I’ve always believed that you don’t need to spend a fortune to travel smart, and that includes your luggage. After years of hopping on budget flights, squeezing bags into overhead bins, and navigating cobblestone streets with squeaky wheels, I’ve learned one thing: the right carry-on can make or break your trip. So as someone who have worked with various luggage brands can come up with best choices the best carry-on luggage under $100 that doesn’t compromise on quality, durability, or style. If you’re looking for affordable options that can actually keep up with your adventures, this list is for you.
What Things You Need To Look at:
Before diving into the best picks, here are a few quick things to keep in mind:
- Size & Weight Limits: We already looked at it, Most airlines allow up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but always check your airline’s rules. Some also have weight limits, especially for international flights.
- Trip Duration: Weekend trip? A small 20″ bag works. Going for 5-7 days? Look for a 21″-22″ with smart compartments.
- Organization: Built-in pockets, compression straps, and expandable space make packing easier.
- Durability: Even under $100, you can find sturdy wheels, smooth zippers, and tough materials that hold up over time.
- Size You Need: You are going to purchase a carry on that can pack upto 10 days of essentials. But if your trip going to be more then that you need to look at our size guide for each trip type.
What is The Best:
From the 7 mentioned bagsmart is best, but that does not mean it full fillyour need so always look at which one is best for which type of person or travel type, you can look this at end of the article.
7 Best Carry-On Luggage Under $100
1. Amazon Basics 21”
Great for: Budget-conscious travelers, short trips for upto 5 days
Not for: Travelers needing top-tier security, ultra-lightweight specs, or feature-heavy travel gear.
This Amazon Basics spinner is a no-frills, sturdy carry-on. It’s made of a hard ABS shell with a scratch-resistant finish, so it holds up well to bumpy baggage handling. Its dimensions are about 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 inches, which fits all US airline overhead bins (before fully expanded). Empty weight is 6.8 lbs, not ultralight, but still easy to lift up. Inside you get about 34 liters of space (expandable up to about 25% more).
The interior is fully lined and thoughtfully organized: it has a zippered divider panel and cross-straps to compress your clothes. There are also interior zip pockets for small items. For packing, it’s roomy enough for about 10 days worth of clothes (remember, airlines often allow around 20-30 lbs in carry-on). The suitcase expands 2 inches around the zipper for extra space when needed.
In our tests it even survived heavy “bat” abrasion tests, with any scuff marks buffing out easily by hand. The all-black exterior hides wear and blends into any travel setting. A telescoping handle and smooth-grip top handle make it easy to grab and lift.
The Amazon Basics spinner has four 360° rotating wheels that roll very smoothly. In practice we found it glides easily on airport tile and uneven pavement, with no wobble. The wheels feel particularly more stable and smooth when the bag is full. The telescoping handle adjusts to multiple heights and felt solid in our tests, it didn’t lean or rattle even when packed to the brim. We also tried it on carpet and gravel: it handled them decently, though like most hard shells it performs best on hard surfaces.
In light rain, water beads off the ABS shell; the bag is not waterproof, but the water-resistant shell and tight zippers keep gear dry in drizzle (just don’t submerge it).
2. Travelers Club Chicago
Great for: Budget-conscious travelers, occasional flyers, students, and anyone needing a reliable bag for weekend trips or short business travel
Not for: Those looking for premium features like integrated TSA-approved locks, ultra-lightweight construction.
The Travelers Club Chicago is an expertly engineered carry-on designed to meet the rigorous demands of frequent air travel. From a design and construction standpoint, it strikes an optimal balance between form and function. The polycarbonate-infused ABS hardshell resists cracking under pressure and retains its sleek, modern appearance through repeated handling.
Internally, the clamshell layout features a zippered divider on one side and compression straps on the other, ideal for keeping garments neatly in place. The expandable zipper adds up to 25% more storage space, which is especially useful for longer weekend trips or when returning with souvenirs. The four multi-directional spinner wheels operate silently and fluidly, while the reinforced zippers and molded corners ensure additional structural integrity.
In performance testing, the luggage shows solid reliability across key travel scenarios.During rolling tests, it glides effortlessly over smooth airport tiles and even manages decently on uneven surfaces like cobblestone and gravel, though naturally with some resistance. The telescopic handle offers three lockable height settings, with minimal wobble even under full load. Lifting is secure thanks to rubberized top and side handles, which remain firm even when the bag is packed to capacity. In weather-resistance testing, the hard shell repels light to moderate rain effectively, though water may seep in through zippers during heavy downpours if not protected by a rain cover.
3. Traveler’s Choice Pagosa
Great for: Air travelers looking for a strong, expandable carry-on with modern features and solid real-world durability,
Not for: Those who require complete waterproofing at seams and zippers for harsh weather or wet environments
The Traveler’s Choice Pagosa 22″ Carry-On is purpose-built for frequent flyers who need a durable, airline-compliant suitcase. Made from 100% polypropylene, the hard shell offers impressive resistance to impact, scratches, and light water exposure. With dimensions of 22″ x 14.25″ x 9.25″ (expandable by 2 inches), it meets all airlines carry-on size limits while providing added capacity when needed. Inside, the main compartment is well-structured with zippered dividers, compression straps, and a USB/USB-C charging port linked to a power bank pocket, useful for staying powered during travel.
During use, we noticed the luggage handled up to 35-40 lbs of packed weight before feeling cumbersome. The dual spinner wheels rolled smoothly over airport tiles and carpets, and managed decently on cobblestone and gravel, though those surfaces reduced glide slightly. The telescoping handle locks securely at multiple heights and stayed stable under full load. Padded top and side handles helped with lifting the bag into overhead bins, even when expanded. The zippers are oversized, self-mending, and smooth-running,
4. Samsonite Omni PC
Great for: Travelers needing a tough, reliable carry-on with built-in TSA security.
Not for: Those heading to persistently rainy destination.
The Samsonite Omni PC 20″ Carry-On is a durable, airline-friendly hard-shell suitcase designed for practical air travel. Its polycarbonate body with micro-diamond texture resists scratches and impact, while the expandable design adds packing flexibility without compromising structure. Measuring approximately 22 x 15 x 9.8 inches and weighing 6.2 lbs, it fits within all carry-on limits if not overpacked. The interior offers a balanced layout with compression straps and a full-zip divider for organized packing.
When packed fully, the suitcase handled up to 35 lbs of contents before feeling heavy to lift into overhead bins. The single spinner wheels roll smoothly on tile and airport flooring but show strain on rougher surfaces like gravel or cobblestone. The telescoping handle adjusts smoothly and remains stable under load, but the lack of a side handle can make lifting awkward in tight spaces. The top handle is firm but not padded, which may be noticeable when the bag is full.
Weather resistance is solid under light rain or snow thanks to the hard shell, though the zippers are not waterproof.
5. American Tourister Stratum 2.0
Great for: Travelers seeking a durable, organized, and stylish bag without the need for advanced security features.
Not for: Those requiring built-in TSA locks, ultra-lightweight luggage for strict airline policies.
The Stratum 2.0 Carry-On is a durable and stylish option built for air travel. Made from lightweight ABS with a textured finish, the hardshell resists scratches and minor impacts while staying within most airline carry-on size limits. It offers a 1-inch expandable gusset for added capacity and weighs around 7.3 lbs. Inside, it features two compartments with mesh dividers and tie-down straps for organized packing. While it doesn’t include a TSA lock, the zippers are strong and reliable.
It showed no flex during stress trial, it handled 30-35 lbs of contents without issue. The dual spinner wheels roll smoothly on tile and airport floors, and remain stable on uneven surfaces like gravel or cobblestone at slower speeds. The telescoping handle adjusts cleanly and stays firm under load. However, the lack of a side handle can make lifting into overhead bins less convenient.
The shell repels light rain well, though zippers are not waterproof. Structural integrity holds up under typical travel stress, with no major flex or damage during use.
6. Travelers Club Richmond Collection
Great for: Basic, short trips, ideal for budget travelers who need simple performance without extra features.
Not for: There’s no built-in TSA lock or anti-theft features, so travelers may want to add a padlock.
Made from durable ABS plastic, it measures 20″ x 13.5″ x 9″ and weighs 6 lbs, well within most airline carry-on limits. The interior is simple, with tie-down straps and a small accessory pocket, offering enough space for 2–5 days of travel.
Based on our field use, it handled up to 30 lbs without strain. The 360° spinner wheels roll smoothly on airport floors and handle light gravel or cobblestone with minimal resistance. The telescoping handle locks securely and remains stable under load, though the lack of a side handle can make overhead lifting less convenient. The shell resists light rain, but zippers aren’t waterproof.
7. BAGSMART 20″ Carry-On
Great for: For travelers needing a reliable, lightweight carry-on with good security and smooth mobility, BAGSMART delivers solid performance at a reasonable price..
Not for: Those needing ultra-lightweight or soft-sided luggage.
The BAGSMART 20″ Carry-On meets airline size limits at 22x14x9 inches and weighs 6.8 lbs, making it a lightweight yet durable choice for air travel. The 100% polycarbonate shell resists impact and light rain, while the TSA-approved lock and strong zippers provide essential security. The design is clean and functional, with reinforced top and side handles for easy lifting.
It performs well under a packed load of up to 35 lbs, staying stable without tipping. The 360° spinner wheels with shock absorption roll smoothly on tile, pavement, and cobblestone. The telescoping handle has four height settings and locks firmly in place without wobbling, maintaining full control while moving through crowded terminals.
Inside, the layout includes compression straps, mesh dividers, and a waterproof pocket for toiletries. It expands up to 25% for extra packing space and stays balanced even when full.
Which One Is Best For You?
Conclusion:
After comparing all seven carry-ons, BAGSMART 20″ stands out as the top overall performer under $100. It offers the best mix of durability, smooth mobility, modern features like a TSA lock, and enough packing space for trips up to 10 days, all while staying within airline limits.
However, if you’re traveling light or just need a simple, reliable bag for short trips, Amazon Basics 21” or Travelers Club Chicago give you great value with fewer extras. For tech-savvy travelers, Traveler’s Choice Pagosa adds smart features like USB ports, while Samsonite Omni PC is the best pick if you want a trusted name with premium build quality just under the $100 mark. Ultimately, the best carry-on is the one that fits your travel habits, but with this list, you’re not just saving money, you’re upgrading your travel experience.