Top 5 best luggage for international travel (carry on edition)
Traveling internationally? Well, you’ll want to read up on international size carry-on luggage. Did you know that many airlines outside of the United States have much more restrictive policies towards the size of carry on luggage? It’s true, and because of this companies will often make both a domestic carry on for North America and an international carry on size for those using European airlines and others that have higher size restrictions.
For a list of all of the airlines and their carry-on size restrictions, check out our handy guide here.
If you’re in the market for a new international carry on, we have done the hard work for you and found the top five best carry on bags for use on international airlines. These are from what we think are the most durable and overall best luggage brands in the world as of 2017.
Top 5 best luggage for international travel (carry on edition)
The best of the best: Briggs & Riley Baseline International Carry-On
Up first we have our absolute favorite in international size carry ons. The Briggs & Riley Baseline International carry on. This four wheel spinner carry on is widely considered the best quality carry on bag you can find in the international size. Briggs & Riley is perennially considered the top luggage maker on Earth and you can see why when you see the quality and durability of the Baseline. The durable nylon and aluminum that make up the frame of this bag are top quality but its the actual functional design that always gets us with B&R. For example, the pull handle on this bag is mounted to the outside of the bag, leaving a completely flat compartment for clothes and other things that you don’t want to wrinkle. The included compression straps and zipper pocket are perfect for organizing your stuff even without packing cubes.
Briggs & Riley Baseline International Carry-On Expanadable Wide-Body Spinner, Black, One Size
- Simple as that® lifetime warranty even covers airline damage.
- Where versatility meets world-class endurance. Baseline offers distinctive pieces that work together seamlessly, allowing modern travelers to build original solutions to fit their lifestyle.
- Simple as that® lifetime warranty even covers airline damage.
- Where versatility meets world-class endurance. Baseline offers distinctive pieces that work together seamlessly, allowing modern travelers to build original solutions to fit their lifestyle.
- CX expansion-compression system increases packing capacity, then compresses back to original size for easy overhead storage
- Outsider handle for wrinkle-free flat packing provides greater interior capacity and increased packing space, also allows pocket between handle bars for convenient storage of quick-access items
- Four durable double swivel wheels for effortless 360 Degree navigation
- 13.5x24.5x22.5
Almost #1: Tumi Alpha 2 4 Wheeled Expandable International Carry-On
This bag almost made it to number one on our list. Tumi is a powerhouse when it comes to creating durable products with top notch fabrics and components. The Tumi Alpha 2 uses a half and half clamshell design which many people prefer (including us). Both compartments are fully zippable so you can easily organize everything inside without having it falling out when you open up the bag. But where this bag really excels is its stylish look. If you are a regular international business traveler this is the perfect bag. It looks stunning and could easily be brought to a business meeting and not feel out of place.
Tumi Alpha 2 4 Wheeled Expandable International Carry-On, Black, One Size
- Front U-zip pocket, additional front zip pocket^3-stage telescoping handle^Protective bumper guards^Add-a-Bag strap and ID tag^Inside garment section in lid compartment
- Depth: 23 cm. Expanded Depth: 28 cm. Weight: 4.85 kg. Capacity: 30 L
- Front U-zip pocket, additional front zip pocket^3-stage telescoping handle^Protective bumper guards^Add-a-Bag strap and ID tag^Inside garment section in lid compartment
- Depth: 23 cm. Expanded Depth: 28 cm. Weight: 4.85 kg. Capacity: 30 L
The best for the money: Travelpro Maxlite 4 International Carry-On
If you don’t have the money for a Tumi or Briggs & Riley, definitely consider the excellent Travelpro Maxlite 4 international carry on. This bag is top in our list of the best carry on bags for under $100. This international size carry on spinner is amazing quality but for only $82! It has great pockets, great solid polyester construction and really good quality zippers. Zippers are often the nagging thing that holds back cheaper bags. That is definitely not the case here as thousands of buyers have praised this bag’s solid construction. Overall you won’t find a better international size carry on than the Travelpro Maxlite 4.
Travelpro Maxlite 4 International Carry-On Spinner Suitcase, Black
- 360-degree spinners roll effortlessly in any direction you want to move
- Telescoping handle adds length and strength, stops at 38 inch and extra-tall 42.5 inch
- Patented contour grip for more comfort
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 360-degree spinners roll effortlessly in any direction you want to move
- Telescoping handle adds length and strength, stops at 38 inch and extra-tall 42.5 inch
- Patented contour grip for more comfort
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 20x14.5x7
Legendary quality meets great looks: Zero Halliburton ZRO International Carry-On 4-Wheel Spinner
The Zero Halliburton ZRO is the original that has that great aluminum look. Many have copied it since but none back up the looks with truly great quality construction and materials. Made in the USA out of a material called Makrolon, this bag is about as durable as you will find. Featuring probably one of the best, if not the best, internal organization, this bag is perfect for those of you that want to stay ultra organized while traveling. It also features a built-in TSA approved combination lock. I’d say that this is our favorite hard shell international carry on. Period.
Zero Halliburton ZRO 20" International Carry-On 4-Wheel Spinner Luggage Gunmetal
- Made in the USA with imported materials.
- Constructed with Makrolon, a shock-resistant Polycarbonate that has been textured to prevent most scratches and scuffs.
- TSA-Accepted Combination Lock and Zipper Pulls from damage.
- Made in the USA with imported materials.
- Constructed with Makrolon, a shock-resistant Polycarbonate that has been textured to prevent most scratches and scuffs.
- TSA-Accepted Combination Lock and Zipper Pulls from damage.
The smartest carry on around: Bluesmart One – Smart Luggage international carry on
We love the Bluesmart ideology. They have created a bag that has a built in USB charger for keeping your devices all topped up while you are on the road. But they didn’t stop there. You can even connect the bag to the Bluesmart iOS or Android app and track the luggage via GPS and 3G! And if you want to, you can remotely lock the bag when you are away from it. It’s a heavier bag than the others above, but the little tech additions make this a real contender for our favorite international carry on. So if you are constantly working on the computer in international airports, stay juiced up by connecting to your carry on… That always sounds weird when I say it… Seriously, this bag kicks ass.
Bluesmart One - Smart Luggage: GPS, Remote Locking, Battery Charger (International Carry-on...
- Charge & Track - Battery with 2 USB charging ports can charge your devices up to six times over. 3G + GPS tracking lets you locate your suitcase anywhere the world.
- Weigh - Built-in scale in the suitcase's handle allows you to weigh it through the app.
- Charge & Track - Battery with 2 USB charging ports can charge your devices up to six times over. 3G + GPS tracking lets you locate your suitcase anywhere the world.
- Weigh - Built-in scale in the suitcase's handle allows you to weigh it through the app.
- Lock - Remote digital lock means you can lock/unlock the suitcase using your phone.
- Compact & Durable - Designed to meet international carry-on requirements, ideal for 2-3 day trips. Water-resistant polycarbonate exterior designed to withstand extensive travel. Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9"
There you have it, the very best international carry on bags. If you are a business traveler and are looking for a carry on we encourage you to take a look at our recommended carry on bags for business travel here.
Top 5 best luggage for international travel (carry on edition)
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