How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Best luggage companies at a glance
Away is the best luggage company for most travellers, with the Carry-On at $275, a lifetime warranty and the best airline sizer record. Monos matches it on price with a better laptop pocket, and Samsonite is the best budget pick. All eight brands here sell carry-ons that fit the 22 by 14 by 9 inch limit.
Key takeaways
- Away and Monos both sell a standard carry-on at $275, and the choice comes down to warranty terms and the laptop pocket.
- Samsonite Freeform is the best budget pick, routinely available for $150 to $180 with a 10-year warranty on some lines.
- Rimowa, Tumi and Briggs and Riley cost $649 to $990, and only frequent flyers will earn that premium back.
- Away changed its warranty in April 2026: bags bought after that date get free repairs for five years, not a lifetime guarantee.
- The 22 by 14 by 9 inch sizer is the rule that matters, and airlines now measure bags at the gate instead of trusting the label.
Best luggage companies compared
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
| Away | Best all-round carry-on | The Carry-On from $275 | Not applicable |
| Monos | Laptop pocket and minimalist design | Carry-On $275 | Not applicable |
| Travelpro | Crew-trusted durability | Platinum Elite about $370 | Not applicable |
| Samsonite | Budget hardside | Freeform from about $150 | Not applicable |
| Rimowa | Premium aluminium and polycarbonate | Essential Cabin $990 | Not applicable |
| Tumi | Business travel organisation | Alpha 3 from $795 | Not applicable |
| Briggs and Riley | Lifetime warranty | Baseline Domestic $649 | Not applicable |
| July | Quiet wheels and modern design | Carry On Light $245 | Not applicable |
What size carry-on actually fits the airline sizer?
The limit most US airlines enforce is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including wheels and handles, and airlines now measure bags at the gate instead of trusting the label. Away The Carry-On measures 21.7 by 13.7 by 9 inches and fits every major sizer, while the Bigger Carry-On at $295 exceeds the limit on several European and Canadian carriers. Monos Carry-On is 22 by 14 by 9 inches exactly, and the Carry-On Pro adds a front laptop pocket at the same footprint. Rimowa Essential Cabin and Tumi Alpha 3 are both built to the international limit, which is why frequent international flyers pay the premium. Before you buy, check the bag against your most restrictive airline, not the average one.
Is an expensive suitcase worth it?
It depends on how often you fly. A $275 Away or Monos carry-on is the value sweet spot for most travellers, with a polycarbonate shell, spinner wheels and a warranty that covers years of use. A $649 Briggs and Riley or $795 Tumi earns its price only if you fly 30 or more times a year, because the materials, organisation and repair networks are built for that workload. A $990 Rimowa buys aluminium or premium polycarbonate, a lifetime warranty and resale value that cheaper bags never have. For occasional travellers, a $150 Samsonite Freeform does the same job at the gate. The honest test is cost per trip: divide the price by the trips you will take in five years.
Which luggage warranty is actually useful?
The warranty that repairs the bag without a fight. Briggs and Riley leads here with its lifetime Simple as That guarantee, which repairs functional damage for the life of the bag with no proof of purchase needed. Away changed its terms in April 2026: bags bought after 14 April 2026 get LifetimeCare, with free repairs for five years and service-fee repairs after that, while older bags keep the lifetime guarantee. Monos offers a limited lifetime warranty, with airline damage covered only if you buy the paid Lifetime Warranty Plus. Rimowa offers a lifetime warranty that varies by collection, and Tumi gives 5 years: one year comprehensive plus four years limited. Read the airline-damage clause before you buy, because that is the damage that actually happens.
Which luggage company is best for frequent flyers?
Travelpro is the best pick for frequent flyers who want crew-trusted durability, because flight crews have used it for decades and its Platinum Elite line is built for weekly travel. Briggs and Riley is the best alternative, with the strongest warranty and a Baseline line that flight attendants recommend by name. Tumi Alpha 3 is the business travel standard, with the best interior organisation for laptops, documents and suits. Away and Monos are the best value picks for frequent flyers on a budget, at $275 with spinner wheels and compression packing. Whichever brand you pick, choose a carry-on that fits the sizer, weighs under 8 pounds empty, and has wheels you can replace.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Away | Best all-round carry-on for most travellers | The Carry-On from $275, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Monos | Laptop pocket and minimalist design | Carry-On $275; Carry-On Pro $295, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Travelpro | Crew-trusted durability for frequent flyers | Platinum Elite about $370, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Samsonite | Budget hardside carry-on | Freeform from about $150, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Rimowa | Premium aluminium and polycarbonate cases | Essential Cabin $990, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Tumi | Business travel organisation | Alpha 3 carry-on from $795, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 Briggs and Riley | Lifetime warranty and packing capacity | Baseline Domestic Carry-On $649, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
 July | Quiet wheels and modern direct-to-consumer design | Carry On Light $245; Carry On Pro $325, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026 | Not applicable |
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The 8 best luggage companies compared
Starting priceThe Carry-On from $275, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Away built the modern direct-to-consumer luggage category, and The Carry-On at $275 is still the default recommendation for most travellers. It measures 21.7 by 13.7 by 9 inches, weighs about 7.5 pounds, holds 41 litres, and fits every major airline sizer, which is why it tops carry-on roundups year after year. The Bigger Carry-On at $295 adds about 8 litres but exceeds the limit on several European and Canadian carriers. The one 2026 change to know is the warranty: bags bought after 14 April 2026 get LifetimeCare, with free repairs for five years and service-fee repairs after that. Pick Away when you want the safest all-round carry-on at a fair price.
What we like- Fits every major airline sizer, lifetime warranty on older bags, compression packing system, wide colour range
Watch out for- Warranty changed in April 2026 to 5 years of free repairs, and the Series 3 range lists near $315 in some guides
Starting priceCarry-On $275; Carry-On Pro $295, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Monos is Away's closest rival, at the same $275 price for the standard Carry-On, with a measurably stricter approach to airline size rules. The Carry-On Pro at $295 adds a padded front pocket sized for a 15-inch laptop plus a tablet, which is the feature that tips the choice for anyone who flies with a laptop every week. Both models use Makrolon polycarbonate from Bayer, the same material Rimowa uses in its Essential line, and the Pro weighs about 7.8 pounds. The warranty is limited lifetime, with airline damage covered only if you buy the paid Lifetime Warranty Plus. Pick Monos when you want the laptop pocket and a quieter, more minimalist design.
What we like- Front laptop pocket on Pro, strict sizer compliance, minimalist design, optional airline-damage cover
Watch out for- Return shipping costs $20 to $45 even in the trial period, and airline damage needs the paid warranty add-on
Starting pricePlatinum Elite about $370, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Travelpro has been the choice of flight crews for decades, and its Platinum Elite carry-on is built for people who fly twice a month or more. The line is known for durable fabrics, reliable telescoping handles, and spinner wheels that survive years of airport floors, with a warranty and repair network that crews actually use. The Platinum Elite carry-on lists near $370, which sits between the $275 direct-to-consumer bags and the $649 premium brands. The trade-off is weight and looks: Travelpro bags are heavier than Away or Monos and look functional rather than fashionable. Pick Travelpro when you fly often and want the bag the crew uses.
What we like- Trusted by flight crews for decades, strong warranty, excellent wheels and handles, wide range of sizes
Watch out for- Heavier than the direct-to-consumer rivals, and the design looks functional rather than fashionable
Starting priceFreeform from about $150, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Samsonite is the budget pick that still does the job at the gate. The Freeform carry-on measures 21.25 by 15.25 by 10 inches, weighs 6.9 pounds, and is routinely available for $150 to $180, which is roughly half the price of an Away or Monos. The shell is thinner than the premium brands and the wheels are simpler, but the bag fits the sizer and survives normal travel. Samsonite publishes a comparison value rather than a regular price on some lines, so check the actual selling price before you buy. Pick Samsonite when you want a reliable carry-on for occasional trips without paying the premium for daily use.
What we like- Lowest price here, widely available, light at 6.9 pounds, 10-year warranty on some lines
Watch out for- Thinner shell than premium rivals, and the list price is a comparison value rather than a regular price on some lines
Starting priceEssential Cabin $990, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Rimowa is the luxury standard in luggage, with the grooved aluminium Original Cabin and the polycarbonate Essential Cabin as its two flagship lines. The Essential Cabin costs $990 in the United States, holds about 37 litres, and carries a lifetime warranty that varies by collection. The aluminium Original Cabin starts near $1,550. Rimowa bags are lighter and stiffer than the direct-to-consumer rivals, and they hold resale value better than any other brand here, which softens the price for owners who sell after a few years. Pick Rimowa when you want the best-built case, travel internationally often, and value resale as part of the purchase.
What we like- Iconic grooved design, lifetime warranty, excellent resale value, lightest premium shell
Watch out for- Costs three to four times an Away, and the aluminium Original Cabin starts near $1,550
Starting priceAlpha 3 carry-on from $795, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Tumi is the premium business travel brand, and its Alpha 3 carry-on is the standard for travellers who fly 50 plus times a year. The bag uses FXT ballistic nylon with Tegris composite panels, and every bag carries the Tumi Tracer, a free 20-digit ID plate registered online that helps the global service network reunite lost bags with their owners. The Alpha 3 International Expandable lists near $895 at retail, with other models from $795, and the 19 Degree aluminium line starts near $795. The warranty is 5 years: one year comprehensive plus four years limited. Pick Tumi when you travel for work constantly and need organisation and a repair network in 60 countries.
What we like- FXT ballistic nylon, Tumi Tracer recovery program, best interior organisation here, global repair network
Watch out for- 5-year warranty ceiling, heavy for the size, and the most expensive softside option here
Starting priceBaseline Domestic Carry-On $649, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
Briggs and Riley is the brand flight attendants recommend by name, and the reason is the warranty: the lifetime Simple as That guarantee repairs functional damage for the life of the bag, with no proof of purchase needed, and owners report faster, more responsive service than Tumi. The Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner lists at $649, with the Global Carry-On near $729, and the line is known for packing capacity that beats the hardside rivals at the same size. The trade-off is price and looks: $649 is more than twice an Away, and the design is conservative. Pick Briggs and Riley when you want a bag you will never need to replace.
What we like- Lifetime Simple as That warranty with no proof of purchase, best packing capacity here, flight attendant favourite
Watch out for- Costs more than twice an Away, and the design is conservative
#8
July
Best for: Quiet wheels and modern direct-to-consumer design
Visit july.com
Starting priceCarry On Light $245; Carry On Pro $325, third-party reported, checked 13 Nov 2026
Free planNot applicable
July is the direct-to-consumer brand that won the 2026 design awards for its SilentMove wheels, which are noticeably quieter than the wheels on most rivals. The Carry On Light costs $245 and weighs 4.6 pounds, which saves weight on international routes with strict limits, while the Carry On Pro costs $325 and adds a zippered front pocket and an ejectable power bank. All July hardside cases carry a limited lifetime warranty, and the wheels are user-replaceable, which is rare in this price band. The catch is that July has no US stores, so you cannot see the bag before committing. Pick July when you want the lightest, quietest carry-on in this price range.
What we like- SilentMove wheels, user-replaceable wheels, limited lifetime warranty on hardside, ejectable power bank on Pro
Watch out for- No US stores to see the bag before buying, and the standard Carry On costs more than the Light without adding space
How we picked these companies
We picked luggage companies that sell a carry-on fitting the 22 by 14 by 9 inch limit, publish a price, and have a warranty and repair network a buyer can actually use. Prices were gathered from brand product pages and third-party price checks dated September to November 2026, and are marked third-party reported where we did not open the vendor page directly. We left out brands with no US pricing and brands that only sell checked luggage. Check the price and the warranty terms on the brand site before you buy, because prices vary by model, colour and retailer, and Away changed its warranty in April 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best luggage company for international travel?
Monos is the best pick for international travel at this price, because its Carry-On is built exactly to the 22 by 14 by 9 inch limit and its Pro model adds a laptop pocket without changing the footprint. Rimowa Essential Cabin is the best premium pick, with a lifetime warranty and a shell built for international handling. Away The Carry-On is the best value alternative.
Are Away and Monos really the same quality?
They are close, but not identical. Both sell a polycarbonate carry-on at $275, both use quality spinner wheels, and both fit the sizer. Monos uses Makrolon polycarbonate from Bayer, the same material as Rimowa Essential, and offers a front laptop pocket on the Pro. Away has better scuff resistance and, for bags bought before April 2026, a lifetime guarantee.
How much should I spend on a carry-on?
Spend $150 to $300 for occasional travel and $600 to $1,000 only if you fly 30 or more times a year. A $150 Samsonite Freeform does the job at the gate for a few trips a year, and a $275 Away or Monos is the sweet spot for regular travellers. Premium bags earn their price through materials, organisation and warranties that survive heavy use.
Do luggage warranties cover airline damage?
Sometimes, and the fine print decides it. Briggs and Riley covers functional damage for life with no proof of purchase, which includes most airline damage. Away covers airline damage for five years on bags bought after April 2026 under LifetimeCare, and for life on older bags. Monos covers airline damage only with the paid Lifetime Warranty Plus add-on.
Is a softside or hardside carry-on better?
Hardside is better for protection and weather, softside is better for packing flexibility and outside pockets. Seven of the eight brands here lead with hardside polycarbonate or aluminium, because it protects contents and fits the sizer precisely. Softside shines for business travellers who need a front laptop pocket and expandability, which is why Tumi and Briggs and Riley use ballistic nylon.
Sources we checked (12)
- https://www.awaytravel.com
- https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/monos-vs-away-vs-rimowa-2026
- https://monos.com
- https://travelpro.com
- https://www.samsonite.com
- https://www.rimowa.com
- https://www.tumi.com
- https://www.trunkcraft.com/briggs-riley-baseline-vs-tumi-alpha-3
- https://www.briggs-riley.com
- https://july.com
- https://stupiddope.com/2026/10/best-carry-on-luggage-frequent-flyers/
- https://www.drewandjonathan.com/shopping/best-carry-on-suitcase/
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.