When it comes to air travel, there’s always one particular aspect that stresses flyers out more than anything else. For some, it’s going through security in a timely and seamless manner. For others, it’s a fear of flying or turbulence. And then there are the poor packers; the people who are always convinced they’re going to get turned away at check-in or the gate because their luggage is oversized, overpacked or both.
When it comes to carry-on luggage, though, making sure you don’t run into this problem is really as easy as doing a little research beforehand — and following the rules, of course.
When it comes to flying in the United States, “the maximum size carry-on bag for most airlines is 45 linear inches (the total of the height, width and depth of the bag). Anything larger should be checked,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration. If that confuses you, then your best option is to check the description of the carry-on luggage you’re thinking of purchasing. When it comes to carry-on roller bags, many luggage brands sell a carry-on suitcase and a larger carry-on suitcase, the latter of which will usually be acceptable on major US airlines, but might be turned away for being too large on smaller, budget airlines in Europe, for example. The bottom line is that you always need to check the specific requirements of an airline, particularly if you’re traveling on a small, budget airline or you’re traveling outside of the United States.
To kick off your luggage search, here are 10 carry-on luggage options that are popular and will be the perfect travel companion for your next flight.
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One person wrote, “The first thing I appreciated was how easily it rolled across several different types of surfaces – from carpeting to pavement to cobblestones. I didn’t have to fight with it once! The wheels swivel effortlessly, and you can push it or pull it with ease. The interior capacity was just what I was looking for-not too big and not too small. I actually overpacked it on the first use! In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend this suitcase to anyone who likes to travel in style cost-effectively! GET ONE!”
One reads: “I love how this bags looks and feels. I’m planning to make a collection of this set. I’m so happy with it. It looks very elegant classy and expensive bag. Brown detail on the bag enhance the beauty and class of the bag. And I thought it wouldn’t hold so much in it but I was surprised to see how much it could hold. It has mess pockets. And strap seems very sturdy to hold things in. My old bags from Walmart didn’t seem this sturdy. And 360 wheels are very smooth as well. The handle comes out with just a little press on the button and slides backs in with pressing the same button. I would highly recommend this bag. Perfect for traveling.”
One person writes, “TSA approved lock, charging cable, lots of zipped pockets for organization, 360 degree spinning wheels are some of the features that make the Swiss Tech Executive spinner a fantastic buy. I have owned a lot of carry on pieces of luggage. This one is certainly ranked above the others. The fabric is easier to wipe and heavy duty. The wheels move with ease. I’m really looking forward to using this on my next trip. Also pockets, pockets, pockets! A wet pocket for swim items. A removable accessory pouch. Also multi purpose front and side pockets. It’s a dream come true!”
It comes in five color options, and has reviews like this: “So I travel … a LOT. Name an airport and I can tell you the best restaurants in it if you’re on a layover. Yeah, a lot of travel. And I hate baggage claims, so I’ve learned how to fit at least a week’s clothing into a carry-on bag. This 2-piece has made me squeal with delight – seriously. It expands about an inch if you wind up packing more when you leave than what you came with (yup, happens to all of us) and the tote is both spacious and just compact enough to meet airline guidelines. Every single zipper, slot, inside straps and mesh holder, the handles … everything is quality. You will not find a carry-on set for this price of this quality anywhere else – I looked. And I couldn’t be happier with what I received.”
One satisfied review: “I love this. It’s light, it holds a lot. Spins great! Will be getting lots of use out of it. I love how it has a handle on the side to help maneuver it around. Def worth what I paid and more!”
One customer wrote “We brought this for our daughter….she absolutely loves it! She will be using it as her carry on for travel. Its roomier than we thought and having the handle and wheels makes it easy to pull!”