Learn the truth about carry-on luggage

April 3, 2023 Rachel Howze

Picture this: you're getting ready for your big vacation and need a carry-on because you don't want to check your luggage, risking the airlines losing it and being without clothing. You do an online search and find a sleek, beautiful carry-on with all the bells and whistles and the website confirms that it fits most airline requirements. You trustingly add to the cart, rip off the packaging, fill it up, and get to the airport.

You've matched your travel outfit to your luggage and you're feeling pretty good until the gate attendant eyes you up and down and asks you to pop your luggage into the size checking box. You look behind you to see if they're pointing at someone else because you just bought a brand spanking new "carry-on approved by most airlines" and you surely wouldn't have bought it if it didn't. You don't see anyone else so you hoist it in confidently and then look around in disbelief when it doesn't fit even when you try to jam it with all your might. You're so confused and now charged a fee and forced to gate check it, spending more money on top of your new purchase and knowing you'll suffer the scrapes and marks left by bag handlers leaving it impossible to return.

This happened on my last trip and since then I've been on a research rampage to find out which carry-ons actually fit airlines. I'm sharing what I've uncovered about the seedy underbelly of the luggage industry and airline restrictions so you don't have to suffer like me. I've pored through the data to provide you with specific products that fit within restrictions. The bonus is that this post is not sponsored so you can rely on my neutral perspective and provisions.

What you need to know:

1) Many luggage companies title their products a "carry-on", whether or not it actually fits within the majority of airline restrictions. The brand I purchased only fit on 2 out of 24 airlines, yet had the word "carry-on" in its name and in the description it claimed it "fit on most airlines." Their marketing teams seem to have gotten very creative with their definition of "most airlines".

2) Luggage companies also list the height in the product title but they list the interior size, not the exterior, which is what's measured by the airline. The exterior is measured from the top handle down including the wheels. Interior measurements are helpful in understanding how much capacity you will have for your clothing but otherwise, it's misleading. Be sure to scroll down to the specifications.

3) Hardside luggage has become really popular because it looks modern and it protects your things inside well. I really find it better for checking in because of the protection factor but find the softside better for carrying on because it's more likely to flex when squeezing it into smaller spaces like the gate size check box. There are pros and cons to both and ultimately it's up to your preferences.

4) I sorted and calculated measurements from 28 airlines around the world so you can determine the best luggage for yourself with transparency despite all the marketing ploys. I've sorted the data into two categories for you: a riskier category for those living life on the edge and the other for those who are more risk-averse and don't want to chance it. I'm including the price, the weight, and the capacity for additional consideration.

The more risky but still much safer luggage:

I've taken the average height, width, and depth of these 28 airlines to find a list of products for you at or under these measurements: 22" x 15.2" x 9.3". This option maximizes capacity but may not fit international airlines. If it doesn't fit requirements then it may be close enough that you'll get lucky and squeeze by without gate agents noticing.

it Luggage monochromatic and expandable softside

$106 | 6 lbs | capacity unlisted

21.7" x 14.2" x 7.9" - 9.9"

Fits 11 / 28 airlines

VERAGE expandable softside with antibacterial lining and trolley sleeve

$119 | 7 lbs | capacity unlisted

22" x 14" x 9"

Fits 16 / 28 airlines

Rollink minimalist collapsible hardside

$148 | 5.3 lbs | 39.8 L

22" x 14" x 9"

Fits 16 / 28 airlines

Monos hardside with laundry and shoe bags and luggage tag

$255 | 7 lbs | 40 L

22" x 14" x 9"

Fits 16 / 28 airlines

Lipault monochromatic plush softside with rubberized details

$265 | 5.1 lbs | 43.8 L

21.7" x 13.8" x 8.3"

Fits 18 / 28 airlines

Away hardside with laundry bag, leather luggage tag, and usb port

$275 | 7.1 lbs | 39.8 L

21.7" x 13.7" x 9"

Fits 18 / 28 airlines

July lifetime warranty softside with ejectable battery and detachable front sleeve

$345 | 8 lbs | 42 L

21.5" x 15" x 8.5"

Fits 15 / 28 airlines

The risk adverse measurement to reduce the most stress:

I've taken the lower range of the height, width and depth of the 28 airlines to find products at or under these measurements: 21 - 21.5" x 13.7 - 14 "x 8 - 9". If you travel internationally and with different airlines this may be the better list for you.

VERAGE expandable and collapsible softside with detachable wheels

$70 | 3.7 lbs | 46 L

21.5" - 24" x 13.5" x 9"

Fits 24 / 28 airlines