Buying the right luggage is quite possibly one of the most frustrating parts of travel planning. There’s a lot of fake news out there about size restrictions, and there are so many features to consider when buying carry on luggage, so WHERE DO YOU START??? From my 30 years of traveling and making mistakes when buying luggage, I’ve compiled this list to help guide you as you select your next piece of carry on luggage.
Table of Contents
1. Size
By far the most important feature when considering what carry on luggage to buy is SIZE. Your bag MUST fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag for all major airlines in the United States are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). Note that if your dimensions don’t exactly line up with this, that is fine. They could be 5 in x 10 in x 30 in or whatever variation, but cannot exceed 45 in. total.
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If you arrive to the gate and your bag appears to be too big, the gate agent might request that you place it in their sizer to measure out dimensions. I promise you, it’s extremely frustrating and a bit embarrassing when the gate agent has to stop the restless flow of passengers boarding to assist with your bag.
I’m speaking as someone who purchased a pricy “carry on bag” years ago just to find out that it didn’t meet the max size dimensions. And while I still sometimes try to bring it on board, there have been many times when they won’t allow it. Sometimes it’s worth the try to avoid paying checked bag fees, even though I might end up spending more on the backend!
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If it is too large, some airlines will offer complimentary valet service at the gate. This means they will take your bag at the gate and it will be waiting on the jetway when you are deplaning at your destination. However, other airlines will charge you and can charge significantly more than paying for the checked bag ahead of time.
2. Warranty
I HIGHLY recommend buying luggage that offers a warranty! Some companies even offer lifetime warranties, like Briggs and Riley! Well-made luggage should last you several years so you shouldn’t have a problem, but there’s always the chance of getting a lemon and I’d hate to see you spend several a lot of money just to go to waste.
I believe it’s better to spend a bit more on something that will last you a lifetime, than something that will fall apart time and time again…you’ll end up spending more over the course of time on the later. I once bought some cheap luggage at a swap meet (no warranty) and by the time I arrived at my final destination (Paris), the handle had fallen off. My first stop in town was to a luggage store to buy a sturdy luggage… never making that mistake again, and hopefully you won’t either!
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3. Wheeled Suitcase vs. Backpack
This one very much goes in line with #2. When thinking of which carry on to buy, you much also consider if you’ll be using it at your destination.
Backpack
If you’ll be doing a lot of walking and want something light to carry, getting a carry on backpack is a great option – kill two birds with one stone. Some bags will allow you to carry as a backpack or a shoulder bag for extra convenience. The downside, they’re often much smaller than the full 45in. cabin restrictions, so you won’t be able to fit much in there. And, you’ll have to carry it on your back. I definitely don’t recommend this if you have pre-existing back problems.
Wheeled Suitcase
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A wheeled suitcase is often the preferred carry on luggage for travelers because of its convenience when traveling long distances through an airport. I recommend a 4-wheel with a 360 degree turning radius over a 2-wheel bag. This is because you can choose to either pull behind like most wheeled bags do, or wheel standing straight up next to you (this is my preferred option).
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4. Weight
There are no weight restrictions for carry-on luggage on airlines like there is for checked luggage. However, you will want to consider how heavy of a bag you’re willing to buy depending on how much you’ll be carrying it around at your destination.
If you’ll be backpacking around a city, you’ll definitely want something as light weight as possible. However, often the lighter the bag, the higher the price, so definitely take this into consider. If you’ll be dropping off your bag at a hotel and not carrying it again until your return flight, then maybe something a bit sturdier and heavy will do the trick.
Check out my article on the Lightest Weight Carry On Luggage for under $100 for more lightweight carry on luggage ideas.
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5. Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell
Many travelers prefer a hard shell suitcase for durability. They are considered to be more sturdy so that your valuables inside won’t get crushed in the overhead bins. These usually come in plastic or steel materials. The downside is that these carry on’s are sometimes heavier than soft shell. Although, in recent years, new materials have been developed to keep weight down.
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6. Pockets
This is an important one for me as, personally, I hate to just throw everything in one big space when packing. I love to have things organized by use, so a carry on luggage bag with lots of pockets is essential. However, you might not have a lot of little trinkets that you’re carrying so perhaps one empty space is more efficient for finding things.
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7. Water Resistance
This is probably one of the most overlooked features to consider when selecting carry on luggage. That is, until you arrive at a rainy destination and your belongings get soaked because you didn’t prepare ahead. Imagine this! You arrive in Europe and take the train to the stop closest to your hotel, but can’t find it and have to spend 20min walking around getting soaked in the rain. Not a fun experience!
If you have an inkling that it might rain on your trip, please consider buying a water resistant bag. You’ll thank me later!
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8. Price
How much are you willing to spend, and on what features? There are plenty of reliable carry on luggages for budget travelers, like myself.
However, there are fancy features that will come at a higher price, like an anti-theft system, automatic handles, letter exterior material, or even (believe it not) a motorized carry-on scooter. Yes, for real! This leads me into my next feature to consider when selecting carry on luggage
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9. Anti-Theft
As mentioned above, many carry on luggage bags come with an anti-theft locking system now, but they might be a bit more expensive. I’m sure you’ve heard horror stories about pickpockets in many parts of the world. Don’t wait until you’re a victim and have your passport and money go missing in a foreign country. Protect yourself and your belongings now!
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10. Color
Now this might be an obvious one. I know you’re initial thought might be to go for a black bag, but just remember the last time you were at a baggage carousel. Every bag is black or navy and it’s nearly impossible to find yours. Consider being a little spunky and going for a brightly colored bag that will stand out in the crowd.
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RECAP: 10 Features to Consider when Buying Carry On Luggage
- Size
- Warranty
- Wheeled Suitcase vs. Backpack
- Weight
- Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell
- Pockets
- Water Resistant
- Price
- Anti-Theft
- Color
Looking for the lightest weight carry on luggage under $100? Check out my recent post on it!
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