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How Travel + Leisure chose its 14 international carry-ons
Travel + Leisure says it considered more than 650 carry-on bags in its 2026 roundup, evaluating design, maneuverability, and durability. Its described tests included packing each bag with clothing, shoes, toiletries, and travel necessities; rolling it around cones and over gravel, carpet, and stone; dropping it from a table and striking it with a baseball bat; and checking fit in overhead bins and under airplane seats. Editors then used each bag on trips for an additional six months. These are the publication’s reported methods, not independent test results.
The byline author, Asia London Palomba, says she travels internationally at least five times a year. That is her stated experience, not a measured statistic.
Best overall: Samsonite Uplift Hardside Carry-On
The Samsonite Uplift Hardside Carry-On is the roundup’s overall winner. Travel + Leisure lists it at 22 x 14 x 9 inches and 5.07 pounds. The publication highlights its lightweight construction, roomy open interior, smooth dual-spinner wheels, and polycarbonate shell. Its main compromise is limited built-in organization; packing cubes may help separate items, but they do not change the suitcase’s airline-measured exterior dimensions.
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- The Perfect Size: The textured, scratch-resistant exterior of this hardshell carry-on luggage is 15 x 10 x 23 inches" with wheels and meets the cabin size restrictions of most airlines.
- Stay Organized: This small hard-sided carry-on suitcase provides ample packing room with a spacious 20.5" x 14.5" x 10.0" interior. The elastic straps, divider, and pouch ensure everything stays neatly in place
All 14 picks in Travel + Leisure’s roundup
The source’s top-picks list names the following models and categories. The supplied information identifies the picks but does not provide current specifications for every suitcase, so confirm measurements, weight, and features on the linked review and manufacturer pages before relying on them.
| Pick | Category |
|---|---|
| Samsonite Uplift Hardside Carry-On | Best overall |
| Thule Aion Carry-On Spinner | Best for compression |
| Traveler’s Choice Maxporter II Carry-On Spinner | Best features |
| Tumi 19 Degree Lite Carry-On | Best style |
| Kenneth Cole Reaction Underseater Spinner | Best underseater |
| Away The Carry-on Aluminum Edition | Best aluminum carry-on |
| Herschel Heritage Hardshell Carry On | Best minimalist design |
| Bellroy Transit Carry-On | Best with packing cubes |
| Béis The Hybrid Carry-On Roller | Best design |
| Bagsmart Roamer Expandable Carry On | Best value |
| Other reviewed models | The supplied source information does not identify the remaining four models by name. |
Travel + Leisure’s article is a 14-bag roundup, but the available source details name only ten picks. This list does not fill the remaining places with guessed products. Prices are also point-in-time retailer listings and are not reproduced here as stable facts.
Rank #2
- LIGHTWEIGHT: A half pound lighter than Maxlite 4, this spinner meets most international carry-on size limits. Case Dimensions: 21" x 14" x 9" | Overall Dimensions (includes wheels and handles): 23 x 14.5" x 9" | Weight: 5.4 lbs | Volume: 46 L.
- DURABLE & ECO-FRIENDLY: Made from stain-resistant polyester with water-resistant DuraGuard coating and ergonomic, high-strength zippers for lasting durability. Interior lining uses recycled plastics and stays protected from moisture with H2O Guard.
- EFFORTLESS MOBILITY: 360° spinner wheels ensure smooth rolling in any direction. The lightweight PowerScope Lite handle with stops at 38" and 42.5" and a contour grip offers comfort and control. Bottom tray design boosts durability and stability.
- EXPANDABLE & ORGANIZED: Expands up to 2" for added space and stability. Features top, side, and bottom handles, two exterior pockets, full-length lid pocket, side accessory pocket, and adjustable hold-down straps for organized packing.
- LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY: Limited Lifetime Coverage plus the Trusted Companion Promise covers repair for damage caused by airlines or other common carriers for one year when registered after purchase.
Check international carry-on size against every airline
The roundup treats 22 x 14 x 9 inches as a commonly found size and says its selected bags are no larger than those dimensions. That is not a universal international standard. Airlines set their own limits, and a bag that works on one flight may not qualify on another.
The Federal Aviation Administration advises travelers to check their airline’s maximum carry-on dimensions and number of allowed items, noting that some airline rules are stricter than posted regulations. Compare the carrier’s requirements with the bag’s actual external measurements, including wheels and handles where the manufacturer specifies them. Check every carrier on the itinerary, especially when separate airlines operate connecting legs.
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- CARRY-ON DESIGN: Best for 1-5 day trips without the hassle of checking luggage; measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches, including wheels
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE: Extra-thick hard shell with scratch-resistant finish guards against impact and rough handling
- EXPANDABLE: Increase packing space up to 25% for added flexibility and organization
- ORGANIZED INTERIOR: Keep essentials organized with an interior divider and three zippered pockets
- EFFORTLESS TRAVEL: Navigate with ease thanks to four multi-directional wheels, telescoping handle, and short lift handle
Choose between fixed size and expandable capacity
Expansion can add useful packing room, but it also changes the bag’s outside dimensions. Travel + Leisure’s separate 2026 roundup offers two examples:
| Model | Listed dimensions | Weight | Capacity and expansion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monos Hybrid Carry-On | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.8 pounds | 34.2 liters; non-expanding |
| Away Carry-On Flex | 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 7.9 pounds | 41 liters unexpanded, 47 liters expanded; expansion adds 2.25 inches |
These specifications are listed by Travel + Leisure in its 2026 related roundup. It cautions that some airlines may require an expanded Away bag to be checked. Compare the expanded exterior size—not just unexpanded dimensions or capacity—with the rules of the airline you will fly.
Rank #4
- Effortless Mobility with Dual-Wheel Design: Travel with ease using Sweetcrispy carry-on luggage, featuring a dual-wheel system for smooth and seamless movement. Glide through airports, train stations, and busy streets with minimal effort, ensuring a stress-free travel experience from start to finish
- Spacious & Organized Storage: Designed with travel convenience in mind, this suitcase offers ample storage with dedicated wet and dry mesh compartments, X securing straps, and expandable capacity. The premium zipper closure ensures your belongings stay secure, while the thoughtful layout keeps your items organized and accessible
- Lightweight Yet Durable Construction: Made with a sturdy ABS exterior, this luggage is lightweight for easy handling while offering exceptional durability to withstand the demands of travel. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your belongings are well-protected on your journey
- Built-in TSA Lock for Enhanced Security: Travel confidently with the integrated TSA-approved lock, providing an added layer of security for both domestic and international trips. Keep your valuables safe and avoid the hassle of unauthorized access while traveling
- Adjustable & Resilient Telescopic Handle: Customize your travel experience with the durable, flexible telescopic handle, which adjusts smoothly to your preferred height. Whether you’re navigating through crowded spaces or taking a quick turn, the handle ensures comfort and stability
Check weight limits and cabin-bag rules
International airlines may impose carry-on weight limits, and the allowance depends on the carrier. Check the airline’s current policy for weight, dimensions, and the permitted number of cabin items. A portable luggage scale can help you check a packed bag against a stated weight limit; it cannot make an oversized bag compliant.
Suitcases, backpacks, and duffels may all count as carry-ons when they meet the airline’s restrictions. A personal item usually needs to fit under the seat, but its permitted size and whether it is included in the allowance depend on the airline. Confirm both the carry-on and personal-item rules before departure.
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- Durable hardside luggage, extremely lightweight at 3.1kg with a robust shell crafted from matte polycarbonate.
- Pack like an expert with a versatile mesh compartment and removable packing cells that double as an internal divider.
- Glide through transit on HINOMOTO Lisof Silent Run wheels for an ultra-smooth, soundless ride, and with a custom-designed ergonomic telescopic handle featuring 3 lockable heights (measuring 11.6”, 14”, and 17.9” above the top of the case). These, as well as the grab handles, TSA lock and packing cells, are self-replaceable to keep the case rolling for years.
- Sized for global airline compliance, the external measurements are 555 x 350 x 225 mm / 21.9 x 13.8 x 8.9 inches. Volume is 41L.
- This product is covered by Bellroy for 10 years.
Plan for a possible gate-check
The FAA advises travelers to be prepared for a carry-on to be gate-checked. If that happens, remove spare batteries and lithium-battery-powered devices from the bag and keep them in the cabin, following the FAA’s guidance. Keep essential items you may need during the flight accessible before handing the bag over.
Quick Recap
Which features matter most for your trip?
- Prioritize lower weight if your airline has a strict cabin-bag weight allowance. Check the packed bag against the carrier’s limit.
- Favor internal organization if you want pockets or compression panels instead of an open interior. The Uplift is notably open and has few interior compartments; packing cubes are an optional way to organize its contents.
- Consider an underseater if your priority is a bag designed to fit beneath the seat, but verify its dimensions and your airline’s personal-item or cabin-bag rules.
- Choose expansion only when you need it and when the expanded dimensions remain acceptable for the flights on your itinerary.
Sources and specifications
- Travel + Leisure: The 14 Best International Carry-ons of 2026
- Federal Aviation Administration: PackSafe—Traveling with Carry-On Baggage
- Travel + Leisure: related 2026 carry-on roundup
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
