Carry-on luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner is our No-Brainer pick

Start with your airline's size limit

US airlines commonly allow carry-ons around 22 x 14 x 9 inches including wheels and handles, but limits vary, and expanded bags may not fit. Decide between softside, which has outside pockets, and hardside, which resists rain and dents.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner is the carry-on most travelers should buy. It is tough, packs well, rolls smoothly on eight spinner wheels and expands about 2 inches when you need room. Travelpro backs it with a lifetime limited warranty. Check your airline's size limits before you fly.

Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner is the hardside pick. Its flexible polypropylene shell resists dents, it rolls on double spinner wheels and it has a built-in TSA lock. Samsonite lists a 10-year limited warranty. Hardside cases open like a clamshell, so you need floor space to pack.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner is the budget pick and one of the lightest full-size carry-ons. Travelpro lists it at about 5.4 pounds with a 2-inch expansion, which leaves more of your weight allowance for clothes. It is less rugged than the Platinum Elite, but a strong value.

Choose by travel style and budget

Pick the Platinum Elite if you fly often and want a bag built to last. Pick the Samsonite Freeform if you prefer a hardside shell. Pick the Maxlite 5 for a light, low-cost carry-on.

What stands out

• Both Travelpro bags expand about 2 inches
• The Freeform has a built-in TSA lock
• The Maxlite 5 is very light for its size

Watch out for

• Expanded bags may exceed carry-on limits
• Some airlines have smaller limits, especially abroad
• Hardside cases need room to open

Before you buy

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Check your airline's size limit, then choose softside or hardside.

Think about the fit: Choose by your airline's limits, then by shell type.

Check before buying: Airline size limits, empty weight, wheels and warranty

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