A stylish yet sturdy carry-on suitcase is essential for any avid traveller.
Your travel love language—whether you live for weekend getaways, you’re always on the go for work or you just like to travel light—plays a major part in picking your perfect carry-on match.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional carry-on suitcase or a chic weekender that can be used for any travel occasion, in our humble opinion, practicality must be equalled with style.
For that reason, we’ve found some of the best carry-on luggage options to get you from A to B and look good doing it.
2024’s Top Carry-On Suitcases
- Upscape Carry-On Suitcase $475, Samsonite
- Carry On Trunk, $495, July
- Metro Weekender, $440, Monos
The Best Carry-On Suitcases In 2024
Upscape Carry-On Suitcase
$475 at Samsonite
Samsonite’s Upscape range delivers ultra-light, expandable suitcases so you get the most out of your packing. The carry-on size weighs 2.6kg when it’s empty. It also features an external pocket for stashing your laptop or tablet and other items that you might need easy access to.
Key features:
- 55 x 40 x 23cm
- Expandable to 26cm
- 42-litre volume
- 2.6kg
- Limited 10 year global warranty
Carry On Trunk
$495 at July
July’s Trunk style is filled with retro flair. The zipper-free design opens and closes with one-click latch locks. It features the Melbourne brand’s signature ejectable battery for charging on-the-go. And the internal compartments are water-resistant and stain-proof. The high-gloss red finish is simply the cherry on top.
Key features:
- 55 x 38 x 22cm
- 42-litre volume
- 4kg
- Two integrated One-click TSA latch locks
- Zipperless access with rivetless anodized aluminium frame
- Ejectable battery with FastCharge USB-C
Metro Weekender
$440 at Monos
The Metro Weekender from Canadian brand Monos is the ultimate solution for wheel-free travel. Use it as a companion for your checked luggage or keep your carry-on light for quick getaways. The top-opening design features multiple compartments for organised packing. It comes with a removable shoulder strap, and the vegan leather finish is water-resistant.
Key features:
- 49 x 26 x 37.5cm
- 47.5-litre volume
- 2.4kg
- Removable shoulder strap
Paravel Aviator Hardshell Suitcase
$830 at Net-A-Porter
If you’re angling for an upgrade, having the right kit can help. This ultra-chic hardshell carry-on from Italian brand Paravel could be your ticket. It’s made from recycled-polycarbonate and trimmed with smooth vegan leather—the interior is lined with fabric made from post-consumer upcycled water bottles. The aluminium handle and smooth-rolling wheels mean you’ll glide right through the airport.
Key features:
- 53 x 31 x 24cm
- 3.7kgs
- 360-degree rotating wheels
Essential Overnight Bag
$169 at Antler
A versatile holdall, this overnight bag from Antler easily slots under plane seats so there’s no risk of having to check your bag if the cabin is full. It weighs less than one kilo when empty, giving you ample room to fill with essentials for weekends away or quick work trips. If you’re travelling with multiple bags, this design features a back strap that slides over the handle of a suitcase.
Key features:
- 43 x 28 x 20cm
- 27-litre volume
- 0.86kg
- Removable shoulder strap
Nere Bondi 56cm Suitcase
$220 at Strand
Lightweight and spacious—two key ingredients for the ultimate carry-on. Nere’s Bondi range is made from scratch-resistant polypropylene and features spinner wheels that manoeuvre effortlessly. This style also has self-repairing zippers so you won’t get caught out with a broken bag at check-in.
Key features:
- 56 x 36 x 23cm
- 47-litre volume
- 2.6kg
- Spinner wheels
- 10 year warranty
Globe Trotter Centenary Carry-On Suitcase
$2975 at Net-A-Porter
Clutch onto the glamour of travel with Globe Trotter’s iconic pieces—the Centenary collection marks 100 years of the brand. This piece is crafted from the brand’s patented vulcanised fibreboard and comes trimmed with elegant leather details and golden hardware.
Key features:
- 52 x 38 x 21cm
- 4.2kg
- Leather trim
- Push lock fastening with keys and buckle-fastening straps
Anya Hindmarch Shorthaul Trolley Suitcase
$3950 at Net-A-Porter
Organisation is the main attraction of Anya Hindmarch’s Shorthaul Trolley. Made from black ECONYL and trimmed with tonal leather, this design is defined by its pockets. Internal and external zipped compartments are labeled so you know exactly where everything is—they act as an unofficial packing list too, so you’re less likely to forget the essentials.
Key features:
- 53 x 38 x 22cm
- Nylon with leather trim
- Built-in lock
Should I Pack A Suitcase Or An Overnight Bag As Carry-On Luggage?
Depending where you’re going and how you’re getting there will determine what bag is best to take as carry-on luggage. If you’re flying, take note of size and weight restrictions and pack accordingly. Investing in an ultra-light wheeled suitcase can help you cut down on precious kilos. But sometimes a duffle or overnight bag will offer ample space and even fit under the airplane seat.
What Colour Carry-On Suitcase Should I Buy?
Suitcases come in almost every colour of the rainbow these days. While you might be tempted to play it safe and buy a black bag, picking an instantly recognisable shade can help you pick your bag up faster—and avoid other travellers mistaking it for their own. Deep forest green, rich chocolate brown and glossy red suitcases are trending at the moment.
Looking to save money on luggage? Check out our coupon codes for Net-A-Porter, The Iconic and more.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
