Updated on June 16, 2021

Rigid, waterproof and robust, the Samsonite S’Cure benefits from an honorable design quality. Its “Flowlite” technology makes it light. It has a well-reinforced security system with latches and a combination lock to protect your clothes. Equipped with multidirectional wheels, it is easy to transport. Inside you find two quite spacious compartments.

This soft carry-on bag has quite a few strengths in terms of strength and capacity. Indeed, you can take enough stuff to go for more than one long weekend. It has two compartments and a front pocket. Its design is also attractive and it is unquestionably an ideal travel companion, one of the best quality/price ratios in this selection!

This cabin luggage is very practical for businessmen thanks to its integrated USB port. Between its good interior organization, its many pockets, its durability and its maneuverability, there is little to complain about! It respects the characteristics of a top-of-the-range model and is a hit with regular travellers. Indeed, it has a significant capacity without exceeding the dimensions authorized by the companies. In addition, it is easily transported via its four wheels.

This light and easy-to-handle suitcase has multi-directional wheels. Despite some slightly fragile places, its quality is quite decent for occasional travel. It is practical in that it includes a compartment and other very useful pockets. Your clothes are therefore well protected, but avoid placing your electronic devices there.

The Samsonite Cosmolite is lightweight. Its interior is designed to separate your clean laundry from the dirty ones or accessories. Its four wheels glide perfectly and silently. The shell is not easily damaged and even if it seems fragile, it resists well to impacts. Finally, it has a secure closure.

our selection

Our Pick, Best Mid-Range	best cheap	Best high end	Mid-range alternative	High-end alternative
Samsonite S’Cure	Eastpak Tranverz S	TravelPro Platinum Elite	Aerolite Hard Shell	Samsonite Cosmolite
This cabin luggage is light and easy to handle. The locking system allows you to travel peacefully and it includes a waterproof closure useful for short and rainy trips.	This very popular cabin bag offers a large capacity to suit lovers of long-term city trips. Flexible and robust at the same time, it benefits from a remarkable quality for its price.	It stands out with the integration of a USB port and its interior organization suitable for business travellers. Durable and handy, it is equipped with good materials and multidirectional wheels.	This model is strong and durable enough for its price. Handy and practical, it can be used for occasional trips or for fun weekends with a bare minimum of stuff to bring.	Ideal for frequent travelers, it is very light, which saves weight in clothing. Its double closure is secure and it has four pivoting wheels for more maneuverability.
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Honorable mentions

AmazonBasics N989 ($39.14 at time of publication): This 55cm hardside suitcase with spinner wheels is perfect for a quick weekend getaway or short break! Its shell is protected by an anti-scratch finish and it is made of thick ABS for added strength. You have several storage compartments, and strong zippers. All at a low price! But beware, it seems that the dimensions provided by the brand do not comply with certain companies.

IT Luggage World’s Lightest Small (€56.40 at publication): This lightweight carry-on is carried on its two thin wheels. There are also two legs to keep some standing stability. The various interior and exterior pockets are convenient for putting clothes and electronic devices, and you have plenty of space. It meets the standards imposed by the airlines. Nevertheless, its design is very mixed and it sometimes lacks a bit of solidity.

Briggs & Riley BRX Explore Domestic Expandable ($304.20 when published): This flexible model has a telescoping handle and two wheels for moving around. It is made from nylon and polyester fabric and has a wet laundry compartment and several interior and exterior pockets. Despite its large capacity (53.3 L), it has dimensions that are probably prohibited with some airlines (56 x 45 x 25 cm), and it weighs quite heavy (3.3 kg).

Incase Eo Travel Hardshell Roller ($314.96 at publication): Aimed at frequent travellers, this luggage features a durable three-layer shell that’s weather resistant. The main compartment is expandable and includes several additional pockets including one for your electronic devices. It complies with the rules of the majority of airlines. It also includes two sturdy wheels and a zipper. However, it is a little heavier, which can cause problems with recording.

How to choose your cabin luggage?

There are many models of cabin luggage, and it is quite common that we find ourselves making this purchase at the last minute. But between respecting dimensions, practicality and durability, you have to be able to find your way around.

Here is a buying guide to help you choose the one that will accompany you on your trip:

• The type of luggage : rigid models are light, strong and often made of ABS plastic, polypropylene or polycarbonate. They are therefore more resistant. Soft bags are made of synthetic fabric, such as polyester. they are subject to the shocks and vagaries of the external environment but they have the advantage of taking up less space. Finally, travel bags are generally made with the same material. They can be worn over the shoulder or on the back, but they are much less solid.
• Volume: it all depends on standards, regulations and your destination. A good cabin bag, adapted, must also be easily transportable during transfers. Ideally, you should be able to put as much stuff as possible without exceeding the authorized weight.
• Size, weight and standards: each airline has its own rules and dimensions, although there are more general regulations. Ditto for the weight, it avoids paying a supplement. A lighter suitcase when empty is therefore preferable. The ideal size is 40x30x15 cm but in any case, it should not exceed 55 x 35 x 20 cm, a maximum defined by IATA. If you travel by train or boat, the standards are less restrictive. 
• Transportability : not all luggage has wheels. The advantage of wheels is that you don’t have to bear the burden of all your belongings on your back. Choose models with four multidirectional wheels, which offer even more maneuverability. Two-wheeled cabin luggage, called a trolley, remains practical. Finally, the height-adjustable telescopic handle is also interesting in that it adapts to your height. A side handle can be used to carry it.
• The security system : A zipper is generally more secure. You also have the possibility of choosing a zipper system (which allows you to preserve your clothes from humidity) or fasteners. Opt instead, as an additional security system, for a code lock or a particularly well-secured TSA lock recommended for flights to the United States. 
• Compartments : they allow you to classify your personal effects according to their type (clothes, toiletry bag, underwear, etc.). To separate several compartments, there is often a net. The presence of internal or external pockets is a plus to save space. 
• The little extras : some suitcases offer you a label holder to be able to write down your contact details in case of loss. This one is more practical than stickers. There is also the matter of colors. Dark colors have the advantage of being more discreet and minimizing the visibility of scratches. However, brighter colors are recommended, as they allow you to spot your luggage more quickly at the airport. Some bags even include a USB port for recharging electronic devices.

NB: if you are going on a longer trip, do not hesitate to consult our comparisons dedicated to the best suitcases and the best wheeled travel bags.

Our Pick: Samsonite S’Cure

Rigid, waterproof and robust, the Samsonite S’Cure benefits from an honorable design quality. Its “Flowlite” technology makes it light. It has a well-reinforced security system with latches and a combination lock to protect your clothes. Equipped with multidirectional wheels, it is easy to transport. Inside you find two quite spacious compartments.

It has a size S and measures 40 x 20 x 55 cm, for approximately 2.9 kg and 34 L of capacity. It is also available in sizes M, L and XL. Aesthetically, it is a rigid suitcase that has beautiful matte finishes.

It is made from Flowlite, a polypropylene material that is very light, but also very resistant and easy to clean. With its rubber seal, it prevents rain and dirt from sneaking inside, thus keeping your clothes clean and dry. 

This suitcase is equipped with spinner wheels that rotate 360°. However, squeaks are to be noted. There are also strong handles located throughout the case that give you good maneuverability. The main telescopic handle can be adapted on the height. 

It is equipped with a three-point locking system that includes latches secured by a combination lock (TSA padlock). The latter may seem a bit complex at first but it turns out to be very effective afterwards.

Opening the suitcase reveals several storage spaces including a side pocket, elastic straps and a divider that can be compressed. It is therefore divided into two large compartments.

Finally, Samsonite has established itself in the market for suitcases and carrying bags over time. This brand is one of the most reliable on the market today and it offers quality products. 

The best cheap cabin luggage: Eastpak Tranverz S

This soft carry-on bag has quite a few strengths in terms of strength and capacity. Indeed, you can take enough stuff to go for more than one long weekend. It has two compartments and a front pocket. Its design is also attractive and it is unquestionably an ideal travel companion, one of the best quality/price ratios in this selection!

The Tranverz S is a 2.5 kg soft cabin bag that has dimensions of 51 x 32.5 x 24 cm and a capacity of 42 L. 

Several colors are available, you have a wide choice (more than 20 different colors). Some are more classic while others have more original patterns, but in any case, they are a mixture of nylon and polyester. Note that its fabric is waterproof.

According to users, the wheels are quiet and the telescopic handle is also comfortable and adjustable to your height. Transport is therefore optimal.

This bag has a TSA padlock and a zipper system for its double compartment. 

Moreover, the latter includes compression and fixing straps. These straps allow you to properly maintain your belongings while reducing the size of the luggage to a minimum. 

It is a model that you can take with you everywhere. Storage space is optimized by a deep front pocket closed by a zipper.

Finally, Eastpack does not only offer bags and accessories for students: the brand also designs quality travel bags at relatively affordable prices. 

The best high-end cabin luggage: TravelPro Platinum Elite

This cabin luggage is very practical for businessmen thanks to its integrated USB port. Between its good interior organization, its many pockets, its durability and its maneuverability, there is little to complain about! It respects the characteristics of a top-of-the-range model and is a hit with regular travellers. Indeed, it has a significant capacity without exceeding the dimensions authorized by the companies. In addition, it is easily transported via its four wheels.

This soft suitcase has dimensions of 55 x 20 x 40 cm for a capacity of 39 L. It is however quite heavy compared to the others since it still weighs 3.5 kg.

Its design is made from a nylon fabric that is resistant to stains, abrasions and water. 

In terms of transportability, it has four solid MagnaTrac double casters, 360° swivel and perfectly grip on most floors. Its aluminum PowerSope telescopic handle is height adjustable to four levels.

This accessory has expandable zippers to increase the capacity of the compartments. There is also a TSA combination lock.

Let’s move on to its main asset: its internal organization. It has several compartments and pockets from which you can put clothes for 5 days. First, there are three compartments (main, front and side). Two large straps hold your belongings without subjecting them to possible creases.

The pocket with zipper allows you to store your cards, passport and other devices such as smartphones or laptops. Other accessory pockets are integrated including a removable interior, a TSA-compliant toiletry bag and an integrated, collapsible garment bag with hanger attachments under the lid.

It is possible to fill in the retractable label on the back, as a precaution in case of loss. A USB port, intended for charging your smartphone, is also placed at the back through a Powerbank pocket that complies with FAA regulations. 

Finally, TravelPro is a brand that is especially recognized among English speakers for the quality of their luggage. Moreover, these models are often seen in pilots of different companies.

A mid-range alternative: Aerolite Hard Shell

This light and easy-to-handle suitcase has multi-directional wheels. Despite some slightly fragile places, its quality is quite decent for occasional travel. It is practical in that it includes a compartment and other very useful pockets. Your clothes are therefore well protected, but avoid placing your electronic devices there.

This rigid cabin luggage offered in sets of two (with a capacity of 33 L each) is very interesting if you plan to go as a couple.

It comes in a sober design. It respects the right dimensions for a fairly light weight: 2.6 kg on the scale (a value that is not likely to cause you any problems when checking in).

This model is made from a durable plastic material (ABS), chosen for its anti-scratch effect and its solidity. It therefore does not deform under the weight of other objects and sufficiently protects your belongings up to a certain point.

In terms of advantages (if not its price), the Aerolite Hard Shell is rather handy thanks to its four wheels which allow 360° movement and operate smoothly. It has a retractable handle (extendable up to 1 m), quite practical and stable.

Sure, at this price, the grip might feel a little flimsy, but it holds up over distance. Also pay attention to the rigid parts because if they do not pose a problem at first glance, you must however be attentive to the band where the zipper is located, which is only made of fabric. Avoid putting a computer, a tablet, or any other object that should not be crushed, especially during a flight.

Also note that the padlocks are of lower quality than others in the same range, but you can always change them.

The zippers on the main body are on the other hand of good quality, and each has a three-digit padlock. 

Inside, there is everything that a classic luggage has, that is to say, straps for the attachment, and a zipped compartment with elastic pockets, perfect for slipping your shoes or other items. It is therefore solid and well organized, and your belongings will stay in place during the flight. 

Despite everything, its few faults (including its low capacity) place it just behind its competitor. But at that price, it’s still hard to beat.

A high-end alternative: Samsonite Cosmolite

The Samsonite Cosmolite is lightweight. Its interior is designed to separate your clean laundry from the dirty ones or accessories. Its four wheels glide perfectly and silently. The shell is not easily damaged and even if it seems fragile, it resists well to impacts. Finally, it has a secure closure.

This rigid suitcase is available in various sizes. There are six in total, as is the number of colorways available. In this case, we are interested in the size S model (55 x 40 x 20 cm) with a capacity of 36 L, which weighs only 1.7 kg when empty. Its design is filled with vertical raised lines that are reminiscent of those found inside a seashell.

Its manufacture in Curv® has some defects. It is not the most robust, like its weight, which suggests that it could tend to deform. Despite this, it resists shocks, cold and is not subject to scratches. 

The Cosmolite moves noiselessly on its four self-swiveling wheels. It is also towable with its telescopic handle. Another side handle is available to carry the case.

This model is secured by the double zipper as well as by the TSA combination, useful for trips to the United States. On the other hand, it is a little difficult to understand how to open it the first time. 

Once opened, it has a space divided into two compartments, one of which has elastic straps (this is probably the one intended for folded clothes). As for the other accessories, there are two pockets to store them on the other side of the net. 

Despite everything, its quality/price ratio is less interesting than that of its competitor, which explains its place as an alternative.

Sources

1. Business Insider, The best carry-on luggage, 1 juillet 2020
2. Expert Reviews, Best hand luggage: The best cabin-size carry-on bags from £30, 1 juillet 2020
3. NY Mag, What’s the Best Rolling Luggage?, 1 juillet 2020
4. T3, Best carry on luggage 2020: from premium business cabin luggage to cheap lightweight cases, 1 juillet 2020
5. The Sun, 7 Best carry-on luggage: find your perfect cabin baggage for budget flights and travelling, 1 juillet 2020
6. Wirecutter, The Best Carry-On Luggage, 1 juillet 2020