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The 14 Best Carry-on Travel Garment Bags in 2024 [Suits, Dresses, Shirts & More]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

800 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

36 Published Articles 3273 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

The benefits of using a travel garment bag, things to consider with travel garment bags, packing tips for traveling with a garment bag, the 7 best non-wheeled carry-on travel garment bags, the 7 best wheeled travel garment bags, final thoughts.

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Garment bags are designed to keep your clothing crease-free and perfectly organized every time you travel.

Whether you’re going away on business, traveling somewhere fancy, or like to always go out in style, invest in one of these useful bags to keep your clothes fresh and wrinkle-free every time.

If you want your clothing to be ship-shape and ready to wear when you reach your destination, the very best way is to invest in a dedicated garment carrier.

A perfect garment bag will bridge the gap between a suitcase and a suit protector by offering useful pockets, compartments, and storage spaces that are designed to hold every bit of clothing safely and securely while you’re in transit.

Garment bags offer many benefits over and above a regular duffel bag or suitcase. With a garment bag, you can:

• Hang your garments upright. Keep your clothes crease-free by hanging them in the car, on the bus, on the train, and in the hotel when you get there. The only place you can’t hang them up is on the plane. But, there’s a solution for that, too — merely lie them flat to keep your clothes wrinkle-free and ready to go.
• Choose from a variety of transport options. You can have a rolling garment bag, a shoulder garment bag, or a garment duffel bag, depending on your needs and carrying preference when in transit. There are lots of different garment bags to choose from. There’s no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to carrying your clothing, as every traveler will have different-sized clothing to accommodate.
• Fit in the overhead . Most garment bags are designed to be used as carry-on luggage and will meet airline regulations when rolled or folded. No checked luggage means faster boarding and no luggage carousels.

Before you rush out a buy a garment bag to keep your gear safe in transit, consider the following:

Size and Capacity

Deciding whether you want to check your garment bag or not will dictate the size of the bag that works best for you. For carry-on bags , the maximum measurements will usually be around 22 x 14 x 9 inches — so be sure to consider that before you buy.

When it comes to capacity, some bags will offer lots of room for added extras like shoes, wash bags, and casual clothing, while others will be designed to keep your suit crease-free and ready for the boardroom.

You may also want to consider the length of the carrier. If you’re packing a ball gown, wedding dress, or another type of fancy outfit, you’ll want to look for one that can fit full-length items without squishing them.

Compartments and Organization

While your clothes will be kept neatly arranged and hanging nicely, you should also consider what extra storage spaces you’ll need to carry all your belongings.

From basic suit covers, right through to collapsible wardrobe bags, there will be the right type of interior organization for you.

Dedicated spaces for shoes, ties, and underwear, for example, are useful for business travelers, while zippered compartments for smaller items, wet compartments for toiletries, and even external compartments that take the place of your handbag can be useful depending on your individual needs and preferences.

Material and Durability

As with any luggage, you want a garment bag that will be lightweight enough to carry with you, yet strong enough to not rip or tear at the first sign of travel fatigue. These bags are also designed to fold, so the fabric will need to be flexible, yet strong enough to keep your clothing secure.

Most garment bags are made from the same type of tough nylon or synthetic material that laptop bags and travel duffels are made from, which may even offer some protection against wet weather. Be sure you know exactly what your garment bag can and can’t do before you buy it.

Wheels vs. No Wheels

Wheeled garment bags are easy to pull behind you through the never-ending maze of an airport concourse and are perfect for urban adventures and public transport. They’re not, however, quite so effective on rough terrain, unpaved roads, beaches, or open countryside.

Garment bags without wheels will need to be carried with a hand or shoulder strap, which can be tiresome over long distances. They are, however, usually a little lighter and easier to place in the overhead cabin.

Wheels or no wheels? It’s really up to you as there are pros and cons to both.

Simply put, there are 3 main types of garment bags to choose from. They include:

• Bi-Fold Bags — This type of garment bag folds in the middle for compact carrying. When they fold up, the bottom will zip, tie, or attach to the top so it can be carried or hung as 1 piece. These types of garment carriers are the most commonly available and come in a variety of designs and materials to suit all budgets.
• Tri-Fold Bags — Tri-fold bags are incredibly lightweight and so compact that they can be attached to the pullout handle of your suitcase. Typically small, this type of garment bag only holds enough to last you for a day or so, but they can be folded for transit and immediately hung up when you reach your destination.
• Rolling Garment Bags — The clue is in the name with these types of bags, as not only do they fold, they also roll! With wheels and a handle, these bags are bigger and heavier than their bi- or tri-fold counterparts but can carry more for longer trips.

Handles and Zippers

Whether you need a long handle to pull your bag behind you, oversized straps for carrying over your shoulder, or a grab handle for quick pick-ups; quality is key.

Sturdy metal handles, leather, or nylon straps, and durable designs are all vital to ensuring your handle stays intact as long as the bag is in use.

The same rules apply to zippers. You need high-quality zippers (and locks) that will keep your garments secure. Small zippers can break easily, so choose a garment bag with big, durable zippers and zipper pulls to keep your belongings safely tucked away.

Your garment bag has been designed to keep your clothing crease-free and perfectly organized in transit. If you aren’t going to pack it correctly, you may as well throw all your gear in a backpack and be done with it.

Follow these top tips for perfect packing, every time:

Pack It Flat

Lay your garment bag out on a flat surface before you start to fill it. You could use your bed, your floor, or even your kitchen table — where you pack it isn’t important, but how you pack it is.

Work in Reverse

To ensure that your clothing is ready to wear the minute you reach your destination, pack it in the opposite order of how you would dress. For example, if you put your jacket on last, it should be the very first thing you pack. On top of your jacket, you’d pack your shirt, your pants, and so on.

Pack Facing the Back

Creases can happen, and to avoid them wrecking the look of your outfit, pack your clothing facing the back so that any creases only occur on the back of your clothing.

Follow the 1 to 6 Rule

This little rule is useful, and one used by professional packers all over the world. Pack the essentials in the following quantity: 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 pairs of underwear. Scale this up or down to suit the length of your trip.

Tie it Down

If your garment bag has compression straps, use them to keep your clothing in place and laying flat while you travel. Don’t tighten these too much as this might create the creases you’re trying to avoid.

Pack Your Pockets Last

Those handy little pockets that are designed to hold ties, shoes, toiletries, and other accessories should be packed last after you have folded or rolled your garments.

1. The Convertible Hanging Suitcase

Modoker Carry-On Garment Bag

Weight: 2.5 pounds

Dimensions: 22.8 x 11 x 11.8 inches

This 2-in-1 garment carrier and duffel bag is an excellent option for a weekend away where you need to look your very best. With the ability to fold and be carried like a regular shoulder bag, as well as hang upright to keep your clothes crease-free, it offers a lot of bag for your money.

With a 45-liter capacity, there’s plenty of room on the inside for all of your clothing . The left side pocket is big enough to house your shoes separately from your more delicate items, while the right side pocket is perfect for your keys, wallet , and other small items.

Just the right size to use as a carry-on, you won’t need to worry about taking extra luggage with you. The smaller pocket can be used to keep your passport and boarding pass close at hand, and when folded, the bag will fit in the overhead locker or underneath your seat.

Made from high-quality polyester and jacquard, this bag is scratch-resistant and robust enough to withstand splashes of water and light rain.

With a detachable shoulder strap, this bag is easy to carry from 1 destination to another, and just as easy to hang when you get there.

What We Like

• Separate shoe compartment to keep them away from clean clothes

What We Don’t Like

• Carrying handle is not the most comfortable

2. A Thoughtfully-designed Garment Bag

Briggs & Riley, Black, 22-Inch Garment Duffel Bag

Weight: 4.09 pounds

Dimensions: 9 x 22 x 12.5 inches

With a thoughtful design, this premium garment bag from Briggs & Riley converts into a duffel and has so much to offer for the seasoned traveler. Packed full of useful compartments and made from high-quality materials, this bag was designed to deliver comfort, practicality, and style.

Made from durable ballistic nylon that’s protected from water, dirt, and tears , this bag will fare well for many international adventures. Just the right size to fit in the overhead bin on an airplane, its compact features hide its spacious interiors.

The interior has a suiter to hang 1-2 suits and the webbing straps will ensure the hangers stay in place. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to handy pockets and mesh compartments to store smaller items and the light-colored lining makes it easier to locate items. It even has a moisture-resistant shoe pocket. A hideaway ID tag and speed-access pocket with orange lining makes it easy to tell that the pocket is open.

The  Briggs & Riley Garment Bag is a high-quality, well-designed, and professional-looking garment carrier to suit both business and leisure travelers alike.

• Has a large, moisture-resistance pocket for shoes or dirty clothes
• Heavy for a garment bag

3. Take Your Tech With This Excellent Value Overnight Bag

ZEGUR Suit Carry-On Garment Bag

Weight: 2.86 pounds

Dimensions: 23 x 4 x 22 inches

Keep your clothing clean and wrinkle-free with this garment bag that’s perfect for keeping your suits looking fresh. Made from rugged, fray-resistant 1800D polyester, with a waterproof exterior and sturdy metal zippers and clasps, this is an excellent-looking garment bag that’s built to last.

On the inside, there’s a dual buckle that holds your garments in place, ensuring that they won’t get creased or wrinkled during travel. It also offers 4 inside pockets that are perfect for keeping your socks and shoes in 1 place while you travel, while the mesh pocket is just right for ties and scarves.

Designed with practicality in mind, 3 of the internal pockets zip completely shut to keep your belongings safe, while the fourth has a Velcro closure that offers plenty of space for larger items like shoes .

The main compartment has an all-important 3-loop holder at the top to keep your hangers in order, and 3 straps to secure your clothes and help reduce wrinkles when the bag is folded in half.

If you’re taking your tech with you, this bag features a large outside pocket that will hold your tech, wallet, and travel documents.

Complete with a long shoulder strap, an identification tag, and a metal chain and hook for hanging, this is a great-value garment bag that works well for overnight trips and very short stays.

• External pocket for travel documents, wallet, and devices
• Shoulder strap is a little thin, so not comfortable to carry for long

4. Style and Sophistication for the Business Traveler

AmeriLeather Three-Suit Garment Bag in Leather

Weight: 4.6 pounds

Dimensions: 5 x 23 x 39 inches

Made from top-grain, genuine leather, this swanky-looking garment bag won’t look out of place in the first class lounge at an airport. With heavy-duty, copper-colored zippers and hardware, an adjustable shoulder strap, and a sturdy carry handle on top, it’s a bag that’s made to last.

Large enough to carry up to 3 business suits or similar size ensembles , this garment bag includes 2 garment hangers and a hook that can be used over the door of your hotel or tucked away in your wardrobe.

The book-opening design makes it easy for you to access your belongings, either when they’re laying flat or hanging in the wardrobe. This little beauty even folds up small enough to fit in the overhead bin, which means no need to check baggage on your next journey.

The large zippered pocket on the outside is perfect for holding your passport, tickets, cell phone, wallet, and other small essentials, while the 2-side zip-up pockets extend into the main compartment to provide convenient and separated storage space for shoes.

Sophisticated, stylish, and incredibly spacious both inside and out, this bag may have a hefty price tag, but the look, feel, and practical design make it worth every cent.

• Stylish and functional
• Internal hanger clip can sometimes open in transit

5. A Bargain Garment Carrier With Lots of Savvy Extras

AmazonBasics Premium Garment Bag

Weight: 2.2 pounds

Dimensions: 40 x 20.5 x 4 inches

This simple and affordable garment bag from the AmazonBasics series is a great little number for those not wanting to spend a lot to keep their clothing crease-free . With enough space to hold up to the 3 suits (or similar outfits), this is great for weekend breaks or formal occasions.

Made of high-quality, weather-resistant polyester, the internal space includes multiple zipper pockets, that provide extra space for belts, shoes, ties, and other accessories. Made out of mesh, the pockets allow air to flow freely, keeping the fabric fresher longer.

Zipper closings will keep your stuff safe, while the 2 tie-down straps with buckle-style closures will stop your clothing from moving around and creasing while in transit.

The large organizer pockets in the front are good for stashing everyday items like pens, cell phones, chargers, and earbuds, as well as your passport, wallet, and other small items you need to keep close at hand.

A must-have for frequent travelers, this travel garment bag offers practical dimensions combined with plenty of travel-savvy packing spaces — all for a very affordable price.

• Carrying handle and detachable shoulder strap
• Zippers can break easily

6. A Firm Favorite for Simply Carrying Your Clothing

WallyBags Luggage 40″ Garment Bag

Weight: 2 pounds

Dimensions: 3 x 40 x 22 inches

WallyBags are a hugely popular way to carry your clothing around with you. Made from durable, polyester fabric that’s water-repellent, these offer an easy-to-use, affordable way to keep your clothing wrinkle-free.

With a full-length center zipper that allows for easy access, you can use your own hangers in conjunction with the patented WallyLock hanger clamp to keep your clothing and hangers secure.

Take up to 6 garments with you at 1 time , and simply hang them straight up when you reach your destination.

The garment bag folds in half, and the handles fasten together to make it easier to carry with you, while the same handles can also wrap around your suitcase for easier transport in and around the airport.

When folded, this perfectly meets the airline regulation carry-on size , meaning you can stow and go.

• Holds up to 6 hangers
• Doesn’t come with a shoulder strap

Hot Tip: Know that your bag will fit before you show up at the airport — check our carry-on luggage size chart for major airlines to learn more about approved dimensions and sizes.

7. Great Duffel and Garment Bag Combo on a Budget

Large Travel Duffel Garment Bag

Weight: 3.5 pounds

Dimensions: 23.6 x 12 x 12 inches

By combing the convenience of a flat garment bag with the traditional storage capacity of a duffel bag, you can enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to packing for your next trip. Made from highly durable and waterproof material, this bag has an on-trend look, that sets it apart from many of the regular nylon-effect bags and cases that most travelers opt for.

Multiple compartments make it easy for you to store everything you need. The main storage area can easily fit suits or similar ensembles, while the interior zipper pockets are perfect for ties, belts, socks, and underwear.

The 2 exterior front pockets are easy to access on the move, making them the smart storage space for your cell phone, passport, tickets, and wallet. This bag even offers a separate shoe pocket that can be used to keep your shoes separate from your clothes.

To comfortably carry your duffel and garment bag combo, it comes complete with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap that will allow you to take it anywhere and a slip pocket at the back to attach it to a wheeled suitcase.

With enough space to fit everything you need for a long weekend or short business trip, this is a great bag that offers flexible storage options.

• Has a separate shoe pocket
• Zippers can get stuck easily

1. Wheeled Bag for Formal Events and Functions

London Fog Buckingham 44″ Wheeled Garment Bag

Weight: 10.88 pounds

Dimensions: 23 x 4 x 44 inches

Perfect for business travel, short breaks, and formal events, this wheeled garment bag allows you to pull your possessions behind you, anywhere you go.

Spacious, well-designed, and able to keep several outfits and accessories organized and together, this bag is larger than most garment carriers, meaning it will most likely need to be checked in .

This bag has some elegant features that you won’t find in cheaper alternatives. Take, for example, the book-opening design. The spacious main compartment has multiple sections for hanging garments, undergarments, folded items, shoes, toiletries, and anything else you need with you.

It also benefits from dual hooks for super-easy hanging, while metal brackets ensure that your clothes stay neat and wrinkle-free. You can open the bag while it’s hanging in the closet, and the fold-down extension means you can carry longer items like ball gowns and wedding dresses with ease .

These additional features make this an excellent choice for anyone attending a function or formal occasion where it’s important that just a couple of outfits arrive in perfect condition.

• Opens like a suitcase
• Won’t be accepted as a carry-on with some airlines

2. Rolling Garment Bag for the Business Traveler

Travel Select Amsterdam Rolling Garment Bag Wheeled Luggage Case

Weight: 11.25 pounds

Dimensions: 7.5 x 44 x 23 inches

A good-looking and super practical rolling garment bag that won’t cost you a month’s rent. Take your favorite outfits with you in this executive-style bag that offers enough space to fit all of your essentials.

Made from 1200D 2-tone polyester construction with an EVA reinforced front panel, and industrial quality hardware, this is a durable and sturdy wheeled garment bag that can handle the bumps and bruises of international travel.

The internal handle system and in-line skate wheel make for easy maneuverability , while the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap is there to take the slack when the wheels aren’t able to roll.

Inside, the spacious main compartment has zippered mesh pockets and a number of gusseted outside pockets that are big enough to hold your passport , cell phone, keys, wallet, toiletries, and anything else you need on your trip . The convenient tie straps secure items while the fold-out design helps to reduce creases and wrinkles.

When you reach your destination, hang your bag to keep your clothing looking fresh and ready to wear.

• Roll as a suitcase or carry with the shoulder strap
• Clothing hangs upside down

3. Reliable Rolling Garment Bag From the Experts at TravelPro

Travelpro Platinum Elite Check In Rolling Garment Bag

Weight: 13.4 pounds

Dimensions: 22 x 24 x 10.50 inches

This wheeled garment bag is perfect for longer breaks or business trips and is designed to be strong enough to cope with regular domestic and international travel. Made using high-quality ballistic nylon with a DuraGuard coating, the Travelpro garment bag promises to resist scratches and stains while in transit.

Roll smoothly around the airport, hotel, or city center with the ball-bearing, in-line wheels that can handle a wide variety of terrains, while the PowerScope extension handle will minimize wobbles and is sturdy enough to stay rigid and secure .

This check-in bag meets most airline regulations for checked luggage and has a TSA combination lock to keep your belongings secure while out of your possession.

When it comes to packing, the internal space is well-proportioned with 2 roomy compartments, a padded roll bar, and tie straps to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. The small interior pockets can hold folded clothing and undergarments, and the waterproof pocket is perfect for your toiletries.

On the exterior, this bag has a quick-access front pocket and a padded laptop compartment, should you want to carry your essentials in here before checking in. This is a quality rolling garment bag from the trusted luggage manufacturers at Travelpro.

• Smooth-rolling wheels and a sturdy handle
• In-line skate wheel won’t suit everyone

4. A Brilliant Bag From a Big Name in the Luggage Game

Samsonite Luggage Ascella 3.0 Check In Wheeled Garment Bag

Weight: 10.58 pounds

Dimensions: 24 × 20.5 × 9.5 inches

Made by one of the biggest and best-known luggage brands in the world, the  Ascella 3.0  Check In Wheeled Garment Bag from Samsonite is a very good one. With extensive packing space and incredibly smooth-rolling wheels, this garment bag does everything you need it to, effortlessly.

Made from polyester material, it’s tough inside and out, and resistant to most of the rips and scuffs associated with traveling. You can use the soft touch telescopic handle to roll your belongings behind you or lift the bag in and out of the overhead compartment using the top carrying handle.

The main compartment is large enough to carry your clothing and keep it crease-free, and the expander panel allows you to pack longer items such as suits or dresses. Multiple zipper pockets are available to stop smaller items from rolling around and the wet pocket will ensure that any spills are contained.

On the exterior, there are 2 zippered pockets to hold smaller items or your travel essentials up until you check your bag and the smooth gliding zippers have an ergonomic feel to them.

• Has a wet pocket for your toiletries
• No integrated TSA lock

5. Lightweight and Sturdy G arment Bag on 2 Wheels

Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 22″ Lightweight Carry-On Rolling Garment Bag

Weight: 8.3 pounds

Dimensions: 8.5 x 22 x 16 inches

This lightweight, rolling carry-on garment bag offers a handy lay-flat design that makes it incredibly easy to pack, while still keeping your clothing crease-free and fresh as a daisy. Made from polyester fabric with a stain-resistant, water-repellent DuraGuard coating, this garment carrier will keep the worst of the weather at bay.

Smooth, high-performance in-line skate wheels will allow you to transport your garment bag around the airport with ease, and the lightweight yet sturdy PowerScope Lite handle is height adjustable and will reduce wobble and tired hands .

Inside the bag, the padded straps are designed to carefully hold your clothing in place, while the built-in pockets keep your smaller items like ties, socks, and shoes organized and easily accessible.

It’s the lightweight construction of this bag that really sells it, though. Even when full, you’d struggle to make it feel at all heavy.

With ergonomic, high-tensile-strength zipper pulls and crash-proof corner protection, it’s also loaded with lovely little extras that you’d only expect to find on big-brand luggage.

• Smooth telescopic handle with 2 adjustable heights
• Suits and shirts for tall people would need folding at the bottom

6. Clever Travel Storage Solution for Your Clothing

Delsey Luggage Helium DLX Softside Spinner Garment Bag

Weight: 11.11 pounds

Dimensions: 23.75 x 23 x 10.5 inches

This classy-looking garment bag from Delsey is a sophisticated piece that’s worthy of its price tag. With lots of useful compartments to carry all of your belongings, this is an impressive bag that can carry everything you need for a few days away.

This bag is incredibly strong and durable, yet still manages to feel fairly lightweight . Easy to maneuver, the bag has dual-density, silent-core double-spinner wheels that glide along airport floors and busy sidewalks.

There’s a robust and adjustable handle for pulling your bag along with you that also has a non-slip grip. The bag opens like a book and has a clamping system that assures you that your garments won’t move in transit. There are also 2 shoe pockets and an additional 2 corner pockets for smaller items.

For easy access to items you might need in a hurry, there’s a separate front pocket that can carry your wallet, passport, cell phone, and other essentials. This is a great bag that offers smart storage solutions for your clothing.

• Spinner wheels are easy to maneuver
• No bottom handle for easier lifting

7. Tough Garment Bag Designed for Frequent Flyers

Samsonite Ascella 3.0 2-Wheel Garment Bag

Weight: 9.9 pounds

Dimensions: 20.5 x 24 x 9.5 inches

Samsonite’s reputation for toughness and high-performance materials goes toward protecting your hanging garments in this 2-wheeled, polyester garment bag. It has several pockets and organizers to keep everything in its place, including hanger bracket grips that allow 2 directions of hanging for double the capacity; 3 mesh organizational pockets, 2 mesh shoe pockets, and compression straps. An extender panel lets you carry around longer items.

The 2 spinner wheels are oversized and make for a smooth ride, while the soft-grip handle has several built-in stop points to suit a range of owner heights. A WetPak pocket keeps liquids contained and away from your precious suits and fancy dresses.

• Has a special pocket to keep liquids safely away from garments
• Heavy at around 10 pounds

Travel garments bags provide a simple solution to a big problem for frequent flyers. Investing in 1 of these can make a big difference to the impression you make at that big meeting or wedding.

Whether you invest in an executive-style rolling garment bag or a smart garment duffel with carry-on solutions, you’re making a smart decision.

Enjoyed this article and looking for other types of travel bags as well? Check out some of our other reviews:

• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market
• The Best Laptop Backpacks To Buy for Travel
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Checked Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you put a garment bag on a plane.

Garments bags will usually roll or fold and easily fit in the overhead compartments on a plane. Check with your airline what the carry-on luggage size requirements are to make sure your garment bag dimensions will be accepted.

Do garment bags prevent wrinkles?

No garment bag can ever guarantee that your clothes will be completely wrinkle-free. However, they will do a better job of preventing wrinkles than regular carry-on luggage will due to their dimensions and the way they fold.

What is the best carry-on garment bag?

Our favorite is the Modoker Carry-On Garment Bag. This 2-in-1 garment carrier and duffel bag is an excellent option for a weekend away where you need to look your very best. With the ability to fold and be carried like a regular shoulder bag, as well as hang upright to keep your clothes crease-free, it offers a lot of bag for your money.

Are garment bags allowed as carry-ons?

Most airlines allow passengers to bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item onboard, but all have different size restrictions. Check with your airline to ensure your garment bag adheres to these requirements before travel.

What is there to consider with travel garment bags?

• Size and capacity
• Compartments and organization
• Material and durability
• Wheels versus no wheels
• Handles and zippers

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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15 Best Carry-on Luggage for Suits (Our Top Picks for Crisp & Wrinkle-Free Travel in 2023)

• Updated: May 23, 2023

If you are a suit-wearing traveler who likes to always look sharp, or hates dealing with the hassle of ironing clothes while on vacation, this best carry-on luggage for suits post is for you! I have compiled a list of the 15 best carry-ons for suits, perfect for business travel, short trips, or weekend getaways. These carefully selected options will help you avoid having to check your luggage and keep your clothes safe and wrinkle-free.

Read on to find the perfect piece of luggage for avoiding wrinkles on your next trip!

Best Carry-on Luggage for Suits

In a hurry? Here is a preview of the top best carry-on luggage with for business suits in 2023!

Best Carry-on Luggage for Suits (Carry-on suitcases)

• Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-on
• T ravelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On
• Swissgear 6590 Garment Carry-On Luggage
• Travelpro Crew 11 22″ Expandable Rollaboard Suiter
• Vocier C38 Carry-On Luggage

Best Carry-on Luggage for Suits (Carry-On Garment Bags)

• Briggs & Riley Wide Carry-on Garment Spinner

Travel Select Amsterdam Business Rolling Garment Bag

Degeler travel garment bag.

• Samson ite Ascella X Wheeled Ultravalet Garment Bag

ZEGUR Suit Carry-On Garment Bag

Best carry-on luggage for suits (carry-on duffles), bennett winch s.c holdall, modoker convertible garment duffle bag.

• Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag with Suiter

Seyfocnia Garment Bag

• Briggs & Riley Suiter Duffle Travel Garment Bag

This section includes the best carry-on suitcases with a built-in suiter compartment that ensure wrinkle-free travel.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-on

This Essential Carry-on suitcase from Briggs & Riley has a compartment that can easily hold 1-2 suits wrinkle-free inside its built-in tri-fold garment folder , making it a great choice for business travelers.  With this bag, your clothing won’t get creased or wrinkled after traveling all over town! 

Amazon is filled with reviews from satisfied customers who have utilized this bag for traveling with their suits and experienced positive outcomes. One customer , in particular, mentioned their requirement for a top-notch carry-on garment bag capable of accommodating suits for up to 5 days. They were delighted to share that their tuxedo and an ample amount of warm-weather clothing arrived in pristine condition without any wrinkles.  

Moreover, the suitcase is roomy and can be expanded for more packing space. With CX Technology , you can increase the size of the bag by   34%,  giving you plenty of extra space to squeeze those much-needed holiday clothing items and souvenirs. Just be careful not to overstuff it because it becomes a checked luggage.

What we also like

The suitcase is made from durable  ballistic nylon  that can withstand the rigors of travel, and the reinforced frame ensures that your belongings are well-protected during transit. Plus the stellar reputation that’s associated with the  Briggs and Riley  brand and its  lifetime warranty  means this luggage is incredibly durable and is worth your investment.

What we don’t  like

For one, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-on is definitely on the expensive side. And at 9.7 lbs, it’s also a little heavier than some of the other options out there. So if you’re looking for a lightweight and inexpensive option, this probably isn’t the best choice.

That said, this carry-on luggage for suits offers great value not only for its useful features but also for quality ensuring it will last even when used heavily over time.  

Related: Is Briggs and Riley a good brand? 6 Things You Need to Know

Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On

For frequent  travelers , Travelpro’s  Platinum Elite Carry-On  is kind of a no-brainer when it comes to top-quality carry-on suitcases for suits. This beauty comes with a  suiter (although it’s not removable)  to keep your suits or dresses in pristine condition while you travel.

But that’s not all – the well-lined inner compartment has small interior pockets , a  TSA-compliant wet pocket  for toiletries, a  tie-down system , and an expansion system that provides up to  2 more inches  of extra packing space.

I also like that it’s made from tough nylon fabric  with duraguard coating and reinforced corners, which goes to show that this is a well-made bag you can rely on to survive many trips. What we also like

This 21” x 14” x 9” carry-on has a unique PowerScope extension handle that offers  adjustable height settings , spinner wheels that roll in multi directions and is backed by a  lifetime warranty . Plus this is another best carry-on luggage with a suit compartment that features a  built-in USB port  so that all your devices are always powered. What we don’t like

The biggest downside is that this bag can get  quite large once it’s expanded , and may end up exceeding the airline’s restrictions on size. Therefore, my advice would be to exercise caution and avoid overpacking, as it could result in your bag being checked at the gate.  

Swissgear 6590 Garment Carry On Luggage

Say goodbye to disheveled suits with the Swissgear 6590 Carry-On Garment Bag – the ultimate solution for stress-free packing and transportation of your precious wardrobe. Let’s start with its impressive organization.

This beast of a bag boasts a  tri-fold garment bag  and clothing hanger attachment points , keeping your suits wrinkle-free and looking sharp throughout your journey. And that’s not all – with compression straps, multiple pockets, and pouches for smaller items, you can pack all your essentials with ease and stay organized on the go. 

What we also like The best part is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get your hands on this bag; even though it is made of polyester  (a fabric that is somewhat less resilient than nylon), it is still incredibly durable and costs significantly less than other options in this category.

What we don’t like

A complaint about this bag has to do with its delicate retractable handle. A customer expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting that the handle extension feels flimsy and does not function smoothly when extending or retracting.

While this might be tolerable for individuals who engage in occasional trips over short distances, it would be advisable to seek a sturdier alternative when considering international travel.

Travelpro Crew 11 22″ Expandable Rollaboard Suiter

The Travelpro Crew Rollaboard Suiter has a built-in deluxe suit carrier  that keeps your suits and dresses wrinkle-free and looking their best during travel, making it one of the best carry-on luggage for suits.

This suitcase also features a roomy main compartment with dividers, adjustable tie-down straps, a built-in wet pocket, as well as external pockets to keep your items organized and within easy reach.

Plus, the  expandable zipper design  which allows you to add adds 2-inches of extra space means you can pack even more into this suitcase, while still staying within carry-on size requirements.

Compared to the Briggs and Riley Essential Luggage, The Crew 11 is  easier on the pocket  and also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Also, I like that this suitcase features a dedicated pocket to hold your power bank as well as an  external USB port  so you can charge your electronic devices on the go.

Plus, the wheels are smooth rolling while the integrated top and side handles make it easy to lift onto overhead bins or into cars.

There are a few reviews on  Amazon  that suggest the Travelpro Crew 11 Luggage is not as sturdy as the original version. Based on this feedback, I would recommend buying from an authorized Travelpro dealer only. Authorized dealers typically have better customer service and are more likely to stand behind their products.  

C38 Carry-On Luggage

The Vocier C38 suitcase is another sophisticated rolling garment suitcase that can also be used as carry-on luggage on most airlines. It features an innovative zero-crease system that makes traveling with 2 suits or dresses much easier than ever before!

When unlocked, the bag opens in a way that allows it to be hung like a normal suit bag, making it easy to unpack as soon as you check into your room. And the best part is, this  suit compartment can be   removed  to make it lighter weight or allow more packing space on days you are not traveling with your suit!

I realize I’ve been harping on about the suiter, so my apologies for that. But here’s something else you’ll be happy to hear – this bag has ample space for all your travel essentials, including clothes, shoes, and even a  Dopp kit .

Furthermore, there is an easy-access pocket for your toiletries or other personal items you may need through security as well as additional areas inside where chargers or power banks can go.  Let’s just say this bag will help you to stay organized while on the go.

What we also like This C38 is also extremely well-made. It is made from a  water & abrasion-resistant nylon Hybrid shell  and features  YKK zippers  and Italian leather handles that add to its luxurious appeal. It also comes with a limited  lifetime warranty  so you can rest assured that your investment will last for years to come.

Plus, the C38 is all business when you need to get from point A to B courtesy of smooth rolling wheels with steal bearings that make it durable and easy to maneuver. Not to mention, this carry-on looks so good, that you’ll probably be tired of admiring glances and occasional compliments.

The Vocier C38 is one of the best carry-on luggage for suits with mostly positive reviews, but that is partly because it’s a relatively new product reviewed only on the manufacturer’s website. The major con I could point to perhaps is that it’s currently only available in Europe, and is quite pricey.   

Related : Best Luggage for International Travel in 2022!

Here, I’ll be reviewing the best garment bags that are perfect for daily use or travel purposes. This list comprises both wheeled and non-wheeled traditional garment bags.  

Briggs & Riley Wide Carry-on Garment Spinner

The Briggs & Riley Carry-on Garment Bag is a stylish and luxurious bag that doubles as a garment bag and a carry-on .

This is thanks to its removable zip-in extended panel with a hanger bracket  which can securely hang 1-3 garments while keeping them wrinkle-free for that business meeting or party event for your vacation. Plus, the  built-in compression   strap  system in the main compartment keeps your clothes securely in place, so they do not shift around.

A delighted customer , who found this bag to be ideal for a three-day conference, shared their experience of effortlessly fitting multiple suits, dress shirts with ties, and shoes inside.

They were pleasantly surprised by the bag’s comfortable capacity and were confident that it could easily accommodate at least one more suit if required, without causing any damage or compression to the items. What we also like This  44L  wheeled garment bag which measures 14.5 x 7.8 x 21-inch has enough space to fit your items for a short trip and yet it still meets  carry-on regulations  for major airlines. 

Not only does this garment bag have  360° spinner wheels , but it also comes equipped with an  aluminum telescoping handle  with  multiple stop heights,  that allow for easy navigation around airports or other crowded areas.

And this carry-on garment bag has been designed to take the demands of heavy use thanks to its ballistic nylon fabric and corner-guard protection that ensures protection from wear or tear.

The primary drawback of the Briggs & Riley Carry-on Garment Bag is its price. It ranks as one of the costliest garment bags on this list, and as such, not within everyone’s budget.   

Why I like the Amsterdam Rolling Carry-On Garment Bag is that it won’t cost a whole month’s rent, compared to the Briggs & Riley bag above!

And as a top contender for the best rolling garment bags for suits, it features an  easy fold-out design   that reduces wrinkles and creases when packing . Once you arrive at your destination, you can simply hang up your outfit to keep it fresh and ready to wear without getting tangled inside your luggage.

With a roomy main compartment featuring tie straps and multiple internal and external pockets, you can keep your belongings organized and secure during transport. And if you need to pack even more, the bag  expands by 25%  to give you extra space.

Now I know you’re wondering, “Is this wheeled garment bag worth it?” Well, it’s received some seriously glowing  reviews  on Amazon for its heavy-duty 1200D 2-tone polyester material and industrial-quality hardware that can handle a lot of wear and tear. And when it comes to carrying it, you have the option to use the detachable  shoulder strap  or  roll it like a suitcase  – talk about versatility!

Some  reviewers  have noted that it may exceed some airline garment bag dimensions and since it has inline wheels , you can only pull the bag behind you, and not rotate, which can make maneuvering through tight spaces a bit of a challenge. 

But with many positive reviews on  Amazon and an affordable price tag, I still think this rolling garment bag is a great choice for your next trip.  

The Degeler Travel Carry-on Garment Bag is a very innovative way to travel with your suits or dresses. Why this bad boy can hold three entire business outfits with accessories without feeling too heavy.

The garment bag hangs your suits or dresses just like in your wardrobe, and it comes with a  special titanium hanger  that prevents your 3 pants or skirts from getting wrinkled so you can look your best for that business trips or special occasions.

Also, there are a lot of room and organizational pockets for your clothes, shoes, belts, or jewelry, and even has an external pocket that fits a  15” laptop  and documents.

An avid traveler discovered the incredible usefulness of this bag when paired with its titanium hanger. They successfully managed to pack up to three suits, along with additional clothing and personal items, all within the confines of the bag, while maintaining impeccable organization.

As a result of this exceptional experience, they recommend it to fellow frequent travelers who often carry suits and value outstanding quality and design.

This best travel garment bag is both durable and stylish, with a timeless design that will look great no matter where you go. And it’s made from durable  water-repellent nylon fabric  that will protect against rain, snow, or spilled drinks so you can enjoy all of these exciting trips worry-free!

Just a heads up, this carry-on garment bag is pretty big and might eat up a lot of room in your suitcase. Also, in my opinion, it’s a bit pricey for a garment bag, but I guess you get what you pay for, right? Just thought I’d let you know!  

Samsonite Ascella X Wheeled Ultravalet Garment Bag

Another carry-on garment bag that makes traveling a little less chaotic is the Samsonite Ascella X Wheeled Ultravalet Garment Bag. This bag is perfect for keeping your clothes wrinkle-free and looking sharp, especially your suit which fits in perfectly.

And let’s talk about organization – with  2 mesh shoe pockets , compression straps, and  3 mesh pockets  for small items, everything will have its place. And the  WetPak pocket  is a total lifesaver for carrying liquids, no more worrying about spills or leaks! Plus when you’re ready to hit the road, the multi-stop pull handle and custom-molded in-line skate wheels make maneuvering a breeze.

This rolling garment bag is made from durable 100% polyester fabric and also features vegan leather accents and zipper pulls with an ergonomic design for ease of use.

While it’s a pretty solid choice, a few customers on Amazon have reported some issues about the zippers on this wheeled bag breaking or not working properly. So, if you’re packing up some delicate items, you may want to give those zippers a little extra TLC to avoid any mishaps.

And if you’re someone who likes to bring their whole wardrobe on their travels, this rolling garment bag might be a tad on the small side for your needs. But hey, these drawbacks aside, this bag is still a great option for those who want to keep their clothes looking sharp and organized on the go.  

Related: Is Samsonite Luggage Worth the Higher Price Tag?  

This garment bag is a major hit on  Amazon , with many customers raving about how well it keeps their clothes in immaculate shape and how incredibly affordable it is.

This bag has plenty of room for all your trip requirements, including shoes, ties, and even electronic devices. It includes an interior dual buckle that keeps your formal clothing in position so that it doesn’t wrinkle after a lengthy trip or train travel.

For example, a traveler who used this bag on a 5-day work trip to Africa was thrilled to report that even after a 15-hour journey, everything emerged from the bag completely wrinkle-free. They reported that the bag comfortably accommodated 1 uniform dress, 1 pair of flats, a makeup bag, 1 blazer, 1 hoodie, 3 t-shirts, 2 tanks, 2 sweaters, 2 shirt dresses, 1 pair of jeans, 2 pairs of pants, 2 workout pants, and pajamas.

I also appreciate how practical this garment bag is. Your belongings will stay secure and dry regardless of coffee spills or unexpected downpours thanks to the exterior’s durable 1800D polyester and waterproof coating. And with the aid of those sturdy metal zippers and clasps, everything will remain closed.

I’m not the only one who loves this bag – it’s a real crowd-pleaser among fashion-conscious business travelers who appreciate its sleek and durable design. And with the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, you can easily customize the fit to suit your body. Plus, it is one of the garment bags that easily fit into most large overhead bins on planes.

One thing to note – some users have  reported  issues with the zippers snagging or breaking, and I wish the shoulder strap were more padded for added comfort during extended wear.  But all in all, the ZEGUR Suit Carry-On Garment Bag is definitely one of the best carry-on luggage for suits that will elevate your travel game.    

Best Carry-on Luggage for Suits (Carry-On Duffels)

This section is a list of carry-on duffels with suiter compartments.  

Picture this: you’re off on a work trip, rushing to catch your flight, and trying to juggle a suit carrier and a holdall bag. Not an easy task, right?

Well, with  the S.C Holdall , you can say goodbye to that struggle. This two-piece design combines both a  spacious holdall  and a  detachable suit carrier  in one elegant package, perfect for the stylish and savvy business traveler on the go.

Why settle for one boring garment bag when you can have two in one, right? The holdall has enough space to pack all the clothes and travel essentials you need, while the suit carrier can hold a full  suit jacket and trousers .

And the extras are the cherry on top: a removable waterproof shoe bag, coat hanger , and external pocket for small items. Bennett Winch has truly thought of everything!

] What we also like

This garment bag was carefully made in England with great care and attention to detail using premium materials like British waterproof cotton canvas, solid brass hardware, and premium Italian veg-tanned leather.

The outcome is a distinctive piece with an understated elegance that will improve any formal outfit. And guess what? because it is carry-on compliant for most airlines, you won’t have to worry about checking it in or paying extra fees for bringing it on the plane with you.

Keep in mind that the Holdall duffel garment bag is a bit of an investment and that when completely loaded, it might not meet the size limits for carry-on bags on some flights. Hence, check your airline’s restrictions before packing it to the brim.  

The Modoker Convertible Garment Bag is a 2-in-1 luggage piece that easily transforms from a duffel to a suiter carrier when deconstructed, allowing you to pack and hang your formal wear with ease. No more fussing with creases or wrinkles – hello, smooth and wrinkle-free clothes!

Not only is the Modoker garment bag convenient, but it also offers ample storage space with a  45l  capacity and extra pockets for your shoes and other items. And with its  water-resistant nylon material , you can trust that your belongings will stay protected from spills and wear and tear.

Kamari Stewart , an Editor for Shop TODAY and self-proclaimed chronic over-packer, shared her experience of using this bag for the first time as a bridesmaid traveling for a wedding. Despite her initial concerns, she successfully managed to fit a multitude of items inside the bag.

In her own words, she expressed, “ With all of my essentials packed inside, I assumed that the dress, essentially wrapped around my belongings, would end up wrinkled by the time I unpacked. However, I am delighted to report that my gown remained in pristine condition, just as it was before being placed inside the duffel .”

In addition to being cheap (less than $60), it is also incredibly light (only 2 lbs, can you believe it?). But that’s not all – this bag offers so many carrying options! You can easily grab it by the  sturdy handles , wear it on your shoulder or across your body with the  detachable shoulder strap , or even attach it to your suitcase with the  trolley sleeve . The choice is yours!

Ah, the fine print—well, let’s get into it! The shoe compartment in this garment bag, while beneficial, takes up room in the interior, so don’t go crazy with many outfits. And well, some customers have complained about the fabric and zipper quality . So that’s something to keep in mind.

Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag with Suiter

The Travelpro Crew VersaPack duffel bag is a bag that can do it all. With its durable construction, ample storage capacity, and feature-packed design, this bag will be your favorite weekender whether you’re going on short trips or need to pack up serious attire for an eventful evening out. 

It features a  removable fold-out suiter  that will keep your suits and other clothes without any wrinkles, making it one of the best carry-on for suits.

The bag has a  split case design that allows you to organize your belongings into two separate compartments, as well as several pockets which allow you to organize your items efficiently. There is a front pocket with a key leash, a magnetic pocket for your phone, an external water bottle pocket, and even a padded tablet pocket .

This is one of the best garment bags that can be carried in three ways for maximum convenience and comfort whether you’re on your way to the airport or out exploring a new city. The  trolley sleeve  lets you easily attach the bag to your luggage handle, so you can pull it along with your other bags.

Also, the dual handles are great for carrying the bag short distances, while the removable,  adjustable shoulder strap  makes it easy to carry over your shoulder so your hand doesn’t get fatigued after hours on end carrying heavy items around town! 

The main complaint I have seen about this VersaPack duffel is that it’s quite small. The size means that you can’t pack very much in it after your suits. It might not be a problem if you’re only planning on using it for day trips, but if you want to pack for a weekend getaway, you’ll probably need something bigger.   

Related : Best Compact & Lightweight Underseat Luggage!

The Seyfocnia Garment Bag’s enormous carrying capacity and interior pockets allow you to pack 2-3 days’ worth of clothing, a laptop, toiletries, and, of course, your suits or dresses.

Also, thanks to the dual buckle that keeps the bag flat throughout transit, you won’t have to worry about it shifting to one side or your items becoming wrinkled.

And, there is a  separate compartment for shoes , keeping your stuff dry and spotless and avoiding stains. When you don’t need to transfer any garments, you can also use it as a regular duffel bag thanks to its  convertible design .

Indeed, over 3000 Amazon reviewers expressed their satisfaction with the bag’s capacity to accommodate two suits or dresses while ensuring that their clothing items remained in impeccable condition, completely free from wrinkles. The positive feedback from these reviewers underscores the bag’s ability to effectively preserve the pristine state of garments during travel.

The Seyfocnia Carry-on Garment Bag is a stylish, economical, and useful option for individuals looking for the best carry-on for suits. It also satisfies the size specifications for carry-on luggage set forth by the majority of airlines and is made of water-resistant PU leather that is sturdy and easy to clean. And the bag has an  adjustable shoulder strap  that makes carrying it comfortable.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, dependable carry-on bag you can use frequently, the Seyfocnia Carry-on Bag won’t be your best choice. Although  affordable , the bag doesn’t seem to be made to withstand repeated usage, according to multiple reviews. If you want your bag to last longer, you might need to invest in a higher-quality model like the Briggs & Riley Baseline Suiter Duffle.  

Briggs & Riley Suiter Duffle Travel Garment Bag

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Suiter Duffle is a must-have for any traveler interested in the best carry-on luggage for men’s suits! Made from durable, water-resistant 1600d ballistic nylon fabric, with genuine top-grain leather accents, this bag can stand up to the rigors of travel while still looking great.  

One of the best features of this particular bag is its ease of use. It can quickly and easily be transformed from a  duffle into a hanging garment bag,  making it perfect for business or leisure travel. And the suiter system included in the bag can carry up to 1-2 suits .

There is also plenty of space in the bag for your other personal items as well as a  side shoe pocket  so you can keep your kicks separate from your other items. 

Its stylish design means it will look great no matter where you take it, and yes, that includes business trips. The dual handles are padded for added comfort and the  shoulder strap is adjustable  so that customize to fit. Plus when it comes down decision between fashion and function, Briggs & Riley has made sure this versatile travel companion meets all of my criteria (and then some). 

Like most Briggs & Riley bags , the Suiter Duffle is expensive and so not for those on a budget. Also, some customers were not thrilled with the fact that the suit compartment doesn’t open fully so you have to slide your suit in, which may cause minor creases, especially for larger-sized suits.

With that being said, if you’re in the market for high-quality tri-fold garment bags, you can’t go wrong with the Briggs & Riley Suiter Carry-on Garment Bag. 

Buyer’s Guide: how to choose the best carry-on luggage for suits

The following are some important factors you must consider before making a decision while looking for the best carry-on luggage for suits.  

Choose the right type of carry-on luggage for suits

Below, I’ll outline the top three types of suit carry-on luggage:

Carry-on suitcases with built-in suiter compartment

These bags often include a separate section for suits in addition to having plenty of space for other necessities. To keep your garment looking as beautiful as it can, some even include special features like hooks or pockets.

And because they have wheels and handles, they are extremely easy to move around crowded airports. Just make sure the carry-on you choose has a built-in suiter compartment and meets the size restrictions set forth by your airline.  

Carry-On Garment Bags (Rolling & Non-rolling)

Some garment bags come with wheels, others do not.

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to lug around extra weight, then options with wheels are perfect for you! No more struggling to lug around heavy items – you just  gotta  roll and take the weight off your shoulders (literally!). Furthermore, they typically have a large carrying capacity with room for an extra pair of shoes, some extra clothing, and other items.

The travel garment bags without wheels, however, are more adaptable because they can be used both for daily use and airline travel. I should point out that while some garment bags are bigger and can contain more, others are solely intended to accommodate dresses or suits.

Carry-On Duffles with Suiter Compartments (Suiter Duffles)

Suiter duffles, a unique hybrid of a duffel bag and a suit bag are the final option. These bags feature a unique design that unfolds to fit your suit before zipping back together to change into a standard duffel bag.

They include a ton of storage and organizing compartments as well, so everything can be kept in its place. On days when you aren’t wearing a suit or a dress, you can even leave it behind because certain models like the  S.C Holdall  feature a detachable suiter carrier.

Pockets & Compartments

Aside from a designated suit compartment, having extra storage features and pockets for shoes, laptops, toiletries, and other accessories are important in the best carry-on luggage for suits. This will help to keep your clothes and belongings organized and easily accessible while you’re on the go.

Your bag should not exceed the common size limit for a carry-on, which is 22 x 14 x 9 inches.   Larger bags may be subject to additional fees, or they may be gate-checked and not allowed on the plane with you. It’s therefore important to check with your airline before packing your carry-on luggage, to avoid any surprises at the airport.  

Material & durability

Durable and water-resistant luggage is important when you are traveling with suits because it will protect your items from getting wet or damaged. The best material to go for is  ballistic nylon  because it is durable, water-resistant, and flexible enough to fold.

You want a bag that will help keep your clothes wrinkle-free and safe from any unexpected spills or accidents while being durable enough to survive more than a few trips.  

Handles and Zippers

Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of quality bags: handles and zippers. These little details can make a BIG difference when it comes to keeping your sharp suits and other important items safe and sound.

You know that sinking feeling when you’re fumbling with a cheap zipper and it suddenly gives out, spilling your suit and ties all over the airport floor? Yeah, we don’t want that.

That’s why you need zippers that can handle the weight of all your important items without breaking a sweat (or breaking, period). And then there’s the grab handle –  a total game-changer for gracefully maneuvering your bag in and out of overhead compartments and taxis with one hand like it’s no big deal. You know, looking sharp and confident,  James Bond , style.   

Wheels vs. No Wheels

When it comes to the best carry-on luggage for suits, both wheels, and no wheels have their pros and cons. Wheeled suitcases are better when you have a lot of luggage to haul around because they distribute the weight evenly and are much easier to move. However, some people find that wheeled suitcases can be a bit cumbersome to navigate in tight spaces, or over uneven surfaces. Non-wheeled bags are generally lighter and easier to maneuver in small spaces but can be a pain to carry around for long distances. Other advantages of non-wheeled carry-on luggage for suits are that they take up less space and fit in the overhead compartment better. Ultimately, the decision between wheeled vs. non-wheeled luggage comes down to personal preference – just make sure you test out both options before making your final decision!  

Related : Best Luggage for International Travel!

Advantages of using carry-on luggage for suit

The following are some advantages of using carry-on luggage that has a separate compartment for your suits:

Carry-on convenience

Of course, traveling becomes much easier when you don’t have to check in your luggage. No more waiting in long lines, worrying about lost or damaged bags, or paying extra fees.

Plus, you get to skip the baggage carousel chaos and save yourself some valuable time at the airport, which means more time to explore your destination.

No more wrinkles in your clothes

Now, let’s talk about the real MVP – your suit! Having to deal with a wrinkled mess during business travel, a wedding or a fancy outing sounds like a nightmare, right?

But with a dedicated suit section in your carry-on bag, your suit stays wrinkle-free and ready to wear from plane to boardroom. No more panicking over how to quickly de-wrinkle your suit before that all-important meeting or event.

Better organization

Opting for a carry-on bag to transport your suit not only offers the advantage of easy organization but also provides a convenient solution. With its multiple compartments and pockets, you can effectively keep all your essentials in a single location, ensuring better accessibility and reducing the chance of forgetting something important.  

And let’s not forget about how practical this kind of luggage is for business travel, weddings, weekend getaways, or any occasion where you need to look sharp. No more lugging around a heavy suitcase or worrying about how to transport your suit separately. A carry-on bag for suits is the perfect solution.

Say goodbye to luggage stress and hello to a more polished and put-together you! 

Can a suit bag be a carry-on?

Do airlines allow garment bags as a carry-on?  Yes, you can now bring your beloved suit or garment bag on your flight as a carry-on item ! But before you get too excited and start packing, it’s essential to know the airline’s size limitations. Most airlines have strict carry-on bag dimensions, usually hovering around 22 x 14 x 9 inches . As long as your suit bag falls within these size requirements, you’re all set to fly in ultimate style. However, before you start strutting your stuff down the aisle like a runway model, it’s always best to double-check the airline’s rules and regulations. After all, you don’t want to be caught with an oversized bag that won’t fit in the overhead bin. 

Do airlines hang garment bags?

Well, here’s the scoop: generally, garment bags are considered carry-on items and can be stowed in the overhead bin. But if you’re flying business or first class, you may be lucky enough to have access to a special hanging storage area for your fancy schmancy garment bag. And if you’re worried about your wedding dress or other fancy outfit getting wrinkled or damaged, don’t hesitate to ask your friendly flight attendant if they can hang your garment bag for you.

What size garment bag can you carry-on?

Most airlines allow a maximum size of 22 x 14 x 9 inches for your garment bags. But here’s the thing: different airlines may have slightly different rules, so it’s always best to double-check before you start packing. The last thing you want is to arrive at the gate and be told that your beloved suit bag won’t fit in the overhead bin. If you’re looking to save some space, try finding a bag that can fold up or compress easily. That way, you can maximize the room in your overhead bin and avoid having to check your precious cargo. However, if your garment bag is on the larger or bulkier side, you may have to bite the bullet and check it in as luggage. 

Where do you put a garment bag on a plane?

In most cases, garment bags can be rolled or folded up to fit comfortably in the overhead compartments on the plane. However, it’s important to double-check with your airline to make sure your bag’s dimensions meet their carry-on luggage size requirements. You definitely don’t want to risk having to check your precious garments at the last minute and risk them getting lost or damaged in the process. So, give your airline a quick call or check their website before you fly to ensure a smooth and wrinkle-free journey for your clothes.

Do garment bags prevent wrinkles?

Now, let’s be real – no garment bag can promise a completely wrinkle-free wardrobe. But what they can do is give your clothes the VIP treatment they deserve. How does this magic work, you ask? Well, garment bags are designed with dimensions and folding techniques that cater specifically to your precious threads. By giving your garments room to breathe and hang freely, they’re less likely to get squished and creased up like a paper ball. Plus, many garment bags come with extra features like padding, compression straps, and pockets to keep your clothes even more protected and organized. So, while garment bags may not be miracle workers, they’re definitely a smart investment for any traveler looking to keep their wardrobe looking sharp.

How do you carry a suit when traveling?

Final thoughts.

Phew! Thanks for sticking around and reading my post about the best carry-on luggage for suits. I hope you found it super helpful and feel ready to take on your next trip with confidence!

But hey, before you take off, can I ask you a question?

Do you have a favorite carry-on that you absolutely swear by? Maybe it’s a well-loved bag that’s been by your side on countless adventures, or perhaps it’s a brand-new purchase that you’re head over heels for.

Whatever it is, I want to know all about it! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s geek out about luggage together.  

Why You Should Trust Travelccessories

If you’re looking for trustworthy guidance on travel accessories, you can count on Travelccessories. Femi, an expert in travel gear, and our team have put together a comprehensive review that draws on our hands-on testing, extensive research on reputable brands, careful examination of product manuals and customer feedback, and evaluation of numerous luggage models.

We specifically looked for bags with robust construction, exceptional features, and high ratings from real users. And most importantly, our team consists of experts who do not accept payment for reviews and are committed to providing honest and thorough information to help you make informed decisions when choosing the right luggage.  

Also, this article is not sponsored in any way by any company. These products have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesn’t cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.

Wole Femi Asaolu

2 thoughts on “15 best carry-on luggage for suits (our top picks for crisp & wrinkle-free travel)”.

Thanks for this in-depth comparison of business travel bags. I know how annoying it can be when traveling on a business trip and your suit is smashed like some cow ate it and then spilled it out. I like the Briggs-Riley bag, but as you said it is on the expensive side. So, for people on a budget, the travel options seem to be more suitable. I am going in 30 days’ time to Mauritius, this will be leisure trip but soon I will need one suit luggage, then I’ll come again to your great post. Cheers

Thank you for such a terrific, exhaustive article Wole. You have really opened my eyes to the options available when in need of new luggage! I especially like how you have shown us the inner workings of so many of these rather than simply seeing the view of the baggage in the closed position. Seeing how folded clothes for instance, can fit alongside typically hung items like pressed shirts and sites was invaluable. I really like the versatility of the Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender as a carry-on seems to fit my needs best. Keep up the good work!

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How to bring a suit on a plane (and look like a total boss doing it)

One of the biggest challenges in a traveler’s life trying to is figuring out the formula for arriving in style with clean, wrinkle-free clothes. Some types of clothing are easier to manage than others, but I’m about to discuss the biggest challenge of them all: how to bring a suit on a plane without destroying it (or your sanity).

Long story short, the easiest way is to use a hanging bag specifically made for suits. However, you can also pack it in a traditional suitcase, roll it, or even wear it.

There’s a lot more to it than that though, and the following is an insanely detailed overview of all the techniques you can use to keep your suit in great shape. Even after a long flight!

The best (and safest) ways to bring a suit on a plane

As I’ve already mentioned, you have several different options for how to bring a suit on a plane. I’ve tried everything over the years, and the the following 4 methods are what have worked best for me:

1. Use a high-quality hanging bag

The best option for traveling with a suit is a hanging bag. It’s specifically designed to hold suits, jackets, and other items that are difficult to pack into a suitcase. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to check with your airline first, as a hanging bag might count as your one permitted carry-on.

If you do use a hanging bag, you’re better off bringing it on the plane instead of checking it. That’s because most luggage handling systems (and personnel) will be too rough on hanging bags, which have soft sides that will wind up getting crushed by heavier luggage.

You have two choices for storing a hanging bag on a plane:

• Ideally, you can hang it up in one of the closets , which are typically in the First Class and Business Class sections. However, closet space on a plane is limited and might only be available for passengers sitting in those sections.
• If you can’t store your hanging bag in a closet, the next best storage location is the overhead compartment. Fortunately, most hanging bags fold in half, saving space without wrinkling the suit. Try to place your bag on top of any other luggage in the bin.

2. Pack it in your suitcase

As long as you pack carefully, you can put your suit in a regular suitcase. Here’s how:

• First, pack the suitcase with your other clothing.
• Then, turn your suit inside-out.
• Place one shoulder of the jacket into the other shoulder.
• Move your rolled-up socks into the shoulders to help keep the suit wrinkle-free.
• Now you’re ready to pack the pants. Fold them at the seams.
• Then, place them into the suitcase with the waist flush with one side. Let the legs hang down off the other side.
• Put your dress shirt on top of the pants with the sleeves crossed and folded.
• Next, put the jacket on top of the shirt.
• Finally, fold the pant legs back into the suitcase, covering the jacket.

The same technique can be used if your luggage happens to be a cardboard box. Yes, it is possible to check a box as luggage (and I highly recommend it if you are transporting precious cargo such as a suit).

3. Roll it up

If you want to pack your suit in a suitcase, but you don’t have much room to spare, you can roll up each part individually. The rolling method takes up the least amount of room in your luggage. However, wrinkles are more likely with this technique than any other, so make sure you roll carefully.

• First, steam the suit to remove all wrinkles. Then, place each item on a hard surface, such as a kitchen table. Roll each item separately.
• Make the roll as tight as possible. Pull sections taunt before wrapping, and try to line up the edges of the material evenly as you go.
• Tying the roll with a ribbon can help keep it tight during travel.
• Place the rolls into your luggage. Try to pack other clothing tightly around each roll to help keep everything secure. Alternatively, you can place the rolls in the webbed compartment of your luggage.

4. Wear it (like a boss)

If your flight will be short, you can skip packing the suit entirely and instead wear it on the plane. It’s an excellent option if you plan to head to a function immediately after landing.

• Before sitting, take off your jacket. Ask the flight attendant to hang it up in one of the plane’s closets. If that’s not possible, lay the jacket across your lap for the duration of the flight.

Wearing your suit on the plane is easy but does pose certain risks. Sitting in a cramped airline seat, especially for a long time, can make your suit look wrinkled and worn. Fortunately, if you’re only on board for a few hours, wrinkling should be limited to around the waist area, which is generally covered when you’re wearing the jacket.

Also, make sure you avoid food or drink during your flight. One clumsy spill can ruin your entire appearance, as you might not have time to find a dry cleaner once you land.

Products to make traveling with a suit easier

Most methods for how to bring a suit on a plane are based on technique. However, there are a few pieces of gear can make travel easier:

Hanging bag

Frequent travelers will likely want to invest in a high-quality hanging bag. The PLX Hanging Garment Bag and the Misslo Travel Garment Bag are both affordable and well-made choices perfect for travel:

• Great for traveling: Each non-woven bag completely covers garments, helping protect valuable clothing from most environmental conditions. 
• Completely cover clothing in 40” x 24” bags: Each bag is designed to completely cover each garment for maximum protection.
• Store all of your coats, suits, blouses, tuxedos, uniforms, winter coats, fur coats, costumes, dance recital clothes, pants, slacks and dresses up to 36” in length depending on the hanger.

• 43 Inches long zipper suit garment bag with 3.5 gusset which holds 3 suits and 1 dress while traveling with ease.
• Wardrobe bag carrier with 5.4 wide square see-through window allows you to see which the garment is inside without opening the bag.

Note: you’ll want to avoid hanging bags made for home storage, as they’re usually too flimsy for the demands of air travel.

A portable steamer can remove wrinkles from your suit quickly and easily. The Hilife Handheld Garment Steamer is durable, portable, and weighs less than two pounds.

• 240ML capacity, lasts for 15 minutes of continuous steaming.
• 700W Steamer produces soft and long-lasting steam; 9ft Power Cord.
• Whats in the Box: 1 Hilife clothes steamer, 1-cup, 1-brush, Power cable, user manual.

Another excellent option is the Polardo Portable Travel Steamer , a lightweight, cordless steamer that you could even use in an airport bathroom.

• Advanced heating element & metal steel head ensure great performance & reliability.
• NANO water filter lets you use tap water, with no risk of calcification. Handheld garment steamer always stays cool on the outside & can be put on any surface. Automatic shutoff.
• Electronic pump system & innovative steam channeling design. Steam evenly from any angle.
• Use it upside down with no water spitting & leaks, while ordinary unsafe steamers cannot be tilted over 45 degrees.

Anti-wrinkle spray

If you don’t want to travel with a steamer, you can instead bring along anti-wrinkle spray, such as Grandma’s Secret Wrinkle Remover Spray . A few quick sprays will remove wrinkles and odors.

• No More Wrinkles! Grandma’s Secret Wrinkle Remover is a convenient way to look fresh and wrinkle-free in no time! Just a spray and you're on the way!
• Easily removes wrinkles & odors. Just a few sprays and you’re ready to go. Safe on virtually all fabrics.

To save space in your luggage, you can pour some liquid from the original bottle into a smaller spray bottle.

One final tip (for when all else fails)

Despite your best efforts, your suit still might get wrinkled during the flight. Fortunately, sprucing it up is usually a painless process. In fact, you can turn any shower into a makeshift steamer (it’s my favorite method actually). Here’s how:

• Hang your suit on the back of the bathroom door.
• Turn on the shower as hot as possible.
• Leave the curtain pulled back or the shower door open.
• Close the door, keep the shower running, and let the steam build up in the room for at least 15 minutes.
• Switch the shower off but leave the suit hanging in the bathroom. By the time the steam clears, the suit should be wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

Other stuff you might like:

Everything you need to know about flying with a guitar (plus a little more)

Is a 1 hour layover enough time in Toronto? Not always. Here’s why:

Do airport scanners detect drugs? (I won’t judge you for clicking on this)

Comments (2).

My friend does this all the time. Here’s his secret: he just wears the suit.

Oh, right, I should also mention that he’s a pilot.

Scott (SANspotter)

Haha, yup, wearing it is always the best option.

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The Best Carry-On Luggage

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

Traveling well is not always easy. Keeping your suitcase with you when you fly not only protects your belongings from loss or damage but may help you avoid extra fees as well.

If you decide to do so, you need a good carry-on bag.

Over the past 10 years, we’ve handled, tested, and traveled with 67 bags from more than 35 brands, and we remain convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of value and quality for most travelers.

It packs five days’ worth of clothes into standard US carry-on dimensions 1 and has premium touches you might expect from a $600 bag at about half the price.

It’s a bag that you can rely on for life, even if it’s damaged by airlines —a rarity at any price.

Everything we recommend

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner

The best soft-sided carry-on.

This spinner carry-on offers the best balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, plus high-end details. It’s backed by a lifetime warranty.

Buying Options

Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard

A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability.

This two-wheeled carry-on bag isn’t as maneuverable, but it offers slightly more space, a garment folder, and larger, more durable wheels.

Away The Carry-On

The best hard-sided carry-on.

This great-looking and relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line components—including wheels as smooth-rolling as any we’ve tested.

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Slightly more room, but you might get checked.

With more capacity than Away’s standard carry-on, this suitcase is sized appropriately for most flights. On smaller planes, though, you may get gate-checked.

Budget pick

Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner

Lightweight and appealingly inexpensive.

Remarkably well priced for a reputable brand, this is an ideal lightweight pick and provides many features of luggage costing nearly twice as much.

Upgrade pick

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner

A soft-sided carry-on that fits more in less.

This carry-on bag offers superlative build quality, plenty of expandable room, and a uniquely effective compression system. It’s a buy-it-for-life suitcase.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On

More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability.

If you’re willing to give up maneuverability for more space and bigger wheels, this is also a great option.

Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

A more luxe hard-sided carry-on.

Luxury touches and a strong polycarbonate and aluminum design give this bag a standout look with exceptional feel and performance. It does cost nearly $200 more than the comparably sized Away bag, though.

Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage

A bag built for tough conditions.

A polycarbonate back and rugged wheels make this design suited for rougher travel over difficult surfaces. However, it has a limited warranty, and it’s somewhat unwieldy to handle.

What to consider

Four-wheel bags, aka spinners, are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two-wheel bags will always be more durable .

Hard-sided looks better to most people, but soft-sided luggage withstands the bumps and knocks of travel for longer .

Plenty of reputable brands offer lifetime warranties; it’s generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind .

Depending on where you travel, you might need to look for specialty luggage sizes .

We’ve also included picks that stood out for their form and individual functionality: an upgrade with best-in-class compression, a pick made of polycarbonate , an upgraded hard-sided case with latch closures and an aluminum frame, a rolling soft-top hybrid , and a budget pick that’s also the best ultra-light suitcase we can find.

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line of luggage is still our top pick after 10 years of testing. It addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price while offering the best warranty against potential airline damage in the industry (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase, which you can do in minutes).

The Platinum Elite features smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, as well as solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis. Travelpro also provides a full catalog of other replaceable parts . Instead of chasing the smart-bag moment, Travelpro added an exterior pocket with a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. And weighing less than 8 pounds when empty, the Platinum Elite is dead in the center of average weight for bags this size.

In our view, soft-sided luggage lasts longer and shows less wear, but if you prefer the look of a hard-sided bag, Away’s The Carry-On is our choice. Like our other picks, this bag stands out for its high-end components: YKK zippers, smooth-running wheels, and a well-braced handle. Its strong but flexible polycarbonate shell shows scratches—however, after seven years of using the Away Carry-On, our testers have found that it is capable of enduring most of the trials of travel with fewer knocks than other similar models we’ve tested.

Away also makes a slightly larger version of the same model: The Bigger Carry-On . It conforms to carry-on size for most major airliners, but you might be asked to gate-check it on smaller planes.

Similar to our soft-sided picks, this Away bag is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. And though the coverage doesn’t explicitly protect against airline damage, it does apply to any damage that an airline could possibly dish out—specifically, but not limited to, the shell cracking or wheels breaking off.

Some companies have tried to shave off a few pounds from their standard luggage designs to make so-called ultra-light luggage. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is the best of these bags we’ve seen, and it comes with the pedigree of our top pick but not quite as strong a warranty.

The Maxlite 5 is just over 2 pounds lighter than our top pick—that’s the weight of two or three pairs of jeans. It’s not a huge difference, but if you have trouble lifting luggage over your head and prefer an easier-to-manage suitcase, the Maxlite 5 may be your choice. This bag is also the best one we’ve found under $200, with almost all the benefits of luggage nearly twice the price.

For the more frequent flyer who is willing to invest in a higher-quality bag, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On . Every detail of this bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested.

Briggs & Riley boosts this extra capacity with a ratcheting compression system that easily presses an entire extra outfit (if not more) into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. It’s simple, impressive, and unmatched by any other brand’s compression system.

The Expandable Spinner version is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder, which helps shirts and pants stay wrinkle-free if you pack them well. If things go awry, Briggs & Riley has a catalog of replaceable parts and a global network of repair centers , as well as a reliable lifetime warranty covering repairs for airline damage.

For some people, Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On may be worth the extra cost. Behind the maturity of Italian leather accents and polish of higher-end Hinomoto wheels, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On bypasses the biggest compromise in most polycarbonate designs: the stitched-in zipper. Incorporating an aluminum frame around the center of the case and two latch locks, it feels comfortingly secure and well structured where other luggage tends to sag or bend away.

There’s a potential catch, however: The flex in a polycarbonate design (and most luggage, incidentally) is its strength. The more robust a piece of luggage becomes—by replacing, for instance, a zipper with an aluminum frame—the greater the chance that if something hits the case hard enough, the frame can bend or break. That said, you need to hit a frame like this with an extreme amount of focused force for that to happen. And Carl Friedrik provides a lifetime warranty that appears to cover airline damage in the event that an airline doesn’t compensate you within 14 days.

The Yeti Crossroads 22”/35L Wheeled Luggage represents the best of a relatively niche type of luggage design. Call it a hybrid model—a blend of a soft-sided luggage on top and hard-sided luggage on the back—that lends itself to fairly specific circumstances. It’s ideal for tough roads, broken streets, and slamming your luggage into uneven curbs with abandon. Do most people need this kind of luggage for their day-to-day travel? Absolutely not, and it can feel heavier than it really is. But if you do, this is the best there is—at least for the moment.

The Yeti Crossroads has everything you might expect from a brand that has built its reputation for over-the-top toughness and durability. The two heavy-duty wheels are among the largest and broadest that we’ve seen. Externally, Yeti blends a polycarbonate shell back with a water-resistant 700-denier nylon front and waterproof zippers. However, Yeti backs its luggage with only a three-year warranty and no mention of airline damage. That’s very limited protection, especially for the conditions this bag was designed for and definitely in comparison with the standards that our other picks set.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we picked and tested, our pick for the best carry-on luggage: travelpro platinum elite, our pick for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage: away the carry-on, budget pick: travelpro maxlite 5 carry-on spinner, upgrade pick for the best carry-on: briggs & riley baseline essential, upgrade pick for the best hard-sided carry-on: carl friedrik the carry-on, also great for tough conditions: yeti crossroads 35l wheeled luggage, other good carry-on luggage, what to look forward to, the competition.

I’ve been covering luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade and have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. Over the years we’ve also spoken with plenty of experts: flight attendants for major airlines, product designers and creative directors for luggage and gear companies, and travel and gear writers. My conversations with these people have helped shape our coverage, and we owe much to their collective knowledge.

In the 10 years we’ve been covering this category, luggage has evolved, and so has our thinking about what makes the best carry-on for most people. After spending well over 200 hours doing research and interviews and easily twice that time conducting hands-on testing, we’ve seen a few truths become clear. First, at a certain threshold—roughly over $200—most luggage is fine. It will more than likely get you from point A to point B without incident many times a year for many years. What distinguishes great luggage from everything else is mostly an attention to detail—the quality of a bag’s handle, its wheels, the frame, and stitching—and a company’s guarantee that it will stand behind its product.

Every year we try to refine our testing and find new ways to consider what it means to be the best luggage. We’ve weighed and measured suitcases, comparing our results with company claims. We’ve calculated true internal capacity with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls 2 and some decently complex math for a writer to scratch out. We’ve packed and unpacked more bags than I care to remember. We’ve studied and compared wheel bearings, wheel sizes, pocket counts, pocket quality, the curious subtleties of garment bags that will (or more often won’t) keep your clothes wrinkle-free, the strength of warranties, and repairability.

We believe that any maximally sized carry-on should be capable of holding enough clothes to last you five days with room to spare for miscellaneous necessities. Most years we aim to have two testers, one male and one female, pack two bags individually as if headed to the same wedding. 3 What we included isn’t representative of a family traveling or a couple splitting a bag, but we erred on the side of bulky, and we hope it gives you a clear idea of how much of your own stuff these bags will hold.

We looked at how each bag loaded. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? Did it have compression straps to keep things in place? Were the straps thick enough to avoid creasing the clothes? Just how much would the bag compress? How much room was left over? Once packed, was the bag prone to tipping over?

Over the years I’ve torn bags apart to see how the frames were put together, taken apart wheels, dismantled handles, and more or less treated luggage as poorly as one person could. I’ve wheeled loaded bags around many neighborhoods, looking at how well each bag rolled and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. I’ve dragged bags up and down two flights of concrete stairs, noting how easy this task was and how much damage the bags sustained. For our finalists, I’ve repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route because I like the sound that polycarbonate luggage makes when it bounces down cavernous stairwells.

In fall 2023, we asked a panel of paid testers with a wide range of body types, dexterities, and mobilities to examine our picks and share their perspectives. We’ve incorporated their feedback in this review.

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner is our pick for a soft-sided carry-on; if you need a little more room, we also recommend the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22″ Carry-On Rollaboard .

It has a history of great performance. Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line has been our top pick for almost every iteration of this guide because it addresses the concerns of most travelers for an affordable price: In addition to smooth-rolling, replaceable wheels, it features solid and comfortable telescoping handles and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid 7.8-pound internal chassis. Travelpro backs it all with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase). Additionally, Travelpro supplies a full catalog of other replaceable parts .

It moves well across most surfaces and through most situations. The spinner bag’s configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moving. The small tracking assistance makes a large difference when you’re navigating the Platinum Elite through a crowded airport or down a busy street. It also has an easy-to-use, removable garment bag. After years of testing, we think the superior maneuverability of spinner luggage, along with improvements in manufacturing processes, makes four-wheel bags a better choice for most people. However, if you prefer slightly more packing capacity (the equivalent of squeezing in two more sweatshirts), larger wheels that run more smoothly over rough terrain, and a more protective built-in garment folder, 4 you may appreciate the two-wheeled 22-inch version of the Platinum Elite. One of our paid testers, who’s 6-foot-6, told us that although he could see the appeal of a spinner, “I would still choose the two-wheeler. It has a little more space, and when you’re my size, packing is just so horrible.”

It’s sized to maximize your space, but you have options. Measuring 23 by 13.5 by 9 inches, the Platinum Elite carry-on bag (in either wheel configuration) hits the upper margins of actual carry-on size limits and could get you gate-checked by an overzealous agent. However, it fits into most standard-size baggage caddies at check-in, including that of American Airlines and United Airlines. I’ve personally traveled with Travelpro carry-ons this size for more than 45,000 miles spread across 50 flights, from regional to long-haul to international routes, and I’ve never had an issue fitting within gate-side luggage sizers. If you’re nervous about getting caught at the gate or often fly in very small regional planes, Travelpro makes a 20-inch Platinum Elite as well as a slimmer international size, but they hold less (naturally) and lack a suiter insert.

It keeps clothes compacted but not creased. Inside, the Platinum Elite has a pair of tie-down straps and two broad panels with pockets that cinch down, similar in design and function to what you’d find in much more expensive Briggs & Riley luggage . Compared with the simple tie-down straps you often find in cheaper luggage, the panels do a great job of keeping things compacted without creasing clothes—a problem we’ve encountered in numerous other bags we’ve tested. Beyond that, the Platinum Elite’s internal organization system is about average. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means there’s no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. One long mesh pocket sits on one of the bag’s sides, and a smaller removable transparent plastic bag sits on the other side for easy TSA inspection of toiletries.

It’s tough yet flexible. The exterior is made of a hard-wearing nylon fabric, a key feature of all the bags we’ve tested. It hides scuffs and scratches, and it’s much more versatile than hard-sided bags. An expansion zipper lets you increase storage by about 30% in a pinch—although the bag is no longer carry-on compliant at that point. We prefer to use the expansion zipper as something of an ad-hoc compression system: We unzip the expansion zipper while packing the bag and then zip it at the end, tamping everything down tight. The Platinum Elite carry-on also has a variety of convenient exterior pockets, including two in the front, suitable for a sleep mask and other small miscellaneous items, and one on the side for a battery, though it can fit a bit more if necessary. It also has an accordion pocket on the front for magazines and electronic tablets.

It’s well balanced and spacious. This luggage has an 1,856-cubic-inch interior, which we measured using hundreds of Ping-Pong balls . In real-world terms (the needs of Ping-Pong champions notwithstanding), the Platinum Elite swallowed up five days’ worth of clothes with no problem and had a good deal of room to spare—and that’s without our resorting to the expansion zipper.

It has an excellent warranty. Should anything go wrong, you can take advantage of Travelpro’s generous lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage . The sole other company we’ve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose carry-on suitcases start at about $500. Travelpro bags have owner-serviceable parts and multiple repair centers . To get repair service, you can either drop the bag off at a repair center or ship the bag to Travelpro, the cost of which the company will cover. Keep in mind that the warranty doesn’t cover cosmetic wear.

Travelpro has a history of fixing production errors remarkably quickly. In 2019, we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. We reached out to Travelpro, and a representative told us that a production error expanded the capacity of the front pocket of the Platinum Elite; this allowed travelers to overpack the pocket, which put excessive strain on the zipper. Travelpro identified and fixed the issue before it had reached the threshold of more than a few comments online.

Dimensions: 23.5 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.8 pounds Volume: 46 liters

How the Platinum Elite has held up

After nearly a decade of testing the Platinum Elite line of bags from Travelpro, we have yet to encounter a single serious issue. The fabric exterior brushes off scrapes and is easy enough to clean. Simply, it is a remarkably built bag that continues to travel well, year after year.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though the Platinum Elite rolled well in general, we are still concerned when dragging the bag up stairs. Some of the other bags we tested had long plastic bumper strips running most of the way up the length of the bag; this Travelpro model’s skid plate isn’t as big or as protective. I haven’t had an issue, but if you’re particularly rough on your luggage or uncomfortable lifting the bag over curbs or up stairs, it’s something to be aware of.

• In 2018, Travelpro added a USB-A pass-through cable to the Platinum Elite as a way to compete with so-called smart bags. We like the battery pocket, but the built-in cable itself, which routes from the pocket to a USB port less than 6 inches away, is an unnecessary item, which at best adds a potential point of failure to the bag—USB cables do not last forever. Does it ruin the bag? No. Is it a feature? Not really.

If you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage or the security of knowing that you can’t overpack your suitcase, Away’s The Carry-On is the carry-on we recommend. If you want to maximize your available carry-on space, it also comes in a slightly larger size: The Bigger Carry-On .

It can take wear and tear. Most travelers are still better off with one of our soft-sided picks than a hard-sided carry-on; soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. But the Away Carry-On’s wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than that of hard-sided competitors.

We’ve tested the Away Carry-On for six years, traveling with it ourselves across the country and lending several units to testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using the bag. Its polycarbonate feels similar to that used on more high-end (and significantly pricier) suitcases such as the Rimowa Essential Cabin , which is more than three times as expensive.

You have options if you need extra space. Away makes a similar model of suitcase with an expandable zipper, The Carry-On Flex . The Flex is the same bag as the standard Carry-On except for the expanding center zipper and the price (it’s about $50 more). Personally, I’m not a fan of expanding zippers on suitcases. It feels like just one more thing to break. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility.

It feels great to use. The bag itself feels good in the hands, and the wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we tried. Away also uses YKK zippers, outclassing our top pick in that regard (Travelpro moved to Supra zippers in 2015). At this point, we’re pretty comfortable saying that years of debate over the best zipper are largely redundant, but YKK still sets the standard.

Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Away has sparked more imitators and outright duplicates than any other brand in the past decade, in part due to its appeal with younger travelers. I’ve thought about why, and as best as I can guess, a simple polycarbonate cube dripped in limited-edition soft hues does exude a certain calm; the fact that some of those same colors also coat the exteriors of pills ending in suffixes -ax and -il is not, one assumes, accidental.

It has a great warranty. The Away Carry-On is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. Though the warranty doesn’t specifically mention airline damage, the damages it does list—cracks or breaks in the shell, wheels or handles becoming unusable, zippers that don’t work, fabric tears that render any pocket unusable—basically outline anything an airline could possibly dish out.

Dimensions (for The Carry-On): 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 7.5 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• The Carry-On’s sleek style comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks.
• It lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have.
• The clamshell design, which splits down the middle and opens into two parts, can make the bag frustrating to pack and unpack. Packing cubes help, but after years of packing and unpacking soft-sided luggage with a single lid, I personally find a clamshell design to be more finicky when packing.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21″ Carry-On Spinner is one of the lightest pieces of luggage we’ve tested, at a great price.

It’s lightweight. We have a hard time imagining how anyone could make a suitcase much lighter than this without breaking certain laws of physics. A few years ago, I took apart a Maxlite suitcase to see how the internal frame was built. What I found beneath the fabric was a clever lattice of plastic supporting the frame, which offered the best balance between weight-saving and structure.

For some people, especially those with limited upper-body strength, a lighter bag—even by just a few pounds—may be easier to lift or manage. That said, most people don’t need extremely light luggage, but just to pack less. For all the innovative design, the Maxlite 5 shaves only 2.4 pounds off the weight of our top pick. That’s the equivalent of a couple of pairs of jeans.

It’s inexpensive. My general advice to friends is to spend more than $200 but less than $500 to get good, if not great, luggage. The Maxlite 5 is the one piece of luggage I’ve found that breaks that rule. You can usually find it for about $150 or less, which is a remarkable price considering the bag’s quality.

Simple is good. This model doesn’t have any real bells or whistles—no battery pass-throughs or magnetically tracked wheels, as with our other Travelpro picks. Instead you’ll find two simple front pockets, a few well-placed handles, and a cavernous main compartment with a couple of pockets and two light straps to hold your stuff in place.

It comes from a trusted brand. We haven’t covered, examined, and interrogated a single luggage brand at Wirecutter for as long as we have Travelpro. For a decade, Travelpro has done a premier job of maintaining trust with its customers and with us—we’ve watched the company make small changes in design, catch flaws quickly, and address warranty concerns promptly. This is not something we say lightly: Travelpro is a name you can trust.

Dimensions: 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 5.4 pounds Volume: 46 liters

• The Maxlite 5’s warranty isn’t as robust as that of our top pick: Manufacturing defects in the wheels, zippers, and handles are covered for as long as you own the bag, but airline damage and shipping to a Travelpro repair center are covered only for the first year. (And you do need to register the bag.) Considering that this bag costs half the price of the Platinum Elite, this makes sense, but it’s something to be aware of.

If you’re a frequent flyer and willing to invest in higher-quality gear, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner (also available in a two-wheeled version with more capacity).

It’s the best of the best. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found that it had a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. Briggs & Riley keeps its design consistent, adding, at most, small improvements such as this year’s upgraded lifting handle. Our 6-foot-6 paid tester pointed out that the Baseline Essential’s handle extended an inch and a half farther than that of the Travelpro Platinum Elite, which made it less likely to hit his heels as he pulled it.

Although the wheels don’t snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth-rolling and easy to maneuver. If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, it’s worthwhile to invest in luggage that goes beyond merely being sturdy and actually improves your overall travel experience. That’s why we’ve been recommending it since we first covered this topic in 2014. The Baseline Essential is one of the best carry-on luggage options available today.

Its compression system is truly a marvel. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Essential bag is its CX expansion and compression system. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2.5 inches. Load the bag as full as you need to, and zip it closed. Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. It’s a unique design and very satisfying to use.

It’s the easiest to pack. Briggs & Riley placed the tracks for the Baseline Essential handles on the outside of the bag, which allows for a flat surface in the interior of the bag, with no small crevices to work around for simple packing. And in our tests, after packing 10 bags and trying to figure out strategies for each nook and cranny, packing on a broad flat surface felt like a luxury. According to our measurements, the bag, unexpanded, offers 1,905 cubic inches of storage room (and that accounts for the space occupied by the wheel wells and such). Expanded, it can stow 2,110 cubic inches. That’s remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested.

The Baseline Essential spinner is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder. It’s similar to the folder in Travelpro’s two-wheeled Platinum Elite bag, and that’s a good thing. It’s easy to pack and has an anchor point for hangers. Each of the three folds has a bit of padding that helps to keep a suit from pinching onto itself and creasing, though much of that depends on how well you pack. You can fit a week’s worth of clothes in the Baseline Essential, including some puffy gear for colder weather. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package.

It’s understated. On the outside, the Baseline Essential is pretty unremarkable. There’s nothing eye-grabbing about the bag, which is good if you’re trying to avoid being gate-checked (or having it stolen). Its outer, nylon fabric seems to be of a tighter weave than that used on the other bags we’ve tested. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK.

Similar to our top pick, the Baseline Essential includes a charging pocket. However, Briggs & Riley skipped the internal USB wiring, instead opting for a simple pocket arrangement (video) on the back of the bag for discreetly storing a charge pack and your phone. It’s an elegant solution.

It comes with an excellent warranty. All Briggs & Riley bags come with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the “functional aspects” of the bag, even if caused by an airline (like Travelpro, Briggs & Riley does not cover cosmetic wear or cleaning). Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, you do have to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers . Briggs & Riley emphasizes that returning your bag to you in its original condition, even after repairs, is not always possible. The bags are easy to service and repair, so you can also order the parts you need and replace them yourself at home.

We’ve put in the miles, and the Baseline Essential is in a separate league. Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter founder Brian Lam carried a two-wheeled Baseline Essential carry-on while traveling 150,000 miles and farther. After considering all the bags in our test and logging an additional 40,000 miles with a similarly priced bag by Tumi, he was convinced that this model is the best for anyone who’s always on the move. “I love this bag. It carries so much,” Brian said. “Sometimes I check it. Sometimes I carry it. It always fits.”

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 (expands to 11.5) inches (HWD) Weight: 10 pounds Volume: 37 liters (expands to 48 liters)

• Despite the plastic shielding, the exposed rails on the exterior could use more protection. While dragging the bag up stairs (which we don’t advise doing), we felt more scraping than we’d like.
• At first glance, the handle feels too loose for a roughly $700 bag. We spoke to Briggs & Riley representatives, and they explained that this is a deliberate choice: The looser tolerances allow for the handle to retract by itself when you click its button, without your having to force it down. In practice, this is very helpful for scaling stairs and could save you some hassle in tight quarters, such as in the aisle of an airplane.
• At 10 pounds, the Baseline Essential is the heaviest bag we recommend. In this price range, weight often equals durability, which equals quality. But if you’re uncomfortable with a heavier bag, this isn’t the best pick for you.

Carl Friedrik’s The Carry-On is an impressive polycarbonate case that improves in areas where most other companies tend to cut corners.

It’s robust and durable. It improves the usual hard-case design primarily by replacing the zipper with an aluminum frame sealed with two metal latches incorporating TSA locks. This trim makes the case feel far more robust, which is a very satisfying feeling when you’re wheeling luggage around an airport.

Clasping shut an aluminum frame with a metal lock is pleasing—it feels like closing a safe and locking it tight. The polycarbonate shell has an equally rigid feeling but exhibits plenty of flexibility under strain. Although it’s difficult to compare polycarbonates between brands, higher-end polycarbonate feels dense to the touch even as the material flexes; in this piece of luggage, Carl Friedrik offers impressive quality.

Additionally, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On has YKK zippers internally and Hinomoto spinner wheels from Japan—both considered the top of their class.

It’s thoughtfully styled. The soft leather accents and bolted frame all have a certain maturity that’s often lacking in other, competing cases. This look carries to the inside of the luggage as well. A simple gray polyester lining accompanies two sets of compression straps and a removable compression pad, which has a zippered pocket.

It has an excellent warranty. As you might expect for the price, Carl Friedrik backs up its luggage with a lifetime warranty that protects against airline damage (assuming the airline hasn’t responded to your request for compensation within 14 days).

Dimensions: 21.6 by 14.5 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8.6 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• This is a brand-new pick—so far we haven’t found any flaws, but we’re keeping an eye on the latches. Luggage latches are small, complicated mechanical devices that have a myriad of ways to fail.
• The handle feels just a touch loose, which, as with our upgrade pick from Briggs & Riley , can be a benefit. It can also sometimes be a hazard. Again, we’ll continue testing it.

Hybrid designs like the Yeti Crossroads 22″/35L Wheeled Luggage aren’t for everyone, but if you like the flexibility of a soft-sided luggage with the hard-hitting ruggedness of a polycarbonate back and two large fixed wheels, then this bag is just right.

It’s made from tough materials and easy-to-repair parts. Yeti has a reputation for using tough, sometimes cutting-edge, materials in all its gear. The Crossroads is no exception. The 700-denier nylon is one of the better nylons we’ve tested—tightly woven and exceptionally durable. (Denier is a measure of the fiber thickness in a fabric.)

The Crossroads comes in only a two-wheeled design, which is usually able to withstand more damage than a four-wheeled design. The wheels are also easier to service on the road and often replaceable. 5

It’s well organized. It includes a front panel organizer, similar to that of modern laptop backpacks, with two slots for your laptop and tablet plus a mesh pocket for spare gear. Fully packed, it still has room for a few magazines as well, if you like. Internally, the soft top has a zippered main compartment with a decent amount of packing space, as well as two mesh organizing pockets.

It’s a pleasure to pack. As the Crossroads is built around a molded polycarbonate base, the entire suitcase becomes, in essence, a large tray to pack and then zip shut. It’s a very satisfying design—easier to manage than many of the clamshell designs that are currently popular. Yeti’s packing cubes are designed to fit snugly in the Crossroads’s main compartment, and the bag does come with one small cube. But if you choose these, you’re spending a premium for additional packing cubes when almost any packing cube will work.

Dimensions: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (HWD) Weight: 8 pounds Volume: 40 liters

• We’d love to see a better warranty. Three years is very limited when compared with other luggage brands selling similarly priced suitcases—especially for a bag that claims to be as tough as the brand’s reputation.
• Occasionally, Yeti’s tough-gear reputation veers almost into absurdity, as with the inclusion here of self-sealing zippers on a bag that isn’t actually waterproof—merely weather resistant. They’re top-of-the-line zippers. But self-sealing zippers can be hard to operate and require regular lubrication, which most people aren’t used to providing.
• The front-facing laptop organizer is woefully unshielded. If you’re traveling with a laptop, place it deep within the bag if you want it properly protected.
• The bag feels heavy—by our measurements, it weighs about a half pound more than Yeti’s 7.5-pound estimation. It’s not the heaviest of our picks, but something about the weight distribution and shape of the bag makes it feel heavier when you’re swinging it around.

If you need a hard-sided budget bag: Look at the Gregory Quadro Hardcase 22″ , an unexpectedly high-quality suitcase from an outdoor-gear company. Gregory offers a lifetime warranty with service and repair. Although the warranty doesn’t explicitly mention airline damage, Gregory’s good reputation speaks for itself in this matter. However, the Quadro Hardcase is a pound heavier (at 6.5 pounds) and about $60 more than our budget pick.

If the Away Carry-On is sold out: Consider the Monos Carry-On Plus . Picking between these two models came down to splitting some very fine hairs. Both use YKK zippers. Both have lifetime warranties. The handles and interiors are almost identical. Monos even hides the stitching that attaches the zipper to the polycarbonate frame, which is a nice aesthetic touch. The difference came down to the Away Carry-On’s wheels, which spun just that much more freely in our testing, and the underside handle, which made it easier to pull out of overhead bins. And we’ve tested the Away Carry-On for longer. However, if it’s unavailable, the Monos model is a good, nearly identical substitute.

If you want a bag made of recycled materials: We suggest the Paravel Aviator Carry-On . Paravel is attempting to design luggage with recycled materials and some environmentally minded transparency to the company’s production methods. However, you pay a premium for the effort. Quality-wise, the bag is similar to our other hard-sided picks, for about a hundred more dollars. And much of the Paravel branding is built on carbon offsets, which we are deeply skeptical of (though we wish they worked).

If you’re an infrequent adventurer: Try the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Roller , which could almost be an also-great pick under our hybrid pick . It’s cheaper, has a better warranty (but no explicit coverage for airline damage), and is made from recycled materials. However, the overall build quality is wanting. For example, the polycarbonate shell doesn’t fully cover the tubes for the extendable handle as it does with our hybrid pick. It seems an oversight for bags that are built to knock around.

If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, and money is no object: The Vocier C38 Carry-On Luggage is worth a look, despite a few flaws and an $800 price tag. The C38 takes a unique, fold-free approach to packing clothes. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. This packing method creates no creases and therefore no wrinkles. The case is protected by a limited lifetime warranty that doesn’t cover airline damage.

We hope to take a look at the European brand Floyd , which is currently popular on Instagram. At first glance, it’s another piece of luggage looking to appeal to a younger mass audience. But the easy-to-replace polyurethane wheels and bearings—similar to skateboard wheels—do have “user-serviceable parts inside” curb appeal.

We’re currently testing Level8’s Voyageur series of luggage, which features an extra-wide handle. It’s a design trend we’re starting to track with a few lesser-known brands (and, incidentally, a Louis Vuitton case costing several thousand dollars). A wide handle should do two things: It should free up a little more space inside the luggage, and it should improve handling.

Lastly, we’re considering expanding our coverage to include equipment cases like those made by Pelican . Though their appropriate use is very specific, when you need to travel with high-end gear or fragile valuables, Pelican cases more or less set the standard.

Soft-sided carry-on luggage

Cotopaxi Allpa 38L Roller Bag : We’re generally fans of Cotopaxi’s Allpa line, but this two-wheeled bag falls short. Specifically, the bottom of the bag is split by the zipper, which gives the bag an unstable feeling when it’s standing upright.

Eagle Creek Tarmac XE 4-Wheel 22″ Carry On Luggage : If this bag were about $150 cheaper, it would be a good price for the quality. We like the recycled materials, but the bag lacks framing.

Solo Re:Treat Carry-On Spinner : I appreciate any bag made entirely out of recycled materials, but this model (from a brand owned by the same company that manages Briggs & Riley) felt awfully flimsy. Even with its five-year warranty, I just don’t trust that this bag can go the distance.

Thule Subterra : The clamshell design—similar to the ones you find on hard-sided bags—makes this bag difficult to close if you’re trying to fill it to its full capacity. It just isn’t as easy to use as our soft-sided picks.

Timbuk2 Copilot Luggage Roller : The balance on this bag was decent, and it stood up well unloaded or loaded. Its wheels had a cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter, though, and the abundance of zippers and internal compartments made it tedious to pack.

Tumi Aerotour International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On : At about half the price, this would be a great bag. But paying nearly $700 for a five-year warranty and a bag that doesn’t do nearly as much as a Briggs & Riley suitcase seems a bit silly.

Hard-sided carry-on luggage

Amazon Basics 24-Inch Hardside Spinner : This bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for about $90. However, its ABS plastic shell is not as tough as a polycarbonate shell. It’s worth investing more in your luggage—the bag you choose will last longer and work better.

Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On : The Arlo Skye carry-on is a decent piece of luggage, but it’s hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than our pick from Away .

Away The Carry-On: Aluminum Edition : 10 pounds! At this weight, you’ve lost a quarter of your allowable luggage weight to the suitcase alone, unpacked. And it’s nearly as expensive as our upgrade pick, with a much less satisfying compression system.

Briggs & Riley Torq and Sympatico : Though these collections seek to solve a different problem, neither is as impressive as the Baseline series.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage : We preferred sturdier polycarbonate shells over Calpak’s blended ABS polycarbonate shell. Also, the bag’s handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces.

Delsey Rempart Expandable Spinner Carry-On : At just around $200, the Rempart is a decent budget option. However, the external styling (like layers of pressed sheet pans) is an odd choice. It has some practicality, but only if you’re stacking identical Delsey cases one on top of another, which might happen, I suppose, at some point … maybe.

July Carry On : In the lineup between July, Monos, and Away, July falls just short. We appreciate the lifetime warranty, YKK zippers, and flexible but dense-feeling polycarbonate. But the overall design doesn’t do much to improve on the category (as the Monos bag subtly does).

Level8 Road Runner Pro Carry-On 20″ : This is potentially a decent budget pick at just around $200. But the one-year warranty and the somewhat fiddly TSA lock and front latching panel give us pause.

Lojel Cubo Medium : Although we liked the uncommon top-loading design, the internal organization of the lid made packing this carry-on difficult. We also weren’t impressed by the zippered expansion system, which made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks.

Lojel Voja Medium : An odd suitcase, this would be a great children’s suitcase or a budget pick—especially if it were under $200. But its current price is steep for a polypropylene blend with a couple of latches.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Chris Ryan.

Airline policies vary, but a general rule is that the bag must be under 45 linear inches—the total sum of the bag’s length, width, and depth. Here’s the current sizing breakdown among the major US airlines:

• Alaska Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Allegiant Air: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• American Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches (the dimensions of soft-sided garment bags are allowed to add up to 51 inches)
• Delta Air Lines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Frontier Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches (and less than 35 pounds)
• Hawaiian Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• JetBlue Airways: 22 by 14 by 9 inches
• Southwest Airlines: 24 by 16 by 10 inches
• Spirit Airlines: 22 by 18 by 10 inches
• Sun Country Airlines: 24 by 16 by 11 inches
• United Airlines: 22 by 14 by 9 inches

We double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers’ listed volumes by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly 0.5 pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents approximately 2 cubic inches (PDF) . After weighing each piece of luggage three times to establish an average empty weight, we filled the bags as full as we could with Ping-Pong balls and measured the change in weight. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space.

His five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 two-piece linen suit on a hanger
• 1 dress shirt on a hanger
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of khakis
• 5 medium-weight to lightweight shirts
• 1 heavy sweater
• 2 flannel shirts
• 5 pairs of boxer briefs
• 5 pairs of sport socks

Her five-day travel kit included the following:

• 1 dress on a hanger
• 1 blazer on a hanger
• 1 blouse on a hanger
• 1 pair of heels
• 2 pairs of jeans
• 1 pair of light sneakers
• 5 pairs of underwear and 3 bras
• 1 pair of yoga pants
• 1 flannel shirt
• 1 hair dryer
• 1 curling iron
• 1 jewelry/makeup kit
• 3 pairs of sport socks
• 4 lightweight shirts

You use a garment folder by laying a suit or dress across the panels, folding them into themselves, and zipping up the inner compartment. A folder should be wide enough that a suit isn’t cramped, and it should include hanger straps (which should fit around everything, even larger plastic hangers) to keep things from shifting around too much. Some folding boards have 0.75-inch-diameter foam rolls in them to help prevent creases along the packed clothes’ fold lines. When you aren’t traveling with fancy clothes, you can take the whole apparatus apart and use it as luggage dividers in the main bag itself, or leave it at home, converting the suit/dress compartment into an extra packing cube.

Yeti doesn’t seem to have an easy way to order replaceable wheels. But the 3.5-by-1-inch wheels are fairly common, and we’re looking at the best possible alternatives.

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

Wirecutter’s 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022

by Wirecutter Staff

These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in September 2022.

The Best Luggage Tags

by Geoffrey Morrison

We chose five luggage tags that will help you identify your belongings in a sea of similar suitcases.

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

by Kit Dillon

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.

We’ve Loved Luggage From Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Line for a Decade. Here’s Why.

Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion.

The Best Carry On Garment Bag

Last Updated on April 15, 2020

12 Garment Bags To Fit Within The Airline Carry On Rules

In Summary: We sourced and tested 12 travel garment bags that qualified (or damn near qualified) as carry on luggage and found that the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Garment Bag  was the best carry on garment bag.

It’s was the best because of the quality of workmanship, it’s lightweight design and it’s sterling ability to keep your clothes crease and wrinkle free. The price was high, though not the highest, and while you need to be a serious traveler to warrant spending so much on it we couldn’t deny that it simply was the best carry on garment luggage.

It won because:

• It fits under 22 x 14 x 9 inches (okay it’s 0.25 inches too deep)
• It has a kick ass Briggs & Riley Lifetime warranty.
• It was one of the lightest wheeled carry on garment bags we tested.
• Suits and shirts survived with minimal wrinkles and creasing.

I selected a rolling carry on garment bag partly against my personal better judgement. I like to carry my carry on but I am aware that this doesn’t suit most people.

For a carry on that you actually carry I suggest you look no further than the Henty Wingman Suit Bag .

And for the best cheap option check out the Mercury Luggage Executive Series Tri-Fold .

Here’s What We’re Going To Be Covering In This Guide

In terms of size we learned that you will probably need to fold (or roll) your garment so that it fits within the airline carry on size limits but American Airlines are pretty good with garment bags as you can have a bag 51 inches long.

There are a few categories of carry on garment bags and each has their pros and cons.

Of course you could just wear your suit, or your wedding dress, or your kilt on the plane and have the added bonus of being the best dressed passenger onboard.

I bet you never thought of that did you!

Joking aside (even though I’m half serious), if you are like most people you’re going to want to pack your highfalutin, fancy clothes in some form of a carry on garment bag.

At A Glance: Our Picks For The Best Carry On Garment Bags

• Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Upright Garment Bag
• Travelpro Crew 11
• Samsonite Lift Wheeled Carry On Garment Bag
• Tumi Alpha 2 Carry-On 4 Wheel Garment Bag
• Briggs & Riley Baseline Compact Tri-Fold
• A.Saks Expandable Tri-Fold Garment Bag
• Mercury Luggage Executive Series Tri-Fold Garment Bag
• Tumi Alpha 2 Tri-Fold Carry-On Garment Bag
• U.S. Traveler Ballistic Nylon Tri-fold
• Code Alpha Hybrid
• Hook and Albert Waxed Canvas Garment Weekender Bag
• Henty Wingman Suit Bag

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Are Garment Bags Allowed As Carry On?

If only life were so simple…

Unfortunately it depends on who you are flying with…

Occasionally some airlines have special dispensations for garment bags but most make no mention of garment bags specifically.

A standard unfolded garment bag like the one in the photo is going to be too large so you’re gonna need to come up with a plan…

Take it from Kenny Rogers:

You’ve got to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em… The Gambler

When you’re flying with carry on garments like a Tuxedo that you want to keep fresh… you’ve got to fold them.​

Okay I might made some of that up… but Kenny’s timeless gambling advice can equally be applied to carry on luggage because when it comes to taking special garments on the plane… well…  you’ve usually got to fold them!

TOP TIPS FOR CARRYING ON GARMENTS

• 2 Bags: If you only have 1 or 2 items and can fold your garment bag you might get away with taking it as your second personal item as well as a normal carry on suitcase. Pay special attention to any 2nd item size limits. But if you have a lot of garments you’re probably going to need to forgo the carry on suitcase and take a dedicated carry on garment bag.
• Ask About The Closet: Planes sometimes have a closet that is available for storage of mobility aids, wheel chairs, walking frames etc. If you ask the flight attendant they may be able to hang your garment bag in the closet for the duration of the flight. This should help keep creasing ​down to a minimum. Note: They will only do this if there is space available. The priority will always be for mobility aids and you must be prepared to fold your garment bag and put it in the overhead locker.​
• If you can fold your bag to less than 22 x 14 x 9 inches then it’s probably going to be ok.

We checked out a few airlines to see if they say anything about garment bags:

Is a Garment Bag a Carry-On or Personal Item?

In most cases a garment bag counts as your carry on. A personal item is a smaller bag like a purse or a handbag.

Please check out the main Carry On Luggage Size Limits Made Simple  page for full details about carry on size and weight limits.

How Did We Test?

Each bag was tested for durability and fitness for purpose. We consulted various professional travelers as well as trawled the net looking for any reported problems with the products.

While manufacturers are pretty good in general at creating bags to fit airline carry on size limits they are terrible when it comes to garment bags!

This means the you need to be extra cautious when buying a “carry on” garment bag because if you’re not careful there is a strong possibility that the bag you buy will be too big.

Bi-fold garment bags were discounted because they are all too large.

As a rule of thumb if the bag looks square then it’s probably Bi-fold and too large.

Also any bag that didn’t at least come close to 21x14x9 inches was not considered. We did include some bags that were slightly over because most people report travelling with them without problems.

If we included a bag that was ever so slightly too large it is noted in the review. Any bag that was over-sized could not win our top pick but given the low numbers of carry on garment bags it would have been remiss to ignore them altogether.​

Most people buy a garment bag because they want to avoid creasing so assessing how clothes held up to long periods in the bags was a top priority.​ Any bags that resulted in excessive creasing were eliminated. 

4 Awesome Roller Carry On Garment Bags With Wheels

Wheeled rolling carry on garment bags help to take the load off but they can be annoying when you hit cobbles or uneven terrain.

Also wheels can break and make your case heavier. And you probably will need to carry it some time.

And wheeled garment bags tend to be in landscape orientation rather than portrait. This can make them harder to steer and fit through smaller spaces.​

• Wheels so you don’t need to carry
• Usually more sturdy
• Extra weight
• More parts that can break
• Increased cost
• Too wide to fit roll through small spaces
• Too wide to roll down the airplane aisle
• Wide designs can hit your back leg when walking

If you insist on a rolling garment bag then these bags are the bags for you:​

Briggs & Riley Baseline Baseline Carry-On Garment Bag Review

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Upright Garment Bag stands out for it’s unusual upright style. In fact it’s upright design was one of the main reasons that this bag won our top pick.

Manufacturers have usually opted for a wide landscape design for garment bags and this makes them difficult to fit down the airplane aisle and through narrow spaces.

The width of the Baseline Upright means it drives just like a normal carry on yet is still has the special features for caring for suits, dresses and garments.

They have essentially opted for a fold out Tri-Fold bag inside a regular sized wheeled carry on.​ It’s dimensions mean they are making full use of the available carry on volume whereas some Tri-Fold bags are smaller and mean volume is wasted.

And at 9 lbs it’s also one of the lightest wheeled carry on garment bags.

The actual real world measurements are 21.9″ tall, by 13.9″ wide, by 9.25″​ (Note: Real world measurements are frequently different from manufacturers measurements… they must have different measuring tapes than the rest of us!)

This means it’s about a quarter of an inch too deep but that’s pretty good and I would be extremely surprised if you ran in to any check in problems in America.

Internationally weight and size might be an issue. For example… if the case is 9 lbs and your flying in Asia where the weight limit is commonly 15 lbs then you’ve only got 6lbs for your stuff!

Check the weight and size limits of the airlines you plan to travel with and do the math!

• Size: 21.9 x 13.9 x 9.25 inches
• Ballistic Nylon]
• Lifetime Warranty
• Superior build quality]
• Upright design
• Weight: 9 lbs

Travelpro Luggage Crew 11 22″ Carry-on Rolling Garment Bag Review

The Travelpro Crew 11 is advertised as conforming to the 22x14x9 inch size limit that is common to airlines in the usa.

It’s a minor update to their previous version 10. Have they go things right after 11 iterations of this bag?

Unfortunately the reality is that it’s higher than 14 inches and when you include wheels and the handle it’s closer to 16.5 inches.

This prevented the Crew 11 from winning our top pick.​

Luggage manufacturers are caught between a rock and a hard place. They want to advertise their bags as maximum carry on size ( 22x14x9 ) but they also want those handles and wheels sticking out. Which means their bags are actually larger than maximum.

It’s 12.3 lbs so if you are travelling internationally it’s going to use up a lot of your weight allowance. And if your bag over 10 lbs before you even put anything in it… yeah you are probably going to need wheels!

Hopefully you are a good driver because most people report finding it difficult to navigate with a wide bag.​

Also if you are going outwith the usa 28% of the world’s airlines have depth limits smaller that 9 inches and 14% have width limits smaller than 14 inches.​ And because the size in inflexible you are not going to be able to squeeze it to fit.

I don’t want to be too down on this bag. Most wheeled garment bags are wide and most are heavy. It is priced reasonably and is well featured.​

You can take up to 3 suits in this and it will keep them largely crease free.​ Taller people might find that their shirts are too long.

• Size: 22 x 15.5 x 9 inches
• Good for 2/3 suits and a few shirts
• Weight: 12.3 lbs
• Wide load is hard to steer

Tumi Alpha 2 Carry-On 4 Wheel Garment Bag Review

We love the Tumi Alpha 2 Carry-On 4 Wheel Garment Bag … but at the end of the day it’s just a bag… it’s not a small car or a down payment on an apartment!

Maybe I could have looked past the price… maybe it could have been a contender if it wasn’t for the fact that it’s half an inch too high and we decided at the outset that a bag that was significantly greater than 22x14x9 inches shouldn’t win our top pick.

A great bugbear of other 2 wheeled rolling garment bags is that they can only be rolled facing  one direction. And in that direction they are too wide to fit down the aisle.

The whole point of a wheeled bag is that you can roll it and yet when you carry it onto the place you find yourself needing to carry it as you edge your way towards your seat. It kinda defeats the purpose and to do it in the environment where it was supposedly designed for!​ Doh!

The Tumi Alpha 2 featuring 4 wheels has no such problems and this is one the reasons why we loved this bag but the upright design of the Briggs and Riley helps with this problem too.

The second reason is that it’s just so damn well constructed. Everything about this bag screams quality… and it should do because take a look at that price tag!

This is a great bag but you need to be a serious full-time suited traveler to think about ​buying this. For an occasional wedding or business trip it’s just too pricey. If you spend half your life in U.S. airports wearing a suit then this might be the bag for you.

If you travel internationally you’ll really need to keep and eye on the weight it’s almost 12 lbs when empty.​

Otherwise for most regular folks it’s just a few hundred dollars too expensive.​

• Ballistic Nylon
• Weight: 11 lbs 12 oz
• Size: 22 x 14.5 x 9.1 inches

Travelpro Maxlite 4 Carryon Garment Review

The Travelpro Maxlite 4 is a decent cheaper rolling carry on garment bag… if you can find any in stock.

Again at 15 inches it’s an inch higher than it should be. You might be comfortable with that risk or you might prefer to not take any chances.

​This bag used to cost more but I believe the line has been discontinued. But it’s still available in at discounted prices.

If you are looking for a decent, cheaper wheeled bag and you can find the Maxlite 4 then snap it up!​

• 100% Polyester
• Comfortable handle
• Weight: 8.1 lbs
• Size: 21.5 x 15 x 9 inches

Try Carry On Origami With These 5 Tri-Fold Carry On Garment Bags

You might have picked up that I’m not a huge fan of wheeled carry on luggage… wheels are great if you have good reason to require wheeled luggage.

However for the majority of fit and able people wheeled carry on luggage can cause more problems that it’s worth.​

Carrying your carry on bag is often the best way to move quickly though the airport, to make sure you don’t pack too much crap and to reduce travel hassle.​

And the same applies to carry on garment bags…​

Non-fold garment bags and Bi-fold garment bags are always too big so what’s the solution…

Well… it’s a Tri-fold bag of course!

• Often smaller than the max
• Free upper arm work out
• You’ll need to carry

But is all that folding going to result in creased clothes? Read on to find out:​

Briggs & Riley Baseline Luggage Compact Tri-Fold Garment Bag Review

The Briggs & Riley Baseline Compact Tri-Fold is the perfect size for a carry on garment bag.

It’s also lightweight enough to carry and you can fit 2 suits and 4 shirts in it.

Like all Briggs & Riley products it’s extremely well made and comes with a lifetime warranty. Briggs & Riley are renowned for how good their warranty is.

Unless your suits are particularly large you should be able to use the Briggs & Riley to transport your garments without creases and wrinkles.

It performed well in tests and after 6 hours garments still looked fresh.​

The only downside is that it could be a bit expensive. When you can get a U.S. Traveler for only $37 it’s hard to say that the Briggs and Riley is 10 times better than the cheaper option.​

• Ballistic Weave Nylon
• Size: 22″ x 14″ x 8.5″ inches
• 6 lbs, 9 oz
• “great for 2 suit and 4 shirts”
• doesn’t stand up

A. Saks Deluxe Expandable Tri -Fold Carry-On Garment Bag Review

The A.Saks Expandable Tri-Fold Garment Bag is another bag that keeps things simple and doesn’t try to do too much.

My tip for you would be to not even fold it up until the last minute unless you need to. Ask if it could be placed in the closet instead of the overhead locker.

If you do need to fold it and place in the locker then the A. Saks Deluxe will fold up nicely and the clips will keep everything in place.​

• Nylon/ Polyester
• Fits 3 suits
• Questionable durability.
• Shoulder strap could be more comfortable

Mercury Luggage Executive Series Tri-Fold Garment Bag Review

The Mercury Luggage Executive Series Tri-Fold Garment Bag is a budget priced Tri-fold garment bag for carry on flights.

Customer satisfaction is very high with this bag, with amalgamated ratings from Amazon, Ebags, Zappos, Walmart, Sears resulting is a 92% satisfaction rating.

If I had less than $100 to spend then I’d pick the Mercury Executive it’s probably the best carry on garment bag under $100.​ and certainly the best carry on garment bag under $50!

Perhaps when you don’t pay so much money for a bag your expectations are lower and it’s easier to be satisfied.​

Many people have already invested in a good quality carry on roller but only have occasional use for traveling with garments perhaps to a wedding or business function.

In cases like this a cheaper carry on garment bag is in order and for short infrequent trips you don’t go far wrong with the Mercury Executive Series​.

It’s lightweight​ and while at 15 inches high it’s a little high it can be made to fit as long as it’s not packed full.

It’s a great international carry on bag for garments as it’s only 6.75 inches when folded. Anyone that’s traveled in Europe will be familiar with the budget airline Ryanair which is a great option for cheap flights. However their depth limit is only 7.8 inches. Yet a Mercury garment bag will handle this easily.​

• Size Folded: 22.2 x 15 x 6.75 inches
• Size: 45 x 22.25 x 2.75 inches
• Doesn’t make use of max volume
• You can’t hang the bag up

Tumi Alpha 2 Tri-Fold Carry-On Garment Bag Review

The Tumi Alpha 3 Tri-Fold Carry-On Garment Bag is in many ways similar to the Briggs and Riley.

I love that it’s only 3.75 lbs when it’s empty​ though which means you have a fighting chance of making a restrictive international weight limit in required.

It’s certainly build to last and if you are the type of person that wants a bag to last a lifetime then a Tumi might just be your ideal bag of the year 2049!​

• Size: 23″ x 16.5″ x 6.5″ inches
• “great for 1 suit and 3 shirts”
• It’s not a cheap option because Tumi are a luxury brand.

U.S. Traveler Ballistic Nylon Tri-fold Carry On Garment Bag Review

At the other end of the price spectrum is the U.S. Traveler Ballistic Nylon Tri-fold Carry On Garment Bag.

And yeah it probably won’t last a lifetime… but then in a world where nothing is certain do you want to spend a week if your life working to buy a Tumi or do you want to grab a cheap bag like this and get on the plane!

Many products we use are over priced and over engineered. Let’s be honest for a second… if it’s a one off trip you could transport your garment in a $0.10 plastic bag and it would probably be okay.

Heck! Push the boat out and use 2 plastic heavy duty refuse sacks for extra protection!

Once you’ve anchored the price down at $0.20 the $37 U.S. Traveler starts to seem like a luxury. And IT IS a luxury item. Most of the time we’re just spoiled!

Unless you are a serious full time suit wearing road warrior then you probably don’t need a garment bag that costs hundreds of dollars.

And if you are looking for a cheap option the U.S. Traveler isn’t half bad​! It fits, it protects your garments, it’s lightweight and it’s cheap.

• Size: 22″ x 13.5″ x 3″
• No built in hanger

3 Versatile Carry On Duffel/Garment Bags

Wouldn’t it be good if you could take a standard garment bag and roll it up instead of folding to prevent creasing?

And then since you’d have a space inside wouldn’t it be good if you could use that space to carry more things?

If you answered Yes! to both those questions then a carry on duffel bag/hybrid/garment bag might just be for you.

These are some of the highest rated and most loved bags we could find and they don’t cost an arm and a leg!

• Innovative use of space
• You’ll need to carry it. Boo hoo!
• Need to unpack it to get the suit out

They are also generally lightweight so if you can get by without wheels then you might find your dream bag in this category.

Code Alpha Hybrid Review

The Code Alpha Hybrid is an unusual bag.

It’s another garment bag that wraps around and zips to become a duffel bag. It comes in a range of hideous camouflage designs but thankfully there is a plain brown and plain blue version.

The length of 24 inches is a little long but as a duffle bag it’s squeezable so you shouldn’t need to worry.

The Code Alpha was the only bag we found that NOBODY had a bad word to say about. At a push we’d suggest they find a way to hold the size zipper together for extra security.

Again this is probably a reflection on the price. It’s a simple bag, with a simple price to deal with a simple problem.

Nobody is getting too worked up because they paid out $500 expecting a wonderful revalation and got…. well they got a bag…​

If you just need a simple bag to keep your suit crease free for a few trips now and then then the Code Alpha will do the trick.

And if you are a stealthy jungle businessman needing to hide in the undergrowth they have some options for you too!​

• Size: 24 x 15 x 5 inches
• 4.4 lbs
• Nothing to hold the zippers tied

Hook and Albert Men’s Canvas and Leather Garment Weekender Bag Review

There’s a lot to be said for a bag that looks stylish and the Hook and Albert Waxed Canvas Garment Weekender Bag certainly fits the bill on that description.

Unfortunately I couldn’t find enough in the bag to justify it’s high price. It is my favorite of the duffle/garment bag hybrids but it’s just not 10x better than the competition.

A large part of the Hook and Albert is about style and it’s one of the few carry on garment bags that comes in a range of colors. I think the pink one is particularly fetching.

• Size: 22 x 13 x 10 inches

Henty Wingman Two-Piece Travel and Suit Bag Review

The Henty Wingman Suit Bag is something a little different.

It’s a garment bag made from Tarpaulin that wraps around another cylindrical bag and the whole thing is designed to be worn with a single strap on your back.  

It’s a great bag for minimizing creasing​ and it fits within the airline carry on limits.

It’s not ridiculously expensive and it’s well made and durable.​

​ Pros:

• Size: 22 x 8.7 x 9.8 inches
• The inner bag can be used on its own
• no duffel style carry handle

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For? Sorry Bono! Keep Trying!

Click a button below to go back to the section you want:

That’s It… Phew! Who Knew That Would Be Such A Monster Post!

So that’s the state of play at the moment as far as carry on garment bags are concerned. There is a lot of room for improvement. While there are some great ideas I don’t think anyone has quite nailed it on the design side.

It’s probably got something to do with the fact that suits and dresses are big and carry on luggage is small.

If you’re ready to give up and accept that creasing unavoidable then I urge you to check out​ two further areas.

Firstly travel clothes. Cotton is rotten and wool is cool. Wool doesn’t crease so easily. Wool and Prince make some merino wool dress shirts that will go a long way to easing your shirt creasing problems.

Secondly, a decent portable fabric steam cleaner can help you get the edge back and in the battle against crumpled clothes.​

If you have worn your wedding dress or special gladrags on a flight then we’d love to hear from you. And photos too would be amazing!

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The Best Carry-on Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

For frequent fliers or light-packing vacationers, these are the best carry-on bags.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Carry-ons We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

Every frequent flier needs a good carry-on. And even if you travel only occasionally, you'll be glad to have one on hand. But besides allowing you to bypass checked baggage , what makes a high-quality carry-on? If you ask us, it's about capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design.

With this in mind, we tested 436 carry-on bags, including suitcases, duffels, weekenders, backpacks, and underseat bags to see which models check all the boxes. We packed them up, spun them around, hoisted them overhead, rolled them over various surfaces, and whacked them with a baseball bat to see how they'd hold up in a real-life setting. We also built an airplane set in our New York City lab to hoist them into overhead bins before our editors bring each bag on real trips to see how they fare long-term. The results of these tests were considered — along with price, weight, dimensions, materials, and smart features — to narrow down the best carry-ons currently on the market.

Best Overall

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Earning perfect scores in all tests, this all-star carry-on has a spacious capacity, a super-durable thermoplastic shell, and smooth-rolling wheels.

There's no designated zippered section for dirty clothes.

We tried lots of excellent suitcases, but the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner was a clear winner. Exceeding expectations in all our tests, it's easy to maneuver on two or four wheels and rolls smoothly on various surfaces, including carpet and hard flooring. We also like that the aluminum telescoping handle extends and locks with the push of a button. This all-star suitcase has various pockets within the main compartment, and it expands a couple of inches when you need extra space. We were able to pack enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags — no expansion needed. We wish this carry-on had a zippered section or removable bag for dirty laundry, but it does have a separator to keep your shoes away from your clean clothes.

We loved the sleek, minimalist-modern design of the Freeform, which comes in 12 hues ranging from white to mint to merlot. After hitting it with a baseball bat, the polycarbonate (high-strength thermoplastic) shell remained scuff-free and showed virtually no signs of damage. Even after six months of regularly traveling with this bag, it shows no signs of wear and tear, and we were able to easily buff out any minor scuffs it had accumulated. Considering the reasonable price, durable construction, and spacious capacity, we think it's a great choice for frequent fliers and anyone in need of a high-quality carry-on.

The Details: Hardside | 21 x 15 x 10 inches | 5.6 pounds | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | 10-year limited warranty

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Overall, Runner-up

Tumi alpha international dual access carry-on.

This bag has two access points and a removable garment bag for a suit or dress.

When the front-access section is fully packed, it will eat into the space in the main compartment.

The Tumi International Dual Access carry-on was a close runner-up to the Samsonite Freeform. It moves like a dream on various types of flooring, thanks to the four smooth-gliding dual spinner wheels and comfortable telescoping handle. Even after using the bag for three months, the wheels never got caught on any surfaces, making it easy to run through the airport or navigate a new city. Made of the brand's signature ballistic nylon, it also passed our baseball bat test with flying colors.

We were able to pack everything into the bag’s various compartments and loved the flexibility of a removable suiter for trips with dressier attire. The clamshell design also features several interior pockets and compression straps on one half to easily hold our four-day-trip packing list. The front-access portion can easily fit a sweater or light layer when the main suitcase isn’t stuffed full, or you can use it for tech items or a small makeup bag instead. There are also two pockets on the exterior for smaller items like an umbrella , as well as a built-in USB port you can connect to a power bank (sold separately). Though the price is higher than many other carry-ons, this is an investment in an undoubtedly high-quality carrier that will last for years to come.

The Details: Softside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 10.7 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 dual spinner wheels | 5-year warranty

Best Expandability

Away the carry-on flex.

This carry-on is pretty spacious to begin with, but you can unzip the expander for 2.25 inches of extra space.

It might not meet all carry-on sizing requirements when you fully expand it.

This durable carry-on manages to be compact and portable while still offering a ton of space inside thanks to two large interior compartments and a helpful compression system. You can zip your items in on one side and buckle them in on the other, using the mesh pockets to store smaller items for organization. As all overpackers know, sometimes you just need a few extra inches of space — and The Carry-on Flex features a zipper expander that adds an additional 2.25 inches if you happen to buy one souvenir too many on a trip and need to fit it all in on the way home. However, be wary of your airline’s overhead bin allowances because using the expander may make your carry-on one inch too large, and you may be forced to check it (the expanded dimensions of the bag are 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 inches).

Other highlights we loved during testing included the smooth wheels that can roll in any direction; the different height options of the handle; and the notch on the underside of the bag that makes it so much easier to lift out of a car trunk, into an overhead bin, or off of a luggage carousel. The bag also felt very sturdy and tough with no dents and barely a scratch after we threw it off counters and hit it repeatedly with a baseball bat during testing.  

The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 inches | 8.15 pounds | 39.8-liter capacity (unexpanded), 46.7-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

July Carry On Trunk

We love this trunk for how sleek and stylish it looks while still having useful features like an ejectable power bank and a customizable handle height.

You have to be more intentional about what you pack since the trunk has no expandability.

This stylish carry-on trunk features a clamshell design that opens right down the middle rather than the 30/70 design that many trunks typically have . It feels like a luxury bag thanks to the zipperless clasp closures, ejectable power bank, and multi-stop rubber handle (you can customize the handle to sit at any height you want). We found the trunk super easy to maneuver over different surfaces like carpet and concrete pavers during testing, and it rolled effortlessly on four wheels. When we rolled it on two wheels, it did slow down slightly, but it was still easy to move, and the weight felt evenly distributed through the bag and handle.

The trunk had no scuffs after we pushed it off a counter three times, though it did collect black marks during our real-world travels, but we were able to easily wipe them away without permanent damage. We did manage to give it a few very small dents after hitting the trunk with a baseball bat, but they were barely noticeable. One thing to note is that this trunk has no give because of its hard shell and clasp closures, so you cannot overstuff it, and you have to be more picky with your packing list.

The Details: Hardside | 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | 8.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure/Joy Kim

• Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

Best Lightweight

Delsey paris hardside expandable luggage with spinner wheels.

At just over five pounds, this hardside suitcase is lightweight and compact while still fitting an impressive amount of clothes.

It sustained minor denting during testing, and the handle is somewhat short and felt a little loose.

The carry-ons we tested ranged in weight from about 13 pounds down to 4.36 pounds. Weighing just over five pounds, the Delsey Clavel was the best lightweight options we tried . This hardside spinner has a polypropylene (thermoplastic) shell that held up pretty well during our tests, though a particularly hard bat swing did dent it slightly. After traveling with the bag for six months, it only has minor scuffs — even after it was checked. While it looks small, it holds a surprising amount of clothes, even without the expander, and should fit into an overhead bin without any issues.

This carry-on maneuvers well over cracks and bumps. However, the handle is somewhat short and feels slightly loose. Still, we think the price is fair and would recommend it to anyone in the market for lightweight, fuss-free baggage for shorter trips.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 10 inches | 5.3 pounds | 43-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | 5-year limited warranty

Best Budget

Amazon basics hardside spinner.

This wallet-friendly carry-on has a scratch-resistant shell and a surprisingly spacious capacity.

It only comes in four colors and doesn't have any smart features or a combination lock.

For something more affordable , look no further than Amazon. We found that this budget-friendly hardside suitcase maneuvers really smoothly, even on carpet and over bumps, and handles turn like a champ. Not only that, but the scratch-resistant shell held up surprisingly well through our bat and drop tests. We were able to fit four days worth of clothing, shoes, and toiletries without having to expand the bag, though we're comforted by the fact that there's room to spare. After six months of regularly using the bag, we found it to be the perfect size for weekend trips. The Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner exceeded our expectations in more ways than one. And while it only comes in four colors, we're big fans of the simple, sleek design.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 15 x 10 inches | 6.3 pounds | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best With Laptop Compartment

Samsonite just right carry-on spinner.

Samsonite 

It’s packed with organization features, including a padded laptop sleeve, a wireless charging pocket, and removable packing cubes.

There was some peeling and scratching on the outer material and wheels of the bag after our durability tests.

If you tend to travel with a laptop and other devices, the Samsonite Just Right Carry-on Spinner is especially handy with a tech organizational panel that you can unzip and unfold at the front of the bag to easily store and access your valuables. This panel features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, a padded tablet sleeve, a document sleeve, a wireless charging pocket, a USB charging port, and plenty of zippered storage pockets. There are locks for both the main compartment and the laptop compartment, and the bag also comes with removable packing cubes for additional organization.

Though the suitcase felt a bit heavy after we packed it, it was very easy to maneuver, gliding through turns and different terrains beautifully. It suffered some minor marks after we threw it off counters and hit it with a baseball bat, including some peeling and scratching on the exterior and the wheels. One of the top corners was ever so slightly dented as well, but chances are you’ll stick this carry-on in the overhead bin rather than checking it so it won’t get banged around as much, especially if you have your laptop inside. All of the built-in tech compartments, elastic compression straps, and bonus packing cubes are an excellent way to keep all of your valuables in place. 

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9.3 inches | 7.9 pounds | Expandable | 4 dual spinner wheels | Limited 10-year warranty

Best Softside

L.l.bean medium carryall pullman.

This rugged softside bag has plenty of pockets for organization, including one for shoes.

The main handle only has one height setting, and the additional grab handle is located on the left side of the suitcase, which is more convenient for lefties.

The L.L.Bean Carryall Spinner Pullman is a redesign from L.L.Bean’s luggage collection, made with a new fabric and style that we love for a softside carry-on. The rugged, abrasion-resistant material on the outside of the suitcase feels like it can stand up to rough handling, and the shell of the bag has some rigidity that makes it feel extra sturdy for a softside bag. We also loved this carry-on for its unique outer pockets that you just can’t find on a hardside bag, like a shoe pocket that keeps your dirty boots or sneakers separate from the clean clothing inside. We packed socks and underwear in the zipper compartment on the lid of the suitcase, which saved interior space for the rest of our clothing. While the carry-on rolled smoothly on the concrete and linoleum floor of our obstacle course, it was a little harder to maneuver over carpet. It also caught our attention that the side handle is located on the left side of the bag, which made it a little awkward for our righties to hoist the carry-on into the overhead bins on our airplane set — although this would be a plus for left-handed travelers.

The Details: Softside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 7.9 pounds | 40.7-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels | 1-year return policy

People / Joy Kim

Most Spacious

Travelpro x travel + leisure carry-on spinner.

Travelpro 

This 45-liter carry-on has plenty of room, a two-inch expander, and tons of interior organization.

It may not fit in some overhead bins if you use the expander.

Spaciousness is key when it comes to a carry-on, especially if you’re using it as your main suitcase. This 45-liter Travelpro carry-on had an impressive amount of space for our packing list during testing, and it also has a generous two-inch expander if you need more room. While some hardside bags are very rigid, we noticed that this one has a bit of give if you do need to pack it extra full. Despite being slightly flexible, it proved to be rock-solid when it comes to durability, surviving our drop and bat tests without a single scratch. We think this makes an excellent investment for frequent flyers with top-notch organization inside, including two split-case compartments with two separate zippered divider panels, multiple accessory pockets, and a removable pouch. We were also impressed with the quality of the compression straps, which were adjustable and stylish without sacrificing durability. 

The Details: Hardside | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | 8.6 pounds | 45-liter capacity | Expandable | 4 spinner wheels | Limited lifetime warranty

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Best Aluminum

Tumi 19 degree aluminum international carry-on.

TUMI  

This sleek aluminum bag is just as durable as it is beautiful.

Weighing more than 11 pounds, this is heavy for a carry-on.

This stunning Tumi carry-on will make a statement in any airport, with four metallic colors to choose from and a durable aluminum shell to protect your belongings. As the priciest option on this list, you are paying for the Tumi label, but we can confirm that this is a high-quality piece that is worth the investment. This 31-liter bag is on the smaller size for a carry-on — and like most aluminum bags, it feels quite heavy (weighing more than 11 pounds) — but we were impressed by the built-in organization that makes it easy to pack. Both halves of the suitcase have fully zippered closures and compression straps — an ideal combination because you can use the compression straps to get the contents as tightly packed as possible and put less strain on the zippers when you ultimately zip each side closed. There are two smaller zippered flaps on each half of this suitcase so you can fit smaller items in there, as well as an internal card pocket and a hanger bracket to hang garments. We thought the wheels were very sturdy (both when rolling the bag and when hitting the wheels directly with a baseball bat), and the leather-wrapped handles are comfortable to pull. The latches feature two TSA-approved combination locks with push buttons to open them, and you can also monogram the bag with custom initials.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 11.2 pounds | 31-liter capacity | 4 dual spinner wheels | 5-year warranty

Most Durable

Briggs & riley sympatico domestic carry-on expandable spinner 22-inch.

The shock-absorbing Makrolon polycarbonate stands up to dents and scratches, and the wheels glide with ease over bumps and around corners.

The expander is located on the inside, which is a little counterintuitive.

Fans of Briggs & Riley luggage won't be surprised that the Sympatico Domestic Spinner was the most durable carry-on we tested. This compact suitcase is a little expensive, but hear us out. The exceedingly robust, shock-absorbing Makrolon polycarbonate shell sustained exactly zero dents or scratches during our bat and drop tests and still looks brand new after six months of frequent travel.

Durability aside, this carry-on was easy to maneuver on hard floors and carpet, around tight corners, and even over bumps. It also has a good amount of packing space with plenty of organizational features. We like how thoughtfully designed its features are, with elements like pockets, dividers, and expanding sides that really help you maximize the space in this smaller carry-on bag. One thing to note is that the expander is on the inside, which isn't the most intuitive. Other than that, we loved the look of the glossy exterior and think it definitely reflects the premium price tag.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.8 pounds | Expandable | USB port | 4 spinner wheels

Most Stylish

Delsey chatelet air 2.0 21-inch spinner.

The Chatelet Air 2.0 has a gorgeous vintage appeal, and despite the elevated aesthetics, it doesn't sacrifice functionality or durability.

It's not expandable, so the compact design is best for short trips.

If luggage aesthetic is a top priority, Delsey's Chatelet Air 2.0 might be your best bet. Inspired by traditional Parisian architecture with unique lines, contrast stitching, and a vintage appeal, this suitcase is a sight for sore eyes. Sleek design aside, it's exceptionally functional. There's a fully zippered compartment on one side and compression straps on the other, plus pockets throughout and even a handy USB port.

What's more, the zippers open and close smoothly, and it glides effortlessly with the four spinner wheels on carpet, hard floors, and even stone pavers. It's durable, too, sustaining no visible damage after three months of use including two international flights in which the bag was checked. This bag is a standard carry-on size, and we were able to fit everything on our packing list . However, it’s probably best for short trips as there wasn't really any room to spare when we finished.

The Details: Hardside | 22 x 15 x 10 inches | 8 pounds | 44-liter capacity | USB port | 4 dual spinner wheels | 10-year limited warranty

• Leticia Almeida

Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida

Best Compression

Paravel aviator carry-on plus.

A compression board makes it easy to fit everything into the zippered compartments, and there's a removable laundry bag for dirty clothes.

This suitcase isn't expandable, but it's one of the larger carry-ons we tested.

For highly organized travelers that want to fit a lot in a carry-on, we recommend the Paravel Aviator. After regularly traveling with the bag for six months, we really love the exceptional capacity and organizational features. Even though it's not expandable, the built-in compression board makes it easy to fit everything into the zippered compartments. It also comes with a removable laundry bag for dirty clothes.

Inspired by retro luggage with a modern twist, this classy carry-on is gorgeous. Not only that, but the durable polycarbonate exterior feels sturdy and sustained just a few minor scuffs during our tests. It's super easy to maneuver, too. Although the Paravel Aviator is somewhat steep in price, we think it's a worthwhile investment for those in the market for a high-quality suitcase. While updating your luggage collection, lovers of vintage-inspired design and organization should also consider a train case .

The Details: Hardside | 23 x 15 x 9.5 inches | 8.5 pounds | 46.6-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels | USB port | 10-year limited warranty

Best Underseat

Calpak hue mini carry-on luggage.

It's conveniently compact, but still spacious enough to hold multiple outfits.

There's no outer zipper pocket, and it's definitely not as spacious as some others.

Looking for something you can stash underneath the seat in front of you? This 29-liter underseater from Calpak might be just the thing. Measuring 16 x 14 x 8 inches, it's conveniently compact but still spacious enough to fit a couple days' worth of outfits. There's also a laptop sleeve, making it a top choice for short business trips. Despite the mini design, the sophisticated color options and modish silhouette will leave no confusion over whether it's for an adult or a child. The four spinner wheels offer excellent maneuverability, too, and there's even a TSA-approved lock if you ever decide to check it. If we could change one thing, we'd add an outer pocket for easy access in-flight. But other than that, we think the price is more than fair for the quality, features, and durability.

The Details: Hardside | 16 x 14 x 8 inches | 6 pounds | 29-liter capacity | 4 spinner wheels | 2-year limited warranty

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Other Carry-on Bags We Liked

While we tested plenty of high-scoring carry-on bags, there were many items that almost made our list but didn’t quite make the cut due to several weaknesses with maneuverability, capacity, design, durability, and/or overall value revealed during testing. 

Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 Carry-on : We appreciated the large capacity and expandability of this bag, allowing us to easily fit everything on our packing list. But the wheels are somewhat large, which makes it hard to fit into an overhead bin.

Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max With Front Pocket : Even though it doesn't expand, this suitcase fit everything on our packing list, did well rolling over bumps, and showed no signs of damage from our bat swings. Plus, like some of the other Arlo Skye luggage pieces , it comes with a removable power bank. While we have few complaints. we were concerned about this bag fitting in the overhead bins.

Samsonite Tru-Frame Carry-on Spinner : We loved this carry-on for its futuristic, zipperless design and durability, though it felt a bit more compact than some of the more spacious carry-ons on this list.

July Carry On Pro : We found this suitcase to be aesthetically pleasing, plenty spacious, and easy to maneuver. While the feature-rich design is enticing, it was pretty similar to the Away Carry-on, which compressed a little better.

Calpak Ambeur Front Pocket Carry-on Luggage : This is a stylish option that comes in a handful of metallic colors for under $300. We love that it has a laptop compartment on the front of the suitcase, though it seems to poke out from the suitcase the more we packed it, and we found the zipper of the compartment to be stiff.

Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-on : This is one of the most durable suitcases we've ever tested, though it felt a little small for a carry-on. Ultimately we preferred the Tumi option on our main list as our favorite aluminum carry-on.

The Travel + Leisure team performed various luggage tests in our New York City lab to evaluate the capacity, maneuverability, durability, and design of each carry-on. We filled each carry-on bag with enough clothing and essentials for a four-day trip, including six shirts, three pairs of pants, five pairs of socks, five pairs of underwear, two jackets, and two pairs of shoes, plus one small and one large toiletry bag. We then analyzed how well the bags handled the cargo.

After packing them up, we rolled the bags around on different surfaces (when possible) to see how well they maneuvered over pavement and carpet, and we maneuvered them through human obstacle courses to see how they can handle sharp turns in tight spaces. We also recreated an airplane set in our lab to lift the bags into real overhead bins and push them underneath seats. We whacked the fully packed bags with a metal baseball bat and pushed them off a table to see how well they held up to wear and tear.

After testing these bags in the lab, we sent them home with our T+L editors to travel with the bag for a period of six months to continue evaluating the luggage in the real world. Keeping price, size, adjustability, features, and standout quirks in mind, the carry-ons with the highest scores in all testing categories were ultimately chosen for this roundup, and we will continue to update it as we test more carry-ons.

Tips for Buying Carry-on Luggage

Consider hardside vs. softside luggage.

When buying carry-on luggage , you'll see a range of hardside and softside options. Suitcases with hard shells can be better for protecting things from crushing and are generally easy to wipe clean. However, depending on the color and material, they can be prone to scuffing.

Softside luggage, on the other hand, is typically a lighter weight, more flexible if you tend to be an overpacker, and often just as durable as its hardside counterpart. While a textile shell can be trickier to clean, it may not show as much dirt or scuffs either, and it likely won't dent like a hardside bag can. See our rundown of how to choose between hardside and softside bags for more information.

Look for lightweight construction

Lightweight luggage is crucial when choosing a carry-on. Be sure to note the empty weight of the suitcase or bag before buying it, as heftier designs will make a jam-packed carrier all the more cumbersome. Weight affects not only maneuverability, but also your ability to hoist it into the airplane's overhead bin. The wheeled carry-on suitcases we tested ranged in weight from 4.36 to 12.9 pounds. Anything heavier than that is going to be too heavy for many people.

Decide if you want extra organizational features

Some carry-on luggage is relatively basic, with a main compartment and a pocket or two. However, many suitcases, weekenders, and duffel bags have additional organizational features that make packing and accessing your stuff much easier. This may include a laptop sleeve, a shoe separator, a laundry bag, various zippered sections, exterior pockets, and even charging capabilities .

Choose between handheld, spinner, or two-wheeled luggage

When it comes to choosing the best carry-on bag for you, first consider your traveling style and packing needs. Spinner luggage, which features four wheels that can spin 360 degrees, is easy to maneuver whether you're running to your airport gate or making your way through a new city. Bags with spinner wheels are generally quite easy to roll over various surfaces, making them a great option if you plan to walk for long periods of time with your luggage. They allow you to maneuver well-stuffed expandable luggage more easily. Two-wheeled bags, however, may be less sturdy, but they'll give you a few more inches of extra space when packing. Bags with only two wheels also tend to be slightly lighter than their four-wheeled counterparts. Lastly, opting for a weekender or carry-on backpack means you can dash around as needed, and your bag will be more compact, but you will have to manage all the weight on your back or shoulders instead of rolling it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rules vary among airlines , but most allow carry-on luggage no larger than 24 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches deep. Some are slightly stricter, setting the limit at 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Keep this in mind when using your suitcase's expander, as the additional couple of inches could put you over the size limit. When in doubt, check the airline's website.

Some airlines have a carry-on weight limit of roughly 35 pounds. However, this is often not strictly enforced, and many domestic airlines don't have a limit at all. Bear in mind some international flights may restrict carry-ons over 22 pounds. Either way, make sure you are able to lift your bag on your own, otherwise, it's probably too heavy.

All liquids, including makeup, lotion, and other cosmetics, must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces in carry-on luggage. (For checked baggage, you can bring pretty much any size.) Powdered makeup, bar soap, and solid deodorant are usually allowed in larger containers. Lighted makeup mirrors are also permitted in carry-ons. You'll also want to put all liquid beauty and personal hygiene products in a clear plastic bag before going through airport security. You can review the TSA's official liquids rules here .

AirTags are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. These trackers use such low energy Bluetooth that they're safe and TSA-compliant. For other GPS trackers, you should check with your individual airlines to make sure that your device is allowed, especially if they use a higher level of power.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, commerce writer Theresa Holland pored over in-house testing insights for dozens of bags, then cross-checked product descriptions and manuals to compile a comprehensive list of the best carry-on luggage currently on the market. Of the above brands, she owns carriers and on-the-go accessories from Away, Tumi, Paravel, Amazon Basics, Monos, and July.

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Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > 13 Best Garment Bags For Wrinkle Free Luggage In 2024

13 Best Garment Bags For Wrinkle Free Luggage In 2024

Suppose you’ve never managed to arrive at your destination without looking crumpled and having to iron your clothes once you arrive at your hotel. In that case, you’re missing one essential piece of your travel kit – a carry-on garment bag!

With this list of the best carry-on garment bags, you’ll never again arrive at your destination looking crumpled and have to iron your clothes ever again.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

What Is A Travel Garment Bag

A carry on garment bag is basically what it says on the tin. It is a large garment bag you can take into the plane’s cabin as part of your hand luggage, and inside, you can store clothes. Certain compartments and hangers within the bag so your clothes don’t get crumpled or mixed up.

This is the ideal garment bag for business travelers, but overall, they’re an excellent idea for those trying to travel light and not pay inflated check-in baggage fees.

1. World Traveler 40 Inch Carry On Hanging Luggage

Top weekender bag.

The World Traveler Collection offers a stylish garment bag with lightweight and durable features for dress clothes during vacations or getaways.

Product details

• The World Traveler Collection offers a stylish garment bag suitable for travel
• The bag is lightweight, weighing only 0.6 Lbs
• It is made of durable 600D Polyester material
• It has interior pockets and a front zippered pocket to keep you organized
• The bag features a metal hanging hook and silver pewter hardware ideal for hanging in your hotel room
• It is available in multiple colors and prints
• The travel dimensions are 24″ L x 1″ W x 20″ H, and the open dimensions are 24″ L x 1″ W x 40″ H

2. Mercury Tactic Gear Code Alpha Hybrid Garment Bag

Best travel garment bag.

The Garment Duffle Bag is a versatile and rugged bag perfect for military or business professionals. It combines the convenience of a duffle bag with the functionality of a garment bag, offering easy access to pockets, crease-stop padding, and skid-resistant pads.

Garment Bag Details

• The Garment Duffle Bag is suitable for military or business professionals on the go
• It is made of sturdy 600 denier polyester and can withstand the demands of travel
• The bag can function both as a carry-on and a garment bag
• It has various pockets, including two slash-end pockets and two large front pockets, for easy organization and access
• The bag features crease-stop padding to keep formal wear or uniforms wrinkle-free
• It has skid-resistant pads to prevent slipping
• The bag comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for convenience

3. ZEGUR Suit Luggage Bag Carry On

Best carry-on garment bag.

• Zegur’s garment bag is a hybrid soft-body bag with a semirigid structure and piping
• It protects clothes from wrinkles with its interior, dual buckle, and piped design
• The bag has multiple interior zipper pockets and spacious exterior pockets for easy access to electronics and travel documents
• It fits in the overhead bin, has comfort handles, an adjustable detachable shoulder strap, and can be stacked on rolling wheeled luggage
• The Zegur suit carry-on garment bag features premium Japanese zippers, a rugged 1800D Polyester material, and a waterproof exterior
• It offers a maximum storage capacity and serves as a combination closet and briefcase for travel
• A 5-year warranty backs the bag and it has an attractive exterior look with an elegantly imprinted full interior lining

4. Mercury Tri-Fold Garment Bag

Best compact garment bag choice.

• The tri-fold shoulder bag is suitable for small business trips or carrying garment bags
• It is made from denier polyester with black-colored hardware and zippers
• The bag features a garment compartment for clothes and a large front pocket for toiletries and accessories
• It comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap and a luggage tag
• This compact garment bag is designed to save space in the car, plane, or train travel
• The item is not discontinued
• The bag’s dimensions are 22.25 x 45 x 2.75 inches, weighing 3.2 pounds

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5. uniquebella carry-on garment bag with shoe pouch, great garment bag for suits.

• The garment bag is suitable for travel and can keep suits or dresses clean and wrinkle-free
• It has a large capacity and multiple interior zipper pockets, leaving you plenty of room for extras
• It has extra features not all carry on garment bags have – a separate shoe pouch to keep clothes to keep your pairs of shoes separate and organized
• The bag is scratch-resistant, waterproof, and made of high-quality material
• It features a detachable shoulder strap, a trolley sleeve, and a zipper buckle for convenience
• The design is ergonomic and lightweight for ease of use during travel

6. WallyBags Luggage 48″ Extra Capacity Hanging Suit Bag

A good garment bag for also packing shoes.

• The WallyBags 48″ Deluxe Tri-Fold Travel Garment Bag is made of durable polyester
• It has three pockets for toiletries and accessories
• It has a handy shoe compartment
• The WallyLock hanger clamp can hold up to 6 hangers and keeps clothing neat and wrinkle-free
• The bag can be used as a carry-on and fits in an airplane’s overhead compartment
• It is suitable for both business and leisure travel
• WallyBags offers a 10-year warranty on their products
• WallyBags is an American company based in Maryland

7. Tumi Alpha 3 Carry On 4-Wheel Garment Bag

• WallyBags’ Deluxe Tri-fold Travel Garment Bag is designed for easy packing and wrinkle-free travel
• It can be used as a carry-on bag and fits in airplane overhead compartments
• The bag has three large pockets for shoes, toiletry kit, and accessories
• It is suitable for both business trips, road trips, or leisure travel
• The company is American and operates in Maryland

8. Travelpro Crew Versapack Rolling Garment Bag

• The garment bag has features like an extension panel, hanger clamp, hold-down straps, and a padded roll bar to keep clothing secure and prevent wrinkles
• It offers packing flexibility with large zippered panel pockets and corner accessory pockets
• The bag is made of high-density ballistic nylon fabric with DuraGuard coating, making it resistant to stains and abrasions
• It has an aluminum extension handle with multiple stops for users of different heights
• The bag has high-performance spinner wheels for smooth rolling and long-lasting durability
• Overall dimensions (including carry handles and wheels) are 15.75 in x 22 in x 9 in, and case dimensions are 15.25 in x 21.75 in x 8.5 in
• The bag includes limited lifetime coverage and a trusted companion promise for repair costs due to damage from airlines or other common carriers for three years, applicable to new purchases after registration

9. Nomatic Shirt Organizer

• The NOMATIC shirt organizer is designed to simplify and enhance travel
• It keeps your clothes wrinkle-free during transportation
• The folding guide helps maximize space and ensures a perfect fit in bags
• It is made of a high quality and durable material for long-lasting use
• The organizer is suitable for frequent travelers who need a reliable solution
• It can carry up to 5 dress shirts and easily fits in most backpacks, suitcases, and baggage
• This versatile garment bag has an organizer and can be used for organizing various types of clothing for men or women

10. Modoker Convertible Roll Up Garment Bag With Shoulder Strap

Best garment duffel bags design.

• The Modoker convertible garment bag prevents wrinkles in clothes during travel
• It combines the features of a garment bag and a duffel bag
• The bag is made of high-quality materials, including waterproof PU leather and premium polyester fiber
• It has a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap for convenience
• The dimensions of the bag are suitable for carry-on luggage
• The bag weighs approximately 3.3 pounds
• It meets the size requirements for airport carry-on items

11. Briggs & Riley 22 inch Garment Duffle Bag

• The slip-through back panel allows easy transport of two bags together
• Made from strong ballistic nylon fabric resistant to water and wear
• Suiter compartment can hold garments or shirts securely
• Maximum storage with a moisture-resistant shoe pocket
• Discreet features include a hide-away ID tag and SpeedThru pocket
• Convenient for travelers who need to carry multiple bags
• Durable construction ensures longevity
• The bag is made with high-quality craftsmanship and a timeless design

12. Seyfocnia Garment Bag

The Seyfocnia brown faux leather garment bag is a versatile and stylish travel bag that is suitable for carrying garments and other travel essentials. It features a wrinkle-free design, multiple pockets for organization, a shoe compartment, and an adjustable shoulder strap.

• The garment bag is designed to remain wrinkle-free and keep clothes flat during travel
• It meets the size requirements for carry-on luggage at airports
• Made with high-quality waterproof PU leather, it has a stylish and textured look
• The bag includes various internal pockets for organizing smaller items such as ties, umbrellas, and wallets
• It has a separate zip pocket for electronics or additional travel materials
• The bag also features a shoe compartment outside for convenience
• An adjustable shoulder strap with a soft shoulder rest adds to the user-friendliness of the bag

13. Degeler Sky Hanger Suit & Dress Bag

Best classic garment bag.

The DEGELER Travel garment bag is a lightweight and functional all-in-one business and garment bag designed for frequent travelers. It features a unique hanging suit design with a titanium hanger, ensuring wrinkle-free clothes. The bag is made of durable Velocity Nylon, weighs only 500g, and allows for easy packing of multiple outfits and accessories. It also offers ample storage space for a laptop, travel documents, and delicate items.

• DEGELER Travel garment bag is designed for frequent travelers
• It features a hanging design with a titanium hanger ideal for suit jackets for wrinkle-free clothes
• The bag is lightweight, made of durable Velocity Nylon, and weighs only 500g
• It allows for easy packing of multiple business outfits and accessories
• The bag provides storage space for a laptop, documents, and other personal items
• The material used is water resistant, ensuring the protection of clothes

Tips For Finding The Best Garment Bag For Travel

If you’ve never used or shopped for a carry-on garment bag in the past, you’ll need to know about the top things to look for when looking for the best garment bags to buy.

There are a variety of sizes. The two main sizes of garment bags are: the carry on one and the checked-in one. You’re reading this because you want a carry-on version, so make sure you look for a bag around 21″ or less in size. This is the length of the bag.

Not all bags have wheels, and we’ll talk about the types of bags shortly. If you want to pull your bag along and not carry it, you’ll need to go for a bag with wheels. Two-wheeled types are often better because the wheels are built-in and add less bulk. If they’re too big, you won’t be able to take them as a carry-on. Remember, the carry on size includes the wheels.

This is another feature that is usually on a wheeled type of bag, but is there an extendable handle? This makes it easy for you to pull. If you’re going for a carry type of bag, you need to ensure that the grip is strong and durable, as the weight could be pretty heavy in some cases. We don’t all travel light, after all!

Zipper quality

Make sure that the quality of the zip is high because it’s going to be holding a fair amount of content. Small zips might break easily, so it’s better to go for thicker or larger zips if you want a durable, long-lasting choice. Look for dual zippers, too.

Go for durable, ripstop fabric, and avoid putting too much stress on the garment bag itself. Of course, waterproof is always better, too. Nylon and polyester are the two main types you’ll find, but if you can, go for one with corner guards, as this will also protect your clothing if you happen to bang into anything while moving around the departure lounge.

There will be an area inside the bag which is for hanging items. It would be best if you looked at how the hangers are secured within the bag after you’ve closed it. Better quality bags come with a locking system, which holds everything in place and stops your hanging items from crumpling up.

Fold Or Roll

How does the bag dictate how you pack your clothes? If you don’t like to roll, go for a fold, and vice versa.

Extra Compartments

Some bags have different sections so that you can pack shoes, accessories, and other items, like towels. This is an extra you might like to look out for.

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Types Of Garment Bag Luggage Options

We’ve already alluded to the fact that there are a few different types of carry on garment bags, so let’s check each one out in a bit more detail now.

Wheeled Garment Bags

Wheeled garment bags can have either two or four wheels, but ensure that the measurement includes the wheels to keep within airline carry on rules. These are similar to carry on wheelie cases but are far less bulky. These also usually have an extendable handle and make moving around super easy. The downside is that they are a little bulkier than the other types.

Duffle Garment Bags

This type of bag typically has two main compartments: an outer section for you to roll your clothing and an inner chamber for other items, such as shoes. These can look sporty or business-like, and you can carry them like a traditional duffel bag, i.e., on the shoulder.

Traditional Foldable Garment Bags

A regular type of garment bag can be either foldable as tri-fold or bi-fold. This means that it will fold a certain number of times to close. These are often light and compact to carry and have various features, so it’s worth shopping around carefully to find the space and features you want.

Airline Rules Carry-On Garment Bag

“Can a garment bag be a carry on?” is a very common question. Every airline has different rules for their carry-on luggage, so the best advice is to check with your particular airline about the carry-on bag sizes they will allow. Most carry on bags do fit in with these regulations, but it’s best to check to be on the safe side.

You won’t often find airlines mentioning garment bags per se, but as long as your bag fits into the size dimensions, you won’t usually have a problem.

Advantages Of Using A Garment Bag Carry On

The main advantage of using a carry on garment bag is convenience. If you check in a bag, you will have to pay hefty checking-in fees, and you also have to wait for your case to come around the carousel when you arrive at your destination. Besides, there is always the small risk of your bag not reaching your destination and becoming lost. This is an inconvenience and worry that nobody wants!

Garment bags also allow your clothing and belongings to be organized to keep them flat and crumple-free.

How To Pack A Garment Bag For Wrinkle-Free Clothes

If you’ve never used a travel garment bag before, you might be unaware of the best ways to pack to keep your clothes flat and free of wrinkles. Wash your clothes before you pack to keep everything inside fresh; if you need to iron them, go for it. This will help with the wrinkle-free aim!

A few other tips include:

• To avoid wrinkling of shirts, blouses, and trousers, place tissue paper or newspaper (be careful of transferable print) inside them. This helps them stay wrinkle-free and in shape
• When packing, keep your garment bag somewhere flat
• Pack your clothing facing the back of the bag. You’ll get creases from any folds or rucks in the bag, and if this happens, it won’t show on the front of your clothes.
• Secure your items with the tie-down straps, which are usually inside the bag, and clip any hangers in place to keep them from moving around
• Pack your outer pockets last, after you have folded or rolled (depending on the way the bag closes)

Tips For Traveling With A Carry On Garment Bag

It’s easy to try and cram everything inside your garment bag to get the most out of it, but overpacking will increase the risk of wrinkling what you already have. This bag is perfect for keeping clothes flat, which are pretty susceptible to crushing in general. Anything quite regular, e.g., jeans, are probably better off in an average wheelie case or suitcase .

Also, always use the straps which are inside the bag. This will stop everything from moving around and creasing. We mentioned washing and ironing everything before you pack, and that’s a great tip for keeping everything flat and in excellent condition.

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So congrats, you've finally marked that weekend getaway or summer trip on the calendar. If you eagerly dusted off your well-worn luggage only to find that the time has come to look for a new carry-on, this guide is for you.

For Shop TODAY's 2024 Travel Gear Awards , our team of traveling editors vetted over a dozen popular carry-on brands to see which ones are truly worth it. Needless to say, we couldn't be happier with our winners. Between a handy garment bag to a trendy Vera Bradley option, these carry-ons will get you and your belongings from point A to B not only in style but efficiently.

To make matters even easier, we also tapped some of our favorite experts to answer some specific questions and tips and tricks you should consider to make shopping less stressful. Happy travels!

Editor-tested, award-winning carry-ons | Expert -recommended carry-on luggage | Editor -loved carry-on luggage | What to look for in carry-on luggage | How we chose | Meet the experts

Editor-tested, award-winning carry-on luggage

Practical spinner at a budget price: wrangler 20-inch rolling carry-on.

20-Inch Rolling Carry-On

20-Inch Rolling Carry-On $ at Amazon

Award: Best budget carry-on | Value: 5/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5

While Wrangler might be known for their iconic denim, their luggage brand definitely deserves more recognition and we’re here to give them all the roses. We especially loved the 360-degree spinner wheel system and its durable and easy zipper functions. Coming in at under $50 for a hardshell carry-on, you really can’t beat it.

Stylish duffel that won't wrinkle: Halfday The Garment Duffel 

The Garment Duffel

• The Garment Duffel $ at Halfday
• The Garment Duffel $ at Bespoke Post

Award: Best innovative carry-on | Value: 5/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 3/5 | Overall score: 4/5

Perfect for those traveling for work or other special occasions, small but mighty is the name of the game with this winner, that was also showcased on our Shop TODAY TikTok page. Equipped with loops inside to hook hangers onto, this all-in-one garment bag and duffel will help you say goodbye to wrinkled suits or dresses. Not to mention, it also has handy shoe compartments which really blew us away.

Stylish tote with lots of pockets: Vera Bradley Weekender Travel Bag in Cotton

Weekender Travel Bag in Cotton

Weekender Travel Bag in Cotton $ at Amazon

Award: Best overall carry-on | Value: 4.6/5 | Quality: 4.6/5 | Satisfaction: 5/5 | Overall score: 4.8/5

Associate commerce editor Shannon Garlin has had two versions of this bag over the course of a decade and says each one has lasted her years. “I used it as a carry-on/personal item when I moved to and from Asia and jammed it with things,” she shares.

She also praised its durability, the amount of inner mesh pockets it has to keep you organized (there are five), and its ability to fit underneath the seat on a plane even when packed to the brim. Plus, it includes six exterior pockets for any last-minute essentials. The bag also comes in 33 colors and is machine-washable (just make sure to remove the shoulder strap and zip everything closed!).

Bottom compartment for the shoe lover: Baggallini Gramercy Carry-On Duffel

Gramercy Carry-On Duffel

• Gramercy Carry-On Duffel $ at Baggallini
• Gramercy Carry-On Duffel $ at Amazon

Award: Best splurge carry-on | Value: 5/5 | Quality: 4/5 | Satisfaction: 4/5 | Overall score: 4.3/5

This winner from ever-so-loved Baggallini might be a splurge, but we were too impressed with its neverending storage options to not give it our golden stamp of approval. Not only can this bag be separated with a zipper to unveil a bottom shoe compartment, but you can also unzip it to have a deeper bag with more storage. Talk about endless storage options for us over-packers!

Expert-recommended carry-on luggage

Top pocket for the phone lover: dagne dover large dakota neoprene backpack.

Large Dakota Neoprene Backpack

• Large Dakota Neoprene Backpack $ at Dagne Dover
• Large Dakota Neoprene Backpack $ at Zola

Dimensions: 11.5 x 17 x 1 in. | Weight: 2.6 lbs | Capacity: 20 L | Expandable? No

Summer Hull , the Director of Content at travel advice website The Points Guy, likes to pair her carry-on luggage with an equally solid travel backpack — one that can slide neatly onto the handle of a carry-on. “It is made of a soft but water-resistant material and has so many useful nooks and crannies, such as a top phone pocket, a padded back laptop compartment, as well as a laptop sleeve,” she says.

Water-resistant roller: Away The Bigger Carry-On

The Bigger Carry-On

The Bigger Carry-On $ at Away

Dimensions: 22.7 x 14.7 x 9.6 in. | Weight: 8.4 lbs | Capacity: 47.9 L | Expandable? Yes

Away's Bigger Carry-On is Hull's best overall pick for domestic travelers who want to pack as many items as possible into their carry-on. "It comes in many colors, has a stylish look and is made of a hard, water-resistant shell," she says. But the crowning glory is its internal packing system — which includes a compression pad and straps, as well as a water-resistant laundry bag — that lets you pack more and still stay within carry-on size limits.

Splurge roller with pockets: Roam Carry-On Suitcase

The Carry-On

The Carry-On $ at ROAM

Dimensions: 22 x 14.25 x 9 in. | Weight: 7.3 lbs | Capacity: 37 — 51 L | Expandable? Yes, for an additional $45

“Roam entered the market with their previous industry know-how and have upped that ante by introducing completely customizable bags that combine travel with personal expression,” says Misty Belles , vice president of Global PR for Virtuoso Travel.

Belles wasn’t kidding when she describes this lightweight carry-on from Roam as customizable; you can choose the color of everything from the zipper to the binding to the interior lining. Plus, the bag as a whole is one of the most thoughtfully designed bags out there: The zippers are waterproof, it comes with a water-resistant and washable lining, two dual-sided compression pads, a roomy laundry pocket and two accessory pockets.

Editor-loved carry-on luggage

Heavy-duty backpack with straps: terra thread earth backpack.

Earth Backpack

• Earth Backpack $ at Made Trade
• Earth Backpack $ at Terra Thread
• Earth Backpack $ at Urban Outfitters

Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 5 in. | Weight: Not listed | Capacity: 16 L | Expandable? No

For an unassuming backpack that rings up at just $77, this pick by B Corp-certified company Terra Thread is surprisingly roomy and heavy-duty. In fact, the brand describes it as “the workhorse of our line.” And it’s true, at least in Sales’ experience, having traveled with her Charcoal Gray Earth Backpack several times when flying domestically.

Durable duffel with pockets: Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe

Catalina Deluxe

Catalina Deluxe $ at Lo & Sons

Dimensions: 9 x 18.5 x 18 in. | Weight: 2.89 lbs | Capacity: Approx. 45 L | Expandable? No

“This bag is deceptively spacious!” raves Shop TODAY senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil of her favorite weekender duffel bag that is still in “amazing shape” after several years of use.

Her favorite part of the bag is the bottom shoe compartment: “[It] comfortably fits my favorite ankle boots and a second pair of flats, sandals or sneakers,” she says, adding that it retains its structure, so she can rest easy knowing her shoes aren’t getting crushed. She also highlighted the two regular carry handles in addition to the shoulder strap.

Durable backpack for outdoor excursions: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack

• Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack $ at Amazon
• Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack $ at Cotopaxi
• Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack $ at REI

Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 10 in. | Weight: 3.5 lbs | Capacity: 35 L | Expandable? No

“I absolutely adore my Cotopaxi carry-on,” says Julie Ricevuto , commerce editor & producer. “I’ve taken it on lengthy international trips like Guatemala and Iceland, to domestic destinations like Florida and New Orleans. It’s deceptively large and carries way more than I ever would’ve imagined. It’s perfect for any type of trip!” she explains.

Spacious shell with laptop holder: Monos Carry-On Pro

Carry-On Pro

Carry-On Pro $ at Monos

Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 in. | Interior dimensions: 20 × 13.5 x 9 in. | Weight: 7.8 lbs | Capacity: 36 L | Expandable? No

Unlike other, similar suitcases with laptop pockets, Fran Sales was able to comfortably pack a considerable amount in The Monos Pro — without the laptop in the front sacrificing much of the bag's interior space. And by "amount," she mean about five days' worth of clothes, a toiletry bag, an extra pair of shoes, a book, a bag of resistance bands and a picture frame (a gift!). Plus, thanks to that front pocket, which held her 15-inch laptop as well as a few odds and ends in the small zip pockets.

Nylon roller that's expandable: Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Essential 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Essential 22-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner $ at Amazon

Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in. | Interior dimensions: 20 x 14 x 7.9 in. | Weight: 10 lbs | Capacity: 37 - 48 L | Expandable? Yes

There's a reason why frequent jetsetters and business travelers have only praises to sing about Briggs & Riley's high-quality luggage. And their Essential Carry-On is no exception, according to Leah Ginsberg , a former travel editor turned managing editor at NBC Select who's covered a lot of miles with her rolling suitcase.

"Its handle, wheels and nylon material are really sturdy," she says of her older version of this model, which isn't expandable and has a slightly different handle design. Though Ginsberg says she mainly uses the suitcase for shorter trips, it's been to countless places: from international locations like Ecuador and Wales to domestic spots (where she mostly takes it now) like Maui and Saratoga Springs.

What to look for in carry-on luggage

According to Hull, “Generally speaking, the best luggage for you is going to be the bag that fits your budget , your priorities and [one] you are able to manage on your own (or with the assistance you know will be available),” she says.

Once you nail that down, it should be easier to determine whether you need a carry-on or a check-in bag , or one that fits overhead or under a seat, Hull adds. “No bag can do it all, which is why prioritizing what’s most important for you out of your bag matters.”

Hardside vs. softside luggage

Hard cases: If you’re in the market for a hard-shell carry-on, durability is No. 1, according to Mark Ellwood , co-host and creator of Bloomberg’s Travel Genius podcast. “Like a pair of sneakers that you’re going to wear 24/7 for the next month, [they] need to be really, really tough,” he says.

You can gauge “toughness” by looking two things: “A material that is unlikely to crack, and a very durable zipper,” says Australian-based travel bloggers Alesha Bradford and Jarryd Salem . “Hard cases get thrown around a lot, so you need something that can withstand the torture.”

Soft cases: The focus with softside carry-ons should start with compression and compartments, Bradford and Salem tell us. “A soft-case carry on that has compression straps is extremely handy for getting rid of any excess space and shrinking the size for fitting into small overhead compartments. Lots of external and internal zipper pockets, too, for storing quick-access items.”

But durability shouldn’t be discounted when it comes to soft-case options, according to Ginsberg. “One of the reasons I like my [ Briggs & Riley ] carry-on so much is that its handle, wheels and nylon material are really sturdy,” she says.

Size requirements

The maximum size of carry-on luggage allowed on a plane varies by airline, according to Germany-based travel expert Ali Garland . “There is no one size, but the most common size is 22 by 14 by 9 inches,” she says.

Still, always confirm the actual size limits with the specific airline before your flight, she urges, and don’t overlook your other carry-on options: “Most airlines also allow a personal item, which is smaller, like a purse or briefcase or a small backpack.”

You can even get a little creative with that personal item, as Bradford and Salem do: “We actually just use a silk carry bag that packs into itself (smaller than the palm of your hand), and we throw any small, loose items or things we need quick access to in there. Then when we’re off the plane, we can stuff it into the carry-on bag without taking up any extra space,” they say.

“Suitcases are so much heavier than backpacks when empty, [and this] eats into the weight allowance quickly,” Garland says.

Beyond airlines’ carry-on weight restrictions, this factor also matters because you’ll be lugging and handling your bag quite a lot. “You want something that’s lightweight [and] that you can lift over your head to put in the carry-on compartment,” says Dr. Nadeen White , creator of The Sophisticated Life travel blog.

If you have the tendency to overpack, Garland says there are a few things you can try: packing clothing made from lightweight fabrics , being prepared to rewear or launder your clothing as you travel or leaving out items that you can buy at your destination, for example. “Notice what you pack but never use, and start reducing what you bring along for the next trip,” she adds.

It should be common knowledge, but Garland still couldn’t stress enough to not pack liquids in containers that are bigger than 3.4 ounces (about 100 milliliters) in your carry-on bag.

“I can’t tell you how many times I see people ahead of me in the security line getting things confiscated because they thought they could get away with it or they simply didn’t know. Remember that some of your makeup is liquid, like mascara, and it needs to go in your liquids bag ,” she says.

Instead, try packing solid versions of bath or skin care items, such as shampoo bars or body wash powder , to reduce the amount of liquid you carry on, Garland advises.

Outside and inside pockets

“It used to be that travelers wanted easy access to their phone, laptop and favorite magazine; now, travelers [also] want quick access to their sanitizing regimen,” Misty Belles , vice president of Global PR for Virtuoso Travel, tells us. For items you want easy access to, she recommends softside luggage, which often have outside pockets.

Inside pockets are also one of the key features Hull looks for in a carry-on. “I want an internal zipper pocket for dirty clothes and loose items,” she says.

Consider packing cubes

Several travel experts we spoke to highly recommend using packing cubes or cells when filling your carry-on. They’re useful for organizing various items, like toiletries, tech accessories and smaller items of clothing.

“We use separate cells for underwear, shirts, pants, cold-weather gear, etc., so that we know what is in each one; plus we throw an extra one in for dirty laundry. Not only do they keep things organized, it makes packing and unpacking in hotel rooms so much easier,” Salem and Bradford explain.

Garland agrees, adding that if you don’t have packing cubes on hand, you can makeshift one out of toiletry bags . “You put your liquids in a standard liquids bag and non-liquid items in a toiletry bag. They even work great if you have lots of cords,” she says.

How we chose the best carry-on luggage

We sorted through hundreds of new launches, editor recommendations, trending products flooding our social media pages and tried and true products to curate a list of must-have travel items worth reviewing for our awards. We then tried the products in our studios, putting them through practical experiments to see if they meet requirements when it comes to durability, function and quality for travel gear. Finally, our panel of experts reviewed some of our winners and gave feedback based on their expertise.

The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best carry-on luggage by enlisting the recommendations from a number of travel executives and experts. We also filtered our searches for top-rated products, read through numerous online shopper reviews and also included a few previous award winners, as well.

Meet the experts

• Summer Hull is director of content at The Points Guy.
• Mark Ellwood is the co-host and creator of Bloomberg’s Travel Genius podcast.
• Alesha Bradford and Jarryd Salem are the directors of adventure travel blog NOMADasaurus . They’re based in Australia.
• Ali Garland is a travel blogger and co-founder of travel advice website Travel Made Simple . She’s an expat currently based in Germany.
• Dr. Nadeen White is the creator of The Sophisticated Life, a luxury and culinary travel website. She’s also a medical expert, author and speaker.
• Misty Belles is the vice president of Global PR for Virtuoso Travel.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com

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Travel right: Carry-on luggage size and weight guide

Unclear if your carry-on bag is allowed on? This article has everything you need to know to avoid last-minute encounters with TSA, excess baggage fees and a stressful start to your vacation. Use this airline-by-airline guide to see what size and how heavy your carry-on luggage can be .

In this post

• What size is carry-on luggage?
• What is the carry-on luggage weight limit?
• What is a personal item on a plane?
• What is the standard international carry-on luggage size?
• Carry-on luggage vs. a personal item: what’s the difference?
• Carry-on luggage policies for domestic airlines
• Carry-on luggage policies for international airlines

And with KAYAK’s Baggage Fee Assistant , you can see whether your luggage is included in the overall flight price. Just search for your flights on KAYAK, add the bags you want to take using the tool on the left and watch your results instantly update.

1. What size is carry-on luggage?

Most airlines follow very similar size regulations when it comes to carry-on luggage. The majority go by a standard height, width and depth measurement.

In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you’re flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don’t miss them from your measurements.

A few airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada and Southwest Airlines, measure their carry-on using what’s called “linear inches”. This is a measurement that adds up the height, width and depth of your carry-on to create a single total number.

For example, Delta’s carry-on limit is 45 linear inches – so if the combined height, width and depth of your luggage is less than 45 inches, you can take it as carry-on:

✅ 22 (h) + 14 (w) + 9 (d) = 45 inches ✅ 25 (h) + 10 (W) + 10 (d) = 45 inches ❌ 24 (h) + 14 (w) + 8 (d) = 46 inches

Carry-on size limits are there to make sure everyone’s luggage will fit in the overhead bins. I always try to fly with only carry-on luggage no matter where I go or for how long. Apart from it forcing me to not overpack, I always travel easier knowing my luggage is in reach rather than in the hold, or even worse, still back at the airport!

2. What is the carry-on luggage weight limit?

Weight limits for carry-on luggage are even more of a minefield than size restrictions, although generally they’re not as strictly enforced. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can fill your case to bursting and make it so heavy it requires a group effort to get it in the overhead bin.

Many major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United Airlines have no weight limits at all. As long as you can lift your bag over your shoulders, high enough to get it in the overhead storage bin, you’re fine.

Other limits vary dramatically by airline, and can even change for the same airline depending on where you’re flying from and to. From a lightweight 15 lbs with Qantas, Qatar and Singapore Airlines to a more manageable 51 lbs with British Airways, it’s always important to check in advance.

As long as you’re sensible and within a few pounds though, you shouldn’t have any problems.

3. What is a personal item on a plane?

You may see some airlines include carry-on luggage and “one personal item” in their size guidelines. That personal item refers to a small bag – typically a laptop bag, purse or briefcase . Airline size regulations for personal items vary wildly, but as long as it’s small enough to fit easily under the seat in front of you, there shouldn’t be any problems.

If you have something specific to carry such as a baby bag for diapers and food, a pair of crutches or something particularly fragile, airlines tend to be quite accommodating in including it as carry-on. To be on the safe side, you should always check directly with the airline in advance.

4. What is the standard international carry-on luggage size?

Carry-on luggage sizes can vary between domestic and international flights, although not by much. For most international flights, the maximum carry-on luggage size is 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches or 46 linear inches . If your luggage fits within these dimensions, you’ll have no problems treating it as carry-on.

There are some exceptions such as Qatar Airways, which states measurements of 20 x 15 x 10 inches or 45 linear inches for its carry-on baggage. Pay attention in particular if you’re flying in Europe or with smaller regional airlines, as they can have very different restrictions depending on the airplane.

5. Carry-on luggage vs. a personal item: what’s the difference?

The practical difference between carry-on luggage and a personal item is that the former is for storage in the overhead bin and the latter for under the seat in front of you.

Your carry-on luggage is the bag you don’t hand over at check-in. If you’re traveling light, using your carry-on luggage allowance can prevent you having to check any bags at all. That’s always a win, as your bags will never get lost or left behind and you don’t have to wait at baggage collection once you’ve landed.

Many airlines include a carry-on luggage allowance in their ticket price. Some – especially small and budget airlines – charge extra for it, although it’s usually still cheaper than paying for checked luggage .

Personal items are things like your purse or laptop, briefcase or camera, and are usually permitted on top of your carry-on luggage free of charge. Size allowances vary by airline but most simply follow the ‘fit under the seat in front of you’ guideline.

If you’re not sure what you can take in your carry-on or personal item, check out our FAQs .

Not sure if your carry-on luggage size fits your airline policy?

To take the anxiety out of boarding and make sure your carry-on is always compliant, we created a fun  Bag Measurement tool . Download the  KAYAK app  and you’ll never need a tape measure again.

Just open the app and tap on “Measure your bag.” Using your camera, capture your luggage and our app will do the math for you to give your bag’s exact measurements. Handily, it also compares airline baggage policies in one place too, so you can quickly check your carry-on fits no matter who you’re flying with. Watch the video below to see how it works.

6. Carry-on luggage policies for domestic airlines

Although there are differences in carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions between lots of different airlines, many also now tow a similar line to each other.

When it comes to carry-on baggage, few domestic airlines now specify a weight limit. Of those we’ve detailed below, only Hawaiian Airlines and Frontier Airlines impose weight restrictions. The rest go by dimensions only.

For personal items, Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines all dispense with measurements, instead simply asking that it fits under the seat in front of you. None of the domestic airlines impose a weight limit.

To make it easier for you to search, we’ve gone through the main domestic US airlines and detailed the size and weight limits for both carry-on luggage and personal items. We’ve also included any other relevant information, tools and tips we think you might find useful when flying with each specific airline.

Alaska Airlines

American Airl ines

Hawaiian Airlines

Southwest airlines, spirit airlines, united airlines.

• Carry-on luggage size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight: Not specified
• Personal item size: Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Personal item maximum weight: Not specified

The Alaska Airlines carry-on luggage allowance includes one carry-on bag and one personal item for all fares.

American Airlines

• Personal item size: 18 x 4 x 8 inches

The American Airlines carry-on luggage allowance includes one carry-on bag and one personal item for all fares, Basic Economy included.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  None (with exceptions)
• Personal item size:  Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Personal item maximum weight:  Not specified

All  Delta fares include one carry-on bag  and one personal item. Most routes have no weight limit for carry-on with a few exceptions. Flying to or from Beijing or Shanghai in China comes with a 22lb weight limit, and from Singapore it’s a 15lb limit.

• Carry-on luggage size:  24 x 10 x 16 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  35 lbs
• Personal item size:  14 x 18 x 8 inches

Frontier fares include only a personal item  and no carry-on luggage. That means you’ll need to add and pay for carry-on luggage, with prices varying by route and when you add it. As always, adding it when you book your flights will be cheapest.

As always, there are exceptions. If you buy one of the WORKS or PERKS fare bundles, carry-on (as well as checked) baggage is included. And if you’re an Elite member of the FRONTIER Miles rewards program you too are blessed with carry-on included.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 14 x 9 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  25 lbs

Hawaiian Airlines includes carry-on luggage  and a personal item on all fares, but watch out for that weight limit.

• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  None
• Personal item size:  17 x 13 x 8 inches

You can take a carry-on bag and personal item on all fares except a Blue Basic ticket, where you can only bring a personal item – most of the time. There are, of course, some exceptions.

If you’re in the US military, are an unaccompanied minor, or are traveling to or from the UK or Europe,  including connecting flights , you can  take carry-on with a Basic Blue fare . The same applies if you upgrade your seat or reach the giddy heights of Mosaic status in JetBlue’s TrueBlue rewards program.

• Carry-on luggage size:  24 x 16 x 10 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  Not specified
• Personal item size:  16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches

Note: As well as offering comparatively generous  carry-on and personal item sizes, Southwest  also includes both in all its fares.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 18 x 9 inches
• Personal item size:  18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  None

Spirit keeps its flight prices low by charging for carry-on  baggage and allowing only a smaller personal item for free. Fees vary depending on the route and when you buy it.

If you add when booking your flight, the average fee is $37, although that can be lower for domestic US flights. Add it later and it gets more expensive the longer you leave it, rising to $65 if you pay at the gate. The moral being, always add luggage when you book to get the best deal.

• Personal item size:  17 x 10 x 9 inches

If you’re flying domestically or between the US and Canada, you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on all fares except Basic Economy, where you can only bring a personal item.

If you’re flying to South America or across the Atlantic or Pacific on a Basic Economy fare, you can bring carry-on luggage and a personal item.

Certain MileagePlus, Premier and Star Alliance Gold members also qualify to bring a carry-on to all flights no matter their fare. Check the  United carry-on guide  for details.

7. Carry-on luggage policies for international airlines

Many of the international airlines have different fares and a confusing array of classes, from economy to first. These come with different carry-on and personal item restrictions, so be sure to check which class ticket you have before packing.

Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Turkish Airlines all have the same carry-on size limit but weight allowances vary. Almost all of the International airlines we’ve listed impose carry-on weight restrictions, and many on personal items as well. The only exception is Air Canada.

British Airways

Qatar airways, scandinavian airlines (sas), turkish airlines.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  22 lbs
• Personal item size:  13 x 10 x 8 inches

Aer Lingus has gone to town on the complexity of its carry-on policies and prices.

If you’re flying trans-Atlantic, your carry-on and personal item are included in your fare. If you’re flying in Europe, you’ll need to book a “Carry-on bag with priority boarding” ticket and pay upwards of €9.99. Or you can check your bag into the hold, in which case it’s free.

There are a raft of exceptions to this including different fare types and connections, so you should check carefully when you book.

If you’re flying Aer Lingus Regional (that uses smaller planes limited mostly to Ireland and the UK), the allowances shrink. Your carry-on must be a maximum of 18.5 x 13 x 8 inches and weigh no more than 15 lbs.

Air Canada lets you bring a carry-on bag and personal item on all its fares, but does stress that you must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin unassisted.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  26.4 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including personal item
• Personal item size:  15.7 x 11.8 x 5.8 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  26.4 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including carry-on luggage

If you’re traveling with Air France on an Economy ticket, you can take one carry-on and a personal item with a combined weight of 26.4 lbs. If you’re flying in Premium Economy, Business, or La Première, you can take two carry-on bags and one personal item with a combined weight of 40 lbs. Air Canada lets you bring a carry-on bag and personal item on all its fares but does stress that you must be able to lift your carry-on into the overhead bin unassisted.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 18 x 10 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  51 lbs
• Personal item size:  16 x 12 x 6 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  51 lbs

British Airways includes a carry-on bag and personal item in all its fare prices, with generous size allowances.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 17.5 x 9.5 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  33 lbs
• Personal item size:  17.5 x 14 x 8 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  33 lbs

Another of Europe’s huge budget airlines, easyJet offers only a personal item to take free on board, which they market as a “small cabin bag.” For a proper size carry-on bag you’ll need to book a FLEXI Fare or an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat, or just add a large cabin bag separately. Prices start from £5.99.

• Carry-on luggage size:  22 x 15 x 8 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  15 to 30 lbs (fare dependent)
• Personal item size:  22 x 15 x 8 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  15 lbs

Economy class passengers can bring a single carry-on weighing 15 lbs. Premium Economy passengers can up that to 22 lbs. Business and First Class can bring two carry-ons of up to 15 lbs each. As with Qatar Airways, tickets issued in Brazil have a weight limit of 22 lbs.

Beware too that Emirates only allows one item for Economy and Premium Economy fares – either a carry-on or a personal item, not both. It also notes that if you carry a garment bag it must be no more than eight inches thick when folded.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  26 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including personal item
• Personal item maximum weight:  26 to 40 lbs (fare dependent) including carry-on luggage

KLM’s policies change with their fares. Economy gets one carry-on and one personal item up to 26 lbs in combined weight. Premium Comfort gets two carry-ons and a personal item but the same combined weight of 26 lbs. Business Class gets the same as Premium Comfort but with a weight increase to 40 lbs.

And if you bring a baby on your lap, you can take one extra carry-on weighing up to 26 lbs.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches or 22.5 x 21 x 6 inches for foldable garment bags
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  17.5 lbs
• Personal item size:  15.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches

All Lufthansa Economy Class and Premium Economy Class fares include one carry-on bag and personal item, with size and weight restrictions. Business and First Class fares include two carry-on bags, although the second bag may need to be checked in on flights from Italy, India and the USA.

• Carry-on luggage size:  20 x 15 x 10 inches
• Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  15 to 33 lbs (fare dependent)
• Personal item size:  Not specified

Economy Class Qatar Airways passengers can take one carry-on and one personal item weighing up to 15 lbs. Business and First class can take two carry-on bags and one personal item weighing up to 33 lbs. Tickets issued in Brazil have a weight limit of 22 lbs.

It’s worth noting that Qatar Airlines considers your laptop and case part of your carry-on and not a personal item. Note too that 20 inch luggage length is shorter than most other carriers.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 15.5 x 8 inches
• (Priority fares) Carry-on luggage maximum weight:  22 lbs
• (Priority fares) Personal item size:  15.5 x 8 x 10 inches

Budget airline Ryanair keeps its prices low by allowing only a smaller personal item as part of the fare price. You’ll need to buy its Priority & 2 Cabin Bags option if you want to take a carry-on bag weighing up to 22 lbs. Prices vary by route and when you book.

Ryanair’s Priority bundle also lets you board the plane early, but don’t be fooled! This often means standing at the front of the queue in a corridor instead of relaxing at the gate while waiting for the plane to be ready.

• Carry-on luggage size:  21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches

All SAS fares allow you to take one carry-on bag and a personal item with the exception of the Go Light fare – but only if you’re traveling in Europe. On this fare you’ll need to pay for your carry-on bag. If you’re on a Go Light fare to or from Asia, Canada or the US, your carry-on is included.

Plus and Business Class passengers can take two carry-on bags with them. SAS also notes you can bring airport purchases and Duty Free bags onboard with you at no cost.

• Personal item size:  15.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches
• Personal item maximum weight:  9 lbs

Turkish Airlines Economy Class passengers can take one carry-on and one personal item on board. Business Class passengers can take one extra carry-on of the same weight and dimensions.

For both domestic and international flights, infant passengers are also allowed one more carry-on bag.

• Personal item size:  16 x 12 x 8 inches

All fares can take a personal item on board , but you can only take a carry-on bag if you’re on a TimeFlex Fare, are a Premium customer, require assistance at the airport or are traveling with a child younger than two.

How was this guide created?

Experience and research! I’ve been traveling the world and writing stories about it for 20 years and have one mantra: carry-on is king. Unless I’m nervously checking in surfboards or skis, I only ever  pack a carry-on  and personal item.

Over time I’ve learned a lot about the tricks to success and pitfalls of getting carry-on wrong. This guide is a culmination of that experience combined with extensive research into US and international airline luggage policies. I also got great advice from the KAYAK teams who build the features and tools you use to book your travel.

If you found this article helpful, we’ve got plenty more inspiration and information to share. Unsure where to travel this year? Check out our guide to  traveling with a carry-on vs checked bag  and if you’re thinking of traveling off-season, this  in-betweasons guide  has an in-depth breakdown of prices and places to visit. Dive in!

This post is part of our Flight guide. Want to make sure you get the most out of your trip? Read about how to find cheap flights in our guide.

Carry-on luggage FAQs

A backpack is generally considered a personal item rather than a carry-on, as long as it fits below the seat in front of you or meets the dimensions specified by the airline.

If you’re traveling with a full size backpack that can only be stored in the overhead bins, this would qualify as carry-on luggage. As always, check the permitted dimensions and weight before you travel.

A duffel bag is typically considered carry-on luggage, yes. This does, of course, depend on its dimensions which are almost always the deciding factor for airlines over the type of luggage you have.

If it’s too big to fit under the seat in front of you and has to go in the overhead bin, you should consider it to be carry-on luggage rather than a personal item.

None of the international airlines we’ve mentioned in this guide would allow a 24-inch suitcase as carry-on, as it doesn’t meet their size requirements. Domestically, both Frontier and Southwest Airlines would allow you to take your 24-inch suitcase as carry-on thanks to their generous size limits.

Generally, I’d say a 24-inch bag will be treated as check-in luggage more often than carry-on, so think carefully before traveling with it!

The TSA has strict rules around what you can take in your carry-on luggage. Generally speaking you can take most things you’ll need for your journey.

Foods including fruits are fine. If you’re taking baby foods and medicines it’s worth checking with the airline first to make sure they don’t breach liquid limits. If you have support devices like crutches, walking stick, stroller or wheelchair, you shouldn’t have any problems but let the airline know in advance, just to be sure.

The TSA has strict rules around what you can’t take in your carry-on luggage . Rules against carrying weapons and ammunition are obvious, but it’s liquid allowances that catch most people out.

Currently, you can’t bring any liquid, gel, aerosol, cream or paste containers bigger than 3.4 ounces (100ml if you’re in Europe). If you do, it’ll be confiscated at security or you’ll be turned away if you’re not willing to relinquish it. Exceptions include medications and children’s foods but it’s always worth checking in advance to be sure.

Disclaimer: prices and information are correct as of 21.07.2023 and may vary with time.

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The 13 best carry-on backpacks of 2024, tested & reviewed.

Enjoy hands-free travel with a versatile carry-on backpack.

The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Leilani Osmundson | U.S. News

Not sure whether to take a rolling suitcase or a travel backpack on the plane? Both types of carry-on luggage certainly have their merits, but if you like keeping your arms and hands free when traveling, a backpack is the right choice for you. Furthermore, compared to a hard-sided suitcase , it's easier to squeeze a malleable backpack into an overhead bin or under the seat. And if your vacation is focused on adventure travel, you might value a durable pack on your back over wheels on the ground.

U.S. News compiled this list from extensive research and testing along with consumer reviews. Whatever your reason for choosing a backpack, there are plenty on the market to satisfy your needs. Read on for the best carry-on travel backpacks.

Best Overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

• Jump to features and expert insights ↓

Best Budget: ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Hiking Backpack 20L

Best lightweight: mz wallace metro utility backpack.

• Best for Business Travel (tie): Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack – Large
• Best for Business Travel (tie): Aer Travel Pack 3

Best for International Travel: Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Pack

Best for weekend getaways: solo grand travel tsa backpack, best for women: tumi voyageur celina backpack, best for men: peak design travel backpack 45l, best for adventure travel: kelty redwing 36, best with wheels: samsonite tectonic nutech wheeled backpack, best organization: augustnoa classic noa, best leather: monos metro backpack in vegan leather.

(Note: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and other factors. Dimensions of backpacks are height by width by depth.)

Price: $200 or less

When it comes to bag travel, the Cotopaxi Allpa packs a serious punch. The carry-on backpack is available in three sizes – 42L, 35L and 28L – and a variety of colors, including the vibrant multicolor Del Día style. The 35L size not only fits everything you need for your next getaway, but it's also TSA-compliant as a carry-on item . On the outside, the Allpa features a removable waist belt, a padded laptop sleeve on the side, anti-theft zippers, carabiner lash loops for extra gear, a sternum strap and a front zippered pocket. The backpack straps can be tucked away if you're looking to save more room in the overhead bin or you want to carry the bag via its grab handles.

The bag opens suitcase-style; inside, you'll find one large zippered mesh compartment on the right and a subdivided zippered mesh compartment on the left, providing ample space for all your clothes, shoes and accessories. What's more, the bag comes with a rain cover (though it's already water-resistant).

What our editors say:

I've taken my Cotopaxi Allpa on countless adventures, from a road trip around Iceland to camping all over Colorado. It fits more than expected, is comfortable to wear (especially if using the waist belt) and is extremely durable. I just wish the 35L had an exterior water bottle pocket like the 42L does! – Leilani Osmundson, Senior Digital Producer

Erin Evans | U.S. News

Price: $15.99 or less

This backpack has three excellent things going for it: It's affordable, lightweight and durable. It's a great option for a weekend getaway bag and is an excellent little backpack to have on hand for tours and day trips once you make it to your destination. If you're planning to hike or kayak on your next getaway, you'll definitely want to have the ZOMAKE Ultra Lightweight Backpack in your back pocket – literally. It can be folded into a compact pouch and tucked away in a larger carry-on bag if you're planning to only use it as a daypack.

The lightweight travel bag is both tear- and water-resistant. With all of its pockets – including one on each side for water bottles or umbrellas – you'll be able to fit everything you need for an adventure-filled trip.

It can fit enough for a weekend trip, plus it's super useful for hiking, boat excursions and more once you're in your destination because it's so light and water-resistant. I've used it for years and it has held up incredibly well; it comes in so many fun colors, too. I love it so much, I bought two so my husband has one he can use as well. – Erin Evans, Managing Editor

Rachael Hood | U.S. News

Price: $345 or less

Constructed with recycled bluesign-approved quilted nylon, this chic bag is packed with pockets and organizational details. The interior has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, a large zip pocket with two slip pockets, two water bottle pockets and two removable pouches. On the front of the bag there's a deep phone pocket and multiple zippered pockets of various sizes, including a small one that's ideal for a boarding pass, earbuds or wipes.

A water bottle pocket sits on each side of the bag, and the back of the bag has a luggage trolley sleeve that can be zipped shut on the bottom to be a pocket when not attached to your suitcase. This backpack has a top-zip design, and can be carried by the two top handles or the adjustable padded backpack straps.

This bag has completely changed my mind about backpacks. It's extremely spacious and works so well for my laptop, change of clothes, toiletry bag and other carry-on essentials. I love all of the pockets and that I can carry this like a north-south tote in addition to using the trolley sleeve or backpack straps. But what truly sets this apart is the beautiful fabrication that is so soft and the luxurious Italian leather details. – Rachael Hood, Senior Editor

Best for Business Travel: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack and Aer Travel Pack 3 (tie)

Dagne dover dakota neoprene backpack – large.

Catriona Kendall | U.S. News

Price: $215 or less

This sleek, professional backpack by Dagne Dover is perfect for professional and casual settings alike, with a vast array of organizational features and a 20-liter capacity for the large size. On the outside, you'll find a zippered padded pocket for up to 16-inch laptops and a slip pocket for your phone, while an interior sleeve can fit a tablet or a second laptop, allowing you to travel with multiple devices. The inside of the bag has two mesh slip pockets and a zip-top pouch attached with a leash, as well as three zippered pockets in the front panel.

To help you stay even more organized, the exterior also features a zippered front pocket with pen loops and a key clip; two zippered side pockets; two slip side pockets; and straps to secure a small bottle. The water-resistant bag comes with adjustable shoulder straps, a luggage sleeve and a separate shoe bag.

I adore bringing this bag to work and using it as a personal item on flights. I don't think I've ever used a backpack with better organization than this one – there's a dedicated place for every little thing, from keys to pens to my devices. I also love that the neoprene material is extremely lightweight and water-resistant. – Catriona Kendall, Editor

Aer Travel Pack 3

Price: $249 or less

With a pocket for everything, the clamshell-style Aer Travel Pack 3 keeps you organized to the max on business trips. Keep your laptop (up to 16 inches) safe in the padded, zippered laptop sleeve, and stow your passport in the quick-access side pocket. The front compartment features several sizes of pockets perfect for chargers, notepads, pens and more. Along with the lay-flat main compartment for clothes, there's also an interior pocket for small accessories as well as a hidden luggage tracker pocket.

Designed for one-bag travel, the durable Aer Travel Pack 3 also features a water-resistant nylon exterior along with load lifters for a more comfortable fit. You can purchase a hip belt separately.

The Aer Travel Pack 3 has one of the sleekest designs when it comes to carry-on backpacks. I also appreciate all the pockets: The sizable laptop pocket is perfect for someone like me who uses a huge laptop; the eight pockets in just the front compartment are so handy for everything you could need while traveling; and the bag even comes with a zippered water bottle pocket on the side. – Leilani Osmundson

Price: $185 or less

The Osprey Farpoint is truly an all-in-one travel pack that combines quality with minimal weight. The clamshell-style carry-on bag features a substantial main compartment across from a large mesh pocket. There's an easy-to-access zippered laptop sleeve on the side for devices up to 16 inches.

For extra support and comfort, the backpack includes a sternum strap, back panel, harness and hip belt; the latter three can be zipped up for fully streamlined travel, and compression straps help slim the bag down even more. The Osprey Farpoint 40 meets most domestic carry-on size requirements and is compatible with the Farpoint/Fairview Travel Daypack , which can be brought onto the plane as a personal item.

This is one of my favorite backpacks. I love how the back can be zipped up so the bag more resembles a duffel; this makes it easy to stow away without having to deal with a lot of straps. Additionally, the interior compression straps can really help cinch down belongings, especially if you're using packing cubes . – Leilani Osmundson

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Amanda Norcross | U.S. News

Price: $117.99 or less

Perfect for weekend getaways , the Solo Grand TSA Travel Backpack opens like a regular suitcase. In the main compartment, you can secure several outfits with compression straps and store accessories and toiletries in two zippered mesh pockets. In the back, a padded compartment protects laptops up to 17.3 inches in size, and on the front there are a variety of pockets – even pockets within pockets – for your phone and other essentials. This backpack is also equipped with two side mesh pockets, a trolley sleeve, and side and top carry handles.

This backpack is flawless. It's big without the bulk and has plenty of pockets, which not only makes it ideal for weekend getaways but also prevents me from having to awkwardly rummage through my bag when I need something on the plane. – Amanda Norcross, Senior Content & SEO Strategist

Price: $475 or less

This backpack blends function and fashion with a compact design. On the front of the bag are two zip compartments and a U-zip pocket with a card slot, a slip pocket and a pen holder. The interior of the bag is divided into two separate compartments: one zippered section with a padded laptop compartment (holds up to a 15-inch PC or 16-inch MacBook), and another large compartment with a zippered pocket and two slip pockets (ideal for glasses or charging cords).

There is also a zippered compartment on each side of the bag, one of which has a water-resistant lining for a water bottle. On the back of the bag you'll find a hidden phone compartment and a trolley sleeve to attach to a roller bag.

This style oozes sophistication, especially the black with the gold hardware. From its sleek material to its many pockets and details, this backpack looks and feels like a chic handbag that can go from the office to a beach resort with ease. I especially like that there are two places you can access the front compartment of the bag, and I like that the laptop section is separate from the rest of the backpack so it's easier to take out my computer and go through airport security (which makes me less likely to drop something from inside my bag). – Rachael Hood

Price: $299.95 or less

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a solid, rugged choice that will last. The nylon canvas shell of the backpack is weatherproof and water-resistant, with a waterproof bottom liner as well. You can unzip the back panel to access the main packing compartment, which is also accessible via zippers along each side of the bag and can be divided in two by a mesh sleeve. To keep you organized, this backpack has quick-access pockets for small items like passports and glasses, plus expandable side pockets for water bottles, tripods or umbrellas.

The bag meets carry-on size requirements but can expand by 1.5 inches if you need the extra room; the shoulder straps and hip belt tuck away if you plan to check it instead. If you prefer a smaller bag, the Peak Design Travel Backpack also comes in a 30-liter size .

If you only want to bring one bag on a short trip, you can't go wrong with this backpack. It's sturdy, reliable and able to fit a ton while still being carry-on-sized. It served me well on a recent trip to New Zealand, and I'd definitely recommend it for travelers who like hands-free luggage. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $134.95 or less

If you'll be adventuring in the great outdoors for your next trip, consider purchasing the Kelty Redwing 36 backpack. You'll find two exterior water bottle pockets as well as a hydration-friendly inner pocket (for storing a water bladder). Tool loops can hold hiking poles, fishing poles, ice axes or other adventure gear. Organization is made easy with plenty of zippered pockets, including one on each side of the bag, a large one on the front and one on top that's perfect for storing travel documents such as a passport. Plus, a ventilated back panel helps keep you cool when you're hurrying through airports or hiking up a mountain.

If you need a bigger backpack, the Kelty Redwing 50 Tactical is a great checked bag option and has many of the same features as the Redwing 36 along with more straps and pockets.

The Kelty Redwing 36 can be cinched down quite a bit for truly streamlined travel and to better meet carry-on size guidelines. However, I'll caution that the waist belt is difficult to remove. – Leilani Osmundson

Price: $159.99 or less

If you want the flexibility to either carry or wheel your luggage, a wheeled backpack style may work best for you. The Samsonite Tectonic NuTech Wheeled Backpack transforms from a rolling bag into a backpack by just tucking in the handle, pulling out the stowed straps and using the wheel cover. The durable polyester material is water-repellent and has red accents.

There are three sections to this bag: a main compartment with space to pack for a weekend trip, a dedicated sleeve for both a laptop up to 15.6 inches and a tablet up to 11 inches, and a front pocket equipped with various organizational features. There are various small pockets, pen sleeves, card slots and a key leash within. You can tuck a water bottle and umbrella into the exterior pockets on either side of the bag. Just keep in mind that this bag may slightly exceed carry-on size restrictions on some airlines with stricter rules.

I expected a wheeled backpack to be uncomfortable to carry, but this convertible bag has proved surprisingly convenient. I like having both the rolling and hands-free options for different circumstances, and it has ample packing space. – Catriona Kendall

Price: $148 or less

This sustainable water-resistant backpack is constructed with 100% recycled materials and has 10 pockets to organize everything. The spacious interior compartment has a 17-inch padded laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve with a strap to secure it in place, as well as an interior mesh pocket for small items or charging cords and a removable shoe bag.

On the exterior, the front pocket has a built-in mesh organizer for pens, and there are mesh water bottle holders on each side of the backpack. The back of the bag has two adjustable padded straps, each with a built-in zippered compartment ideal for keys, ID or tickets. A hidden zip pocket makes for a secure space for a wallet or passport, and the trolley sleeve provides added versatility.

This backpack is great for travel or everyday use. I especially appreciate the comfortable backpack straps with the small zip pockets. They are easy to reach and perfect for small items like lip gloss, cash or a transit card. Durably constructed, the water-resistant exterior performs well in any weather, and I love that there's a padded space for both my laptop and iPad. – Rachael Hood

Price: $230 or less

For an upscale backpack that can be dressed up or down, this Monos style is an ideal choice. Constructed with sustainable vegan leather (there's also a nylon version with vegan leather accents), this structured style is both water- and scratch-resistant. The 15-inch laptop sleeve is separate from the main packing compartment so you can access your device easily. The brand's QuickSnap Modular Kit System means you'll have a detachable Metro Kit for small items that attaches magnetically to the front of the bag; this kit is interchangeable between Metro bags and can be swapped out for a different kit or removed entirely, depending on your needs.

The backpack's main compartment is designed for maximum functionality with a felt-lined document sleeve, a large zippered pocket, two slip pockets, and a waterproof zippered privacy compartment for a rain jacket or gym clothes. On the back, you can make use of a hidden slip pocket for your phone, a trolley sleeve and adjustable padded straps. There's also two top carry handles if you'd prefer to carry this backpack like a tote.

I really like the elevated styling and durability of this vegan leather bag. But what sets it apart is the separate laptop compartment (I don't like to have to open my entire bag to get out my laptop while on the go), and the modular Metro Kit system that can be removed when it's not needed. It's full of value-added design elements, and the material looks classic and appropriate with any attire. – Rachael Hood

Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on its size, a backpack is considered a carry-on item. To be able to put it in the overhead bin, you generally don't want it to exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but that sizing varies by airline, and since backpacks are soft-sided, the dimensions can be somewhat malleable. If it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane ( check your airline's specific size requirements ), it is typically considered a personal item. If the backpack can fit under the seat, then you can often bring it in addition to a larger carry-on bag (based on your airline ticket type and inclusions).

For a backpack to be a carry-on for most domestic airlines, it should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or should be able to be squished to approximately those dimensions). To be considered a personal item, it must fit under the seat in front of you. Underseat size and space varies by airline and airplane type, so it's best to check with your airline's size restrictions.

How We Tested

From the comfort of the straps to the capacity of each bag, our team tested more than 20 carry-on backpacks from a variety of brands at a range of price points. We tested to see how the overall structure of the bag works for travel needs, along with the durability and details that make a difference. After taking these backpacks on a variety of adventures, we've selected these carry-on backpacks as the best for 2024.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Luggage Sets
• The Best Rolling Duffel Bags
• The Best Toiletry Bags
• The Best Fanny Packs
• The Best Travel Insurance

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Calpak Review: Is the Popular Luggage Worth The Hype?

We've put some of the most popular styles from Calpak to the test. These are the picks that we think are worth buying.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

If you're anything like me and want to travel in style but still need luggage that's going to hold up to your frequent flyer status, look no further than Calpak.

As an analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , I test and write about all kinds of luggage — from carry-ons to checked bags , hardside suitcases to softside styles — and I can't get enough of Calpak's pieces, and neither can many of my fellow GH analysts and editors as well as our consumer testers . We've taken the brand's luggage on our own vacations, and it regularly stands out as a top performer in our Lab tests, beating out popular pieces from other well-known brands.

Read on to learn more about some of the most popular pieces Calpak offers and our honest insights into why we think they're worth the investment.

Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage

The sleek and sturdy hardsided suitcases of Calpak's Ambeur collection are designed with wheels that roll effortlessly over carpet, tile and wood floor. Each piece is lightweight with comfortable carrying handles that make it easy to lift, so I don't have to worry about holding up the line when I'm loading my suitcase into the overhead bin on a plane. The polycarbonate and ABS plastic composite material held up well in our drop tests without dents but did show more surface-level scratches than other suitcases we've tested, so there's a possibility you may notice some scuffs and marks after retrieving your bag from the luggage carousel.

I love the interior of the carry-on bag, which unzips to two primary packing compartments: one side with a full zippered panel and another with compression straps to secure your belongings in place. There are plenty of organizational features like two zippered mesh pockets and a removable mesh toiletries bag, and as a self-proclaimed over-packer, I'm especially fond of the 2-inch expansion system so I can fill the suitcase with my favorite vacation clothes and shoes and still have room for souvenirs.

Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Carry-On Luggage

Puffy padding is totally on-trend right now, and Calpak gets it. The brand's Luka collection includes this cute softside carry-on that has a special tapered design to help keep it upright when you stuff it full of your belongings. The carry-on is on the smaller side, so it's not ideal for a long trip, but it's perfect for a weekend getaway or to hold your travel must-haves if you're checking a larger bag. I'm a fan of the two outer pockets that take some of the stress out of the TSA line. Instead of digging through your bag for your laptop or boarding pass, there's a larger front pocket that's equipped to hold a 17-inch laptop and a smaller side pocket that can fit your passport and ID.

Inside, you'll find one main packing compartment with secure compression straps and elasticized mesh pockets built into the lid for more organization. The suitcase is made with a smooth polyester material that should be easy to wipe clean after a long trip. It's equipped with 360-spinner wheels and padded handles to make rolling the bag through a busy airport a little easier.

Duffels and backpacks

Calpak luka duffel.

Just as chic as its carry-on counterpart, Calpak's Luka duffel is a favorite of GH analysts and editors and is our number one pick for weekender bags . The trendy duffel fits everything you need for a short trip, and when we packed it with a weekend's worth of clothing, accessories and toiletries, there was room to spare. There's a separate shoe compartment, water bottle pocket and a zippered outer pocket to easily access your essentials. You'll find even more elastic and zippered pockets inside to stash smaller items.

The padded shoulder straps are comfortable to throw over your shoulder and don't dig in (pictured here). There's a removable crossbody strap too. If you don't want to lug around a bag while you're on the go, you'll find the luggage strap on this duffel to be especially handy. Simply slide the luggage sleeve over your suitcase's telescopic handle, and you can roll it around on top of your suitcase. One GH analyst who brought this duffel on a weekend trip noticed some unraveling at the seams around the luggage sleeve, but it remained in great shape overall. The material was easy to wipe clean, and it's water-resistant to keep your things dry, even if you're traveling in wet weather.

Calpak Terra Large 50L Duffel Backpack

Perfect for your next adventure, this travel backpack is made of a laminated polyester ripstop material that's rugged and water resistant. The straps are padded for a more comfortable feel, and there's a sternum strap for extra support. The versatile backpack actually doubles as a duffel bag — just unbuckle the backpack straps, tuck them away and attach the crossbody strap to carry it over your shoulder. And it even has a luggage sleeve to slide over the handle of your favorite suitcase (pictured here).

Because the sides and bottom of the backpack aren't structured, you're able to fill it with everything you need, but that means it's also easy to overstuff, which can make it difficult to zip or become too heavy, causing the straps to dig into your shoulders. When you're packing the backpack, you'll find that it's completely full of organizational features — inside and out. There are small, zippered pockets on the outside of the bag to stow away your travel necessities, a water bottle pocket on the side and buckles to attach items you may not be able to fit inside, such as a travel blanket or poncho. Inside, there's a padded laptop pocket, along with compression straps and additional mesh zippered pockets.

Calpak Kaya 15 inch Laptop Backpack

If you're traveling for business or want something a little chicer, Calpak's Kaya laptop backpack is for you. This streamlined style is a favorite of GH analysts and editors, earning a top spot as our best work backpack . It's made of faux leather and features elegant details like gold hardware for the zippers and pulls, a rectangular shape and stitched trim. It's available in a collection of seven core colors like grey, black and navy, along with nearly 20 bold limited hues like lavender, bronze and emerald. The straps are thin and unpadded, so they can start to feel uncomfortable with extended wear, and I find the bag is best to use for a shorter commute.

To relieve the stress on your shoulders, there's a luggage sleeve that you can slide over your suitcase handle for easy transport. The backpack is equally as practical as it is stylish and can hold a significant amount of your belongings, including a 15-inch laptop, and there are a lot of small pockets inside for sunglasses, pens and notebooks.

Travel accessories

Calpak packing cubes set (5 pieces).

I bring packing cubes with me on every single trip I take, even when I'm just carrying a backpack or weekender bag. These from Calpak help me keep all my belongings organized and easy to access on my journey and once I reach my destination , so I don't have to rummage through my suitcase to find what I'm looking for. They're not compressive like some of Calpak's other packing cubes , so they do take up more room in my bag than some other styles I've tried. That said, they feature breathable mesh details that help clothes to feel fresh, even after they've been shoved in a bag for days.

Calpak Large Clear Cosmetics Case

Another one of our staffers' favorites, Calpak's large toiletries case will hold everything you need, including some full-size products. At $95, this isn't the most affordable option on the market, but it's designed with thoughtful details like carrying handles, metal feet to keep it upright and a mesh pocket inside for your smaller items. The transparent case makes it easy to show your liquids during TSA screenings, and you can clearly see everything you packed without having to spend forever digging around to find it. The PVC material also makes it a breeze to wipe clean when your makeup or skincare products inevitably leak in your bag.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

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• Moscow Oblast

Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Altitude, Area, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

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Elektrostal Demography

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Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Bykovo Manor
• Pekhorka Park
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Saturn Stadium
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center

• Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
• Luggage & Travel Gear
• Garment Bags

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seyfocnia Convertible Travel Garment Bag,Carry on Garment Duffel Bag for Men Women - 2 in 1 Hanging Suitcase Suit Business Travel Bag

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About this item.

• ✅NO WRINKLE - GARMENT BACKPACK: While the traveling garment bag is opened and lied out, it can be a great carry-on garment bag for travel. There are also 2 buckles inside to keep the garment flat without side movements during the trip and without wrinkle troubles of your dress or suits any more.
• ✅3 in 1 CONVERTIBLE GARMENT BAG: This garment travel bag combines the feature of a garment bag and a travel duffle bag.The Convertible Garment Bag can be used as a garment hanging bag,garment backpack and travel duffel bag which is not only a overnight weekender bag, but also a great hanging clothes bag.
• ✅CARRY-ON GARMENT BAG: Dimension of this foldable garment bag: 38”L x 21”W, 45L; Dimension of this duffel bag: 22”L x 12.5”W x 11.2”H; Weight: 4.4 pounds (NOTICE:It weighs about 1.1 pounds more than a normal garment bag). This soft- side garment bag meets the size requirement at the airport (Length + width + height: up to 51 inches / 130 cm). So this leather garment duffel bag can be used as your carry-on luggage bag.
• ✅PREMIUM MATERIALS: High-quality waterproof PU leather with super fiber makes the garment weekend bag look very stylish and textured. The carry on luggage suit bag has a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap specially designed for long-time journey, business trip and weekend trip.
• ✅SUPER MULTI-FUNCTION BAG: The function of hanging clothes bag + various internal pockets (placed with tie, umbrella, wallet, mobile phone, etc.) + large-capacity travel bag, On the side of the leather garment bag, there is a zip pocket accessible for electronics or travel materials.And the bag has a shoe compartment outside and an adjustable shoulder strap with a soft shoulder rest.

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PRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)

OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 requires textiles-based products to be tested against a list of 1,000+ chemicals, to limit those which may be harmful to human health. Certification focus: #ProductSafety and #ChemicalsUsed.

Product Description

Garment Duffel Bag for Travel

Considerate design.

• Make sure your suit or skirt is wrinkle-free

• It can also be used as a duffel bag for a weekend

• Carry On Garment Bag- Meet travel clothing requirements

• Built-in extra shoes pouch

• A detachable shoulder strap to fit your requirements.

• It can also be used as a backpack, a variety of travel.

Multipurpose Use

• 1.Weekender Bag
• 2.Travel Bag
• 3.Garment Bag
• 4.Carry On Bag

Hidden Shoulder Straps Design

The zipper design helps to store and take out the shoulder strap. Convenient and practical, anytime, anywhere, you can easily change the handbag into a backpack.Hide the straps and use them as a travel bag. Don't worry about cluttered shoulder straps that can't be stowed away.

Videos for this product

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TRAVEL GARMENT BAG. Obsessed!!! Gorgeous bag!!! Full Review

Maribel Hernandez

What you should know about this garment bag from Seyfocnia!

Convertible Travel Garment Bag

Seyfocnia Direct

Garment/duffle bag with trolly is the only bag you need!

Angie’s favorite things

Garment Bag Duffle

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Product details.

• Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ August 4, 2019
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ seyfocnia
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07VZ9VH1J
• #10 in Garment Bags

Customer reviews

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Customers say

Customers like the size, performance, appearance and value of the carrier bag case. For example, they mention it holds a lot of stuff, works well for purpose and looks good. That said some complain about the zipper durability, saying it's substandard and breaks easily. Opinions are mixed on leather, wrinkles and quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the size of the carrier bag case. For example, they mention it has lots of room for their suit, shirts, and other items. Some say it's durable and can hold a full suit and other clothes. Some appreciate the extra pockets and ability to pack additional shoes, toiletries, and more. Overall, most are happy with the size and functionality of the product.

"...It feels very sturdy and has a good weight to it. Plenty of pockets , and a strap for it to hold onto your roller bag...." Read more

"...super dumb when being used as a backpack, but the straps are worth having while traveling . Absolutely love it and highly recommend!!" Read more

"...Has the right number of pockets for my needs: a place to stash shoes while keeping my clothes clean; a fairly large pocket at one end for travel..." Read more

"...allow them to hang their garments, pack away toiletries, safely, store shoes , and either place the bag over the hard sided suitcase or use it as a..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the carrier bag case. They mention that it looks good, is well thought out, and is practical. Customers are also impressed with the canvas fabric and style. They say it's a hanging garment bag that keeps suits and dresses crisp and crease-free.

"...Arrived quickly, beautiful bag , would purchase again." Read more

"...I've been very satisfied with the appearance , the quality and the amount it can hold...." Read more

"Positives: Size is adequate. Nice looking . Good pockets.Negatives : Tore where the handle meets the bag on the second business trip...." Read more

"This travel bag is gorgeous . Easily held a full suit, then a long winter top coat inside, when assembled as a bag...." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the carrier bag case. They say it has great quality for the price and is able to save money by only having two carry-on bags. Some customers also mention that the material is definitely budget level.

"...even if it just saves me a little room in my checked bag, it’s worth the price and then some. Arrived quickly, beautiful bag, would purchase again." Read more

"...But satisfied with the purchase for the price ." Read more

" Great for price point " Read more

"This bag is good quality for the price . Nice stitching and a relaxed leather feel...." Read more

Customers like the performance of the carrier bag case. They say it works well for its purpose, performs better than expected, and has excellent compartments. Some mention that the bag is stylish and functional as a carry on. Overall, most are satisfied with the performance and functionality of the product.

"...The product worked great , but can only handle one suit and a shirt. It cannot hold more than 2 pieces of hanger clothing, in my opinion...." Read more

"I really like it and it performs great ...." Read more

"Packed a suit and wedding dress to carry on the plane. Worked well . A little hard to zip the side panels, but glad I purchased." Read more

"...purchased this bag for a wedding trip, and overall, it served its purpose quite well ...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the carrier bag case. Some mention it's pretty good quality, the construction of the product is sturdy, and the zippers held up even with a bit of stuffing. However, others say that it'd not sturdy material, the bag came with wear and tear on the bottom, and that the PU leather is peeling and cracking at about 8 different points.

"For the price, this does not feel cheaply made AT ALL. It feels very sturdy and has a good weight to it...." Read more

"...I've been very satisfied with the appearance, the quality and the amount it can hold...." Read more

"...Zippers don't meet well at the top of the bag. Not sturdy material .UPDATE: The company contacted me and chose to refund my purchase...." Read more

"...that will allow them to hang their garments, pack away toiletries, safely , store shoes, and either place the bag over the hard sided suitcase or use..." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the wrinkles in the carrier bag case. Some mention that the clothes remained wrinkle free in the garment section and there was plenty of room, while others say that they get wrinkled.

"...I'm 6'4 and wider than average. No wrinkles when unpacked ! It can be a hassle zipping it up the 1st couple of times." Read more

"...It did not stop wrinkling , as I had to get the suit steamed when I got to the hotel...." Read more

"...into a hanging garment bag, keeping my suits and dresses crisp and crease-free . No more arriving looking like I slept in my clothes!..." Read more

"...Despite the slight wrinkle issue , the overall convenience and efficiency of this product make it a solid choice for short trips...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the leather. Some mention that it looks nice for a synthetic leather, while others say that it's very thin and not as good as real leather.

"...The material not as good but per the price i think it’s a good buy...." Read more

"I use this often. Great bag. Feels synthetic , expected for the price, but is pretty sturdy. I’ve used this bag a lot. No real complaints." Read more

"Well designed bag. And it isn't leather . Decided to keep it anyway." Read more

"...It’s very stylish too with a leather look and feel . The handles and straps are sturdy and feel like quality material...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the zipper durability of the carrier bag case. They mention that the zippers are substandard, seperate out, and break easily. The stitching near the zipper was popped and the zipper is poorly made. The zippers don't stay closed well, and the stitching is popped. There is a gap between the end zippers that create the duffel shape. Customers also mention that there was a minor defect on the zipper locks.

"...The reason I say it's not 100% perfect is because I wish it zipped up completely instead of three different sections, but realistically that's only..." Read more

"...is that the way the zippers are configured, there is a gap between the end zippers that create the duffel shape and the long zipper on top that..." Read more

"... Zippers don't meet well at the top of the bag. Not sturdy material.UPDATE: The company contacted me and chose to refund my purchase...." Read more

"...Some tend to snag and misalign, so the zippers may need to be professionally replaced over time...." Read more

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