There’s 1 clear-favorite brand when it comes to these travel experts’ carry-on recs

Written by Elizabeth Fuhrman
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There’s 1 clear-favorite brand when it comes to these travel experts’ carry-on recs

Nothing ruins a travel day like bad luggage, and if you’re a frequent traveler who prefers to travel light, having a reliable carry-on is a top priority.  

A great carry-on should be durable, spacious, and fit easily in overhead bins, but with so many choices available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming (especially since a suitcase can be a bit of an investment). 

But who better to know a good suitcase than a travel expert whose job is, quite literally, to travel? We turned to a pilot, flight attendant, travel blogger, and other travel pros to recommend six of the best carry-on suitcases to buy for your next trip.

Travel experts’ top picks for best carry-on

Best carry-on for U.S. travel: Monos Carry-On Plus, $295: A lightweight, dent-resistant carry-on designed for frequent travel

$295 Monos

Best carry-on for international travel:AWAY The Carry-On, from $275: Much-loved go-to that’s as reliable as it is stylish

$275 Away Travel

Best carry-on for frequent travelers: Tumi Continental Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On, from $1,095: Made-to-last investment carry-on with lots of bells and whistles

$1095 Tumi

Best expandable carry-on:AWAY The Carry-On Flex, from $325: Away’s classic carry-on gets some breathing room for vacation shopping

$325 Away Travel

Best luxury carry-on:RIMOWA Classic Cabin Aluminum Carry-On Suitcase, $1,650: An investment for frequent travelers, it’s as chic as it is smart

$1650 Rimowa

Best soft-sided carry-on: TravelPro Elite 22-inch Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard, $391: A midpriced, easygoing pick for travelers who are team softside

$391 Amazon

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Best for U.S. travel: Monos Carry-On Plus, $295 at Monos

The best carry-on suitcase I’ve found so far is the Carry-On Plus from Monos,” says Airbus pilot Fiona Morrison says. “I take advantage of my flight benefits, and I always bring this bag with me. Whether I’m flying in the U.S. or internationally, I can pack plenty inside, and it fits in every overhead bin.”

Its dent-resistant polycarbonate shell is lightweight yet durable, making it a reliable option for frequent flyers who need luggage that can stand up to regular, heavy use. 

Plus, since it’s made with carry-on size requirements for major U.S. airlines in mind, this suitcase helps travelers avoid the hassle of last-minute gate checks.

$295 at Monos

he Carry-On Plus from Monos is a great option if you want extra packing space without checking a bag. It’s designed to fit airline carry-on sizers and overhead bins on major U.S. airlines, so you can pack more without worrying at the gate. 

The polycarbonate shell feels sturdy and dent-resistant, making it a solid choice for frequent travel. Features like whisper-quiet wheels, a telescopic handle, and a TSA-accepted lock make getting through the airport easier.

Pros

  • ✓ Lightweight, dent-resistant polycarbonate shell that holds up to frequent travel
  • ✓ Smooth, quiet wheels and a sturdy handle make airport navigation easy
  • ✓ Interior pockets for extra space and organization

Cons

  • ✕ No exterior pockets for travelers who want quick access to essentials
  • ✕ The rigid hard shell offers less flexibility when packing

Best carry-on for international travel: AWAY The Carry-On

Typically, I tend to prefer hardside luggage because I feel like it protects my items a lot better,” says Steve Schwab, who keeps on the go thanks to his roles as a travel expert and CEO of vacation rental website Casago. “I really like the brand Away for luggage, and I would definitely recommend The Carry-On suitcase. I’ve been using this carry-on for a while now, and it’s been great. It’s surprisingly lightweight, rolls easily, and feels super durable.”

Long a favorite suitcase brand of travel experts, bloggers, Instagrammers, and travelers, Away’s looks have definitely not faded over the years: A now-instantly-recognizable streamlined shape and seasonal color palettes mean this smooth-gliding carry-on suitcase is smooth-looking, too.

$275 at AWAY

If you’re looking for a simple, no-nonsense suitcase that holds up, The Carry-On from Away is your answer. It’s lightweight but feels sturdy, with a hard shell you won’t worry about tossing into overhead bins or rolling through busy airports. 

The suitcase moves smoothly and is easy to maneuver, even when fully packed. Plus, it features a durable hardshell exterior and a great interior compression system to help maximize packing space and keep everything organized.

All in all, the Away carry-on is a dependable option for travelers who want stylish, durable luggage that holds up trip after trip.

Pros

  • ✓ Durable hardshell exterior protects items during travel
  • ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver, even when fully packed
  • ✓ Interior compression system helps maximize packing space

Cons

  • ✕ No exterior pockets for quick access to items
  • ✕ Hard shell can show scuffs over time, especially with frequent use
  • ✕ Hard shell offers less flexibility when packing

Best carry-on for frequent travelers: Tumi Continental Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-On, from $1,095 at Tumi

“It’s incredibly high quality and has tons of pockets, zippers, and dividers for maximum organization,” traveler expert and flight attendant Ally Case says of the Tumi Continental Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry On. 

Tumi’s suitcase features a zippered expansion for a little bonus room as well as several zippered pockets, making it the perfect option for quick getaways or extended trips that require some extra room and organization.

Tumi’s Continental carry-on also has a TSA-approved dual combination lock for added security and a built-in USB-C charging port to keep devices powered on the go. Plus, with its blend of FXT® ballistic nylon and polycarbonate construction, this carry-on is a highly durable bag that will last you years. 

$1,095 at Tumi

If staying organized while you travel is a top priority, the Continental Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry-On from TUMI is hard to beat. This bag is packed with pockets, zippers, and dividers that make it easy to keep everything in its place during short or extended trips. The expandable zipper gives you almost two inches of extra space, while the TSA-approved dual combination lock adds security you can count on. A built-in USB-C charging port is a thoughtful touch for busy travel days, and the durable FXT® ballistic nylon construction is made to last.

Pros

  • ✓ Tons of pockets, dividers, and zippers for easy organization
  • ✓ Expandable design adds extra packing space when needed
  • ✓ Built-in USB-C charging port and TSA-approved lock  

Cons

  • ✕ Above-average price point for a carry-on bag 
  • ✕ Extra features and expansion can make the bag feel heavier when fully packed
  • ✕ The exterior includes fabric elements for flexibility and storage, which may feel less protective than a full hard shell

Best expandable carry-on: AWAY The Carry-On Flex

As a luxury travel adviser who spends a quarter of the year on the road, my go-to carry-on is Away’s The Carry-On Flex,” says Jen Perrone, founder and lead travel designer at Jen Perrone Travel, a boutique travel agency based in Washington DC.

Perrone says she loves the Away Carry-On Flex for truly living up to its name: “I am a die-hard carry-on traveler, but I also love picking up souvenirs along the way. I always pack an extra foldable duffle inside my Away Carry On Flex so I can avoid checking a bag on the way out.I'm not willing to risk starting a trip without my luggage! Then, I can expand the Carry On Flex and check it on the return.”

So far, her system’s worked. “Between the expansion feature and my extra duffel, I always have plenty of room for shopping or souvenirs, she says.”I recently used this trick for three different two-and-a-half week trips in Morocco, Thailand, and Japan where I also did some serious shopping, and it worked perfectly.

$325 at AWAY

It’s no surprise the third and final suitcase in Away’s line of carry-ons got a shoutout: The brand’s suitcases are universally known for being stylish, durable, and well designed. This edition’s expandable capacity is perfect for frequent travelers who want a bit more wiggle room for packing but also want a hardside case protecting their belongings.

Pros

  • ✓ 100% polycarbonate hardshell stands up to rough handling
  • ✓ Great wheels for easy, quiet maneuvering
  • ✓ Great interior organization with a compression system and mesh pocket

Cons

  • ✕ Stylish exterior is prone to scuffs
  • ✕ Relatively heavy compared to other carry-ons at 7.4 pounds
  • ✕ If you fully expand it, it could surpass airlines’ size restrictions

Best luxury carry-on: RIMOWA Classic Cabin Aluminum Carry-On Suitcase

LaDell Carter, founder and lead luxury lifestyle travel designer at Royal Expression Travels says this chic Rimowa Classic Cabin carry-on is her “ride or die carry-on—and has been for years,” 

“The aluminum shell is incredibly durable and only gets better with wear, which matters when you travel as often as I do,” Carter says. 

What really sets Rimowa’s carry-on apart in supporting her frequent travel schedule is its structure and how it moves. 

“It glides effortlessly, feels architectural rather than bulky, and the interior dividers function more like a garment valet than traditional luggage. It belongs just as much on a private jet tarmac as it does weaving through cobblestone streets in Europe.”

$1,600 at RIMOWA

TSA-approved locks? Flex dividers? A smooth, telescopic handle? The Rimowa Classic Cabin checks all the boxes, and then some. Designed for shorter trips (around three to four days), this aluminum carry-on is built to glide effortlessly, thanks to the brand’s signature Multiwheel system. 

Inside, adjustable flex dividers keep everything neatly in place, while the stage-free telescopic handle lets you find the perfect height on the go. The cherry on top? Leather handles give this suitcase an elevated look that make every trip feel like a first-class experience.

Pros

  • ✓ Durable aluminum shell keeps your items safe and holds up better than soft-sided carry-ons
  • ✓ Refined interior organization system
  • ✓ Multiwheel system effortlessly glides, making navigating airports and city streets smooth

Cons

  • ✕ Above-average price point for a carry-on
  • ✕ Aluminum shell can show dents and scuffs over time
  • ✕ Heavier than soft-sided carry-ons

Best soft-sided carry-on: TravelPro Elite 22-inch Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard, from $460 at Amazon

Case “swears by” Travelpro’s luggage: It’s been her brand to trust professionally for more than half a decade. 

“I've used the same two-wheel TravelPro Rollaboard carry-on for seven years, and it still looks and works perfectly,” she says. “And that bag has gone through a lot! I’ve dragged up and down cobblestone streets in Europe, hauled it through snow-filled streets in Chicago, weathered it in monsoons, yanked it up staircases, and hoisted it up and down mountains.”

$460 at Amazon

While she uses the airline-crew-specific edition of the bag, us civilians can snag this similar one she recommended for ourselves. Business travelers might find the built-in, fold-out suiter compartment handy for minimizing wrinkles on their big-meeting-day suit. Shop a little too much? It’s expandable up to two more inches, and it comes with a TSA-compliant removeable wetbag for extra organization, too. 

Plus, it’s backed by Travelpro’s Built for a Lifetime limited warranty, which covers defects on major components.

Pros

  • ✓ Super durable construction that holds up over time  
  • ✓ Smooth wheels for easy navigation 
  • ✓ It’s roomy for a carry-on and has plenty of compartments inside

Cons

  • ✕ Might be oversize for carry-on limits if fully expanded
  • ✕ Some people might not like the interior’s compartments if they use packing cubes 
  • ✕ No included USB phone bank for the suitcase’s external storage spot  

Expert Spotlight

Airbus pilot Fiona Morrison talks about all things air travel to her Instagram following of more than 44,000 followers at @pilotfiona. She’s also a certified flight instructor with a gold seal, is type-rated in the E175/190 and can instruct in single and multi-engine airplanes.

Steve Schwab is a travel expert and CEO of vacation rental website Casago. Based out of Scottsdale, Arizona, the home-rental company covers 54 markets with more than 7,000 properties in the U.S., as well as in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica.

Jen Perrone is the founder and lead travel designer at Jen Perrone Travel, a boutique travel agency based in Washington, D.C. She loves great design and a good view when she travels.

Ally Case is a flight attendant and founder of Uppercase Media, a social media marketing team dedicated to reaching your marketing goals. Case took her personal social media presence as a travel and lifestyle creator and applied it to her clients. Uppercase Media specializes in connecting small and large brands with like-minded influencers to create brand awareness through organic content and strategies.

Sandy Colombo is the owner of Aussie2Italia, a wholesale travel business that specializes in taking Australians to Italy. She sees herself as more of a “travel coach” than a “travel agent” for her clients.

LaDell Carter is the founder and lead luxury lifestyle travel designer at Royal Expression Travels. As a child, Carter took on family vacation planning on her own and fell in love. Now, at Royal Expression Travels, she specializes in organizing luxurious, unique experiences for her clients.

FAQ

Most airlines set carry-on size limits around 22 by 14 by 9 inches (56 by 35 by 23 centimeters) to fit in overhead bins. Always check your specific airline’s size rules before buying, because some budget carriers have stricter limits.

Hard-shell and soft-sided luggage both have their benefits. Check in with your travel needs to find your preference: 

  • Hard-shell carry-ons offer better protection for fragile items and are easier to wipe clean 
  • Soft-sided bags can be lighter and also more flexible for squeezing into tight spaces

Key features that people look for in a carry-on include:

  • Durable but lightweight materials (polycarbonate, ballistic nylon)
  • Spinner wheels for a nice easy glide 
  • Adjustable telescopic handle with a comfy grip for long days
  • Organized interiors with compartments and straps

TSA-approved locks for security

Expandable carry-ons add a few liters of space when needed, which is great for souvenirs or longer trips — but take a measurement after you pack: Expanding the bag often pushes its dimensions past airline carry-on size limits.

There’s no answer to how heavy a charry-on suitcase should be, unless you look it up for the airline you fly. Generally speaking, the lighter the carry-on, the more packing room you have, which is nice in an era of ever-tightening carry-on allowances (it’ll also be easier to lift into an overhead compartment). Look for soft-sided bags and lightweight polycarbonate to save on the scale.

Whether your bag has two wheels or four wheels is largely a matter of preference. However, you’ll be able to navigate in the airport and train station more easily since your motion is more fluid and you can take corners more sharply than two fixed wheels. Although two-wheeled bags can be better on bumpy surfaces, you can always simply tilt your four-wheeled bag forward as a quick fix. Plus, two-wheeled bags need to be dragged behind you, whereas you can walk with a four-wheeled bag beside you, keeping an eye on it the whole time.

Always verify the exact dimensions including wheels and handles against your airline’s stated carry-on limits. What fits on one airline might be too large for a stricter carrier, so checking the suitcase you want against your usual carrier’s policies (and then again before you leave home) can help avoid unexpected gate checking or fees.
  • We only spoke to qualified expert travel experts to recommend products for this article. 
  • All recommendations from the featured travel experts are independently chosen. They don’t have any brand affiliation with featured brands or products.
  • We never pay experts for their recommendations.

If These Walls Could Talk” operates independently and exercises sole editorial discretion in all content decisions. While certain brands, products, or services referenced may have current or prior relationships with our affiliated marketing agency, such relationships do not influence our editorial content. We disclaim any liability for conflicts of interest, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on our content. All information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional or individualized advice.

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