Can I bring my carry-on and a personal item on most airlines?

Usually yes! Most carriers allow one carry-on and one personal item (like a backpack or handbag). Just make sure the personal item fits under the seat in front of you.

What size fits as a carry-on for international flights?

Typically, look for dimensions around 21–22 inches (height), 14 inches (width), and 9 inches (depth). Budget carriers, especially in Europe and Asia, may enforce smaller limits, so always check for your specific airline.

Is hardshell better than softshell for carry-on luggage?

Depends! Hardshell protects fragile items and resists rain. Softshell offers more flexibility and stretch. Hardshell works best for tech gear, while softshell is ideal for overpackers and last-minute additions.

What’s the best carry-on for digital nomads or remote workers?

Look for bags with tech-friendly features—like a dedicated laptop compartment, USB ports, and security locks. Away and Monos both offer sleek options that are nomad-approved.

Does expensive luggage really last longer?

Yes—but not always. Brands like Rimowa are built with longevity in mind, but also come with a higher price tag. For most travelers, mid-tier brands like Monos and Away hit the durability sweet spot.

Keep Calm and Carry On: Best Carry-On Luggage for 2025

Keep Calm and Carry On: The Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Kind of Trip in 2025

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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Choosing the right bag helps you breeze through airports and avoid baggage fees—here’s how to pick the best.
We break down the top-rated options for 2025, from hardshell luxury to soft, flexible designs.
Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or a digital nomad stint, there’s a carry-on here for you.
Includes picks from trusted brands like Away, June, Monos, and Rimowa—plus real user-tested insights.
Our guide on “Keep calm and carry on: The best carry-on luggage for every kind of trip” shows you how to travel smarter.

Introduction
Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Kind of Trip
How to Choose Carry-On Luggage That Fits Your Trip
How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way
HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip
FAQ: Keep Calm and Carry On

Introduction

It starts with a decision that seems simple: what bag should you bring? Suddenly you’re comparing spinner wheels versus roller wheels, soft-shell versus polycarbonate, personal item versus carry-on. With flight delays on the rise and overhead bin space shrinking, traveling light has never been more valuable—or more strategic. And that’s exactly where the right carry-on luggage comes in.

In this guide to “Keep calm and carry on: The best carry-on luggage for every kind of trip,” we’ve collected the most trusted, travel-tested suitcases worth investing in right now. Based on reviews, expert comparisons, and real-world use, we’ve curated top options for different styles of travelers: solo adventurers, luxury jetsetters, weekenders, business professionals, and digital nomads alike.

You’ll find a range of styles, price points, and smart features—from built-in USB chargers to hidden laundry bags. Plus, we’ll help you plan how and when to book your next trip with tools HopStrip travelers love for optimizing travel gear and itineraries.

Best Carry-On Luggage for Every Kind of Trip

Not all carry-ons are created equal—and not every traveler needs the same thing. Here’s a look at the best types of carry-on luggage for different trip styles in 2025.

Best Hardshell Carry-On: Away The Carry-On
Sleek, durable, and thoughtfully designed, Away’s signature 40L polycarbonate case continues to win travelers over. It fits within most major airline restrictions and includes a hidden laundry bag, compression system, and smooth-gliding wheels. Perfect for frequent flyers who want function without sacrificing form.
Best for Business Travel: Briggs & Riley Expandable Carry-On
Business travelers love this case not just for its smart looks, but for its CX expansion-compression technology. You can pack more, then compress it back to size—without wrinkling your shirts. It also offers an external pocket for your laptop, ideal for laptop-free TSA checks.
Best Lightweight Flexibility: July Carry-On Light
Weighing just 3.9 lbs (1.7 kg), this minimalist bag from July is perfect for backpackers and tiny European stairs. It’s sturdy enough for cobblestone miles yet light enough to toss into overhead bins without a lift assist. Best for travelers who want to stay under strict airline weight limits.
Best Luxury Splurge: Rimowa Essential Cabin
A heritage name in luggage, Rimowa’s polycarbonate spinner is a luxury traveler’s dream. With its sleek grooves and whisper-quiet wheels, it adds a touch of class to every jet bridge. It’s expensive—but also highly durable, often lasting for decades.
Best Value for Most Travelers: Monos Carry-On
Simple. Stylish. and sustainably made. Monos is increasingly popular for a reason—it hits that sweet spot between price, quality, and design. With a lifetime warranty and streamlined interior organization, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to buy once, travel often.

For a full comparison of top picks in this category, check out the original expert review at The Points Guy.

How to Choose Carry-On Luggage That Fits Your Trip

Every trip is different—which is why your luggage needs can change based on where you’re going and how you travel. Here’s what to consider before choosing your carry-on:

Airline Restrictions
Most airlines cap carry-ons around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some budget carriers (especially within Europe) have tighter rules. Always check your specific airline—especially on regional or budget routes.
Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell
Hard-shell bags (like Away and Rimowa) offer structure and protection. Soft-shell bags (like the expandable Briggs & Riley) are more flexible when squeezing into spaces or overpacking.
Wheels: 2 vs. 4
Four-wheeled spinners are smooth to roll and great on airport floors. Two-wheeled bags handle rough terrain better and fit better under seats on trains or buses.
Expandability
If you’re hauling back souvenirs or packing layers for changing climates, look for expansion zippers or compression systems.
Built-in Extras
Some bags now include tech-forward perks: built-in battery packs, laundry bags, TSA locks, or even GPS tracking. Decide which features make a real difference for your travel days.
Personal Style & Presence
Let’s face it—your luggage is a statement. Whether it’s Modern Minimalism (Monos), Heritage European (Rimowa), or Techy Efficient (July), your bag should match both your needs and your vibe.

How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way

Here’s how to set yourself up with the right carry-on—and a solid travel plan to go with it.

Compare luggage styles based on your trip type
Weekend city break? Go minimalist. Luxury island getaway? Upgrade to something sleek. Business trip? Prioritize laptop access and garment storage.
Book your flights early, check baggage policies
Before buying your bag, compare flight options for your dates—and see the exact carry-on limits for your route and airline.
Choose a carry-on that works with your gear
Photographer traveling with equipment? Look for structured hardshells. Traveling with a toddler? You’ll want external pockets and fast access.
Make a lightweight packing checklist
Stick to 3–4 outfits, layer your look, and test-pack your new carry-on. The size may surprise you (in the good way).
Book your first night near the airport or main station
Especially after long hauls. You can check hotel availability near your airport even before booking your flight.
Pre-arrange transfers if arriving tired or late-night
A carry-on saves wait time at baggage claim (yay!), but navigating a new city at midnight is still tricky. Book a fixed-rate airport transfer in advance to reduce stress.

HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip

Whether you’re packing for a short hop or an extended trip, thinking like a HopStrip traveler means bringing efficiency and curation to every step:

Combine experiences, not just destinations
If you’re booking a carry-on-friendly trip (e.g., train travel through Italy or island-hopping in Greece), less gear means more freedom. Use your luggage as a limiting filter to plan smart.
Use tools that optimize weight and gear
Packing cubes, zip pouches, and compression bags keep things neat—especially for one-bag travel. Bonus tip: stuff socks inside shoes.
Protection without the bulk
Even if you’re only bringing a carry-on, travel insurance still matters. Cover delays and cancellations with smart, flexible insurance options that match your trip type.
Think multi-use when packing
One sweater, three looks. One pair of shoes, four uses. Think modular when choosing both your wardrobe and your luggage.

FAQ: Keep Calm and Carry On

Can I bring my carry-on and a personal item on most airlines?
Usually yes! Most carriers allow one carry-on and one personal item (like a backpack or handbag). Just make sure the personal item fits under the seat in front of you.
What size fits as a carry-on for international flights?
Typically, look for dimensions around 21–22 inches (height), 14 inches (width), and 9 inches (depth). Budget carriers, especially in Europe and Asia, may enforce smaller limits, so always check for your specific airline.
Is hardshell better than softshell for carry-on luggage?
Depends! Hardshell protects fragile items and resists rain. Softshell offers more flexibility and stretch. Hardshell works best for tech gear, while softshell is ideal for overpackers and last-minute additions.
What’s the best carry-on for digital nomads or remote workers?
Look for bags with tech-friendly features—like a dedicated laptop compartment, USB ports, and security locks. Away and Monos both offer sleek options that are nomad-approved.
Does expensive luggage really last longer?
Yes—but not always. Brands like Rimowa are built with longevity in mind, but also come with a higher price tag. For most travelers, mid-tier brands like Monos and Away hit the durability sweet spot.