Hold On! Here’s the Things about Carry-ons
What’s Your Favorite Carry-On?
When it comes to travel, everyone seems to have strong opinions about their carry-on bag. For some, it’s all about organization. For others, durability is key. And for a few of us, the perfect carry-on has become a trusted travel companion for many years and miles.
Keri’s Pick: The Global Citizen’s Carry-On
Keri takes her carry-on luggage seriously because it’s usually the only luggage she brings.
“I can live out of a carry-on for 5–6 days, and even longer if I do laundry while I’m away,” she says.
Last year, she traveled through Latvia, Finland, and Sweden for 10 days with only her carry-on bags. Along the way, she found an affordable laundry service in Helsinki, and when that’s not an option, she’s happy to find a laundromat and do her own wash.
For Keri, wheels are everything.
“I need durable, maneuverable wheels that can handle airports, public transportation, city streets, and even cobblestone lanes.”
After trying several brands over the years, she’s become a loyal fan of Samsonite’s Spin Tech line. She currently uses the Spin Tech 5 carry-on, purchased in 2022, although she believes the current model is now the Spin Tech 6.
And yes, her suitcase is lilac.
“I bought it because it was on sale and significantly cheaper than the traditional colors,” she says. “But when I do have to check it, it’s incredibly easy to spot.”
Keri pairs her suitcase with a Samsonite backpack that straps securely to the suitcase handle. Since everything rolls, she never has to carry anything through the airport. The backpack fits under the seat and keeps toiletries, electronics, and travel essentials easily accessible during flights. Once she arrives, it doubles as a daypack for sightseeing.
According to Samsonite, the Spin Tech 5 features a scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell, eight spinner wheels, TSA-approved locks, and a 10-year warranty.
The Organized Traveler
Another traveler in our group prefers a carry-on shoulder bag and loves its thoughtful organization features.
“There’s a separate zippered compartment on the bottom for shoes, three zippered sections overall, a waterproof compartment, and mesh pockets that help keep everything organized.”
The consensus from our group?
A separate compartment for shoes is a feature we can all appreciate.
The Tried-and-True Favorite
One member of our travel group has used the same carry-on bag for an impressive 16 years. Between work trips, family vacations, and concert adventures, that bag has seen a lot of miles, and it’s still holding up.
Her favorite feature isn’t a fancy pocket or spinner wheels. It’s the floral print.
No guessing at baggage claim. She always knows exactly which bag is hers.
My Go-To Carry-On
My preferred carry-on is a backpack.
For years, I used a JanSport because it was simple, durable, and had plenty of room for the things I like to keep within reach while traveling: paperwork, books, headphones, chargers, and, of course, a few snacks. I loved having everything organized and easy to access without carrying multiple bags through the airport.
Recently, I upgraded to a Bellroy backpack, and after using it on three trips, I’m a big fan.
As long as I don’t overpack it, it fits nicely under the seat in front of me. One of my favorite features is how it opens, with compartments on either side covered by mesh netting. The mesh keeps everything secure while allowing me to see exactly what’s inside and quickly grab what I need during a flight.
It’s one of those thoughtful designs that makes travel just a little easier.
The funny thing is that after comparing everyone’s favorite carry-ons, we realized there isn’t one perfect bag. The best carry-on is the one that fits your travel style—whether that’s a hard-sided spinner, a well-organized shoulder bag, a trusty floral suitcase, or a backpack that’s ready for its next adventure.
What’s the best carry-on you’ve ever owned and why?
