Checking a bag these days feels less like a travel convenience as prices continue to rise. Amid jet fuel shortages, major airlines are boosting their checked bag fees to recoup costs; Delta raised domestic and some short-haul international checked-bag fees to $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second, United raised theirs to $45 prepaid or $50 closer to departure for the first checked bag, and JetBlue’s first bag fees can now run $39 to $49 depending on timing.
That means you really need a smart carry-on setup. It's just good budgeting at this point. A roomy roller can fit the clothes, shoes and toiletries you would otherwise check, and the right personal item — a tote, weekender or duffel — can slide under the seat with your laptop, chargers, medication, snacks and even extra outfits. It is not glamorous, but neither is paying $90 roundtrip just for your bag.
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In this article: Tesport 22-inch Hard-Shell Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels, SwissGear 7366 Signature Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels and Tesport Cloud Large Tote
Plus, today’s carry-on luggage is stylish, durable and practical — the perfect way to skip the check-in lines and keep your wallet happy. The top picks below will make sure you’re not only saving on fees but also traveling with ease, comfort and a little extra room for souvenirs.
Tesport 22-inch Hard-Shell Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels
This 22-inch carry-on offers an expandable hardshell that measures 15.75 by 10 by 22.83 inches on the outside, along with spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock and a telescoping handle. It even has a built-in cup holder for your water bottle or airport coffee.
SwissGear 7366 Signature Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
This medium suitcase is right on the line between a carry-on and a checked bag size, so double-check your airline rules before you carry it on. If it qualifies though, it will absolutely maximize your packing space. Plus, it has spinner wheels, a TSA lock and a cup holder.
Virtuosa Hardside 21-Inch Carry-On Luggage
The Samsonite Virtuosa 21-inch carry-on luggage features 360-spinner wheels, a polycarbonate shell and a RightHeight adjustable handle. It also comes with a zippered WetPak for storing items like makeup or toiletries. The collection has a matching weekender bag and train case, if you want a luggage set perfect for summer trips — and all of them are BestReviews editors' favorites.
Away Carry-On Luggage, Lightweight Hardside Suitcase with Spinner Wheels
Away’s 22-inch carry-on suitcase is as stylish as it is practical — airline-approved with durable spinner wheels, a TSA lock and an expandable design to maximize packing space. Plus, you can now shop Away luggage on Amazon for free Prime shipping and easy returns.
Amazon Basics 21" Hardside Carry-On Luggage
For budget-conscious travelers, the Amazon Basics 21-inch hardside carry-on offers great value without sacrificing quality. This suitcase features a scratch-resistant surface and multidirectional wheels for smooth maneuvering, while its expandable design can increase your packing space by up to 25%.
Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels
The No. 1 bestseller in carry-on luggage on Amazon boasts smooth spinner wheels for effortless maneuvering and an expandable design that lets you pack more when you need it. With a TSA lock and durable hard shell, it provides both security and protection for your belongings.
Wrangler Hardside Spinner Carry-On Luggage
The Wrangler Hardside Spinner Carry-On is an affordable option that can easily fit in overhead compartments and features a scratch-resistant surface and multidirectional wheels that make it easy to navigate through crowded airports.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels
This carry-on is lightweight yet spacious, with four spinner wheels and an expandable, softside design that's durable and convenient for those who need a little extra packing room from time to time.
Travelers Club Chicago Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage, Teal, 20" Carry-On
Looking for a compact yet reliable carry-on? This option from Travelers Club is perfect for short trips, and the expandable design gives you flexibility to pack more, even in its small, 20-inch design.
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner With USB Port
The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner is the perfect solution for those who want a compact, easy-to-carry bag. Designed to fit under most airline seats, this suitcase offers easy access to your belongings while you’re in flight.
This tote can easily hold the spillover from your carry-on bag. It has a 19-liter capacity and tons of pockets, both inside and out, to keep your travel day essentials organized. It also has a key leash and a sleeve to slide onto luggage handles.
Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender Duffel Overnight Bag with Laptop Computer Sleeve
Samsonite’s Virtuosa Weekender is made for short trips and packing personal items. It has a padded laptop sleeve, plus tons of other pockets on the front and sides. It also has a removable shoulder strap, so you can choose how you want to carry it.
shortyLOVE Tillie Medium Tote Bag
This tote is our testers’ favorite because it’s so well designed and has a ton of smart compartments without being bulky. It offers a padded laptop compartment, a smart attached hook to secure your wallet or keys and accessible side pockets. Plus, the nylon makes the entire bag machine-washable.
TIBES Convertible 2-in-1 Garment Bags for Travel
This convertible garment duffel is perfect for weddings, work trips, or any time you need your clothes to arrive pristine and unwrinkled. The 50-liter bag opens into a 21-by-51-inch garment pocket that holds up to two suits or dresses, plus a shoe pocket, toiletry bag and additional storage pockets and compartments built in.
The Sak Los Feliz Large Tote Bag
This extra-large tote works as a polished everyday bag that's also great for travel. It has a convenient magnetic snap closure and pockets on both the interior and exterior, plus it can hold devices up to 12 inches in size.
Kattee Leather Tote Bags for Women
This leather tote is structured and polished — a handbag that can also stand up to travel. It's made from leather with a magnetic snap closure and multiple interior pockets to keep your items organized and easy to find.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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