35 Best Carry-On Luggage Under $300
This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon affiliate, we may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
Traveling with ease and comfort is always top of mind for me, so I prioritize this when packing, including where I pack all of my clothes. From short trips to long trips, carry-on luggage is ideal for its universally accepted size and to ensure that you can have all your essentials close by when boarding an airplane. Does anyone else get a little anxious checking their luggage?
There are so many different options for travel gear, including—of course—the luggage that you choose, ranging from soft luggage bags to hard cases to two- or four-wheel spinners. Depending on how much you travel or plan on traveling, you may also have an amount that you do (or don’t) want to spend! If you have a lot of travel plans coming up this year, choosing more expensive carry-on luggage could be well worth the higher price tag.
Whether it’s hard cases, large backpacks, or colorful duffles—we’ve rounded up some of the most affordable and stylish carry-on luggage to help you save money and make you feel more prepared than ever for all of the trips on your schedule!
What Size Is a Carry-On?
First things first, the standard size of carry-on luggage is 22in x 14in x 9in, including the handle and wheels! This luggage size is accepted by the majority of airlines for domestic to international travel; however, the most important part is that your carry-on can fit in the overhead bins well.
Another measurement: A standard carry-on suitcase can hold up to 35-40 liters. Some companies share this volume, especially when it comes to duffle bags, so keep that in mind when shopping. Lastly, while many airlines do not have a weight limit for carry-on luggage, for comfort and ease, it’s not ideal to carry anything too heavy with you anywhere.
Best Carry-on Luggage Under $100
Image: Amazon
Carry On Spinner
Amazon Basics
This highly rated carry-on luggage is the perfect size for bringing on to the airplane. The hard case measures 21 inches, ensuring that it will fit perfectly on any of your upcoming flights.
Why We Love It: This piece of luggage is practical and reliable!
Image: Amazon
20" Expandable Carry-On Luggage
Travelers Club
One of the lowest-priced pieces of luggage on this list, this metallic hard case is 20 inches with a push-button release for the handle. There is also a larger suitcase if you want the matching piece!
Why We Love It: It’s metallic shine and that it comes in so many colors!
Image: Amazon
Airplane Approved Travel Backpack
Coofay
We can’t forget that carry-on backpacks can fit snugly underneath the seat in front of you to accompany your carry-on luggage. However, this travel backpack has convenient compartments and pockets to keep your essentials accessible and organized while you’re up in the air.
Why We Love It: It has anti-theft zippers, a shoe compartment, and a designated charging pocket at such a low price!
Image: Amazon
Rolling Duffle Bag
Rockland
This carry-on duffle bag is practical and meets the measurement requirements for airline travel. It is probably too big to fit under the seat in front of you, but it will fit above you in the bin without worry.
Why We Love It: It’s a nice combination between a suitcase and a duffle bag to give you the best of both options.
Image: Amazon
40L Duffle Bag
Carhartt
Carhartt is known for its durability and style. This simple, water-resistant design makes it easy to pack and a great option if you prefer to travel with duffle bags. But, it also comes with removable straps in case you want to carry it over your shoulders.
Why We Love It: We are fans of Carhartt, and this bright color is hard to miss.
Image: Amazon
Business Backpack
Ponhog
It’s like a carry-on suitcase..but on your back! This bag is another ideal travel backpack with specific compartments to keep all of your clothes, tech, and accessories perfectly in place. The various anti-theft pockets and water-resistant, tear-resistant fabric make you feel prepared for any upcoming trips on your agenda.
Why We Love It: The comfortable padding and built-in charging cable and USB port make it a great travel backpack for all types of adventures.
Image: Amazon
Daylite Duffle Bag
Osprey
This duffle bag is on the list because it is simple and reliable! The size makes it practical to use as your carry-on bag, for quick weekend trips, or even days to the gym. This duffle bag will be used in so many different ways!
Why We Love It: The durable fabric and free pocket design.
Image: Amazon
2-Piece Travel Carry-On Bags
HYC00
This two-piece set is an Amazon best seller and accompanies your carry-on luggage perfectly. It also pairs great with a larger suitcase that normally needs to be checked.
Why We Love It: It has multiple pockets of varying sizes and can be worn in so many ways!
Image: Amazon
Omni Carry-On Spinner
Samsonite
Samsonite is one of the top brands when it comes to luggage and suitcases. Just below $100, we had to include this carry-on luggage as it includes built-in TSA locks and is made of scratch-resistant material. Feel confident you’re buying a suitcase that will last for years.
Why We Love It: It meets the measurement requirements and is an affordable option if you travel often!
Image: Amazon
Hardcase Luggage
BOSTANTEN
This lightweight hard case suitcase is the perfect carry-on size, and it made the list for its low price point and straightforward design.
Why We Love It: It is a piece of carry-on luggage that meets all of the requirements if you’re a simple traveler. You can also easily match it with any other luggage you may already own.
Image: Amazon
Expandable Carry On Luggage
American Tourister
If you prefer a soft case design, this is a top option. The softer design allows for more cushioning and space when packing compared to hardshell luggage. It’s also not a bad idea to have both options in your closet!
Why We Love It: Large opening, super expandable, and can fit under seats for the majority of airlines.
Image: Amazon
20in Carry On
Wrangler
If you’re a business traveler, this is the carry-on luggage for you! Get on and off the plane easily with all of your business travel essentials, including your coffee and fully charged tablet or cell phone.
Why We Love It: It is carry-on luggage that has a conveniently-placed cup holder and charging port for under $75—say less!
Image: Amazon
Chelsea Chevron Quilted Luggage
Kenneth Cole Reaction
Here is another soft-case luggage with a little more elegance! It has gold accents, dual handles, and is made of a soft, water-resistant twill fabric.
Why We Love It: The black and gold color combination makes it look effortlessly chic—a carry-on bag that you would never guess cost less than $100!
Image: Amazon
Soft Side Luggage
Swissgear
Swissgear is another top luggage and travel brand, which is one main reason it’s on the list! Their products may be pricier for some, but this soft-sided luggage comes at a reasonable price point. It comes with easy-access pockets, enough clothing space for a short weekend trip, and a padded design.
Why We Love It: A weekender bag that is perfect for business and pleasure.
Image: Amazon
Hardcase Luggage with Charger
Traveler’s choice
Another hard-case luggage that is just cute! With its pretty pastel color options and protective material, it is comparable to the Away design. It also even includes a charger like the popular carry-on luggage!
Why We Love It: The fun colors and stylish design at a low price tag.
Image: Amazon
Neoprene Weekender Bag
Fit & Fresh
A well-designed duffle bag that you can bring on board with your carry-on luggage, this can also double as your personal item to fit all of your travel essentials with its wide mouth design.
Why We Love It: It is waterproof and perfect to pair with your luggage. Plus, this bag is designed by women for women’s needs!
Image: Amazon
Hardcase Spinner Luggage
Kensie
We like this spinner carry-on luggage to make travel easier, smoother, and more stylish. It comes in an array of colors, and the hard case is reminiscent of Rimowa (but at a fraction of the price).
Why We Love It: An affordable hard case luggage that is similar to Rimowa's design!
Best Carry-on Luggage Between $100-$200
Image: Nordstrom
Stevyn Duffle Bag
Calpak
CALPAK is a leading luggage brand, known for its trendy bags and durable product line. This soft bag has dual pockets and a base pocket to easily store at least two pairs of shoes. Great to use on and off the airplane!
Why We Love It: The carry-on bag has dual pockets and easily connects to any luggage handle.
Image: Amazon
Omni Hardside Case
Samsonite
A 20” hard case luggage made by Samsonite! It makes the list for its durable and protective material that will ensure that it won’t break down on you after only a couple of airplane trips. This luggage also offers a 10-year warranty, so the extra splurge is worth it, especially if you love to travel!
Why We Love It: It meets the measurement requirements and makes you feel confident that you won’t have to buy a replacement for years!
Image: Nordstrom
Base Camp Medium Duffle
The North Face
If you love the outdoors and are a rugged traveler, this is the duffle bag for you! It can pack all of your clothes and bulky items well with its soft case design, and it’s wearable on your back for extra comfort and ease while traveling.
Why We Love It: The large open design and water-resistant fabric is perfect to withstand various travel conditions.
Image: Nordstrom Rack
Extravagant 21-Inch Spinner Carry-On
IT Luggage
Here is a piece of thoughtfully designed carry-on luggage with a rounded shape and telescopic trolley handles. Its hard case material is meant to endure bumps while protecting all your belongings while traveling. It meets the measurement requirements for carry-on luggage, so rest assured it will go on board with you.
Why We Love It: The oval-like design and its durable hard-case material.
Image: Backcountry
All Around 40L Duffle
Backcountry
A small and mighty duffle that fits all of your essentials for a weekend trip. It has mesh pockets and a wide setup to make packing easy from large to small items!
Why We Love It: Its practical size makes it impossible to overpack.
Image: Quince
Carry-on Hard Shell Suitcase
Quince
This hard-case carry-on is smooth and sturdy! Being at this price range, you are looking for a piece of luggage that you will not have to replace quickly. It has extra-hard material, four spinner wheels, and multiple pocket options.
Why We Love It: It's ultra-practical design and interior compression pockets!
Image: Nordstrom
Luka Duffle Bag
Calpak
Another CALPAK travel bag that is sleek and easy to carry, the matte color is elevated and makes a fashion statement. Simply put, this is a cool duffle bag that easily upgrades your travel accessories.
Why We Love It: A fashionable bag that can also be used outside of traveling!
Image: Amazon
Freeform Luggage Spinner
Samsonite
Yes, we’re fans of Samsonite because they're reliable. However, this colorway looks more modern than other pieces and elevates your travel style both practically and fashionably!
Why We Love It: It comes in a set of 3 if you’re looking for a long-lasting luggage set for all of your different travel needs!
Image: Nordstrom
Vegan Leather Duffle Bag
Mali + Lili
A sleek leather duffle bag that will make packing easier and chic! It comes with dual pockets, including a large one at the base for sensible organization. It comes in three colorways to match any of your favorite travel outfits.
Why We Love It: It's made of vegan leather, comes with interchangeable straps, and offers a high-end look while traveling.
Image: Amazon
TSA Aluminum Frame Carry-On
HANKE
This carry-on luggage is durable, stylish, and spacious—all great things when shopping for a piece of new luggage! The aluminum casing ensures that it’s long-lasting and won’t get damaged easily during travel.
Why We Love It: The textured hard case, built-in TSA approved locks, and four-wheel spinners for super smooth travel.
Best Carry-on Luggage Between $200-$300
Image: Nordstrom
Carry-On Roller
Beis
We had to include BEIS on this list! While it comes in at a higher price point, rest assured that this carry-on luggage will join you on international trips for years to come.
Why We Love It: Chic and meets all of your carry-on travel … and fashion needs!
Image: Backcountry
Softside 42L Carry-On
Dakine
Travel with ease with this durable and lightweight carry-on rolling bag. It has multiple mesh compartments to organize all of your clothes and accessories from large to small. Ensure your belongings are safe and secure during a long travel day.
Why We Love It: The patterned floral print from a top activewear brand!
Image: Nordstrom
Heritage Hardshell Carry-On Luggage
Herschel Supply Co.
One of the coolest and brightest carry-on luggage options on the list! Besides its colorful design, the interior is large and maximizes space with various pockets. It’s also made from recycled polycarbonate!
Why We Love It: The bright color means that you’ll never lose track of your luggage in the airport ever again.
Image: Nordstrom
BedBox® Ride-On Suitcase & Backpack Set
Jetkids by Stokke
Traveling with kids? Instead of carrying around bulky strollers, they can ride safely with their luggage! It even folds out to become a convenient seat, leg rest, or bed for those long travel days.
Why We Love It: This set also comes with a backpack so they can pack alongside Mom and Dad!
Image: Nordstrom
23-Inch Carry-On Plus Spinner Luggage
Monos
Unbreakable shell? Ultra quiet wheels? Yes, please! This sleek design has multiple mesh pockets and straps to keep all of your belongings in place while you travel!
Why We Love It: Monos donates 1% of its annual sales to nonprofit partners to help find solutions to environmental problems as a member of 1% For The Planet.
Image: Nordstrom
Subterra 2 Convertible Carry-On Bag
Thule
One part backpack, one part duffle, this padded travel bag has pockets, compartments, and zippers to securely store all of your valuables, whether it’s a 16” laptop or your passport.
Why We Love It: It has handles on all sides, allowing you to comfortably carry it anywhere while traveling.
Image: Nordstrom
Baseline 17-Inch Expandable Cabin Bag
Briggs & Riley
Talk about the ultimate carrying case! Made from a virtually indestructible nylon material, this bag also features a slip-through compartment that can be easily placed over the handle of rolling luggage, and it can also be expanded up to an additional 4 inches to give you more packing space!
Why We Love It: It has signature SpeedThru pockets that allow you to quickly reach for important items at security checkpoints.
Image: Nordstrom
Small Travel Waterproof Carry-On Luggage
Rains
It shouldn’t come as any surprise that the brand, Rains, makes well…rain-resistant gear! This waterproof fabric ensures that all of your most valuable items stay dry, no matter what the weather holds.
Why We Love It: It’s an ideal bag for work, too!
