I wish I were one of those people who could fit everything into a carry-on suitcase, but sometimes it’s nice to have a little extra room for an extra outfit or two. Besides, having a place to store your in-flight essentials makes the travel experience convenient and comfortable. That’s where a great carry-on bag comes in.
The perfect plane bag will feature pockets for organizing chargers, your passport, makeup, and anything else you might need in the air. It’s also a good idea to look for functional features like a padded shoulder strap for comfort or a foldable design for simple storage. Of course, you’ll want your bag to look just as good as it works. Whether you prefer a chic tote or an understated duffel, there are plenty of fashionable styles to choose from.
To help narrow down your search, we’ve found the best carry-on bags we can’t wait to use. For easy packing and accessorizing your airport outfit of the day, here are our favorite carry-on bags for every flight.
QUINCE WEEKENDER
There’s nothing worse than the scuffed-up bottom of a brand-new bag. This weekender from Quince comes with discreet metal feet to protect against the lingering hustle and bustle on the airport floors. Made of 100% top-grain Italian leather, the gorgeous golden staple also comes with an adjustable strap and a luggage handle sleeve.
To Buy: quince.com, $240
POLO RALPH LAUREN SHOPPER TOTE
Ralph Lauren is having a moment, and this preppy canvas tote allows you to rock that iconic little polo player anywhere you venture. The navy-trimmed straps add polish, while the roomy shape makes it perfect for everything — weekend getaways, beach days, or sliding neatly under your airplane seat.
To Buy: shopbop.com, $398
TUMI JUST IN CASE TOTE
If you’re trying to squeeze every inch of space out of your suitcase, this ultra-light “just-in-case” tote is your sleek solution. When not in use, it folds down completely flat and slips into its own zipped pouch. You can even add custom embroidery for a personalized touch. We especially love how this version pops in a rich burgundy shade.
To Buy: tumi.com, $175
CUYANA EASY TRAVEL BAG
The name of this bag says it all — it will be your no-fuss tote. Featuring lightweight Italian leather, you’ll be able to stuff it with a laptop, an extra pair of shoes, and even a tennis racket without throwing out your back. Snag it for weekend jaunts to the Hamptons or Joshua Tree, or keep it at your feet during long flights. Though it comes in a handful of chic colors, such as dark chestnut and cappuccino, this indigo won us over.
To Buy: cuyana.com, $458
CALPAK LUKA DUFFEL
If you love a pop of color, opt for Calpak’s best-selling Luka Duffel. It’s available in more than 15 different colorways, from neutral tones to bold and bright shades. But it’s not just fashionable, it’s also incredibly functional. This carry-on duffel features nine pockets for organization, including one just for your shoes. Plus, its plush polyester finish and detachable shoulder strap make carrying your things comfortable from the terminal to your hotel room.
To Buy: calpaktravel.com, $138
LONGCHAMP EXPANDABLE TRAVEL BAG
Get two bags in one with this high-tech, expandable travel bag from Longchamp. If you need some additional storage (I get it, I’m also an over-packer), the zip insert allows you to expand the bag several inches. It also folds flat for easy storage, taking its modern functionality up a notch. It’s made with durable, water-resistant nylon and trimmed with Russian leather to complement the final look.
To Buy: longchamp.com, $305
MZ WALLACE DELUXE LARGE METRO TOTE
Make a statement with this on-trend and voluminous MZ Wallace tote, made with lightweight quilted nylon for an eye-catching design. It features interior zip, wall, and smartphone pockets and comes with three zip-top pouches in varying sizes for added organization. We also love the subtle gold and leather details throughout.
To Buy: mzwallace.com, $295
NAGHETI GENEVA WEEKENDER
This lightweight bag is made of handwoven neoprene, which looks elevated but won’t show stains so easily. It packs flat and expands to be your new fits-everything bag. We love the chic brown color instead of purchasing another black one.
To Buy: naghetinyc.com, $445
BÉIS THE MINI WEEKENDER
Did you know that the coveted Béis Weekender also comes in a smaller size that fits conveniently under the airplane seat? It’s the perfect in-flight personal item to complement your carry-on, featuring a padded laptop sleeve and a separate compartment for your shoes or toiletries and makeup bag. Plus, it has a passthrough pocket that slips seamlessly over your luggage handle.
To Buy: beistravel.com, $98
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