The Best Carry-On Suitcases For Every Type Of Traveller

There's a reason frequent flyers swear by carry-on luggage: there's nothing worse than getting to your destination, only to realize that your checked luggage didn't make it. And with the cost of checked luggage increasing seemingly each year, it's worth learning to pack light. (Check out our carry-on packing tips and our guide to carry-on beauty packing to learn how to travel with less.)

Choosing the best carry-on suitcase—especially when ordering online—is not an easy task. To help with the process, we tested countless pieces of cabin-sized luggage with a focus on manoeuvrability (think wheels and handles), capacity, organization, durability, design and extra features to find the smoothest ride for every type of trip and traveller.

The best carry-on suitcases for 2024

For the frequent flyer

Monos Carry-On Pro, $385

Crowned the Chatelaine team’s overall favourite, this compact but spacious carry-on bag is lightweight, with a sturdy telescopic handle and spinner wheels that glide smoothly on all surfaces, from airport carpeting to city sidewalks. Thanks to its solid construction, it can stand up to a surprising amount of wear and tear.

It packs a ton of clever organizational features, including a clothing-compression system and a padded front pocket for electronics.

For the overpacker

Away The Bigger Carry-On Flex, $460

This chic carry-on is slightly bigger than standard sizing and expands by another six centimetres. It fits nicely in most planes' overhead compartments, but it likely won't work with the airline size restrictions on smaller aircrafts. While you may need to check it on some domestic flights, the extra space comes in handy when lugging souvenirs home.

Testers noted its ease of manoeuvrability—a must when dashing through crammed airports.

For the budget-conscious traveller

Amazon Basics Hardside Carry-On, $166

With features seen on more expensive options at a fraction of the price, this carry-on is a steal. The shell is well-built, and large interior pockets keep small items organized.

For short getaways

Béis The Mini Weekender, $135

From the ultra-viral brand founded by Canadian-born actor Shay Mitchell, this personal item–sized bag fits under most airplane seats.

It wowed our testers with its deceptively roomy interior and easy-access bottom compartment, which is designed to fit an extra pair of shoes or to keep liquids within reach when going through security.

Bonus: Unzip the back pocket to reveal a trolley sleeve.

For business trips

Lojel Cubo Small Carry-On Suitcase, $430

This expandable carry-on features one large compartment, rather than the two shallow ones often found in modern suitcases.

The front pocket is equipped with a magnetic door that gives quick access to the main compartment of the bag. It's a great pick for those who often need to freshen up in airport bathrooms before dashing off to meetings.