The 10 Best Budget Carry On Luggage, Tested And Researched
By, Sara RyanUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage is the perfect companion for the frequent traveler. With a wider pull handle for an exceptionally comfortable grip and 360 degree Spinner Wheels, this lightweight luggage is effortless to push, yet offers a heavyweight protection. With integrated, multi-stage aluminum pull handle and side-mounted TSA lock, your belongings arrive safely at their destination. Read Review
2. Runner Up: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is everything a traveler needs in a bag. This carry-on soft-sided spinner is so light, it flies; one of our lightest wheeled carry-on suitcases, the Maxlite 5 21" expandable spinner is designed for ultimate comfort and mobility. With its 4 spinner wheels, this suitcase can handle any terrain with ease. Read Review
3. Best Safety: kensie Women's Alma Hardside Spinner Luggage
Kensie's Luggage is a versatile piece of luggage that offers a spacious interior, multiple carry options and an easy-to-recognize sleek design. The recessed TSA lock system provides secure travel, expands for extra packing capacity and comes with multi-directional spinner wheels for effortless mobility. Read Review
4. Best Portable: Wrangler 20" Smart Spinner Carry-On Luggage
Wrangler 20" Smart Spinner Carry is a versatile, multifunctional bag that's made for travel and the world. This bag features double spinner wheels that allow complete 360 degree movement to make your life on the go easier. It also includes a fully-lined interior with accessory pockets for all your needs. Read Review
5. Best Easy To Assemble: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Upright
The Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Upright has all the features you need in an upright wheeled luggage bag, with an expandable volume of up to 2” to ensure you have plenty of room for all your travel needs. The inline skate wheels and lightweight yet sturdy PowerScope Lite handle offer a smooth, easy roll and reduced wobble. Read Review
Suitcases are perhaps the most frustrating piece of luggage to pack. You know that you need a carry on bag that can fit in overhead train compartments and under airline seats. You also know that you don’t want anything too bulky or expensive, because it will only get used for a trip or two.
That’s where the best budget carry on luggage comes in. There are so many affordable options out there, but they vary widely in quality as well as price. In this article, we review some of the best suitcases available right now at different price points to help you find the perfect one for your needs and your budget.
After spending 15 hours researching and assessing, We have identified the best budget carry on luggage is Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage. We've put up a buying guide as well as additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.
RELATED: Discover the best traveling bag for your next adventure. We review the top brands and share the best options for comfort, style, and durability.
Our Top Picks
- 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
- SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling
- FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
- PACKING Dimensions: 19" x 14.5" x 9.5", Overall Dimensions: 22" x 15" x 9.5", Weight: 6.81 lbs.
- MICRO-DIAMOND POLYCARBONATE texture is extremely scratch-resistant, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip
- 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
- EXPANSION to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed
- BOOK OPENING CASE with mesh divider and cross straps in main compartment with a zipped modesty pocket
- PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use
- A half pound lighter than maxlite 4, this ultra lightweight 21 inch spinner meets carry on size restrictions for most domestic airlines. H20 Guard protects the interior lining from moisture
- Limited Lifetime Coverage plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year
- Expands up to 2 inch to maximize packing capacity. Features low profile top, side and bottom carry handles, two exterior compartments, full length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold down straps for packing convenience
- 4 wheel spinners rotate 360 degree for a smooth roll. Lightweight, sturdy PowerScope handle stops at 38 inch and 42.5 inch features a patented contour grip with rubberized touch points for easy maneuvering. Unique bottom tray design increases durability
- Weight: 5.4 lbs.
- Interior dimension: 21 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches Exterior dimension: 23 inches x 14.5 inches x 9 inches; Volume : 46 liter
- Recessed TSA lock system provides secure travel. Upon receipt, set lock to 0-0-0 and press open. Instructions are included
- Expandable: expands for extra packing capacity
- 20" Carry-on: 20" H x 13. 5" L x 9. 5" W, 6 lbs.
- Top and side handle with matching trims
- Multi-directional spinner wheels to provide 360º effortless mobility and ease on traveler's wrist
- Patented 3-in-1 cup holder, USB port, and phone holder located in back of luggage for travel convenience
- 20" Carry-on: 20" H x 13. 5" L x 11" W, 6. 92 lbs.
- Fully-lined interior with accessory pockets
- Expands for extra packing capacity
- Double spinner wheels that allow complete 360 degree movement
Water-resistant zippers and a durable nylon fabric Interior space is abundant. Pockets and removable bags are included for the organization.
Limited maneuverability
- Limited Lifetime Coverage plus new trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year
- High-performance inline skate wheels and lightweight yet sturdy PowerScope Lite handle with stops at 38" and 42.5" reduce wobble and ensure a smooth, easy roll. Expands up to 2" to maximize packing capacity with tapered shape to prevent tipping
- Features low-profile top, side and bottom carry handles, two exterior compartments, full-length interior lid pocket, side accessory pocket and adjustable hold-down straps for packing convenience and flexibility
- Case Dimensions: 20x 15x7.7, Overall Dimensions: 21.75x15.75x7.75, Weight: 5.4 lbs ; Volume : 45 L
- Ultra-lightweight, ultra-durable 19" expandable Rollaboard suitcase maximizes your packing power and meets carry-on size restrictions for most international airlines. Polyester fabric with stain-resistant, water-repellant duraguard coating and ergonomic, high-tensile-strength zipper pulls provide lasting durability
- The Tote 15.0” x 10.0” x 8.0”
- Multiple exterior and interior Pockets keep you well organized
- Reinforced corners defend against the harshest travel conditions
- Ultra light weight construction
- Smart sleeve on tote for easy travel
- Push Button locking handle
- Sturdy ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle
- 22"X13. 5"x9" (with wheels)
- Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant
- Interior mesh zip pocket and elasticated pocket
- Lightweight yet extremely durable ABS material
- Multi-directional double spinner wheels
- 4 double spinner wheels ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction
- Expandable for up to 15% more packing space when needed
- Includes a 21-inch hardside spinner with a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell and a scratch resistant black finish
- Product dimensions: 10 x 14.9 x 22 inches (LxWxH, including wheels); interior dimensions: 9.6 x 13.3 x 18.5 inches (LxWxH)
- Hardside spinner luggage for work travel, weekend getaways, or as international carry-on
- Sturdy telescoping handle for comfortable maneuvering and a securely mounted short handle for easy lifting
- Fully lined 150D-polyester interior organizer with divider, plus 3 zippered pockets for storing smaller items
- 4 double spinning wheels ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction
- Fully lined interior with divider; compression pad helps free up space; 150D-polyester interior organizer with 3 zippered pockets for securing smaller items
- Protective hard shell made of durable yet flexible polycarbonate material (instead of ABS like the original); choice of stylish color
- Expandable for up to 15% additional packing capacity; solid, strong zippers; sturdy telescoping handle; securely mounted short handle
- 2-piece set includes the carry-on 20 inch size, as well as the 28 inch size; please note that items arrived in one package, nested within eachother
- Hardside spinner luggage for weekend getaways or international carry-on; built-In TSA lock
- Piggy-bag-strap for easy-carrying the tote bag together
- Expandable feature that offers more packing capacity
- Elegant fully lined interior with tie-down straps and large interior meshed zipper pocket
- Internal deluxe retractable push-button, Self-locking handle system for easy maneuvering
- Polyester construction
- Dimensions : Tote Bag measures 14"W x 10"H x 6"D :1.3 lbs and the rolling bag measures 21"H x 13.5"W x 8.5"D (Expands to 10.5""D); 6.6 lbs
- Inline skate wheels, reinforced wheel housing
- Adjustable and detachable non-slip padded shoulder strap on tote
What to Look For in a best budget carry on luggage?
When selecting a suitable best budget carry on luggage, a variety of factors have been found. Information sources are available in a wide range of forms. As a basis, we are doing it to support, inform, and solve your demands.
Please keep these things in mind before selecting the best budget carry on luggage:
Wheels
Security
The locks are branded with the TSA red logo and include a universal masterkey.
The TSA is the only one that has this copy. This key allows American airlines security personnel to access your luggage and inspect its contents, without risk.
They can open the lock if they are unable to do so.
Weight
Hand luggage: Some airlines may have restrictions on the weight of cabin cases. You don't have to give up books, souvenirs and gifts if you choose a lighter cabin bag or fly with an airline that is more flexible.
Size
Hand luggage is allowed on most airlines. Some allow for a second hand bag, such as a backpack, or sling bag. A suitcase that is "cabin-size" does not necessarily mean that it can fit into a cabin. Although there are restrictions on size, many airlines will accept suitcases up to 56x45x25 cm.
Storage
Handles
Top handles can extend into several positions to provide maximum comfort. When not in use, they can be retracted for easy pushing down.
Expandability
FAQs
What Is The Importance Of Luggage?
Because you need to travel a lot, you can also take the bag with you. A well-designed luggage bag will make an impression on other people. Bags are more than just bags. They can also be a fashion statement.
What Is The Most Durable Luggage?
Polycarbonate and ABS are the most reliable luggage materials on the market. While the former is more sturdy, it's usually lighter. Both durable and lightweight luggage can be constructed from both.
Is The Rolling Handle Double Barred?
You may prefer to carry a rolling bag, but the main part of a suitcase is its handle. Some brands still make luggage that has a single pull handle. Single bar bags are less sturdy than double-bar rolling bags. This feature can fail to work when you're rushing through an airport. You will be in the middle of an arm workout while carrying your bag. This can be avoided by purchasing a bag that has a double-bar handle.
Are The Inside Pockets Useful?
Your clothing and personal belongings should be contained in your luggage. Bags with too many pockets end up being useless. Think about what you prefer to pack before you go ahead and click the buy button. You may not want a large zippered lid, so make sure you have a bag that has a great design. Look for suitcases with shoe compartments. Your bag should maximize its space. If your features aren't clear, it won't work.
What Size Suitcase Is Considered Oversized?
While baggage size regulations vary from one airline to the next, most airlines allow luggage to be checked up to 62 inches in length. These airlines would consider bags exceeding these limits to be excessive.
How Much Does It Weigh?
You should look beyond the features and attributes of the bag's pockets when you search for a travel suitcase. Check out the weight of the bag without any contents. This is a mistake I've made more times than once. A bag too heavy to carry around is a temptation that I make love to. You will need to ensure that your bag is light, especially for travelers who want to save baggage fees. Look for bags that claim to be lightweight, or give you an accurate weight. It will not be possible to carry a heavy bag on an airplane from Hawaii, or at train stations across Europe.
Is Hard Or Soft Luggage Better?
Because it is lighter than heavy luggage, soft luggage is more popular. Because of the use of lighter materials in hard luggage, this has been changed. It really depends on personal choice as to which option is better. Many soft luggage has expandable and external pockets. Hard luggage, on the other hand offers greater protection and durability.
With new information arriving, our editor will usually update the best budget carry on luggage frequently. Please constantly check our site for the most up-to-date material.
We will try our best to help you with more best budget carry on luggage. You are supposed to be free to ask for assistance with your problems.
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