Every traveler knows the value of a good carry-on suitcase. From speed walking (and sometimes sprinting) through airport terminals to organizing your packing list, investing in a high-quality bag helps create a seamless travel experience from start to finish.
As someone who often spends more time on a plane than at home, I’ve learned the difference a well-constructed carry-on can make. After years of dealing with broken zippers and rips after every trip, I realized that finding a luggage option that would last through all of my adventures is a worthwhile purchase. I’m also a sucker for a chic aesthetic, so I’ve done my research to find pieces that are both functional and stylish.
To find the right carry-on luggage, consider the functionality, design, and materials. Look for smooth wheels, plenty of pockets for organization, a comfortable handle, and a durable exterior. Of course, you’ll also want to find a bag that looks just as good as it works.
Make your next big trip even better with the best carry-on luggage pieces below.
Beis the Carry-On Roller
I swear by this hard-shell carry-on roller from Shay Mitchell’s beloved travel brand, Béis. I’ve brought it with me to Mexico, Iceland, Fiji, and everywhere in between. Several years and countless trips later, my Béis carry-on is almost as good as new.
What makes this bag stand out, aside from its sophisticated and on-trend design, is the range of security and packing features — a TSA-approved lock, 360-degree wheels, a plethora of organizational pockets, and a two-inch expander for the overpackers (although, using this would likely require you to check your luggage). Available in a variety of stylish colors, this bag will instantly elevate your airport outfit of the day.
To Buy: beistravel.com, $218
TRAVELPRO PLATINUM ELITE CARRY-ON SPINNER
Travelpro has deemed itself a seller of “first-class travel luggage,” and I agree with this claim, especially when it comes to the Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner. It features self-aligning spinner wheels, a deluxe tie-down system, integrated accessory pockets, and a removable quart-size pocket for your toiletries. The best part? It’s made with an external USB port, so you can keep your devices charged on the go. It also comes with a foldable garment bag to prevent important clothing items, such as a work suit or wedding guest dress, from wrinkling.
To Buy: travelpro.com, $315
TUMI 19 DEGREE ALUMINUM COMPACT CARRY-ON
Business travelers with frequent overnight trips will appreciate this compact luggage piece from Tumi, which is crafted to fit easily under the airplane seat. Its sleek and eye-catching exterior is made from aircraft-grade aluminum to deliver an elegant and highly functional design. Inside, you’ll find three card pockets, three open pockets, a removable file divider, and a padded laptop compartment. It’s the ultimate business trip accessory to impress your co-workers and clients.
To Buy: tumi.com, $1,195
AMBEUR FRONT POCKET CARRY-ON LUGGAGE
Innovative and incredibly chic, this Calpak carry-on makes accessing your airport and in-flight essentials easy. The front pocket is specifically designed to hold your laptop and small items like chargers or a notebook. This nifty roller also gets major style points for its hard-shell exterior covered in a metallic sheen, available in five modern shades.
To Buy: calpaktravel.com, $265
MONOS HYBRID CARRY-ON PLUS
Undeniably sleek and cool, this Monos carry-on will satisfy your sense of style while keeping your items safe. The aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate shell is made even more durable with a metallic finish, an aluminum frame, and anodized aluminum corner guards. There are two TSA-approved locks to secure your belongings, as well as 360-degree spinner wheels to make navigating through security and the terminal a breeze. Plus, the interior features an antimicrobial lining, made from 100% recycled polyester.
To Buy: monos.com, $345
PARAVEL AVIATOR CARRY-ON PLUS
I’ve been a Paravel fan for years, not just for its simple and sophisticated aesthetic but also for its eco-conscious practices. The sustainable luggage brand offers the world’s first carbon-neutral carry-on, crafted from recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum, and recycled vegan leather. This earth-friendly carry-on is also functional, thanks to the smooth spinner wheels with carbon steel bearings, the interior compression board, various interior pockets, and the removable laundry bag. Overall, this carry-on is an investment that eco-tourists can feel good about.
To Buy: paravel.com, $425
Featured image courtesy of American Green Travel/Unsplash
(Travel Curator may earn a commission from shopping links on this page).
