When you’re flying, it’s often best to just stick to a carry-on bag whenever possible. Most airlines allow for a carry-on without charging additional fees, while checking a bag usually has to be paid for.
But which carry-on bag should you use in your travels? Some are better than others, and you’d do well to make sure that the bag is at least the right size. Keep in mind that most airlines, even new regional carriers such as Contour Airlines, allow for carry-on bags to have dimensions of 22 by 14 by 9 inches at the most. That’s a total of 45 linear inches.
Of course, the bag should have TSA-approved locks and be durable enough as well. Factoring in other considerations, here are some carry-on bags you should check out:
Calpak Ambeur Rolling Spinner Carry-On
It comes with the right dimensions and TSA locks, plus it only weighs 6 pounds. It offers handy interior components, and it can also expand an extra 2 inches. It really fits in a lot of your stuff, including souvenirs. And since it has wheels, pulling it along isn’t an issue.
It looks great too, in case that matters to you (and your Instagram account). It comes in black, along with several metallic colors. And it costs less than $200. Just don’t overpack this bag, or lese you’ll break the frame supporting the dividers.
Away Carry-On
The starting cost for this is $275, but you sure are getting a lot for your money. And it’s not really too expensive either, especially when you consider how many other bags out there cost more than $300 but are inferior to this one.
This bag offers a tough polycarbonate shell, 360-degree spinner wheels that just glides on floors, built-in dividers inside, and even an integrated USB charger. It even comes with a laundry bag. It looks good as well, with its sleek design and 8 available matte shades.
It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. That means there’s a warranty for the USB charger for just 2 years, but Away will cover the damage to the zippers, handles, wheels, and the shell at any time.
Parker Clay Atlas Backpack
If you just want a backpack as your carry-on so you can still use it as you explore your travel destination, then try this one. It’s not too big at 18 x 12 x 6 inches, and it only weighs a mere 2 pounds.
This is made of supple Ethiopian leather, and it’s tough, good-looking, and absolutely ideal for travel. Sure, like all leather it will suffer scuffs and creases. But that’s like the war wounds of soldiers, and it will always look like a bag for adults instead of the bookbags of teens.
Inside, it has convenient compartments and pockets for stuff like smartphones, iPads, and even business cards (if you still use them). And Parker Clay is a true millennial company—it provides fair employment to women in Ethiopia so they can support their families safely.