If your calendar is starting to fill up with exciting holiday and travel adventures, there’s one essential item you need that we’d argue is almost as important as your passport.
A good carry-on option for the plane (or whatever your preferred way to travel to a holiday destination is) is a key part of your luggage repertoire.
If your current carry-on luggage is looking a little worse for wear, or you just want an option that will work harder for you, we’ve created the perfect guide for you.
Whether you’re looking for hard, soft, affordable, functional, spinner or backpack carry-on options, here’s a list of the best on the market right now including the top-rated Carry On travel backpack with “lots of handy compartments” that thousands and the best-selling Carry On suitcase from Australian brand, July.
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In this article
BEST CARRY ON SUITCASE OVERALL
Samsonite Centric Expandable Hardside Carry On Luggage, $350.90 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
The carry-on suitcase is of appropriate size and weight, offering a scratch-resistant polycarbonate surface. It also promises to be easy to manoeuvre – which is always handy when you’re running through an airport – thanks to the four multi-directional oversized spinner wheels.
In terms of packing capability, this Samsonite offers a full-zip interior divider and cross straps to help you pack and keep your items inside separated – plus there’s an expansion side which allows you to fit even more inside.
Happy customers have said it’s “good value, looks good and is very manoeuverable” and it’s the “perfect product for a weekend away”.
BEST AFFORDABLE CARRY ON SUITCASE
Coowoz Large Travel Backpack, $69.98 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
While it technically isn’t a suitcase, we HAD to include this TikTok-approved backpack – which actually zips open like a suitcase so it counts!
Made from a waterproof polyester material, this highly durable backpack offers two adjustable padded shoulder straps for lightweight carrying and to relieve the pressure on your shoulders. It features three main pockets, one 14-inch laptop compartment and multiple inner and side pockets for any extra bits and bobs.
It has a shoe compartment as well as a wet bag pocket that is specifically for keeping wet clothes and towels separated from your dry items.
Boasting a 4.6 rating with over 7,000 five-star ratings and 1,000 reviews, many shoppers have said the backpack is the “ultimate travel companion”.
“Lots of handy compartments, especially the vented shoe bag inside. Fits all your electronics and personal items with great pockets for passports etc,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
Another said: “The spacious interior and multiple compartments allow me to organise my belongings efficiently, while the durable and waterproof material ensures that my items stay safe and dry, even in unpredictable weather conditions.”
Available in a variety of colours and larger sizes, this backpack is a total catch.
BEST LUXURY AFFORDABLE SUITCASE
Samsonite Oc2Lite 55cm Spinner Suitcase, $199.33 (down from $335) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
This Samsonite Oc2Lite Spinner Suitcase is worth the splurge featuring a durable hard-case construction and four easy-to-manourvre spinner wheels. Packing won’t be an issue as there are plenty of internal zip compartments to help you fit everything you need. The suitcase also offers a handy expandable design, which allows you to increase your packing space.
BEST SPINNER CARRY ON
American Tourister Light Max Spinner 55cm EXP, $204 (down from $240) at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
This one from American Tourister is designed to have big packing space at a low weight thanks to its ultralight polypropolyene technology make and expandable midsection. It offers four 360 degree spinner double wheels for ease of movement and inner zip pockets for organisation.
BEST HARD CASE CARRY ON
July Carry On, $325 at July
What You Need To Know
The July Carry On features a hard-case shell is supported with aluminium bumpers to reduce shock and damage. For those that aren’t familiar, July is an Australian owned and designed brand that has risen in popularity recently, with reviewers dubbing theCarry On suitcase “chic, light, and compact” and “easy to manoeuvre and highly functional.”
The Carry On offers cool features like an ejectable battery to charge your phone and laptop, a hidden laundry bag, a multi-stop handle and a Y-strap compression system. Plus, you can even personalise the bag by adding your initials or name.
BEST SOFT CASE CARRY ON
AmazonBasics Carry-On Travel Backpack, $89.90 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
This carry-on backpack has been hailed the “perfect bag,” as well as a “fantastic carry on” and a “good bag with plenty of room” by Australian reviewers.
The main compartment provides internal and external compression straps, mesh space and more. It also comes with an internal zippered laptop sleeve, making it perfect for work trips, and front pockets to easily access your travel documents mid-flight.
Worried about it hurting your shoulders and back? There’s padded shoulder straps to relieve pressure, plus multiple straps to keep the backpack secured to your body.
BEST DUFFLE CARRY ON
HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag, $39.98 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Described by five-star reviewers as being a “great travel bag” that “holds more than you think it would”, the HYC00 Travel Duffel Bag is a great pick to add to your collection. The perfect carry-on size comes with a range of features, including a variety of different sized pockets, a separate wet pocket with waterproof lining for a wet towel or clothes and a separate laptop compartment.
BEST BACKPACK CARRY ON
Asenlin 40L Travel Backpack, $59.99 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
With an overwhelming 4000 five-star reviews, it’s safe to say this is a popular choice when it comes to travel backpacks.
This one in particular offers a pocket for your laptop, three custom-made storage bags, multiple pockets and hidden shoulder straps.
You can also choose between a range of classic colours like black, grey and blue.
BEST FUNCTIONAL CARRY ON SUITCASE
Victorinox Spectra 2.0 Dual-Access Global Carry-On, $799 at Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Featuring an innovative quick access door where you can store your laptop and other essentials as well as a larger section at the back, this suitcase is perfect for those who like to stay organised.
While it is on the pricier end, one reviewer says “it’s strong and protects your belongings, it is practical with it’s many compartments, and it’s the perfect size for carry-on.”
Others also praise the separate compartment at the front for your laptop. Another five-star review notes: “Super light weight, the multiple compartments and dividers make it flexible; if I am going straight to an office, rather than via a hotel, I like being able to access computer, notepad etc from the front section without opening the main part of the case.”
BEST DURABLE CARRY ON SUITCASE
Antler Clifton Cabin Case, $299 at Myer
What You Need To Know
Made with a strong polycarbonate shell, this suitcase features foud double-wheel spinners, TSA locks, telescopic handles and multiple internal compartments. While it is sturdy, it’s also very lightweight – which many shoppers have raved about.
“This suitcase is thoughtfully designed with useful compartments and pockets. It’s very lightweight but also sturdy,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
“Excellent carry on bag. It is light and well designed. A must have for carry on only travel or short trips away,” another wrote.
Nere Relm 55cm Suitcase, $129 (down from $220) at Strand
What You Need To Know
This one from Nere is made with a high quality ABS hard shell with a metallic finish, and features eight spinner wheels, an antitheft secure zip, built-in TSA combination lock and an expander. Measuring 55x37x24cm, it’s the perfect carry-on size and has many internal zip compartments to make packing a little less stressful.
“Such an amazing suitcase … I can pack as much necessities (as) needed and (it’s) all fitted. Easy to lock and take around,” one five-star reviewer wrote.
It’s also available in 67cm and 77cm, and rose gold.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE CARRY-ON LUGGAGE?
Bringing carry-on luggage instead of checking-in a suitcase can make your flying experience a lot easier and more convenient. But of course, this will only apply to shorter trips where not as much luggage is required.
Choosing to bring carry-on luggage over a checked bag means you’ll save time at the airport as you won’t have to brave the check-in lines.
It also means you have direct access to all your essentials at all times – whether that be your passport, travel documents, medication or toiletries.
WHAT SIZE CARRY-ON IS ALLOWED IN AUSTRALIA?
Most Australian airlines follow the same rule of thumb when it comes to carry-on luggage.
You can take one bag (56cm x 36cm x 23cm), with a maximum weight of seven kilograms.
You also have the choice of taking two carry-on bags (48cm x 34cm x 23xm), or one bag and one soft garment bag.
Keep in mind that when flying overseas, carry-on bag limits aren’t always consistent so it’s best to look at your airline’s policy before packing.
WHAT CAN’T YOU PACK IN CARRY-ON LUGGAGE?
Dangerous goodsWeaponsSharp itemsHousehold flammable goods
If you’re interested to see more, or still have a few more questions, check out this detailed guide on what you cannot take on a plane in Australia.
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Originally published as 11 best carry-on suitcases perfect for the plane
