ConsFirst / Carry-on luggage
Carry-on luggage: the downsides, first
Check the dimensions before you fly: several popular carry-ons list sizes above the common 22 x 14 x 9 inch limit, and wheels, zippers and handles that break are the complaints that keep coming back. Here are the most popular carry-on suitcases in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared15 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 carry-on luggage, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Travelpro
$$$Softside spinnerScore 4.2/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Based on about 4,706 ratings; the listing may pool several colors.Wirecutter's top pick for about a decade and Good Housekeeping's best soft-sided carry-on: roomy, tough nylon and the best airline-damage warranty at its price, but it's pricey, looks old-fashioned to some, and Amazon owners report broken zippers and wheels.
Top complaints
- Zippers and wheels breakingMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says durability gets mixed feedback, with some owners reporting wheels breaking off and multiple reports of zippers breaking. Wirecutter notes a 2019 front-pocket zipper problem that Travelpro fixed.
- Weak skid plate, steering complaintsMentioned often
Wirecutter says the skid protection is small and not very protective when you pull the bag up stairs or curbs. Some Good Housekeeping testers said it was hard to steer.
- Pricey, dated look, clunky warranty claimsMentioned often
Some Amazon owners call it overpriced at about $400, and some Good Housekeeping testers thought it looked old-fashioned. Wirecutter is tracking reports that starting a warranty claim is onerous, though it has not heard of many denials.
What owners love
- Holds five days with room to spare
Wirecutter measured 1,856 cubic inches and packed five days of clothes without using the expansion zipper. Good Housekeeping's packing test fit everything with room to spare.
- Tough nylon that hides wear
Good Housekeeping says the nylon aced its abrasion and drop tests with no signs of wear, and the zippers kept contents dry. Wirecutter has not hit a serious issue in nearly a decade of use.
- Lifetime warranty that covers airline damage
Wirecutter says the warranty covers airline damage and shipping to a repair center if you register within 120 days, which it calls a rarity at any price.
Skip it if…- You drag bags up stairs and over curbs a lot
- You want a sleek hard-shell look
- You don't want to register a bag for warranty coverage
Good for- Frequent flyers who want airline damage covered
- Packing five days of clothes into a standard carry-on
- Lots of outside pockets (a 2-wheel Rollaboard version holds a bit more)
Scores (tap for why)
- Wheels & handle4.5
Why 4.5?
Smooth, replaceable wheels that snap straight magnetically (Wirecutter) and a handle Good Housekeeping rated sturdy and comfortable, though some testers found it hard to steer and some Amazon owners report wheels breaking off. - Packing & capacity4.5
Why 4.5?
About 46 liters, a removable garment bag, cinch-down panels, many outside pockets and a roughly 30% expansion zipper (Wirecutter); Good Housekeeping fit its full load with room to spare. - Light weight3.0
Why 3.0?
Wirecutter weighs it at 7.8 lb, about average for the size; Good Housekeeping lists 9.8 lb. - Toughness4.5
Why 4.5?
Aced Good Housekeeping's abrasion and drop tests and has held up for years at Wirecutter, but the skid plate is small and some Amazon owners report zipper failures. - Warranty & support4.5
Why 4.5?
Lifetime warranty covering airline damage and shipping (registration within 120 days required; cosmetic wear excluded), though Wirecutter notes reports that claims are getting harder to file.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-07-17): best balance of size, value and durability with magnetic-tracking wheels and a lifetime warranty; flaws are a weak skid plate, an unneeded built-in USB cable and harder warranty claims.
- Good Housekeeping: Best soft-sided (2026-06-16): aced abrasion, drop and water tests with a sturdy, comfortable handle; some testers found it hard to steer and old-fashioned looking.
- CNN Underscored: Tested the 2-wheel Rollaboard version: superior construction and a generous warranty, but slightly heavier and larger when expanded; Briggs & Riley was its top pick.
#2
Briggs & Riley
$$$Softside spinnerScore 4.1/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 665 ratings). The listing title also mentions a front-opening pocket, so it may pool Baseline variants and colors.The most praised premium carry-on: its push-down compression system and flat interior fit more than anything else, and the lifetime warranty covers airline damage, but it costs about $729 and weighs about 10 lb.
Top complaints
- Very expensiveVery common
Good Housekeeping lists 'very expensive' as a con at $729, and CNN calls the price very high. Amazon owners disagree on value for money.
- HeavyVery common
At 10 lb, it is the heaviest bag Wirecutter recommends. Good Housekeeping also calls it on the heavier side, and CNN found the 2-wheel version the heaviest of five it tested (9.7 lb).
- Exposed handle rails, harder to roll when fullMentioned often
Wirecutter felt the outside handle rails scrape on stairs and found the handle loose at first (on purpose, says the brand). CNN saw wear on the outside handle. A Condé Nast Traveler editor says it doesn't roll as easily when full, and Amazon owners disagree on maneuverability.
What owners love
- Unmatched compression and flat interior
Wirecutter says the CX system adds 2.5 inches of depth, then locks down in steps, and the handle rails sit outside so the inside is flat. It calls it the easiest bag to pack that it tested.
- Fits a week or more
Good Housekeeping testers gave it perfect scores for capacity; one fit clothes for two people for seven days. A Condé Nast Traveler editor says nothing she tried holds more.
- Built to last, garment folder included
Wirecutter calls it the only spinner it tested with a built-in garment folder and a buy-it-for-life bag. Amazon owners praise its durability, with one saying it outlived their Rimowa bags.
Skip it if…- You need a light bag to lift overhead
- You're on a budget
- You want a bag that rolls easily when stuffed full
Good for- Very frequent flyers (Wirecutter suggests 25,000+ miles a year)
- Packing suits and dresses with less wrinkling
- Buy-it-for-life buyers (a 2-wheel version holds more)
Scores (tap for why)
- Wheels & handle4.0
Why 4.0?
Exceptionally smooth wheels and a handle that extends taller than Travelpro's (Wirecutter), but the wheels don't self-align, the handle feels loose, and it rolls less easily when full (Condé Nast Traveler). - Packing & capacity5.0
Why 5.0?
1,905 cubic inches, 2,110 expanded, with a flat floor, garment folder and step-locking compression (Wirecutter); perfect capacity scores at Good Housekeeping. - Light weight2.0
Why 2.0?
About 10 lb empty (Wirecutter; 9.9 lb per Good Housekeeping), the heaviest bag in several guides. - Toughness4.5
Why 4.5?
Tight-weave ballistic nylon passed Good Housekeeping's abrasion and drop tests; Wirecutter reports 150,000+ miles of use, though the exposed rails scrape. - Warranty & support5.0
Why 5.0?
Lifetime warranty on functional damage, including airline damage, with repair centers and DIY parts; you pay shipping to the brand (return shipping free) (Wirecutter). CNN calls it the best in the business.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick: superlative build, the best compression system and easiest packing; flaws are exposed rails, a loose-feeling handle and 10 lb weight.
- Good Housekeeping: Best for international travel: packs far more than it looks and has durable nylon; very expensive and on the heavier side.
- CNN Underscored: Best soft-sided carry-on (2-wheel version): largest capacity it tested and the best warranty in the business; heaviest bag and the handle shows wear.
#3
Travelpro
$$Softside spinnerScore 3.8/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 12,578 ratings, but the same count appears on the 25- and 29-inch checked sizes, so the listing pools several sizes and colors.Wirecutter's budget pick and one of the lightest carry-ons around at about 5.4 lb, with plenty of room, but its single wheels chatter on rough ground, airline damage is covered for only one year, and some owners say it is smaller than listed or broke early.
Top complaints
- Mixed durability reportsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says some owners find it holds up without wear while others say it broke after three trips. OutdoorGearLab's drop tests left only faint scratches.
- Size is off from the listingMentioned often
Amazon owners give mixed size feedback, with some saying it is smaller than the listed dimensions. OutdoorGearLab measured it 1-1.5 inches too long for domestic carry-on limits, though it still fit the overhead bins it tried.
- Wobbly on rough ground, weaker warrantyMentioned often
OutdoorGearLab found more chatter and lower clearance on cracks and gravel and some wobble when full. Wirecutter notes airline damage and shipping are covered only for the first year.
What owners love
- Remarkably light
Wirecutter weighs it at 5.4 lb, 2.4 lb less than its top pick. OutdoorGearLab says it was a full pound lighter than other lightweight bags it tested. Weight is a top positive in Amazon's summary.
- Holds a week of clothes
OutdoorGearLab fit its full 7-day summer clothing test without expanding. Wirecutter lists 46 liters and a cavernous main compartment.
- Great value from a trusted brand
Wirecutter calls it the best bag it has found under $200, with most benefits of luggage nearly twice the price. Amazon owners consider it good value.
Skip it if…- You roll over cobblestones and gravel a lot
- You want long airline-damage coverage
- You want extras like a garment folder or USB port
Good for- Anyone who struggles to lift a bag overhead
- A trusted brand for around $150-170
- Simple, no-frills packing
Scores (tap for why)
- Wheels & handle3.5
Why 3.5?
Smooth on flat floors with a comfortable contoured handle, but single wheels chatter and sit low on rough surfaces and the bag can wobble when full (OutdoorGearLab); Amazon owners find it easy to maneuver. - Packing & capacity4.0
Why 4.0?
46 liters (Wirecutter) and a 2-inch expansion; fit a 7-day load (OutdoorGearLab). Simple layout, and some Amazon owners say it is smaller than listed. - Light weight5.0
Why 5.0?
5.4 lb, one of the lightest carry-ons Wirecutter and OutdoorGearLab have tested. - Toughness3.5
Why 3.5?
Survived 3- and 6-foot drops onto concrete with only faint scratches (OutdoorGearLab), but Amazon durability feedback is mixed. - Warranty & support3.0
Why 3.0?
Defects in wheels, zippers and handles covered for as long as you own it, but airline damage and shipping only for the first year; registration required (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick: the best ultralight bag it has seen and the best under $200; the main flaw is a weaker warranty (airline damage covered for one year).
- OutdoorGearLab: 76/100 (2022 test): ultralight, durable and roomy; wobbles occasionally when full and has few extra features.
#4
Away
$$Hardside spinnerScore 3.7/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 456 ratings), pooled across several color listings.Wirecutter's best hard-sided pick and Good Housekeeping's best overall: excellent wheels and a scuff-resistant shell, but there are no outside pockets, the clamshell is fussier to pack, and Away cut its lifetime warranty to five years for bags bought from April 14, 2026.
Top complaints
- Warranty cut to five yearsVery common
Wirecutter reports that bags bought on or after April 14, 2026 get five years of damage coverage plus one guaranteed replacement, then paid repairs, and says it is reconsidering its recommendation.
- No outside pockets, fussy clamshellMentioned often
Wirecutter says it lacks external pockets and a suiter, and the two-half clamshell can be frustrating to pack and unpack.
- Flimsy-feeling handle, shell more breakableMentioned often
Some Good Housekeeping testers wished the telescoping handle were sturdier. Wirecutter says the polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than nylon, and CNN notes glossy polycarbonate collects scratches over time.
What owners love
- Top-tier wheels and zippers
Wirecutter says the wheels are noticeably better than other hard-sided bags and uses YKK zippers. Smooth ride is the top positive in Amazon's review summary.
- Resists scuffs and dents
Good Housekeeping found it resisted scuffs in scratch tests and dents in drop tests. Wirecutter says it showed fewer scratches than hard-sided rivals over years of use.
- Light and easy to lift
Good Housekeeping says it is lighter than many soft-sided bags and has top, side and underside grab handles; testers found it easy to pop into overhead bins.
Skip it if…- You want outside pockets or a suit folder
- A lifetime warranty matters to you
- You often overpack (the Flex version expands)
Good for- Hard-shell fans who want smooth wheels
- Short trips and long weekends
- Lifting easily into overhead bins (underside grab handle)
Scores (tap for why)
- Wheels & handle4.5
Why 4.5?
Wheels as smooth-rolling as any Wirecutter tested and easy to maneuver at Good Housekeeping; some testers found the telescoping handle a bit flimsy. - Packing & capacity3.5
Why 3.5?
About 40 liters with compression straps (Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping), but no outside pockets and a clamshell layout Wirecutter finds finicky; no expansion unless you buy the Flex. - Light weight4.0
Why 4.0?
7.5 lb per Wirecutter (8.1 lb per Good Housekeeping), which Good Housekeeping says is lighter than many soft-sided bags. - Toughness3.5
Why 3.5?
Passed Good Housekeeping's scratch and drop tests and outlasts other hard-shells at Wirecutter, but polycarbonate is more likely to break than nylon and scratches over time. - Warranty & support3.0
Why 3.0?
From April 14, 2026: five years of damage coverage with one guaranteed replacement and free round-trip repair shipping, then paid repairs (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best hard-sided pick: wheels as smooth as any tested and a resilient shell; flaws are no outside pockets, a fussy clamshell, and a new five-year warranty it is reviewing.
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall: spacious, durable in lab tests and easy to maneuver; some testers wanted a sturdier handle.
- CNN Underscored: Not a pick (tested the Bigger Carry-On): balanced and easy to lift, but rivals have caught up for less, and it scratches over time.
#5
Samsonite
$$Hardside spinnerScore 3.8/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Based on about 19,302 ratings; the listing likely pools several colors and sizes.Travel + Leisure's best overall carry-on and Good Housekeeping's best lightweight pick: roomy, light and often on sale, but the shell scratches quickly, the handle feels loose, it runs large for some airlines, and 14% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
Top complaints
- Scratches quicklyVery common
Travel + Leisure saw surface scratches after six months, a Condé Nast Traveler contributor saw scratches after two trips, and Good Housekeeping found it less scratch-resistant than polycarbonate bags.
- Some break early; lock issuesMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says durability is mixed, with some owners reporting it broke after one trip, and some report problems with the lock mechanism.
- Loose handle, runs largeMentioned often
Good Housekeeping found the handle a bit loose and less comfortable. Travel + Leisure and CNN say its size pushes carry-on limits on some airlines, and some Amazon owners say it is smaller inside than expected.
What owners love
- Big capacity
Travel + Leisure packed a four-day load, including two pairs of shoes and multiple jackets, without expanding. It aced Good Housekeeping's packing tests.
- Light and smooth-rolling
At 6.5 lb it is lighter than other Good Housekeeping picks; testers called the wheels very smooth. Travel + Leisure says it handled tight turns and curbs with ease.
- Flexes instead of denting
Travel + Leisure hit it with a metal bat and found the shell flexed without denting.
Skip it if…- You fly airlines with strict size limits
- You want a shell that stays pristine
- You want a sturdy, solid-feeling handle
Good for- Lots of space for the price
- A light hard-shell under 7 lb
- Shoppers who wait for a sale
Scores (tap for why)
- Wheels & handle4.0
Why 4.0?
Smooth, sturdy wheels (Good Housekeeping, Travel + Leisure, CNN), but Good Housekeeping found the handle loose and less comfortable. - Packing & capacity4.0
Why 4.0?
About 34 liters plus a 1-inch expansion; aced Good Housekeeping's packing test and held a four-day load for Travel + Leisure, though CNN says small items get lost in its corners. - Light weight4.5
Why 4.5?
6.5 lb (Good Housekeeping, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler), lighter than most hard-shells here. - Toughness3.0
Why 3.0?
Didn't dent in Travel + Leisure's bat test, but it scratches quickly and some Amazon owners report it breaking after one trip. - Warranty & support3.5
Why 3.5?
Limited 10-year global warranty (Condé Nast Traveler); no source described airline-damage coverage.
What experts say
- Travel + Leisure: Best overall (updated 2026-09-14), tested three times: great capacity, organization and value; scratches after months and may be too big for some bins.
- Good Housekeeping: Best lightweight: under 7 lb, spacious and smooth; less scratch-resistant, and the handle felt loose.
- CNN Underscored: Not a top pick: light, roomy and better wheels than expected, but utilitarian, with corners where small items get lost and a size that pushes airline limits.
#6
Monos
$$Hardside spinnerScore 3.7/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
A sleek, light polycarbonate carry-on that Good Housekeeping testers loved rolling, and Wirecutter calls Monos a near-identical substitute for Away, but it scuffed in testing and has little Amazon review history.
Top complaints
- Scuffs easilyVery common
Good Housekeeping lists scuffing in both lab and consumer tests as the main con, even though the shell withstood drops.
- Wheels a hair behind AwayOccasional
Comparing Monos with Away, Wirecutter found Away's wheels spun slightly more freely and Away's underside handle made it easier to pull from overhead bins. It tested the larger Carry-On Plus.
What owners love
- Rolls effortlessly
Good Housekeeping says the wheels glided seamlessly; one tester said it felt like it rolled alongside her rather than being pulled.
- Holds a lot, well organized
It held an impressive amount in Good Housekeeping's lab and at-home packing tests, and a tester praised its organization. Wirecutter says the interior is almost identical to Away's.
- Quality details
Wirecutter notes YKK zippers and hidden zipper stitching. Good Housekeeping found the zippers smooth and easy.
Skip it if…- You hate visible scuffs
- You want outside pockets
- You want lots of owner reviews on Amazon
Good for- A minimalist hard-shell look
- Smooth, easy rolling
- Standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch US carry-on size
Scores (tap for why)
- Wheels & handle4.0
Why 4.0?
Wheels glided seamlessly for Good Housekeeping testers; Wirecutter found Away's spun slightly more freely. - Packing & capacity3.5
Why 3.5?
39.9 liters in a 22 x 14 x 9 inch clamshell that held an impressive amount at Good Housekeeping. - Light weight4.0
Why 4.0?
7 lb listed by Good Housekeeping; a tester called it lightweight. - Toughness3.5
Why 3.5?
Polycarbonate shell withstood Good Housekeeping's drop tests and real trips, but scuffed in lab and consumer tests. - Warranty & support3.5
Why 3.5?
Monos says every purchase includes a lifetime warranty, but its page doesn't say whether airline damage is covered.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best minimalist design: durable, smooth and roomy; scuffed in lab and consumer tests.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Recommends the Monos Carry-On Plus as a nearly identical substitute if Away is sold out; Away edged it on wheels and its underside handle.
#7
Béis
$$Hardside spinnerScore 3.7/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
Condé Nast Traveler's best expandable carry-on: very roomy (49 L, 61 L expanded) with smooth wheels and lots of pockets, but it is bigger than the standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch limit, light colors scuff, and it is sold only by Béis, not on Amazon.
Top complaints
- Larger than standard carry-on sizeMentioned often
Béis lists it at 22.83 x 15.7 x 10 inches (plus 2 inches expanded), and Condé Nast Traveler at 23 x 16 x 10, both above the common 22 x 14 x 9 limit. ViaTravelers says it doesn't fit every airline's rules.
- Light colors scuffMentioned often
Condé Nast Traveler lists easy scuffing on light colors as its con. CNN says Béis's newer Hybrid shell can also show scuffs, especially in light colors.
- Heavier than some rivalsOccasional
ViaTravelers calls it heavier than some competitors (about 8.3 lb in its test) and its price above average. Béis lists 7.81 lb for the current version.
What owners love
- Expands to 61 liters
Béis lists 49 liters, 61 expanded. A Condé Nast Traveler editor calls it a great pick for heavy packers, with compression straps on one side and a fully zipped side for shoes or dirty clothes.
- Smooth, quiet wheels
A Condé Nast Traveler editor says the wheels are where Béis stands out, on carpet, cobblestones and airport floors. ViaTravelers praises quiet, smooth rolling and a cushioned handle.
- Thoughtful extras
Two laundry bags, interior zip pockets and a cushioned silicone handle grip (Condé Nast Traveler). ViaTravelers notes a handle indicator that turns red over 50 lb.
Skip it if…- You fly strict international or budget airlines
- You want a light-colored bag that stays clean
- You want Amazon reviews or Amazon returns
Good for- Heavy packers on long weekends
- Domestic flights on airlines with roomier limits
- Built-in organization and laundry bags
Scores (tap for why)
- Wheels & handle4.0
Why 4.0?
Editors praise smooth, quiet rolling on many surfaces and a cushioned handle (Condé Nast Traveler, ViaTravelers); no lab wheel test found. - Packing & capacity4.5
Why 4.5?
49 liters, 61 expanded, with compression straps, zip pockets and laundry bags (Béis, Condé Nast Traveler); the large size is part of why it holds so much. - Light weight3.5
Why 3.5?
7.81 lb listed (Béis, Condé Nast Traveler), which an editor found light when packed; ViaTravelers measured about 8.3 lb and called it heavier than some rivals. - Toughness3.0
Why 3.0?
Polycarbonate shell, but light colors scuff easily (Condé Nast Traveler); no drop or long-term durability test was found. - Warranty & support3.5
Why 3.5?
Limited lifetime luggage warranty plus a 45-day return policy (Béis); coverage of airline damage isn't stated.
What experts say
- Condé Nast Traveler: Best expandable carry-on (2026-09-24): light, expandable and smooth-rolling after a summer 2026 refresh; light colors scuff easily.
- ViaTravelers: Hands-on review (updated 2026-07-09): smooth wheels and generous storage; above-average price, heavier than some, and doesn't fit every airline.
#8
Amazon Basics
$Hardside spinnerScore 3.1/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)About 62,722 ratings pooled across colors, sizes and luggage sets (a top review on the page is about a 3-piece set).A huge Amazon best-seller around $60 that Travel + Leisure, Good Housekeeping and Condé Nast Traveler all name as the best budget carry-on, but the handle is wobbly, the ABS shell is less tough than polycarbonate, and the warranty is only one year.
Top complaints
- Wobbly handleVery common
Travel + Leisure found the telescoping handle a bit wobbly, and Good Housekeeping testers said it wasn't as sturdy as other carry-ons.
- Less tough ABS shell; some break fastMentioned often
Wirecutter and Good Housekeeping say ABS isn't as tough as polycarbonate, and it marked in Good Housekeeping's scratch test. Amazon's summary says some owners report it breaking immediately.
- Short warranty, basic featuresMentioned often
Condé Nast Traveler lists a one-year limited warranty and a very simple design. Travel + Leisure notes its tested unit had no TSA lock.
What owners love
- Holds a surprising amount
A Condé Nast Traveler editor calls it an overpacker's dream with a forgiving expansion zipper. It held Good Housekeeping's entire standard load, and Amazon owners praise the spacious interior.
- Smooth wheels for the money
Wheel performance impressed Good Housekeeping testers most. A Condé Nast Traveler editor's dad found it glided on all surfaces, including carpet.
- Holds up better than its price suggests
A Condé Nast Traveler editor's bag still looks great after almost five years. Travel + Leisure buffed out bat-test scuffs by hand, and it avoided major dents in Good Housekeeping's drop tests.
Skip it if…- You fly every month and want a bag to last
- You want a solid, non-wobbly handle
- You want a long warranty
Good for- Occasional travelers on a tight budget
- Overpackers (wide body plus expansion zipper)
- A spare or kids' suitcase
Scores (tap for why)
- Wheels & handle3.5
Why 3.5?
Smooth, easy-moving wheels (Good Housekeeping, Condé Nast Traveler), held back by a wobbly, less sturdy handle (Travel + Leisure, Good Housekeeping). - Packing & capacity4.0
Why 4.0?
About 34 liters plus a 2-inch expansion; X-strap and mesh divider (Travel + Leisure); held Good Housekeeping's full load. - Light weight3.5
Why 3.5?
Listed weights vary from 6.53 lb (Condé Nast Traveler) to 7.3 lb (Good Housekeeping) and 7.7 lb (Travel + Leisure). - Toughness3.0
Why 3.0?
Survived drop and bat tests and one editor's five years of use, but ABS is less tough than polycarbonate (Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping) and some Amazon owners report early breakage. - Warranty & support1.5
Why 1.5?
One-year limited warranty (Condé Nast Traveler).
What experts say
- Travel + Leisure: Best budget, tested three times: light with impressive capacity; the handle was a bit wobbly and it had no TSA lock.
- Good Housekeeping: Best value: smooth wheels and avoided major dents; the handle is less sturdy and the shell marked in scratch tests.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not picked: a surprisingly good carry-on for about $70, but the ABS shell isn't as tough as polycarbonate and spending more gets a longer-lasting bag (it names a 24-inch Amazon Basics spinner).