How to Choose Carry on Luggage: A Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Quick Answer
To choose carry-on luggage, start with the strictest cabin size limit of the airlines you fly most (often around 55 x 40 x 20 cm), then pick the lightest case that fits it, ideally 2.5 kg or less empty. Choose a hardshell if you want protection and a clean look, or softside if you like outer pockets and a bit of squeeze. Four spinner wheels, a sturdy handle and a front pocket for a laptop or documents make airport days much easier.
Key Takeaways
- Cabin size limits include wheels and handles, and some airlines measure with a sizing frame at the gate.
- Many cabin bags must also stay under a weight limit, commonly 7 to 10 kg.
- Budget airlines often include only a small under-seat bag, with full-size cabin bags as a paid extra.
- Spinner wheels take up a little packing space, while two-wheel designs give more room inside.
- Built-in charging batteries must be removable on most airlines.
Step 1: Check Airline Size and Weight Limits
Look up the cabin rules for the airlines you use, and write down the smallest size and lowest weight among them. A case that fits the strictest airline will fit almost everywhere, which saves paying to check it at the gate.
| Bag type | Typical size | Typical weight limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-seat personal item | About 40 x 30 x 20 cm | Often not weighed | Included with most fares |
| Standard cabin bag (international) | About 55 x 40 x 20 to 23 cm | 7 to 10 kg | Fits most full-service airlines |
| US domestic carry-on | About 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) | Often no strict limit | Slightly larger than many international limits |
| Large 22 to 24 inch "cabin" cases | Over 56 cm tall | Varies | Often too big for overhead bins abroad |
Step 2: Keep the Empty Weight Low
Every gram the case weighs is a gram less for clothes. Lightweight polycarbonate and nylon cases usually weigh 2 to 3 kg, while aluminium cases can top 4 kg, which matters a lot under a 7 kg limit.
Step 3: Choose Hardshell or Softside Carry-On Luggage
- Hardshell: protects fragile items, wipes clean and resists rain, but scuffs show and there's no squeeze.
- Softside: outer pockets for quick access and a little flex for overpacking, though fabric can stain.
- Aluminium: very tough and stylish, but heavy and dents rather than flexing.
- Travel backpack: lightest and easiest on stairs, though it can strain your shoulders when full.
For a deeper comparison of materials, our guide on hardside and softside luggage covers the trade-offs, and if you're also buying checked bags, see what size luggage you should buy. Our carry-on luggage comparison guide lines up popular styles side by side.
Step 4: Check Wheels, Handle and Features
- Four double spinner wheels roll smoothly in airports and down aisles.
- A telescopic handle that locks firmly at more than one height.
- A front pocket for a laptop, passport and liquids bag.
- Compression straps or a divider to keep clothes neat.
- A TSA-approved lock if you travel to or through the US.
What to Expect at Each Price
| Price (USD) | What you usually get | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50 | Travel backpacks, basic softside cases | Budget airlines and light packers |
| $50 to $150 | Lightweight hardshell or softside, spinner wheels, TSA lock | Most holidaymakers |
| $150 to $350 | Better wheels and handles, front-opening designs, aluminium frames | Frequent flyers |
| $350 and up | Premium aluminium or polycarbonate, long warranties | Business travellers |
For most people, carry-on luggage in the $50 to $150 range is the sweet spot, while frequent flyers benefit from spending more on wheels and handles that won't fail mid-trip.
Safety and Travel Tips
Keep power banks and lithium batteries in your cabin bag, and remove any built-in battery if the airline asks. Lift heavy cases into overhead lockers with your knees bent, or ask for help, rather than twisting with a full bag. Pack liquids in a clear bag within the allowed container sizes, and keep medicines and valuables with you rather than in checked luggage.
Our Picks From the Global Swanky Store
These cover the main types of carry-on luggage, from hardshell cases to travel backpacks.
The Carry on Suitcases Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels TSA Lock Lightweight for Travel is $113.59, for travellers who want a classic hardshell cabin case.
Spinner wheels, a TSA lock and a lightweight shell cover the essentials, and it's the one I'd start with. Measure it against your airline's limits first.
The Trunk Carry-on Suitcase 20 Inch Aluminium Luggage Travel Bag Permitted to Both Men and Women Front Opening Durable is $136.29, suited to business travellers.
The front opening gives quick access to a laptop at security without unzipping the whole case.
The 2-Piece Zipperless Luggage Set | 20/28 Inch Airline Approved | TSA Lock, Scratch-Proof Hardshell & Silent Wheels | Lightweight Carry-On for Business Travel is $128.23, for anyone who wants a matching checked case too.
A zipperless frame is harder to force open, and the set covers both short and long trips.
The Carry-On Travel Backpack for 17-Inch Laptop and Business Trips is $29.78, made for budget flights and weekend trips.
A backpack often fits as a personal item, saving cabin bag fees.
The Air Cushion Travel Backpack Laptop Compartment for Work Bag is $39.14, for commuters who travel light.
Air-cushioned straps make a full bag more comfortable on long walks through terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 22 inch suitcase a carry-on?
Often in the US, but many international airlines cap cabin bags at about 55 cm tall including wheels.
Do carry-on bags get weighed?
Some airlines weigh them at check-in or the gate, especially budget carriers.
Can I take a laptop in my carry-on?
Yes, and it's safer there than in checked luggage.
Are hardshell carry-ons worth it?
They protect contents and resist rain well, but softside cases fit squeezy overhead bins more easily.
How long should carry-on luggage last?
A good case usually lasts several years of regular travel, with wheels and handles the first parts to wear.
Our Recommendation
Choose carry-on luggage that fits the strictest airline you fly, weighs under about 2.5 kg empty, and has four spinner wheels and a front pocket. A lightweight hardshell suits most travellers, while a travel backpack is the cheapest way to dodge cabin fees on budget flights.