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Sep 07, 2023

10 Best Editor

Clip the on-site coupons to save up to nearly 50 percent off on Samsonite, Travelpro, and more. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we

Clip the on-site coupons to save up to nearly 50 percent off on Samsonite, Travelpro, and more.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

Whether you’re traveling on a long-haul flight to Europe or heading off on yet another business trip, chances are that you’ll want to pack a carry-on bag. From sleek roller suitcases to durable carry-all backpacks, we’ve tested hundreds of carry-ons from top brands like Samsonite and Travelpro. In Travel + Leisure’s New York City testing lab, our travel experts put these bags to the test, hitting them with bats, packing them as full as possible, and throwing them across the room to figure out which bags are the best.

Now, our favorite carry-on bags are on sale for up to nearly 45 percent off ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, which officially kicks off on Tuesday, October 10. Though you do not need to be an Amazon Prime member in order to enjoy this sale, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial so you can be in the loop on exclusive savings. Once you've got that squared away, keep scrolling to shop the 10 best carry-on luggage deals, each of which have earned glowing praise from T+L testers.

Amazon

One of our favorite Samsonite bags, the Omni PC Hardside Expandable Carry-on is compact, light, and perfect for storing in overhead bins. We loved the clamshell opening that makes packing intuitive and organized. While this is a 20-inch carry-on, it would also be a great option to check or gate-check as the exterior is made of durable micro-diamond polycarbonate. During our tests, we hit this suitcase with a bat and it didn’t show any signs of scuffs or scratches. And, it did roll better on two wheels rather than four, but the case is so lightweight that it’s still easy to maneuver.

Amazon

With so many pockets and handles, this 21-inch carry-on is the perfect bag for frequent-fliers. It’s made of scuff-resistant polyester that won’t show scuffs or scratches, and it expands if you pack it to capacity. With eight colors to choose from, you can opt for a neutral, classic look or an eye-catching color that will be easy to spot if you choose to check the bag. Plus, it’s just 5.3 pounds when empty, making this one of the lightest carry-on bags that we tested.

Amazon

Our best overall carry-on bag earned perfect scores in all of our tests and is now up to 31 percent off (and selling out fast). We loved that this suitcase has a durable thermoplastic shell and rolling wheels that smoothly glided over any surface. The aluminum handle was easily adjustable and sleek enough to extend on the go. It also includes various interior pockets that are perfect for organizing and is expandable, so you can give yourself a few extra inches of space on the route home.

Amazon

If you’re looking for a carry-on without wheels that can also fit under the seat of most planes, consider the Matein Carry-on Backpack that comes in eight different colors. While it's not a traditional rolling carry-on, this carry-all backpack features plenty of pockets, including a separate shoe compartment so you can still keep all of your essentials neat and organized. It also has a capacity of 40 liters, so you can easily pack everything you need for an overnight or weekend trip. Don't forget to clip the on-site coupon to save an extra 20 percent off.

Amazon

This high-quality Travelpro suitcase earned our "best carry-on" superlative when it came to softsided suitcases. At 21 inches, it’s a great size to fit in most overhead bins and the four spinning wheels make it so easy to run to your gate. We loved that the trim is made of leather and that the hardware is chrome, adding both style and longevity to the bag’s design. It’s also a smart bag, though you will need to purchase your own power bank to its built-in USB port.

Amazon

If you don’t want to maneuver a wheeled bag onto a flight, but prefer a convertible duffel bag that does it all, our most spacious garment bag will do the trick (and it's on sale for $43 thanks to an on-site coupon). Unlike traditional garment bags, the Modoker bag rolls into a duffel that you can easily carry over your shoulder, but you can also use the padded tote handle. The inside easily fits multiple garments and also includes space to pack your toiletries, accessories, and even a laptop. Plus, it's made of waterproof material, so you can confidently travel knowing your items will arrive safely and wrinkle-free.

Amazon

Not only is this one of our favorite lightweight luggage options, but it’s the most stylish, too. Whether you want a single carry-on suitcase or a matching set to travel with, the Travelpro Maxlite Air is a great choice for durability and portability. We loved that the outer shell has stylish ribbing that hides scuffs and scratches, although we didn’t see any markings during our tests. The suitcase also sports dual-interior compartments so you can pack everything you need for any trip.

Amazon

It can be hard to find a durable rolling suitcase that can also fit under airplane seats, but Samsonite’s 16.5-inch Smart Spinner is our favorite option for versatile underseaters. This bag earned perfect scores for both maneuverability and functionality thanks to its sleek, 360-degree wheels and adjustable handles. We also loved how easy it was to pack thanks to the wide-mouth opening that easily fit bulky items.

Amazon

Whether you’re a business traveler or heading off on vacation and can’t imagine leaving your laptop behind, this carry-on backpack is a great go-to option. This is our favorite commuter backpack and it earned perfect scores in every category. Now up to 43 percent off, this bag can fit up to a 15-inch laptop, plus all of your other tech and travel essentials. It’s also outfitted with an external water bottle pocket and a small RFID-blocking pocket where you can store any important documents and even your wallet.

Amazon

This cute and compact 20-inch carry-on comes in eight different colorways, ranging from classic black to eye-popping red. The soft, quilted exterior pattern adds the perfect amount of style, but its softside-style oxford is still easy to clean after a long trip. We loved that there are both interior and exterior pockets to help you keep organized throughout your whole vacation, and we gave it a perfect score for maneuverability thanks to the slick, 360-degree spinning wheels.

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