Planning a short trip or weekend getaway is often fun, until you have to find a suitable carry-on suitcase. Airline regulations are constantly changing and the selection is overwhelming. You're looking for something that's approved for the cabin, is durable, and rolls smoothly, without paying a premium.
As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'll help you navigate the overwhelming options. In this article, I'll provide practical tips and introduce several popular choices based on their specifications and functionality. This will help you make an informed decision that suits your travel style.
Before we look at the products, here are a few key points to help you make your choice.
A hardside suitcase offers excellent protection for your belongings. A polycarbonate suitcase, in particular, is a popular choice. This material is known for its unique combination of properties: it's extremely strong and impact-resistant, yet surprisingly a lightweight suitcase. This means you have more weight allowance for your luggage and less to carry. The hard shell is also easy to clean.
A two-wheel trolley has to be pulled behind you, which can strain your arm and shoulder. A 4-wheel suitcase, also known as a 'spinner', offers 360-degree freedom of movement. You can effortlessly roll the suitcase beside you, navigate through crowded airports, and smoothly change direction even in the narrow aisles of a plane or train. This comfort makes a huge difference during your travels.
Traveling to or from the United States? Then a TSA lock is an essential feature. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents can open your suitcase for inspection with a special master key, without forcing the lock. This keeps your suitcase undamaged. For travel within Europe, a built-in lock also provides extra security against theft.
Below is a selection of carry-on suitcases that stand out for their specific features and design.
Why it stands out: The NINETYGO Rhine 2.0 is designed with the modern traveler in mind. Its most unique feature is the completely flat top. The handle is recessed, allowing you to use the suitcase as a stable table for your laptop or coffee while waiting for your flight. All hardware, such as the TSA lock and side handle, is also recessed, minimizing the risk of damage or snagging during transport.
Features:
Who is it for? This suitcase is ideal for business travelers and digital nomads who value functionality and efficiency. If you often work on the go, the flat top offers a practical advantage.
Why it stands out: The NINETYGO Danube is a no-nonsense cabin suitcase that focuses on the essentials: durability, comfort, and reliability. The design is sleek and functional, with a focus on high-quality core components. The scratch-resistant texture on the PC shell ensures the suitcase looks good for longer, even after heavy use.
Features:
Who is it for? This is an excellent choice for the traveler seeking a solid, reliable, and stylish hardside suitcase without unnecessary extras. Perfect for both city trips and business travel of 3 to 5 days.
Why it stands out: Live in an apartment or simply have limited storage space? The Beneunder LC363 is a foldable suitcase that solves this problem. When folded, it's only 13 cm thick, allowing you to easily store it under a bed, in a closet, or behind a door. Despite its flexibility, the combination of PC panels and durable fabric provides good protection.
Features:
Who is it for? This suitcase is the perfect solution for city dwellers, students, or anyone with limited storage space. It's also a handy extra suitcase to have at home for unexpected trips.
The suitcases mentioned above are all hardside models. If you prefer the flexibility of a softside model, for instance, because of its exterior pockets, there are plenty of options for that as well. Softside suitcases are often very light too.
Discover more lightweight softside suitcases
Although many airlines have similar rules, there are no universal standard dimensions. A common size is 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including wheels and handles. The 20-inch suitcase models mentioned here generally fall within these limits. However, always check the specific regulations of the airline you are flying with before you travel.
Neither is inherently 'better'; it depends on your preference. A hardside suitcase offers superior protection for fragile items and is more water-resistant. A softside suitcase is more flexible, sometimes allowing you to squeeze in a little extra, and often has convenient exterior pockets for documents or a water bottle.
A TSA lock is a type of lock that can be opened by security personnel at airports (especially in the US) with a universal master key for inspection. If you lock a suitcase without a TSA lock, you risk having the lock broken if an inspection is necessary. It therefore provides peace of mind and prevents damage to your suitcase.