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The 10 Best International Carry-ons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Here is everything you need to know about carry-on size restrictions for international flights.

Passenger with Away The Carry-On near airplane seats
Photo:

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Dealing with luggage can be one of the most frustrating parts of traveling, especially when each airline has different rules and regulations when it comes to carry-on bags. Since domestic carry-on suitcases won’t meet the stricter limitations of 21.7 x 15.9 x 9 inches set by most international airlines, we sifted through all of our tested luggage to recommend the best carry-ons that fit these requirements.

Whether you’re backpacking through Asia or river-cruising through Europe, we selected backpacks, suitcases, and duffel bags that fit any adventure that requires an international flight. All of the bags we recommend below have been thoroughly tested in our New York City lab and during our real-world travels. We even built an airplane set featuring a real row of seats and an overhead bin to test the bags in as many ways as we could. We evaluated each based on design, capacity, durability, and maneuverability so you can feel confident in your luggage pick for upcoming trips abroad.

Why We Love It
  • It's lightweight, despite how much it holds, and is one of the easier bags to lift into overhead bins thanks to top and bottom handles.

What to Consider
  • The bag is not expandable.

This sleek bag is incredibly spacious, despite the fact that it doesn't expand. It easily fit everything included on our packing list as well as an additional pair of sneakers. The lid of the case acts as it's own storage compartment, keeping items separate from the bottom half for easy organization. The lid also has a mesh zippered pocket with plenty of give so you can pack it full without your items spilling out upon closing.

The overall size of the bag is not at all cumbersome and is so light, it's easy to lift into storage bins and navigate across a range of surfaces with ease. We also love that the handle does have two different heights and did not get stuck (even after we hit it with a baseball bat). The shiny exterior did not crack, scratch, or scuff after pushing the suitcase off a counter and hitting it with a bat, so we're sure it would even survive needing to be gate-checked.

The Details: 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 7.5 pounds | Polycarbonate | Personalization option

Best With Laptop Compartment

July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve

July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve
PHOTO:

July

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
Why We Love It
  • The suitcase has extra features like a detachable laptop pocket and a USB port.

What to Consider
  • The outer laptop sleeve will come off with rough handling, so we recommend removing before storing the suitcase in overhead bins.

Characteristic of July's best luggage, the brand's Carry-on Pro suitcase has plenty of helpful features for ensuring a smooth packing and traveling experience. We love the sleek design and earth-toned color options, but our favorite part of the carry-on is the detachable front pocket for seamlessly traveling with a laptop. You can remove the padded pocket to use it as a laptop case, which is particularly useful for business travelers — an important feature to look for when shopping for carry-on luggage with a dedicated laptop compartment. Plus, the suitcase is outfitted with smart features, including USB and USB-C charging ports, a removable battery, and TSA-approved locks.

The interior of the carry-on is a breeze to pack thanks to the two spacious clamshell-style compartments, built-in compression system, and hidden laundry bag for keeping dirty clothes organized. And, even when the suitcase is packed full, we had no issues wheeling it over all types of surfaces with the help of the four 360-degree spinning wheels and adjustable handles. If you’re planning on gifting this suitcase or just want to add an extra special touch, you can personalize the bag with a name or initials for an extra fee.

The Details: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | 8.6 pounds | Polycarbonate | Front pocket | Personalization option

Bric's Bellagio V2.0 Carry-on Spinner Trunk
PHOTO:

Saks Fifth Avenue

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    4/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Why We Love It
  • The hardside material doesn’t scratch or dent easily.

What to Consider
  • It can be tricky to adjust the handle.

Small but mighty, we recommend this Bric’s carry-on if you’re in search of a suitcase that can handle everything from rough handling at the airport to the cobblestone streets of Paris. Made with a hardy polycarbonate shell and water-resistant zippers, this bag is equipped with all the necessary features for a lifetime of travels. In testing, we didn’t hold back on our durability test with the baseball bat by whacking it from all angles (wheels included) and tossing it off of a table to see if the exterior would hold up. We were thrilled to see that the bag didn’t scratch, dent, or crack under the pressure, and there was just a tiny scuff that we could rub off easily.

Apart from the superb durability, this suitcase has solid organization features on the interior with two main zippered compartments and pockets for smaller items — must-have qualities for a great travel trunk. While the handle feels plenty sturdy, we had some slight issues with it sticking, but we’re chalking that up to a slight inconvenience instead of a deal-breaker.

The Details: 21.7 x 15 x 7.9 inches | 7.1 pounds | Polycarbonate

IT Luggage Lustrous 20 Inch Softside Carry-on Spinner
PHOTO:

Macy's

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
Why We Love It
  • The monochrome color is super stylish, which can be hard to find in softside luggage.

What to Consider
  • The material feels lower in quality compared to some other suitcases we've tried.

Hardside luggage is certainly having a moment, but this softside carry-on earned bonus points in testing for style thanks to the monochromatic coloring. From wheels to handle, this bag boasts a bold teal shade, which means it's never been easier to spot your bag in a sea of navy and black suitcases (though it's also available in charcoal for a more muted vibe). The suitcase has one main compartment that can easily fit outfits, accessories, and shoes for a week-long vacation. The interior has a zippered pocket and two elastic pockets, while the exterior has one spacious zippered pocket for storing electronics or anything else you need quick access to. During our durability tests, the fabric and wheels scuffed a bit so we think the material isn't as durable as some other softside suitcases we tried. However, the stylish and lightweight design of that suitcase makes it a great option for travelers looking for a colorful and functional bag. Note: the bag is expandable but that might make it go over the stricter international carry-on restrictions.

The Details: 21.7 x 14.2 x 7.9 inches | 5.95 pounds | Nylon, polyester | Expandable

Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The hardside material is extremely durable when it comes to rough handling.

What to Consider
  • The suitcase is fairly basic and doesn’t come with extra features.

If you realize your suitcase is too large with days to spare before an international trip, Amazon Basics has you covered with fast shipping for Prime members. The 21-inch hardside spinner is made with a heavy-duty ABS material that proved to be exceptionally durable when we whacked the case with a baseball bat and tossed it off of a ladder. True to name, the interior of the suitcase has a minimalist design with two clamshell compartments, several zippered pockets, and compression straps. There could be a few more organizational features, but the suitcase was still very easy to pack and fill with clothing items, shoes, and a toiletry case. The spinner wheels rolled smoothly and the handle felt just as sturdy as the rest of the suitcase, so we think the bag has excellent value, especially for under $100.

The Details: 21.46 x 14.76 x 9.45 inches | 7.34 pounds | ABS | Expandable

Rimowa Original Cabin
PHOTO:

Rimowa

Our Ratings
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The compression system on either side of the suitcase is a game changer for saving space.

What to Consider
  • The aluminum material scuffs easily.

Rimowa is top of the line when it comes to suitcase brands, and we think the Original Cabin carry-on is worth the investment. The exterior of this aluminum suitcase looks luxurious, and the interior offers plenty of functional features that make both packing and traveling a breeze. We’re big fans of the compression dividers on each compartment that help condense clothing and keep packed items in place during transit and when you open up the suitcase. The luggage itself weighs 9.5 pounds, which isn’t the lightest, but we’ve never had any issues lifting it overhead, and the ball-bearing mounted wheels glide over cobblestone and pavement without any extra effort needed. One thing to note is that aluminum luggage does scratch and dent easier than polycarbonate cases, but rest assured that the sturdy material will be more resistant to cracks and will still keep your belongings safe.

The Details: 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inches | 9.5 pounds | Aluminum

Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 International Carry-on Spinner
PHOTO:

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    4/5
  • Organization
    4/5
  • Design
    3.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
Why We Love It
  • It’s easy to maneuver through an airport with a sturdy handle and spinner wheels.

What to Consider
  • The carry-on can’t fit more than a few days’ worth of clothing.

This carry-on from Delsey comes in the brand’s most iconic design for looking effortlessly chic and elegant while traveling. While light-colored suitcases can be a dicey option, the suitcase is incredibly durable, and we didn’t see any scuffs, scratches, or dents tarnish the cream-colored bag after we hit it with a baseball bat and tossed it off of a ladder. Throughout our three months of long-term testing, we even checked this bag twice, and it came out still looking sleek and new. To complement a neutral suitcase exterior (which also comes in brown, blue, and blush), the interior is lined with a bolder orange color with several pockets and compression straps for packing. While the capacity is on the smaller end for a carry-on, we love that the compact size makes it incredibly easy to wheel the bag through the airport or lift it overhead for a smooth travel experience.

The Details: 21 x 13 x 10 inches | 6.4 pounds | Polycarbonate | USB port

Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L
PHOTO:

Tortuga

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The capacity is just as big as a regular carry-on.

What to Consider
  • It can feel a bit heavy when it’s full.

The best part of Tortuga’s Travel Backpack is that it’s basically a suitcase without wheels. The 40-liter capacity rivals the volume of any carry-on and the backpack also has clamshell compartments for simple packing. Designed to fit a week’s worth of clothing, the bag can easily store enough clothing for a longer international trip, and we were even able to fit a packed tent with other clothing for a camping trip. Although the bag can get a bit heavy when it’s packed full, the padded back panel, straps, and hip belt helps distribute the weight to help with comfort while traveling. Other helpful features include a padded laptop sleeve, small zippered pockets, and two water bottle pockets. We can’t forget to mention that the bag is made with recycled sailcloth and is fully waterproof to protect your belongings if the weather takes a turn.

The Details: 21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 inches | 4.5 pounds | Recycled sailcloth | 16-inch laptop pocket

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
PHOTO:

Calpak

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    5/5
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Maneuverability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Functionality
    5/5
Why We Love It
  • The interior has excellent organizational features for clothing and technology.

What to Consider
  • The capacity (31.2 liters) could be too small for a longer trip.

Skip the stress of finding space in an overhead bin with Calpak’s Hue Mini underseater suitcase. To prove that it can fit under an airplane seat, we recreated that space in our lab and we had no issues sliding it into the spot. However, our favorite aspect of the suitcase is that the interior has superior organizational features for making the most out of the smaller capacity. There is a designated laptop pocket and several other mesh pockets for smaller items like undergarments, toiletries, or phone chargers. The other compartment is plenty spacious for clothing and a pair of shoes for a short trip. There aren’t any pockets on the exterior, but we still think the interior pockets more than make up for the lack of outside organization.

The Details: 16 x 14 x 8.5 inches | 6.4 pounds | Polycarbonate

Vera Bradley Foldable Rolling Duffel Bag
PHOTO:

 Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Capacity
    4.5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.6/5
  • Durability
    4.6/5
Why We Love It
  • It has a separate bottom compartment for keeping shoes and clothing separate.

What to Consider
  • The materials don’t feel as durable as other duffel bags we’ve tried.

This carry-on duffel bag from Vera Bradley has tons of hidden features that make it an excellent piece of luggage to add to your collection. It’s small and lightweight enough that you can carry it like a tote bag, or you can opt to use the wheels and discrete handle that pops out to convert the duffel into a traditional suitcase so you won't have to choose between a weekender or duffel bag. During testing, we also loved that the duffel has a separate shoe compartment on the bottom of the bag for separating clothing from shoes or any other items you might not want to pack in the main compartment. The suitcase has one large zippered mesh pocket on the inside of the opening flap and one exterior pocket. While the bag feels durable and long-lasting, the ripstop polyester material isn’t waterproof, so you may not want to use this as a checked suitcase.

The Details: 21 x 13 x 10 inches | 5.6 pounds | Ripstop polyester

Other International Carry-ons We Liked

The suitcases highlighted below still scored highly during testing but we ran into some slight issues with maneuverability.

Coolife Carry-on with Pocket: The suitcase has some extra give which helps with packing, but it didn’t maneuver as well around obstacles as the other cases we tried.

Steamline Luggage The Sweetheart Carry-on: This vintage-style trunk would be ideal for a honeymoon or a trip to Paris, but it also only has two wheels which isn’t ideal for uneven terrain or crowded airports.

Person standing near Away The Carry-On alongside airplane seats

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Our Testing Process

Since luggage is one of our favorite categories to test at Travel + Leisure, we’ve tested more than 450 pieces of luggage in both our lab using our airplane set and in real-world settings. We selected carry-ons from trusted brands like Away, Delsey, July, Béis, and more to evaluate based on traits like capacity, design, maneuverability, and durability to recommend the best ones on the market. To put together our best recommendations for international carry-ons, we selected our top-performing bags that fit under the general 21.7-inch maximum luggage height for most international airlines.

Person striking Amazon Basics 20-Inch Hardside Spinner 3-piece Set with bat during testing

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

passenger holding the sleeve of July Carry On Pro SnapSleeve near airplane seats

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

First, we test each suitcase in our New York City lab by putting the bags through a series of tests that kick off with packing the luggage with various clothing items, shoes, a toiletry bag, and other travel necessities. Then, we roll the wheeled luggage around cones and over gravel, carpet, and stone to judge the maneuverability and smoothness of the wheels. The last (and possibly best) part of the test includes dropping the suitcases off of a table and hitting them with a baseball bat several times to gauge the durability. We also use our airplane set to lift the bags into real overhead bins and to see how well they fit underneath real airplane seats. After lab testing is complete, we send out each suitcase for our editors to continue testing while traveling.

Tips for Buying an International Carry-on

Factor in trip type and destination

Suitcases, backpacks, and duffel bags all count as carry-ons as long as the bag is under the size limitations set by the airline. For destinations that require bulkier clothing like Iceland, or most countries in the winter, you might want to plan on bringing a checked bag for clothes and one of the smaller carry-on suitcases. If you’re planning on backpacking during your international travels where lighter packing is required, we recommend traveling with a carry-on that has superb portability like a backpack or wheeled duffel.

Consider weight

Most international airlines have carry-on weight limits of 15 to 22 pounds, so you might want to invest in a portable luggage scale to ensure your bag is under the weight limit. However, British Airways offers the least strict weight restrictions since they allow you to carry a bag up to 50 pounds. It’s important to double-check with your airline before you begin packing for your trip to confirm the size restrictions ahead of time, especially if you tend to push the limits of your expandable luggage.

Look for organizational features

Since international carry-ons have to be a bit smaller than usual, the amount of usable space also decreases. Organizational features can be a game-changer for making the most out of your carry-on, so be sure to look for suitcases with compression straps to pack down clothing or exterior pockets for laptops or other last-minute items. If your suitcase doesn’t offer many pockets or a compression system, packing cubes can help with saving space and organization, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do international and domestic carry-on sizes differ?

    Generally, international carry-ons have to be smaller than the standard size carry-on for domestic flights, which is about 22 x 14 x 9 inches. International carry-ons usually have to be under 21.7 inches in height, including the handle and wheels, and there are often stricter weight limits, too. The part that makes things slightly difficult is that size restrictions vary by carrier, so you’ll need to check ahead of time to prevent any last-minute baggage fees or gate-checking your suitcase.

  • What are the carry-on weight limits for international flights?

    Just like dimensions, weight limitations are determined by each individual airline, so it’s essential to check with your carrier before arriving at the airport. Most international airlines require carry-ons to weigh less than 15 to 22 pounds with the exception of several larger carriers — like British Airways, KLM, and Air France — that have less strict limitations.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at T+L, where she reviews travel products and writes most of the team’s tested content. Anna participated in all of the luggage testing that has occurred in the last year and she combed through notes from various luggage tests completed by T+L to write about the best carry-ons that fit under the common size restrictions set by international airlines.

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Edited by
Jackie Cucco
Jackie Cucco, Commerce Testing Editor
Jackie Cucco is a Commerce Testing Editor at Travel + Leisure, where she assigns, edits, and writes travel-related product reviews based on in-depth product testing. She previously worked as a travel agent, has a Master’s degree in journalism, and has over six years of experience creating gift guides and writing about various products. She has made over 100 TV appearances discussing consumer products and shopping trends.

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