The Best Carry On Luggages for Women + Reviews By Travelers

I recently started traveling with a carry on luggage and it literally lifts a weight off my shoulders (I used to travel with a backpack).

I’ve been influenced by the Japanese women I see here at the Naha Airport in Okinawa and noticed they all have one thing in common– they all travel a carry on luggage with a small purse to carry their essentials (passport, wallet, boarding pass, etc.)

So I gave it a try and I love the change! My tiny shoulders no longer have to travel with 15 pounds on my back anymore *happy cry*

So if you’re looking in to finding a carry on luggage (that fits most airline standards), here are the best carry on luggages for women!

*I hope you love the products I recommend! I research far and wide to share highly-rated products I know you’d love.  Just so you know, I may collect a share of sales from links on this page. Prices are as accurate as the date indicated on this post and reviews have also been edited for length and/or clarity.

What to look for in a carry on bag

Carry On Luggage Size Limit

Every airlines has it’s carry on luggage size limit (click here for the size limits for your airlines), mostly ranging from a max height of 22 in (56cm). So it’s safe to say that any carry on luggage with a height of 22 in/56cm and below (including wheels and handle) will fit most airlines whether you fly domestic or international.

Carry On Luggage Weight Limit

Weight limits for carry on luggages also vary between airlines (which you can also find here). But most carry on weight limits range between a total weight of 15-22 lbs (7-10kg). So you want to make sure your luggage is as light as it can be without comprising protection & security. It’s usually easy for me to go over my weight limit, so I always pack a luggage scale to save me from the element of surprise when I find out I have to pay extra overweight fees at the ticket counter.

Two wheels or four wheels?

Compared to two wheels, a four-wheeled luggage is much easier to move around because you can maneuver and spin it all directions.

Hard shell or Soft shell/fabric luggage?

This is really by personal preference. Here are the main differences:

Hard shell luggage

• Usually opens like a book (50/50 style) so packing depth is not that deep
• Windproof & waterproof
• Keeps its shape to protect belongings inside
• Usually doesn’t have an outside pocket (useful for some travelers)
• Less flexible and can take up more space

Soft shell/fabric luggage

• Flat top opening for deep packing depth
• Flexible & breathable
• Can stretch and squeeze into spaces if needed
• Water-resistant (or waterproof depending on fabric used)
• Less secure due to fabric

All luggages below are 22 inches (56cm) and have four wheels. Here are the best luggages you can get!

#1 Delsey Paris Helium Aero Hardside Luggage is a sleek & stylish luggage with a compartment for your laptop and tablet.

Helpful Review: “I’ve had this bag for just over 4 years now, and taken it on 34 trips (I looked at my calendar and counted). I’ve never once had a problem with it fitting as a carry-on, but I have checked it several times (due to packed flights offering free checked bags)…” -Dershwin

• Height: 19 inches
• Weight: 8.2 lbs
• Expandable: Yes
• TSA Lock: Yes

Get it on Amazon for $119.99.

#2 Away the Carry-On ‘s minimal design comes with an ejectable battery to charge your devices on-the-go.

Helpful Review: “I was in Rome and Florence Italy for nine days and The Away Carry-On was just perfect. From being able to charge up my iPhone at the airport or on the train traveling from Rome to Florence it worked perfectly. Stylish and very versatile. It also kept my belongings packed beautifully plus the perk of a laundry bag for my dirty clothes. Getting through security was a breeze with it plus the added compliments of how beautiful it was.” –Keith H.

• Height: 21.7 inches
• Weight: 8.1 lbs
• Capacity: 39.8L
• Expandable: No
• TSA Lock: Yes

Get it on Away for $225.

#3 If you’re looking for an elegant yet durable option, the Delsey Paris Chatelet Hard+ might be the perfect option for you.

Helpful Review: “I love this luggage!! …It is nice and big with plenty of storage space, and worked wonderfully for a recent 3+ week trip through Australia and New Zealand. The wheel locking feature came in handy more than a few times and the wheels themselves worked great on many different surfaces… I’ve received many compliments from strangers on the look of the luggage too, and it’s quality made as well. I was also initially cautious about purchasing the cream color, but it held up remarkably well and only had a couple scuff marks from checking it which were easily rubbed away with my hand (still looks like new after multiple trips).” -Brandon Boese

• Height: 20.2 inches
• Weight: 9.3 lbs
• Expandable: No
• TSA Lock: Yes

Get it on here on Amazon.

#4 If rose gold is your color, the Calpak Ambeur Carry-On Luggage is a dream to travel with.

Helpful Review: “My family recently went on a month [long] trip throughout Asia. In preparation for the trip I bought a carry on and a check suitcase for each of my family members(5 of us). I did a lot of research and found [that] Calpak was the best for this as it wasn’t ridiculously overpriced and still had great quality. We took them with us and they returned in nearly perfect condition! A few got some small scratches and scuffs but they still look brand new.” -Sabrina M.

• Height: 22 inches
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Expandable: Yes
• TSA Lock: Yes

Get it on Calpak  for $165.

#5 The AmazonBasics Premium Expandable Softside Spinner Luggage is a no-fuss, affordable option.

Helpful Review: “The luggage withstood plenty of abuse without a single bruise. The nylon material and ribbing are strong and good looking. The spinner wheels easily maneuver. The handle telescopes nicely and is plenty strong. The TSA zipper lock is really cool. It’s easy to code and allows your belongings in the main compartment to be secured but accessible by TSA staff keys. Plenty of internal zippered compartments (four) including a large nylon detachable zippered bag for wet or dirty clothes. There’s also a full-size, zippered, internal, integrated compartment that can be used for the same purpose if necessary. The external zippered compartment is huge. The inside tie-down straps inside are nicely made and situated in the right places. There are two heavy duty nylon exterior handles: one on top and on one side. All in all, this luggage is well made and engineered. It has all the best features of our other luggage wrapped into one. Good looking and competitively priced.” -Neal Castle

• Height: 21 inches
• Weight: 6.3 lbs
• Expandable: Yes
• TSA Lock: Yes

Get it on Amazon for $59.99.

#6 If you’re seeking a sleeker luggage that’s also affordable, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds Luggage is for you.

Helpful Review: “This is a great carryon bag. It’s small enough to fit the carryon restrictions (I flew with American Airlines and Southwest and had no problems) yet still big enough to fit a week’s worth of clothes, a pair of flip flops, a pair of sneakers/joggers, a microfiber towel and my toiletries in it. I packed myou bag as full as I possibly could and the zipper held strong. The wheels were a dream, they made it so easy to push along the narrow isles on the plane. The shell of the suitcase is just as strong and durable. I would recommend this bag to anyone looking for a good quality yet still affordable bag.” -Amazon Customer

• Height: 2o inches
• Weight: 6.25 lbs
• Expandable: No
• TSA Lock: No

Get it on Amazon for $59.99.

#7 If you tend to overpack, you won’t need to worry about the weight limit with the lightweight Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Rollaboard Luggage.

Helpful Review: “This luggage is a rock star. Used it very recently on a trip to Spain and it held up great. Had to roll it over cobblestone, construction sites, up and down metro stairs, and it kicked butt. This luggage is meant for travelers.” -Chef

• Height: 22 inches
• Weight: 5.3 lbs
• Expandable: Yes
• TSA Lock: No

Get it on Amazon for $113.68.

#8 Lojel Cubo Small is perfect for travelers who travel with laptops, with a hard shell case that not only protects their laptop but also has a flat top opening.

This is the carry on bag I personally use!

Helpful Review: “I pack my office into my backpack whenever I travel and I got tired of carrying the weight so choosing a carry-on luggage with a laptop compartment was important for me. The Lojel Cubo turned out to be the perfect option for me because not only does it safely protect my laptop with the hardshell case, it also has a flat top opening making it easier me to pack. I’m actually surprised by how much volume I can fit into it. PLUS IT’S PINK. The 4 wheels, TSA-lock and expandable option are a bonus.” -Traveling Petite Girl

• Height: 20.9 inches
• Weight: 6.8 lbs, 3.1 kg
• Expandable: Yes
• TSA Lock: Yes

Get it on Lojel for $250.

Want to know how to pack for a 1 month trip in a carry on? This packing guide comes with a free packing list for you to follow!