11 best carry-on suitcases perfect for the plane
Whether you're travelling international or interstate, these are the best carry-on suitcases to buy for your next trip - including a luxurious pick that our Senior Shopping Writer Tahnee loves.
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A good carry-on option for the plane is key to making a journey easier and a LOT cheaper (no extra charges for hold luggage? Yes please).
If your current carry-on luggage is looking a little worse for wear, or you just want an option that will work harder for you, we’ve created the perfect guide for you.
Whether you’re looking for hard, soft, affordable, functional, spinner or backpack carry-on options, here’s a list of the best on the market right now - including the "quiet luxury" Carry On from Maison de Sabré that our Senior Shopping Writer, Tahnee, says is "perfect for chronic overpackers" as it offers a "surprisingly large amount of space". There's also one of Samsonite’s carry-on suitcases that comes with a seriously handy feature that our Editor, Hannah, loves.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST CARRY ON SUITCASE OVERALL
The Carry-On Suitcase*, $899 at Maison de Sabré
Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer
Every inch of this Maison de Sabré suitcase beams stunning quiet luxury, and packs a surprisingly large amount of space in such a compact luggage.
It’s designed to pack a week’s worth of items, which is perfect for me as a chronic overpacker. I first tested it on a trip to Sydney last year and it was so easy to fit all the shopping and cute fan-made gifts from a concert I went to, on top of the unnecessary amount of clothes and makeup I brought on holiday.
I’ve since used it as my go-to carry-on or check-in luggage. It’s spacious and has plenty of compartments to keep everything organised, including a pocket to store a 16” laptop for when you don’t want to carry a backpack or tote. Plus, it’s really easy to manoeuvre in all directions and every aspect both looks and feels super high quality. I also just really appreciate the little design details, such as the drop-resistant aluminium guards and the leather on the wheels and handle.
I’m absolutely in love with Maison de Sabré’s The Carry-On Suitcase. It’s the perfect balance between next level style and function.
*provided by Maison de Sabré .
Samsonite Centric Expandable Hardside Carry On Luggage, $289.75 at Amazon Australia
Samsonite Centric Expandable Hardside Carry On Luggage
What You Need To Know
The carry-on suitcase is of appropriate size and weight, offering a scratch-resistant polycarbonate surface. It also promises to be easy to manoeuvre – which is always handy when you’re running through an airport – thanks to the four multi-directional oversized spinner wheels.
In terms of packing capability, this Samsonite offers a full-zip interior divider and cross straps to help you pack and keep your items inside separated – plus there’s an expansion side which allows you to fit even more inside.
Happy customers have said it’s “good value, looks good and is very manoeuverable” and it’s the “perfect product for a weekend away”.
BEST HYBRID CARRY ON SUITCASE
Hybrid Carry On, $484 at Monos
Hybrid Carry On
What You Need To Know
If you're after a carry on suitcase that isn't just a pretty face, look no further than the Hybrid Carry-On from Monos. Designed to combine the desirable features of both an aluminium and polycarbonate suitcase - it is outfitted with a durable polycarbonate shell with hints of Anodized aluminium on the corner guards and frame. As if this suitcase couldn't get any cooler, it is completely zipperless on the outer shell and instead has two TSA-approved locks for maximum security.
It has an adjustable telescoping handle with four height settings, 360° spinner wheels and a top and side handle for easy grabbing. Not to mention, the inside is lined with a soft, antimicrobial lining and it has multiple internal zip pockets and compartments, as well as a built-in removable compression pad with a zipper pocket for flat items.
Five-star reviewers say it's a "travel explorers best companion" and the "best luggage".
BEST HARD CASE CARRY ON SUITCASE
July Carry On
What You Need To Know
The July Carry On features a hard-case shell is supported with aluminium bumpers to reduce shock and damage. For those that aren’t familiar, July is an Australian owned and designed brand that has risen in popularity recently, with reviewers dubbing the Carry On suitcase “chic, light, and compact” and “easy to manoeuvre and highly functional.”
The Carry On offers cool features like an ejectable battery to charge your phone and laptop, a hidden laundry bag, a multi-stop handle and a Y-strap compression system. Plus, you can even personalise the bag by adding your initials or name.
BEST DURABLE CARRY ON SUITCASE
Samsonite Oc2Lite 55cm Spinner Suitcase, $335 at THE ICONIC
Samsonite Oc2Lite 55cm Spinner Suitcase
What You Need To Know
This Samsonite Oc2Lite Spinner Suitcase is worth the splurge featuring a durable hard-case construction and four easy-to-manoeuvre spinner wheels. Packing won’t be an issue as there are plenty of internal zip compartments to help you fit everything you need. The suitcase also offers a handy expandable design, which allows you to increase your packing space.
BEST LUXURY CARRY ON SUITCASE
Samsonite C-LITE Spinner 55cm, $749 at THE ICONIC
Samsonite C-LITE Spinner 55cm
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout editor
When it comes to luggage there’s no doubt Samsonite’s C-LITE range is an investment. But after testing out the C-LITE Spinner 55cm* on a recent four day trip, I can safely say it’s the best suitcase I’ve owned.
While my holiday was a road trip, I can see how this suitcase is designed for plane travel — it’s incredibly lightweight to help you maximise your suitcase weight count (perfect for overpackers like me) and would fit easily into a plane overhead locker.
Inside the suitcase there’s the main section with a narrow pocket that was perfect for storing my earbuds and charging cables, while on the other side was a zippable section that became my dirty clothes storage as the trip wore on.
I would have liked it to have a dedicated compartment for my laptop, but I was still able to secure it safety under the luggage straps in the main compartment. It has rolling double wheels that whizzed easily over multiple surfaces, including gravel as well as a built-in TSA-approved combination lock.
But by far my favourite feature was the USB charging port that you can access through a hidden hole and power from a pouch that held your portable charger to the outside. The feature fixes the all too common problem of your devices running flat while in transit if you don’t have easy access to a power outlet (or an adaptor). While I would have preferred if it was a USB-C port for faster charging, it’s still an incredibly handy feature that I know I will be making good use of on my next overseas trip.
My suitcase is in black but they have a Samsonite C-LITE Spinner 55cm in a Midnight Blue colour that’s super sleek and chic.
BEST SPINNER CARRY ON
American Tourister Light Max Spinner 55cm EXP, $240 at THE ICONIC
American Tourister Light Max Spinner 55cm Expandable
What You Need To Know
This one from American Tourister is designed to have big packing space at a low weight thanks to its ultralight polypropylene technology make and expandable midsection. It offers four 360 degree spinner double wheels for ease of movement and inner zip pockets for organisation.
BEST DUFFLE CARRY ON
The Duffle Bag, $599 at Maison de Sabré
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Deputy Editor
The aptly named ‘The Duffle’ from Maison de Sabré combines the two things I’m looking for in a travel bag: style and practicality. Not only is the all-leather bag a gorgeous pecan brown colour with gold hardware (you can also grab an ultra luxe all black colourway which I was seriously considering), it’s clearly been made with a lot of thought about what a traveller needs in a carry-on bag.
There are six (six!) internal pockets of varying sizes including a dedicated padded laptop sleeve as well as two external pockets, the back one which can be unzipped to create a trolley sleeve so you can easily slide the bag over the handle of your suitcase. This is such a handy detail and when not in use, it works as a convenient outer pocket to stash anything you need to have easy access to.
I’ve used this bag on an interstate plane trip and a weekend getaway road trip and let me tell you, this bag holds a lot more than you think while still being within the size limits for a carry on and easily stowed away in the overhead compartment. With a 35 litre capacity, the bag is super roomy and I can confirm it fits all you need for about a week away: multiple outfits, jackets and shoes, a big skincare and makeup bag as well as all your tech. While The Duffle is an investment, it’s excellent quality and able to withstand all the manhandling that comes with travel and still look brand new. I know it will last me for many more trips to come.
BEST BACKPACK CARRY ON
AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack, $66.98 at Amazon Australia
AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack
What You Need To Know
This carry-on backpack has been hailed the “perfect bag,” as well as a “fantastic carry on” and a “good bag with plenty of room” by Australian reviewers.
The main compartment provides internal and external compression straps, mesh space and more. It also comes with an internal zippered laptop sleeve, making it perfect for work trips, and front pockets to easily access your travel documents mid-flight.
Worried about it hurting your shoulders and back? There’s padded shoulder straps to relieve pressure, plus multiple straps to keep the backpack secured to your body.
Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack, $61.99 at Amazon Australia
Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack
What You Need To Know
With an overwhelming 4000 five-star reviews, it’s safe to say this is a popular choice when it comes to travel backpacks. This one in particular offers a pocket for your laptop, three custom-made storage bags, multiple pockets and hidden shoulder straps. You can also choose between a range of classic colours like black, grey and blue.
BEST AFFORDABLE CARRY ON SUITCASE
Coowoz Large Travel Backpack, from $97.49 at Amazon Australia
Coowoz Large Travel Backpack
What You Need To Know
While it technically isn’t a suitcase, we HAD to include this TikTok-approved backpack – which actually zips open like a suitcase so it counts!
Made from a waterproof polyester material, this highly durable backpack offers two adjustable padded shoulder straps for lightweight carrying and to relieve the pressure on your shoulders. It features three main pockets, one 14-inch laptop compartment and multiple inner and side pockets for any extra bits and bobs.
It has a shoe compartment as well as a wet bag pocket that is specifically for keeping wet clothes and towels separated from your dry items.
Boasting a 4.6 rating with over 16000 five-star ratings, many shoppers have said the backpack is the “ultimate travel companion”.
“Lots of handy compartments, especially the vented shoe bag inside. Fits all your electronics and personal items with great pockets for passports etc,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
Another said: “The spacious interior and multiple compartments allow me to organise my belongings efficiently, while the durable and waterproof material ensures that my items stay safe and dry, even in unpredictable weather conditions.”
Available in a variety of colours and larger sizes, this backpack is a total catch.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A CARRY ON
When buying a carry on, it's important to consider these factors:
- Size: Make sure your carry on is within the size guidelines of the airline. Each airline has a different guideline so make sure to do your research before hitting purchase.
- Weight: Most airlines also have a weight guideline, so if you want to get the most out of packing, make sure it isn't heavy when empty — do your due diligence and check the weight of the suitcase you're eyeing as it will be easier for you to carry and tuck into the overhead compartments and manoeuvre around the airport.
- Storage: Organisation is key when it comes to packing so it's good to look into suitcases with ample packing space and organisational pockets, and maybe even removable laundry bags or even padding or lining to protect your belongings.
- Expandability: If you're a serial overpacker or know you'll be doing a whole lotta souvenir shopping, an expandable suitcase will be your best friend. Expandable suitcases are the best luggage type because they feature a panel that can be unzipped to offer at least 10 per cent extra packing space.
- Durability: Look for a hard-shell suitcase that is made from plastics like ABS or polycarbonate as they're much more durable and able to protection against rain, plus a hard-shell suitcase won't get squished as easily as a soft-shell luggage.
- Handles: Make sure your suitcase has two or more durable handles on each side of your suitcase as they will make lifting your suitcase so much easier when putting it on a weighing scale, taking it off of a luggage carousel and more.
- Wheels: If you want to glide through the airport with ease, a suitcase with smooth rolling wheels is your best option. Unlike suitcases or rolling bags with two wheels, bags with four spinner-wheels won't have you worrying about lugging it at an angle and you can easily wheel it right next to you.
- Brand: Knowing which luggage brands you can trust is important, and many people generally look at July, Samsonite, American Tourister and Antler (just to name a few) as the best luggage brands.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY SHOULD YOU USE CARRY-ON LUGGAGE?
Bringing carry-on luggage instead of checking-in a suitcase can make your flying experience a lot easier and more convenient. But of course, this will only apply to shorter trips where not as much luggage is required.
Choosing to bring carry-on luggage over a checked bag means you’ll save time at the airport as you won’t have to brave the check-in lines.
It also means you have direct access to all your essentials at all times – whether that be your passport, travel documents, medication or toiletries.
WHAT SIZE CARRY-ON IS ALLOWED IN AUSTRALIA?
Most Australian airlines follow the same rule of thumb when it comes to carry-on luggage.
You can take one bag (56cm x 36cm x 23cm), with a maximum weight of seven kilograms.
You also have the choice of taking two carry-on bags (48cm x 34cm x 23xm), or one bag and one soft garment bag.
Keep in mind that when flying overseas, carry-on bag limits aren’t always consistent so it’s best to look at your airline’s policy before packing.
WHAT CAN’T YOU PACK IN CARRY-ON LUGGAGE?
- Dangerous goods
- Weapons
- Sharp items
- Household flammable goods
If you’re interested to see more, or still have a few more questions, check out this detailed guide on what you cannot take on a plane in Australia.
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*Product provided for a 100 per cent independent, honest review
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