity that’s often lacking in other, competing cases. This look carries to the inside of the luggage as well. A simple gray polyester lining accompanies two sets of compression straps and a removable compression pad, which has a zippered pocket.

It has an excellent warranty. As you might expect for the price, Carl Friedrik backs up its luggage with a lifetime warranty that protects against airline damage (assuming the airline hasn’t responded to your request for compensation within 14 days).

Dimensions: 21.6 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8.6 pounds Volume: 40 liters

This is a brand-new pick—so far we haven’t found any flaws, but we’re keeping an eye on the latches. Luggage latches are small, complicated mechanical devices that have a myriad of ways to fail.
The handle feels just a touch loose, which, as with our upgrade pick from Briggs & Riley , can be a benefit. It can also sometimes be a hazard. Again, we’ll continue testing it.

A Yeti Crossroads 22-inch/35-liter Wheeled Luggage.

Hybrid designs like the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage aren’t for everyone, but if you like the flexibility of a soft-sided luggage with the hard-hitting ruggedness of a polycarbonate back and two large fixed wheels, then this bag is just right.

It’s made from tough materials and easy-to-repair parts. Yeti has a reputation for using tough, sometimes cutting-edge, materials in all its gear. The Crossroads is no exception. The 700-denier nylon is one of the better nylons we’ve tested—tightly woven and exceptionally durable. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.)

View of the inside of a Yeti Crossroads 22-inch/35-liter Wheeled Luggage.

The Crossroads comes in only a two-wheeled design, which is usually able to withstand more damage than a four-wheeled design. The wheels are also easier to service on the road and often replaceable. 5

It’s well organized. It includes a front panel organizer, similar to that of modern laptop backpacks, with two slots for your laptop and tablet plus a mesh pocket for spare gear. Fully packed, it still has room for a few magazines as well, if you like. Internally, the soft top has a zippered main compartment with a decent amount of packing space, as well as two mesh organizing pockets.

It’s a pleasure to pack. As the Crossroads is built around a molded polycarbonate base, the entire suitcase becomes, in essence, a large tray to pack and then zip shut. It’s a very satisfying design—easier to manage than many of the clamshell designs that are currently popular. Yeti’s packing cubes are designed to fit snugly in the Crossroads’s main compartment, and the bag does come with one small cube. But if you choose these, you’re spending a premium for additional packing cubes when almost any packing cube will work.

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8 pounds Volume: 40 liters

We’d love to see a better warranty. Three years is very limited when compared with other luggage brands selling similarly priced suitcases—especially for a bag that claims to be as tough as the brand’s reputation.
Occasionally, Yeti’s tough-gear reputation veers almost into absurdity, as with the inclusion here of self-sealing zippers on a bag that isn’t actually waterproof—merely weather resistant. They’re top-of-the-line zippers. But self-sealing zippers can be hard to operate and require regular lubrication, which most people aren’t used to providing.
The front-facing laptop organizer is woefully unshielded. If you’re traveling with a laptop, place it deep within the bag if you want it properly protected.
The bag feels heavy—by our measurements, it weighs about a half pound more than Yeti’s 7.5-pound estimation. It’s not the heaviest of our picks, but something about the weight distribution and shape of the bag makes it feel heavier when you’re swinging it around.

If you need a hard-sided budget bag: Look at the Gregory Quadro Hardcase 22″ , an unexpectedly high-quality suitcase from an outdoor-gear company. Gregory offers a lifetime warranty with service and repair. Although the warranty doesn’t explicitly mention airline damage, Gregory’s good reputation speaks for itself in this matter. However, the Quadro Hardcase is a pound heavier (at 6.5 pounds) and about $60 more than our budget pick.

If the Away Carry-On is sold out: Consider the Monos Carry-On Plus . Picking between these two models came down to splitting some very fine hairs. Both use YKK zippers. Both have lifetime warranties. The handles and interiors are almost identical. Monos even hides the stitching that attaches the zipper to the polycarbonate frame, which is a nice aesthetic touch. The difference came down to the Away Carry-On’s wheels, which spun just that much more freely in our testing, and the underside handle, which made it easier to pull out of overhead bins. And we’ve tested the Away Carry-On for longer. However, if it’s unavailable, the Monos model is a good, nearly identical substitute.

If you want a bag made of recycled materials: We suggest the Paravel Aviator Carry-On . Paravel is attempting to design luggage with recycled materials and some environmentally minded transparency to the company’s production methods. However, you pay a premium for the effort. Quality-wise, the bag is similar to our other hard-sided picks, for about a hundred more dollars. And much of the Paravel branding is built on carbon offsets, which we are deeply skeptical of (though we wish they worked).

If you’re an infrequent adventurer: Try the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller , which could almost be an also-great pick under our hybrid pick . It’s cheaper, has a better warranty (but no explicit coverage for airline damage), and is made from recycled materials. However, the overall build quality is wanting. For example, the polycarbonate shell doesn’t fully cover the tubes for the extendable handle as it does with our hybrid pick. It seems an oversight for bags that are built to knock around.

If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, and money is no object: The Vocier C38 Carry-On Luggage is worth a look, despite a few flaws and an $800 price tag. The C38 takes a unique, fold-free approach to packing clothes. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. This packing method creates no creases and therefore no wrinkles. The case is protected by a limited lifetime warranty that doesn’t cover airline damage.

We hope to take a look at the European brand Floyd , which is currently popular on Instagram. At first glance, it’s another piece of luggage looking to appeal to a younger mass audience. But the easy-to-replace polyurethane wheels and bearings—similar to skateboard wheels—do have “user-serviceable parts inside” curb appeal.

We’re currently testing Level8’s Voyageur series of luggage, which features an extra-wide handle. It’s a design trend we’re starting to track with a few lesser-known brands (and, incidentally, a Louis Vuitton case costing several thousand dollars). A wide handle should do two things: It should free up a little more space inside the luggage, and it should improve handling.

Lastly, we’re considering expanding our coverage to include equipment cases like those made by Pelican . Though their appropriate use is very specific, when you need to travel with high-end gear or fragile valuables, Pelican cases more or less set the standard.

Soft-sided carry-on luggage

Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag : We’re generally fans of Cotopaxi’s Allpa line, but this two-wheeled bag falls short. Specifically, the bottom of the bag is split by the zipper, which gives the bag an unstable feeling when it’s standing upright.

Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 4-Wheel 22″ Carry On Luggage : If this bag were about $150 cheaper, it would be a good price for the quality. We like the recycled materials, but the bag lacks framing.

Solo Re:Treat Carry-On Spinner : I appreciate any bag made entirely out of recycled materials, but this model (from a brand owned by the same company that manages Briggs & Riley) felt awfully flimsy. Even with its five-year warranty, I just don’t trust that this bag can go the distance.

Thule Subterra : The clamshell design—similar to the ones you find on hard-sided bags—makes this bag difficult to close if you’re trying to fill it to its full capacity. It just isn’t as easy to use as our soft-sided picks.

Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller : The balance on this bag was decent, and it stood up well unloaded or loaded. Its wheels had a cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter, though, and the abundance of zippers and internal compartments made it tedious to pack.

Tumi Aerotour International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On : At about half the price, this would be a great bag. But paying nearly $700 for a five-year warranty and a bag that doesn’t do nearly as much as a Briggs & Riley suitcase seems a bit silly.

Hard-sided carry-on luggage

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner : This bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for about $90. However, its ABS plastic shell is not as tough as a polycarbonate shell. It’s worth investing more in your luggage—the bag you choose will last longer and work better.

Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On : The Arlo Skye carry-on is a decent piece of luggage, but it’s hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than our pick from Away .

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition : 10 pounds! At this weight, you’ve lost a quarter of your allowable luggage weight to the suitcase alone, unpacked. And it’s nearly as expensive as our upgrade pick, with a much less satisfying compression system.

Briggs & Riley Torq and Sympatico : Though these collections seek to solve a different problem, neither is as impressive as the Baseline series.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage : We preferred sturdier polycarbonate shells over Calpak’s blended ABS polycarbonate shell. Also, the bag’s handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces.

Delsey Rempart Expandable Spinner Carry-On : At just around $200, the Rempart is a decent budget option. However, the external styling (like layers of pressed sheet pans) is an odd choice. It has some practicality, but only if you’re stacking identical Delsey cases one on top of another, which might happen, I suppose, at some point … maybe.

July Carry On : In the lineup between July, Monos, and Away, July falls just short. We appreciate the lifetime warranty, YKK zippers, and flexible but dense-feeling polycarbonate. But the overall design doesn’t do much to improve on the category (as the Monos bag subtly does).

Level8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On 20″ : This is potentially a decent budget pick at just around $200. But the one-year warranty and the somewhat fiddly TSA lock and front latching panel give us pause.

Lojel Cubo Medium : Although we liked the uncommon top-loading design, the internal organization of the lid made packing this carry-on difficult. We also weren’t impressed by the zippered expansion system, which made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks.

Lojel Voja Medium : An odd suitcase, this would be a great children’s suitcase or a budget pick—especially if it were under $200. But its current price is steep for a polypropylene blend with a couple of latches.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Chris Ryan.

Airline policies vary, but a general rule is that the bag must be under 45 linear inches—the total sum of the bag’s length, width, and depth. Here’s the current sizing breakdown among the major US airlines:

Alaska Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
Allegiant Air: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
American Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (the dimensions of soft-sided garment bags are allowed to add up to 51 inches)
Delta Air Lines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
Frontier Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches (and less than 35 pounds)
Hawaiian Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
JetBlue Airways: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
Southwest Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches
Spirit Airlines: 22 by 18 by 10 inches
Sun Country Airlines: 24 by 16 by 11 inches
United Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches

We double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers’ listed volumes by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly 0.5 pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents approximately 2 cubic inches (PDF) . After weighing each piece of luggage three times to establish an average empty weight, we filled the bags as full as we could with Ping-Pong balls and measured the change in weight. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space.

His five-day travel kit included the following:

1 two-piece linen suit on a hanger
1 dress shirt on a hanger
1 pair of jeans
1 pair of khakis
5 medium-weight to lightweight shirts
1 heavy sweater
2 flannel shirts
5 pairs of boxer briefs
5 pairs of sport socks

Her five-day travel kit included the following:

1 dress on a hanger
1 blazer on a hanger
1 blouse on a hanger
1 pair of heels
2 pairs of jeans
1 pair of light sneakers
5 pairs of underwear and 3 bras
1 pair of yoga pants
1 flannel shirt
1 hair dryer
1 curling iron
1 jewelry/makeup kit
3 pairs of sport socks
4 lightweight shirts

You use a garment folder by laying a suit or dress across the panels, folding them into themselves, and zipping up the inner compartment. A folder should be wide enough that a suit isn’t cramped, and it should include hanger straps (which should fit around everything, even larger plastic hangers) to keep things from shifting around too much. Some folding boards have 0.75-inch-diameter foam rolls in them to help prevent creases along the packed clothes’ fold lines. When you aren’t traveling with fancy clothes, you can take the whole apparatus apart and use it as luggage dividers in the main bag itself, or leave it at home, converting the suit/dress compartment into an extra packing cube.

Yeti doesn’t seem to have an easy way to order replaceable wheels. But the 3.5-by-1-inch wheels are fairly common, and we’re looking at the best possible alternatives.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

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Our six choices for best luggage tags displayed on a wooden surface

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The Away Carry-On in front of a pink field, surrounded by a globe, a beige duffel, and some paper cacti.

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The future of travel gear: trackable suitcases, AI-designed makeup, and more

By Martha Ward

One of the best parts of imagining what travel will look like in the future is thinking about all the upgraded gear that'll get us from Points A to B. From smart luggage equipped with bag-tracking technology to sleek, sustainably minded sneakers from a top-tier fashion brand, the gear of tomorrow are worth getting excited about.

Coco-Mat bike's wooden wheels

When a bike breakdown thwarted a cycling trip through the Alps, Greek entrepreneur Paul Efmorfidis began dreaming up a more ergonomic design for one of the greenest forms of transit . In a pioneering circular production model, 50 bikes are made from one ash tree, with a new tree planted for every model sold.

Samsara Luggage's trackable suitcase

It's no longer enough for a suitcase to have a built-in battery. Samsara Luggage's aluminium carry-on is the first to be designed specifically for Apple AirTag , which tracks the case, while its sleek design doubles as a desk for working on the go. A clever debut for the brand's Next Gen Collection.

YSL'S personal lipstick lab

No skin tones or trends are left behind with YSL's Rouge Sur Mesure, which uses AI technology to create 4,000 possible shades. Load the colour cartridges, connect to the app, and mix your colour of choice.

Victorinox's retooled Swiss Army knife

Ever since it was invented as a pocket tool for soldiers 125 years ago, the Swiss Army knife has had a reputation as the ultimate gadget for intrepid explorers. To celebrate its anniversary, Victorinox issued a limited-edition replica of the famous knife , updated with contemporary materials like vulcanized fiber scales for added indestructibility.

Louis Vuitton's eco-friendly sneakers

Trainers are a staple of any frequent flier's wardrobe, but the amount of plastic and carbon involved in the manufacturing process makes them especially damaging to the environment. Enter Louis Vuitton 's first unisex eco-trainer, the Charlie. Made of 90-percent recycled and bio-based materials, including corn, they're a step in the right direction for luxury footwear.

Styled by Florrie Thomas. Art Direction by Paula Ellis.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article appeared in the October 2022 issue of Condé Nast Traveller, and was originally published on Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

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The Future of Luggage: Is Your Suitcase High-Tech?

Related to:.

If you're still wheeling around the same luggage you bought 5 years ago, get ready to have your mind blown. Luggage innovation has come a long way, baby. Today suitcases and carry-ons can weigh themselves, feature GPS tracking capability, and even have charging stations built into them. Plus, dig a little deeper and you'll find luggage whose sales strengthen good, sustainable causes.

Available in June 2016, The Trunkster will be sold as both luggage and carry on. The bag has a zipperless design, and is water resistant, as well as drop and impact resistant -- a bonus for travelers who have had their belongings damaged by careless luggage attendants. Business travelers will appreciate the built-in battery pack, and the bag also features a digital scale (so you'll never be over the weight limit on flights) and an optional location tracking device, so you'll never deal with lost luggage headaches.

Photo by: Trunkster

Bluesmart Carry On

The Blusmart Carry On takes traveler's high-tech needs into consideration with an array of features. First, GPS location tracking lets you know where your luggage is at any moment, a built-in scale means you'll never pay for heavy bags again, the digital lock keeps your worldly goods secure, and a built-in battery charger keeps your devices running for hours.

Photo by: Bluesmart

Energi+ Backpack

Photo by: Tylt

This durable, TSA-approved backpack by Tylt has plenty of room for clothes and personal items, with over 1,500 cubic inches of storage space. Of course, it also packs some serious power with a 10,400mAh removable battery that can charge your smartphone, tablet and e-reader simultaneously. The backpack even includes charging pass-thrus to 7 of its 13 specialized compartments, so your device cords won't get tangled. A full-length zipper pocket on the front of the bag gives you easy access to airline tickets or passports, and a hidden trolley slot on the back lets you easily attach it to rolling suitcases.

Away Luggage Carry On

The Away carry-on features a built-in 10,000 mAh battery with 2 USB ports that can charge devices up to 5 times during travel. Other unique features include a removable, washable laundry bag underneath a patent-pending compression system, water-resistant YKK zippers, and 360-degree Hinomoto spinner wheels, and more. Founded in 2015 by former Warby Parker executives, Away works directly with manufacturers to offer products made from best-in-class materials with thoughtfully-integrated technology.

Photo by: Away Luggage

Away Luggage

Founded in 2015 by former Warby Parker executives, Away works directly with manufacturers to offer products made from best-in-class materials with thoughtfully-integrated technology.

Scrubba Wash Pack

When travelers need to wash clothes on the road, it often becomes a headache involving bathroom sinks, tubs and an enormous mess. The Scrubba Wash Pack eliminates that struggle. This unusual backpack doubles as a wash bag, and features a flexible internal washboard with hundreds of resilient nodules. You can fill the bag with cleaning liquid and water, expel the air for approximately 3 minutes, and voila! Remove your clothes, and hang to dry. The bag's adjustable straps allows you to wear it as a backpack or messenger-style sling bag. Plus it features a waist strap and easy-access pockets on the shoulder straps and pouch, plus an abrasion-resistant back panel for added durability.

Photo by: Scrubba Wash Pack

Though not luggage, LugLoc is worth a mention for saving travelers from undue stress. Losing a piece of luggage can quickly spoil an entire trip. Enter LugLoc Luggage Locator, a device that allows you to track the location of luggage from a smartphone anywhere in the world. LugLoc uses Bluetooth and GSM technology to keep tabs on bags, and is FAA, TSA and FCC compliant. The device turns itself off automatically when in flight or in continuous motion. LugLoc runs on a battery charged through the USB port, and will last for 15 days fully charged.

Photo by: LugLoc

Barracuda Luggage is the self-proclaimed world's first fully collapsible hardside carry-on. The bag also offers high-tech travelers a built in laptop tray, a battery pack for charging devices, a digital scale so you know if you've reached weight limits, and an optional location tracking module so your bag never gets lost. The bag became available for sale this April.

Photo by: Barracuda

The Anchal Project's Weekender

We love the Anchal Project, a nonprofit social enterprise that addresses the exploitation of women around the world by creating employment opportunities, services and products that support female empowerment. The Weekender is one of those product's -- a one-of-a-kind bag made from layers of vintage saris held together by a traditional kantha stitch. Each sari has been transformed into vibrant and unified textiles using natural dyes such as indigo, while leaving traces of the original sari pattern below. This carry-on compliant bag is lined with a sturdy cotton canvas and can be rolled or folded for convenient storage and packing. For every bag purchased, the artisans who craft them are empowered through economic stability, confidence and restoration of self-worth.

Photo by: Anchal Project

Anchal Project

We love the Anchal Project , a nonprofit social enterprise that addresses the exploitation of women around the world by creating employment opportunities, services and products that support female empowerment. The Weekender is one of those product's -- a one-of-a-kind bag made from layers of vintage saris held together by a traditional kantha stitch. Each sari has been transformed into vibrant and unified textiles using natural dyes such as indigo, while leaving traces of the original sari pattern below. This carry-on compliant bag is lined with a sturdy cotton canvas and can be rolled or folded for convenient storage and packing. For every bag purchased, the artisans who craft them are empowered through economic stability, confidence and restoration of self-worth.

Ebby Rane's Quartermaster

Ebby Rane Quartermaster

The Quartermaster by Ebby Rane

Photo by: Ebby Rane

New luxury travel brand, Ebby Rane, has developed a suitcase that doubles as personal valet and even includes a buttery-smooth Italian leather clutch handbag. The carry-on sized Quartermaster features 10 gold-stamped accessory cases as well as the stylish 1887 Clutch bag. The bag's patented interior packing system includes cases or bags for your shoes, undergarments, liquids, dirty laundry and more.

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TechBullion

Navigating tomorrow: the evolution of travel tech from smart suitcases to beyond.

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the travel industry is not left behind. As we propel into the future, the integration of smart technology is reshaping the way we experience travel. One fascinating aspect of this transformation is the advent of smart suitcases, but the innovation doesn’t stop there. Let’s delve into the exciting realm of travel tech and explore what lies beyond the confines of our sleek, intelligent travel companions.

The Rise of Smart Suitcases:

Smart suitcases, equipped with cutting-edge technology, have become a game-changer in the travel industry. These modern marvels go beyond their traditional counterparts, offering a plethora of features designed to enhance convenience and security. From built-in GPS trackers that help you keep tabs on your luggage to USB charging ports for your devices, these suitcases seamlessly blend style with functionality.

One noteworthy feature of these smart suitcases is their ability to weigh themselves , sparing travelers from the hassle of stepping onto conventional scales in crowded airports. This not only streamlines the check-in process but also ensures that you never exceed weight limits, avoiding those pesky excess baggage fees.

Moreover, smart suitcases often come with a mobile app that allows users to lock and unlock their luggage remotely. This not only adds an extra layer of security but also provides a handy solution for those moments when you forget whether you locked your suitcase or not.

Beyond Smart Suitcases:

The future unveiled:.

While smart suitcases have undoubtedly revolutionized the way we approach travel, the future promises even more exciting advancements. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is set to redefine our travel experiences.

Moreover, the future of travel tech envisions luggage that goes beyond being a mere storage unit. Smart suitcases with climate-controlled compartments could ensure that delicate items, such as medications or electronics, are kept at optimal temperatures throughout the journey.

Biometric technology is another frontier that holds immense potential for the future of travel. Imagine a suitcase that only opens for its rightful owner, authenticated through fingerprint or retina scans. This not only adds an unparalleled level of security but also eliminates the need for physical keys or combination locks.

Environmental Sustainability in Travel Tech:

As we explore the future of travel tech, it’s crucial to consider the environmental impact of these innovations. Sustainable travel is gaining traction, and the tech industry is responding with eco-friendly solutions. Smart suitcases and future travel tech are likely to incorporate materials that are not only durable and lightweight but also environmentally conscious.

Additionally, the implementation of energy-efficient technologies, such as solar-powered charging panels on suitcases, could reduce the reliance on conventional power sources. This eco-friendly approach aligns with the global shift towards sustainable practices in all aspects of life, including travel.

Challenges and Considerations:

While the future of travel tech holds immense promise, it’s essential to address potential challenges and considerations. Privacy concerns surrounding the use of personal data for AI-powered features must be carefully navigated. Striking a balance between convenience and protecting users’ sensitive information will be crucial in fostering trust in these technologies.

Furthermore, standardization across different brands and models will be essential to ensure seamless integration and compatibility. As travel tech continues to evolve, industry-wide collaboration and adherence to common standards will facilitate a more cohesive and user-friendly experience for travelers.

Conclusion:

The future of travel tech is a thrilling journey into uncharted territories. From the convenience of smart suitcases to the limitless possibilities offered by AI and IoT, the landscape of travel is undergoing a paradigm shift. As we embrace these technological advancements, it’s crucial to stay mindful of environmental sustainability and address potential challenges. The evolving intersection of travel and technology promises a future where our journeys are not only seamless and secure but also environmentally conscious and enriching. So, fasten your seatbelts, as we embark on a voyage into the future of travel tech, where innovation knows no bounds.

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Techy Luggage: The Next Wave of Suitcases, Carry-Ons, and Travel Backpacks

by Paul @ Travel is Life | Sep 5, 2017 | Gear , Tech , Travel Buyer Guides | 0 comments

Techy Luggage: The Future of Suitcases, Carry-Ons, and Travel Backpacks

Hey traveler, while you’re here join my friends list to get all the perks I offer at Travel is Life.

I love to travel and I also love technology, so I often write about areas where the two worlds meet. During my ongoing search for new and exciting travel technology , I've come across a number of techy suitcases and travel bags – some of which solve big problems – and others which are just cool. I'll let you be the judge of that though. Enjoy my list of 16 Techy Bags, Suitcases, Backpacks, & Carry-Ons that are redefining what luggage can do for a traveler.

Bluesmart One – GPS Luggage w/ Battery Pack

First on the list is the Bluesmart One and soon to be Bluesmart Series 2 (pictured) series which is on the way. What started out as a crowdfunding campaign by Alejo Verlini and Diego Saez Gil spawned a new wave of smart luggage technology. Bluesmart describes itself as a technology company that develops Internet-connected travel products as opposed to a luggage brand. The Bluesmart One is 3G + GPS equipped so you can track your bag anywhere in the world in winds up. It's got a built-in scale on the handle so you can weigh the contents via the phone app. And a digital remote lock that you can lock/unlock using your phone. The second generation – which is coming soon – comes in four forms: a Cabin, a Check, a Laptop Bag, and a Passport Pouch which are all connected by the app and feature location tracking, superchargers, digital locking, weight sensors, and a handful of other techy treats.

Buy Bluesmart One | Watch Video | Fund Series 2

Modobag – The World's First Rideable Luggage

This next one might belong in our futuristic vehicles article as much as it it does here on our techy luggage list. The Modobag , or as they like to say, The Carry-On That Carries You , is a part-suitcase part-gokart carry-on bag that you actually sit on and ride through the airport! I swear that if when I get one of these things I'm going to race everyone and everything I can through the airport next time I travel by plane. Heck, with its 8 mph top speed and 15 minute charge time (for 80% charge, one hour for 100%), I might just ride it around town! Aside from making you the happiest traveler in the airport, the Modobag comes fully equipped with a gaggle of smart features like USB outputs for charging your devices, a crush proof laptop compartment, and like the Bluesmart carry-ons, the Modobags also have built-in GPS so you can track your bag wherever it rides off to.

Buy Modobag | Watch Video

Chairpak – The Original Backpack Chair

Chair-Pak At The Beach - Combination Book Bag Chair

Let's not forget that the definition of TECHNOLOGY is the practical application of knowledge to solve problems – and that doesn't necessarily have to include a battery or a smartphone app. This next backpack slash chair slash lazy traveler's dream bag is called the Chair-Pak and it utilizes neither electricity nor Bluetooth to solve the age old problem of where do I sit? The Chair-Pak was created by Les Ammann after seeing a bicyclist crash while trying to carry bags and folding chairs to the beach. So he got to work with some PVC pipe and a backpack, married the two in a common court of law probably somewhere in Vermont, and the rest is history.

Buy Chairpak | Watch Video

Barracuda – Sleek, Smart, & Collapsible Luggage

Barracuda Carry-On Bag With Built-In Laptop Tray

Next up we've got Barracuda , a smart collapsible bag that will satisfy your tech luggage needs when you need it and not take up much space when you don't. This GPS-digital-scale-battery-pack-equipped collapsible smart suitcase (did I miss anything?) adds an extra level of style and function to the carry-on luggage scene with its oversized rounded handle, integrated laptop tray, and bold color options. And if that's not enough, it also comes with laundry and shoe bags. A classy functional bag for business travelers. Plus it collapses and folds down to fit into small spaces when not in use.

Barracuda Collapsible Smart Bags with GPS and Digital Scale

Buy Barracuda | Watch Video

G-Ro – Revolutionary Carry-On Luggage

This next Kickstarter-launched suitcase looks like it could be a Segway with its big gyroscopic looking wheels but it's actually an all-terrain rolling carry-on bag. And it's smart too. The G-Ro features 2 USB charging ports and one DC outlet, GPS tracking, TSA locks, an exterior laptop pocket, and of course its signature durable oversized wheels. Founded in 2010 by industrial designer Netta Shalgi and strategist Ken Hertz, the company behind the G-Ro, Travel-Light LTD, was established with a focus on creating a luggage that meets the traveling challenges of the 21st Century.

Buy G-Ro – $50 off coupon | Watch Video

Floatti – A Smarter Suitcase For Happier Travelers

Next up is the Floatti – successfully backed on Indigogo in May 2016 – and according to their updates is currently in production. Like many crowdfunding campaigns, Floatti experienced delays, but the creators have stayed in communication throughout the process and have taken it with stride. It's all part of the process and good things are worth waiting for. Feature for feature, the Floatti offers many of the same things as other luggage profiled on this list such as GPS tracking, a built-in digital scale, and a battery pack for cell phone and laptop charging – but they also add a few more features and put added emphasis into the suitcase design. Some of their proprietary features include a Smart Handle which you can use to make phone calls, send text messages, or check maps from your phone, among other things. It also comes with its own cube packing system specially designed to maximize space efficiency within the Floatti. Its detachable charger won't cause any issues at the airport security line if you need to quickly remove the battery, and its advanced tracking system will notify you as soon as your bag is in range if you decide to ship it through. With attention to details, like a patented handbag docking station for securing your other bags to your suitcase, the Floatti is worth checking out and hopefully available for sale to the public soon.

Buy Floatti | Watch Video

Trunkster – The World’s First and Only Rolltop Suitcase

Originally funded on both Kickstarter and Indigogo in Sep 2018 and later seen on Shark Tank , the Trunkster considers itself Luggage Reimagined , and to be fair, I've never seen another bag like it before. The big design revolution with Trunkster is its zipperless entryway rolltop door that lets you instantly access your belongings without having to find a place for the typical oversized suitcase flap. Aside from the easy access, Trunkster also boasts a removable battery, integrated scale, GPS tracking, and an oversized wide handle for added maneuverability.

Buy Trunkster – $20 off coupon | Watch Video

Planet Traveler SC1 – World's Smartest Suitcase

From Planet Traveler USA comes the SC1 , dubbed the World's Smartest Suitcase . But after seeing the other smart suitcases on this list, you can be the judge of that. I will say though – it's pretty darn smart – and could probably beat me at a spelling bee. In addition to some of the typical smart luggage features you've grown accustomed to having like GPS tracking and an integrated digital scale, the SC1 also features a biometric finger print unlock system, a built-in Bluetooth speaker, an anti-theft alert system, and a smart battery that'll last up to 225 hours on a charge. And as an added bonus – it looks like the type of luggage James Bond would carry – if not his arch nemesis.

Buy SC1 – $50 Off Coupon | Watch Video

Solgaard Lifepack – And Coming Soon: The Hustle Collection

The Lifepack by Solgaard was designed for the business traveler with a built-in solar panel / power bank / Bluetooth speaker. It also features a few anti-theft measures like hidden pockets, anti-cut straps, and a secure locking point. The Lifepack was successfully launched in Indigogo in 2016 and now the company is crowdfunding again for their Hustle Collection , which is their new series of business bags created based on customer feedback of the Lifepack. The new series features two new bag styles, a streamlined bag design, a bigger power pack, and an included steel locking cable. The Hustle Collection was successfully funded in Aug 2017 and is on track for December delivery.

Buy Lifepack | Watch Video

Flak Sack – Theft Resistant Drawstring Backpack

Here's a bag that tries to solve the problem of where do I put my stuff while I'm _______? The company behind the Flak Sack , LocTote Industrial Bag Co., explain their invention as Pull it, lock it and leave it. It’s that simple. The patent-pending steel reinforced locking strap and heavy-duty solid brass lock enable you to lock your bag shut, and to a fixed object — making it virtually impossible to pilfer or steal without extreme force or heavy tools. The Flak Sack is built from a proprietary blend of slash proof polyethylene and it's water resistant too. I wonder who's put this bag to the test? I'm going to put $10k in it, lock it to a fence in New York City, and come back in a year. The bag might still be intact, but something tells me the fence will be missing!

Flak Sack Theft Resistant Drawstring Backpack Features

Buy Flak Sack | Watch Video

Code 10 Bags – World’s Most Versatile Lockable Waterproof Backpacks

Now here's a bag I could've used while traveling the Philippines! The Code 10 Bag is a completely waterproof book bag as you can see from the photo above. No laptops were harmed in the making of that photo. It's also designed to deter against pickpockets with its roll down flap that makes it impossible for thieves to access the zip when you’re wearing the bag. It comes with a removable laptop sleeve just in case you don't want to bring your electronic gear into the ocean with you and a handful of other smart features like an included RFID safe travel wallet, a hidden strap system, and hidden pockets.

Buy Code 10 Bags | Watch Video

The Nomatic Travel Bag – The Most Functional Travel Bag Ever

This next bag gets a 5/5 Wow Review because I can't believe how much functional design went into the creation of The Nomatic Travel Bag – and soon to be Nomatic Travel Backpack and Travel Pack – including multiple compartments for water bottles, laptops, books, cords, sunglasses, and valuables. Honestly, you're just going to have to click over and take a look for yourself because I can't list them all here. What started out as the most successful travel bag Kickstarter of all time has evolved into a new line of travel bags created for everyday use based on the feedback of their customers. The Nomatic Travel Bag is available for sale on their website and the Nomatic Backpack and Travel Pack are currently available on Indiegogo and scheduled to be delivered in December. I currently TRY to utilize my Case Logic daily backpack in the way that these bags were designed, but you'll quickly see why it's no substitute for the Nomatic Backpack.

Buy Nomatic Bag | Fund Indigogo | Watch Video

Cowarobot R1 – The First and Only Robotic Suitcase

Here's an autonomous suitcase that follows you around while you walk! It moves up to 4.5 mph, is designed to avoid obstacles, and even features a “Find Me” mode like KITT from Knight Rider. I can't tell you how many times I've had this exact idea while I'm lugging my bags through the city, and to my surprise, someone has actually brought the idea to life! The Cowarobot R1 was funded on Indiegogo in Sep 2016 and is currently in production to be delivered to backers. In addition to its autonomous travel, the suitcase also has a host of other smart features like a power bank, GPS tracking, and password protected locking system. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information on the website about how non-backers can purchase one at the moment, but I'm thinking that the information will be revealed once the suitcase is available to the public.

Check Out R1 | Watch Video

Bobby – The Best Anti-Theft Backpack

Here's another anti-theft bag made from cut-proof material and designed with hidden zipper closures and secret pockets to keep your belongings safe – this time in the form of a backpack and soon to be Business Briefcase Backpack . The original Bobby was Kickstarted in April 2016 and is now available for sale to the public and the briefcase version aka: Bobby Bizz (pictured) has been successfully funded on Indiegogo and is expected to be delivered in Oct 2017. The name comes from the well-known nickname for the London Police Force that was created in early 1800s, characterized by the round top police hats.

Buy Bobby | Pre-Order Bobby Bizz | Watch Video

ECEEN – Solar Powered Backpack

Bags with battery packs are convenient and helpful, but what do you do when the juice runs out and you're far from an electricity source? ECEEN solves that problem with their line of solar paneled bags including this ECEEN Backpack that comes with a 7W solar panel and 10000mAh power bank that can be used to recharge your mobile phone and small electronics on the go. And hopefully in a few years as solar panel technology improves, they'll come out with a series of bags that I'll be able to hook it up to my Tesla and recharge that too!

ECEEN Solar Panel Backpack Front and Back

Coocoon Grid-It!® Bags

Last but not least from Cocoon comes an innovative way to organize your bag's belongings via their patent pending Grid-It!® system. I remember reading about this bag when it first came out in 2009 and thinking how great of an idea it was, but at the time I wasn't traveling very much so I didn't splurge. The idea has since withstood the test of time and the company Cocoon Innovations now offers a whole line of backpacks , messenger bags , laptop cases , and standalone organization grids . Many new bag brands have entered the market since the Grid-It!® was created but Cocoon continues to evolve and expand their line of unique organization bags.

Cocoon GridIt System Interior Laptop Bag

Buy Cocoon Backpack | Watch Video

So what'd I miss? What techy luggage should I either add to this list or put into a Part 2 of this article? Drop a comment below or e-mail [email protected] . And be sure to share this post with your travel friends who are looking for new and innovative ways to pack their bags and get the heck out of here!

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Paul @ Travel is Life

The Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested & Reviewed By Our Editors

By Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Carry-ons are arguably the piece of luggage travelers pull out most often, whether it's the only bag coming on a weekend trip or used in tandem with a checked suitcase. It also spends the most time with us in transit, which means the functionality is even more important: Are your belongings easy to get to if you need to retrieve something while waiting at your gate? Is there a space to stash whatever item you remember on your way out the door? These are a few of the things Traveler editors considered when sifting through the seemingly endless options on the market. We set out to find the best of the best—bags that are lightweight but still sturdy, have enough space to house clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories, and will hold up for many trips to come. After months of testing, these are the pieces we've deemed the best carry-on luggage of 2023.

What we considered:

When testing out carry-on luggage, we asked editors and contributors to consider several factors: How light a bag was on its own, how much it could fit, whether the design and organizational factors were helpful (and aesthetically pleasing), how well it held up in transit, how easy or difficult it is to roll and pick up, whether it's worth the price point, and if there are any unique features that set it apart from other carry-on suitcases or bags they've used.

This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler' s first-ever Luggage Week , for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.

What size can a carry-on bag be?

It depends on which airline you're flying with, but typically, dimensions are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high for domestic airlines (Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines adhere to these figures; American Airlines allows for an extra inch of height, while and Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines's max is 24" x 16" x 10" and Spirit Airlines's allotment is 22" x 18" x 10"). Some airlines provide a single number; dimensions must add up to that number or below to be considered compliant.

International airlines tend to have slightly different size requirements; 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" is typical, but here are some exact specifications by airline:

Air Canada: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9"
Air France: 21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8"
British Airways: 22" x 18" x 10"
Emirates: 21.6" x 15" x 8.6"
Lufthansa: 21.6" x 15.7" x 9"
Qatar Airways: 20" x 15" x 10"
Singapore Airlines: 45 total inches

What can’t I take in my carry-on?

Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are not allowed in your carry-on. Additionally, firearms and other potentially hazardous items are prohibited. Check TSA's website for specific items you may have questions about.

Are carry-on bags free?

Again, it depends on which you're flying with and what kind of ticket you purchase. These airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item), regardless of what level ticket you bought:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines

While these airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item) to all travelers except those who purchased a base fare:

United Airlines

Top recommendations:

Best overall carry-on: Paravel The Aviator Carry-On
Best lightweight carry-on: July Carry-On Light
Best budget carry-on: Béis The Carry-On Roller
Best expandable carry-on: Away Carry-On Flex
Best softside carry-on: Travelpro Platinum Elite softside spinner

Weight: 8.2 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Glides smoothly even when fully packed, unique look and feel Cons: No external phone charger included, could use an interior pocket along the length of the bag

Luggage brand Paravel has built a dedicated following thanks to its retro Wes Anderson–style designs and use of sustainable materials. The Aviator Carry-On is no different: Available in shades like scout tan, safari green, and scuba navy, it has a recycled polycarbonate shell, recycled zippers, and an interior lining made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles. It's a favorite of senior editor Megan Spurrell : “This is one of two carry-on roller bags I have used regularly for nearly three years—we’ve traveled everywhere from Lisbon to Mexico City to Los Angeles together.” Spurrell has used it for weeklong trips, and notes that it's still in good shape after years of use: “It has definitely gotten scratched up from being thrown into the hull of planes (I have checked it before, even though it’s carry-on), but it has held up well otherwise—there are no cracks in the shell, zipper issues despite how much I have stuffed it, nor sticky wheels.” The one minor flaw: The top handle placement is a bit counterintuitive, placed on the side of the suitcase further from your body.

Weight: 8.36 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 16" x 10"

Pros: Comfortable handle, fairly easy to clean Cons: Although the beige color is incredibly pretty, it gets dirty very quickly; I would recommend a darker color

With a pretty, ribbed design and thoughtful features like a cushioned silicone grip on the handle, you wouldn't guess this is one of the most affordable suitcases on our list. It's been tested by commerce producer Paris Wilson , who used it to pack for her and her boyfriend on a weeklong trip to the Florida Keys; with the help of the expandable zipper, it fit at least 14 outfits as well as four pairs of shoes and two purses. The wheels have stood up to bumpy roads—“We live in downtown Manhattan where cobblestone streets are a staple and we still managed to make it to the subway without any hangups”—and the included pouches come in handy for dirty clothes or even souvenirs. “I’m tempted to buy the remaining luggage to create a set; I would recommend this to anyone who's interested in building their luggage collection but might not know where to start.”

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Durable wheels, easy to lift, compression straps Cons: Because of its size, it may be checked on smaller planes or flagged to be checked on planes at full capacity

Away recently upgraded a few of its core suitcases, including The Bigger Carry-On. Updates include an additional zipper compartment, a color-matched interior made of recycled polyester, and an underside grab handle for easy overhead bin lifting. Tested by editorial assistant Jessica Chapel , who has taken it on a flight to New Mexico, a bus ride to New Jersey, and in cars on weekend trips from New York, it's one of the lighter bags on the list at under eight pounds. Compared to her previous suitcase, “It does wonders. Prior to this luggage I often traveled with a checked bag. I can fit almost as much in this suitcase, and it's way more practical—and feels more swift, given the 360-degree wheels.”

Weight: 3.9 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 14" × 7.5"

Pros: I enjoy the ease with which you can move this piece of luggage around; it feels very zippy Cons: The telescopic handle sometimes sticks

July calls this the lightest double-wheel suitcase in the world, and it is the lightest we've tested here at Traveler at just under four pounds when empty. Research director Alexandra Sanidad has brought it on planes to Phoenix, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon, and on an Amtrak to Woodstock, New York; she says “it's very cute and fits nicely in tight spaces,” and is a “good price for a sturdy, colorful, functional suitcase.” As for what it fits, light packers can fit a week’s worth of clothing in here; if you’re bringing multiple day and night outfits, plan for a weekend’s worth.

Weight: 11.1 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 16" x 9"

Pros: Extremely functional and stylish, glides smoothly even when full Cons : It’s a little large for a carry-on; I've had to check it twice so far

Tumi bags are an investment—at over $1,000, this is one of the priciest bags on our list of the best carry-on luggage—but for frequent business travelers or those looking for a lifelong investment piece, it might be the bag for you. It's gone with former Traveler editor Alex Erdekian on trips to Mexico, Italy and France, a bachelorette party at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, and Boston. She calls it “the most beautiful suitcase I’ve owned,” and appreciates the “zipper expansion that drastically increases the depth of the suitcase,” as well as the “sneaky zipper around the front that allows you to pull out clothes quickly.” It is one of the heavier bags on the list, though, and Erdekian says she's had difficulty lifting it overhead when full. Also of note: It comes with a five-year warranty, and can be customized with a monogram or set of “pop of color” accessories.

Weight: 6.53 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 15" x 9.5"

Pros: Budget-friendly, very lightweight Cons: Since its design is pretty plain, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing suitcase on our list

This hardside carry-on with spinner wheels and a built-in TSA lock has racked up rave reviews on Amazon, like this one: “It fit an odd amount of stuff in it. It's like a clown car. It has compartments and zippers that keep things separate and organized. It holds up well and is really good looking. It's absolutely worth every penny. I'm purchasing more for the rest of the family.” Traveler editor Meaghan Kenny agrees, calling it an overpacker's dream bag. The hardside spinner comes in black, navy, bright blue, and orange.

Weight: 8.1 lbs. Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10.3"

Pros: The front zipper is such a plus, with lots of sections for organizing Cons: The color range isn’t huge—I wish they alternated in more shades

This Arlo Skye zipper-front suitcase has gone on many trips with Spurrell —she alternates between this and a Paravel carry-on, and this one has been to Peru, upstate New York, and Montauk: “I take it as a carry-on for most flights—from weekend trips to weeklong getaways—because it’s surprisingly roomy, with an organized front pocket that I can easily stow essentials like my laptop, book, and magazines in.” Sleek yet durable, it comes with a removable charger (boasting both USB C and USB A ports), two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a cotton storage cover. The aesthetics are a plus, too: “I love the design of this bag—it feels like a reliable, sleek rolling bag, with design you’ll never get tired of.”

Weight: 7.8 lbs. Dimensions: 23.5" x 14.5" x 9"

Pros: Expandable design, multiple exterior pockets Cons: Some travelers may prefer a clamshell opening; may be too large for some international flights

Every inch counts—especially if you're traveling with just a carry-on—and softside luggage offers a little more give than hard-shell bags. This expandable pick has a telescopic handle, spinner wheels for easy gliding, and an external USB port for charging your devices. It's earned an “Amazon's Choice” distinction thanks to its consistently high reviews and competitive pricing (its larger size, which has many similar internal features, is a favorite of former Traveler editor Louis Cheslaw). The suitcase is available in several shades (including black, Bordeaux, and true navy) and three carry-on sizes (19-, 20-, and 21-inches).

Weight: 8.15 lbs. Dimensions: 21.7" x 13.7" x 9"

Pros: Expandable, easy to roll Cons: Scuffs easily, no exterior pockets

Go one step further, space-wise, with this expandable suitcase, which gives you an additional 2.25" of packing space when needed. Traveler 's global associate director of audience development Lara Kramer has used this bag for trips as long as a week (including a trip to London ), and noted how smoothly it rolled across almost any surface, thanks to its 360-degree spinner wheels. “The joy of this luggage is its simplicity,” she says. “It's a pretty straightforward design, but what it does, it does very well: glide smoothly and easily with its 360-degree spinner wheels and provide the luxury of expanding to add more room if needed. Between my husband and I, one of us is always snagging it as our main carry-on.” Kramer recommends choosing a unique color for your bag, or adding your favorite sticker to the outer hard shell to help it stand out, and notes the inevitable scuffs can look pretty jarring against the black colorway.

Weight: 12.5 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Very easy to store, even in small places; soft handle grip Cons: Expandable mechanism can be tricky to lock into place

The designers at Béis knew what they were doing when they built this soft-sided expandable carry-on , a favorite of senior commerce editor Madison Flager . It's a big space saver for people with minimal closet or storage space, and yet still fits plenty when expanded—enough for a long weekend to five-day trips. An exterior front pocket holds a laptop sleeve, pocket to place a portable charger (and a small hole to slip the charging cord through), plus a key clip. Smooth-rolling wheels and a soft hand cushion on the underside of the handle are great touches, too.

Weight: 7.16 lbs. Dimensions: 21.5" x 14" x 9"

Pros: Responsive handle, very lightweight Cons: No exterior pockets for added storage

Lightweight with a rugged exterior, frequent traveler Patrick Thompson noted that this bag “seems like it would hold up to the hustle and bustle of an airport, getting jammed into an overhead compartment, and any excessive packing into the trunk of a car.” He's been using it regularly for over a year, bringing it on trips as long as two weeks (Argentina and Italy), as well as long weekend trips to Utah, Georgia, and Florida, and while it has gotten scuffed, it's still in good shape, and is a bag he'd recommend to other travelers. “I love the color and that it's very lightweight. I find it to be easily rollable when traveling.” While there is “a stealth pocket on the top corner that holds smaller items, which can be very useful and convenient while trudging through the airport,” he hasn't often utilized the front exterior zipper, which is meant for easy access to the main compartment, and would prefer another exterior pocket in place of it.

Weight: 10 lbs. Dimensions: 20" x 14" x 7.9"

Pros: Built-in garment folder, interior compression system, exterior pockets Cons: Doesn't roll as easily when full

Senior features editor Rebecca Misner calls this suitcase “a professional travelers’ dream carry-on: very sturdy, and full of bells and whistles that actually make packing easier.” Briggs & Riley's signature expansion system allows travelers to press a button and pull up on a lever in the main compartment to expand the suitcase sides vertically. “Once you’re packed and zipped, you just push down on the exterior sides to compress.” Other notable features include mesh interior pockets, a built-in garment folder with a foam roll bar that keeps clothes from wrinkling, and unassuming SpeedThu pocket pockets on the exterior made to fit a passport and boarding pass—with a bright orange lining that signals when the pocket is open (meaning your important docs are at risk).

Weight: 9.9 lbs. Dimensions: 14" x 22" x 9.5" Pros: Keeps dress clothes wrinkle-free, exterior pocket to hold documents or other small items Cons: May not be large enough to be your only suitcase on a trip

Heading to a wedding or business trip ? Kramer vouches for this compact Travelpro garment bag. “The lay-flat garment bag design is the real gem of this carry-on. It holds way more than you think—and arriving with all of your dresses and shirts wrinkle-free is a huge game changer.” The durable nylon fabric, made with a Duraguard coating, is a bonus, too.

Weight: 7.9 lbs. Dimensions: 22.8" x 9.4" x 15"

Pros: Smooth-rolling wheels, built-in phone charger, antimicrobial lining Cons: Scratched easily on first use

Tested by destinations editor Shannon McMahon , who prefers to travel with expandable hard-side spinners, this one stands out for “its super roomy packing capacity and its smooth-rolling wheels.” It's become her go-to carry-on after first using it for a four-day getaway last year with room to spare ( even after buying souvenirs ). Smart features of the utilitarian bag include a built-in phone charger, zippered laundry compartment, oversized mesh organizational pockets, and antimicrobial lining. The exterior scratched surprisingly easily on that first trip, but beyond that it hasn't seen much damage: “It's not a fight against scratches on the outside like I thought it would be, it seems like it was just a first-use thing.” The bag's biggest pros: Its packing power and its ultra-lightweight—“it's light as a feather when empty,” McMahon says.

Weight: 6.06 lbs. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" Pros: Wheels smoothly, easy to carry around Cons: Laptop sleeve doesn't fit much else, so if not using it, feels like an unnecessary use of space

Frequent traveler Katie Thompson has been using this suitcase for over a year, bringing it to Italy, Argentina, Florida, upstate New York, and Savannah, and calls it “an organizer's dream.” The Samsonite carry-on is loaded with zip pockets and mesh nets to give every item its own place. Thompson says it “can comfortably fit a week's worth of clothing if you are a light packer, but is probably best for a weekend trip,” and notes it rolls easily and in all directions. Another perk: The hardshell exterior has built in patterns that help to hide any scratches, though it has gotten some scuffs with time. Overall, it is “sleek, unique, and compact,” though overall storage is on the smaller side: “The additional pockets on the top side make the inside smaller,” Thompson says. “It fits less than my previous carry-on, but I still managed 10 days in Italy with it.”

Weight: 8.25 lbs. Dimensions: 21" x 13.5" x 9.5" Pros: Front pocket for last-minute items, plenty of interior compartments Cons: Limited color options, no expansion

Hard-shell bags with a front pocket are few and far between, but this Calpak bag makes a strong case for it. Executive editor Erin Florio says she “actually [looks] forward to packing this thing;” while she was worried about its size at first glance, after traveling with it, she says smart packers could pack for up to 10 days with it. “The inner compartments make it really easy to organize all your items, from shoes to laundry to toiletries, which helps you fit in more,” she says. As for that exterior pocket, it can fit a laptop, hardcover book, and magazines.

Weight: 6.3 lbs. Dimensions: 23" H x 14.5" W x 9.5" D Pros: Lightweight and fits a lot of clothing including shoes Cons: Hard to lift when heavy. Also hard to clean/get scuffs out

Recommended by associate social media manager Kayla Brock , this expandable carry-on has a mesh zip compartment and zip-lock compartments inside, which make organizing clothes, accessories, and toiletries easy. She has brought it to North Dakota, Europe, New York, Zanzibar, Seattle, Jamaica, Chicago, Colorado, and the Cayman Islands, packing for as long as three weeks with it (though in winter time, it's better suited for weekend trips). “Although it originally looks like my clothes wouldn’t fit (I’m guilty of overpacking), the suitcase closed with ease,” Brock says. In the year-plus that she's been using it, it has gotten some scuffs and discoloration on certain parts of the body, and the zippers have bent a little; however, Brock still strongly recommends it: “Out of all the suitcases I have this is my absolute favorite and without a doubt the one that I take with me on a trip.”

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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7 Best Starbucks Decaf Drinks

The 7 best psychologist wordpress themes of 2024, 10 best payment gateways: easy setup in 2024, the best walks on the south coast for a scenic wander, 14 best vegetable oil substitutes, i let my son resolve a conflict on his own and it was the best, i found the best entryway upgrades on wayfair – and it’s already been marked down, the uk’s best-loved design products, 7 best movies about missing persons, best 410 ammo for a taurus judge: home defense special delivery, discover smart suitcases and beyond: innovations shaping the best travel in 2024.

As the world becomes increasingly mobile and technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the travel industry is experiencing its own revolution with the rise of smart suitcases and other innovative travel technologies. In 2024, these advancements are not just reshaping how we pack but revolutionizing our entire travel experience. Let’s delve into the latest trends in smart luggage and explore how the landscape of travel is changing.

Smart Suitcases: The New Way to Travel

The era of smart suitcases is upon us. These high-tech pieces of luggage are equipped with a suite of features designed to ease the hassles of traveling. They often come with built-in scales, GPS locators, remote locking mechanisms, and even USB charging ports for on-the-go power. Travelers can now keep tabs on their suitcase’s location through smartphone apps, ensuring that their belongings are always in sight.

One notable innovation in this space is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Some smart suitcase models now offer personalized packing assistants, using AI to suggest a list of items to pack based on the destination’s weather forecast and the traveler’s itinerary. This not only simplifies packing but also ensures travelers are well-prepared for their journeys.

Beyond Smart Luggage: Seamless Travel Experiences

While smart suitcases capture a lot of attention, they are part of a larger tapestry of travel technology innovations. Biometric scanning at airports has significantly reduced queue times, allowing travelers to move through security and boarding more swiftly than ever before. Facial recognition and fingerprint scans provide secure identity verification without the need for physical boarding passes or passports.

Another transformative technology is augmented reality (AR) navigation systems. Airports and train stations are deploying AR wayfinding tools that overlay directions onto real-world environments through smartphones or AR glasses, guiding tourists seamlessly from one point to another.

Sustainable Travel Innovations

In 2024, sustainability is no longer just a trend; it’s a necessity. Eco-friendly smart suitcases constructed from recycled materials are making waves in reducing travelers’ carbon footprints. Solar panels have been integrated into some luggage designs, allowing travelers to harness renewable energy to charge their devices.

Moreover, fuel cell technology is being incorporated into smart luggage ranges, offering a greener power alternative that emits only water vapor as a byproduct. These innovative solutions demonstrate the industry’s commitment to responsible travel that benefits not just the traveler but also the planet.

The Future Is Connected

As we look toward future travel trends beyond 2024, one thing is clear: connectivity is king. The next generation of smart suitcases could include even more advanced technologies such as OLED displays to provide real-time updates about flights or hotel bookings on your suitcase surface itself.

Companies are also researching luggage tracking technologies involving blockchain for heightened security and traceability across multiple points during travel. Coupled with seamless integration into smart homes and autonomous vehicles pre-programmed with travel itineraries, one can imagine a world where your luggage could almost autonomously handle its own check-ins while you sit back and relax.

In conclusion, innovations like smart suitcases represent only the beginning of an exciting technological evolution that ushers in smarter and more sustainable ways to traverse our globe. As we aspire towards making travel stress-free, efficient, and eco-conscious, these advancements are setting new benchmarks for what we consider ‘the best travel’ experience. By coupling traditional concepts with cutting-edge innovations, it appears that future voyages will look remarkably different – safer, simpler, and smarter than ever before.

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Future 2-Piece Travel Set

2 Piece Set

The iFLYSmart Future 2-Piece Antibacterial Luggage Travel Set is engineered to inspire beautiful travel, while being mindful of our impact on the planet. The Future collection gives used water bottles new life by turning them into a durable exterior hard shell luggage.

This two-piece luggage set includes:

25-Year Warranty
20" carry-on and a 28" large piece of luggage
Antibacterial lined interior
Antibacterial coated carry handles and trolley handle
Removable TSA-ready pouch
Integrated liquid resistance pocket to protect your dry clothes
2" expansion zipper adds 20% more packing space
Adjustable compression pads to avoid belongings shifting during travel
360° double wheels
TSA-accepted security lock
USB port to help you stay connected on the go
Dimensions with wheels : 22" x 14" x 10" + 2" expansion
Dimensions with wheels : 30" x 18" x 13" + 2” expansion

Would Recommend

Cool and Comfy

Snuggled right into it and watched a movie. Very pleased. Its a big pillow in a small box so make sure you fluff it up when you open it.

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Calpak Review: Is the Popular Luggage Worth The Hype?

We've put some of the most popular styles from Calpak to the test. These are the picks that we think are worth buying.

If you're anything like me and want to travel in style but still need luggage that's going to hold up to your frequent flyer status, look no further than Calpak.

As an analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , I test and write about all kinds of luggage — from carry-ons to checked bags , hardside suitcases to softside styles — and I can't get enough of Calpak's pieces, and neither can many of my fellow GH analysts and editors as well as our consumer testers . We've taken the brand's luggage on our own vacations, and it regularly stands out as a top performer in our Lab tests, beating out popular pieces from other well-known brands.

Read on to learn more about some of the most popular pieces Calpak offers and our honest insights into why we think they're worth the investment.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

The sleek and sturdy hardsided suitcases of Calpak's Ambeur collection are designed with wheels that roll effortlessly over carpet, tile and wood floor. Each piece is lightweight with comfortable carrying handles that make it easy to lift, so I don't have to worry about holding up the line when I'm loading my suitcase into the overhead bin on a plane. The polycarbonate and ABS plastic composite material held up well in our drop tests without dents but did show more surface-level scratches than other suitcases we've tested, so there's a possibility you may notice some scuffs and marks after retrieving your bag from the luggage carousel.

I love the interior of the carry-on bag, which unzips to two primary packing compartments: one side with a full zippered panel and another with compression straps to secure your belongings in place. There are plenty of organizational features like two zippered mesh pockets and a removable mesh toiletries bag, and as a self-proclaimed over-packer, I'm especially fond of the 2-inch expansion system so I can fill the suitcase with my favorite vacation clothes and shoes and still have room for souvenirs.

a suitcase set inside of a duster bag from calpak

Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage

Puffy padding is totally on-trend right now, and Calpak gets it. The brand's Luka collection includes this cute softside carry-on that has a special tapered design to help keep it upright when you stuff it full of your belongings. The carry-on is on the smaller side, so it's not ideal for a long trip, but it's perfect for a weekend getaway or to hold your travel must-haves if you're checking a larger bag. I'm a fan of the two outer pockets that take some of the stress out of the TSA line. Instead of digging through your bag for your laptop or boarding pass, there's a larger front pocket that's equipped to hold a 17-inch laptop and a smaller side pocket that can fit your passport and ID.

Inside, you'll find one main packing compartment with secure compression straps and elasticized mesh pockets built into the lid for more organization. The suitcase is made with a smooth polyester material that should be easy to wipe clean after a long trip. It's equipped with 360-spinner wheels and padded handles to make rolling the bag through a busy airport a little easier.

Duffels and backpacks

Calpak luka duffel.

Just as chic as its carry-on counterpart, Calpak's Luka duffel is a favorite of GH analysts and editors and is our number one pick for weekender bags . The trendy duffel fits everything you need for a short trip, and when we packed it with a weekend's worth of clothing, accessories and toiletries, there was room to spare. There's a separate shoe compartment, water bottle pocket and a zippered outer pocket to easily access your essentials. You'll find even more elastic and zippered pockets inside to stash smaller items.

a gh staffer carrying the calpak luka duffel

The padded shoulder straps are comfortable to throw over your shoulder and don't dig in (pictured here). There's a removable crossbody strap too. If you don't want to lug around a bag while you're on the go, you'll find the luggage strap on this duffel to be especially handy. Simply slide the luggage sleeve over your suitcase's telescopic handle, and you can roll it around on top of your suitcase. One GH analyst who brought this duffel on a weekend trip noticed some unraveling at the seams around the luggage sleeve, but it remained in great shape overall. The material was easy to wipe clean, and it's water-resistant to keep your things dry, even if you're traveling in wet weather.

Calpak Terra Large 50L Duffel Backpack

Perfect for your next adventure, this travel backpack is made of a laminated polyester ripstop material that's rugged and water resistant. The straps are padded for a more comfortable feel, and there's a sternum strap for extra support. The versatile backpack actually doubles as a duffel bag — just unbuckle the backpack straps, tuck them away and attach the crossbody strap to carry it over your shoulder. And it even has a luggage sleeve to slide over the handle of your favorite suitcase (pictured here).

a pink backpack duffel from calpak on a silver suitcase

Because the sides and bottom of the backpack aren't structured, you're able to fill it with everything you need, but that means it's also easy to overstuff, which can make it difficult to zip or become too heavy, causing the straps to dig into your shoulders. When you're packing the backpack, you'll find that it's completely full of organizational features — inside and out. There are small, zippered pockets on the outside of the bag to stow away your travel necessities, a water bottle pocket on the side and buckles to attach items you may not be able to fit inside, such as a travel blanket or poncho. Inside, there's a padded laptop pocket, along with compression straps and additional mesh zippered pockets.

Calpak Kaya 15 inch Laptop Backpack

If you're traveling for business or want something a little chicer, Calpak's Kaya laptop backpack is for you. This streamlined style is a favorite of GH analysts and editors, earning a top spot as our best work backpack . It's made of faux leather and features elegant details like gold hardware for the zippers and pulls, a rectangular shape and stitched trim. It's available in a collection of seven core colors like grey, black and navy, along with nearly 20 bold limited hues like lavender, bronze and emerald. The straps are thin and unpadded, so they can start to feel uncomfortable with extended wear, and I find the bag is best to use for a shorter commute.

To relieve the stress on your shoulders, there's a luggage sleeve that you can slide over your suitcase handle for easy transport. The backpack is equally as practical as it is stylish and can hold a significant amount of your belongings, including a 15-inch laptop, and there are a lot of small pockets inside for sunglasses, pens and notebooks.

Travel accessories

Calpak packing cubes set (5 pieces).

I bring packing cubes with me on every single trip I take, even when I'm just carrying a backpack or weekender bag. These from Calpak help me keep all my belongings organized and easy to access on my journey and once I reach my destination , so I don't have to rummage through my suitcase to find what I'm looking for. They're not compressive like some of Calpak's other packing cubes , so they do take up more room in my bag than some other styles I've tried. That said, they feature breathable mesh details that help clothes to feel fresh, even after they've been shoved in a bag for days.

a gh analyst filling a suitcase with calpak packing cubes

Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case

Another one of our staffers' favorites, Calpak's large toiletries case will hold everything you need, including some full-size products. At $95, this isn't the most affordable option on the market, but it's designed with thoughtful details like carrying handles, metal feet to keep it upright and a mesh pocket inside for your smaller items. The transparent case makes it easy to show your liquids during TSA screenings, and you can clearly see everything you packed without having to spend forever digging around to find it. The PVC material also makes it a breeze to wipe clean when your makeup or skincare products inevitably leak in your bag.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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Simple Flying

Baggage trends: what does 2023 have in store.

From automation to sustainability, what baggage trends are we likely to see in 2023?

As travel continues to rebound from the pandemic, passengers who have not flown recently may notice some changes when it comes to baggage handling . From automation to sustainability , and of course the increasingly popular electronic bag tag, there’s a lot going on that will shape how passengers travel with their baggage throughout 2023 and beyond.

Future Travel Experience (FTE) is one organization looking at current and future trends in the aviation industry, and earlier this month, representatives from over 70 airlines gathered at its Baggage Innovation Working Group. Let's find out more…

Electronic bag tags

From Apple’s Air Tag to the Galaxy SmartTag by Samsung, the range of electronic tags available to passengers commercially is constantly growing. These offer tech-savvy passengers greater transparency as to the exact location of their bags, and really come into their own in the event of lost baggage (although sometimes the bags are tracked to unexpected places !).

Qantas is one of a number of airlines that have teamed up with manufacturers to take things one step further and offer exclusive, branded electronic bag tags to passengers. The Australian carrier’s Q Bag Tag stores information electronically, meaning that domestic passengers no longer need to attach a traditional, printed tag to their bags. And last year, fellow oneworld alliance member, Alaska Airlines , became the first US carrier to introduce electronic bag tags as part of a trial.

Greater Toronto Airports Authority’s director of baggage services and FTE’s head of baggage transformation, Darin Juby, outlined his expectations, saying,

“The top trends will include the tracking of bags and sharing that information with passengers. Increased use of technology to electronically tag bags will grow, and enhancements to the devices will increase their usage rates.”

Greater focus on sustainability and automation

In December 2021, FTE launched its Green Baggage Alliance, with the aim of helping the industry to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This initiative will focus on raising awareness of, and reducing, the environmental impact of baggage at every stage of the baggage handling process.

Just as electric vehicles have grown in popularity on our roads, more environmentally friendly, electric vehicles will be put to use around the airport. Some of these vehicles are likely to be automated too. Juby went on to highlight their suitability to the airport environment, saying,

“The baggage world is strenuous work that needs robotics to improve working conditions as the number of bags climbs steadily around the world. Autonomous vehicles will also be developed, brought to market and improve quickly as they are a natural fit for baggage operations as airports have very defined routes in a highly controlled ecosystem.”

The next big piece of work for the FTE will be rethinking the baggage reclaim process. In collaboration with airports and ground handling providers, it will look at how the use of electronic bag tags and a redesign of baggage carousels can help to improve the arrival experience for passengers around the world.

Get the latest aviation news straight to your inbox: Sign up for our newsletters today .

While there are unlikely to be any major breakthroughs in baggage handling in 2023, what we will see over the year ahead is continued development of existing technology, such as electronic bag tags, ongoing development of automated baggage solutions, and an increased focus on sustainability.

What baggage trends do you think will come out of 2023? Do you already use an electronic tag to track your bag when traveling? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

These Are the 9 Best Luggage Sets, According to a Travel Expert

Get ready to jet-set with thoughtfully considered luggage pieces you'll love.

When investing in a luggage set, Liles likes to take an economical and practical approach. She shares, "I always try to remind myself about the 'cost per wear' rule, which is when you divide the cost of a product by the amount of times that you'll wear it. While you're not necessarily wearing your suitcase, quality luggage should last a substantial amount of time, which is worth an investment." She adds, "I wouldn't say that an expensive luggage set will transform the way that you travel though, because I think that the most important factors are quality and functionality. Finding a trustworthy brand who stands behind their products, producing durable luggage with good wheels, does not have to break the bank."

Read on to discover the best luggage sets approved by Liles, along with some of VERANDA editor favorites.

Away Luggage Set

If you've been in the market for luggage, this is likely not the first time you've heard of Away. The brand has garnered a lot of buzz in recent years, and several VERANDA editors can be spotted sporting their Away luggage while traveling.

"Away luggage is durable, chic and absolutely worth the investment," says Deputy Digital Editor Jaime Milan. She adds, "Mine has stood the test of time without any dings, scratches or cuts—and I travel a lot!"

The Carry-On bag (pictured) pairs beautifully with The Medium or The Large check in luggage for a thoughtful set.

* Please note, price indicated is for one piece of luggage. Sets range from $610 to $660 for a two-piece set.

What to know about Away

Aviator set plus.

Looking for a more sustainable way to pack? Look no further than Paravel for a travel set that goes green in more ways than one. Liles loves this set and even sells them at her Alabama shop which she co-owns with Ragan Stone .

"One of the reasons that I love Paravel is because the brand has really succeeded in tying design and sustainability together," Liles shares. "Their suitcases have a very elevated look, with leather trim on each piece of luggage, but they are also very dedicated to using recycled materials and offsetting emissions"

What to know about Paravel

July trunk set.

For those who would rather travel sans zipper, this set from Australian travel brand July is just for you. The brand has designed trunks for the modern era, with a matte polycarbonate shell that can withstand the stress of today's air travel.

What reviewers say: "Not only beautiful but also sturdy. I love the trunk design as it saves space in hotel rooms and no zip to worry about breaking. You can lean the top part of the opened suitcase against a wall so it halves the space compared to a traditional suitcase style. Highly recommend."

What to know about July

Ambeur hardshell suitcase set.

Want the beauty of an aluminum suitcase without all the worry? The stunning metallic-looking designs of Calpak are precisely what you need. The bags have a polycarbonate shell, which is much more resistant to bumps and scrapes than aluminum, and the set is complete with a TSA-approved lock that will keep your items secure.

What to know about Calpak

Lipault luggage set.

During her travels to Paris, Liles took note of the ultra-French brand Lipault as a good option for those who prefer softer luggage. Inspired by Parisian style, these bags are as sleek and chic as they come and are built to last.

* Please note, price indicated is for one piece of luggage. Sets range from $540 to $574 for a two-piece set.

What to know about Lipault

The luggage set.

"Carl Friedrik's main focus for their luggage is durability and longevity, offering a lifetime warranty, which I think speaks volumes for their dedication to their consumers and products," Liles says. "Not to mention, their suitcases are extremely sleek and suit both men and women."

The handsome, well-crafted designs of Carl Friedrik ooze style for the traveling tastemaker.

What to know about Carl Friedrik

The diplomat luggage set.

Designed for the classic traveler, collections from the chic brand Steamline Luggage are so beautifully made the brand had to make it onto the list. The collection full of classic luggage pieces (including a hatbox !) is available in a variety of colors and styles.

* Please note, price indicated is for one piece of luggage. Sets range from $1,340 to $1,865 for a two-piece set at full price. The full collection is $4,075

What to know about Steamline Luggage

Béis luggage set.

Founded by actress Shay Mitchell, Béis luggage packs a whole lot of star power into its thoughtfully crafted luggage. The brand's weight limit indicator handle has caught the attention of quite a few travelers and has a bit of a cult following thanks to its innovative design.

To purchase a bundle set, head to the brand's luggage set page , where you can choose up to three rolling bags of your choice. When you buy the pieces together, you can save 15%.

* Please note, price indicated is for one piece of luggage. Sets range from $446.40 to $518.40 for a two-piece set.

What to know about Béis

Freeform 2 piece set.

Samsonite has earned the trust of travelers across generations, and luggage sets like this one demonstrate why the brand remains so beloved. This set of two Samsonite bags has anything a traveler could need: a good set of rolling wheels, a TSA-approved locking system and space for both clothes and other personal items.

What to know about Samsonite

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For more than 35 years, VERANDA has been the authority on extraordinary design, outdoor living, art and craft, entertaining, travel, and culture. Every product we feature is expertly curated by our discerning editors and industry experts. Through market research, experience, and rigorous product testing, we only give our stamp of approval to the very best.

Mary Alice Russell (she/her) is the assistant market editor for VERANDA. She composes gift guides and stories about style, design, decor, shopping, markets, and trends. Currently attempting to master the art of needlepoint, Mary Alice loves creating, baking and discovering hidden treasures like sea glass or the perfect chai latte.

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This Spacious Samsonite Carry-on Is My Secret to Getting 3 Weeks of Clothes in 1 Bag — and It's on Sale

It’s the reason I never have to check a bag.

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Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

As a frequent traveler, there are two questions I constantly receive: What’s your favorite destination? How do you only travel with a carry-on? The answer to the first changes frequently depending on where I’ve just returned from or perhaps on a day that I’m particularly nostalgic for a certain city, but the latter — that never changes.

I’ve been traveling with Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On for four years now, and it’s absolutely become my go-to carry-on suitcase for trips over a week. In fact, I’ve used it for a three-week trip across Asia and a two-week trip in Italy (I had to check it on the way home due to obtaining a few bottles of wine and EVOO) and even traveled to the end of the world with it full of all the necessities for an Antarctica trip . P.S. It also happens to be marked down in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale — making now the perfect time to snag your own.

Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-on Luggage

Though the hardside suitcase’s exterior dimensions (21 inches by 15 inches by 10 inches) conform to the carry-on allowances of most major airlines — thus it may look similar to other hardcovers from the outside — there is an unbelievable amount of space on the inside (20 inches by 14.5 inches by 10 inches). As the old saying goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Every time I open the Freeform to pack for a longer trip, I get excited about how I’m going to arrange everything as it always fits perfectly. The two sides of the suitcase are divided by a lightweight zippered partition that houses a half-zippered pocket for thin items like undergarments and accessories. I appreciate that the two spaces are separate so I can keep my clothing neatly packed on one side versus my shoes and toiletries on the other — it not only maintains organization but also cleanliness.

Another way I keep things organized is with packing cubes. I tend to use medium and large Veken packing cubes on the unzippered side of the suitcase for my clothing. Usually, the large cube holds all my daytime outfits while the medium cube is reserved for my nighttime ensembles. They fit so perfectly together on one side of this particular suitcase that there’s usually even room under them for a pair of flats, sandals, or accessories like belts, flat hats, or a workout resistance band that I like to travel with. Being able to tuck these small items out of sight and under the cubes allows me to fully take advantage of every inch of the suitcase.

The zippered side of Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On that fits my shoes and toiletries is usually a bit roomier as I like to leave a little space for last-minute additions and space for dirty laundry while on the road (again, the zipper is convenient for separating the clean from the dirty outfits).

When it comes time to close the suitcase, one of my biggest tricks is to never open the one-inch expansion until the return trip. This ensures there’s always room for some destination-specific shopping or in case I’m not as meticulous when re-packing my bag for the journey home. It’s also lightweight at only 6.5 pounds so even when I add new items and open the extension, I know I’ll still be within my weight limit.

Aesthetically, I love the black style as it shows less dirt and scuff marks; it goes with everything, including the ever-rotating color of my personal item. But there are also unique shades like purple on sale that you won’t get mixed up with another traveler’s bag. Plus, the double, 360-degree spinning wheels make it easy to roll through airports as well as city sidewalks.

So that’s it — that’s how I only travel with carry-on thanks to Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On making it so seamless. But it’s far from the only spacious carry-on model from the popular brand. If you’re feeling inspired to be a carry-on-only traveler, read on for more spacious Samsonite luggage you won’t have to check, all at low prices thanks to the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

More Samsonite Carry-on Luggage Deals at Amazon:

Samsonite underseat carry-on spinner, samsonite virtuosa carry-on spinner luggage, samsonite winfield 3 dlx hardside carry-on luggage, samsonite omni pc hardside carry-on spinner luggage.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $144.

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The Best Underseat Luggage To Make Your Next Flight Hassle-Free

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From long-haul flights to hour-long trips, having your travel essentials (think: snacks, books and headphones) right at your feet is a major convenience. Beyond that, your onboard personal item can even hold a few days’ worth of clothes, potentially eliminating your need for a carry-on. The best underseat luggage easily slides into tight spaces, while still fitting all of the demands of modern air travel. For instance, our top pick, the Thule Subterra Boarding Bag , is designed with helpful features like a laptop compartment and a trolley sleeve for attaching to your rolling luggage.

The best underseat luggage is compact and thoughtfully designed, sliding into tight spaces without ... [+] sacrificing storage space.

When it comes to underseat luggage, functionality and durability are the two most important qualities to prioritize. Look for bags with rip-resistant fabrics (or crack-resistant shells), strategically placed pockets and, with certain styles, comfy shoulder straps. During our research, we consulted with Forbes Vetted’s senior travel editor and globetrotter Astrid Taran to select the best underseat luggage available right now, from travel backpacks to duffel bags and beyond.

Best Underseat Luggage Overall: Thule Subterra 23L Boarding Bag
Best Underseat Luggage With Wheels: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Bag
Best Underseat Duffel Bag: Troubadour Embark Compact Duffel
Best Underseat Tote Bag: Cuyana System 13-Inch Tote
Best Underseat Backpack: Troubadour Compact Apex Backpack
Best Underseat Hardshell Luggage: Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
Most Spacious Underseat Luggage: Briggs and Riley Underseat Duffle
Best Underseat Luggage For Business Travel : Dagne Dover Berlin Travel Brief

Best Underseat Luggage Overall

The winner on all fronts, thule subterra 23l boarding bag.

Dimensions (LxWxH): 12.2 x 7.9 x 17.3 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Ember

There’s a lot to like about the Thule Subterra 23L boarding bag. It has a clean, functional design and comes in two dark color options (great for hiding stains). The best part? It’s wrapped in a durable, 800D nylon that will undoubtedly stand up to underseat air travel. The Subterra’s roomy interior has enough space for necessary tech essentials plus extraneous gear to get through a layover or a longer direct flight. It also has designated storage for a 15-inch laptop, as well as a trolley sleeve for attaching to rolling luggage. Beyond that, Thule bags are simply built tough—you can count on them to last for years.

The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.

Best Underseat Luggage With Wheels

Easily movable with true durability, travelpro maxlite 5 underseat bag.

Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Available colors: 9 total, including Midnight Blue and Orchid Pink Purple

You’ve probably seen pilot and flight attendant luggage donned with the Travelpro brand—and that’s because the company makes solid, sturdy bags air travel professionals can rely on. They also happen to be a brand of choice for professional frequent flyers. Inside, the bag has one main storage area and a lining made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Travelers can rely on a well-built set of wheels and a cemented handle that can maneuver around tight spaces on-plane with ease. Outside, a stain- and water-resistant fabric makes this a definite winner.

Best Underseat Duffel Bag

For a more athletic-focused traveler.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Troubadour Embark Compact Duffel

Dimensions (LxWxH): 18 x 7.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Navy

For the traveler who needs just as much style as function in their underseat luggage, this bag from Troubador is a great choice. The dedicated shoe pocket (with air circulation) is a nice touch, especially for overnights where a second pair is required. In the main pocket, there’s tidy essential storage, with varied pocket sizes for all of your necessary gear. Plus, it’s a handsome bag draped in a recycled polyester fabric and vegan leather trim that adds a touch of class to a workhorse piece.

Best Underseat Tote Bag

Customizable and chic, cuyana system 13-inch tote.

Dimensions (HxWxD): 10 x 13.25 x 5 inches | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Caramel and Stone

If you’re already bringing a carry-on or checked bag on your trip, you may prefer to carry a simple tote bag onto your flight in lieu of more traditional luggage. This 13-inch leather bag from Cuyana earned the top spot on our list of the best travel totes ; it has a designated laptop sleeve and an internal pouch for smaller items like your wallet, passport and phone. It comes in versatile neutral hues that complement any outfit, so you can head straight from the airport to your dinner reservation with ease. There’s also the option to add gold foil monogramming for a personalized touch.

Best Underseat Backpack

Tidy, subtle and classic, troubadour compact apex backpack.

Dimensions (HxWxD): 16 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Navy and Obsidian Green

Troubadour makes the list a second time for this well-suited backpack that’s ideal for the business traveler. The front zipper opening offers easy access to smaller items when you’re crammed into a middle seat along with additional integration inside the bag for those who need more tech space. Outside, a sleeve strap means you can stow this on top of your rolling bag while sprinting through the airport between layovers. The recycled polyester exterior will hold its own for any unplanned spills.

Best Underseat Hardshell Luggage

A fine mix of fashion and function, calpak hue mini carry-on luggage.

Dimensions (HxWxD): 16 x 14 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Colors: 6 total, including Hazel and Mauve

True to its name, the Hue Mini is one of the smaller pieces in Calpak’s range, but there’s still plenty of versatility to go around. With 31 liters of total space, there’s enough for an overnight stay and some change. The luxury of a symmetrical shape is that it very easily tucks into the underseat area of an airplane or that last bit of available overhead space. Plus, it’s fun and bright, ensuring it will stand out if you ever need to check it.

Most Spacious Underseat Luggage

For those who need to cram in as much as possible.

Briggs and Riley

Briggs and Riley Underseat Duffle

Dimensions (HxWxD): 10.5 x 16.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds

There are a number of bold features built into this bag that make it an excellent candidate for underseat travel. Primarily, the number and functionality of its pockets means you can fit quite a lot into a soft frame that leaves a little space underneath your seat. The separate water bottle storage is also a nice touch, especially when you want to remove the risk of your beverage leaking on your precious tech items. Lastly, it has ample interior access, should you need to remove something to get through security at the last possible moment.

Best Underseat Luggage For Business Travel

A sleek look for important meetings.

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Berlin Travel Brief

Dimensions (LxWxH): 16 x 4.5 x 12.5 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Ash and Onyx

Dagne Dover’s Berlin Travel Brief is ideal for those who need to tote around a lot of tech—it offers space for two 16-inch laptops and two phones. In addition, padded slip pockets provide extra space for smaller work essentials such as a notebook or writing utensils, while a neoprene pouch accommodates your water bottle. A luggage sleeve allows you to slip the bag onto your rolling suitcase as you make your way to your final destination. The padded crossbody strap is removable, giving you the option to hold the bag like a traditional briefcase.

The 6 Best Tips For Healthy Hair, According To Experts

The 8 best moisturizers for rosacea that soothe and hydrate, why trust forbes vetted.

In addition to writing, researching and publishing dozens of luggage stories across the board, the Forbes Vetted team has spent many hours on the road and in the sky with carry-on luggage , weekender bags and travel backpacks of every kind.
Product selections are overseen by senior travel editor Astrid Taran , a seasoned globetrotter who has visited 35 countries throughout the course of her career.
This article is regularly updated to ensure all product selections still meet the criteria for their respective categories. In its most recent March 2024 update, travel writer Claire Epting reevaluated our picks and introduced the Thule Subterra Boarding Bag , the Cuyana System Tote and the Dagne Dover Berlin Travel Brief to the list.

What To Consider When Selecting Underseat Luggage

There are a few key factors you should keep in mind when picking an underseat bag. Below, we’ve broken down each one to better inform your purchasing decision.

The biggest factor when considering underseat luggage is size. If the bag doesn’t fit underneath the seat, then you’ll be asked to place it above you in the overhead bin. It’s also important to make sure you don’t push the outer limits of the dimension maximums, since you also need a place to rest your feet. In our experience, it’s better to give up 2 to 3 inches of space so you don’t end up more crammed in the seat than you already are.

It’s almost a sure bet that your underseat bag will get stained, kicked around and generally pushed into the framing of the seat in front of you, so it’s crucial that it can stand up to all of that wear. Hardshell bags fare a bit better, but soft-sided bags and backpacks can move more to give your feet a bit more space. In either case, you want to find a strong nylon, polyester or leather bag that can bend, flex and fold to the demands of commercial air travel.

Additional Features

When comparing different pieces of underseat luggage, consider which features are most important to you. For those who frequently go on trips for work, a bag with a built-in laptop compartment will prove useful. Meanwhile, those who hate carrying bags on their shoulders will benefit from one with rolling wheels. If you’re traveling with additional luggage, look for a bag with a trolley sleeve—this design feature allows you to slip your bag over the handle of your wheeled suitcase.

What Is The Best Size For Underseat Luggage?

Every domestic airline has a different standard for underseat carry-on sizing. To give a good example of the range you should expect to find on your flights, American Airlines has a dimension maximum of 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high, while United Airlines has underseat dimensions of 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.

These dimensions (and associated weight limits) are subject to regular change, so it’s critical to check with your airline before you head to the airport. Of course, international airlines will have a whole other set of dimensions and regulations to consider for underseat bags. Roomy first-class seats may have a few extra inches to spare, and the main cabin middle seat might have more room than its neighbors.

Is An Underseat Bag The Same As A Carry-On Bag?

While both carry-ons and underseat bags accompany you aboard the airplane, they fall into two separate categories of luggage. Underseat luggage is typically classified as your “personal item,” which is expected to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Carry-on luggage is larger in size and stored in the overhead bin for the duration of your flight. All U.S. airlines allow for one personal item per passenger free of charge, but some require an extra fee for carry-on bags.

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Suitcase History: From Saddle Bags To Smart Luggage

Technological advances can often be observed in mundane everyday objects. Suitcases are some of those items that tell the entire tale of how travel developed if you just look at variations of suitcases throughout the years.

Those vintage wooden trunks that are today considered antiques used to be the main type of luggage people relied on. Before we had rolling backpacks with USB ports, people carried their stuff in saddle bags, and I think it’s insane that we sent people into space before we thought it would be a good idea to add wheels onto luggage.

Keep reading to learn more about the history of the suitcase, and how it changed to help streamline travel.

The Evolution of Suitcase

The evolution of the suitcase is absolutely fascinating because it happened simultaneously with the evolution of the way we travel. First, our ancestors got around on horses, and they needed bags that were big enough to hold their essentials, but still small and light enough that the horses could easily carry them.

Then we built ships and trains so we could travel farther, and we needed bigger luggage to transport even more items. And once we invented airplanes and air travel started to take off, we needed suitcases that were lighter and smaller, but somehow fit everything we needed for the trips.

It’s crazy to think that two hundred years ago, a traveler would pack all their belongings in only a carpet bag and set off on a journey. Or that at one point in history, our luggage was so heavy that we decided we needed to pay people to carry it, and so porters became a thing.

We’ve come full circle in a way. Today you can buy a suitcase with built-in AI, which can follow you around so you still don’t have to carry luggage on your own.

Before the Birth of Suitcases

People have been traveling and carrying their things places since before the suitcase was even invented. It all started off with soldiers during the Crusades, who had to transport their weaponry to the battlefields. They came up with the concept of luggage and put all their weapons into containers on wheels.

Some of the first iterations of what we nowadays consider luggage were bags that would be strapped onto animals. The Turkish Anatolian Nomads wove camel bags, while Native Americans made Parfleche containers out of rawhide.

If you watch any Western movie, you’ll notice that all the cowboys have saddlebags strapped onto their horses. These were the main versions of luggage before the invention of the first motor vehicles.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that luggage started to take the shape that it still has today. But until the early 1800s, a leather bag was the most common type of luggage.

Suitcases in the 19th Century

The second half of the 19th century saw a large expansion of mass tourism. The construction of railways was one of the main driving factors for the invention of suitcases. Cruises also started to become popular and immigration was just starting to expand, and there was suddenly a need for a bag that people could use to transport their belongings across the world.

Trunks were the most common type of luggage back then. They were big and bulky, and weighed around 80-100 lbs when empty, so very heavy as well. Most were manufactured from wooden panels with leather belts for secure closure.

With the rise in popularity of trunks, the need for people who would do the baggage handling also arose – porters. Their services were most often utilized by the rich, who could afford to travel with multiple heavy trunks and pay someone to do the carrying instead of them.

The first steamer trunk was invented in 1958 by Louis Vuitton, and it quickly became the norm for travel with steamships. The main advantage of this trunk compared to its predecessor was the flat top. It allowed stacking, which was extremely beneficial for steamships due to limited space in the hold.

In addition to trunks, more and more people also started carrying cases that we today would call suitcases. They were briefcase-style bags, usually made from leather and wood, with carry handles on the top and belts along the body.

The belts were necessary for secure closure, and even though this luggage would still be popular several decades later, it was never really convenient to travel with because it was bulky and heavy.

Suitcases in the 20th Century

The 20th century saw a revolution in luggage. At the start of the century, people were still struggling to transport their massive wooden trunks. But by the end of the 20th century, travelers could be seen effortlessly maneuvering their luggage with wheels.

Air travel was the driver for these changes. With the invention of the first commercial airline in 1914 and the expansion of air travel in the following decades, there was suddenly a need for lighter luggage. Airlines started to limit the weight of carry-on luggage allowed on board, and all the established manufacturers were coming up with ways to make their luggage lighter.

Many manufacturers stopped using leather and wood and turned to lighter materials like plastic and cardboard. These materials turned out to be significantly lighter and even more durable, so it’s no surprise that they’re still being used today in modern luggage.

The most significant innovation in the luggage industry was the invention of suitcases with wheels. Bernard D. Sadow, the former vice president of US Luggage (a Massachusetts luggage company), is credited with this invention, although there is some proof that he wasn’t the first person who came up with the idea.

Sadow worked for US Luggage, which is nowadays a part of Briggs & Riley. He saw an airport worker pushing a heavy machine on wheels and decided everyone needed wheels on their own luggage. It took Sadow about two years to finalize the concept and he got the patent in 1972.

In the years to come, all other major luggage manufacturers would come up with their own solutions for rolling luggage, and the rolling suitcase would become the norm.

Suitcases in the 21st Century

The 21st suitcase saw another important invention in the luggage industry. In the year 2000, Rimowa launched the first polycarbonate suitcase. The invention came from the same brand that invented the aluminum suitcase back in 1937, which are just a couple of reasons why they are considered pioneers in the industry.

By using polycarbonate, Rimowa managed to produce a plastic suitcase with excellent durability, but which was still very lightweight. Many other brands followed suit, and polycarbonate suitcases are still extremely popular 20+ years later.

However, the innovation in the materials is hardly the only way in which luggage has moved forward in the past two decades. Thanks to crowdfunding, many innovative luggage companies have managed to launch new products, and this has only driven long-established brands to innovate and develop their existing luggage.

In this day and age, smart luggage is becoming increasingly popular. These are suitcases with either tech-related features such as USB ports and battery packs, or suitcases with full-on motors and even AI, which offer an entirely different travel experience.

In 2023, you can buy a suitcase that you can ride like a tiny motorcycle, as well as a suitcase that will follow you around wherever you go because it has a camera built into the handle.

It’s insane to think about how far the industry has come, especially when you look back at where suitcases began. What’s even more insane is to just consider what the future has in store.

The Future of Suitcases

What do you think the future of suitcases looks like? I think we’ll be seeing a lot more luggage with built-in AI and smart features. For me, the future of suitcases is hands-free, and I fully expect that in 20-30 years everyone will be walking around and their luggage will just follow them.

But I might be thinking too narrowly because it’s almost impossible to predict what a suitcase could look like in one or two hundred years. I probably can’t even imagine how far luggage will come in the span of a couple of centuries, just like our ancestors who carried carpet bags and saddle bags could not imagine the existence of robotic suitcases.

Will we get luggage that’s capable of talking to us and reminding us what we forgot to pack? Imagine if a few decades from now you can experience being judged by your luggage because you’re an overpacker. It’s not at all outside the realm of possibility.

Interesting Facts About Suitcases

Man walked on the moon in 1969, but he wasn’t able to travel with wheeled luggage until 1972.

Louis Vuitton started off as a company that manufactured travel trunks back in the 1850s.

The word “luggage” was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1596. It is derived from the verb “lug”, and it was defined as “inconveniently heavy baggage”.

The most common color of the modern suitcase is black.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the first wheeled suitcase invented.

The first wheeled suitcase was officially invented in 1972 by Bernard Sadow. However, there is proof – a photograph- that Alfred Krupa came up with the idea of a wheeled trunk and manufactured one back in the 1950s. Also, Sadow’s design was often wobbly and unstable, and it wasn’t until Robert Plath reworked it that it became widely popular.

When was the first 4-wheeled suitcase invented?

The first 4-wheeled suitcase was invented in 1972 by Bernard Sadow. His initial design for the rolling suitcase had four wheels.

Who was the inventor of the first suitcase?

No one is credited with the invention of the first suitcase. People have been transporting their belongings in some versions of bags and luggage for centuries, and the first wooden and leather suitcases were adapted from briefcases and other types of bags.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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Hanke 28 Inch Luggage PC Hard Shell Suitcases with Wheels, TSA Approved Luggage Hardside Checked Large Luggage Lighweight Luggage Bag for Travel(Smoke White)

2-Piece Set(20/28)

3-Piece Set(16/24/28)

3-Piece Set(20/24/28)

Underseat 16-Inch

Carry-On 20-Inch

Checked-Medium 24-Inch

Checked-Medium 26-Inch(24 Inch Plus)

Checked-Large 28-Inch

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【28 Inch Luggage for Checked In】28 Inch extra large luggage L19.7'' × W11.4'' × H30.3'' (includes wheels and top handle), Weight: 11 LB, Capacity: 103L. This hard case luggage with spinner wheels need to consign for shipment.
【Superior Maneuverin】Hard case luggage with a sturdy aluminum alloy retractable handle that offers multiple height positions in use and allow you to quickly maneuver anywhere. This travel luggage equipped with 360° spinner wheels to ensure a smooth glide. Soft Rubber top grip handle and side carry handle for stable lifting.
【Exquisite Craftsmanship & High-Grade Accessories】Hanke travel luggage feature with YKK zipper that is smooth and durable than general zipper in market, and using 5 strands to protect zipper teeth to prevent from tearing. TSA approved luggage make sure your valuables are secure and safe.
【Lightweight Yet Durable】This hard shell suitcases is made of premium Covestro polycarbonate(PC) which is extremely lightweight yet durable. And the hard case luggage is fine grain texture, not easy to scratch, keeping your suitcase beautiful trip after trip.
【Spacious Interior】The checked luggage makes packing clothes easy with the fully lined interior. Enclosed zipper compartment can protect privacy better, Individual built-in waterproof PVC pocket and mesh pocket helps to storage some small items, ONE main compartment with cross ribbon to secure your clothes in place.

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Can this suitcase fit under seat for all airline?

The 16 inch carry on luggage is suitable for under-seat in most airlines, but not all.Please confirm with the airline before traveling

How do I open the luggage or reset a new code for it?

1. Push the button to open the case(Original Password is 0-0-0).

2. Press down the small dot by a tool, set the new combination (e.g.:1-1-1), then push button again.

3. Lock the case again, and now you can open the lock with the new combination.

Will this 16 inch mini luggage fit a 14in laptop?

Yes, there is a dedicated padding laptop sleeve fits 14''laptop.

Is this 20 inch luggage allowed as a carry on?

Standard airline carry-on size is 22"x14"x9". This Hanke 20 inch luggage is 21.3'' × 13.8'' × 8.9'' that is perfect size for carry on.

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the weight, roominess, maneuverability, and performance of the suitcase. For example, they mention it holds a lot more than they think, the telescopic handle feels rigid enough, and the big double wheels roll easily over carpet. That said, they say it works great and holds up well.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the suitcase. For example, they mention it works great, has no dents, and the wheels still work perfectly. The TSA lock seems to work well.

"...I just returned from the domestic flight and this case worked very well ...." Read more

"...Its very roomy, the pockets inside are perfect, the TSA lock seems to work well (though its *slightly* flimsy, I won’t need it often for a carryon),..." Read more

"...The shell of the luggage had no dents at all and the wheels still work perfectly !..." Read more

"...3 plane rides, 3 train rides and 4 different hotels n a week and it worked great and held up well...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the weight of the suitcase. They mention that it is lightweight, holds a lot more than they expected, and is nice and light.

"...maneuver, the telescopic handle felt rigid enough and it was nice and light . What surprised me the most was the room inside...." Read more

"...I love how lightweight it is!..." Read more

"...It’s super lightweight and has a good amount of room. The only negative is that the big wheels take away from the storage space." Read more

"...At the same time, it is lightweight , holds a lot more than you might think, rolls smoothly, and fits under airplane seats. I'm so glad I bought it!" Read more

Customers find the maneuverability of the suitcase to be smooth and easy to use. They mention that the telescopic handle feels rigid enough, and the big double wheels roll easily over carpet.

"...It was easy to maneuver , the telescopic handle felt rigid enough and it was nice and light. What surprised me the most was the room inside...." Read more

"...and the big double wheels roll easily over carpet !..." Read more

"...The luggage itself moved SMOOTH and I had no issues with the movement at all ...." Read more

Customers like the roominess of the suitcase. For example, they say it's very roomy, holds a lot more than they might think, and rolls smoothly. That said, some are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"...It has plenty of space for a weekend , and could easily last 1-2 weeks if you pair it with a sensible personal item and do laundry once...." Read more

"...It’s super lightweight and has a good amount of room . The only negative is that the big wheels take away from the storage space." Read more

"...At the same time, it is lightweight, holds a lot more than you might think, rolls smoothly, and fits under airplane seats. I'm so glad I bought it!" Read more

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I will fight for overhead space on a plane, but I shouldn't have to | Cruising Altitude

I’ll admit it. I will elbow you out of the way to get on the plane 30 seconds sooner and secure overhead bin space. I’m not proud of it, but I'll probably never see you again, and I really don’t want to have to check a bag on most flights.

I’m part of the problem, but I’m not alone. The bag wars just keep heating up.

“We travel a couple times a year, about four times a year, and we’re noticing that we don’t have any overhead space for our bags. When people are getting on the plane, they’re taking the first (space) available,” Elaine DiCresce, a retiree from Minneapolis, told me. “The last few times, we actually checked our bags at the gate. It’s just frustrating.”

So how did we get here? Why is overhead bin space at such a premium, and what can be done about it? Here’s what I learned.

Who sets carry-on bag rules?

Most flights have a 1 + 1 rule: one carry-on bag that goes in the overhead bin and one personal item that fits under the seat in front in economy and on most domestic flights, but these guidelines are flexible and not totally set in stone.

“The airlines make the rules,” Loulu Lima, founder of the Texas-based travel agency Book Here Give Here , told me. “This is real simple and every airline has a different rule.”

That is to say, there’s no overarching regulation about what carry-on bags have to be, just that most airlines use similar equipment and set standards more or less the same way.

“Sometimes you’ll hear an agent blame the FAA, but that’s not true,” said Brett Snyder, author of the Cranky Flier blog and owner of the Cranky Concierge travel agency.

But whenever you fly, it’s a good idea to check the details of your carry-on allowance.

Lima said each airline has slightly different dimensions for allowable carry-on bags, and different tickets have different rules. Some basic economy tickets might not allow for overhead bin baggage, and ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier may charge an extra fee for carry-on bags.

What are the best ways to secure overhead bin space?

Unfortunately, there’s no great strategy here. The best way to access a bin on most airlines is to be in an early boarding group, which usually means having a more premium ticket, having frequent flyer status with the airline, holding the right credit card or paying for access.

“I hate to say it, but sometimes I would join a credit card that gets you earlier boarding, or buy that early boarding space. It really depends on the airline,” Lima said.

How can overhead bin space be less competitive?

First, a brief detour to look at why bin space is so sought after in the first place:

“We initially got there when checked bags were still free, but people were primarily concerned that their checked bag would be lost,” Snyder said, “When (airlines) started charging for checked bags, then it became even more important for people, because people don’t want to pay for it.”

Lima agreed that passengers mistrusting airlines is a big part of why so many passengers rely solely on carry-ons on their trips.

“We’ve all become control freaks to a certain extent,” she said. “There’s no trust that the bag is actually going to make it. Why do you think the AirTags and the Tiles and all of these other things are so popular these days?”

Airlines are aware that access to bins is competitive and frequently tout improvements that mean more space for rollaboards. In fact, just on Tuesday, United Airlines announced it was installing larger bins on its Embraer E175 regional jets, operated by Skywest. Regional jets, which typically fly short routes, are notoriously tight on carry-on space.

Beyond physical improvements to overhead bins, airlines can’t do much to help with the competition, though.

Snyder said they can encourage or require passengers to gate-check their bags but acknowledged that sometimes backfires, especially if they start forcing checks before the overhead bins are really full.

And, of course, airlines can charge for overhead bin access, which is unpopular with passengers, but it does smooth things along at the boarding door.

“You have airlines like Spirit and Frontier, they charge you more to carry-on than to check a bag,” Snyder said. “You don’t see the same kind of mad dash that you see on other airlines to get onboard just so you can claim your bin space.”

Yet, the efficacy of these practices is somewhat limited.

For DiCresce and her husband, Clifford, they’re left wondering why airlines don’t assign slots in the overhead bin like seats, and to be honest, I think it’s a fair question to which I don’t have an answer.

Expert packing tips

Until new innovations or some sort of sorcery make overhead bin space unlimited, we’re stuck duking it out with fellow passengers for whatever we can get.

Lima said she usually travels with carry-on bags only and that you can minimize the space you need by being strategic about how and what you pack.

“I’ve gone to China and to Finland for three weeks and I’ve had different temperature changes,” she said. “I’m all about rolling and, as a plus-sized woman, my clothes are bigger than most, so if I can do it, everyone else can do it, too.”

For Snyder, the best way to avoid the stress is to just determine not to rely on the bins at all.

“When you travel without a carry-on bag, it is remarkably freeing. You, all of a sudden, don’t care when you board if you have an assigned seat,” he said.

And I’ve seen for myself that the checked bag system is increasingly reliable. I’ll still fight you for that overhead bin space for now, but I may be coming around to Snyder’s view.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected]

Everything you need to know about space tourism

Posted: October 12, 2023 | Last updated: October 12, 2023

<p>Between floating in weightlessness, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/international-space-stationa-journey-around-the-earth-every-90-minutes-with-16-sunrises-in-a-day/as71686846.cms#:~:text=separated%20by%20commas)-,International%20Space%20Station%E2%80%94a%20journey%20around%20the%20earth%20every%2090,that%20is%20a%20staggering%20speed.">witnessing 16 sunrises a day</a> and gazing into the infinite void, space travel sure sounds like an out-of-this-world experience. And now, it’s no longer a thing of the future. </p><p>That’s right, soon interstellar awe will be open to (almost) anyone, as billionaires Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk are pushing the space tourism industry to a higher orbit. </p>

Between floating in weightlessness, witnessing 16 sunrises a day and gazing into the infinite void, space travel sure sounds like an out-of-this-world experience. And now, it’s no longer a thing of the future.

That’s right, soon interstellar awe will be open to (almost) anyone, as billionaires Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk are pushing the space tourism industry to a higher orbit.

<p>Well, it’s almost like regular tourism: travel for recreational and leisure purposes… but in outer space. Some organizations like the <a href="http://www.commercialspaceflight.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Commercial Spaceflight Federation</a> and the <a href="http://www.citizensinspace.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Citizens in Space project</a> prefer to use the terms “personal spaceflight” or “citizen space exploration,” though.</p><p>In a nutshell, it’s space travel for non-astronauts.</p>

What is space tourism?

Well, it’s almost like regular tourism: travel for recreational and leisure purposes… but in outer space. Some organizations like the Commercial Spaceflight Federation and the Citizens in Space project prefer to use the terms “personal spaceflight” or “citizen space exploration,” though.

In a nutshell, it’s space travel for non-astronauts.

<p><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/06/08/space-tourism-questions-answers/">Anyone</a>! Well, that is, anyone with enough money. No need to have any previous science qualifications or NASA training, especially since a trained crew will escort tourists on their galactic journey.</p><p>According to Virgin Galactic, future space tourists will be between 10 and 90 years old, and come from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.</p><p>The only thing you need? The desire to explore the universe!</p>

Who can travel to space?

Anyone ! Well, that is, anyone with enough money. No need to have any previous science qualifications or NASA training, especially since a trained crew will escort tourists on their galactic journey.

According to Virgin Galactic, future space tourists will be between 10 and 90 years old, and come from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.

The only thing you need? The desire to explore the universe!

<p>The main difference between <a href="https://www.space.com/suborbital-orbital-flight.html">orbital and suborbital flights</a> lies in the trajectory and speed of the vessels. </p><p>To go into orbit, a rocket or spaceship needs to follow a path that goes around the Earth at the very fast minimum speed of 7.7 kilometres (4.8 miles) per second, in order to keep circling and never fall back down.</p><p>It allows astronauts and travellers to stay in space for extended periods of time, hence it is for now the preferred type of flight.</p>

What is orbital travel?

The main difference between orbital and suborbital flights lies in the trajectory and speed of the vessels.

To go into orbit, a rocket or spaceship needs to follow a path that goes around the Earth at the very fast minimum speed of 7.7 kilometres (4.8 miles) per second, in order to keep circling and never fall back down.

It allows astronauts and travellers to stay in space for extended periods of time, hence it is for now the preferred type of flight.

<p>A <a href="https://theconversation.com/first-space-tourists-will-face-big-risks-as-private-companies-gear-up-for-paid-suborbital-flights-138766">suborbital flight</a>, which is what Branson and Bezos did, “just” requires enough energy to blast off to space and then naturally fall back to Earth, making a huge arc.</p><p>It requires less energy and is less costly than orbital flights, thus opening doors for relatively affordable space tourism in the future.</p><p>Passengers would experience up to six minutes of weightlessness and a grandiose view.</p>

What is suborbital travel?

A suborbital flight , which is what Branson and Bezos did, “just” requires enough energy to blast off to space and then naturally fall back to Earth, making a huge arc.

It requires less energy and is less costly than orbital flights, thus opening doors for relatively affordable space tourism in the future.

Passengers would experience up to six minutes of weightlessness and a grandiose view.

<p>Although <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/06/08/space-tourism-questions-answers/">Virgin Galactic</a> doesn’t explicitly list its physical requirements, they did say astronauts would have to pass certain medical checkups and training programs. Blue Origin, on the other hand, has said that training for suborbital trips will only take a day. </p><p>And of course, any space tourist will also have to pass a series of thorough tests to determine whether they’re fit to fly up there. </p><p>Once in space, you may have to perform small bouts of exercise to <a href="https://www.space.com/average-person-exercise-during-commercial-spaceflight">prevent muscle wasting</a>, which takes place after just seven days.</p>

How do you prepare?

Although Virgin Galactic doesn’t explicitly list its physical requirements, they did say astronauts would have to pass certain medical checkups and training programs. Blue Origin, on the other hand, has said that training for suborbital trips will only take a day.

And of course, any space tourist will also have to pass a series of thorough tests to determine whether they’re fit to fly up there.

Once in space, you may have to perform small bouts of exercise to prevent muscle wasting , which takes place after just seven days.

<p>As its name hints, <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/first-private-trip-to-the-moon-could-be-a-tremendous-boost-or-bust-for-space-tourism-1.5937240">lunar tourism</a> is the project of sending paying travellers to the moon. The first one could happen as soon as 2023, and would consist of a loop flight.</p><p>But three types of lunar tourism could be available in the near future: circumlunar trajectory, lunar orbit, and even lunar landing.</p><p>How cool would it be to say to someone, upon returning from a lunar vacation, “I’ve literally loved you to the moon and back”?</p>

What is lunar tourism?

As its name hints, lunar tourism is the project of sending paying travellers to the moon. The first one could happen as soon as 2023, and would consist of a loop flight.

But three types of lunar tourism could be available in the near future: circumlunar trajectory, lunar orbit, and even lunar landing.

How cool would it be to say to someone, upon returning from a lunar vacation, “I’ve literally loved you to the moon and back”?

<p>Admittedly, space is a vast place. So <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/jun/15/spacewatch-astronauts-planets-atmosphere" rel="noreferrer noopener">where exactly would tourists go</a>?</p><p>First, any space travel begins with the <a href="https://astronomy.com/news/2021/03/the-krmn-line-where-does-space-begin">Kármán line</a>, which lies at 100 kilometres (62 miles) above sea level and is commonly accepted as the limit between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.</p><p>Then, there are several options: orbital, suborbital, and lunar space tourism.</p>

Where does space tourism take place?

Admittedly, space is a vast place. So where exactly would tourists go ?

First, any space travel begins with the Kármán line , which lies at 100 kilometres (62 miles) above sea level and is commonly accepted as the limit between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.

Then, there are several options: orbital, suborbital, and lunar space tourism.

<p>Yes! From 2001 to 2009, the Russian space agency and the U.S.-based space tourism company <a href="https://www.space.com/space-adventures-roscosmos-tourist-flight-spacewalk-2023.html">Space Adventures</a> took seven (very wealthy) members of the public for several orbital space travels to the International Space Station. </p><p>The flights took place aboard the famous spacecraft Soyuz but stopped in 2010, since the crew of actual astronauts grew bigger and left no more seats available for paying space tourists.</p>

Have touristic space travels already occurred?

Yes! From 2001 to 2009, the Russian space agency and the U.S.-based space tourism company Space Adventures took seven (very wealthy) members of the public for several orbital space travels to the International Space Station.

The flights took place aboard the famous spacecraft Soyuz but stopped in 2010, since the crew of actual astronauts grew bigger and left no more seats available for paying space tourists.

<p>The American businessman Dennis Tito became officially <a href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/space-tourism-20-year-anniversary-scn/index.html#:~:text=(CNN)%20%E2%80%94%20On%20April%2030,the%20world's%20first%20space%20tourist.">the first space tourist</a> in April 2001, when he stayed for seven days on the International Space Station.</p><p>He was followed by six multimillionaire fellows from various countries: South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth, American scientist Gregory Olsen, Iranian engineer Anousheh Ansari (the first female space tourist), Hungarian-American computer programmer Charles Simonyi, British video game mogul Richard Garriott, and Canadian businessman Guy Laliberté.</p><p>On July 11, 2021, billionaire Richard Branson, along with three Virgin Galactic employees and two pilots, reached an altitude of <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57797297">85 kilometres (53 miles) above Earth</a> aboard his Virgin Galactic rocket plane, the Unity. Less than 10 days later, on July 20, the world’s richest man, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, briefly entered space on <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/07/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-successful-flight/619484/">Blue Origin</a>, his private space company’s reusable rocket. He was joined by his younger brother Mark, Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen, and Wally Funk, who, at 82 years old, became the oldest astronaut. </p>

Who were the first space tourists?

The American businessman Dennis Tito became officially the first space tourist in April 2001, when he stayed for seven days on the International Space Station.

He was followed by six multimillionaire fellows from various countries: South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth, American scientist Gregory Olsen, Iranian engineer Anousheh Ansari (the first female space tourist), Hungarian-American computer programmer Charles Simonyi, British video game mogul Richard Garriott, and Canadian businessman Guy Laliberté.

On July 11, 2021, billionaire Richard Branson, along with three Virgin Galactic employees and two pilots, reached an altitude of 85 kilometres (53 miles) above Earth aboard his Virgin Galactic rocket plane, the Unity. Less than 10 days later, on July 20, the world’s richest man, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, briefly entered space on Blue Origin , his private space company’s reusable rocket. He was joined by his younger brother Mark, Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen, and Wally Funk, who, at 82 years old, became the oldest astronaut.

<p>Unlike past tourism experiments, which took place aboard vessels sent off for scientific purposes, future travels will happen on private companies’ flights set up solely for space tourism. </p><p>Those pioneering aerospace companies are <a href="https://www.virgingalactic.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic</a>; <a href="http://www.spacex.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">SpaceX, founded by Tesla co-founder Elon Musk</a>; and <a href="https://www.blueorigin.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blue Origin</a>, created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.</p>

Who would be the space tourism “agencies”?

Unlike past tourism experiments, which took place aboard vessels sent off for scientific purposes, future travels will happen on private companies’ flights set up solely for space tourism.

Those pioneering aerospace companies are Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic ; SpaceX, founded by Tesla co-founder Elon Musk ; and Blue Origin , created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

<p>Sooner than you think. According to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffwhitmore/2021/07/14/space-travel-updates-when-will-we-be-able-to-travel-to-space/?sh=12e9f52e6dff"><em>Forbes</em></a>, Virgin Galactic’s successful trip means the company could start sending civilians up into space as soon as early 2022. Likewise, Blue Origin, which has a Federal Aviation Administration licence for human space travel through August 2021, could officially enter the space tourism game by early 2022.</p>

When will space tourism happen?

Sooner than you think. According to Forbes , Virgin Galactic’s successful trip means the company could start sending civilians up into space as soon as early 2022. Likewise, Blue Origin, which has a Federal Aviation Administration licence for human space travel through August 2021, could officially enter the space tourism game by early 2022.

<p>It’s not exactly clear at the moment, but there have been some indications. For example, Virgin Galactic began selling ticket reservations for <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2021/07/blue-origin-cost-jeff-bezos-space-virgin-galactic-spacex.html">US$250,000</a> and sold roughly 600, before a test crash in 2014 brought sales to a halt. They’re expected to start selling tickets again in 2022, but at a much higher price.</p><p>It was reported in 2018 that seats on Bezos’s Blue Origin would also cost in the ballpark of US$200,000 to US$300,000, but that could change given how high demand is. At a recent auction, the winning bid for a seat aboard the company’s first spaceflight was a whopping <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/12/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-auctions-spaceflight-seat-for-28-million.html">US$28 million</a>.</p><p>The bottom line is, those hoping to take a trip around the stars will either need to know someone or have hundreds of thousands (likely even millions) of dollars to spare.</p>

How much will it cost?

It’s not exactly clear at the moment, but there have been some indications. For example, Virgin Galactic began selling ticket reservations for US$250,000 and sold roughly 600, before a test crash in 2014 brought sales to a halt. They’re expected to start selling tickets again in 2022, but at a much higher price.

It was reported in 2018 that seats on Bezos’s Blue Origin would also cost in the ballpark of US$200,000 to US$300,000, but that could change given how high demand is. At a recent auction, the winning bid for a seat aboard the company’s first spaceflight was a whopping US$28 million .

The bottom line is, those hoping to take a trip around the stars will either need to know someone or have hundreds of thousands (likely even millions) of dollars to spare.

How do we get there?

The development of space tourism vehicles is still an ongoing project.

But a few options already exist, like Virgin Galactic’s spaceplanes that can carry up to eight people, or SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft , launched by the Falcon Heavy rocket.

Blue Origin’s New Shepard looks more like a regular rocket that takes off and lands vertically, but also claims to offer the biggest windows of any spacecraft—a good selling point. It comfortably sits six people and is fully autonomous, meaning no pilot onboard.

<p>Needless to say, travelling to space is <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/hrp/bodyinspace">no walk in the park.</a></p><p>You’re eager to experience the joys of floating in microgravity? You better also get prepared to endure several physical discomforts: nausea and sea sickness, dizziness, headache, disorientation, puffy face, and bloodshot eyes.</p><p>But astronauts and previous space tourists agree that the body adjusts fairly quickly, getting used to its spatial environment in about three days.</p>

What does it feel like?

Needless to say, travelling to space is no walk in the park.

You’re eager to experience the joys of floating in microgravity? You better also get prepared to endure several physical discomforts: nausea and sea sickness, dizziness, headache, disorientation, puffy face, and bloodshot eyes.

But astronauts and previous space tourists agree that the body adjusts fairly quickly, getting used to its spatial environment in about three days.

<p><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/jeff-bezos-and-other-space-tourists-will-enter-sparse-regulatory-territory-11623325460">Safety is a reasonable concern</a>, considering the many hazards involved in space travel: the probability of a crash, exposure to cosmic radiation, and even unknown dangers that could emerge with this new industry. But here is the real question for any adventurer: is the thrill worth the risk?</p>

Is it safe?

Safety is a reasonable concern , considering the many hazards involved in space travel: the probability of a crash, exposure to cosmic radiation, and even unknown dangers that could emerge with this new industry. But here is the real question for any adventurer: is the thrill worth the risk?

<p>For many tourists, food is a crucial criterion for a successful vacation. But outer space is no place for gourmets, at least not yet. Interstellar tourists can expect to enjoy mostly canned, modified, and pre-packaged meals (such as space burritos and freeze-dried ice cream). But soon, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/exploration-research-and-technology/growing-plants-in-space/" rel="noreferrer noopener">thanks to NASA’s veggie farm</a>, space tourists might be able to savour space-grown salads. </p>

What is the food like?

For many tourists, food is a crucial criterion for a successful vacation. But outer space is no place for gourmets, at least not yet. Interstellar tourists can expect to enjoy mostly canned, modified, and pre-packaged meals (such as space burritos and freeze-dried ice cream). But soon, thanks to NASA’s veggie farm , space tourists might be able to savour space-grown salads.

<p>Orbital space travel allows you to stay up there for a few days or even weeks. At that point, you might want to stretch your legs outside of the spacecraft, right? Well, in the future, space stations could be used as hotels: the Genesis inflatable habitats by Bigelow Aerospace and the <a href="http://spaceislandgroup.com/home.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Island Project</a> are existing examples. Make sure to book a room with a view of planet Earth!</p>

What about the accommodations?

Orbital space travel allows you to stay up there for a few days or even weeks. At that point, you might want to stretch your legs outside of the spacecraft, right? Well, in the future, space stations could be used as hotels: the Genesis inflatable habitats by Bigelow Aerospace and the Space Island Project are existing examples. Make sure to book a room with a view of planet Earth!

How to pack a space suitcase?

Packing a suitcase for a trip through the cosmos is actually less of a headache than doing so for a weekend vacation on Earth. Just keep in mind that it’s impossible to do laundry in space, so pack clothes accordingly : stock up on underwear, light clothing (space station temperature is controlled at about 22 degrees Celsius, or 72 degrees Fahrenheit), and exercise outfits. Outerwear will be provided: an orange suit for takeoff and re-entry, and a white one for potential space strolls.

<p>With ecotourism being a growing trend and concern over the last few years, the question is legitimate. Well, bad news: space travel could have a negative impact by <a href="https://www.space.com/environmental-impact-space-tourism-flights">accelerating global warming</a>. This would be caused by the black carbon released into the stratosphere after suborbital launches. But of course, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/virgin-galactic-space-tourism-wont-hurt-environment-says-richard-branson/news-story/0c03b11efe10fa48a3296f6f361b7557">entrepreneurs in the industry claim</a> that the carbon footprint of space tourism would be minimal. The truth is, rockets emit 50 to <a href="https://www.space.com/space-tourism-rockets-emit-100-times-more-co2">100 times more CO₂ per passenger</a> than a regular flight. Considering that Virgin Galactic plans to do 400 trips per year, that’s a lot of CO₂ entering the atmosphere.</p>

Is it eco-friendly?

With ecotourism being a growing trend and concern over the last few years, the question is legitimate. Well, bad news: space travel could have a negative impact by accelerating global warming . This would be caused by the black carbon released into the stratosphere after suborbital launches. But of course, entrepreneurs in the industry claim that the carbon footprint of space tourism would be minimal. The truth is, rockets emit 50 to 100 times more CO₂ per passenger than a regular flight. Considering that Virgin Galactic plans to do 400 trips per year, that’s a lot of CO₂ entering the atmosphere.

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