These Are the Bags to Take When All You Do Is Carry On

Who wants to check a bag these days? The hassle, cost, long lines and potential for lost luggage makes traveling light better than ever before. Plus, modern carry-ons are easy to wheel and lift onto trains, planes and automobiles, while heavier suitcases slow you down.

But choosing the perfect carry-on isn’t easy. From underseat rollers to stylish satchels, we’ve selected 12 bags that make jet-setting simple — and all of them fit in an overhead bin.

Travelon Anti-Theft Tailored Wheeled Underseat Carry-On

In the era of “pay for any bag you bring on an airplane,” underseat bags have become the go-to carry-on for savvy travelers set on keeping baggage light and free. The feature-rich Travelon Anti-Theft Tailored Wheeled Underseat Carry-On stashes shoes in elasticized pockets, secures clothing with a hold-down strap, and holds a laptop or tablet in its top-loading padded pocket. If you’re wheeling a bag, too, this underseater slides over its handle for all-in-one toting.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Weekender

Travel in style on quick getaways with the Briggs & Riley Baseline Large Weekender. Thanks to its ballistic nylon construction and lifetime warranty, this bag can take anything you throw at it. Helpful features like a SpeedThru security pocket, expandable design, built-in key fob and hideaway ID card, and organized pockets make it stand out from the pack.

Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On Wheeled Garment Bag

Rumpled suits and wrinkled shirts have no place in your business bag. Keep clothing freshly pressed with a Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On Wheeled Garment Bag, which has foam-centered garment panels designed to reduce wrinkling.

The bag also stashes scarves, ties, belts, casual clothing, shoes and undergarments in specialized mesh pockets. Its structured design and ballistic nylon fabric keep it intact — even if you choose to check it.

Tumi Tres Leger International Carry-On

Baggage size rules differ when you cross international waters, but the Tumi Tres Leger International Carry-On keeps you within regulations, whether you’re traveling to Tahiti or Taiwan.

And when a cold airport means you need your jacket during the journey, use the unique front lid zip to access the bag’s contents without opening it all the way. Built-in padded laptop, tablet and phone pockets keep your tech safe and close at hand.

Tumi Voyageur Carson Backpack

Ladies seeking a lightweight, carry-on companion will love the chic Tumi Voyageur Carson Backpack. This day-tote holds just the essentials — laptop, change of clothes, water bottle, smartphone and wallet — with designated pockets to keep everything organized.

American Tourister Fieldbrook II 2 Pc Luggage Set

Get matchy-matchy on your next vacay with the two-piece American Tourister Fieldbrook II Luggage Set. The set includes a carry-on-sized rolling suitcase paired with a boarding bag that slides onto the wheeled bag’s handle for easy porting. Reinforced corners and durable fabrication will keep this classic set flying for years to come.

Travelon Anti-Theft Tailored Satchel

There’s nothing worse than being robbed while traveling, and the best defense against it is a bag that prevents it from happening. Travelon’s Anti-Theft Tailored Satchel is packed with theft-thwarting features: locking compartments, slash-resistant construction, removable straps that attach to stationary objects, and RFID pockets to block skimmers from stealing your credit card numbers — just to name a few. It’s an essential for keeping your essentials safe.

High Sierra Endeavor Wheeled Underseat Carry-On

Skip the overhead bin with the High Sierra Endeavor Wheeled Underseat Carry-On, which fits comfortably under your seat for easy in-flight access.

Its in-line skate wheels make it a cinch to wheel around the airport or across town, and a bevy of organizational pockets assure nothing gets misplaced. Protect your tech in transit for mid-flight binge-watching with the fully padded laptop compartment.

Samsonite Xenon 3 PFT System Backpack

Keep your stuff together on the move with the Samsonite Xenon 3 Backpack. Its multitude of designated pockets are a Type A’s dream, and they stash everything from electronics to sunglasses to tablets. And don’t worry if you overpack it. The air-mesh back and lumbar support make hauling heavy loads comfortable.

Samsonite Stryde Carry-On Glider

Once you go Spinner wheel bag, you won’t go back. Samsonite’s Stryde Carry-On Glider makes schlepping through airport terminals more comfortable with its four multidirectional double-Spinner wheels paired with a new lower center of gravity. These improve control and maneuverability and allow for smooth, upright rolling to keep weight off your arms and shoulders.