9 Best Carry-On Bags for International Travel (November 2026)
The best carry-on bags for international travel include the LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack for fitting under the seat, the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On for tough airports and hard handling, and the CANWAY 40L Foldable Duffle Bag for packable one-bag trips.
On this page (9 sections)
- The best carry-on bags for international travel
- How these carry-on bags compare
- How we chose these carry-on bags
- What size carry-on do international airlines allow?
- Is a backpack or a spinner better for international travel?
- How much does bag weight matter on international flights?
- Should you buy an expandable carry-on for international travel?
- What should you look for in a carry-on for international travel?
- The verdict: which carry-on bag should you buy?
The best carry-on bag for international travel is the LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack, because its 18 x 14 x 8 in frame slips under the seat on budget airlines and its 40L holds 3 to 7 days of gear. Pick the Samsonite Freeform if you want a hard shell and spinner wheels, or the CANWAY 40L for a duffle that folds flat.
International travel adds two pressures that a domestic weekend bag doesn't face: tighter cabin rules and, on some carriers, a bag that gets weighed at the gate. A bag that clears both is worth more than one with extra pockets.
This guide compares nine cabin bags by size, weight, carry style and packing layout. We checked the specs and matched each bag to the kind of trip it handles best.
Our score weighs specs, features and the fit against what you're shopping for.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for tough airports and hard handlingSamsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Best for expanding to 45LCheck it - 5
Check itSYCNB Extra Large Travel Duffle Bag
Best for week-long trips in one bag - 6
Check itLaktru Carry On Luggage 22x14x9
Best for the standard 22 x 14 x 9 limit - 7
Check itAmazon Basics 21-Inch Expandable Hardside Carry-On
Best budget hard-shell spinner - 8
Check itSwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-On
Best for quick-access front pockets - 9
Check itTravelpro Maxlite 5 International Carry-On
Best for strict international size limits
The best carry-on bags for international travel
The LOVEVOOK backpack wins for most readers because it covers the widest range of international trips. Each bag below is the best pick for one clear need, so start with the trip you take most often.
LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack: Best for fitting under the seat
- 18 x 14 x 8 in
- 40L capacity
- 3 packing cubes and wet pocket
- Fits 17 in laptop
- 2.2 lb
A soft backpack that slips under the seat on Spirit, Frontier and JetBlue, with packing cubes and a wet pocket for the return trip.
Pros
- Under-seat size on budget airlines
- Three packing cubes included
- Built-in wet pocket
Cons
- Carried on the back, not rolled
- No spinner wheels for long terminal walks
LOVEVOOK makes the strongest all-round case for international travel. At 18 x 14 x 8 in and 2.2 lb, it slides under the seat or into the overhead bin, and LOVEVOOK says it's approved by Spirit, Frontier and JetBlue as a personal item.
The 40L interior splits into 4 compartments and 18 pockets, which is how it packs 3 to 7 days of clothing without turning into a jumble. Three packing cubes come in the box, including a shoe bag, so you can separate clean clothes from worn ones.
A padded electronics sleeve fits a laptop up to 17 in, so you can carry work gear on the same trip. A built-in wet pocket handles a damp swimsuit or a leaking toiletry bottle.
The suitcase-style opening lays the bag flat for security checks, and a luggage strap lets you ride it on a rolling case. Side pockets hold an umbrella or a water bottle.
The trade-off is carry style: it goes on your back rather than rolling. For a trip with long terminal walks and no stairs, a spinner will be kinder to your shoulders.
For tight budget-airline cabins, this is the bag to take.
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On: Best for tough airports and hard handling
- Polycarbonate hard shell
- Four multidirectional spinner wheels
- Built-in TSA combination lock
- 6.5 lb
- 10-year warranty
A scratch-resistant hard case with spinner wheels and a TSA lock, built for multi-leg trips and rough baggage handling.
Pros
- Hard shell resists scratches and dents
- TSA combination lock built in
- Four oversized spinner wheels
Cons
- Heavier than the soft picks
- Hard shell has no give when overpacked
Samsonite's Freeform is the pick when your bag will get knocked about. The polycarbonate shell has a textured, scratch-resistant finish, and the case measures 23 x 15.3 x 9.8 in with wheels, which Samsonite says meets the cabin size limits of most airlines.
Four oversized spinner wheels roll in every direction and the case weighs 6.5 lb. A built-in TSA combination lock means no padlock to lose, and the cross ribbon and divider keep clothes from sliding during a multi-leg trip.
The interior measures 20.5 x 14.5 x 9.8 in and has an elastic strap, a divider and a pouch, plus a built-in ID tag. The Freeform carries a 10-year warranty from Samsonite.
That long coverage suits frequent flyers who would rather buy once than replace a battered bag every year or two. Against the soft bags here, the trade-off is weight and give.
At 6.5 lb it eats into a strict airline weight allowance before you pack anything. A hard shell also won't flex to squeeze in an extra layer the way the CANWAY duffle will.
For a smooth roll across a long terminal, though, this is the one.
CANWAY 40L Foldable Duffle Bag: Best for packable one-bag trips
- 22 x 14 x 9 in
- 40L capacity
- Folds flat when empty
- Shoe compartment
- Water-resistant polyester
- 1.2 lb
A light duffle that folds away in a drawer between trips, with a vented shoe compartment and a trolley sleeve for rolling luggage.
Pros
- Folds flat for storage
- Vented shoe compartment
- Trolley sleeve fits a rolling case
Cons
- Soft sides offer less protection
- Duffle carry gets tiring on long walks
CANWAY's 40L duffle is the bag to take when storage space at home is short. It folds flat when empty and weighs just 1.2 lb, so it lives in a drawer or a suitcase until the next trip.
The 22 x 14 x 9 in size is carry-on approved for most airlines, and CANWAY lists 7 compartments including a vented shoe compartment that keeps odors away from clothes. A trolley sleeve slides over a rolling case handle, so you can move through the airport with both hands free, and there's a separate pocket for post-workout gear.
The water-resistant polyester handles light rain and spills, and the padded shoulder straps tuck away so you can carry it as a classic duffle. A removable shoulder strap adds a second option for one-shoulder carry.
The trade-off against the spinners is protection and rolling. A soft duffle offers no shell against a dropped bag, and carrying it by hand gets tiring on a long walk between gates.
For a gym-to-airport weekender that stows flat, it is hard to beat at this weight.
MATEIN Carry on Backpack: Best for expanding to 45L
- 19 x 13 x 8 in
- Expands to 45L
- Hideaway padded shoulder straps
- Luggage strap
- 2.2 lb
A convertible backpack that unzips for extra room and stows its straps to carry like a briefcase or duffle.
Pros
- Expands to 45L when needed
- Straps hide away for briefcase carry
- Sternum strap spreads the load
Cons
- Expanded size pushes past strict limits
- No wheels or telescoping handle
MATEIN's backpack suits a traveler who wants room to grow. It measures 19 x 13 x 8 in at its standard size, then unzips to 45L when you need to bring home more than you left with.
The convertible design is the useful part. Padded shoulder straps hide away in a zipped back panel, so the bag carries as a backpack, a briefcase or a duffle, and a luggage strap on the back fits over a suitcase handle for easier transfers.
MATEIN includes a sternum strap that adjusts up and down to take weight off your shoulders, plus a padded, ventilated back panel. Four external compression straps keep a partly filled bag from sloshing around.
The padded straps are built for a 17 in laptop, and top and side grab handles help when you pull it from the overhead bin.
The trade-off is the expansion. At 45L the bag grows past some strict cabin limits, so check the rule for your airline before you pack it full.
It's also heavier than the LOVEVOOK at the same size.
SYCNB Extra Large Travel Duffle Bag: Best for week-long trips in one bag
- 55L capacity
- 21.25 x 10 x 14.5 in
- Shoe compartment fits 3 pairs
- Dry and wet separation
- 1.6 lb
A big duffle for week-long getaways, with a shoe compartment and a wet pocket to keep dirty gear away from clean clothes.
Pros
- Large 55L capacity
- Shoe compartment holds up to 3 pairs
- Dry and wet separation
Cons
- Heavy when fully packed
- Bigger than some strict cabin limits
SYCNB's extra-large duffle is for the traveler who would rather carry one big bag than a cabin case and a tote. Its 55L capacity holds clothing, shoes and toiletries for a week, and 7 smartly designed pockets keep the contents findable.
The bottom shoe compartment fits up to 3 pairs and keeps them away from clean clothes. A dry and wet separation pocket handles a damp towel or swimwear, and a luggage sleeve lets the bag ride on a rolling case.
At 1.6 lb and 21.25 x 10 x 14.5 in, SYCNB says it meets most international carry-on rules and fits the overhead bin. That saves a checked bag fee on carriers that charge for it.
The wide-access design means you can reach a pair of shoes without unpacking the top layer. The trade-off is weight when full.
A 55L bag packed to the top gets heavy on the shoulder, and its size is more than some strict carriers allow as a cabin bag. It's the best fit for a week away, not a weekend hop.
Laktru Carry On Luggage 22x14x9: Best for the standard 22 x 14 x 9 limit
- 22 x 14 x 9 in
- 45L capacity
- Shoe compartment
- Folds flat when empty
- 1.3 lb
A duffle cut to the exact 22 x 14 x 9 size that American, Delta, Southwest and JetBlue accept as a carry-on.
Pros
- Matches the common 22 x 14 x 9 limit
- Side shoe compartment
- Folds flat between trips
Cons
- Soft body offers no shell protection
- Shoulder strap only, no wheels
Laktru builds its duffle to the exact 22 x 14 x 9 in size that American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian accept as a carry-on. That makes it a safe choice when your airline's limit matches the common standard.
The 45L capacity can stand in for a 22 in rolling case. A side shoe compartment separates shoes from clothes, and the bag folds flat when empty.
An external luggage sleeve slides over a suitcase handle, and a front zipped pocket holds a passport and phone.
The water-resistant, wear-resistant fabric takes light weather. Dual-side straps let two people carry a heavy load, and the padded detachable shoulder strap adjusts to any length.
It weighs just 0.61 kg, which leaves plenty of allowance when a carrier weighs bags at the gate.
The trade-off is the soft body. It has no shell to protect a laptop or a bottle, and there are no wheels, so it's shoulder-carried from gate to gate.
It's a smart pick when your airline uses the standard limit and you pack light.
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Expandable Hardside Carry-On: Best budget hard-shell spinner
- 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 in with wheels
- Expands up to 25% more space
- Scratch-resistant ABS shell
- Four spinner wheels
- 7.7 lb
A low-cost hard spinner with an expandable zip that adds up to a quarter more packing space for the trip home.
Pros
- Expands up to 25% more space
- Scratch-resistant hard shell
- Four multi-directional wheels
Cons
- Heaviest pick in this group
- No built-in lock
Amazon Basics offers the lowest-cost way into a hard-shell spinner. The 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 in case has a scratch-resistant ABS shell and four multi-directional wheels, and it expands up to 25% for the trip home.
The interior has a divider and 3 zippered pockets to keep essentials in order. That layout suits a 1 to 5 day trip without checked luggage, which is where a carry-on earns its keep on international routes.
A telescoping handle and a short lift handle make it easy to grab from the belt or the bin.
The trade-off against the Samsonite is weight and security. At 7.7 lb it's the heaviest bag here, and there's no built-in lock.
The ABS shell is also less premium than polycarbonate.
Choose it when the budget matters more than the lock and the light build.
SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-On: Best for quick-access front pockets
- 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 in with wheels
- Expandable gusset
- Two front pockets
- Four spinner wheels
- 8.8 lb
- 10-year warranty
A soft-sided spinner with reach-in front pockets, useful for passports and snacks you grab before boarding.
Pros
- Front pockets for quick access
- Expandable when you buy extras
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Heaviest bag here
- Soft shell offers less protection than a hard case
SwissGear's Sion is the pick when you want to reach for a passport or a snack without opening the main compartment. Two front pockets, including a quick-access panel, let you grab small items at the gate.
The soft-side polyester shell measures 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 in with wheels and holds 38.1L. An expansion gusset adds room when you buy extras, and four spinner wheels plus a locking telescopic handle make it easy to move.
The interior has packing straps and multiple compartments, plus a removable zippered wet bag, a large mesh lid pocket and a side carry handle. SwissGear backs it with a 10-year limited warranty, which is strong for a bag at this level.
The trade-off is weight. At 8.8 lb it's the heaviest bag in this group, and a soft shell won't protect fragile items as well as the Samsonite's hard case.
It suits short trips where quick access matters more than light packing.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Carry-On: Best for strict international size limits
- 19 x 15 x 7.75 in case size
- 39L capacity
- Expands up to 2 in
- Four spinner wheels
- 5.3 lb
- Limited lifetime warranty
A compact soft spinner built to the tighter size limits some international carriers enforce, with a light build and long warranty.
Pros
- Small enough for strict international limits
- Lightest spinner here
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Less packing room than the duffles
- Narrow body suits flat packing only
Travelpro's Maxlite 5 is the bag to take when an airline enforces a tight size limit. Its case measures 19 x 15 x 7.75 in and holds 39L, and Travelpro says it meets most international carry-on limits.
At 5.3 lb it's the lightest spinner here. The 360 degree spinner wheels and the PowerScope Lite handle with stops at 38 and 42.5 in keep it easy to move.
It expands up to 2 in for extra space and has two exterior pockets plus a full-length lid pocket and a side accessory pocket.
The stain-resistant polyester has a water-resistant DuraGuard coating, and the interior lining uses recycled plastics. Travelpro backs it with limited lifetime coverage and a one-year Trusted Companion Promise for airline damage when registered after purchase.
The trade-off is packing room: 39L and a narrow 7.75 in body suit flat packing, so it holds less than the duffles here.
How these carry-on bags compare
The table lines up the nine bags by score, carry style, size and weight. Read across to see why the LOVEVOOK leads and where each bag gives up ground.
| Product | Best for | Capacity | Size | Weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack | fitting under the seat | 40L | 18 x 14 x 8 in | 2.2 lb | 9.7 |
| Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On | tough airports and hard handling | Spinner carry-on | 23 x 15.3 x 9.8 in with wheels | 6.5 lb | 9.6 |
| CANWAY 40L Foldable Duffle Bag | packable one-bag trips | 40L | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 1.2 lb | 9.5 |
| MATEIN Carry on Backpack | expanding to 45L | 40L, expands to 45L | 19 x 13 x 8 in | 2.2 lb | 9.4 |
| SYCNB Extra Large Travel Duffle Bag | week-long trips in one bag | 55L | 21.25 x 10 x 14.5 in | 1.6 lb | 8.8 |
| Laktru Carry On Luggage 22x14x9 | the standard 22 x 14 x 9 limit | 45L | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 1.3 lb | 8.4 |
| Amazon Basics 21-Inch Expandable Hardside Carry-On | budget hard-shell spinner | 32L | 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 in with wheels | 7.7 lb | 8.1 |
| SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-On | quick-access front pockets | 38.1L | 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 in with wheels | 8.8 lb | 7.8 |
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Carry-On | strict international size limits | 39L | 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 in with wheels | 5.3 lb | 7.7 |
How we chose these carry-on bags
We picked these bags by matching their stated sizes and weights to the cabin rules international travelers actually meet. A bag earned a place here only if its size clears a real airline limit or its layout solves a clear packing problem.
We started with size. A bag needs to fit the overhead bin or the seat in front on the airlines you fly most, so we weighed each stated dimension against the common 22 x 14 x 9 in standard and the tighter international limits.
The Travelpro's 19 in case and the LOVEVOOK's 18 in frame are the two smallest here, and both earn their place for strict routes.
Weight came next. Several international carriers weigh cabin bags at the gate, so a lighter bag leaves more of the allowance for your things.
That is why the 1.2 lb CANWAY and 2.2 lb LOVEVOOK score well against the 8.8 lb SwissGear.
Then we looked at layout: packing cubes, shoe compartments, wet pockets, locks and wheels. A bag that keeps clean clothes away from wet ones, or lets you reach a passport without opening the case, earns points for a real trip.
Scores weigh specs and features against what you're shopping for.
If you're comparing brands more broadly, our guide to the best luggage brands covers which makers back their bags with long warranties. A soft bag like the CANWAY also belongs in our roundup of the best softside carry on luggage if you prefer fabric over a hard shell.
What size carry-on do international airlines allow?
Most international airlines allow a carry-on around 22 x 14 x 9 in, though strict carriers set smaller limits. The Laktru duffle is cut to exactly 22 x 14 x 9 in and Laktru says it fits American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska and Hawaiian.
That standard size is the safest starting point. It covers the major US carriers and many international routes, so a bag at those dimensions rarely gets refused at the gate.
Measure the bag with wheels and handles included, since that is how the sizer counts it.
When to go smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 in
Some international carriers enforce tighter limits than the US standard. Travelpro builds the Maxlite 5 to a 19 x 15 x 7.75 in case size for exactly this reason.
If your route uses a strict carrier, a bag near those numbers leaves margin to spare.
The LOVEVOOK backpack at 18 x 14 x 8 in is another safe pick when the overhead bin is tight.
When the seat is the real limit
On budget airlines, the free bag often has to fit under the seat, not just in the overhead bin. The LOVEVOOK backpack measures 18 x 14 x 8 in and LOVEVOOK says it's approved as a personal item by Spirit, Frontier and JetBlue.
That's the size to aim for when you don't want to pay for a cabin bag.
A rolling case like the Amazon Basics at 21.7 in is too long for that space.
Is a backpack or a spinner better for international travel?
A backpack is better for budget airlines, stairs and tight connections, while a spinner is better for long terminal walks and heavy loads. The choice comes down to how much walking you'll do and how strict your airline is.
Backpacks like the LOVEVOOK and MATEIN fit under the seat and keep your hands free for a passport and phone. Spinners like the Samsonite and Travelpro roll on four wheels and spare your shoulders over a long day of travel.
Pick a backpack when
Take a backpack when you fly budget carriers that charge for overhead bags, when your route includes stairs or trains, or when you want one bag for a short trip. The LOVEVOOK is the strongest here because its 40L size still fits the under-seat space.
The MATEIN suits you better when you need a bag that grows to 45L for the trip home.
Pick a spinner when
Take a spinner when your trip involves long airport walks, when you pack heavier, or when you want a hard shell against rough handling. The Samsonite Freeform is the best spinner here, and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the pick for strict size limits.
The SwissGear Sion adds front pockets you can reach without opening the main compartment.
How much does bag weight matter on international flights?
Bag weight matters a lot on international flights, because some carriers weigh cabin bags at the gate. A light bag leaves more of the allowance for clothes and gifts.
The soft bags here weigh between 1.2 and 2.2 lb. The spinners run from 5.3 to 8.8 lb.
On a carrier with a 7 kg limit, that gap is most of a pair of shoes.
The lightest bags also tend to be the ones without wheels or a hard shell, so you trade rolling comfort for scale margin. Our guide to how much can a carry on bag weigh breaks down the typical airline limits.
Check your airline's figure before you pack, and leave a margin for the return trip. If your route never weighs bags, a heavier spinner costs you little.
Should you buy an expandable carry-on for international travel?
An expandable bag helps on the way home, but it can push you past a strict cabin limit when it's unzipped. Buy one if you expect to bring back more than you took, and pack it at its base size on the way out.
Several bags here expand. The Amazon Basics adds up to 25% more space, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 adds up to 2 in, and the MATEIN backpack grows from 40L to 45L.
The SwissGear Sion has an expansion gusset too.
The catch is the gate check. An expanded bag may no longer fit the sizer, so keep it at its base size until you're past security.
Our roundup of the best expandable carry on luggage covers the bags that handle this best.
If you rarely buy souvenirs abroad, skip expansion and spend the weight on a lighter bag instead.
What should you look for in a carry-on for international travel?
Look first at size and weight, then at the layout and the carry style. A bag that fits your airline's limit and keeps your essentials separate will do more for a trip than one with extra pockets.
Size decides whether you board with the bag or pay to check it. Match the stated dimensions, including wheels and handles, to your airline's rule.
Weight decides how much you can pack when the bag gets weighed.
Layout decides how fast you move through security. A suitcase-style opening like the LOVEVOOK's lays the bag flat.
A wet pocket or shoe compartment keeps dirty items away from clean clothes. A TSA lock like the Samsonite's saves you a padlock.
Carry style decides comfort. Four spinner wheels suit long walks and heavy loads, while backpack straps suit stairs, trains and tight cabins.
Pick the one that matches the trip you take most. A laptop sleeve matters too if you carry work gear on the same journey.
The verdict: which carry-on bag should you buy?
For most international travelers, the LOVEVOOK 40L Travel Backpack is the best carry-on bag to buy. It fits under the seat on budget airlines, holds 3 to 7 days of gear, and comes with packing cubes and a wet pocket for the return trip.
If you want a hard shell and wheels, buy the Samsonite Freeform. For a packable duffle that folds flat at home, choose the CANWAY 40L.
The MATEIN is the pick when you want a bag that grows to 45L, and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is the safest choice when your airline enforces a strict international limit. For a week of clothes in one bag, the SYCNB 55L holds the most.
Whichever you choose, check the size against your airline before you pack. A bag that clears the limit is the one that gets you on the plane without a fee.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Best for tough airports and hard handling
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
Do international airlines weigh carry-on bags?
Some do. Several international carriers weigh cabin bags at the gate, so a lighter bag leaves you more room for your things.
A 1.2 to 2.2 lb soft bag weighs far less than a 6.5 to 8.8 lb hard spinner, which matters when the scale is strict.
Can a 40L bag count as a personal item?
Yes, if its size fits the personal-item limit rather than the carry-on limit. The LOVEVOOK 40L measures 18 x 14 x 8 in and LOVEVOOK says it fits under the seat on Spirit, Frontier and JetBlue.
Always compare the exact inches against your airline's rule.
What should I pack in a carry-on for a long flight?
Pack a change of clothes, medications, chargers and your passport in the bag that stays with you. A wet pocket or shoe compartment keeps dirty items away from clean clothes.
Packing cubes help you find things quickly at security and on the plane.
How much can a carry-on bag weigh?
It depends on the airline. Many set a cabin bag limit between 7 and 10 kg, and some budget carriers weigh at the gate.
Check your airline's figure before you pack, and leave a little margin for souvenirs on the way home.
