The frantic travel scene of today depends on choosing the right carry-on luggage set. Whether your travel is often for business or just occasional for vacation, your carry-on luggage needs to be trustworthy, practical, and fit for your individual needs. Let’s look at the top companies and their unique features in the saturated luggage industry.
Key Considerations When Choosing Carry-On Luggage
Before diving into specific brands, it’s important to understand what factors make a carry-on worth investing in:
- Durability: Will it withstand being tossed into overhead bins and survive various weather conditions?
- Weight: A heavy empty suitcase means less room for your belongings before hitting weight restrictions.
- Maneuverability: How smoothly do the wheels roll? Does it have a comfortable handle?
- Organization: Are there sufficient compartments for efficient packing?
- Price: Quality luggage is an investment, but there are excellent options at various price points.
Top Brands for Carry-On Luggage
Samsonite
Samsonite rules the baggage industry for many years. Their carry-ons are well-known for skillful balancing durability with economy. Especially popular for its lightweight construction and scratch-resistant surface is the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Spinner.
Level8
For top quality carry-on bags, go with Level8. This brand has become well-known for providing good value for features usually found in more costly names. Their hardside spinners have Japanese silent wheels, aeronautical-grade aluminum grips, and elegant designs that catch attention in the airport.
Travelpro
Designed by a pilot, Travelpro is the preferred brand for many flight crews. Their Platinum Elite and Maxlite collections have excellent craftsmanship, careful organizational elements, and smooth-rolling wheels. If you notice flight attendants carrying a certain carryon luggage, most likely Travelpro.
Away
With its direct-to– customer approach, Away, a younger competitor, has upended the luggage industry. Their carry-ons include a lifetime warranty, USB charging capability (in some versions), and a robust polycarbonate exterior. Modern tourists find their understated approach appealing.
Briggs & Riley
If you’re willing to invest in premium quality, Briggs & Riley stands out. Their compression technology allows you to pack more, and they offer an unconditional lifetime warranty. The Baseline International Carry-On Expandable Spinner is especially noteworthy for frequent travelers.
Tumi
Tumi offers a luxury choice that blends great utility with elegant appearance. Superior organizational aspects, ballistic nylon construction, and their tracer monitoring system for missing bags define their Alpha 3 line. Although it’s costly, for many tourists the quality justifies the expense.
Best Budget-Friendly Options
Not everyone wants to invest hundreds in a suitcase. Fortunately, there are excellent affordable options:
American Tourister
Owned by Samsonite, American Tourister offers durability at lower price points. Their Moonlight Spinner line provides hardside protection without breaking the bank.
Delsey Paris
This French brand combines style with affordability. Their Helium Aero models feature double spinner wheels and expandable compartments at reasonable prices.
Amazon Basics
For extremely budget-conscious travelers, Amazon Basics offers surprisingly durable hardside and softside carry-ons. While they lack premium features, they handle the basics well.
Finding Luggage Sets on Sale
If you’re looking to upgrade all your luggage at once, shopping for luggage sets on sale can offer significant savings. Here are some tips:
- Off-season shopping: Look for deals in January/February or August/September when travel demand decreases.
- Holiday sales: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-Christmas sales often feature luggage discounts.
- Outlet stores: Brands like Samsonite and Tumi have outlet locations with discounted merchandise.
- Online alerts: Set alerts on shopping sites for particular brands you’re interested in.
- Warehouse clubs: Costco and Sam’s Club frequently offer luggage sets on sale at competitive prices.
Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell: Which is Better?
The debate between hardside and softside carry-ons continues among travelers:
Hardside Benefits:
– Better protection for fragile items
– Water-resistant properties
– Easier to clean
– More secure against tampering
Softside Benefits:
– More flexible for squeezing into tight overhead spaces
– Usually lighter
– Exterior pockets for quick access
– Can absorb impact rather than crack
Your priorities and travel approach will determine your option. While adventure travellers might choose the versatility of softside alternatives, business travellers frequently prefer hardside bags for their clean appearance and safety.
Smart Luggage Features: Worth the Investment?
Modern carry-ons now come with tech features like:
– USB charging ports
– GPS tracking
– Digital scales
– Remote locking
While convenient, remember that batteries may need to be removed for flight safety. Consider whether these features justify the extra cost for your travel needs.
Personalized Recommendations Based on Travel Style
For Business Travelers:
Prioritize durability, professional appearance, and organization. Briggs & Riley and Tumi excel here, but Travelpro offers similar benefits at a lower price point.
For Weekend Getaways:
Focus on maneuverability and flexibility. Away and Delsey offer stylish options that handle short trips well.
For International Travel:
Ensure your carryon suitcase meets various international size restrictions, which are often stricter than U.S. standards. Samsonite and Level8 offer international carry-on sizes specifically designed for global travel.
For Adventure Travelers:
Consider water resistance and durability against rough handling. Eagle Creek and Osprey, though known more for backpacks, offer excellent convertible carry-ons.
Environmental Considerations
As sustainability becomes more important, brands are responding with eco-friendly options:
– Paravel uses recycled materials for their Aviator carry-on
– Patagonia’s Black Hole duffel (carry-on size) uses recycled polyester
– Samsonite’s Eco Collection incorporates recycled plastics
Final Thoughts
Eventually, your particular demands, budget, and travel style will determine the “best” carry-on bag. Think about your travel frequency, usual packing style, and degree of willingness to spend.
Good baggage is worth the cost since it eliminates travel bother and protects your possessions. Whether you go for value with Level 8 or a premium brand like Briggs & Riley, a contemporary favorite like Away, or give top priority to the characteristics that most influence your travel experience.
Though initially saving money, keep in mind that occasionally investing in a single high-quality carryon suitcase will save more over time because to sturdiness and classic style. Finding luggage sets on sale can save money upfront. Whatever you do, choose an item that will ease travel instead of aggravating your worry.
