To carry-on or check? For many, that is the biggest question when it comes to airplane travel. In our experience, we have found frequent flyers tend to prefer to carry-on. When you check, not only do you have to wait for your luggage to pop up on the carousel, there’s a risk your bag could go missing and more often than not a checked bag adds on nasty luggage fees.
On the flip side, checking your bag is great when you’re travelling for a long period of time and need to pack tons, or if you have a ridiculous amount of beauty products you need to tote along, although considering there’s a travel-sized option for almost any product and many hotels offer luxurious toiletries, we don’t really think this is a valid excuse.
For those who are ready to switch over to the carry-on world, we say go for it! The second you get to bolt past the luggage carousel, we promise you’ll be converted. Plus we’ve found 7 gorgeous carry-on options you’ll be proud to pull around the airport.
1. Rimowa Topas Cabin Trolley IATA, $994, jet-setter.ca
This is the largest carry-on approved for travel on Canadian airlines (it various with every airline, but Air Canada for example is 9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in and 22 lbs), so for those travellers who really want to get the most space possible, this luggage is for you. Another notable feature is the tough aluminum shell, which is not only sturdy, but light.
2. Anna Sui International Carry-On, $495, tumi.com
Fashion designer Anna Sui brought her signature style to a selection of pieces designed in collaborative with Tumi. We instantly fell for this playful floral design, which has fun details including charm-like hardware and flower-lined zippers. With a polycarbonate shell and four wheels, it’s easy to maneuver.
3. Eagle Creek Ease 4-Wheeled Upright 21 International, $340, eaglecreek.com
It’s all about the details with this carry-on. They’ve maximized space by including an expandable compartment, which adds 15% more space. There are also multiple pockets on the exterior, and a cool “Coat Keeper” feature that holds down your coat. As an added extra they’ve included a TSA-friendly lock!
4. Travel Pro Crew9 20′ Expandable Business Plus, $275, available at The Bay
Great for business travellers, this carry-on piece has tons of exterior pockets, including a foam padded computer sleeve in the front for easy access. We also are fans of the water bottle pocket and expandable main compartment (who says you can’t shop while on business).
5. Stella McCartney faux crocodile suitcase, $1,880, net-a-porter.com
We promise you’ll feel really chic pulling this suitcase around the airport. Weighing just over 7 lbs, it has an extendable handle, 2 wheels and a handy exterior slit pocket.
6. Longchamp LM Cuir in Sun, $1,840, visit longchamp.com for a location near you
Embossed with the brand’s logo, this carry-on has great details including a retractable handle and multiple zippered pockets on the exterior. Plus it comes in 7 delightful shades including this sunny yellow hue.
7. Deux Lux Berlin Weekender Bag, $203, shopbop.com
To anyone who says PVC isn’t chic, should check out this bag from Deux Lux. Look closely and you’ll notice sequin details on the bottom. It also comes with a removable and adjustable shoulder strap, and padded handles for easy carrying.
