Best Carry On Luggage 2022 – 10 Travel Expert Picks

Are you looking for the best carry-on luggage for your next trip?  If you’re like most travelers, you want a piece of luggage that is lightweight, durable, and spacious and has the ideal carry on dimensions for your travel style. You also want something that will make your life easier while traveling.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best carry-on luggage for 2022. Make your travel experience easier with one of these top-rated carry-ons. With plenty of space and features that make packing a breeze, you won’t regret your purchase.

How to Choose the Best Carry On Bag

When you are looking for the best carry on bag for your needs there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, consider the type of traveler you are. If you are someone who likes to pack light then a smaller bag might be best. However, if you like to pack for every eventuality then a larger bag might be a better option.

The second thing to consider is the features you need in a bag. For example, if you are someone who travels with a lot of electronics then you might want to look for a bag with a built-in charger. Alternatively, if you are looking for a bag that will be easy to carry then wheels and a telescoping handle might be important features for you.

The third thing to keep in mind is the price. Carry-on bags can range in price from around $30 to $300. It is important to find a bag that fits within your budget.

Finally, consider the brand. There are many different brands of carry-on luggage on the market. Some brands are better known for their durability while others are better known for their style. It is important to find a brand that you trust to provide a high-quality product.

10 Best Carry On Luggage Choices in 2022

Now that you know how to choose the best carry-on bag for your needs, it’s time to take a look at some of the best options on the market.

1. Samsonite Omni PC Expandable Hardside Carry On Luggage

 The Samsonite Omni PC is excellent hard-side luggage for frequent flyers. This international carry on suitcase has a micro-diamond polycarbonate texture that looks great and is also highly scratch-resistant, making it perfect for frequent fliers. 

 In terms of security, this 6.81 pound carry on has a side-mounted TSA-approved lock. This means that only you and TSA officers can access its content, deterring the chances of theft. 

Another notable feature of this bag is its oversized spinner wheels. It has four wheels that swivel in multiple directions, allowing effortless mobility. 

This carry-on suitcase comes with a lot of storage. Despite its compact dimensions (22″ x 15″ x 9.5″), it can accommodate a week’s worth of clothing.

 It might not be the most affordable carry on suitcase but it comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Since it’s one of the most established luggage brands in the market, you can expect to get good quality after-sale services. 

 We think given all its features and benefits, the price tag is reasonable.

2. Travelpro 21-inch Maxlite 5 Expandable Softside Spinner Carry On Luggage

There are several reasons why the 21-inch Maxlite 5 is part of this list of the best carry-on luggage. 

First, it is a lightweight carry on luggage version compared to the Maxlite 5. However, despite being lightweight, it is made with durable material, allowing it to withstand wear and tear for a long time. 

 Secondly, this international carry on luggage is expandable to up to 2 inches. This can be really helpful, especially if you add some souvenirs to your luggage during return trips. 

This carry on luggage also features 4 wheels. The wheels can rotate 360 degrees for seamless rolling. It also has a sturdy telescopic handle that has two length options; 38 inches and 42.5 inches.

 Lastly, it comes with an exterior pocket with easy access. The compartment is also quite large, so you can put clothes and other items that won’t fit in the main packing space. 

Soft suitcases tend to be usually frowned upon because they do not offer protection to fragile items. But, this one is structurally sound and it has padding for extra protection. We think this piece is proof that sometimes soft shell luggage can be a good alternative to hardside luggage.

3. Kenneth Cole Reaction Madison 20-Inch Square Hardshell Carry On Luggage

 This stylish carry on is more than just a fashion statement. It is also highly functional and durable, making it one of the best carry on luggage. 

 This wheel bags carry on features 8 wheel spinners. Each wheel can rotate for 360, allowing seamless and convenient navigation inside and outside the airport. 

 Another great feature of this hard shell luggage is that it is expandable. It expands up to 2 more inches for more room and carrying capacity. 

 Moreover, what makes this carry on luggage durable is its ABS exterior which features a beautiful chevron pattern. Meanwhile, on the inside, it has a tear-resistant interior lining. 

 You will also appreciate the interior of this carry on bag has a zippered mesh pocket and shoe pockets. This makes organizing the content much easier. 

4. Briggs & Riley Baseline Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage

 The Briggs & Riley carry on is a premium quality softside carry on luggage that features smooth wheels and a spacious interior with a built-in compression packing system. 

This carry on bag is expandable up to 2.5 inches, giving you 25% more room for you to pack your clothes. The interior also has several; comparts to make it easy to organize your items. To ensure that they don’t move around while you are on the go, you can secure the content using its garment compression tie down straps. 

 Aside from that, this carry on also includes a TSA lock. Together with its double lock zippered pockets that can deter thieves from trying to sell the contents of your bag. 

 In addition, this carry on luggage comes with a lifetime warranty which is mostly why it’s top-rated in many luggage reviews. This means that if your bag ever gets damaged, whether it’s by you or the airline, the brand will repair it for you for free. 

5. TravelPro Platinum Elite 19-inch Softside Expandable Carry on

 The TravelPro Platinum Elite is featured in many luggage reviews for good reasons. 

 Its four wheels are equipped with the Precision GLide system that has self-aligning, Magnatrac 360-degree spinner wheels. This is paired with an adjustable PoweScope handle with contoured grip, for easy and comfortable rolling. 

 This carry on luggage also features a deluxe interior tie down system. This has accessory pockets built-in for easy access to essentials. 

However, what makes the TravelPro Platinum Elite different from others is that it has an external USB port. It also comes with a dedicated power bank pocket which means you can charge your gadget conveniently at the airport. 

Take note that the powerbank is not included when you buy this carry on bag. 

6. DELSEY Paris Chatelet 19-inch Hardside Luggage

DELSEY is one of the most popular luggage brands in the market. This is why it’s understandable if you have high expectations for it. Luckily, you won’t be disappointed with its Paris Chatelet 19-inch hard shell model, which can easily fit in an overhead bin. 

One of the reasons why it’s always featured in many best carry on luggage lists is that it is a stylish carry on bag. It has a sleek design with faux leather accents, making it look classy. There are also several color options for you to choose from to fit your aesthetics. 

This carry on luggage is made with a 100% polycarbonate shell. This is a lightweight material yet extremely durable. It also features a 3-dial TSA-approved security lock to prevent theft. 

Overall, it’s a high-quality carry on luggage with many excellent features and checks all the boxes.

7. TUMI Alpha 3 Satchel Duffel Bag Carry On

The TUMI Alpha 3 Satchel is a stylish carry on bag made with very durable materials. FXT ballistic is its hard wearing nylon exterior. Meanwhile, its dual-coil zipper has a break away design, making it one of the most durable carry on luggage in the market. 

This carry on is 13 inches deep. This is enough to fit a weekend’s worth of clothes for light travelers. However, even if it’s spacious, it’s compact enough to fit into aircraft overhead bins and tight airplane aisles comfortably. But, you can also use it as underseat luggage.

Moreover, this carry on luggage also has internal pockets. This will allow you to organize the content easily even if you don’t use packing cubes.

 Another selling point of this back is its front U-zip pocket. You can use it to store your passport, documents, or anything that requires quick and easy access. 

All in all, this is a good investment because it’s one of the most durable carry on and it’s very stylish. It’s a favorite for frequent travelers.

8. LEVEL8 20-inch Grace EXT Carry On

 The LEVEL8 Grace EXT carry has a unique design. It is a hard shell suitcase but it has a U-shape zipper for easy access to a laptop compartment. Meanwhile, its main compartment can be expanded for added packing capacity. 

 Looking at this carry on luggage, you will immediately notice its sleek design. It looks bulky but it is a lightweight carry-on suitcase. It’s made with premium ABS material and has a 3 layer micro-diamond texture surface that is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. 

In addition, this carry-on spinner is extra smooth, thanks to its rubber coating and 360-degree luggage wheels. It’s also equipped with a telescopic handle made with aluminum for effortless maneuverability. 

 Another noteworthy feature of this carry-on suitcase is its spacious interior. It is equipped with dividers and cross straps for easy and secure packing. It also has several pockets, allowing you to organize your things effortlessly. 

9. Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Softside Chevron Expandable Carry On

 At first glance, this carry-on luggage looks like a tote bag or an underseat carry-on. However, it’s a carry-on spinner with a push-button telescopic handle. But, its carry-on luggage dimensions are enough to fit some airplanes. 

 A remarkable feature of this carry-on suitcase is its smooth wheels. It has four multi-directional spinners that offer weightless maneuvering. 

 This carry-on also has plenty of exterior pockets, which many frequent flyers will love. There is even one specifically designed for tablets. 

 Meanwhile, the interior is quite spacious, enough to fit a weekend’s worth of clothes, even if it’s a small carry-on bag. It also has a shoe compartment and garment restraint straps. 

 10. Samsonite Spinner with USB Port Carry On

Here’s another underseat carry on that’s worth considering. Like the first one on this list, there are many reasons why it’s considered one of the best carry-on luggage. 

The first reason why it’s a preferred carry on bag is its compact design. It can easily fit in overhead bins. At the same time, it can also fit under the seat on aircrafts.

 Its main compartment has a padded pocket specifically for laptops that are up to 13 inches. Plus, this interior pocket has an elastic band that keeps the laptop secure. 

 It also has a USB port that makes it easier for you to charge even when you are on the go. However, the rechargeable batteries for this USB port are not included in your purchase of this carry on luggage.

What Is the Best Size For Carry-On Bags?

The answer to this question will depend on the airline you are flying with. However, the general guideline is that your carry-on bag should be able to fit in the overhead bin.

The best way to know for sure is to check the airline’s website before you travel. They will have specific dimensions listed for carry-on luggage. For domestic U.S. flights looking at suitcases sized 22 by 14 by 9 inches is a good guideline. For international flights opt for a bag that is 21 inches or less.

What Is the Best Brand of Carry On Luggage?

There are many great brands that make carry-on luggage. However, some brands are better known for their high-quality products. These brands include Samsonite, Travelpro, and Osprey.

Is a Carry-On Backpack A Good Choice?

A carry-on backpack is a great choice for many travelers. One reason to choose a backpack is that they are very versatile. You can easily use them as a daypack when you are exploring your destination. However, we prefer four-wheel bags, especially hard shell suitcases with smooth wheels or wheeled duffels because they are easy on your back an easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

What’s the Best Way To Pack A Carry-On Bag?

The best way to pack a carry-on bag will depend on the type of bag you are using. However, there are some general tips that can help you maximize the space in your bag.

Some of these tips include:

• Use packing cubes to organize your belongings and maximize space

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them

• Place heavier items at the bottom of the bag

• Utilize all pockets, both inside and out

• Don’t forget about the underutilized space in your shoes!

Final Words

There you have it; those are the best carry on luggage pieces worth considering in 2022. Whether you want a hardshell carry on or compact underseat luggage, you will find one that best fits your needs in the list above.