Traveling with a carry-on only might seem limiting and difficult to do but I turn to believe that not checking in luggage turns to provide me with more freedom. Have you ever had to trek with a 50-lb. bag up four sets of stairways to catch a train that’s about to depart? Trust me, the extra clothes and shoes won’t be worth it. If you pack well and can squeeze a lot in a small space, you can put everything you need into carry-on luggage and save yourself the hustle of snapping your bone carrying a 50-lb bag around. Plus, with all your belongings on board with you, you can avoid checked bag fees, will be comfortable and free from worrying about losing your luggage.
When it comes to carry-on bags, there are many factors to consider when searching for the best cabin luggage: size, weight, wheels, hard vs soft side, quality of the material and even style. The right choice will depend on you- the traveler and the type of trip.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Carry-On Luggage
There are so many options for carry-on luggage, now the biggest question is how do we choose? Here are a few points to consider when choosing a new cabin suitcase.
Size
Most airlines in the USA have a strict rule on the size of the carry-on luggage to bring onboard both for domestic and international flights. Generally, as a rule, you will be allowed with a cabin bag measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches for domestic flights.
If you are flying internationally, it is advisable to choose a bag of 21 inches just to avoid any issues when boarding as international carry-on rules are stricter. However, every airline has different rules, so it will be great to check the standard carry-on luggage size of your favorite airline before making your choice.
It is important to also keep in mind that most airlines include the wheels and handles when measuring the size of the suitcase.
Weight
The lighter the better. The lighter your carry-on suitcase is, the more weight allowance you will have leftover for your belongings.
The most common rule for carry-on bag weight is 22lb (approximately 10kg) including the weight of the bag. If the bag is too heavy, it won’t be allowed to travel with you and will need to be checked instead.
As mentioned above, every airline is different so do well to check your carry-on luggage weight with your airline.
Wheels
There are to main options when it comes to wheel types. The choice you make all depends on if you wish to wheel your case next to you when you walk or haul it behind you.
Spinner wheels (four wheels) are multidirectional and more practical when it comes to pushing your luggage in the aisle of a busy airport where space is limited while two-wheeled suitcases are perfect for pulling behind or in front of you as the case may allow.
Whatever you decide to choose, quality is most important. The last thing you want is a roller bag with a missing wheel.
Handles
Whether you are pushing, pulling or carrying your luggage, you want to be sure that you are comfortable with the handle and it can survive the journey.
Just like the wheels, quality is key. A poor-quality collapsible handle will snap out of its house. The last thing anyone wants is a carry-on with broken handles leaving you carrying their luggage around the airport like a baby.
Material/Durability
It is apparent that your carry-on luggage is going to come with you each time you go on a trip, so you want a suitcase or backpack that will last the entire trip and even longer.
Hardshell suitcases are made from durable materials that can take the common knocks and bangs associated with air travel in stride. While softshell cases are generally made using strong synthetic materials that won’t fall off easily.
It is important to read reviews regarding zips and straps and also choose luggage from a well-established brand.
Hardside vs softside
There seem to be more and more hard-shell luggage in airports these days as they look cool and offer additional protection to what is inside, but they turn out to be pricey, don’t expand and a pound or two heavier than most soft-shell luggage. Soft-sided bags are generally lighter and more flexible in terms of shape allowing you to stuff in a little more luggage. That said, they are also liable to wear and tear.
Choosing between a hard shell and soft-shell luggage is a matter of personal preference, whatever you decide, keep in mind that quality is key (I am sure you guessed that already).
Backpacks vs rolling bags
We all know that the main advantage of a rolling bag over a backpack is that you can effortlessly wheel your suitcase around, but they offer a little less space than backpacks of similar dimensions.
Backpacks are well suited as carry-ons if you are traveling to a remote area that might not have paved roads and has muddy footpaths. They a great when negotiating crowded subways or series of narrow staircases. But if you have a backache or a physical limitation, rolling carry-on luggage is more suitable for you as you will not have to carry all its weight on your back.
As you battle between backpack and rolling bags, base your conclusion on your individual travel needs.
After going through what to consider while choosing carry-on luggage, the most difficult question on every traveler’s mind will be what is the best carry-on luggage? Whether you prefer your cabin bag stylish, chic and sophisticated like me or professional with multiple tech features and many compartments or simply lightweight and affordable, BRIC’S MILANO has put for us a list of best carry-on luggage choices that will satisfy every traveler’s taste.
Best Hard-Side Carry-On
BRIC’S Capri 21” hard-sided carry-on spinner is a beautiful piece of luggage. Ultra-lightweight and constructed using durable, flexible, ultralight polycarbonate and offered in both matte and reflective shine finishes with full-grain Tuscan leather trim.
Best Soft Side Carry-On
The LIFE 22″ SPLIT FRAME SPINNER by Bric’s comes with all the needed features to help you face every trip in perfect comfort. It features a four-wheeled, split-frame trolley, made in Italy.
Best Spinner Carry-On
This new and elegant
21-inch carry-on trolley from BRIC’S VENEZIA collection features the SRPP shell (Self Reinforced PolyPropylene) an innovative high-tech material Made in Italy, that guarantees maximum resistance to shocks and scratches, as well as four double balls bearing Hinomoto swiveling wheels feature a new design and wider radius allowing an easy 360° rotation in all directions. A sophisticated and functional carry-on trolley, the perfect companion for every trip.
The Lightweight Traveler
This 21″ overhead travel bag is extremely lightweight but still contains the roomy interior to allow you to pack all of your belongings for a 1-2 day trip.
For International Travelers
Get ready to hop around the world with the new X-Collection International Trolley. This ultra-light 2-wheel trolley is our smallest yet measuring only 20″ tall in order to accommodate the smaller cabins often found on budget and economy airlines.
X-COLLECTION INTERNATIONAL TROLLEY
For A Fashion-Forward Traveler
Now with enlarged Hinomoto wheels, improved handle comfort and a matching interior lining for a seamless appearance, the Bellagio 2.0 21” Carry-On Spinner features a classic iconic silhouette, created from lightweight, durable, materials. This trolley spinner is the flawless combination of fashion and function. It is a perfect example of our philosophy; “Create elegant, functional travel bags that are good looking, and include all the practical function and modern amenities demanded by today’s traveler.”
Bellagio V2.0 21″ Carry-On Spinner Trunk
Budget-Friendly
The 21″ carry-on trolley ULYSSES B/Y collection from Bric’s is stylish and affordable urban looking carry-on. It is made of Polypropylene which is a very strong, durable and lightweight material that guarantees resistance to shocks and scratches. A functional carry-on trolley that makes it the perfect companion for every trip.
B|Y Ulisse 21″ Expandable Spinner
Duffle Carry-On
The 22 inch carry-on from Bric’s MyLife collection is handcrafted with durable, easy to clean, cotton flocked PVC and trimmed with full grain Tuscan leather. It is the perfect duffle bag for holding all your personal items for short trips or weekends away, while always guaranteeing impeccable style.
Duffle Carry-On With Wheels
BRIC’S PELLE collection, handcrafted in Italy out of the finest full-grain, vegetable tanned Tuscan leather includes cabin-sized spinners, cargo duffles, wheeled pilot cases and shoppers.
The character of this collection exemplifies why Italy is known for exquisite leather goods. As it ages with every day use, the leather becomes softer and takes on a rich patina that can only be found in the finest leather goods. The perfect starter piece to begin your upscale BRIC’S collection, fit all of your business travel needs into our sophisticated rolling duffle.
LIFE PELLE 21” CARRY-ON ROLLING DUFFLE BAG
Carry-On Backpack
With an adventurous silhouette, featuring 2 utility straps to secure your cargo, The newest X-Travel Style – Montagne Backpack, will have you ready to explore and face the unknown in perfect comfort. Utility features include double interior pockets, mesh padded back support and a strap to secure your backpack on a trolley handle.
For The Business Traveler
This 21″ business carry-on spinner from BELLAGIO collection is made of Makrolon Polycarbonate. Durable and easy to clean, it is perfect for business people who are always on the move and look for practicality, comfort, and style. The newly updated front pocket optimizes internal storage space while providing a large front pocket for easy access to laptop and document storage.
Bellagio 21″ Pocket Spinner Trunk
It is no secret that checking luggage is a pain, this makes investing in a great carry-on that can hold everything you need for your trip and easy to maneuver a no brainer. Though you will need to do your research before you invest in the right cabin luggage that suits your needs, finding a great carry-on is very important when it comes to domestic and international air travel. Luckily for all of us, its high demand has led to great innovation, creativity, and choice. Brics-one of the best luggage brands in the world builds better and better carry-on bags every year to satisfy every traveler’s taste and budget.
Tips
If you are making an international trip, it is important to keep in mind that some airlines especially Europe‘s budget airline have smaller sizes for carry-ons (14 x 22 x 9 inches) and more strict weight restrictions than we are used to in the USA. Always double-check with your airline to confirm the carry-on size and weight.
Pack your luggage only about three-quarters way full to leave space for souvenirs on your way back home.
Packing cubes are worth giving a thought during your bag purchase as they will help compress your clothes and keep them organized. They also allow for easy access to bag’s content
FAQ
What item should NOT be packed in your carry-on bag?
Placing valuables such as medications, travel documents, snacks and some personal valuables in your carry-on luggage ensures that you will be able to keep track of your important items. But it is great to know the restrictions on what you can’t pack in your carry-on bag; fluids more than 3.4 ounces, firearms, knives, etc. keep in mind that each country’s government has different rules on this.
What to pack in your carry-on?
Packing for a vacation, business trip, or mandatory family visit can seem like solving a puzzle especially if you can’t travel carry-on only. There are some essentials to always pack in your carry-on luggage; identification documents, credit card, money, jewelry, some few clothes, etc.
What are personal items?
These are generally items such as shoulder bags, laptop bags, purses or any other small item that can fit under the sit in front of you. They should be no larger than 9 x 10 x 17 inches. Check with your airline for more details.
Is a backpack considered as a personal item or carry on?
The size of your backpack and the individual airline’s rules will determine whether it is a personal item or carry on. As a rough guide, if the backpack is handbag sized and comfortably fits under the seat in front of you, it would usually be classed as a personal item. Please check with your airline for their exact requirements.
Can a duffle bag be used as a carry-on bag?
Yes, a duffle bag can be used as carry-on luggage as long it is the required size and weight of the airline you are traveling with.
Is a carry-on bag size calculated including the wheels or not?
Yes, the wheels and handle of a carry-on suitcase are included when calculating its size.
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Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts and which of the Bric’s Carry-On luggage is your favorite.