Whenever I used to travel, I opted for my trusty JanSport backpack as my carry-on. While it might have given me scary flashbacks to middle and high school, it somehow managed to fit everything I needed. Once I finished college, I knew it was time for an upgrade. In comes an affordable hardshell carry-on bag that has made my life so much easier, and I’ll never look back.
However, I understand that not everyone is a roller bag traveler like me. If that’s you, don’t fret because you’ve got plenty of options in weekender bags, duffels, and backpacks. In addition to the different types of carry-on bags, you can find one that matches your budget, capacity, space needs, and style.
Best Carry-On Bags at a Glance
- Best Overall: Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On
, $140 - Best Duffel Carry-On Bag: Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag
, $10 - Best Softside Carry-On Bag: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-on Luggage
, $144 (originally $170) - Best Hardside Carry-On Bag: Open Story Hardside Carry On Spinner Suitcase, $89
- Best Under Seat Carry-On Bag: TPRC Smart Under Seat Carry-On
, $48 - Best Backpack Carry-On Bag: Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack, $155+
- Best Budget Carry-On Bag: BAGSMART Travel Duffle Bag
, $36 (originally $38) - Best TikTok-Viral Carry-On Bag: Béis The Convertible Weekender, $128
- Best Splurge-Worthy Carry-On Bag: Monos Metro Weekender ($250)
- Best Stylish Carry-On Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Duffle, $285
No, actually, there are so many stylish options on the market that’ll complete an airport OOTD. Dagne Dover and Béis are paving the way for modern, minimalistic, functional travel essentials that won’t fall apart after a couple of years. But you can always count on Amazon and Target to come through with more affordable options that are equally as cute.
What to look for in a carry-on bag
When searching for the best carry-on bag, make sure to consider size, design, special features, material, and color. Size is perhaps the most important factor because airlines have size limitations for all carry-on bags. It has to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Pay attention to the design and style, as in shape, because some prefer weekender silhouettes, while others lean towards backpacks. It’s all up to your personal preference and what works for you!
Special features is my favorite part. Does the bag come with adjustable or detachable straps? Does it have a slot that allows you to slide your bag through your hardshell luggage? What kind of an organizational system does it have inside? Definitely think about the material, too, because some are less forgiving than others when it comes to weather and spills. And last but not least is color. Opt for a neutral if you want a bag that’ll look good with every kind of airport outfit. But go for a louder color if you want your bag to stand out among the crowd.
What are the dimensions for a carry-on bag?
The dimensions for a carry-on bag on a domestic airline are 22″ x 14″ x 9″, according to U.S. News & World Report. For international airlines, the common dimensions are 21.5″ x 15.5″ x 9″ inches.
What is the weight limit for a carry-on bag?
There isn’t typically a weight limit for a carry-on bag on a domestic airline. However, many international airlines impose weight limits for carry-on luggage and sometimes even personal items, per U.S. News & World Report.
Now that you know what to look out for, find the best carry-on bags of 2024 below, so you can jet set in style.
Compartments: 1 zip mesh divider with zippered pocket
Warranty: This bag comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Capacity: N/A
This sleek suitcase earned a spot on this list thanks to its No. 1 best-seller status in its Amazon product category. With a 4.5-star overall rating and over 10,000 perfect five-star reviews, this Samsonite hardside carry-on
flaunts 360 degree dual spinner wheels that make hauling your belongings around a breeze instead of a workout. Plus, a built-in, TSA-approved lock keeps all of your items safe and sound. Be sure to check out the 15 colorways, too!
Compartments: 1 exterior pocket
Warranty: No
Weight: 3.53 ounces
Capacity: N/A
If you’re shopping on a budget, don’t fret, there are plenty of affordable carry-ons on Amazon, like the Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag
($10 is game over in my eyes). Though it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of its pricier counterparts, it does feature an exterior zipped pocket, is super lightweight, and can be folded up neatly. If you’re anticipating a whole lot of shopping on vacay, this duffel is so easy to tuck into your other bag or suitcase so you can fill it up with goodies on the way back.
Compartments: 2 quick-access, exterior front pockets, 1 full-length interior lid pocket, and 1 side accessory pocket
Warranty: The brand will reimburse shipping costs when you send your bag to them for warranty repair or replacement during that first year
Weight: 5.4 pounds
Capacity: 52L
The main benefit of softside suitcases is that they’re a lot more flexible, and many, like this one from Travelpro, include an expandable zipper that allows for more space. This carry-on
gives you an additional 2 inches of space so you can fit all the souvenirs and shopping hauls from your trip. Even better, it wears a water and stain-resistant coating, ensuring no rain or accidental spills ruin your bag.
Compartments: 1 front multi-use organizer pocket with additional pockets inside, accessory pockets inside, 1 open side pocket
Warranty: “All Travelers Club Luggage products and brands are covered by manufacturers’ warranty. If you have any issues with your product, please contact us – the manufacturer – directly to receive help and assistance immediately. PLEASE RETAIN A COPY OF YOUR RECEIPT AS PROOF OF PURCHASE.”
Weight: 6 pounds
Capacity: 23.85L
A common traveling pet peeve with carry-on bags is when there’s no more room in the overhead bins but your bag is too big to fit under the seat in front of you. The only solution is to find a half-empty bin far from your seat or check your bag with a flight attendant. To avoid encountering these problems, get yourself an under-seat carry-on bag like this one
. Its standout feature is a side USB port (power bank and USB cord not included) so that you can charge up on the go.
Compartments: Large main compartment, 5 big pockets and a shoe compartment
Warranty: No
Weight: 2.28 pounds
Capacity: N/A
If you’re traveling out of town for the weekend, this roomy carry on bag will be able to hold all your essentials and then some. Best of all, it has a compartment on the bottom to keep your shoes separate from your clothing. Each purchase also comes with a matching toiletry bag.
Compartments: 9 multifunctional pockets
Warranty: No
Weight: 1.52 pounds
Capacity: 30L
If you’re all about simplicity and saving money, shop this versatile duffle bag
. Nobody will guess you got it for $36 on Amazon. The quilted material adds an elevated flair, and there are several pockets and compartments so that you don’t lose your passport at the bottom of your bag.
Compartments: 3 main large compartments and 9 allocated inner and side pockets
Warranty: No
Weight: 1.72 pounds
Capacity: 35L
While a backpack may offer less room for carrying your belongings, it’s a great option if you’re trying to travel more easily (like experience less stress on your shoulders!) This option is not only super sleek, but its design is more travel-friendly than meets the eye; it has three main compartments and 9 pockets for stowing away a laptop, water bottle, a few clothing outfits and more.
Compartments: 1 interior mesh compartment, 1 interior zipper compartment
Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty. To obtain a copy of the manufacturer’s or supplier’s warranty for this item prior to purchasing the item, please call Target Guest Services at 1-800-591-3869.
Weight: 7.3 pounds
Capacity: 100 pounds
This hardside carry-on suitcase from Target is a personal favorite. Why? Because it’s an Away luggage dupe. You can see it in the bag’s simple and sleek exterior, along with its specs. The suitcases have near-identical dimensions and weights, but what really sets the Target version apart is that it can hold up to 100 pounds of belongings inside. I’ve owned this piece of luggage for over two years now and can never go back to my old Jansport backpack.
Compartments: 1 laptop sleeve, 2 air mesh pockets, 1 large interior zipper pocket
Warranty: No
Weight: 3 pounds 1 ounce
Capacity: 29L
Dagne Dover is known for its ultra-chic bags that prioritize organization, and one of the brand’s bestsellers, the Neoprene/Landon Carryall Bag, is a must-have. Depending on what size you go with, it features a tablet and laptop sleeve, an exterior pocket, a crossbody strap, a mesh pouch, a detachable key leash, three interior pockets, a shoe bag, and a trolley sleeve for slipping it over your rolling suitcase. Wherever you’re headed and whatever you’re packing, this carryall has got you covered. It comes in sizes XS through XL and 15 colors, so pick your player.
Compartments: 1 exterior double zip removable bottom compartment, 1 external zip pocket, 1 interior padded laptop sleeve pocket, 1 interior large zip pocket, 2 interior small slip pockets
Warranty: No
Weight: 3.86 pounds
Capacity: 49L
There’s been a lot of hype over Shay Mitchell’s brand, Béis. The buzz is well-deserved because the bags are so functional and well-designed. Think of every travel essential you might have and there’s a distinct place for it in The Convertible Weekender. Check out the fully removable bottom compartment that also serves as a packing cube (perfect for your shoes that got dirty from all that sightseeing!). A removable, padded laptop sleeve, a key fob, organizational pockets and a trolley sleeve will have you headed out the door and through TSA in a flash.
Compartments: 1 exterior pocket, 1 exterior zippered pocket, 1 exterior padded pocket, 1 expandable pocket, interior pockets
Warranty: No
Weight: N/A
Capacity: 29L
Go from work to the gym and your apartment to the airport with this duffle bag from Lululemon. It features a trolley-compatible sleeve, an exterior padded pocket for a 16-inch laptop and even a separate compartment for your sweaty gym clothes or dirty laundry. Now that is practicality at its finest.
Compartments: 1 laptop sleeve, 1 phone pocket, 2 interior air mesh pockets, 3 interior front panel zipper pockets, 1 front zipper pocket
Warranty: No
Weight: 2 pounds 12 ounces
Capacity: 20L
Speaking from personal experience, this puffy backpack is the perfect traveling companion. I love that it slides right onto my rolling suitcase but is also comfortable to wear on my shoulders for long periods of time. The Dakota Backpack can fit a lot more than I expected and has so many compartments and pockets that organize my belongings. It’s also made from 23 percent recycled plastic bottles—a huge bonus! The bag comes in three sizes and six colors, and I don’t see myself swapping this bag for another one any time soon.
Compartments: 1 air mesh pocket, 1 bottle holder, 2 mesh slip pockets, 1 slip pocket, 1 front zipper pocket
Warranty: No
Weight: 4 pounds
Capacity: 17L
Hear me out: Diaper bags might be the way to go if you prefer to travel hands-free and with the most organized bag of the bunch. Shop the Indi Diaper Backpack in sizes S to L and in six of Dagne Dover’s signature colorways. It comes with so many compartments, pockets and add-ons that’ll have you prepared to face any travel SOS.
Compartments: 2 exterior slip pockets, 2 interior zip pockets
Warranty: No
Weight: 4 pounds
Capacity: N/A
This travel bag screams “Do not disturb—I’m off to Europe.” It’s made from Paravel’s spill-proof EcoCraft Canvas and recycled vegan leather. Spill-proof is definitely something to look out for when buying a new carry-on, in case of accidental toiletry or snack leakages. According to the brand, it can fit four to five sweaters, four to five pants or dresses and a week’s worth of shirts, socks and underwear. What can’t you fit in this duffle? Even better, get your initials monogrammed in paint or embroidery—how chic!
Compartments: 1 laptop compartment, 1 interior zippered pocket, 1 interior end pocket, 2 interior side pockets, 1 lower zippered compartment
Warranty: All Metro bags are backed by a 2-year limited warranty
Weight: 5.18 pounds (nylon) / 5.34 pounds (vegan leather)
Capacity: 47.5L
Coming in vegan leather or nylon, the Metro Weekender is one of the classiest picks on this list. Both materials are water and scratch-resistant, and the trolley sleeve converts into a pocket when it’s not in use. What’s more: There’s a separate zippered compartment at the bottom for shoes and dirty clothes—drawstring bag included!
Compartments: 1 interior zipped compartment, 1 zipped pocket
Warranty: No
Weight: 1.56 pounds
Capacity: 50L
This is no ordinary duffle, and we say that because it expands and contracts to adjust the shape and size of the bag. Plus, you get Longchamp’s signature water-resistant nylon and leather trim combo—luxe indeed!
Compartments: 1 main zip compartment, 2 front zipper pockets, 1 back zipper pocket
Warranty: No
Weight: 0.8 pounds
Capacity: N/A
This is the only overnight bag you’ll ever need. The front two pockets are tall enough to fit water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, or anything else you might need for a weekend trip. The center pocket is huge and can fit multiple outfits, including shoes. The best part? When you’re not using it, the bag completely collapses and folds into itself for easy storage, which is perfect for anyone who lives in a small space or who just doesn’t want their luggage storage to take over their closets. Since this bag has a trolly sleeve, it will easily slip onto your carry-on luggage for secure access at the airport. Grab it in any of the nine different colors for just $54 now.
