10 Best Carry on Luggage Australia To Buy in 2023

Looking for the best carry on luggage Australia? You have come to the right place.

We travel a lot and we find that the carry ons we used to buy would break after just one trip! And, quite frankly, I’m totally over it. My next purchase of carry on luggage is going to be ONLY quality (of course I’m not willing to pay a fortune either) but somewhere as a happy medium and reasonably affordable would do.

It’s normal to lean on carry-on luggage reviews for guidance – comparing suggestions often leads to a more informed decision about the best luggage options. This is what I’ve got and I’m going to share my research with you.

If you’re likewise in pursuit of good quality and durable carry-on luggage, particularly if you’re partial to lightweight options (I need as much as humanly possible in the bag itself!), then this is the guide for you. I’m wanting the best value carry on luggage.

Note: This guide is made from diligent personal research, amalgamating important data about acclaimed travel suitcase brands, into a comprehensive resource. It aims to assist you in identify Australia’s best carryon luggage on the market, accurately tailored to suit your contemporary requirements.

If you’re in search of the top-quality luggage suited to international voyages, affordable-yet-sturdy cabin baggage, or perhaps the lightest carry on luggage in Australia, rest assured, I’ve got you covered.

In the subsequent detailed luggage evaluations, I will give you all the crucial information you require to make an informed choice that aligns with your needs.

Top 10 Best Lightweight Carry On Luggage Australia

Handy reference list to the best carry on luggage 2023 – see all best carry on suitcase reviews below!

Top 10 Carry On Luggage Reviews Australia 2023

Samsonite Guardit Rolling Tote Review

Rating: 4.2

Specifications:

Length: 46 cm
Weight: 2.5 kg
Capacity: 24 litres
Number of Wheels: 2

Appearing as one of the lightest options in these assessments, the Samsonite Guardit Rolling Tote is an optimal choice for adventurers seeking a compact weekend getaway bag or an additional carry-on to supplement their main luggage.

This bag comes equipped with multiple compartments, facilitating easy organisation of your belongings. These sections feature dedicated spots for your laptop or tablet, in addition to several other organisational pouches.

As one of the more compact cabin bags reviewed, and as is suggested by the product’s name, this bag can easily be stored under the seat before you – a fantastic attribute for those needing access to their items during a flight. It’s an excellent solution for families travelling with young children who frequently need items throughout their journey.

The bag’s construction utilises a hardy polyester blend, adding to its robustness. Other desirable features include in-line ‘skate’ wheels for smooth mobility and included straps for added organisation.

This Samsonite bag serves as an excellent choice for both men and women travelling with children, those planning weekend trips, or anyone in search of a lightweight carry-on luggage.

Advantages:

Can be stored conveniently under the seat
Smooth-rolling inline ‘skate’ wheels
Internal pocket for laptops and tablets

Limitations:

Reduced size. The sleek design might not provide as much room as larger, bulkier backpacks for carrying certain items.
Pricey compared to other backpack options.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Hardside Luggage Review

Rating: 4.6

Specifications:

Dimensions: 51 cm in length
Weight: 2.8 kg
Capacity: 42 litres
Number of wheels: 4

The Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 20” bag is one of the most resilient carry-on luggage options on this list, offering a great solution for those facing stringent carry-on restrictions. It provides a generous space of 42 litres at a mere weight of 2.8 kg.

The key selling point of this bag lies in its robust construction. It features fortified corners for enhanced protection, and its exterior is embedded with an impact-resistant shell. With swivel wheels and a sturdy frame, the bag is designed for easy movement. However, there is a scope of improvement, considering it does not include a lock.

Another commendable feature of this bag involves the multiple interior compartments, ensuring that all your carry-on items are well-organised and readily accessible.

This suitcase is an excellent choice for travellers seeking functional carry-on luggage that doesn’t compromise on protection and durability.

Advantages:

Carry-on case that is easy to clean
Solid frame and swivel wheels
Multiple interior pockets

Limitations:

Does not include a lock

Rockland Wheeled Underseat Carry-on Luggage Review

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

Dimensions: 38 cm in length
Weight: 1.8 kg
Capacity: 40 litres
Number of Wheels: 2

Very few things enhance your convenience while travelling more than being able to store your bag directly under the airplane seat in front of you. The Rockland Wheeled Underseat luggage is one of the very few wheeled carry-on options compact enough to offer this ease, ensuring that your valuables stay within your sight and eliminating the need to manoeuvre through overhead bins.

This bag is constructed from soft, cushioned polyester, and it’s available in a diverse variety of designs. It features internal and external front and side pockets for efficient organisation of everything from documents to attire, shoes, accessories, and more. Although the bag might not seem voluminous at first glance, it surprisingly offers ample space for a bag that snugly fits under an airplane seat.

The bag’s built-in features include a telescoping handle (which is beneficial but can sometimes get jammed) and a pair of wheels. It’s rare to find such convenience in a bag designed to fit underneath a seat.

For a weekend excursion or an overnight trip, this bag is an ideal choice that could arguably make it the top hand luggage pick for 2023!

Advantages:

Directly fits under a standard airplane seat
Available in a variety of designs
Offers internal pockets for organisation

Limitations:

The sturdiness of the handle could be improved

Samsonite B-Lite 4 Spinner Suitcase Review

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

Dimensions: 55 cm-long
Weight: 2.1 kg
Volume: 30 litres
Number of Wheels: 8

When it comes to the best carry on bag Australia, this has to rank high. Presenting the Samsonite B-Lite, an exemplary soft-shell case designed for globe-trotters who appreciate value and functionality, all at a modest price.

Fabricated from a blend of 100% premium polyester and nylon fabric, the Samsonite offers an attractive balance between price and quality. It is ideal for voyagers keen on procuring top-notch travel baggage without compromising on quality.

The suitcase houses a carefully crafted interior, with crisscrossed straps aimed at securing your items from unnecessary movement, and zipped compartments for efficient organisation of smaller objects. These few features make it one of the best cabin luggage Australia offers.

Additional notable attributes of this delightful suitcase include the incorporation of a TSA approved combination lock for added tranquillity, and equipping the case with 4 multidirectional wheels for traversing through airports and stations with ease.

Various reviews focusing on the Samsonite carry-on luggage have highlighted its suitability for a wide variety of travellers. It has been found to fit the needs of individuals seeking the finest carry-on luggage for business excursion, as well as family holidaymakers.

Advantages:

Renowned Samsonite construction quality
Cost-effective pricing
4-wheel design for seamless manoeuvrability

Limitations:

Fairly simple aesthetic

Delsey Paris Grenelle Cabin Carry-On Review

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

Dimensions: 55 cm-long
Weight: 3.1 kg
Volume: 38 litres
Number of Wheels: 8

In our critical evaluation of the Delsey Paris Grenelle, we’ve uncovered an exceptional hard-shell luggage that comes with TSA approval.

The perfectly designed bag, lightweight and enduring in nature, is constructed from 100% top-grade polycarbonate, providing outstanding resistance to potential fracturing. For travellers who value security, an additional feature has been installed in the form of a TSA lock, neatly side-mounted and designed such that airport personnel can access luggage contents without causing any physical damage.

A standout feature is the ease with which this carry-on can be manoeuvred around airports. Its double-spinner wheels, paired with a versatile two-position handle system, make navigation a simple process. This feature ranks it as an excellent choice for a carry-on, catering to both male and female travellers with children or regular professionals requiring fast transit through airports.

Key features don’t stop there. An innovative expandable pocket makes sure there’s always a place for the mementoes you collect during your journeys. Inside the case, two generously sized, fully lined compartments offer ample space to arrange your possessions systematically. The inclusion of two side handles renders the task of lifting the bag into overhead compartments or moving it in and out of vehicles a comfortable task.

Concluding our Delsey Grenelle evaluation, we found this to be a splendid mid-range luggage option. The cherry on top is the accompanying ten-year warranty, offering added assurance to travellers.

Advantages:

Extended ten-year warranty (one of only best carry on suitcase Australia options to offer this)
Double spinner wheels and an adaptable telescopic handle
Expandable pocket and two spacious lined interior sections
Best lightweight carry-on luggage Australia

Limitations:

Slightly elevated pricing

American Tourister Curio Carry On Review

Specifications:

Length: 55 cm
Weight: 2.7 kg
Capacity: 40-45 litres
Number of wheels: 8

For globetrotters seeking an ultra-light, superior quality suitcase, the American Tourister Curio presents itself as a commendable option.

This suitcase is designed using top-tier polypropylene material, an attribute that imparts an enhanced level of protection for your items. Moreover, the case arrives in a range of vibrant hues, assuring its visibility – a boon if you decide to check it in.

An innovative base structure teamed with four multidirectional spinner wheels offers excellent control over your carry-on, enabling smooth transitions through airports and ensuring timely arrivals at your departure gates.

Additional elements include a push-button retractable telescopic handle, side carry handles, internal tie-down straps, a zippered mesh pocket, and a TSA approved lock. Remarkably lightweight, this case provides abundant room for your belongings without exceeding standard baggage weight limits.

Several American Tourister reviews clearly indicate that this bag is perfectly suited for those who appreciate a premium-quality case that offers effortless manoeuvrability. It also has to be amoung the lightest carry on suitcase Australia.

Advantages:

Attractive design with a variety of colours to choose from
Lightweight with generous internal space
Features a zippered mesh pocket and straps

Limitations:

Less recognised brand

Victorinox Avolve 3.0 Global Carry-On Luggage Review

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

Dimensions: 55 cm Length
Weight: 2.6 kg
Capacity: 33-35 litres
Number of Wheels: 4

The Victorinox Avolve is an outstanding, feather-light suitcase for those seeking a durable, high-grade case built to weather any journey.

Boasting an incredibly scratch-resistant texture on the case’s exterior, it’s well-prepared to withstand the typical wear and tear presented by tough airport conditions. In addition to being ultra-rugged, this case radiates elegance and sophistication.

Staying organised becomes a breeze with this bag, with its full-zip interior, division panel, and cross-straps ensuring your belongings remain in their designated place. Your items will find a comfortable fit in the case, and the use of separate compartments provides additional protection while also offering easy access when needed during flights. This size is about the largest carry on luggage australia allows so it is a great size.

Additional attributes include a retractable handle, a laptop pocket, and a side-mounted TSA lock that enhances security during travels. Paired with the 360-degree spinner wheels, these features make this an excellent and convenient option for carry-on luggage.

This carry-on bag will suit individuals yearning for a professional and stylish image while keeping their possessions well ordered and fully safeguarded.

Advantages:

Exceptionally durable with scratch-resistant exterior
Full-zip interior, cross straps, laptop compartment, and a divider
360-degree spinner wheels for easy manoeuvrability

Limitations:

Carries a higher price tag

American Tourister Applite 3.0 Cabin Bag Review

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

Dimensions: 50 cm long
Weight: 1.8 kg
Capacity: 38 litres
Number of Wheels: 2

The American Tourister Applite offers tremendous value with its construction from a lightweight yet robust material that assures the secure containment of your valuables. If you are seeking the most featherweight carry-on suitcase, you must consider this review.

With storage provided both internally and externally, this bag is perfect for arranging your carry-on items methodically with easy access during the flight. The bag’s unique design also enhances its visibility.

Despite its ultra-lightweight characteristic, the bag is sturdy enough to safeguard your essential belongings. The case is made from a durable, crease-resistant material, contributing to its overall longevity.

Other standout features include comfortable touchpoints for convenient luggage transport options, a dual-position trolley system and favouring a two-wheel use. It also has one of the best cabin bags Australia all important features – a TSA approved lock.

This suitcase is the perfect fit for nearly all airline height restrictions, given its modest 50 cm height, and it is made available in a choice of four distinct colours. Notably, of all the options we’ve reviewed, this is the most lightweight cabin luggage for 2023, making it worthy enough to feature in our list of best carry-on bags in Australia.

P.S We think the best cabin bag Australia should include a lock and this does so that’s a big tick!

Advantages:

Distinctive retro styling
Accommodates most airline size restrictions
Impressively lightweight

Limitations:

Only 2 wheels

Antler Juno Cabin Roller Case Review

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

Dimensions: 56 cm in length
Weight: 3.1 kg
Capacity: 40-43 litres
Number of Wheels: 8

The Antler Juno holds its own as top-tier carry-on luggage, constructed from resilient material and designed to optimise available space.

This bag comes with an internal compression system designed to extract the utmost use from your carry-on luggage’s space. An additional expandable zip feature ensures you will never have to regret leaving an essential item behind.

Fabricated from hard-wearing material with extremely robust luggage zips, you can breathe easy knowing your belongings enjoy a high degree of protection.

Recognised as one of the leading hand luggage bags, it’s the ideal companion for frequent travellers seeking high-quality, economical luggage. The Antler Juno offers the reassurance that both the bag and its contents will endure the test of time.

Advantages:

Premium Antler-branded case
Features an internal compression system and an expandable section
Exceptionally robust build quality

Limitations:

Priced higher than some alternatives

IT Luggage The Lite Carry On Luggage Review

Rating: 4.5

Specifications:

Dimensions: 54 cm in length
Weight: 1.9 kg
Capacity: 31-40 litres
Number of Wheels: 4

IT Luggage’s ‘The Lite’ is an ideal ultra-lightweight carry-on bag that showcases a vast array of handy features, making it a perfect choice for anyone on the hunt for top-notch onboard luggage.

With its effortless 360-degree manoeuvrability afforded by the four wheels, coupled with a telescopic top handle, navigating through airports with your carry-on luggage becomes a breeze. This bag ensures you don’t feel burdened by your belongings, smoothly gliding beside you as you make your way to your departure gate.

This bag serves as a prime tool for maintaining supreme organisation during your travels, furnished with interior and exterior zip pockets for your essential documents. It’s an excellent method to keep vital information handy, secure, and easily accessible.

Key aspects of this bag also include a fully lined interior equipped with tie-down straps and a large zip mesh pocket, ensuring your belongings stay securely in place. Easy-grab handles on the top and side facilitate effortless movement in and out of cars and overhead compartments.

If you’re someone who cherishes superior organisation on their travels, desires a lightweight carry-on suitcase, and seeks a reliable and affordable bag to efficiently manoeuvre in and around airports, then ‘The Lite’ is undoubtedly the bag for you!

Advantages:

Four wheels offering 360-degree manoeuvrability
Fully lined interior with securing straps and pockets
Conveniently positioned grab handles

Limitations:

Relatively unknown brand

More Best Cabin Luggage Reviews

Delsey Paris Montmartre Air Carry-On Review

Rating: 4.0

Specifications:

Dimensions: 55 cm in length
Weight: 2.2 kg
Capacity: 37 litres
Number of Wheels: 8

The Delsey Paris Montmartre Carry-On stands out as an exceptionally affordable, lightweight yet durable bag loaded with valuable features.

Equipped with numerous pockets and compartments, including a padded laptop pocket and internal mesh and wet lid pocket, there’s space for every essential in your carry-on luggage. All the compartments facilitate optimum organisation, ensuring ease of access to your belongings in the middle of a flight.

An added advantage is the inclusion of a removable and machine-washable interior lining, making it an excellent choice for handling unexpected spills or messes. This bag features four spinner wheels, side handles, and a conveniently positioned bottom handle to ensure a seamless experience navigating through customs at airports.

Other notable traits of this bag include the ability to expand it for extra luggage space, self-repairing interlocking zippers, a TSA-approved lock, and a 5-year warranty.

Ideal for travellers seeking all essential features in the best carry-on bags while still prioritising cost-effective solutions.

Advantages:

Affordable, high-quality brand carry-on case
Compartments include a laptop pocket and a wet lid pocket
Machine-washable lining

Limitations:

Somewhat plain aesthetic appeal

Wanderlite 20″ Carry On Luggage Review

Rating: 3.5

Specifications:

Dimensions: 57 cm in length
Weight: 2.6 kg
Capacity: 40 litres
Number of Wheels: 8

Yet another commendable suitcase for onboard travel is the Wanderlite 20” case. This carry-on case, with its height of 57cm, fits snugly into overhead compartments and offers exceptional internal storage options to keep all your possessions organised.

The case is fabricated from lightweight ABS and features added corner guards, ensuring your luggage remains undamaged even amidst turbulent flights. The 360-degree double spinner wheels offer superior manoeuvrability, and a variety of handles – including a telescopic pullout handle and side and top handles – make for versatile carrying options.

The Wanderlite case is also equipped with a built-in TSA-approved lock, allowing you to travel with the assurance that your valuables are safely secured. Its interior consists of multiple pockets for optimised organisation, and one side can be separately zipped for easier packing.

Available in black or blue, the Wanderlite is a noteworthy contender for the best cabin bag of 2023.

Advantages:

Additional corner guards for enhanced protection
Features 360-degree spinner wheels
Equipped with multiple handles and interior pockets

Limitations:

Relatively lesser-known brand

Choosing The Best Lightest Carry-On Luggage Australia

Identifying the ideal travel bags for your needs hinges on several factors.

Primarily, will the in-cabin bag serve as your sole piece of luggage? Is it expected to accommodate all your items, or is it merely a complementary addition to your checked baggage? If it’s the sole bag you have, you may desire the largest bag that still adheres to the airline’s in-cabin luggage specifications.

Is the bag purposed to hold items for more than one traveller, like your children’s belongings, or exclusively for your personal effects? If you’ll be packing for multiple individuals, you may appreciate bags with separate compartments for easy access. On the other hand, if it’s solely for your use, a more compact bag may be sufficient.

In any case, it’s vital to verify the specific in-cabin luggage regulations of your chosen airline. Many airlines have become more rigorous, with rules varying from one airline to another. Regrettably, there isn’t a universal standard for cabin baggage size.

Size

Given the increasing number of travellers seeking to save money through ‘carry-on only’ luggage offers, airlines are enforcing stricter regulations on cabin baggage dimensions. Therefore, it’s of utmost importance to examine the measurements of the luggage you intend to buy. You surely wouldn’t want to face unexpected check-in issues over a few extra centimetres.

Type

Navigating a bustling airport with your baggage should be a breeze, not a chore. Trust me, when purchasing cabin luggage, it’s worth spending a tad more for easy manoeuvrability, especially while travelling with children. Ill-manageable luggage that veers off course can cause unnecessary stress before you even embark on your flight.

Two-Wheel

Traditionally, standard cabin suitcases were fitted with merely two wheels. Presently, only budget-priced luggage bags feature two wheels, while the benchmark for high-quality cabin luggage mandates four wheels.

Two-wheel suitcases, or rollers, necessitate tilting for movement, and they are notorious for resisting smooth manoeuvres around corners or through restricted spaces. They also tend to topple over when left unsupported and it can be a struggle to pull more than one simultaneously.

Nevertheless, there are certain perks to using a two-wheeled suitcase. Typically, these types are simpler to pull behind you and more often than not, you’ll prefer to pull rather than push your case after exiting the airport. Two-wheel cases are better equipped to navigate cobblestone streets and irregular surfaces.

Four-Wheel (Spinner) / Eight-Wheel (Double Spinner)

Four-wheel suitcases, known as spinners, are increasingly becoming the norm, providing significantly improved manoeuvrability in crowded airports. The incorporation of four wheels ensures the suitcase can move fluidly in any direction, including turning corners effortlessly.

A mild push on the handle usually suffices to navigate the suitcase through the airport. This feature is exceptionally practical when travelling with young children, as it eliminates the need to carry any weight. Four-wheeled suitcases also manage to navigate more smoothly down narrow airplane aisles than their two-wheeled counterparts.

Certain suitcases are even designed with eight wheels, known as double spinners.

For more insights into choosing the perfect luggage, refer to more guides available on Luggagerate.

Other Features

Handles

The convenience of your cabin luggage’s handle is not to be overlooked. Certain handles can prove to be clunky and slow to retract, which isn’t ideal when journeying through a bustling airport or attempting to swiftly stow your bag on an aircraft.

Furthermore, if you’re particularly tall, ensure the handle extends to a comfortable length to suit your stature.

Internal and External Pockets

Top-tier luggage often integrates various compartments and pockets for your smaller possessions. A currently popular feature is a dedicated compartment for your laptop, engineered to keep your laptop safe, secure, and easily accessible while journeying.

If you’re considering purchasing luggage specifically designed to carry a laptop, ensure that the laptop compartment is not tucked away at the back of the suitcase, as this might hinder its removal at airport security checkpoints.

Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Carry On

Soft shell bags tend to be more prevalent and they conveniently compress to fit into overhead compartments, compared to their hard shell counterparts. Additionally, soft shells often feature expandable pockets, a feature also found in some hard shell bags.

However, the best hard case luggage offers superior protection for your belongings. The drawback with a hard shell suitcase is that it generally weighs more than a soft shell case. If your preference leans towards a hard shell suitcase, search specifically for lightweight cabin luggage to avoid exhausting your precious weight allowance on the suitcase itself, rather than your necessities.

Undeniably, an additional perk of hard shell suitcases is the convenience of an impromptu seat, perfect for those long, unexpected queues, or for locations lacking seating options – an ideal solution for families travelling with young children.

Expandable Compartments

Luggage bags with expandable compartments make for an excellent choice. These compartments serve as the perfect storage space for your various purchases gathered during your travels. No need to invest in additional bags – you simply unzip the expandable compartment to make room for more.

A handy tip we employ while travelling is to evenly distribute the weight across everyone’s bags, including the kids’, adhering to airline weight restrictions. Upon reaching our destination, we expand the adults’ bags and shift some of the heavier items out of the children’s bags. This eases the burden on the kids, making it simpler for them to carry their own bags.

Water Resistance

A water-resistant bag adds a layer of protection while you’re travelling in damp conditions. While water-resistant bags aren’t classified as waterproof, they buy you some extra time to find cover or draw out a rain cover, safeguarding your personal items from getting soggy.

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See more:

Best travel backpacks to buy in Australia