The Best Carry On Luggage For Long Trips In 2024

Sara Ryan By, Sara Ryan
Updated
Best Carry On Luggage For Long Trips
Best Carry On Luggage For Long Trips

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

With the Omni PC Collection, you can expand your luggage without ever having to worry about weight or bulk. The expandable laptop compartment is perfect for packing your laptop and a few other essentials. With its lightest 100% polycarbonate construction and scratch resistant textures, this bag will take on any challenge in style and keep it looking good. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Luggage

The Kenneth Cole Reaction collection features lightweight, durable and streamlined luggage that is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The durable hard ABS exterior with 4-wheel multi-directional spinners allow for smooth effortless 360°-degree free-weight maneuvering. This luggage is perfect for the professional or leisure traveler in mind. Read Review

3. Best Maneuverability: Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage

The Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage is a tough, lightweight carry-on luggage bag that offers maximum packing power with no sacrifice in comfort and style. With a rigid chassis and 360° spinner wheels for easy navigation, this would make the perfect everyday travel companion. Read Review

4. Best Capacity: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels are made of durable, lightweight materials and built to last. It has a soft-side construction so it's easy to grip and carry, making it easier to get through the airport with less strain on your back. This huge checked bag has four spinner wheels for effortless maneuverability, making it ideal for long days of travel or when you're just carrying a lot of stuff. Read Review

When you’re jetting off on a long trip, chances are you’ll be packing your bags with everything you need in order to make it happen. You probably have an idea of what you’ll need, or at least some idea of the stuff that will get left at home. But if you’re not exactly familiar with what your packing limitations are (car, two bags? one?) and how much space each item is going to take up then things can get a bit tricky.

That’s where a good carry-on luggage comes in handy. With the right restrictions in place, your suitcase should be enough to get you through a short flight or two before you need to check your bag for longer trips or when staying over for a few days. Check out these tips on how to pack carry-on luggage for longer trips so that nothing gets left behind when you’re moving on from wherever it is that you call home.

Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing customer feedback. Then we found the best carry on luggage for long trips is Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage. It is the greatest choice for its high quality. If you're looking for another one, consider Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Luggage.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.9
Samsonite
  • FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
  • MICRO-DIAMOND POLYCARBONATE texture is extremely scratch-resistant, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip
  • PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use
  • 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
  • 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
  • PACKING Dimensions: 19" x 14.5" x 9.5", Overall Dimensions: 22" x 15" x 9.5", Weight: 6.81 lbs.
  • 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.
TOP Choice #2 Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Luggage
Our Score:
9.7
Kenneth Cole REACTION
  • Interior main compartment is fully lined with a tear-resistant lining and features double-sided packing, a zippered organization pocket, and garment restraint straps to hold your clothes in place.
  • [Overall Dimensions] - 21.75” H x 14.5” W x 8.5” D. ★ (Includes Handle + Wheels)
  • [Packing Dimensions] 20" H x 13.5" W x 7.5" D.
  • Features a lightweight construction that helps you adhere to airline weight restrictions to avoid unneeded airport fees.
  • Fitted with premium 4-wheel multi-directional spinners that allow for smooth effortless 360°-degree free-weight maneuvering.
  • Exterior features a top and side grab handle for easy maneuvering and four molded side feet that allow luggage to stand upright on its side.
  • Backed by a manufacturer 10-year limited guarantee against craftsmanship and manufacturer defects. The perfect lightweight and dependable 20” carry-on suitcase for travelers whom value both style and function in their luggage.
  • Luggage is made of a durable, lightweight hard ABS exterior with reinforced protective molded corner guards that absorb shock for maximum impact resistance and durability.
  • Equipped with a sturdy and user-friendly push-button retractable trolley handle that extends to be 41 inches.
  • 20" carry-on suitcase designed to meet most U.S based & international airline carry-on size requirements and designed to fit into most overhead bins.
TOP Choice #3 Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage
Our Score:
9.5
Samsonite
  • UNIFIED BRUSHED PATTERN CUSTOM DESIGN on front and back shells hide any potential scratches or scuffs from your journey
  • SIDE-MOUNTED TSA LOCKS act to deter theft, ensuring that only you or a TSA agent have easy access to your belongings when traveling
  • PACKING Dimensions: 20.0" x 13.5" x 9.5", OVERALL Dimensions: 23.0" x 14.5" x 9.5", Weight: 6.7 lbs.
  • HANDSOME SLIDER in squared full-capacity design featuring oversized number-10 zipper and interior divider with organization pockets
  • FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
  • FULL-ZIP INTERIOR DIVIDER and cross straps for increased packing organization
  • Carry-On meets these airlines' size restrictions: United, American, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant
  • LIGHTWEIGHT locking telescopic handle
  • 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.
  • 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • A half pound lighter than maxlite 4, this lightweight 29 inch spinner maximizes your packing power and is the ideal checked bag for longer trips
  • Limited Lifetime Coverage plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year. Case Dimensions: 29x20.5x 8.5, Case Dimensions: 31x21x13, Weight: 8.5 lbs ; VOLUME : 142L
  • 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
  • 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
  • 65 linear inches. Please check with your airline for specific check in baggage requirements; Honeycomb frame system provides lightweight durability
  • Sleek and stylish exterior with corner guard reinforcements helps protect your bag from damage
  • Ergonomically designed retractable trolley handle
  • Weight - 7.35 lbs.
  • Packing Dimensions - 20" H x 13.5" L x 8.5-10.5" D.
  • Overall Dimensions - 22" H x 14" L x 9-11" D.
  • Main compartment interior features several zippered organization pockets elastic shoe pockets and a garment restraint panel
  • 8-wheel multi-directional spinners for effortless handling
  • Expands an additional 2 inches
  • 1.5" Expansion to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed
  • 10 Year limited warranty: American Tourister 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
  • Push button locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use
  • 4, multi directional oversized spinner wheels for effortless mobility, re engineered lightweight;Volume : 44 Litres
  • Book opening case with mesh divider and Cross straps in main compartment with a zipped modesty pocket
  • Packing dimensions: 20" x 14" x 9", Overall dimensions: 22” x 15”x 9.5”, Weight: 8.2 pounds
  • 21 inches 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
  • PACKING Dimensions: 19.6”x 14.75” x 9.5”, OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 22.5” x 15.5”x 9.5”, Weight: 7.5 pounds
  • 1.5" EXPANSION to allow you to pack more items and compression keeps clothing neatly pressed
  • SCRATCH-RESISTANT POLYCARB twill texture, keeping cases beautiful trip after trip
  • PUSH-BUTTON locking handles provides easy maneuverability when extended out from the suitcase, and stores neatly inside when not in use
  • 20" SPINNER LUGGAGE maximizes your packing power and meets most carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light
  • FOUR, MULTI-DIRECTIONAL OVERSIZED SPINNER WHEELS for effortless mobility, re-engineered lightweight
  • 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.
  • FULL-ZIP INTERIOR DIVIDER and cross straps for increased packing organization
  • 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 inches and 42.5 inches reduce wobble and ensure a smooth, easy roll; Expands up to 2 inches to maximize packing capacity with tapered shape to prevent tipping
  • Ultra lightweight, ultra durable 19 inches 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
  • 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 pounds ; Volume : 45 L
  • Main compartment interior features several zippered organization pockets and a garment restraint panel.
  • Multi-directional 4-wheel spinners for smooth handling.
  • Weight - 6.65 lbs.
  • Durable, hardside ABS exterior with molded corner guard reinforcements and a tear-resistant, fully lined interior.
  • Meets most U. S based & international airline carry-on size requirements and fits into most overhead bins
  • Packing Dimensions - 20.0” H x 13.5” L x 9.5” D.
  • Retractable telescoping trolley handle extends 41 inches.
  • Flexible top, bottom, and side grab handles allow for easy lifting.
  • Overall Dimensions - 22.0” H x 14.0” L x 10.0” D.
  • Recessed "one-button" locking handle system for great maneuverability; 21 inch carry on size is perfect for weekend getaways and short business trips
  • Recessed 3-dial TSA approved combination lock for security; features patented zip SECURITECH 2, a closing system that is 3 times more resistant to intrusion than a conventional zipper
  • Four spinner wheels assuring a stable base with multi-directional rolling with zero weight on your hand for easy travel; 20% lighter than Chatelet with Brake
  • Lightweight and durable 100% polycarbonate shell that is extremely resilient to cracking or breaking; designed with stylish faux leather accents
  • Deluxe interior featuring removable hanger and laundry and shoe bags; two large lined compartments with web straps to keep items secure and wrinkle free

What to Look For in a best carry on luggage for long trips?

A valuable product is determined by many factors (included below). The process of researching the best carry on luggage for long trips is pretty significant because of these features related to the products. However, rest assured that we are here to support your challenges.

Having a closer look at the following factors would benefit you a lot. These are the most important things among various ones you need to consider:

Expandability

A lot of suitcases have an expandable panel that can be removed to give you at least 10% more packing space. If you're looking for last-minute souvenirs and gifts, some of our top-scoring full-size and cabin suitcases can be expanded.

Weight

Checked luggage: Full-size bags are allowed, but the weight limits vary by airline (see below). Excess baggage fees can be very high so make sure your bag isn't too heavy. Regular flyers might find it useful to purchase luggage scales. Keep in mind, however that you will need to pack more outfits if your suitcase is empty. We found that the best suitcases were as light as 2.3kg empty. Bulkier options weighed in at around 6.2kg.
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.

Security

Traveling with your padlock is important. However, it is recommended that you have one with Transport Security Administration (TSA).
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.

Handles

Practicality is enhanced by suitcases that have handles at the top and sides. This extra handle along with the towing handle makes it much simpler to lift your suitcase onto and off luggage racks, check-in scales, and baggage carousels.
Top handles can extend into several positions to provide maximum comfort. When not in use, they can be retracted for easy pushing down.

Storage

There are many internal pockets that you can find in both hard-shell and soft-sided luggages. These include small pockets with integrated zippers and large pouched pockets that will hold a laptop. You can also have removable laundry bags or garment sections to keep your suit jackets from tearing. Soft-sided suitcases are often equipped with external pockets that can be used to store easy-access items.

Wheels

Four-wheelers are the most common type of suitcase. Sometimes called spinners. This means that you don’t need to tip your bag before you tow it. It can also be wheeled along with you. Two-wheeled suitcases tend to be slightly larger and are easier to lift over kerbs. However, spinners offer more versatility.

Size

Cases up to full-size: How easy will your suitcase fit into the car's boot if you plan to drive to the airport? It will it be possible to carry the bag around in crowds? There's also the baggage rack at the airport bus. You could hoist it onto the top. You might consider a lighter option if your travels are less than two weeks. A piece of luggage should be durable enough to endure rough transit conditions, yet not cause you pain.
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.

FAQs

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

As a normal, we keep researching and updating new information when possible to best carry on luggage for long trips. So, you should verify our website more regularly or subscribe to our newsletter to catch up with the updates and modifications. 

Besides the list of best carry on luggage for long trips of 2024, we can also assist you out. Whenever you require solving product-related issues, contact us!


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About Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan

Sara Ryan is a freelance writer for CampFireHQ and avid diver. She first discovered her love for diving while on vacation in the Caribbean and has been hooked ever since. Sara loves exploring new dive sites and observing the fascinating creatures that live beneath the waves. As a native of Colorado, Sara enjoys spending her free time hiking and camping in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She also enjoys writing about her adventures in diving and wildlife conservation.

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