Best carry-on luggage to buy in 2024, according to a group of well-travelled women
The best carry-on luggage serves as a versatile replacement for cumbersome travel backpacks, is easy to wheel and perfect for city breaks or weekend escapes alike. Although cabin luggage may still incur additional charges, it's nothing compared to the cost of checking in a suitcase weighing over 20kg. Ahead, our edit of the best cabin bags for 2024 holidays.
Whether you’re off on a quick overseas jaunt, taking a mother-daughter trip or flying solo for the first time, you’ll want to find a carry on that fits in the overhead compartment on the plane and has all the features that will make your travel that little bit easier.
So we asked the pros: 16 real women, from editors to brand founders, who travel like it's, well, their job — and therefore know the value of a solid carry-on bag. We asked them to share the styles they always bring along, no matter where they're going or for how long. Whether you use a folding method that would make Marie Kondo proud or adhere to a "throw everything in and zip it up" philosophy, these top picks will turn you into a carry-on-at-all-costs kind of traveler.
From expandable soft-shell suitcases to lightweight carry-ons with massive exterior pockets, read on for the best carry-on luggage, according to women who've probably racked up more frequent-flier miles in the last month than you did pre-pandemic. And for something even more compact, beeline towards our edit of TikTok-approved underseat luggage.
The best carry on luggage, at a glance:
- Best overall - Clifton Cabin, £127.50, Antler
- Best runner up - Stamford 2.0 Cabin, £200, Antler
- Best duffle - Main Line Duffle, £295, Paravel
- Best for city breaks - Weekender, £305, Paravel
- Best medium size - SoundBox, £165, American Tourister
How we tested the best carry on luggage
At GLAMOUR HQ, we pride ourselves on our expertise in identifying the top brands that excel in producing check-in and cabin-worthy products. We've extensively tested the majority of carry-ons featured in this selection (and are currently reviewing the remainder) during weekend getaways and long-haul travels, all to present you with the finest carry-on luggage options available. Our evaluations consider style, weight, size, functionality, durability, customer service, and additional features, ensuring comprehensive recommendations for your travel needs.
After more luggage shopping inspo? Make sure to checkout our guide to the best suitcases and our in-depth Antler review. For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
Keep scrolling for our tried and tested round up of the best carry on luggage deals for 2024
Best overall carry on
Specifications:
- Size - 20 x 40 x 55cm.
- Weight - 2.8kg.
- Standout features? Your choice of 11 colourways, and you'll save money if you opt for the Antler luggage suitcase trio.
Pros:
- Free delivery.
- A lifetime warranty.
- A perfect cabin max size for Tui's overhead bins.
Cons:
- In our experience, it does scuff a little easily.
ANTLER recommendations: If GLAMOUR's Senior Commerce Writer, Georgia Trodd is stepping foot on an airplane, train, coach, boat or spaceship, best believe her Clifton carry-on is coming with. “It's a non-negotiable when it comes to travelling anywhere for more than one night, and I don't know how I lived without it before,” she says. The standout features? “It boasts a zipped compartment for your clothing, two smaller zipped pockets for bits and bobs (one mesh pocket, the other plastic), and an open compartment with compression straps to stop everything escaping should you need to access inside when you're on-the-go,” adds Georgia and, she notes, “The wheels are easy to manoeuvre, which is key if you're prone to running late, and the handle is pretty sturdy – though does wobble if it's a particularly heavy load you're carrying about." Georgia usually struggles to pack light, but this design certainly forces her to, “which isn't necessarily a bad thing”, she says. “I'd certainly recommend packing cubes either way,” she adds.
Best runner up
Specifications:
- Size - 54 x 40 x 20cm.
- Weight - 2.77kg.
- Standout features? Wheels developed with Mitsubishi for an even longer lasting smooth glide.
Pros:
- Free delivery and free returns.
- A lifetime warranty.
- USB charging port (though, the batteries aren't included).
- Compared to the Antler luggage brand's Clifton sister, the Stamford includes an additional compression sleeve/divider.
Cons:
- While all the Stamford range is expandable, the hand baggage size unfortunately isn't.
ANTLER recommendations: One of Denise Primbet's (GLAMOUR Commerce Writer) recent adult revelations was that investing in a quality carry-on suitcase is one of the best decisions you can make, especially considering its longevity. She explains, “The Stamford Cabin Suitcase has been my travel companion for the past few months, and I’ve been seriously impressed with both its sturdy build and handy features.” As someone who prefers hard shell luggage, the Stamford ticked nearly (if not all) criteria that she had in mind for the best carry-ons: quiet gliding, lightweight (just over 2.5 kg), sleek design, 360-degree rotating wheels and stunning colourway options. Denise also enjoyed the added features such as the removable packing divider, built-in USB port (perfect for connecting flights) and an impressive packing capacity of 37 litres. “An easy 10/10 from me,” noted Denise.
Best carry on duffle bag
Specifications:
- Size - 51 x 27.9 x 25.4cm.
- Weight - 1.36kg.
- Standout features? Luxe-style vegan leather detailing.
Pros:
- Lufthansa carry-on case size compliant.
- Features a lockable loop on the two-way zip system.
Cons:
- In terms of practicality, the canvas makeup has no corner protection or dark fabric base to prevent scuffs and dirt, something a Ted Baker duffle does offer.
PARAVEL recommendations: Whenever Brooklyn-based Meghan Donovan, founder of Paris, Perfected and the blogger behind wit & whimsy, travels to Paris, she always brings a largely empty duffel bag as a carry-on with her “to account for any shopping I plan to do.” Her favourite is the Paravel Main Line Duffel because “its size ensures I won't go overboard but is also roomy enough while still being lightweight and stylish.” We couldn't agree more.
Best carry on luggage for city breaks
Specifications:
- Size - 38.1 x 38.1 x 20.3cm.
- Weight - 1.08kg.
- Standout features? The outer canvas fabric is spill-proof so it's a great pick for country/messier getaways as well as city breaks.
Pros:
- British Airways carry-on size compliant.
- Can be used as a laptop bag for screens up to 15".
Cons:
- The ‘Cabana’ shoulder strap is sold separately, which is a tad annoying given the price tag.
- No combination lock.
PARAVEL recommendations: As a self-professed chronic over-packer, Condé Nast Traveler's commerce editor Madison Flager says she loves to bring Paravel's Weekender bag as her personal item on flights. “It's a great size for overnight trips, and surprisingly roomy. It fits all the essentials—laptop, books and magazines, wallet, chapstick, and keys—with room to spare for last-minute odds and ends, like a sweater for the plane, extra pair of sandals, or even my Dopp kit, depending on how jam-packed my suitcase is.” Flager says the bag is also incredibly well-designed, both aesthetically and functionally: It has a trolley sleeve, adjustable and removable crossbody strap, and deep interior pocket—not to mention, it's made using upcycled plastic water bottles. “I always feel more put-together when I'm bringing this bag along,” she says.
Best medium size carry on
Specifications:
- Size - 40 x 55 x 20cm.
- Weight - 2.6kg.
- Standout features? This hard shell cabin suitcase is compliant with the allowance for most airlines' overhead shelves.
Pros:
- Expandable.
- Reviewers were pleased with the durability and construction.
Cons:
- None of note.
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Best carry on luggage with removable inner lining
Specifications:
- Size - 39.8 x 55.1 x 24.3cm.
- Weight - 5.5kg.
- Standout features? Features a removable inner lining for easy cleaning.
Pros:
- Jet2 in-cabin luggage size compliant.
- Features a luxe leather carry handle.
- Padded interiors to your items, be it a designer tote, iPad or glass bottle toiletries.
Cons:
- Only promises a 2-year warranty even with the high price point. As a direct RIMOWA competitor, RIMOWA's lifetime warranty has the upper hand here.
FPM recommendations: As of June 2021, writer, editor, and brand consultant Adrienne Faurote is back to her usual “crazy travel schedule.” Think New York City for 24 hours, then off to the Hamptons, Miami, and a quick visit home in Indiana—not to mention a slew of fall weddings. “I really feel like travel has resumed and airports are a bit hectic right now, which is why I'm only taking a carry-on to avoid checking a bag,” she says. She converted to hardshell styles about six years ago, and says she'll never look back. “As a fashion editor, I love packing clothes, and the beauty of a hardshell carry-on is I can pack all of my clothes and accessories with the ease of knowing it will always fit in the overhead compartment.” She has packing down to a science—her secret is these packing cubes—and is never without her FPM carry-on. “It checks all of my boxes,” she says, explaining that “it's lightweight, extremely durable, and can fit a lot more clothing than you think at first glance—while being an incredibly chic travel piece.”
Best hard shell carry on luggage
PARAVEL Aviator shell carry-on suitcase
Specifications:
- Size - 55 x 23 x 35cm.
- Weight - 3.71kg.
- Standout features? Paravel will offset the carbon emissions as a result of both creating the hard shell case and - a huge bonus - of your first trip with the bag, be it to Europe the US or beyond.
Pros:
- Crafted from 100% upcycled materials, from the hardside polycarbonate to the inner nylon.
- Dual spinner wheels with steel axles and carbon steel bearings for a smooth four wheel glide.
- TSA-approved lock.
Cons:
- None of note, this really is one of the best hard shell cabin bags.
PARAVEL recommendations: Paravel cofounder, CEO, and creative director Indré Rockefeller is based in New York City and travels twice a month, mostly for work. It goes without saying her favourite carry-on luggage is made by Paravel. “I worked for over a year on developing the perfect piece of luggage and I’m so happy it’s finally here," she says. "It has amazing wheels, zippers, and handles, but it’s also sustainably manufactured, using recycled polycarbonate, recycled aircraft-grade aluminium, recycled YKK zippers, and a luxurious lining made from post-consumer recycled plastic water bottles.” It's her pride and joy, especially since she only ever travels with a carry-on. Another pro tip: She stays organised with packing cubes.
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Best carry on luggage with 360-degree spinner wheels
Baseline Essential Carry-On Spinner
Specifications:
- Size - 55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9cm.
- Weight - 4.6kg.
- Standout features? A one-touch button expansion system on the main compartment, no more wrestling to get the expanding zip pocket closed.
Pros:
- Features a strapped-in folding suit carrier (if dad's a businessman, we'd absolutely recommend this bag as one of the best Christmas gifts for dads).
- Includes garment panels to boost compression and give you peace of mind that your clothes are less likely to leave your case creased.
- Lifetime guarantee.
Cons:
- None here, it even has an easy access SpeedThru™ pocket for any passports/valuables you might need to hand.
BRIGGS & RILEY recommendations: As a freelance travel writer, Annie Daly is on the road most of the year. She's based in NYC's Brooklyn Heights neighbourhood, but traveled around the world to do research for her book, Destination Wellness, which came out in May 2021. “Given the amount that I travel, I should definitely be Team Light Packer by now. But I'm not!” she says. Her favourite luggage is a black Briggs & Riley softside carry-on with roomy front pockets her mum gave her as a Christmas present a few years ago. “I like it as a suitcase, but I like it even more for sentimental reasons," she says. "She even put a yellow ribbon on it so that I'd always recognize my bag on the conveyor belt!”
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Best lightweight carry on luggage
Specifications:
- Size - 51 x 32.5 x 23cm.
- Weight - 2.41kg.
- Standout features? As a soft cabin bag you'll save precious weight without having a hefty polypropylene or polycarbonate shell.
Pros:
- Generous 30-year warranty.
- Features an exterior compression system to ensure all your items are secure.
Cons:
- Only two wheels, so you won't be able to glide this hand luggage suitcase upright.
EASTPAK recommendations: GLAMOUR's Audience Development Manager, Lian Brooks, says a trusty Eastpak Tranverz is always her go-to carry-on suitcase because it’s the perfect thing for long weekends. “A simple yet effective classic design,” she explains, “the two separate internal compartments make packing a breeze, while the compression straps mean that when I inevitably overpack, I can still ensure it’s as compact as possible for my journey back.”
Best carry on luggage with free delivery
Specifications:
- Size - 55.1 x 40.1 x 23.1cm.
- Weight - 4.3kg.
- Standout features? The flex divider system is height adjustable, allowing you to tailor your packing space as needed.
Pros:
- RIMOWA's lifetime guarantee.
- Free delivery.
- TSA-approved double combination locking system.
Cons:
- Limited colourways.
- Such a hard shell outer means less manoeuvrability if you're trying to squeeze more into your travel bag.
RIMOWA recommendations: Born in Bahrain and raised in London, fashion designer Misha Nonoo, founder and CEO of her eponymous label, is known for her emphasis on sustainability. She moved to New York about 10 years ago but travels frequently, from short work trips to long holidays. “I’ve taken some amazing trips to Egypt, Italy, and Greece in the past that have been about a couple weeks,” she says. Her trusted companion? The Rimowa Cabin bag. “It’s lightweight but still incredibly durable," she says.
Writer Fariha Roisin travels at least once a month, and while she was on her How to Cure a Ghost book tour in 2020, she was gone for two and a half weeks at a time. In general, she considers herself a light packer—on the clothing front at least. “Somehow I'm always carrying five books, but I also inevitably buy books while I'm away, so 10 books later...I'm pretty heavy,” she says. While she counts on her Away carry-on, she's just about ready to upgrade to this metallic piece from Rimowa.
Best 4-wheel carry on suitcase
Tripp Mint Retro II Cabin 4 Wheel Suitcase
Specifications:
- Size - 20 x 39 x 55cm.
- Weight - 2.7kg.
- Standout features? Certainly the best budget pick.
Pros:
- In a pearlescent blue, this case will certainly be a trending airport accessory.
- Includes a 5-year guarantee which, for sub-£50, is quite the deal.
- Designed in the UK, so you needn't worry about a huge carbon footprint from travel miles on delivery.
Cons:
- Not available with Amazon next day delivery.
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Best expandable carry on luggage
Samsonite C-Lite 4-Wheel 55cm Expandable Cabin Case
Specifications:
- Size - 55 x 40 x 20cm.
- Weight - 2kg.
- Standout features? It's water repellant!
Pros:
- Includes a 10-year guarantee.
- Features a two-in-one TSA combi-lock and charging port on the case's side panel.
- Five-star reviews all round from customers.
Cons:
- Not slim enough for some budget airlines, including Wizz Air.
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Best foldable duffle bag
Paravel Foldable Travel Duffle Bag
Specifications:
- Size - 45.7 x 29.2 x 27.9cm.
- Weight - 0.45kg.
- Standout features? One of the lightest holdalls you can buy at sub-1kg.
Pros:
- Folds up into a tiny 20.3 x 24.77 x 7cm pouch for easy storing.
- Includes a smart sleeve for easy rolling on top of bigger trolley bags.
- Can be monogrammed.
Cons:
- No TSA lock, might be one for a mini padlock.
PARAVEL recommendations: Meredith Carey, travel bookings commerce editor at Condé Nast Traveler and cohost of the Women Who Travel podcast, is based in New York City and travels about twice a month. Wherever she's headed, it's with a matchy-matchy Away luggage set in hunter green. And in case she goes overboard while shopping, she says her new must-bring item is the Paravel fold-up bag, in—you guessed it—hunter green. “It packs down to about the size of a book but is sturdy enough when unzipped that I don’t have to worry about it ripping if I fill it with my heavier purchases," she says.
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Best carry on luggage with in-built charger
Specifications:
- Size - 55.1 x 34.8 x 22.9cm.
- Weight - 3.2kg.
- Standout features? For a surcharge, it can include an ejectable USB-connected power bank for on-the-go leisure or business travel charging.
Pros:
- Includes a water-resistant laundry bag (also handy for any leak-prone toiletries).
- Only four and five-star ratings from frequent flyers in the reviews.
- The charger will boost your phone back to full battery up to four times.
Cons:
- In-built charger only available for an extra £20.
- Not Ryanair cabin luggage compliant.
AWAY recommendations: “I usually travel a lot for work, and [in pre-pandemic times] average one or two trips a month," says Lale Arikoglu, senior editorial operations manager at Condé Nast Traveler and cohost of the Women Who Travel podcast. “In terms of length of trip, it’s been anywhere from 10 days in Colombia to whirlwind weekends in cities like Portland or Chicago.” But no matter where she’s headed, she brings her Away Carry-on. “Sure, pretty much everyone in the airport seems to have one now, but they are so well-designed that I genuinely believe that they have made me a better packer," she says. The other piece of luggage she cannot live without is her Paravel fold-up bag. “It zips up into a small pouch when you’re not using it, and then opens up into a full-size duffel when you need it to.”
Born and raised in Australia, Molly Goddard, cofounder of the luxury sleepwear brand Desmond & Dempsey, says her dream is to walk onto a plane carrying nothing. But in reality, she's usually lugging laptops, sample pyjamas, and the occasional painting she's picked up for a project. She takes two big trips a year to find inspiration for her collections; destinations can be anywhere from the English countryside to Morocco and Mexico. Still, she's a light packer and loves her Away carry-on. “I have learned the less you take, the more you can take home," she says. "Keeping things light also means getting ready is a breeze while you are traveling.”
On her most recent trip to New York, Claire Vero, the Surrey, England–based founder of Aurelia Skincare, says she bought an Away suitcase, which she's now in love with. “The charging function is a godsend and I love their designs. I want to add to my collection with one for each of the children, and my husband too,” she says. Although she moved from South London to the countryside a year ago, she still travels regularly for work (namely New York, Paris, Copenhagen, and Rome) and likes to leave a little room in her luggage for retail therapy.
Best hard shell carry on luggage
Specifications:
- Size - 57.7 x 37.3 x 24.3cm.
- Weight - 3.4kg.
- Standout features? Whisper-quiet rolling from this larger 4-wheel cabin suitcase.
Pros:
- Can, according to the brand, fit approximately 9 outfits for a longer getaway.
- The Bigger Carry-On nests within AWAY's larger hard shell suitcases.
- Buyers remarked how easy it was to manoeuvre through airports, down cobbled streets etc.
Cons:
- It's not actually compatible with many different airlines for their cabin size baggage allowance. The only notable brands which it does comply with that the GLAMOUR team could find was Egypt Air - Egyptians rejoice!
Best carry on luggage with silent wheels
Carry On Essential Polycarbonate Cabin Suitcase
Specifications:
- Size - 54.61 x 38.1 x 21.59cm.
- Weight - 1.8kg.
- Standout features? Super lightweight to carry and ultra-smooth silent wheels.
Pros:
- Well-thought-out compartments, including a hidden laundry bag to keep belongings tidy and easily accessible.
- Water-resistant and boasts a stain-proof nylon lining to maintain it's appearance.
- Silent wheels to navigate swiftly through the airport.
Cons:
- Unlike the original model, the essential doesn't come with a built-in power bank.
JULY recommendations: GLAMOUR's Senior European Commerce Editor, Sophie Cockett, says this July carry on lives up to its renowned reputation as the lightest cabin case in the world. “I get a bit hot and flustered when I'm travelling, but this sleek, ultra-silent and light-as-a-feather suitcase makes whipping around London a total breeze,” she explains. The only drawback? “It's quite small – narrow, really – so if you're a bit of an overpacker this might not be the case for you (or, it might force you into efficiency)” she adds. Despite this, Sophie finds it perfect for trips within the UK rather than international travel. “With all my essentials neatly packed, 'I don't struggle to fit everything I need," she remarks.
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Best versatile carry on luggage
Specifications:
- Size - 53 x 32 x 23cm.
- Weight - 1.2kg.
- Standout features? Purpose-built pocket for your shoes!
Pros:
- Comes equipped with a a purpose-built compartment for shoes, a detachable shoulder strap, and a zipped and padded pocket for safely transporting. a laptop or tablet.
- Features a back sleeve that'll slot seamlessly over the handle of any matching Antler suitcase.
Cons:
- Only fits laptop sizes up to 13”.
ANTLER recommendations: "I never thought something so simple as an overnight bag would be able to change my travel experiences so much, but then I was introduced to Antler's Chelsea Weekender," says Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer at GLAMOUR. "I've used it more than ten times now, and each time I discover something new to rave on about; a 13" laptop sleeve, a zip-able back slot to slide over your suitcase handle, a purpose-built compartment for your shoes (which will easily fit two pairs, FYI), internal pockets, sturdy straps...I could go on," she says. It comes in six colours and is water-resistant too, so if you're caught in a shower you needn't worry about your belongings getting soggy. “It's the one piece of luggage I recommend to all my friends,” noted Georgia.
Best luxury carry on luggage
Specifications:
- Size - 38 x 55 x 25cm.
- Weight - 4.3kg.
- Standout features? Hard-shell zipped front laptop pocket.
Pros:
- Compliant with most European, US and RoW airline cabin size restrictions so you can rest assured that you won't incur additional charges at the airport.
- 360° silent spinner wheels which make navigating around a busy airport a breeze.
- Features a sturdy aluminium frame with TSA-approved lock closure.
Cons:
- At almost £400 for a carry on, it's one of the more expensive picks in our guide.
Best large size carry on luggage
Specifications:
- Size - 23 × 15 × 9.5inches.
- Weight - 3.5kg.
- Standout features?
Pros:
- Comes in eight gorgeous colourways, along with five additional limited-edition designs to choose from.
- Unlike most standard carry-ons, this one can fit a 16" laptop and keeps it protected under the same aerospace-grade polycarbonate as the rest of the case.
- 100-day trial period to ensure that the product is the right fit for you, but, if you have any concerns during this period, you can send it back for a refund.
Cons:
- Only suitable for trips that are up to five days away.
