The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch spinner is the best carry-on for most frequent flyers: it is the top soft-sided pick at both Wirecutter and Outdoor Gear Lab, and Travelpro's warranty covers airline damage once you register it. If you want a hard shell, buy the Away Carry-On. If you want to spend less, the 5.4 lb Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the value pick. Before you buy any of them, check one number: American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Alaska all cap carry-ons at 22 x 14 x 9 inches with wheels and handles counted, and only two picks here are listed at or under that size.
Our quick picks
How we picked
Every bag is scored with the Kit Score: fit against airline size limits, empty weight, capacity and expansion, build and warranty terms, and value. We started from the 2026 carry-on picks at Wirecutter, Outdoor Gear Lab, Condé Nast Traveler, and Pack Hacker, checked every dimension and weight against the maker's own page, and confirmed each bag is sold on Amazon by Amazon or the brand itself (Briggs & Riley through an Amazon seller and its own site). These are researched picks: we have not flown with them. The sources table at the end shows where each number comes from.
The picks
Best overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch spinner
BEST OVERALL
Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Softside Expandable Spinner
Best for: Frequent flyers who pack a jacket or work clothes, fly mainline carriers, and want a warranty that covers airline damage.
- Top soft-sided pick at Wirecutter and Outdoor Gear Lab
- 23.5 inches tall overall, so it can fail a strict 22 inch sizer
Kit Score 9.0/10 · $389.99 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
The Platinum Elite is Travelpro's top softside carry-on and the top soft-sided pick at both Wirecutter and Outdoor Gear Lab. It pairs a drop-in suiter and 2 inches of expansion with eight MagnaTrac spinner wheels, and Travelpro's warranty adds airline damage coverage once you register the bag. The 21 x 14 x 9 inch case grows to 23.5 inches tall with wheels and handle.
- Case dimensions
- 21" x 14" x 9"; 23.5" x 14.5" x 9" overall with wheels and handle (Travelpro)
- Expansion
- Up to 2" (Travelpro)
- Weight
- 7.8 lbs
- Capacity
- 46 L (manufacturer); 40 L (Outdoor Gear Lab measured main compartment)
- Shell material
- Nylon with DuraGuard coating
- Wheels
- 8-wheel MagnaTrac self-aligning 360-degree dual spinner
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime; airline damage covered when registered within 120 days
More strengths
- Drop-in suiter keeps a jacket or dress shirts flatter than rolled clothes
- Warranty covers airline damage once registered, which most rivals exclude
Other tradeoffs
- 7.8 lb empty, about 2.4 lb more than the Maxlite 5
The Platinum Elite is the soft-sided carry-on that Wirecutter and Outdoor Gear Lab both put first, and it is built for people who fly every month. Travelpro lists 46 liters with 2 inches of expansion, a drop-in suiter for a jacket or dress shirts, and eight MagnaTrac spinner wheels. The warranty is the strongest of the mainstream brands: limited lifetime coverage, plus airline damage once you register the bag within 120 days.
The catch is size. The 21 x 14 x 9 inch case grows to 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 inches with wheels and handle, so it is over a strict 22-inch sizer, and Wirecutter flags the same thing. On mainline flights it rarely gets measured, but on a basic fare or a full regional jet, that extra inch and a half is a risk. At 7.8 lb it is also about 2.4 lb heavier than the Maxlite 5.
Size: 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 in overall | Weight: 7.8 lb | Capacity: 46 L, +2 in | Warranty: limited lifetime, airline damage when registered
Best hardside: Away The Carry-On
BEST HARDSIDE
Away The Carry-On 22-Inch Hardside Spinner
Best for: Travelers who want a durable, polished hardside bag they can use for years and check in knowing the shell will protect contents.
- Dense polycarbonate shell resisted cracking and denting in independent reviews
- Does not expand, limiting packing flexibility versus comparable softside options
Kit Score 8.5/10 · $275.00 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
Away's carry-on pairs a polycarbonate shell with a compression panel, a built-in TSA lock, and four spinner wheels. Wirecutter names it its top hard-sided carry-on and Outdoor Gear Lab its favorite hardside. Away lists 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 inches including wheels and handles, a hair over the 22 x 14 x 9 inch template.
- Exterior dimensions
- 22" x 14.4" x 9.1" including wheels and handles (Away)
- Interior dimensions
- 20.1" x 13.9" x 7.5" (Away)
- Weight
- 7.5 lbs
- Capacity
- 41 L (Away); 35.5 L measured by Outdoor Gear Lab
- Shell material
- 100% polycarbonate hardshell
- Wheels
- 4-wheel 360-degree spinner
- Lock
- TSA-approved combination lock, built-in
- Warranty
- LifetimeCare for purchases from April 14, 2026: five years of free repairs, up to one replacement, then paid repairs
More strengths
- WhisperGlide spinner wheels are consistently quiet and track straight
- Compression panel keeps contents flat and reduces overpacking tension on zipper
Other tradeoffs
- Grab handles are narrow and can be uncomfortable for larger hands
Away's carry-on is Wirecutter's top hard-sided pick and Outdoor Gear Lab's favorite hardside. The polycarbonate shell protects fragile things better than fabric, a compression panel keeps clothes flat, and the TSA lock is built in. Away lists the current version at 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 inches including wheels and handles, 7.5 lb, and 41 liters, so it sits a fraction of an inch over the 22 x 14 x 9 template on width and depth.
Two caveats. It does not expand, so you cannot add room for the trip home. And the warranty changed: for purchases from April 14, 2026, Away's LifetimeCare covers free repairs for five years and up to one replacement, then repairs carry a fee. Wirecutter calls that change troubling, and it is worth knowing before you pay for a "forever" bag.
Size: 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 in overall | Weight: 7.5 lb | Capacity: 41 L | Warranty: 5 years of free repairs (LifetimeCare)
Best value: Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch spinner
BEST VALUE
Maxlite 5 21-Inch Softside Expandable Spinner
Best for: Frequent travelers who prioritize low bag weight to maximize packing allowance on weight-limited international routes.
- Lightest carry-on in its class at this price
- Wheel housings feel less robust than the rest of the bag
Kit Score 8.4/10 · $160.00 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
The Maxlite 5 is among the lightest spinner carry-ons in its price range, built on Travelpro's flight-crew heritage. At 5.4 lbs it leaves meaningful headroom before most domestic and international cabin weight limits.
- Overall dimensions
- 23" x 14.5" x 9"
- Case dimensions (packing body only)
- 21" x 14" x 9" (Travelpro)
- Weight
- 5.4 lbs
- Capacity
- 46 L
- Shell material
- Polyester with Duraguard water and stain-resistant coating
- Wheels
- 4-wheel 360-degree spinner
- Expansion
- Expands up to 2 inches
More strengths
- Duraguard-coated fabric resists scuffs and stains well
- Four spinner wheels roll quietly on flat airport floors
Other tradeoffs
- Slightly oversized for the most restrictive international sizers when expanded
The Maxlite 5 is Wirecutter's budget pick and Pack Hacker's best value, and at 5.4 lb it is the lightest spinner in this guide. That matters on international routes: British Airways allows up to 23 kg (51 lb) per cabin bag, but Air France caps Economy hand baggage plus a small bag at 12 kg (26.4 lb) combined, so every pound the bag weighs is a pound you cannot pack.
Travelpro lists a 21 x 14 x 9 inch case, 23 x 14.5 x 9 inches overall, 46 liters, and 2 inches of tapered expansion. The soft sides can squeeze into a tight bin in a way a hard shell cannot. What you give up against the Platinum Elite is the suiter, the eight-wheel MagnaTrac system, and some fabric weight. Read our full Travelpro Maxlite 5 review.
Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9 in overall | Weight: 5.4 lb | Capacity: 46 L, +2 in | Warranty: limited lifetime
Best value hardside: Samsonite Freeform
BEST VALUE HARDSIDE
Freeform Hardside 21-Inch Expandable Spinner
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want a hardside bag with a trusted brand warranty and don't need premium organizational features.
- Polypropylene shell resists denting and cracking under typical handling
- Finish scuffs and scratches visibly with regular use
Kit Score 7.8/10 · $129.97 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
The Freeform delivers a sturdy polypropylene hardshell, smooth oversized spinner wheels, and a built-in TSA lock at a price well below premium hardside options. Samsonite backs it with a 10-year limited warranty.
- Overall dimensions (incl. wheels)
- 23" x 15" x 10"
- Interior dimensions
- 20.5" x 14.5" x 10" (Samsonite)
- Expansion
- 1" (Samsonite)
- Weight
- 6.5 lbs
- Capacity
- approx. 41 L
- Shell material
- Polypropylene hardshell
- Wheels
- 4-wheel oversized dual-spinner
- Lock
- Integrated TSA-approved combination lock
More strengths
- Oversized dual-spinner wheels roll smoothly across varied surfaces
- 10-year Samsonite limited warranty provides long-term peace of mind
Other tradeoffs
- Zipper system is not water-resistant despite waterproof shell panels
The Freeform is Outdoor Gear Lab's Best Buy and the hardside to buy if Away is more than you want to spend. Samsonite backs it with a 10-year limited warranty, and the polypropylene shell, built-in TSA lock, and double spinner wheels cover the basics at 6.5 lb.
Size is the reason it ranks fourth. Samsonite lists the Freeform carry-on at 23 x 15 x 10 inches, over the 22 x 14 x 9 limit on every side. It fits Southwest's and Frontier's 24 x 16 x 10 inch limits. On other US airlines you are counting on nobody checking.
Size: 23 x 15 x 10 in overall | Weight: 6.5 lb | Expansion: 1 in | Warranty: 10-year limited
Best warranty: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-inch spinner
BEST WARRANTY
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner
Best for: Frequent flyers who want one softside carry-on that compresses to the common US size and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage.
- Lifetime guarantee that covers airline damage, the broadest warranty in this guide
- 10 lb empty, the heaviest bag here
Kit Score 8.6/10 · $729.00 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
The Baseline Essential is the carry-on to buy once. Briggs & Riley lists it at 22 x 14 x 9 inches compressed, and its CX system expands the depth to 11.5 inches when you need room, then cranks back down. The Simple As That lifetime guarantee covers functional damage, airline damage included, at no repair charge.
- Dimensions
- 22 x 14 x 9 in, expands to 11.5 in deep (Briggs & Riley)
- Weight
- 10 lb
- Capacity
- 37 to 48 L, compressed to expanded
- Material
- Ballistic nylon softside
- Wheels
- 4-wheel spinner
- Warranty
- Simple As That lifetime guarantee, airline damage included; cosmetic wear excluded
More strengths
- Compresses back to 22 x 14 x 9 inches after you expand it
- Flat packing floor with built-in garment support for jackets and shirts
Other tradeoffs
- Costs more than any other pick in this guide
The Baseline Essential is Wirecutter's upgrade pick and an Outdoor Gear Lab Top Pick, and it carries the warranty every other bag here is measured against. Briggs & Riley's Simple As That lifetime guarantee covers functional damage for life, airline damage included, with no repair charge. Cosmetic wear is not covered.
It is also one of only two picks listed at the common US size. Briggs & Riley gives 22 x 14 x 9 inches compressed; the CX system expands the depth to 11.5 inches for the trip home and cranks back down. Capacity runs 37 to 48 liters, and the flat interior has built-in garment support. The trade-offs are real: it weighs 10 lb empty and costs the most of anything here.
Size: 22 x 14 x 9 in compressed, 11.5 in deep expanded | Weight: 10 lb | Capacity: 37 to 48 L | Warranty: lifetime, airline damage included
Best for laptops: Monos Carry-On Pro
BEST FOR LAPTOPS
Monos Carry-On Pro 22-Inch Hardside Spinner
Best for: Business travelers who want a hardside that fits the common US limit and keeps a laptop in a front pocket.
- Front laptop pocket opens without unzipping the main case
- No expansion, and 36 L is smaller than Away's 41 L
Kit Score 8.1/10 · $295.00 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
The Carry-On Pro is a polycarbonate hardside with a padded front pocket, so your laptop comes out at security without opening the case. Monos measures it at 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles, which matches the common US carry-on limit, and lists 36 liters and 7.8 lb.
- Dimensions
- 22 x 14 x 9 in including wheels and handles (Monos)
- Weight
- 7.8 lb
- Capacity
- 36 L; no expansion
- Laptop pocket
- Padded front pocket, 15.3 x 10 x 1 in (Monos); fits up to a 16-inch laptop per the Amazon listing
- Shell
- Polycarbonate hardside, 360-degree spinner wheels, TSA-accepted lock
- Warranty
- Limited lifetime on handle, locks, and wheels; airline damage needs the paid Lifetime Warranty+
More strengths
- Measured with wheels and handles at the common 22 x 14 x 9 inch US limit
- Compression pad and YKK zippers inside a polycarbonate shell
Other tradeoffs
- Included warranty excludes airline damage and zippers
The Carry-On Pro is Outdoor Gear Lab's pick for carrying a laptop in a hardside, and Pack Hacker names the Monos Carry-On its splurge pick. The padded front pocket means the laptop comes out at security without opening the whole case. Monos lists it at 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles, so it is the hardside that matches the US limit, at 7.8 lb and 36 liters.
Read the warranty before you buy. The included lifetime warranty covers the handle, locks, and wheels; airline damage and zippers need a paid Lifetime Warranty+ plan. It also does not expand, and 36 liters is the smallest hardside interior here.
Size: 22 x 14 x 9 in overall | Weight: 7.8 lb | Capacity: 36 L | Warranty: limited lifetime (handle, locks, wheels)
Lightest: Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On 40L
LIGHTEST
Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On 40L
Best for: Travelers on routes with strict cabin weight limits who want the lightest wheeled bag they can find.
- 4.63 lb empty leaves the most room under a strict cabin weight limit
- Two wheels, so you tow it rather than push it beside you down the aisle
Kit Score 7.6/10 · $299.95 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
The Ozone is the lightest wheeled carry-on in this guide at 4.63 lb, about three-quarters of a pound under the Travelpro Maxlite 5 spinner. Osprey lists it at 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inches and 40 liters, rolling on two 90 mm wheels rather than four spinners.
- Dimensions
- 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 in (Osprey)
- Weight
- 4.63 lb (2.1 kg)
- Capacity
- 40 L
- Wheels
- 2 wheels, 90 mm, on a HighRoad LT frame
- Material
- Recycled ripstop nylon
- Warranty
- Osprey All Mighty Guarantee
More strengths
- Large 90 mm wheels for curbs and rough pavement
- Covered by Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee
Other tradeoffs
- Softside shell gives less protection for fragile items than a hardside
If a cabin weight limit is your main problem, the Ozone is the answer. Osprey lists it at 4.63 lb for 40 liters, about three-quarters of a pound under the Maxlite 5, on a 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 inch frame with 90 mm wheels that roll over curbs and rough pavement better than small spinner wheels. Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee repairs damage or defects for the life of the bag.
It has two wheels, not four, so you tow it behind you rather than push it down the aisle. It also did not appear in the carry-on roundups we checked; it is here because Osprey publishes the lowest weight of any wheeled bag we found from a major brand.
Size: 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 in | Weight: 4.63 lb | Capacity: 40 L | Warranty: All Mighty Guarantee
Best budget: Amazon Basics 21-inch hardside spinner
BEST BUDGET
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Spinner
Best for: Occasional travelers who want a cheap hardside spinner for a few trips a year and fly airlines that do not size-check strictly.
- Lowest price of any carry-on in this guide
- 10 inches deep with wheels, an inch over the common 22 x 14 x 9 inch limit
Kit Score 7.1/10 · $55.79 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
The Amazon Basics 21-inch hardside is the low-cost way into a spinner carry-on. The listing gives 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches including wheels, an expansion zip for up to 25% more space, and a divider with three zippered pockets inside.
- Dimensions
- 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 in including wheels (Amazon listing)
- Weight
- 7.7 lb
- Expansion
- Up to 25% more space
- Shell
- Hard shell with a scratch-resistant finish
- Wheels
- 4 multi-directional spinner wheels
- Interior
- Divider and three zippered pockets
More strengths
- Expansion zip adds up to 25% more space
- Divider and zippered pockets inside
Other tradeoffs
- 7.7 lb empty, heavier than the softside Travelpro and Osprey picks
Condé Nast Traveler names an Amazon Basics hard-shell its best budget carry-on, and this 21-inch spinner is the low-cost way to get four wheels and a hard shell. The listing gives 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 inches including wheels, an expansion zip for up to 25% more room, and a divider with three zippered pockets.
Expect compromises. It is an inch deeper than the 22 x 14 x 9 limit, it weighs 7.7 lb empty, and Outdoor Gear Lab scored the 20-inch version low. For a few trips a year on airlines that rarely size-check, it does the job. For monthly travel, the Maxlite 5 is the better buy.
Size: 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 in overall | Weight: 7.7 lb | Expansion: up to 25%
Check the bag's overall size, wheels and handles included, before you check its price. That is the number the gate agent measures.
Compare the picks
| Spec | Platinum Elite | Away | Maxlite 5 | Freeform | Briggs & Riley | Monos Pro | Ozone 2-Wheel | Amazon Basics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kit Score | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
| Price | $389.99 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT | $275.00 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT | $160.00 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT | $129.97 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT | $729.00 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT | $295.00 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT | $299.95 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT | $55.79 Price checked Oct 24, 3:33 PM CDT |
| Best for | Frequent flyers who pack a jacket or work clothes, fly mainline carriers, and want a warranty that covers airline damage. | Travelers who want a durable, polished hardside bag they can use for years and check in knowing the shell will protect contents. | Frequent travelers who prioritize low bag weight to maximize packing allowance on weight-limited international routes. | Budget-conscious travelers who want a hardside bag with a trusted brand warranty and don't need premium organizational features. | Frequent flyers who want one softside carry-on that compresses to the common US size and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage. | Business travelers who want a hardside that fits the common US limit and keeps a laptop in a front pocket. | Travelers on routes with strict cabin weight limits who want the lightest wheeled bag they can find. | Occasional travelers who want a cheap hardside spinner for a few trips a year and fly airlines that do not size-check strictly. |
| Why it stands out | Top soft-sided pick at Wirecutter and Outdoor Gear Lab | Dense polycarbonate shell resisted cracking and denting in independent reviews | Lightest carry-on in its class at this price | Polypropylene shell resists denting and cracking under typical handling | Lifetime guarantee that covers airline damage, the broadest warranty in this guide | Front laptop pocket opens without unzipping the main case | 4.63 lb empty leaves the most room under a strict cabin weight limit | Lowest price of any carry-on in this guide |
| Tradeoff | 23.5 inches tall overall, so it can fail a strict 22 inch sizer | Does not expand, limiting packing flexibility versus comparable softside options | Wheel housings feel less robust than the rest of the bag | Finish scuffs and scratches visibly with regular use | 10 lb empty, the heaviest bag here | No expansion, and 36 L is smaller than Away's 41 L | Two wheels, so you tow it rather than push it beside you down the aisle | 10 inches deep with wheels, an inch over the common 22 x 14 x 9 inch limit |
| Overall size (in) | 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 | 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 | 23 x 14.5 x 9 | 23 x 15 x 10 | 22 x 14 x 9 (compressed) | 22 x 14 x 9 | 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 | 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 |
| Fits 22 x 14 x 9? | No | Just over | No | No | Yes | Yes | Just over | No |
| Weight | 7.8 lb | 7.5 lb | 5.4 lb | 6.5 lb | 10 lb | 7.8 lb | 4.63 lb | 7.7 lb |
| Capacity | 46 L | 41 L | 46 L | 41.2 L (Outdoor Gear Lab measured) | 37 to 48 L | 36 L | 40 L | Not published |
| Shell | Softside | Hardside | Softside | Hardside | Softside | Hardside | Softside | Hardside |
| Expands | 2 in | No | 2 in | 1 in | To 11.5 in deep | No | No | Up to 25% |
| Wheels | 8 (spinner) | 4 (spinner) | 4 (spinner) | Double spinner | 4 (spinner) | 4 (spinner) | 2 | 4 (spinner) |
| Warranty | Lifetime, airline damage if registered | 5 years free repairs | Limited lifetime | 10-year limited | Lifetime, airline damage included | Handle, locks, wheels | All Mighty Guarantee | Not stated |
Check the size before you buy
Airlines measure the whole bag, wheels and handles included, and the limit depends on who operates the flight. These are the published carry-on limits for the largest US airlines. Use our carry-on size checker to test a bag against 40-plus airlines, and see carry-on size rules by airline for international carriers.
| Airline | Carry-on limit | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| American | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Wheels and handles count |
| Delta | 22 x 14 x 9 in, 45 linear in | Wheels and handles count |
| United | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Basic Economy allows a personal item only on most routes |
| JetBlue | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Wheels and handles count, all fares |
| Alaska | 22 x 14 x 9 in, 45 linear in | Wheels and handles count |
| Southwest | 24 x 16 x 10 in | The roomiest limit among major US airlines |
| Frontier | 24 x 16 x 10 in, 35 lb | A paid carry-on; handles, wheels, and straps count |
How the picks measure up. Only the Briggs & Riley (compressed) and the Monos are listed at or under 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The Away and the Osprey are a tenth to four-tenths of an inch over. The Platinum Elite and Maxlite 5 are over on height because their handles and wheels add 2 to 2.5 inches to a 21-inch case. The Freeform and the Amazon Basics are an inch deep, which only Southwest and Frontier allow. Spirit Airlines, which had its own carry-on size, stopped flying on May 2, 2026.
How to choose the right carry-on
Choosing a carry-on: five decisions that matter
Start with your airline's overall limit
Most US airlines use 22 x 14 x 9 inches with wheels and handles counted; Southwest and Frontier allow 24 x 16 x 10. Compare the bag's overall size, not its case size, which leaves out the wheels and handle.
Weigh the empty bag against your allowance
Air France caps Economy hand baggage plus a small bag at 26.4 lb combined. A 4.63 lb Ozone leaves 21.8 lb for your things; a 10 lb Briggs & Riley leaves 16.4 lb. On US domestic flights with no carry-on weight limit, this matters far less.
Decide on hard or soft
Hard shells protect fragile items and shrug off rain. Soft shells squeeze into tight bins, usually expand, and have outside pockets. Our [hard vs soft luggage guide](/travel/hard-vs-soft-luggage) covers the trade-offs.
Match the inside to what you pack
A suiter (Platinum Elite) or garment support (Briggs & Riley) helps with jackets. A front laptop pocket (Monos Pro) speeds up security. A plain clamshell suits packing cubes; our [packing cube fit checker](/tools/packing-cube-fit) shows which sets fit the bags here.
Read the warranty, not the label
"Lifetime" means different things. Briggs & Riley covers airline damage outright, Travelpro covers it once you register, Away now gives five years of free repairs, and Monos covers handle, locks, and wheels unless you pay for more.
Frequently asked questions
What size carry-on fits every airline?
No size fits every airline. American, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Alaska use 22 x 14 x 9 inches with wheels and handles counted, Southwest and Frontier allow 24 x 16 x 10, and many European and Asian airlines add a weight cap. A bag at or under 22 x 14 x 9 overall, like the Monos Carry-On Pro or a compressed Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential, covers the major US airlines. Always confirm the operating carrier and your fare.
What is the lightest carry-on luggage?
Among these picks, the Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel Carry-On is the lightest at 4.63 lb for 40 liters, and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the lightest four-wheel spinner at 5.4 lb. The heaviest is the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential at 10 lb.
Which carry-on has the best warranty?
The Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential. Its Simple As That lifetime guarantee covers functional damage, including airline damage, at no repair charge; cosmetic wear is excluded. Travelpro covers airline damage on the Platinum Elite once you register it within 120 days. Away's LifetimeCare, for purchases from April 14, 2026, covers five years of free repairs and then charges for repairs.
Is hardside or softside luggage more durable?
Both can last; they fail differently. Polycarbonate shells resist punctures and rain but can crack under a sharp impact, while softside fabric does not crack and is easier to repair but can scuff or tear. Construction and warranty terms matter more than the material. See our hard vs soft luggage guide.
Do I need an underseat bag instead of a carry-on?
On fares that include only a personal item, such as United Basic Economy on most routes, yes. A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, and limits run from 17 x 10 x 9 inches on United to 18 x 14 x 8 on American and Frontier. See the best underseat luggage for bags sized for that space.
Where these numbers come from
| Claim | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Elite top soft-sided pick, Away top hard-sided pick, Maxlite 5 budget pick, Briggs & Riley upgrade pick; Platinum Elite runs over 22 in | Wirecutter, best carry-on luggage | 2026-10-03 |
| Platinum Elite Editors' Choice, Away favorite hardside, Freeform Best Buy, Briggs & Riley Top Pick, Monos Carry-On Pro laptop pick, Amazon Basics 20-inch scored low | Outdoor Gear Lab, best carry-on luggage | 2026-10-03 |
| Maxlite 5 best value, Monos best splurge | Pack Hacker, best carry-on luggage | 2026-10-03 |
| Amazon Basics hard-shell best budget | Condé Nast Traveler, best carry-on luggage | 2026-10-03 |
| Platinum Elite: case 21 x 14 x 9 in, overall 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 in, 7.8 lb, 46 L, 2 in expansion, 8 MagnaTrac wheels | Travelpro, Platinum Elite 21" spinner | 2026-10-03 |
| Platinum Elite warranty: limited lifetime, airline damage when registered within 120 days | Travelpro, Platinum Elite warranty | 2026-10-03 |
| Maxlite 5: case 21 x 14 x 9 in, overall 23 x 14.5 x 9 in, 5.4 lb, 46 L, 2 in expansion | Travelpro, Maxlite 5 21" spinner | 2026-10-03 |
| Away: 22 x 14.4 x 9.1 in including wheels and handles, interior 20.1 x 13.9 x 7.5 in, 7.5 lb, 41 L | Away, The Carry-On | 2026-10-03 |
| Away LifetimeCare for purchases from April 14, 2026 | Away, warranty | 2026-10-03 |
| Freeform: 23 x 15 x 10 in, 6.5 lb, 1 in expansion, 10-year limited warranty | Samsonite, Freeform carry-on spinner | 2026-10-03 |
| Briggs & Riley: 22 x 14 x 9 to 11.5 in, 10 lb, 37 to 48 L | Briggs & Riley, Essential carry-on spinner | 2026-10-03 |
| Briggs & Riley lifetime guarantee terms | Briggs & Riley, lifetime guarantee | 2026-10-03 |
| Monos Carry-On Pro: 22 x 14 x 9 in including wheels and handles, 7.8 lb, 36 L, laptop pocket 15.3 x 10 x 1 in | Monos, Carry-On Pro | 2026-10-03 |
| Monos warranty: handle, locks, and wheels; airline damage needs a paid plan | Monos, lifetime warranty | 2026-10-03 |
| Osprey Ozone 2-Wheel: 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.1 in, 4.63 lb, 40 L, 90 mm wheels | Osprey, Ozone 2-Wheel 40L | 2026-10-03 |
| Amazon Basics 21-inch: 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 in including wheels, 7.7 lb, up to 25% expansion | Amazon listing B071VG5N9D | 2026-10-03 |
| American carry-on 22 x 14 x 9 in | American Airlines, carry-on bags (read through a fetch service; the page blocks automated requests) | 2026-10-03 |
| Delta carry-on 22 x 14 x 9 in, 45 linear in | Delta, carry-on baggage | 2026-10-03 |
| United carry-on 22 x 14 x 9 in; Basic Economy personal item only on most routes | United, carry-on bags | 2026-10-03 |
| JetBlue carry-on 22 x 14 x 9 in, all fares | JetBlue, carry-on bags | 2026-10-03 |
| Alaska carry-on 22 x 14 x 9 in, 45 linear in | Alaska Airlines, carry-on luggage | 2026-10-03 |
| Southwest carry-on 24 x 16 x 10 in | Southwest, carry-on policy | 2026-10-03 |
| Frontier carry-on 24 x 16 x 10 in, 35 lb | Frontier, bag sizes and weight limits | 2026-10-03 |
| Spirit Airlines ceased operations May 2, 2026 | PBS NewsHour | 2026-10-03 |
| British Airways 23 kg cabin bag; Air France 12 kg combined Economy allowance | British Airways, baggage essentials; Air France, cabin baggage | 2026-07-09 |
We have not flown with these bags. Dimensions and weights are the makers' published figures; airline limits are as published on the date above.
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Complete loadoutCarry-on travel kitA one-week suitcase system with the bag, organization, laundry, toiletries, security, scale, and power.Free tool: Carry-On Checker
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