2024s Best Carry-On Luggage, Tested by Frequent Travelers

My favorite thing about the aluminum luggage is the edges and seams are weatherproof to some degree whereas standard luggages are not. You’re looking at about $400-$500 minimum, let alone $1000 for the higher end ones. So aluminum luggage is meant for someone who wants the best tool for the job and frequent travelers. As seen at flight backpack

That makes this option lighter but more prone to career-ending injuries. You’re forced to conform your cargo to the brand’s desired layout, which oftentimes includes dividers, shoe slots and other extras. With Rimowa’s Original Cabin Carry-On, there’s none of that — it’s about as bare bones as it gets, aside from the compression straps for keeping everything tied down. One of the biggest allures to aluminum luggage is its luxurious look, but there are more benefits to ownership. Aluminum is  less likely to crack over time compared to polycarbonate, making it a better long-term choice.
The suitcase comes in two sizes, a 24” medium case, and a 28” large checked suitcase. The cases are all made from pure polycarbonate, a material that’s both lightweight and flexible. The shell will bend upon impact, and it will last a lot longer than an average ABS plastic suitcase. Additionally, the market positioning of aluminum suitcases as premium and luxurious also contributes to their higher cost. Aluminum suitcases are often priced higher compared to luggage made from other materials due to the intricate and labor-intensive manufacturing process involved.

Their 19 Degree Aluminum collection is a symphony of sleek design, impeccable craftsmanship, and reliability. These pieces are crafted to withstand the rigors of travel while making a statement. Zero Halliburton, a pioneer since 1938, introduced the world to the marvel of aluminum luggage. When you touch a Zero Halliburton suitcase, you’re connecting with a legacy of innovation. These suitcases blend the nostalgia of travel’s golden age with cutting-edge design, creating a timeless piece that speaks both of history and of the future. As a seasoned luggage tester, I’ve rolled, lifted, and journeyed with countless bags, but nothing quite matches the allure of aluminum luggage.
This large trunk has tons of organizational features, like the included packing cubes. The protective front pocket is perfect for holding laptops or tablets. There are limited color options, and it doesn't have any smart features or a TSA lock. Our July Y-Strap Compression System provides a heavy-duty strap that pulls down to create more space in your case. All our lining is stain-resistant making any accidents easy to clean up too. Anne Sutherland-Smith is the founder of the Pretraveller and Everywhere Australia blogs which focus on travel planning.

Expanding 15L so you can bring back more, this classic black suitcase is perfect for any holiday. RIMOWA, rooted in tradition, places its trust in time-tested materials that have weathered countless travel stories over decades. The brand uses adonized aluminum, a pure aluminum that has undergone an electrolytic oxidation process, resulting in a lighter, more corrosion-resistant piece of luggage. Our collections are designed for active individuals, passionate travelers and highly motivated people with places to be. With their iconic contours and eye-catching colors, luggage bags from our 19 Degree collection will brighten your day even as you head out to catch a red-eye. For a utilitarian-inspired bag that’s rugged yet refined, look to our Alpha or Alpha Bravo collections.
It’s made of a thermoplastic polymer that’s quite strong but lightweight, making a polypropylene suitcase even lighter than aluminum suitcases. It is TSA-approved and has a recessed 3-dial lock for more security. It’s the perfect suitcase for long business trips or vacations, and its recessed one-button locking handle increases maneuverability while you’re on the move.

We liked that it comes with a detachable hip belt, but weren’t so keen on the shoulder straps, which we felt could have been more comfortable. We found it comfortable to carry duffel-style, with a Velcro flap holding the reinforced haul handles together. Using the removable padded shoulder straps, you can also wear it as a backpack. External storage includes a zippered side pocket and daisy chains, while the main compartment features a conveniently large opening, several pockets, and a large mesh lid pocket.
If your more active, backpacking days aren’t yet behind you, The North Face is perfect for the adventurers. They have over the shoulder duffels, rolling soft shell bags, large and small backpacks, hip packs, totes and more — anything you could possibly need for your next hiking adventure . This has a more reasonable price than most aluminum suitcases, which can get expensive. "This suitcase is so solid that I feel like you could launch this bag into space, and it would survive a moon landing," says T+L testing editor Jackie Cucco. "When I hit the handles and latches with a metal bat, they felt so strong that I think the bat itself would break before damaging any part of the bag."
The signature matte black round logo adds a touch of sophistication, making the Stori as stylish as it is strong. Whether you’re navigating airports or packing for a weekend getaway, this suitcase is the ideal travel companion, ensuring you do so with ease and elegance. Level8 isn't messing around when it comes to their Full Aluminum Carry-On Luggage. It's both keyless and zipperless, which means only you can get inside by using dual TSA-approved locks for maximum security. There’s a reason this aluminum  suitcase is a Red Dot Design Award Winner, after all.

It should be a privilege for your taxi driver to pick up your luxurious-looking luggage and rest it delicately in their vehicle. You want to see the suitcase shame on the faces of other travellers when you grab your suitcase from the carousel. So, what are the best suitcases in Australia to turn suitcase shame into suitcase envy? Whether you’re headed overseas or off on a weekend getaway, these bags will turn heads and have others reconsider their luggage choices. Aluminum is very strong, but it scratches and dents very easily, and it shows every little ding.
Soft carry-on bags can be easily cut or opened, whereas aluminum luggage provides enhanced security features. While I’ve had the pleasure of testing lots of aluminum luggage brands over the years, MVST Select shines brightest for me. Topping my list, it offers a seamless blend of innovative design, unmatched durability, aesthetic appeal, and value for money. The details, from the intricate locking mechanisms to the chic external finish, have made my travels both secure and stylish.

This fashionable collection combines aerodynamic design with an exclusive Samsonite patterned texture. The lightweight and rugged polypropylene shell with tongue in groove gasket closure help protect contents and keep out dirt and moisture. If you already own a suitcase, why not dress it up with a luggage cover?