Best Carry On Luggage for Europe

10 Best Carry On Luggage for Europe in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

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If you intend on planning a week or month-long vacation to Europe, you may be curious about what the best carry on luggage for Europe is. A great lightweight carry on luggage will make a major difference when it comes to visiting Europe. Many European cities and villages, particularly the centers of the old town, are made up of tiny alleys, cobbled-stone avenues, uphill walks and several of them are even car-free. Keeping this in mind, it’s really necessary to fly with the best and most durable carry on luggage.

Carry-on size limitations may differ greatly while flying in Europe. And before looking for Europe’s best carry-on baggage, you’ll want to first test the size restrictions on the specific airline you’re planning to board. When you find the size you need, think about the components and design. Hardshell luggage can be made of a strong polycarbonate or ABS blend, while soft-shell luggage is more robust when crafted of rugged nylon, polyester, or other ripstop materials.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 12 hrs of research

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage – Premium Pick

Why is it better?

  • The bag is very well made
  • Opens and close easily
  • Wheels roll easily and turn easily
  • The compression tech is a game changer – you really can fit an absurd amount into the bag

Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set

Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • Design pattern does not look cheap
  • Wheels spin freely so they work well when dragging behind
  • Large and plenty of space in each bag
  • Expandable which is useful

Best Carry On Luggage for Europe – Overview

It can be exciting to plan a trip to Europe; you may be thinking about all the amazing sights and landmarks that you will see and the different cultures that you will be exposed to. For several, traveling to Europe is a lifetime dream so you want to make the most of your journey, of course, when you actually get the opportunity to transform it into reality. As you start searching for your luggage in preparation for your trip to Europe, you may wonder what to look for. What are some of the most critical factors when choosing a carry on luggage for Europe?

Carry On Luggage for Europe Reviews

1. Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage – Premium Pick

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage

Travel to Europe with your essentials effortlessly and stylishly. This extremely lightweight and durable Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage features 100% polycarbonate construction with sharp molded details. Made to absorb impact by flexing while under stress then popping back to its original shape, eliminating dents and dings while protecting its contents.

An elegant brushed pattern hides any potential scratches or scuffs from your journeys. The fully-lined interior has cross-straps, a privacy curtain with its own zippered organizational pockets. TSA approved combination lock for security and peace of mind. Beautiful brush-stroke coloration which is great for hiding any potential scratches or scuffs from your journeys. Love Samsonite? Check out our review of the best Samsonite luggage for our top picks.

Key Features:

  • 360 spinner wheels
  • TSA compatible combination lock
  • Push button handle
  • Full-zip interior divider

Specifications:

  • Brand: Samsonite
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 13.5″ W x 9.5″ D
  • Weight: 6.7 lbs
Pros
  • Colors are really beautiful out the box
  • Strong, easy-to-close zippers and super convenient locking mechanism
  • The design is sleek and does hide scratches well
  • Extremely convenient four-wheel design
Cons
  • No side handle

2. Briggs & Riley Baseline – Softside CX Expandable Luggage

Briggs & Riley Baseline - Softside CX Expandable Luggage

Briggs & Riley Baseline – Softside CX Expandable Luggage rolls or spins on 4 high-quality double swivel spinner wheels for effortless handling. With CX system, the bag expands up to 25% then compresses back down to original size for overhead storage. Perfect for 2-4 days travel. The material is made from 1680D ballistic nylon fabric.

Features include a lockable double zipper pulls keep contents secure, large #10 YKK zippers with nylon zipper teeth are tamper-resistant, front SpeedThru pocket allows for easy secure storage items like keys, phone, etc. through security checkpoints. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best luggage sets for international travel.

Key Features:

  • 1680D ballistic nylon outer fabric
  • High-grade rubber spinner wheels
  • Outsider handle with 4 stop heights
  • Self-repairing YKK zippers

Specifications:

  • Brand: Briggs & Riley
  • Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 15″ W x 8″ D
  • Weight: 8.82 lbs
Pros
  • The bag is very well made
  • Opens and close easily
  • Wheels roll easily and turn easily
  • The compression tech is a game changer – you really can fit an absurd amount into the bag
Cons
  • The front wheels are smaller than the rear

3. Coolife Carry On Luggage Expandable

Coolife Carry On Luggage Expandable

Designed to provide travelers comfort, functionality, reliability, and peace of mind, the Coolife Carry On Luggage Expandable is suitable for carrying onto airplanes. Perfect for business and leisure travelers, fashionable traveler, and for those who love traveling. The suitcase benefits hugely from its ABS+PC hard plastic shell. It is highly suited to the rigorous of modern transportation and rough treatment from baggage handlers.

The interior is fully lined with multi-use organizational pockets make it easy for packing clothes. Quiet airplane spinner wheels and an adjustable 3-level 100% pure aluminum telescoping handle allow you to quickly maneuver in tight spaces and it’s sturdier than most of the telescoping handle on the market. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best lightweight carry on luggage.

Key Features:

  • 3-step pure aluminum telescoping handle
  • Four spinner wheels
  • Multi-use organizational pockets
  • ABS+PC hard plastic shell

Specifications:

  • Brand: Coolife
  • Dimensions: 21″ H x 15″ W x 8.5″ D
  • Weight: 6.38 lbs
Pros
  • Side and top handle for ease of carrying
  • TSA lock embedded into the suitcase
  • The inside lining seems durable
  • The wheels and handles are sturdy
Cons
  • The zipper needs some careful handling at times

4. Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set – Best Value

Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set

This beautiful deluxe 2-piece Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set is manufactured with a patented heavy duty eva-molded hi-count fabric. This set is perfect for the serious and experienced traveler. Manufactured with the very best heavy duty polyester and pvc backing, this luggage set is designed for the traveler on the go and comes with three expandable uprights and a flight tote bag.

It comes packed with features including an inside retractable handle, ez-roll in-line skate wheels, back zippered secured pockets, top and side comfort grip handle, stability bars at the bottom to avoid tilting, and locks and keys. Upright features include: clear in-line skate wheel system for a smooth ride, push-button self-locking internally stored retractable handle system, ergonomic and comfortable padded top and side grip handles, two front full-size zipper-secured pockets, and three internal organizational pockets for all your traveling needs.

Key Features:

  • Inline skate wheels and stability bar
  • Telescoping handle
  • Ergonomic padded top and side grip handles
  • Fully lined

Specifications:

  • Brand: Rockland
  • Dimensions: 21″ H x 13″ W x 7.5″ D
  • Weight: 6.78 lbs
Pros
  • Design pattern does not look cheap
  • Wheels spin freely so they work well when dragging behind
  • Large and plenty of space in each bag
  • Expandable which is useful
Cons
  • Wheels are a bit noisy

5. AmazonBasics Hardside Carry On Spinner

AmazonBasics Hardside Carry On Spinner

A great choice for your Europe travel, this AmazonBasics Hardside Carry On Spinner measures 21.6 inches–a size that’s accepted as a carry-on for most international flights. The luggage also works well for weekend getaways or one- to two-day business trips, offering enough packing space to hold a few changes of clothes, toiletries, and a pair of shoes.

The AmazonBasics luggage features a protective hard shell for strength and peace of mind when it comes to knowing stored items won’t be crushed en route. The hard shell’s durable scratch-resistant finish offers added strength, helping to keep the luggage looking like new even after rough and tumble travel conditions. The securely mounted (and thoroughly tested) short handle offers rugged strength for stable lifting, unlike the competition, where the short handle is attached less securely. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best spinner luggage.

Key Features:

  • Fully lined 150D-polyester interior with divider and 3 zippered pockets
  • Expandable up to 15%
  • Telescoping handle
  • Securely mounted short handle
  • 4 double spinner wheels

Specifications:

  • Brand: AmazonBasics
  • Capacity: 39L
  • Dimensions: 21.6″ H x 14.9″ W x 10″ D
  • Weight: 7.34 lbs
Pros
  • Zipper to expand the luggage to give you a little more room inisde
  • Handles are easy to use
  • There are feet on the side as well for side standing the bag on the ground
  • Rolls very well
Cons
  • ABS material is the cheapest in hardside luggages

6. TUMI – Alpha 3 Continental Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On Luggage

TUMI - Alpha 3 Continental Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On Luggage

The TUMI – Alpha 3 Continental Dual Access 4 Wheeled Carry-On Luggage offers an innovative dual entry to the main compartment, allowing you quick access to your belongings through the front lid. Meets the carry-on size requirements for travel within North America. Includes a built-in USB port, as well as a separate garment sleeve to keep one suit in shape. Power bank sold separately. Part of the Alpha 3 Collection, iconic business, and travel pieces bringing together innovative design, superior performance, and best in class functionality.

This innovative handle tube system protects the telescopic handle of the travel case. It is made from lightweight-yet-sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum that forms a protective, impact-absorbing structure around telescoping handle tubes within the case. Tumi’s unique DuraFold construction method folds and reinforces the corners of hardside cases with heavy-duty stitching and impact-resistant caps that provide superior corner strength and impact resistance for long-lasting use. You may also be interested in some of the best Tumi backpacks from our list, so check them out.

Key Features:

  • Removable garment sleeve
  • Ultra-durable FXT Ballistic nylon
  • Integrated USB power port
  • Dual integrated lock

Specifications:

  • Brand: TUMI
  • Dimensions: 22″ H x 16″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 11.1 lbs
Pros
  • Bag looks very good
  • Handles uneven surfaces well
  • Handles scruffs very well
  • Smooth rolling wheels
Cons
  • Quite expensive

7. eBags TLS Mother Lode Mini 21″ Wheeled Duffel Bag Luggage – Carry-On

eBags TLS Mother Lode Mini 21 inch Wheeled Duffel Bag Luggage - Carry-On

The eBags TLS Mother Lode Mini 21″ Wheeled Duffel Bag Luggage – Carry-On is where hardside meets softside luggage. With a hard shell on the backside for supreme durability coupled with the organization of softside luggage on the front of the bag, this duffel is truly the best of both worlds. Plus, the easy-access front pocket allows you to quickly pull out a sweater mid-flight when it’s freezing? or lets you access anything at a moment’s notice without having to unpack the whole bag.

Designed to last, this bag is made with strong 840D & 900D twisted polyester, this wheeled duffel bag features an innovative patent-pending backbone for rigidity and is designed for life on the go, yet still manages to look stylish and professional. Telescopic handle adjusts to 3 heights, easy-rolling wheels, and features a large shape with expandability and multiple pockets for storage. Be sure to also check out our list of rolling duffel bags for more great items like this.

Key Features:

  • 840D & 900D Twisted Poly
  • Telescopic handle
  • Easy access front zip compartment
  • Interior zip-around mesh panel pocket

Specifications:

  • Brand: eBags
  • Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 15″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 8.68 lbs
Pros
  • The interior is roomy and has multiple storage areas
  • The buckles on the sides allow you to overpack and then cinch it all down tight
  • Lengthy handle
  • Extremely well balanced, does not tip over
Cons
  • None really other than the size of the front opening if you are putting pants in there

8. Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

The Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack is the largest carry-on compatible porter, this versatile weekend getaway bag is ready for anything. With padded sidewalls, convenient organization, and a substantial suspension for backpack-style carry that disappears when checking bags, the Porter Series has set the standard for deluxe duffels. This season brings a relocated and dedicated zippered laptop and tablet pocket—and functional storage options for items both big and small—with multiple access points. When a duffel isn’t enough and backpacking bags are too much, the Porter is the answer.

The Porter harness and hipbelt deploy at a moment’s notice for backpack-style carry and quickly disappear into the backpanel for safekeeping when your bags are checked. StraightJacket compression straps with padded sidewalls to help protect your bag’s contents and allow you to fit more gear or compress the bag to a smaller size when it isn’t fully stuffed. Our handy guide to the best travel backpacks features more great products like this.

Key Features:

  • Large panel lockable zip access to main compartment
  • Reinforced cord loops to attach an Osprey Daylite daypack
  • Front panel vertical zippered pocket for books, travel documents and more
  • Padded top and side handles provide comfortable carry
  • Carry-on compatible

Specifications:

  • Brand: Osprey
  • Capacity: 46L
  • Dimensions: 23″ H x 15″ W x 13″ D
  • Weight: 2.81 lbs
Pros
  • Great weight distribution
  • Easy access to the top pocket for electronics and other necessities
  • Multiple configuration options using the backpack straps or shoulder strap
  • Roomy, cube shaped clamshell is ideal for packing cubes
Cons
  • Very little organization within the main clamshell

9. Steve Madden Designer 20 Inch Carry On Luggage

Steve Madden Designer 20 Inch Carry On Luggage

Steve Madden Designer 20 Inch Carry On Luggage delivers great durability together with a fashionable design. It is made from polyester fabric to provide your belongings with maximized protection. The expandable luggage provides lots of packing area for your personal belongings. The suitcase has been extensively tested to fit the overhead cabin requirements for most airlines

You can easily drag along the airport with its ergonomic handle providing easy maneuverability and relieve any pressure from your arms while on the move. The 4-spinner wheels system allows smooth, 360° degree movement over any rough terrain for complete mobility free-weight rolling. Wide wheel positioning provides better balance and resistance from falling forward.

Key Features:

  • 360 spinner wheels
  • Ergonomic handles
  • Expandable storage
  • Made from polyester fabric

Specifications:

  • Brand: Steve Madden
  • Capacity: 36L
  • Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 7.8 lbs
Pros
  • Has good number of pockets
  • Fits in overhead bin well
  • It’s stylish and functional
  • Easy to maneuver
Cons
  • There is no hand-hold on the underside by the wheels for lifting or laying down the bag

10. Travelpro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

Travelpro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

Maximize your carry-on with sophisticated style. The Travelpro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage delivers big on form and function with a tip-resistant expansion that offers up to 2″ more packing capacity, deluxe tie-down system, integrated accessory pockets and a removable quart-size wet pocket that is TSA compliant and perfect for toiletries.

Plus, the drop-in, Fold-out suiter is specifically designed to accommodate hanging clothes and prevent wrinkling. Built-in USB port lets you power up on the go, while a dedicated powerbank pocket for your back-up battery adheres to FAA regulations. Perfect for short to medium-length trips, this carry-on spinner is crafted in style with premium fabrics, genuine leather and chrome zippers.

Key Features:

  • USB port and dedicated powerbank pocket
  • Precision glide system
  • Removable quart sized wet pocket for toiletries
  • Leather top and side carry handles

Specifications:

  • Brand: Travelpro
  • Capacity: 46L
  • Dimensions: 23.5″ H x 14.5″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 7.8 lbs
Pros
  • The attached toiletries bag is really nice
  • Two front pockets are each surprisingly deep
  • Leather handles on top and side are sturdy and good-looking
  • It is the perfect size to fit in and out of various plane’s overheads
Cons
  • The small mesh pockets on the top of the tie down may seem a little oddly sized

Buying Guide

Softshell or Hardshell

Material used in luggage making is more essential than whether the casing is soft or heavy. Soft-shelled luggage is often lighter. The best lightweight, hard-shelled luggage is constructed of technically advanced components such as polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is also flexible, strong, and waterproof. So, there is no reason to not choose a hard shell one. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference.

Size

You’ll have to prepare quite a ton for a trip to Europe more than likely. Even if you’re just going to be there for a week, you ‘re going to need lots of changes of clothing, toiletries and other important things that will take up tons of room of your bag. And of course, you’ll want adequate room for phone chargers and other necessary things in your carry on luggage. This is where it is crucial to select luggage that has plenty of room and specific storage features such as extra zipper pockets or expandable storage.

Mobility

When you’re going to Europe, if you want to have the maximum experience, you should plan to do a lot of walking and use public transport. With this in mind, it is necessary to pick luggage which can be easily maneuvered through tight spaces and crowds. Smooth spinner wheels will come in handy for those different types of terrain.

Handles

Whether you’re pulling, pushing, or just holding your luggage, you want to be confident that the handle would be able to survive the trip. Luggage often comes with collapsible, extendable handles that stow away while not in service in the case’s body. As with wheels, consistency is key. A poorly constructed extendable handle will come out of its housing or snap.

Expandability

Typically suitcases contain the same wide central compartment with a few smaller pockets inside, and often one outside. If you buy a suitcase we would also recommend one that can be expanded. An expandable suitcase is outstanding as it offers you a place to store your different purchases on your journeys. No need to buy an extra pack, just unzip the expandable pocket for more room.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best carry on luggage for Europe as well as our guide on features to look for in a carry on luggage for Europe. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.