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Don’t waste any more time at luggage claim – get yourself a carry on bag

Read on for our top picks that will see you jet setting with ease.

You’ve just touched down for a short stint away, the flight was a drag and you can’t wait to kick up your heels for a bit in the Airbnb before heading out to dinner…only you’ve been standing at luggage claim for the past half hour, watching the belt go round and round and round with your suitcase nowhere to be seen.

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We’ve all been there, and while the old popping-an-AirTag-in-your-bag trick can help to track down a missing suitcase, investing in carry on luggage totally bypasses the treasure hunt of stress.

Compact and convenient, a small suitcase or weekender bag makes for the perfect carry on luggage – fitting all the essentials while affording you peace of mind and a quick escape from the airport.

2024’s top carry on luggage bags

  1. July carry on suitcase in sand, $325, July (here’s why)
  2. Antler expandable carry on luggage in taupe, $209.30, Antler (here’s why)
  3. American Tourister Light Max Spinner 55cm in navy, $144, The Iconic (here’s why)

The best carry on luggage to shop in Australia 2024

July Carry On Suitcase

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July carry on suitcase in sand

$325, July

Featuring a durable aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell and an ejectable battery with USB-C, this carry on guarantees you’re always powered up and ready to go. SilentMove wheels, a multi-stop telescopic handle and a hidden laundry bag are just a few of the thoughtful touches.

Boasting a 4.9-star rating from 2,718 reviews, the July carry on suitcase will see you gliding through the airport without a hitch. One reviewer praised its modern and stylish design and were delighted by its many accessories, including a power bank and a laundry bag. They mentioned the beautiful colour and top-notch quality, saying they can’t wait to use this suitcase for their next trip.

Colours: Sand, moss, forest, navy, shadow lavender, charcoal, clay, dark brown and limited-edition steel blue

Materials: Aerospace-grade German polycarbonate shell

Key features:

  • Weight: 3.4kg
  • Capacity: 42L
  • Dimensions: 51 x 37 x 21.5cm
  • Can be personalised for an extra $65
  • Ejectable battery with USB-C
  • Reinforced bumpers
  • 20-height multi-stop telescopic handle
  • Integrated TSA lock
  • SilentMove wheels
Antler Expandable Carry On Luggage In Taupe

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Antler expandable carry on luggage in taupe

$209.30 (usually $299), Antler

This ultra-lightweight suitcase by Antler is everything you could want from luggage, designed to last longer and function better. Hand-finished with meticulous care, the colour-fast shell ensures that any scratches stay true to the original colour. It even comes beautifully packaged with a dust bag, and the cabin size nests inside the medium and large versions for easy storage.

“A beautiful cabin bag,” wrote one of 747 reviewers. “Fantastic colourway both internally and externally. Lightweight, handy storage pockets, good ‘wheel action’, strong telescopic handle with rotating handle for comfort. Sturdy zips, deceptively large internal storage spaces. Quality workmanship. All in all a cracking little case.”

Sizes: Carry on with expander, large, medium and expander carry on set

Colours: Mineral, taupe, black, sycamore, navy, coral, sage and oak brown

Material: Polycarbonate

Key features:

  • Weight: 2.9kg
  • Dimensions: 56 x 35 x 23cm
  • Packing capacity: 38L
  • Expanded capacity: 43L
  • Innovative, twist-grip handle
  • Expander zip
  • TSA combination lock
  • Lifetime warranty

Also available at:

American Tourister Light Max Spinner 55cm in Navy

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American Tourister Light Max Spinner 55cm in navy

$144 (usually $240), The Iconic

The Light Max carry on is designed to maximise packing space without the extra weight. Crafted from ultralight polypropylene, this suitcase features interior organisation, an expandable mid-section and smooth double wheels, making it the perfect way to travel without worrying about lugging around a heavy bag.

“Lightweight with wheels that are easy to manoeuvre on busy and gravelled streets of Tokyo,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “The expander zip makes packing a breeze as you can pack the case to full and zip it up to tighten when the case is standing upright without using elbow grease. Bought the case on sale so it was even better.”

Colours: Navy, off white, black and varsity green

Material: Polypropylene

Key features:

  • Weight: 2.3kg
  • Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25/27cm
  • Capacity/volume: 40/44L
  • TSA-approved lock
  • Lifetime warranty

Also available at:

Rockland 2 Pc Luggage Set Brown

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Rockland 2-piece luggage set in brown

$65.26, Amazon

Pack light and travel smart with the Rockland two-piece luggage set. This duo is your go-to for weekend getaways and longer trips, consisting of a spacious suitcase and a handy tote bag. Smooth-rolling wheels and comfy handles make navigating airports super easy – and it’s a steal at just $65 – less than what most retailers charge for a single bag.

Colours: Black, black dot, black plaid, black/grey, blue, blue leopard, brown, camouflage, charcoal, giraffe, Kensington, leopard, lime, lime zebra, magenta leopard, multi/pink dot, navy, black dot, orange, owl, peace, pink, pink cross, pink dots, pink giraffe, pink leopard, pink zebra, Pucci, purple, purple leopard, purple pearl, red, tribal, turquoise and brown

Materials: Heavy-duty 600 denier polyester fabric

Key features:

  • Upright dimensions: 53 x 33 x 19cm (with wheels)
  • Tote bag dimensions: 36 x 28 x 14cm
  • Telescoping handle for easy manoeuvring
  • Ergonomic padded top and side grip handles
  • Inline skate wheels with stability bar for smooth transport
  • Expandable upright adds extra packing space
  • Fully lined interior
Samsonite Carry On 55cm Expandable Suitcase

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Samsonite carry on 55cm expandable suitcase in black

$201 (usually $335), Samsonite

Lightweight and durable, the Samsonite expandable suitcase is made with a unique reinforced shell for extra strength and resilience. Plus, it expands in all sizes, so you can pack even more for your adventures.

Happy customers praise its durability, design and style, with one reviewer writing: “Love the look of this case. Easy to manoeuvre and wheel. Beats my old two wheel case that caused me shoulder pain dragging it. Well laid out and the expandable zips are great for extra space.”

Sizes: 55cm, 75cm and 81cm

Colours: Titanium, lagoon blue, off white, black, navy blue and slate green

Material: High-strength polypropylene

Key features:

  • Lightweight
  • Domestic cabin baggage size
  • Integrated three-digit TSA combination lock
  • Dual wheels
  • Integrated ID tag
  • Functional elastic cross ribbons to secure packed items
  • Expander

Also available at:

Guess Logo Affair Duffle Bag

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Guess Logo Affair duffle bag

$200, Strand

If you’re after a carry on bag that combines functionality and style, the Guess Logo Affair Duffle is a solid pick. Perfect for quick trips, it has both snap-clasp top handles and a removable shoulder strap for multiple carrying options. The classic tan design with caramel leatherette handles and gold metal accents adds a touch of subtle luxury.

Material: PVC

Key features:

  • Weight: 4.kg
  • Dimensions: 34 x 45 x 23cm
  • Snap-clasp top handles and removable shoulder strap
  • End slip pockets for quick-access essentials
  • Hard-cap feet for protection
  • Self-repairing zips
  • Bonus luggage tag with Logo Affair collection
  • Two-year warranty

What size luggage is allowed for carry on?

While it depends on airline to airline in Australia, the general standard of carry on bag measurements is 58 x 36 x 23cm and a 7kg weight. Be sure to look up the airline you’re flying with ahead of your flight.

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Tips for packing light with carry on luggage

  • Only pack the essentials: Will you really read three books in a four-day trip?
  • Pack clothes that can be layered: This will help you save space and keep you comfy if the weather turns
  • Use packing cubes: A simple hack for organising your clothes in a limited space
  • Weigh your bag before you go: Most airlines have weight limits for carry on bags – you want to avoid any extra charges as much as possible!

Looking to save money on luggage, home, furniture and more? Check out our coupon codes for Myer, Bing Lee and more.


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