Best Lightweight International Carry-On Luggage for 2024
Getting ready for some international adventures? You’ll definitely want to have a good carry-on in tow! Keep reading for our favorite international carry-on luggage for this year.
What qualifies as an international carry-on?
An international carry-on is a piece of luggage that’s small enough to fit in the overhead bin of an international flight. While approved carry-on sizes may vary (depending on who you’re flying with), the standard international carry-on size is 21” or below for most airlines outside the US. For specific information on sizing, check out this handy chart from TravelingLight.
We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). These are products we’ve heavily researched and stand behind. You can read through our full affiliate disclosure here.
16 best durable and lightweight international carry-ons
1. Best overall international carry-on: Beis Travel
Why are we so obsessed with The Carry-On Roller from Beis Travel? Let us count the ways! This chic design is equipped with: smooth-rolling wheels, cushioned trolley handle, top carry handle, retractable bag strap, and water-resistant zipper tape. (And those are just the exterior features). On the inside of this case, you’ll find a durable polyester lining, vegan leather trim, 4-point compression straps, and a separate pouch to safely store your dirty or damp clothing.
Price: starting at $198
2. Best collapsible international carry-on: Rollink
Rollink’s Flex 360° International Carry-On Spinner Suitcase is the ultimate travel companion for the modern jet setter. Crafted with premium materials and engineered with precision, this suitcase offers unrivaled durability and functionality. Its 360-degree spinner wheels effortlessly glide across any terrain, while the spacious interior with smart organizational features ensures hassle-free packing and easy access to your belongings. With its sleek design and versatile carry-on size, the Rollink Flex 360° is the perfect suitcase for seamless and stylish travels around the globe.
Price: starting at $259
3. Best go-anywhere international carry-on: July
When we say this carry-on from July is designed to go anywhere, we mean it. July has created their very own SilentMove 360° spinner wheels, which are extremely quiet, easy to maneuver, and can stand up to the cobblestone streets of Europe (and beyond). Along with that, this carry-on has a curved eggshell shape that minimizes damage and optimizes function. July has also added anodized aluminum bumpers for extra protection on hard drops or rough surfaces.
Price: starting at $295
4. Best affordable international carry-on: Travelpro
Travelpro’s Maxlite Air Carry-On is a winner on price *and* functionality. On top of being so affordable, this bag has an impressive polycarbonate shell that prevents splitting, cracking, and punctures. Along those same lines, the exterior finish reduces visible scratches/scuffs so you can keep your purchase looking good as new. Lastly, the interior lining is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles — helping to reduce environmental waste in a big way.
Price: starting at $153
5. Best durable international carry-on: Away
There’s no doubt The Carry-On from Away is built to last, thanks to its durable, polycarbonate hard shell that can withstand the wear and tear of any type of travel. But not only is this suitcase incredibly sturdy, it also boasts 360° spinner wheels (ensuring a smooth ride) — as well as an interior compression system that makes packing easier than ever. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s even an ejectable, TSA-approved USB charger to help you stay connected on the go.
Price: starting at $295
6. Best expandable international carry-on: Arlo Skye
The Zipper Carry-On Max from Arlo Skye is full of features you’ll love. For starters, this lightweight luggage has a tone-on-tone exterior pocket that’ll perfectly fit a 15” laptop — a big perk for our digital nomad friends. In addition, this bag has an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell, (virtually) silent spinner wheels, and an antimicrobial interior lining. But our favorite design element? The Free-Flex zipper technology that expands up to an inch so no outfit is left behind.
Price: starting at $395
7. Best compression international carry-on: Carl Friedrik
Carl Friedrik’s polycarbonate carry-on is designed to “elevate life on the go.” Made from lightweight, yet durable materials, this bag ensures you have a flexible and efficient packing experience. That’s because it comes with 2 sets of compression straps plus a removable compression pad to maximize the available space. And if you pair this suitcase with a set of packing cubes, you can ramp up the organization and keep your clothes looking their best.
Price: starting at $445
8. Best water-resistant international carry-on: Calpak
When you use the Terra Carry-On from Calpak, you won’t have to worry about the weather forecast at your destination. Instead, you can travel in style (and confidence) knowing this water-resistant bag is protecting your belongings from all the elements. Other highlights of this carry-on include its multiple exterior pockets, separate laptop compartment, and soft-yet-strong combination of soft-sided and hard-sided materials that offer both durability and versatility.
Price: starting at $385
9. Best aluminum international carry-on: LEVEL8
While a lot of the luggage on our list is made from polycarbonate, this LEVEL8 design sets itself apart with its Aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy. More simply, this carry-on is sturdy, reliable, and sleek all at the same time. Other than its unique materials, this case also features keyless and zipperless TSA-approved locks, slow-release handles, and ultra-quiet 360° spinner wheels. Overall, this is the perfect combo of a minimalist aesthetic plus intelligent functionality.
Price: starting at $404
10. Best duffle-style international carry-on: Lo & Sons
If you’d rather travel with a weekender than a rolling suitcase, you should definitely consider Lo & Sons’ Catalina Deluxe. This duffel-style bag is designed with premium sustainable materials and comes with a spacious bottom compartment to keep your shoes and dirty clothes separate from clean items. In addition, there’s multiple zipper and slip pockets to make sure you stay organized everywhere you go. All in all, this carry-on is the epitome of travel made easy!
Price: starting at $215
11. Best trunk-style international carry-on: SteamLine Luggage
SteamLine Luggage is all about bringing elegance back to modern travel via their vintage flair and attention to detail. Case in point: their trunk-style, Entrepreneur carry-on that’s a total conversation starter. Not only does this vegan leather case score some major style points, but it also comes with a telescopic handle, silent-glide wheels, TSA-approved locks, and a ripstop cover that slips over the luggage (to protect its exterior while you’re in between locations).
Price: starting at $550
12. Best sustainable international carry-on: Patagonia
For travelers who prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly purchases, buying from Patagonia is always a safe bet. Their Black Hole® Wheeled Duffel uses 100% recycled fabrics for the body, lining, and webbing — which falls directly in line with Patagonia’s environmental and social responsibility program. More than that, this duffel has an impressive carrying capacity (at a whopping 40L), and is designed with oversized wheels for smooth, uninterrupted mobility.
Price: starting at $359
13. Best monogrammable international carry-on: Briggs & Riley
Want to add a personalized touch to your carry-on? Check out the International Carry-On Spinner from Briggs & Riley. This monogrammable, hardside luggage has garment compression panels (to minimize wrinkling), a soft-touch interior lining, and a large zip-around pocket (plus 2 mesh pockets) for ultimate organization. On the exterior you’ll find a telescoping handle system, double spinner wheels, and an expansion-compression system to increase packing capacity.
Price: starting at $599
14. Best customizable international carry-on: ROAM
While there are lots of reasons to fall in love with ROAM’s luggage, our favorite thing about this brand has to be the customization. All of ROAM’s bags are fully color-customizable — meaning, you can create a one-of-a-kind design that’s all your own. Cool, right? In terms of functionality, their signature Carry-On has a polycarbonate shell, telescoping handle, water-repellent zipper, and an expandable option for travelers who want to pick up a few souvenirs along the way.
Price: starting at $550
15. Best organizational international carry-on: Solgaard
No other suitcase comes close to the organizational abilities of Solgaard’s Carry-On Closet bag. Seriously, this design is what dreams are made of. As its name suggests, this is a full-on travel closet — complete with a 6-shelf shelving system that helps you stay as organized in a hotel room as you are when you’re at home. What’s more, Solgaard’s patented shelving system doubles as compression cubes to help you save space so you can pack an extra outfit (or two).
Price: starting at $345
16. Best high-end international carry-on: Sterling Pacific
Looking to splurge on a high-end carry-on? If so, you might like this case from Sterling Pacific. As the most expensive luggage on our list, this pick is definitely meant for a bigger travel budget — and for someone who appreciates a metallic look. This carry-on has a full aluminum body, reinforced aluminum corners, and even aluminum wheel housings and a retractable aluminum trolley. Essentially, it’s an elevated version of the LEVEL8 aluminum luggage listed above.
Price: starting at $1,950
International carry-on - common FAQs
What is the difference between carry-on and international carry-on?
When it comes to carry-on luggage, an international carry-on typically has to be a bit smaller than your standard domestic bag. But since baggage allowance can vary so much between airlines, be sure to check the size and weight limits for the specific carrier you booked.
What is the max size for international carry-on?
As a general rule, the max size for international carry-on luggage is 22 (length) x 14 (width) x 9 (height) inches. However, if you want to avoid any travel hiccups, you should check with your specific carrier regarding luggage size/weight limits for your upcoming flight.
Do all international flights allow carry-on?
Yes, all international flights allow carry-on luggage — and some may even allow a personal item, as well. That said, there’s a range of weight and size allowances depending on who you’re flying with, so it’s always a good idea to review those restrictions before you leave.