Choosing the right luggage is essential for your travel journey and success. Your luggage is an extension of your being on the road, and you want to make sure you pick the one that makes sense for you and your travel needs! There are many brands and styles to choose from when searching for rolling carry-on luggage. We did the hard work for you and found the best roller carry-on luggage in 2024! This list contains a variety of styles and price points for you to choose from.
The Best Carry-On Roller Bags
Away The Carry-On
Away is a trusted brand for any luggage size, and they are especially known for their lifetime warranty bonus. We know multiple people who have been sent new luggage if something breaks. If you splurge on an Away bag, you will be set for life with your carry-on luggage. There are also tons of unique color options to choose from!
The Carry-On size will fit in every overhead compartment. There are mixed reviews about whether or not The Bigger Carry-On fits on international flights, but it is confirmed to work on most domestic airlines.
Calpak Terra Luggage
Calpak is our favorite luggage brand, and they have various carry-on rolling bag options. The Calpak Terra is the most expensive but best for a roller carry-on luggage because you can match it with your personal item. This is my favorite personal item backpack to match your Calpack Terra luggage.
Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage
This is another Calpak option that many travelers love. It is chic and lightweight compared to other options. It is also significantly cheaper than the Calpak Terra if that is outside your budget!
Monos Carry-On Luggage
Monos luggage is another tried-and-true brand that optimizes space in a carry-on bag. It was also voted the best carry-on luggage of 2023! Again, it is a splurge, but the bags are chic and practical and will last you for years of travel.
The pro-spinner has an extra front pocket for a laptop, so if that is a necessity for you, it will be worth the additional cost here.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On
This carry-on roller bag is one of the lightest options, weighing almost two pounds less than any other bag on this list! It has one large cabin rather than two different sides- that’s not necessarily a pro or con – just something to note! This is also one of the most affordable options for the best roller carry-on luggage.
Amazon Basic Roller Carry-On Bag
This is a basic and affordable rolling carry-on option on Amazon. We have used it on multiple trips, and it gets the job done at a fair price point.
Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Duffel Bag
Osprey is one of our favorite brands for luggage of any kind. We have used an Osprey backpack as travelers for over four years! This is an excellent option for using a rolling bag but traveling as a backpacker. One of the most significant benefits of soft-sided luggage is that it can collapse and be stored in a small space.
Gonex Rolling Duffle Bag with Wheels
This is another soft-sided option at a lower price point. It has over 2,000 five-star ratings and amazing reviews! This one, in particular, has tons of space inside to fit maximum items on a trip. Also, Gonex sells the BEST packing cubes on the market, so you know it is a trustworthy brand.
Tips for choosing the best rolling carry-on luggage for you
Consider hard-sided vs. soft-sided.
There are different pros and cons to hard-sided vs soft-sided carry-on bags. Hard-sided luggage is typically heavier, but will better protect the items in your bag. Soft-sided luggage will be lighter and compressible but do not have that extra protective layer.
Be aware of weight.
Many airlines, especially international, are strict about the weight limit of your carry-on bag. If your luggage weighs 7-8 pounds, that is extra weight you are taking away from items you can pack. This will be fine for domestic travel but is something to consider when traveling internationally. Rule of thumb: lighter is better!
Check the brand warranty.
Luggage gets thrown around when it travels! Between the airport and cobblestone streets, you want some warranty when things break or dent on your luggage. Most brands will offer a warranty when you invest in their luggage. Check that the warranty will cover you for years to ensure the bag is worth your investment!
Consider the organization’s features.
Some carry-on bags open to store items on two sides, and some provide one larger compartment. We have found that there is no major difference in actual storage space between the two; it is more a matter of personal preference.
Invest in a style and color that you love.
Looks are not the most essential aspect when purchasing luggage, but they are worth considering! Your carry-on luggage will be an extension of your outfit and will travel the world with you. It is important to choose a style and color you absolutely love, as it will be your travel companion for years.
What are the size dimensions for a carry-on bag?
The most standard carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. International airlines tend to be stricter, typically at 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Some domestic airlines have larger spaces that fit bags up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches. These dimensions include everything on the bag, including the handle, wheels, and anything else hanging off the edges.
It is frustrating for travelers that carry-on luggage sizes are not universal across airlines. Many luggage companies prefer not to say that their bag will fit as a carry-on on the off chance that a customer flies with an extra strict airline. The best advice we can give here is to read the reviews! If you purchase a bag listed in this post about the best carry-on roller luggage for travel, we did our absolute best to guarantee that they will fit in the plane’s overhead compartment.
Tips for packing in a carry-on bag
Use packing cubes.
If you have yet to start using packing cubes, now is the time! These are the best packing cubes on the market for travel and will elevate your packing game. You can organize your clothes by categories and compress your items to fit more in your bag.
Read our favorite tips for packing light for travel here!
Wear your heaviest layers (including shoes).
The easiest way to free up space in your carry-on bag is to wear your heaviest or thickest clothing and shoes on the flight. This will allow you to fit smaller items in your luggage!
Check your liquid sizes.
There are strict rules for the quantity of liquid and aerosols allowed in your carry-on luggage. The TSA’s “3-1-1 rule” states that you can only bring liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. It is not universal, but many international airports will require all your liquids to fit in one quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag. It is a good idea to test before you leave to ensure all of your products will fit in one quart-sized bag, especially if traveling to Europe! Aerosols such as dry shampoo and hair spray must also be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
This is the best toiletry bag for travel, especially when trying to stay organized and pack light! The different compartments allow you to organize everything and keep your items compact.
We hope this list of the best roller carry-on bags in 2024 helps remove one more thing from your travel to-do list! We know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right luggage for you, and we did our best to make that process easier for you. Is there a bag that should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments!
