Travel Like A Pro: Best Carry-On Luggage Jetsetters Approve Of (2024)

Man in an airport (Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash)

1. Travel Pro Platinum Elite

This carry-on appeared on seven of the 10 sites we visited and earned the top spot on our list! If you’re in the market for a carry-on that’ll make your fellow travelers green with envy, look no further than the Travelpro Platinum Elite. The New York Times has put this bad boy through its paces, along with a whopping 46 other bags, and it’s come out on top as the best of carry-ons. Talk about a luggage legend!

Now, let’s talk packing power. Travel + Leisure has given this suitcase a whirl, and they’re singing its praises when it comes to storage space. With two roomy main compartments and some nifty mesh zippered pockets, you can kiss your packing woes goodbye. And if you’re a chronic over-packer (no judgment here), the expandable feature has got your back. Just keep in mind, once you pop, the size can’t stop – so maybe save that souvenir shopping for the return trip.

U.S. News & World Report mentions some seriously cool features that’ll make you feel like a travel pro. Picture this: a 21-inch spinner that’s not just a pretty face. We’re talking a fancy tie-down system to keep your stuff in check, and a fold-out suiter that’ll have your clothes arriving as wrinkle-free as the day you packed them. And for all you organization freaks out there (you know who you are), there are pockets galore, including a TSA-friendly wet pocket for those last-minute toiletries. It’s like having a personal assistant right in your suitcase!

2. Away The Carry-On

If you’re looking to turn heads at the airport, Forbes has the scoop on the luggage brand that’s making waves in the travel world. Enter Away, the Insta-famous suitcase that’s got everyone from influencers to your next-door neighbor buzzing. These bad boys aren’t just pretty faces – they’re packing some serious features that’ll make your travel-loving heart skip a beat. And the best part? You won’t have to sell a kidney to afford one!

But hold onto your passports, because there’s more to these suitcases than meets the eye. U.S. News & World Report is spilling the tea on why Away is the darling of tech-savvy travelers. Picture this: a sleek spinner that’s not just runway-ready but also airport security-ready. And get this – you can customize your carry-on to fit your gadget-loving lifestyle. Want to keep your devices juiced up on the go? Opt for the ejectable power source with dual USB ports. Prefer to travel light? Ditch the battery and save yourself a pound. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!

Whether you’re a serial Instagrammer looking for the perfect travel prop or a practical packer who needs their tech within arm’s reach, Away’s got you covered. With a rainbow of colors to choose from, you can match your suitcase to your travel style faster than you can say “boarding pass.” Just don’t blame us when your carry-on becomes the star of your vacation photos!

3. Amazon Basics

Listen up, thrifty jetsetters! If you’re looking to stretch your travel budget without skimping on quality, U.S. News & World Report has just the ticket. They’ve crowned this Amazon gem as the “Best Affordable Carry-On,” and Best Offers is giving it a standing ovation for being the “Best for Overhead Bins.” Talk about a double whammy!

Now, let’s peek under the hood of this budget-friendly beauty. This little luggage superhero is packing more features than you can shake a passport at. We’re talking a fully lined interior that’s more organized than your Type A friend’s planner, complete with a divider and three zippered pockets for all your odds and ends. And let’s not forget the telescoping handle that extends and locks faster than you can say “boarding time.” Oh, and did we mention the four spinner wheels that’ll have you gliding through the airport like you’re on a red carpet?

Forbes is chiming in to remind us that sometimes, less is more. This hard-shell wonder is the no-frills option that’ll have you wondering why you ever considered splurging on designer luggage. With its thick outer shell, your belongings are in for a cushy ride. And those double-spinner wheels? They’re your secret weapon for when you’re pulling a “Home Alone” airport sprint. The best part? This affordable dynamo can expand up to 15% – perfect for when those souvenir shopping sprees get a little out of hand. So go ahead, treat yourself to that extra tchotchke. Your new carry-on has you covered!

4. Samsonite Omni PC

If you’re on the hunt for a carry-on that’s tougher than your last relationship, Appliances Radar has got the inside scoop. They’re singing the praises of a versatile and durable little number that’s perfect for the modern globetrotter. Picture this: a suitcase with a micro-diamond polycarbonate texture that laughs in the face of scratches. It’s like armor for your travel essentials, keeping your luggage Instagram-ready trip after trip.

But hold onto your passports, because Trip Savvy is chiming in with some serious value talk. They’ve crowned this carry-on as their “Best Value” pick, and boy, does it deliver. We’re talking a triple threat of durability, capacity, and lightness. The textured finish isn’t just for show – it’s your secret weapon against the rough and tumble of travel. And let’s talk about space, shall we? This bad boy’s got room for days, even before you unleash its expandable superpowers. Plus, it’s got organization skills that would make Marie Kondo proud.

Now, before you rush off to add this to your cart, let’s keep it real for a sec. Travel + Leisure deals out a little reality check. While they’re giving props for the lightweight design, they’ve spotted a few bumps in the road – literally. Apparently, this suitcase isn’t winning any dance competitions when it comes to sharp turns. And if you’re planning on gliding through plush airport carpets, you might want to go with another carry-on. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right? It’s all about weighing those pros and cons.

5. Paravel Aviator

If you’re looking to travel with both style and a clear conscience, Travel + Leisure recommends this carry-on that’ll make your environmentalist heart skip a beat. Picture this: a suitcase with a compression board that’s like a personal Tetris master, helping you squeeze in that extra pair of shoes you definitely don’t need (but will totally pack anyway). And for all you neat freaks out there, there’s even a removable laundry bag to keep your dirty unmentionables far, far away from your crisp vacation outfits.

Why are Paravel carry-ons the preppy traveler’s dream come true? According to CBS News, this bag is available in both “can I squeeze this into the overhead bin?” and “definitely need to check this” sizes. Plus, these bags are serving up some serious style points. We’re talking trademark stripes that’ll have you strutting down the tarmac like it’s your personal runway. And let’s not forget about those frictionless wheels – they’re basically the Rolls Royce of luggage mobility, complete with 360-degree movement that’ll have you pirouetting through the airport with grace.

Now, for all you tree-huggers out there, U.S. News & World Report is here to assure you that you can indeed have your cake and eat it too. This isn’t just a suitcase; it’s a rolling testament to eco-friendly innovation. We’re talking a carbon-neutral traveler’s dream, decked out in recycled polycarbonate. The vegan leather details are a nod to our furry friends, while the aircraft-grade recycled aluminum handle is ready for whatever turbulence your journey throws its way. And the inside? It’s like a cozy home for 15 upcycled water bottles, transformed into a nylon lining that’s as practical as it is planet friendly. So go ahead, pack that extra souvenir. Mother Earth’s got your back on this one!

Our list provides a jump-start to your search for the best carry-on luggage to suit your needs. So, get to planning your next luxury vacation ASAP!

Sources:

• Buyer’s Guide
• Appliances Radar
• Kirby Research
• U.S. News & World Report
• Travel + Leisure
• Trip Savvy
• New York Times
• Best Offers
• CBS News
• Forbes