Choosing the best carry-on luggage for international travel can make the difference between a stressful flight and a relaxing one. It’s important to ensure you have a bag that meets your airline’s strict size and weight regulations to avoid any unnecessary panicking and fees at the airport, but don’t worry as we’ve got you covered.
Quick Takeaway: Decide what sort of carry-on bag will suit you best, whether that’s lightweight carry-on luggage perfect for city sightseeing, or a more rigid suitcase with wheels which is better suited to business trips.
With this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you choose the best carry-on suitcase for international travel so it’s one less thing for you to worry about when planning your trip.
Read More: Want to know what to pack, to make your flight as enjoyable as possible? Check out our guide to the best carry-on packing list for international travel.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Carry-On Luggage for International Travel
Some of the key things to consider when choosing your carry-on luggage include:
Size and weight restrictions for international flights
To save yourself from any unpleasant surprises when boarding, you’ll need to ensure your carry-on meets the specific dimensions and weight limits imposed by the airline you’ll be flying with.
The industry standard for carry-on bags is 55cm x 35cm 20cm (22” x 14” x 9”) but this can vary depending on the airline and what ticket you have (first-class and business will usually have a bigger allowance than an economy ticket).
Below we’ve listed the sizes and weights for some of the most popular airlines worldwide to help you choose the right luggage for you.
Carry-On Luggage Size for International Flights (in Alphabetical Order)
Please note: the below sizes and weights are for a standard/economy class ticket.
*The American carriers don’t specify any weight restrictions other than that you are able to carry your luggage without a struggle.
Quality of Material and Durability
If you’re a frequent flyer then you’ll want to consider the most durable carry-on luggage to keep your things safe from the inevitable bumps and scrapes. Suitcases with a hard shell are preferable to small backpacks when it comes to durability.
The two main choices are between hard shell and soft shell suitcases. The former are usually made from strong plastic or polycarbonate, though some higher-end cases can have a steel finish for extra durability.
Soft shell cases are made from polyester and are shower-proof, as well as being slightly lighter than hard shell cases.
Wheels and Maneuverability
Selecting carry-on luggage with wheels is a great way to ensure you can get around with ease. Most rigid suitcases and some larger backpacks come with either two or four wheels, which makes navigating airports a lot easier.
If you’re concerned about the weight of your luggage, then opting for a bag with wheels makes a lot of sense.
Compartments and Organisational Features
For business travellers, bloggers, vloggers and those wanting to stay connected, choosing a bag with a laptop compartment is important. Pockets are also helpful for keeping useful items close to hand, and a small backpack is a great option as these usually come with inside and outside pockets.
Security Features
It’s important to ensure your baggage is secure, and a hard shell suitcase is the best option for safety-conscious travellers. Some bags come with TSA-approved locks, so if you frequently travel to or from the States, this is something to consider.
If the case doesn’t come with a built-in lock, then check to ensure the zips are capable of handling a standalone padlock. Hard shell cases are more secure than soft shells, so this is also something to think about when selecting your carry-on bag.
Best Carry-On Suitcases
Below you’ll find a selection of the best carry-on luggage for international travel from high-end to more budget-friendly options.
July Carry-On Pro SnapSleeve
The July Carry-On Pro is a great all-rounder that’s durable thanks to its toughened polycarbonate shell, stylish leather finish, and plenty of useful features from an in-built USB slot to its water-resistant and stain proof lining.
Pros:
- Polycarbonate shell
- SnapSleeve Outer zip pockets
- Comes with a TSA-approved lock
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- One of the heavier cases on the market (3.9 kg / 8.6 lbs)
- Comes with a higher-end price tag
Samsonite Roader Duffle Bag
Samsonite is one of the top brands when it comes to sustainable luggage and is famed for its quality products. The Roader Duffle Bag measures 55cm x 35cm x 20cm so is well within the designated size guide for most major airlines.
Pros:
- 5-Year guarantee
- Combi TSA lock
- Comes with wheels for easy transportation
Cons:
- Bulky (will fit in overhead locker but not under seat)
- Soft outer shell
- Weighs 2.2kg (4.9lbs)
Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner
If you’re looking for a great budget option, then we think the Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner is the best carry-on suitcase for international travel. It’s light, durable, comes with wheels and fits the carry-on dimensions of all the major airlines making this a real winner.
Pros:
- Scratch-resistant hard shell
- Excellent budget option
- Expandable (25% extra capacity)
Cons:
- A little on the heavy side - weighs 3.1kg (6.8lbs)
Best Lightweight Carry-On Luggage
Samsonite Pro DLX 6
This stylish backpack measures 45cm x 35cm x 20cm and can be used as cabin luggage with 67 different airlines. It’s an excellent option for those always on the go as it is lightweight and durable.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight (1.3kg / 2.9lbs)
- Can store under seat
- Built-in USB
Cons:
- High-end price tag
- Less packing space than a rigid suitcase
July Carry-On Light
The sleek July Carry-On Light is one of the best carry-on suitcases for international travel thanks to its lightweight, yet durable design. The Carry-On Light is made from aerospace-grade polycarbonate perfect for protecting your luggage.
Pros:
- Ultra-light at just 1.8kg (4lbs)
- TSA-approved locking system
- Four SIlentMove wheels
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Less room than other options
- Not the cheapest
Avio Glide Lightweight Cabin Suitcase
The Avio Glide Lightweight is an excellent budget option for a lighter suitcase that won’t break the bank. This stylish piece of kit comes with four wheels for easy transportation, internal pockets and a built-in combination lock for security.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet durable
- Four wheels
- Water-resistant lining
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Lock not TSA-approved
- May not last as as more expensive options
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Best Carry-On Luggage with Wheels
Frequent flyers will want to consider carry-on luggage with wheels as this makes it a lot easier to navigate airports and long walks to the gate, transfers and getting to and from the airport.
Smaller suitcases tend to have two wheels, and the ones at the larger end come with four wheels for better weight distribution.
Samsonite Neopulse Spinner
This top-of-the-range Samsonite case comes with quiet, spring-loaded and shock-absorbing wheels for the ultimate smooth ride. There is an outside pocket for easy access, an in-built locking system and is finished with a stylish matte and fabric surface.
Pros:
- Comes with shock-absorbing wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock included
- Two different size options (both meet cabin luggage guidelines)
Cons:
- Not ultra-lightweight
- Pricey
Away The Carry On
This sleek suitcase from Away comes with premium 360-degree smooth-gliding wheels for excellent manoeuvrability. It also comes with a TSA-approved combination lock, a water-resistant laundry bag, handy mesh pockets for optimum storage, and is made with a lightweight polycarbonate shell.
Pros:
- Comes with 360-degree smooth-gliding wheels
- TSA-approved combination lock included
- Includes a leather luggage tag for easy identification
Cons:
- One of the heavier options at 3.4 kg (7.5lbs)
- Premium price tag
Best Durable Carry-On Luggage
If you frequently travel with a lot of gadgets such as a laptop, camera, drone or tablet then you’ll want to ensure their safety by opting for a durable, hard shell case with a good lock. Below are a couple of our top choices when it comes to the most durable carry-on luggage.
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner
The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner combines durability with a lightweight design. It comes with a hard outer shell, four 360-degree dual spinner wheels, an in-built combination lock, and a sleek design.
Pros:
- Ultra-strong shell for maximum protection
- TSA-approved combination lock included
- Expandable for optimal space
- Reasonable price for a top brand
Cons:
- Small size
Kono Fashion Hard Shell
The Kono Fashion Hard Shell is an excellent budget suitcase that comes with everything you need including 360-degree spinner wheels, a telescopic handle, TSA-approved combination lock, and is built using durable ABS material.
Pros:
- Excellent budget option
- Lightweight and scratch-resistant
- 360-degree spinner wheels
Cons:
- Small size
- Shorter shelf life than premium brands
Tips for Choosing the Right Carry-On Luggage
When choosing your carry-on luggage it’s important to consider the way you travel as this will have an impact on the type of luggage that’s most suitable.
If you’re a business traveller or someone who takes regular city breaks, then a rigid, four-wheeled case is the perfect option. You’ll be able to transport your luggage to and from the airport easily and with a good level of protection from bumps and scrapes.
For more adventurous travellers a lightweight case or small backpack will better suit your needs and will allow you to get off the beaten track with ease.
Always pay attention to the size guides from airlines you travel regularly with to ensure your luggage meets the requirements for cabin baggage.
Conclusion
Choosing the best carry-on luggage for international travel is important and there are lots of things to consider such as lightweight or more durable, carry-on luggage with wheels, and of course the right size. With all the options we’ve covered, the only question left is where to go!
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