What are you thinking? The holiday countdown to each of us is almost over, and it’s time for packing. Yes, I think so too. Before you print this boarding pass and set up a message outside the office, it is important to do some research at the gate to avoid any hiccups, especially with your cargo. Although the travel rules depend on which region of the world you travel to or from, the size limit for portable luggage is a consistent consistent metric for many airlines.

Sure, you might occasionally be able to sneak on board with a bag that’s a bit oversized or overweight, but it’s always smarter to plan. To ensure you get from point A to point B smoothly, choosing the best carry-on luggage to fit the fine print will make for less travel stress. Skip the Googling and follow this guide to know what spinner luggage size to bring on your next trip no TSA bargaining, pleading, or, worst of all, last-minute checking required.

To get started, let’s begin with these frequently asked questions.

What size is carry-on luggage?

Though you might find an inch or two of a difference with various airlines, the standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22″ x 14″ x 9″, including the handle and the wheels. This size limit ensures your bag and ideally, everyone else’s will be able to be stored safely in the overhead bin for your flight.

By far, the biggest benefit of traveling with carry-on luggage is being able to transport your belongings yourself without entrusting them to the airline and hoping they’ll arrive at your destination on time and in one entire piece.

What is the weight limit for carry-on luggage?

For many major domestic airlines, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue there are no weight restrictions for carry-on bags. You’ll have to be able to lift it above your head into the storage bin. And in most cases, even if airlines list a specific pound or kilogram limit on their websites, they likely won’t weigh your carry-on bags. As long as your pack doesn’t appear to be overstuffed, you’re probably OK. Weight is much more important for small commuter planes, mostly due to safety regulations.

What is a personal item?

In addition to your carry-on suitcase, many airlines also allow personal items. This can be a laptop bag, a purse, a briefcase, a beach bag whatever you like, as long as it is generally small. Personal item restrictions vary by airline, and some choose not to include any specifics at all. In those cases, the general rule of thumb is an item smaller in dimension and weight than your carry-on bag.

Families flying with a stroller or diaper bag or those traveling with unique additions like a wedding dress or an instrument can rest assured that most carriers will let you bring these along with your carry-on luggage and your item. However, we recommend you contact the airline in advance to confirm this.

The Urecity Vintage Carry-On Trunk Suitcase
Image : Amazon

What is the best carry-on luggage?

As with any travel gear, everyone has a different opinion on the best luggage brands, but the best buy for you is ultimately the one that suits your needs as a traveler. If you’re constantly on the road, invest in a durable bag that can keep up. If you take one or two vacations a year, you can go with something more affordable.

These days, you don’t have to stick to legacy brands to get a quality suitcase. Many up-and-comers offer some really solid options, whether you prefer soft-side or hard-side luggage, two-wheel rollaboards, or four-wheel spinners. Before you buy, take note of the dimensions compared to the airlines you prefer to fly to ensure you’re shopping on the safe side.

Jetstream Hardside Carry On Luggage Set
Image : Amazon

What is allowed in a carry-on bag?

What you put in your carry-on bag is regulated, as well. In addition to the same rules that apply to checked bags, which prohibit firearms, lithium batteries, and other potentially hazardous items, you must be mindful of liquids when packing your carry-on luggage. Regardless of your destination, you cannot bring containers of liquid, paste, aerosol, gel, or cream larger than 3.4 ounces through security. Make sure to check the specific rules of your carrier, too, so you won’t be forced to throw anything away at the gate.

What is the standard international carry-on suitcase size?

To ensure your bag is accepted on all carriers, you’ll want to get a suitcase that stands at 21″ or less. It’s especially smart to look into luggage size restrictions when you’re flying with smaller, regional airlines outside of the U.S., as each can set its limits.

Keep reading this article for the best carry-on luggage to buy based on different airlines’ size restrictions.

Alaska Airlines

  • Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9”
  • Carry-on luggage weight maximum: not specified
  • Personal item: one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag

Best carry-on luggage to bring: eBags Fortis Pro Carry-On Spinner – USB

This bag perfectly fits Alaska Airlines’ carry-on luggage size requirement, so you’ll be able to maximize space. Plus, at less than eight pounds, it’s a particularly lightweight bag that is easy to maneuver.

Allegiant Air

  • Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9”; fee applies ($10-75)
  • Carry-on luggage weight maximum: not specified
  • Personal item: 7” x 15” x 16”

Best carry-on luggage to bring: Away ‘The Everywhere Bag.’

When booking with a budget airline, it’s imperative to read the fine print. In most cases, when the low fare seems like a steal, traveling light is the only way to keep it that way. With Allegiant, your item is free, but there’s a fee for your carry-on, so pack this duffel to keep your trip affordable.

At 21.25″ x 15.25″ x 10″, this Samsonite spinner carry-on will allow you to take advantage of Spirit’s surprisingly large bag size allowance. The wheels allow for 360-degree rolling so that you can navigate it down a narrow aisle with ease. And it’s also able to expand about two inches, which makes for a decent-sized checked bag on many airlines as well.

Spinner Luggage Size
Image : Amazon

United Airlines

  • Carry-on luggage size: 22” x 14” x 9”
  • Carry-on luggage weight: None specified
  • Personal item: 17” x 10” x 9”; must fit in the seat in front of you

Best carry-on to bring: Briggs & Riley Torq Domestic Carry-on Spinner

This sleek hard side spinner from Briggs & Riley has plenty of high-tech features that make it a particularly convenient travel bag. It’s made from durable yet lightweight polycarbonate material, which makes it easy to carry and maneuver. The bag also includes a hinged-front pocket that’s perfect for storing devices and tech accessories, as well as a USB port.

Best Affordable Carry-on suitcase: 20-inch Hardside Spinner Luggage

If you only travel a few times a year, it’s worth considering a more affordable suitcase. More than 3,500 five-star reviews suggest the online retailer giant’s line is certainly on to something in the luggage category. As the name suggests, this little polycarbonate spinner packs in all the basics: TSA locks, expansion, zippered pockets, and an internal compression system to keep belongings secure and as wrinkle-free as possible.

Best Zipperless Carry-on luggage: Arlo Skye Polycarbonate Carry-on Max

You may never realize how much time you’re wasting with zippers until you try out a suitcase that clasps shut. This carry-on from luggage startup Arlo Skye, founded by Tumi and Louis Vuitton alums, checks all the boxes of today’s busy travelers. It’s got a durable shell, a removable charger, Japanese Silent Run wheels, and an elegant yet simple design.

Best Leather Carry-on luggage: Hook & Albert Men’s Leather Garment Weekender Bag

We’re slightly obsessed with this clever weekender bag, which essentially functions like the origami of packing. Rendered in gorgeous top-grain pebbled leather, the bag zips open so that it’s flat and can store a suit and additional clothing around the outer structure. Then, zipping it back together will give you room inside for shoes, accessories, and more.

Best Luxury Carry-on suitcase: Rimowa Original Cabin Spinner Luggage

Rimowa’s grooved suitcases are nothing short of iconic; it’s no wonder the brand has built a following of loyal A-list clientele. Not only are its cases made to look good, but they’re also made to be used — used. They’re water-resistant, secure, and so very strong for how lightweight they are. And all of the dents, scars, and stickers you may pick up will only add character, telling micro-stories of the places you’ve been.

Most Durable Carry-on suitcase: Tumi Latitude International Carry-on

This carry-on by Tumi is the perfect example that a suitcase doesn’t need to sacrifice style for durability. Part of the brand’s lightweight Latitude collection, it’s built to stand up to hundreds of trips, with a new, reinforced wheel system, bumpers to guard common impact zones, a sturdy telescoping handle made of aircraft-grade aluminum, and a specially woven material that’s designed to flex and bend on contact, protecting whatever is inside.

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FAQs for spinner luggage size

What are the three sizes of luggage?

With most luggage collections, you will see either three or four different sizes for one suitcase. That’s usually 21″, 25″, 28″, and sometimes 31″. This is not a rule – with some brands, you’ll see smaller suitcases, and with others, you’ll struggle to find anything under 25″.

What is the largest size suitcase you can check on a plane?

62 linear

The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27″ x 21″ x 14″. Airline carriers will allow overweight, oversize, or additional baggage for additional fees.

What is the best size suitcase for travel?

22″ x 14″ x 9″

While there are generally only a few inches of difference between carry-on luggage dimensions, you’ll want to pay attention to the carry-on luggage size restrictions of the airlines you fly most often. A good rule of thumb for domestic U.S. flights is to adhere to suitcases sized 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

How big is a 23kg suitcase?

56cm x 45cm x 25cm

In terms of a suitcase, 23 kg means a suitcase with dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. This dimension includes the handles and wheels. One notable aspect is that the airlines’ usually allowed allowance of 23 kg consists of the suitcase’s weight.

What size suitcase do I need for two weeks?

For two weeks of travel, we recommend sticking to a medium to large suitcase size. These suitcases are comfortable for unpredicted situations. If you need to switch terminals or stations, you need mobility. If you have a longer layover, an extra-large suitcase can be a pain to carry around.

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