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The best carry-on luggage in 2024, from suitcases to backpacks
For when the trip finally makes it out of the group chat
Catching more flights than feelings right now? Same. And for that we need the best carry-on luggage we can find, because there is no way you'll catch us paying for a full on hold suitcase when we can pack a week's worth of outfits into a trusty carry-on. But with so many restrictions on sizing and many airlines varying on their requirements, it can be hard to know which suitcase or backpack is best for taking on a plane, and not having to worry about being charged more.
And so we've rounded our favourite carry-ons guaranteed to look good, make it the other side in one piece, hold enough clothes for multiple outfit changes and of course fit all the major airlines. From soft-shell to hard-shell, to cases with in built chargers, to a durable case under £50, these are the best carry-on luggage pieces for 2024.
What is carry-on luggage?
As the name suggests, carry-on luggage is quite literally the luggage you carry onto a plane and have with you in reaching distance for the duration of the journey. There's the under-seat luggage which is usually restricted to around 40 x 20 x 25cm and this is often a backpack or large handbag. And then there's the overhead carry-on which you place in the overhead bins on the plane. This is usually restricted at around 56 x 36 x 23 cm and has a weight limit of 10kg, but check with your individual airline before flying.
The best carry-on luggage
We love this Away carry-on suitcase almost as much as we love going away. It's compatible for all the major airlines, is lightweight, durable and can fit up to five days worth of clothes. Yep you read that correctly five days. This in part due to the two compression pad pockets and zipper flap pocket. Oh, and it also has a built in laundry bag - game changer. It's also got a TSA-approved lock to keep your valuables secure, and we love the additional grab handle on the underside making it super easy to move around the airport.
| Dimensions | 55.1 x 36.7 x 22.9 cm |
|---|---|
| Number of colourways | 10 classic, 4 limited edition |
For a soft-shell suitcase, this Eastpak case is highly praised online for its durability and sturdiness. We love the adjustable compression straps that allow you to pack a decent amount or make the bag smaller if you're an overpacker. Both the side and top handles are padded and it features two wheels and an adjustable handle. It's also got a TSA approved lock.
| Dimensions | 50 x 33 x 25 cm |
|---|---|
| Number of colourways | 18 |
Want a suitcase that has an easy access pocket on the outside for all your essentials? Well we'd opt for this Antler case. The front pocket has two padded sleeves ideal for packing your laptop or iPad, and extra space for other flat essentials. Inside the case there's two sections with three extra zipped pockets for smaller valuables. And on the outside there's four 360 degree wheels, a TSA approved lock, top and side handles and an adjustable handle.
| Dimensions | 55 x 40 x 24 cm |
|---|---|
| Number of colourways | 4 |
Founded by Shay Mitchell, if we want enviable looking carry-on luggage we're going to Béis. The American brand just nails it when it comes to the colours and aesthetic of their luggage. And we love this lavender small carry-on. But it's not just the aesthetics to get excited about. With this case it's all about the details - there's a specially designed pocket for your AirTags, a weight indicator so you don't have to guess if it's over weight, and a retractable bag strap. It's also stain resistant, and has separate pouches for your laundry.
| Dimensions | 53.3 x 33 x 22.9 cm |
|---|---|
| Number of colourways | 7 |
We've all had those travel days where you scramble to find somewhere to charge your drastically low phone battery, but thankfully with July's case you don't need to worry about this as it has an ejectable battery with USB-C. Goodbye airport worries. Aside from the charging, there's a lot more to love about this carry on too. It can fit up to seven days worth of outfits, is water-resistant, has a hidden stain-proof laundry bag, a TSA approved lock, and their signature Y compression system. Oh and right now you can get it personalised for free.
| Dimensions | 55 x 38.5 x 21.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Number of colourways | 6 classic, 4 limited edition |
If like us you are a major packer, then you are going to need all the expansion you can get in your carry-on and so we'd recommend this expandable case from Monos. The expandable zipper adds up to 4cm more depth if required, just think how many more outfits you can get in? It also features a removable compression pad, two compartments with one being able to zipped up, an adjustable ergonomic handle that has four height settings.
| Dimensions (when at max expansion) | 55.8 x 35.5 x 28.9 |
|---|---|
| Number of colourways | 3 |
John Lewis ANYDAY Girona 55cm 4-Wheel Cabin Case
A good quality suitcase under £50? We don't need to be asked twice. Suitable for the majority of airlines (including EasyJet and Ryanair), this suitcase has a TSA approved lock, a side and top handle, has a mesh divider to keep your items separate in the two sections, and four wheels making it super easy to get around an airport or train station.
| Dimensions | 55 x 36 x 20.5cm |
|---|---|
| Number of colourways | 2 |
If you prefer to carry your luggage on your back, this is the backpack we'd go for. It's super affordable, can fit a 14 inch laptop, and has four separate compartments so you can organise your bits just as you see fit. There's also two additional side mesh pockets for a water bottle or umbrella. Crucially it also fits under the seat of the majority of airlines, so no paying for extra cabin luggage.
| Dimensions | 40 × 20 × 25cm |
|---|---|
| Number of colourways | 7 |
Lydia Venn is Cosmopolitan UK’s Senior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer. She covers everything from TV and film, to the latest celebrity news. She also writes across our work/life section regularly creating quizzes, covering exciting new food releases and sharing the latest interior must-haves. In her role she’s interviewed everyone from Margot Robbie to Niall Horan, and her work has appeared on an episode of The Kardashians. After completing a degree in English at the University of Exeter, Lydia moved into fashion journalism, writing for the Daily Express, before working as Features Editor at The Tab, where she spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Talk Radio. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of Gilmore Girls and 00s teen movies, and in her free time can be found with a margarita in hand watching the Real Housewives on repeat. Find her on LinkedIn.
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