With lines at the airports growing ever longer and the different check-in lines that seem to take forever to get through, carry-on luggage is becoming a favorite amongst travelers.
The problem then becomes finding the best carry-on luggage for your needs.
With so many different options currently on the market, it can be difficult to wade through all the options to find the perfect piece of luggage to suit your needs.
Before you can even start searching, you need to know what the travel guidelines are as far as carry-on luggage goes, so let’s talk about that first.
Guidelines on Carry-On Luggage for Travelers
While different airlines may have slightly different rules when it comes to carry-on luggage, most follow a certain set of guidelines to make things more standardized for passengers.
It is important to mention that most airlines have a certain set of guidelines for carry-on luggage and another set for personal items. While some individuals may consider these one-in-the-same, they are two very different topics.
For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on carry-on luggage only.
COMPARISON TABLE
[amazon box=”B07DLB4766,B01HD1ZYKE,B01H5VA70Y,B00XDIRKRC,B07GJMCZNM” template=”table”]
Carry-On Size Restrictions
When it comes to size restrictions for carry-on luggage, there is a set industry standard that almost all major airlines follow.
Carry-on bags must measure in at 9 inches (deep) x 14 inches (wide) x 22 inches (tall);
22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm. These numbers must include all handles and wheels on the
bag.
Carry-On Weight Restrictions
Finding carry-on weight restrictions took a little bit more research, as there doesn’t seem to be a maximum weight capacity limit for most stops in the United States. However, some airlines, such as Delta, mentioned that some stations do have a maximum weight limit for carry-on luggage.
A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Carry-On Luggage
When it comes to purchasing the best carry-on luggage, what’s included really comes down to the individual and their travel needs.
Are you a frequent traveler with a carry-on bag that goes with you everywhere? Alternatively, do you rarely travel and just need something quick to get you down to your cousin’s wedding? No matter what the occasion, there is a piece of luggage designed for you,
you’ll just have to narrow down your choices.
That’s where our handy buyer’s guide comes into play!
We’ve outlined some of the most important aspects a shopper should consider when looking to buy a new carry-on bag.
Make Sure It Measures Up
This is the most important factor that shoppers need to keep in mind when looking for their new piece of carry-on luggage. If the bag doesn’t fit the standard airline requirements, then it will have to be checked in.
That being said, here is a handy little reminder on the standard size requirement for most airlines: 9 inches (deep) x 14 inches (wide) x 22 inches (tall); 22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm.
Check the Interior
Not all suitcases are created equal, especially when it comes to how they are built on the inside, and what we mean by that is that not all suitcases have the same compartments built inside.
Some users will want a single compartment piece of luggage, nothing fancy, just a space to put some clothing and a pair of shoes. Others will want something a little more partitioned for clothing, jewelry and what not.
So, make sure to check out different layouts and see what will suit your personal traveling needs.
Make It Hassle-Free
Traveling is a pain on its own, so you don’t want to add on a piece of luggage that doesn’t want to work for you. That means you not only want something lightweight and easy to handle, but you also want features that make it easy to handle.
Wheels
Most pieces of luggage now come with wheels on it to help users wheel the luggage around instead of having to carry it on their back. This is great for those who have to carry around a child or pet, or who simply don’t want to lug around a bag on their back.
Yes, you can get a unit with simple wheels, but you can also check into pieces that now come with 360-rotating wheels. This means that the bag can be turned on a dime when needed, making it simpler to manage.
Cushioned Handles
This is pretty simple; you want a bad that has at least one cushioned/padded handle. Simple ballistic nylon handles won’t cut it anymore. You want something that is not only sturdy in case you have to carry the weight of the bag with it, but you want something that digs
into your hand or shoulders while you do it.
Telescoping Handles
Most bags come with a telescoping handle. You know that handles that users can pull up, so they can wheel their bag around instead of carrying it by the handle.
While many pieces of luggage come with this feature as standard, you’ll want to make sure that the handle reaches a proper height for your individual use. Some individuals are taller than others and require a longer telescoping handle.
That being said, make sure you try before you buy!
Consider Extra Features
Now, I know it may seem silly to think about “extra features” when it comes to luggage, but as technology continues to grow, so do the options for best carry-on luggage. However, extra features don’t always mean technology!
Expandable Bellows
Expandable bellows are great because they help relieve some of the pressure that can easily accumulate in an overly packed bag.
Expandable bellows are folded strips of fabric on either side of the zippered opening. When needed, these pieces of fabric help the luggage expand an extra half-inch or so.
Hidden Compartments
Hidden compartments are great features in carry-on luggage, especially for those who only intend on bringing their carry-on for a trip. These compartments can be used to hide valuables, money and so on so that they aren’t in plain sight for passersby to grab.
Built-In Battery/Charger
Remember how we hinted at technology and suitcases? Yea, that’s a real thing now.
Many higher-end pieces of luggage now include a built-in battery with a built-in charger for a user’s phone or tablet. The actual battery is located somewhere inside the luggage unit, and
there is traditionally a port open on the outside of the luggage for users to simply plug their devices in.
How We Chose Our Rankings
When we create our best of lists, we have one thing on our minds – the consumer. That being said, we do more than comb the internet for products.
We consider some different factors when we create our top product lists, the most important being the product, brand and the reviews of those who have used the products before.
Once we tally up totals for each of these categories, we average them all together to get our final rankings. In the case of a ranking tie, we took into consideration the product’s overall price into consideration.
Our Top 5 Pick for Best Carry-On Luggage
With so many different options currently available for carry-on luggage, searching for a new bag can quickly become overwhelming.
That being said, after we did some research of our own, and after checking off the different points in our buyer’s guide, we’ve come up with a great list of options that we consider to be some of the best carry-on luggage.
[amazon link=”B07DLB4766″ title=”Travelpro Platinum” /]
[amazon box=”B07DLB4766″]
Maximize your carry-on with this platinum elite 21-inch expandable carry-on spinner bag. This unit features a tip-resistant expansion that offers up to 2 additional inches of space, a deluxe tie-down system, integrated accessory pockets and a removable quart-size wet pocket that is perfect for toiletries. It also features a built-in USB port that allows users to charge their devices on the go.
What makes this carry-on even better is the fact that it includes a drop-in, gold-out suiter that is specifically designed to accommodate hanging clothes.
[amazon link=”B01HD1ZYKE” title=”Travelpro Luggage Crew” /]
[amazon box=”B01HD1ZYKE”]
The Travelpro features the PrecisionGlide System that has precise control and effortless roll with three patented features. The Patented Contour Grip has cushioned touch points that help relieve stress on your hand for more comfort and greater control of your spinner luggage. The Patented PowerScope Extension Handle reduces wobbling and features stops at three different lengths: 38", 40" and 42.5”. Finally, the Patented MagnaTrac self-aligning wheels allow your luggage to roll smoothly in any direction without drifting.
[amazon link=”B01H5VA70Y” title=”American Tourister” /]
[amazon box=”B01H5VA70Y”]
The American Tourister iLite Max takes traveling to the limit with its stylish design that is fused with the latest technology to create a collection that is not only fashionable but also lightweight and fun.
This unit features four, multi-directional air low pinner wheels for easy mobility, and an easy-pull handle built right into the unit.
[amazon link=”B00XDIRKRC” title=”Briggs & Riley” /]
[amazon box=”B00XDIRKRC”]
The American Tourister iLite Max takes traveling to the limit with its stylish design that is fused with the latest technology to create a collection that is not only fashionable but also lightweight and fun.
This unit features four, multi-directional air low pinner wheels for easy mobility, and an easy-pull handle built right into the unit.
[amazon link=”B07GJMCZNM” title=”Hardshell Roller” /]
[amazon box=”B07GJMCZNM”]
The Incase EO Travel Roller is a hard-shelled, midsize carry-on with a front panel for those who desire enhanced protection.
This unit features a dedicated technology compartment that includes a padded sleeve that can fit up to a 17-inch MacBook Pro, an iPad slip pocket, and multiple organizer pockets. This compartment’s butterfly design even opens flat for quick and easy airport security screening.
Carry-On Luggage Made Simple
Let’s face it, not everyone is the same, meaning their travel styles aren’t the same either. While some travelers may find that a built-in USB port makes a piece the best carry-on luggage, others may want something much simpler.
Choosing the best carry-on luggage for your needs doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep in mind the material from our handy buyer’s guide and decide which of those aspects are most important to you and your needs.
Before you know it, you’ll have your new piece of luggage and will be headed off to your next destination!
Keyword: Best Carry-On
Luggage
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