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Here at T&C, we fully embrace the carry on lifestyle, even when traveling abroad. I would never happily opt in to the checked bag line, and honestly I have a fear of my travel bag being gate-checked when I'm headed overseas. If you feel the same, and happen to be in the market for a new (and trusty!) international carry-on, read ahead.
Due to my obsession with new passport stamps and cabin preferred luggage, I've gone through carry-on after carry-on, always putting a band-aid on my problems and purchasing non-practical, cheap, and unreliable options. As expected, I've had to find a replacement every couple of years or sooner dependent upon my travel abroad frequency. So, finally I decided to invest my time and money into something that should last me a lifetime of international trips, quite literally speaking. I decided to reach out to Co-Founders Athan Didaskalou and Richard Li at July, an innovator in travel accessories to help assess the components I should be on the hunt for when packing for Europe and beyond.
The Co-Founders went on to say, "The ideal {international} carry-on is designed with the modern traveler in mind—balancing functionality, durability, and style. You shouldn’t have to choose between looking stylish and having functional luggage, so our designs combine both style and practicality, giving you the best of both worlds."
Taking notes from out chat, which I'll touch on more later, I was able to source the very best carry-ons for international travel of 2024. From luxury name brands to, durable diamond-in-the-rough pieces, read on and don't forget your passport!
Pros
- Lightweight Shell
- 360 Wheels
- TSA Lock
- Zipper Expansion
- Personalization Options
Cons
If you had a second to read my recent duffle bag story, you should be familiar with the intricacies of any Away bag or roller. I recently tried out this glossy Carry-On Flex and audibly gasped when I unzipped the case, talk about an upgrade. With zippers and pockets aplenty, it's perfect for an over-packer like myself.
Colors: 10 Colors
Size: 21.7" x 14.4" x 9"
Materials: 100% polycarbonate shell
Review: "Best carry I've ever had in terms of move ability. As cabin crew tried quite of different brands. Also like the sleek style."
Pros
- 360° Skateboard Spinner Wheel System
- 3-Digit TSA lock
Cons
Venice beach, but on wheels. Inspired by 70's California skating culture, Floyd's sleek hardshell cases are easily recognizable from the inside out in the best way
Colors: 8 Colors
Size: W 15.35 in D 9.05 in H 21.85 in
Materials: Polycarbonite 100%, Makrolon® hard shell
Pros
- 100 Day Trial
- Lifetime Warranty
- Sustainably Made
- Water-Resistant Lining (100% Recycled)
- Four-Stage Telescopic handle
Cons
Let's really lean in to Euro summer, shall we? Introducing the Euro-adored travel brand, Horizn Studios. With the future of travel in mind, you can expect the smartest solutions from this refined label. German engineering at its finest.
Colors: 13 Colors
Size: 40cm x 55cm x 20cm
Materials: Premium German Polycarbonate
Review: "Traveling changed completely with this suitcase. Perfect size, high quality product, unique style. Love it"
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Pros
- Dual Spinner Wheels
- TSA Lock
- Laptop Pocket
Cons
With vibrant color options, you're sure to spot your Calpak suitcase in a crowd. If you ever fall short and end up carry-on gate-checking, fear not. Not to mention...a laptop opening? That's a game changer during the TSA panic.
Colors: 1o Colors
Size: 21” x 13.75” x 9.75”
Materials: Polycarbonate shell
Review: "I've taken this suitcase on several trips over the last year, and it nicely holds everything I need for at least about 4-5 days at a time. It has held up very well with my over-packing tendencies, showing no signs of wear in the seams or zippers. It's great for the airport, as it rolls very smoothly in any direction and is easy to pick up. The front laptop/document pocket is also quite convenient, and there are several interior pockets that help with organization..."
Pros
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Resists Extremes
- Certified Safe
- Lifetime Guarantee
Cons
Rimowa is a pioneer in the travel accessories industry. Inventing and adapting since 1898, it's safe to say this carry-on is worth the investment for any frequent flyer that takes pride in the finer things. With a lifetime guarantee, go ahead and make the purchase with peace of mind.
Colors: Silver, Emerald Green, Black, Titanium
Size: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inch
Materials: Outside: Aluminum Inside: Polyester Handles: Plastic Wheels: Hard plastic Dividers: Polyester
Pros
- TSA Lock
- Expandable
- Weight Indicator
Cons
With thousands of five star reviews, Shay Mitchell's brand Beis lives up to its praise. Not only does the brand take pride in interior functionalities, but this carry-on is stain proof and built to last (no more dings, dents, and scrapes!) Fair warning, make sure you check your airline's sizing restrictions and go with the carry-on size best fit for your airline of choice.
Colors: 14 Colors
Size: 22.8" H x 15.7" W x 9.8" D
Materials: Polycarbonate body, PVC, Polyester liner, vegan leather trim, nylon zipper, and hardware metal
Review: "I was so excited to receive my new Beis luggage, and it did not disappoint! It is so handy and well thought out with the weight indicator, locks, extra bags and pockets inside, that my first trip so far was very easy. Will definitely get my bags from beis from now on!"
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Pros
- Lifetime Warranty
- Reimagined Handle
- Unbreakable Case
Cons
To be quite frank, aesthetics are everything to me, so Monos caught my eye. However, Monos is actually known for its quality tested handle and other noteworthy functionalities. See for yourself.
Colors: Champagne, Silver, Obsidian
Size: Aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shell made from partially recycled materials
Materials: 22" × 14" × 9"
Review: "I bought the Monos Hybrid Carry-On Plus. I love it. It rolls exceptionally smoothly, even with a heavy under-seat bag placed on top of it. I enjoy the latch mechanisms and not having to fuss with a zipper. Resetting the lock code was easy-peasy. I was worried that the size might not work as a carry on, but the bag fits perfectly in the overhead compartment of the planes I've been on, and no one at TSA or with the airlines have even suggested it might be too big to carry on. I bought it in black/obsidian and think it looks very sharp. I love it."
Pros
- Impact-Resistant Polycarbonate Shell
- Lifetime Warranty
- Seamless 360° Hinomoto Silent Spinner Wheels
- TSA Approved Locks
Cons
Whether your runway is the airplane aisles or the European cobblestone streets, take this Carl Friedrik out for a spin. Designed for rolling ease, never be that person miles behind the rest.
Colors: Black, Navy, Sand/Chocolate
Size: Width : 14.5 inches (37 cm)Height : 21.6 inches (55 cm)Depth : 9 inches (23 cm)
Materials: German-engineered Makrolon® polycarbonate shell Vegetable-tanned leather detailingPremium brushed fabric lining
Pros
- Recycled Materials
- 5 Year Warranty
- Luggage Tag
- 2 TSA Locks
- 4 Dual-Spinning Recessed Wheels
Cons
Another luxury name brand with the quality to match. If you are looking for a personalization option, Tumi offers monogramming with your carry-on suitcase.
As an added bonus, travel with trust, the Tumi Tracer allows each consumer to track down any lost or stolen luggage.
Colors: Black Textured, Pearl Grey Textured
Size: 21.8" X 14.0" X 9.0"
Materials: Recycled Polycarbonate
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Pros
- TSA Approved Lock
- Removable Accessories Pouch
- 360° Double Spinner Wheels
- Dual Zip
Cons
Say hello to the first of its kind, a carbon-neutral carry-on. This roller from Paravel is a step towards a better planet, and a step towards a well traveled life. Experience new beginnings with no second thoughts.
Colors: 6 Colors
Size: 22.7" W x 14.7" H x 9.6" D
Materials: Recycled polycarbonate exterior with aluminum handles, nylon lining and vegan leather details
Review: "Lifetime customers here. Excellent product and they stand by it. Customer service goes above and beyond."
Pros
- 360° MagnaTrac® Spinner Wheels
- Water and Stain Resistant
- Affordable Option
Cons
Not enough words could explain the memories and clothes that can fit into a Travelpro. I vividly remember my entire family using this suitcase growing up. My mom, a former American Airlines stewardess, always had this bag accessorized with her AA scarf. I have no idea what happened to our suitcase, but I'm ready to purchase an identical and accessorize my own.
Colors: Black, Titanium Grey, Patriot Blue
Size: H: 23 in. W: 14.5 in. D: 9.5 in.
Materials: ECOFAB™ interior lining with H2O guard is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
Review: "This is my second Travelpro piece and I couldn't be happier."
Pros
- Lifetime Warranty
- 100 Day Returns
- July Y-Strap compression system
- Multi-Stop Telescopic Handle
- Water-Resistant & Stain-Proof Nylon Lining
Cons
I had the pleasure to try out July's brand classic carry on and it's exceeded my expectations for the ideal cabin suitcase. Like earlier mentioned, I even had the pleasure to speak with July Co-Founders, Athan Didaskalou and Richard Li. They gave me the inside scoop of how they create the perfect formula for travel success, below:
"We focus on maximizing interior capacity with features like compression systems and well-placed compartments to help make the most of every inch, all while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The exterior is crafted from aerospace-grade, weather-resistant German polycarbonate to protect your belongings in any condition, and July’s slightly rounded edges ensure that the corners are super strong when handled by baggage handlers. Additionally, features like 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and a handle that can be stopped at any height are essential for convenience and security. "
Colors: 9 Colors
Size: 21.5" H x 15" W x 8.5" D
Materials: Aerospace-grade, German polycarbonate shell
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Payton Pampinto
Payton Pampinto is a contributor at townandcountrymag.com and ELLE.com.