The best hand luggage in 2024

Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, a great carry-on bag can be a game-changer. We’ve found the best and highest-rated carry-on luggage you can buy in 2024 – some of which are even on sale now.

Why invest in new hand luggage? On the one hand, a carry-on bag can help you save money since many airlines now charge fees for checked bags. And unlike checked baggage, hand luggage also remains with you throughout the trip. It’s a good place to store medications, a change of clothes, and other travel essentials. For shorter trips, carry-on luggage also saves time – no checked baggage means no waiting at baggage claim and no lost luggage.

Some people prefer rolling bags over gym bags, while others prefer hard shell bags. polycarbonate Or aluminum suitcases to softer fabric luggage. Other carry-on features include telescoping handles, TSA Compliant Locks and padded areas for electronics.

Keep reading to find out the CBS Essentials Luggage Experts top picks for the best carry-on luggage in 2024.

The best hand luggage in 2024

The main thing to keep in mind when buying luggage? Size. Although the dimensions and shape of carry-on luggage can vary, be sure to select a bag that measures no larger than 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, including the handle and wheels. This is the standard carry-on baggage size for most domestic airlines.

We’ve selected 7 great carry-on bags that fit in the overhead compartment or under your seat. All of our top picks are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and packed with great features.

If you’re looking for more options, check out our roundup of the best luggage of 2024 for all your travel needs.

Best polycarbonate carry-on luggage: Monos hand luggage

The Monos Carry-On comes in a bunch of great colors and has features like an effortless telescoping handle and plenty of zippered pockets and compartments. It also has an easy-to-use lock. Monos comes with a 100-day trial period and a lifetime warranty.

Reviewers praise the suitcase for its ease of use. “This suitcase rolls so easily over many surfaces. The wheels are perfectly placed to maintain balance, with no annoying tipping when packed. The handle raises and lowers with little effort. Even in the fully extended position, it Seems sturdy, unlike other suitcases I’ve tried.”

Check out our Monos Carry-on Luggage Review to see why CBS Essentials editor Kaylyn McKenna loves this carry-on.

Why we love the Monos carry-on:

• Monos carry-on luggage is made with aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shells for added durability.
• Carry-on baggage fits in the overhead compartment of most airlines.
• 360 degree spinner wheels provide smooth gliding.
• It is available in 12 colors.

Best aluminum carry-on luggage: Original Rimowa cabin hand luggage

Want to travel like James Bond? Next, you will need his luggage. The stylish Rimowa Cabin Aluminum Carry-on Suitcase features 360-degree multi-wheel spinners, TSA-approved locks, and a telescoping handle that slides up and down easily.

Aside from its quality materials and construction, one of the biggest benefits of purchasing a Rimowa luggage is peace of mind. The brand includes a lifetime warranty on all new suitcases, covering all functional aspects (but excluding wear and tear). Rimowa also offers in-store repairs and even hotel repairs at participating international locations.

Why we love the Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Luggage:

• Its aluminum construction protects your belongings much better than soft-sided or polycarbonate luggage.
• This suitcase comes with a lifetime warranty,
• Its sleek metallic material gives this hand luggage a trendy and high-end look.
• Available in four colors.

Best carry-on luggage with built-in charger: Far ‘The hand luggage’

The Carry-On from Away is a lightweight polycarbonate bag with 360-degree spinner wheels, water-resistant garment covers and two interior compartments – one designed for shoes and toiletries and the another for clothes. If you don’t love it, return it within 100 days for a full refund.

CBS Essentials’ Fox Van Allen has a piece of Baggage outside. “That one piece of luggage was a real game changer when it came to travel,” he says. “No matter how much I pack in this carry-on, it still rolls through the airport like it’s light as a feather. It’s almost magical how easy it is to move a piece of luggage.”

Why we love Away ‘The Carry-On’:

• The compression panel helps you fit more clothes into this suitcase when packing.
• It comes with a lifetime warranty.

Best carbon neutral carry-on luggage: Paravel Aviator carry-on luggage

Sustainable and carbon-neutral luggage brand Paravel offers stylish luggage options. The Paravel Aviator features frictionless wheels on carbon steel bearings with 360-degree movement and a telescoping handle for walking (or running) around the airport. Each bag is made from recycled materials and features side handles and edges covered in vegan leather.

Paravel says this carry-on can hold two to four days’ worth of clothes and one to two pairs of shoes, making it ideal for long weekends.

“This bag fits a lot more inside than the Delsey equivalent that I replaced with the Aviator Carry-On, and I love the compression panel and the quality of the zippers.” shared one reviewer.

Why we love the Paravel Aviator:

• The hand luggage is carbon neutral and made with recycled materials.
• Reviewers say it’s easy to maneuver.
• It features a textured finish that hides scuffs.

Best Soft Carry-on Luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite

Travelpro is a leading luggage brand loved by travelers and airline crews around the world. The brand creates ultra-durable and lightweight luggage using its patented PrecisionGlide technology for seamless mobility. The Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on, made from stain-resistant fabric with stylish leather accents, offers excellent value for money. Features include an easy-expand zipper option that provides up to 2 inches of additional storage space, an internal tie-down system, and a removable TSA-compliant wet pocket for toiletries.

“The bag materials are thick, the stitching is precise with no stitching issues, and of course the magnetic wheels spin effortlessly and track straight when rolling (a huge advantage over other luggage without wheel tracking)” , wrote one Amazon reviewer.

“This carry-on comes with a handle at the bottom of the bag, an extremely underrated feature that allows you to lift this bag without just tearing it apart with just one handle,” says a second verified Amazon buyer.

Why we like the Travelpro Platinum Elite:

• Travelpro offers a lifetime warranty.
• The TSA approved lock ensures the security of your belongings.
• Reviewers praise the bag’s durability.

Best Budget Carry-on Luggage: Samsonite Omni

A popular option on Amazon, the Samsonite Omni 20-inch Polycarbonate Carry-on Luggage offers a ton of value. Features include TSA-approved side locks, multi-directional casters, and an interior mesh divider with cross straps.

“I’ve had this suitcase for over 5 years and it still looks brand new. The suitcase is very durable and lightweight,” says one Amazon reviewer. “I have taken it all over the world and have had no problems. The zippers and wheels are very smooth. I highly recommend this suitcase to everyone.”

The bag comes with a 10-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

Why we love the Samsonite Omni:

• It is one of the best-selling and best-reviewed suitcases on Amazon.
• This is a premium luggage option available for just over $100.
• The Samsonite Omni is available in a wide range of color options to suit your tastes.

Best 19-inch compact carry-on luggage: Delsey Paris Châtelet

With faux leather accents and rounded edges, the Delsey Paris Chatelet, a lightweight polycarbonate carry-on, offers plenty of space for your belongings. Enjoy dual multi-directional casters, an ergonomic handle, a USB port for charging electronic devices, and a TSA-approved recessed lock. The suitcase is also equipped with laundry and shoe bags, as well as zippered mesh pockets.

“I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful this luggage is! It glides with such ease! It’s well balanced, durable and looks amazing,” says one Amazon customer.

Reviewers also praised the sleek design and spacious interior of the Delsey Paris Chatelet. Several reviewers noted that the zippered pockets made it easy to keep all of their belongings secure and organized while traveling. It’s smaller at 19 inches, but it can hold a lot of stuff according to reviews.

Why we love Delsey Paris Chatelet:

• The carry-on’s polycarbonate shell is lightweight and crack-resistant.
• An odor-resistant liner helps prevent the suitcase from absorbing odors when you return home with dirty clothes.
• Reviewers praise the soft wheels and easy carry-on maneuverability.