All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Carry-ons are arguably the piece of luggage travelers pull out most often, whether it's the only bag coming on a weekend trip or used in tandem with a checked suitcase. It also spends the most time with us in transit, which means the functionality is even more important: Are your belongings easy to get to if you need to retrieve something while waiting at your gate? Is there a space to stash whatever item you remember on your way out the door? These are a few of the things Traveler editors considered when sifting through the seemingly endless options on the market. We set out to find the best of the best—bags that are lightweight but still sturdy, have enough space to house clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories, and will hold up for many trips to come. After months of testing, these are the pieces we've deemed the best carry-on luggage of 2023.
What we considered:
When testing out carry-on luggage, we asked editors and contributors to consider several factors: How light a bag was on its own, how much it could fit, whether the design and organizational factors were helpful (and aesthetically pleasing), how well it held up in transit, how easy or difficult it is to roll and pick up, whether it's worth the price point, and if there are any unique features that set it apart from other carry-on suitcases or bags they've used.
This article is part of Condé Nast Traveler's first-ever Luggage Week, for which dozens of suitcases, backpacks, and weekender bags were road-tested by our editors.
FAQ:
What size can a carry-on bag be?
It depends on which airline you're flying with, but typically, dimensions are limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high for domestic airlines (Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines adhere to these figures; American Airlines allows for an extra inch of height, while and Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines's max is 24" x 16" x 10" and Spirit Airlines's allotment is 22" x 18" x 10"). Some airlines provide a single number; dimensions must add up to that number or below to be considered compliant.
International airlines tend to have slightly different size requirements; 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" is typical, but here are some exact specifications by airline:
- Air Canada: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9"
- Air France: 21.6" x 13.7" x 9.8"
- British Airways: 22" x 18" x 10"
- Emirates: 21.6" x 15" x 8.6"
- Lufthansa: 21.6" x 15.7" x 9"
- Qatar Airways: 20" x 15" x 10"
- Singapore Airlines: 45 total inches
What can’t I take in my carry-on?
Liquids over 3.4 ounces (100mL) are not allowed in your carry-on. Additionally, firearms and other potentially hazardous items are prohibited. Check TSA's website for specific items you may have questions about.
Are carry-on bags free?
Again, it depends on which you're flying with and what kind of ticket you purchase. These airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item), regardless of what level ticket you bought:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta
- Hawaiian Airlines
While these airlines offer one free carry-on (and one personal item) to all travelers except those who purchased a base fare:
- JetBlue
- United Airlines
Top recommendations:
- Best overall carry-on: Paravel The Aviator Carry-On
- Best lightweight carry-on: July Carry-On Light
- Best budget carry-on: Béis The Carry-On Roller
- Best expandable carry-on: Away Carry-On Flex
- Best softside carry-on: Travelpro Platinum Elite softside spinner
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.