Cute Carry-On Luggage Ideas You’ll Want for Your Next Trip

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While your carry-on luggage can seem like a boring necessity, there’s no reason why you can’t have a little fun with it. Especially if you’re traveling with no checked luggage. Having cute carry on luggage is a great way to compliment your look, be practical with your packing, and add a little extra fun on your travels. Keep reading for things to keep in mind when buying carry-on luggage as well.

Recommended Cute Carry-On Luggage

Here we’ve got a list of cute carry-on luggage that feels like a splurge but is so worth it! Remember, this travel essential should last you for years, even decades. It will make your flights easier and more carefree. Choose a case you like, are excited to use, and can fit the essentials you need for a weekend or for clothing and items you don’t want to put in your checked luggage.

You will find some of these cute carry-on cases at Kohl’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond, JCPenney’s, TJMaxx, Ross, Marshall’s, and more. If you live near a Ross, Marshall’s, or TJMaxx, it is truly worth it to look around to get the color and pattern you like best. They will carry the latest and trendiest patterns if you are looking for something modern and stylish.

With different airlines charging differently for carry on bags, it is important to check the airline’s website to be sure whatever you bring will meet all airlines carry on requirements.

Samsonite Omni 20 inch cute carry on luggage
Samsonite Omni 20 inch cute carry on luggage in Caribbean Blue

Samsonite Omni PC 20″ Spinner

From a brand that is synonymous with travel, Samsonite’s Omni Spinner is a must-have. Here’s why:

  • It’s a hard case which offers superior protection on the road.
  • The spinning wheels make it incredibly convenient for all the twists and turns of your journey, too.
  • There’s a reason Samsonite makes it to the top of travelers’ lists of favorite luggage.
  • They’re great investment pieces that last a long time.
  • It’s expandable.

Not only is Samsonite a timeless luggage brand, their suitcases are lightweight and streamlined. Plus, with the color options, they are simply stunning. The Samsonite Omni 20 comes in a You will definitely be able to recognize your bag from all the black carry-on cases.

It measures 22 x 14 x 9 which is ideal for the overhead space. You can find the Samsonite Omni PC Spinner 20″ suitcase at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Amazon and more.

LeSportsac cute weekender bag
LeSportsac cute weekender bag

LeSportsac Classic Medium Weekender

Looking for a “wow” factor? You can’t ignore cute carry on luggage like a LeSportsac Classic Medium Weekender. LeSportsac is known for being extra-durable but it’s the fun and quirky prints that really take their bags to the next level.

This bag is ideal for short trips or as a carry on. It will fit under the airline seat. It has a zipper closure and a strap for carrying. There are four exterior pockets which make it easy to stash your phone and other items you want to access easily. The dimensions are:

  • 24.5″ shoulder drop
  • 12.5″ high , 16.25″ wide

The best part about this bag? It’s great for air travel, road trips, or just a quick weekend getaway! It comes in fun patterns as well as black and includes a smaller zippered bag in the same pattern. You can find it on Amazon.

Rockland rolling backpack cute
Rockland rolling backpack comes in cute prints

Rockland Luggage 17″ Rolling Backpack

Bring out your inner wild side, even on trips! The Rockland Luggage rolling backpack has a cool print designs that you’ll be proud to prowl the airport with. Choose from pink chevron, camo, white polka dots, bright tribal print and more. It also comes in black.

You can pull it through the airport like rolling luggage or wear it like a backpack. The option to carry it on your back makes it very convenient when boarding the airplane and you want your hands free to show your boarding pass.

The exterior pockets make it user-friendly. You can store your cell phone in one of the zippered front pockets and a water and snacks in the two mesh pockets on the side. There is also one large interior compartment. The dimensions with the wheels are 12″ x 8″ x 20″. 

The best part about the Rockland Rolling Backpack? This rolling carry-on converts into a backpack. That’s extremely useful for those that go from a flight to public transportation with their luggage. You can have the best of both worlds with a rolling backpack! It’s super flexible and ready to go with you no matter the destination. If you have kids, this is also an ideal travel piece that they can use for school as well. You can find this cute carry-on backpack on Amazon.

Samsonite Spin Tech 20" cute carry-on
Samsonite Spin Tech 20″ cute carry-on in Artic Pink

Samsonite Spin Tech 5 20″ Carry-On Spinner Hardside Luggage

Here we are, back to the tried and true carry-on rectangular luggage pieces. And it’s Samsonite again for the win. Choose Samonsite’s Spin Tech Carry-On Spinner bag in Artic Pink or Crystal Purple for a classy and cute carry-on luggage piece.

This is a beautiful, well-made travel essential. It has a hard body shell that is lightweight and durable. It is scratch-resistant. The handle works well and is easy to pull up or push down.

The wheels spin 360 degrees and glide easily and effortlessly, making it very easy to maneuver walking long distances. The zippers are excellent quality and has a TSA approved lock. This is the perfect travel luggage for someone who wants to be fashionable and practical.

You can find this on trend Samsonite Spin Tech 5 20″ Carry-On Luggage at Macy’s.

Kate Spade New York Women’s Ridge Street International Carry On

Who else but Kate Spade makes such adorable and cute carry on luggage? When you walk through the terminal, you’re sure to turn heads with the Ridge Street International Carry On. At 21 inches, it meets most carry on requirements for overhead bins. Plus the floral print on a black background is very on-trend. The case itself is more soft and forgiving.

This is perfect for chronic shoppers who need a bit more give to make room for all the extra stuff you need to cram in!

Cargo Cool Traveler Suitcases

Into the vintage-look? Cargo Cool Traveler Suitcases are the cute carry on luggage of your dreams! These soft blue beauties combine a retro aesthetic with modern sturdiness. They’re the perfect marriage of the classic shape with an updated sensibility. Plus, they’ve got a waterproof finish. A little drizzle won’t ruin your getaway plans!

Nicole Miller Rainbow 24″ Hard-Sided Luggage Spinner

Can’t make up your mind as to which color your luggage should be? Why not pick all of them? The Nicole Miller hard-sided luggage in rainbow is a must-have for anyone who loves lots of bright colors. The hard shell is durable and sturdy with a high-gloss finish.

The 360-degree wheels are a Godsend for rushing between gates to catch connecting flights.

Steve Madden Large Hard Case Luggage

The Steve Madden hard case carry on is definitely sturdy but eye-catching with lots of fun colors and prints. The price is nice and once you try those eight spinning wheels, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them.

This Steve Madden luggage set is often sold in a set of three. Only one of the luggage pieces meets the carry-on size requirements. Each has easy-spinning wheels making them convenient even when you pack them to the gills. While this is called a hard case or hard-sided luggage, it is constructed with lightweight materials.

While the other two pieces are large and will likely need to be checked at the airport, they are easy to manage and ideal for road trips as well. Check with your individual airline’s rules and make sure you can take it with you.

Bellagio Carry On Spinner Trunk

This cute carry on luggage has a big price tag, but it’s perfect for the dedicated traveler. If you’re going to drop serious cash on quality luggage that still looks good, the Bellagio Carry On Spinner Trunk is ideal.

It looks like a classic leather carry on but that gorgeous exterior is made out of ultra durable polycarbonate. In addition to an ultra-quiet Japanese-designed 360 wheels, the handle adjusts to three convenient positions. Plus it’s very light and has double deck compartments. No need to feel guilty about stuffing it to the brim!

Ted Baker Backpack

Backpacks aren’t just for kids anymore! Have you ever brought a bag with you where the straps were too thin and it cut into your shoulder? Backpacks are the perfect solution to this problem. And with a colorful one like the Ted Baker backpack, you’ll look incredibly stylish running from gate to gate.

After switching to backpacks as your cute carry on luggage of choice, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with those awful single strap bags.

CO-Z Vintage Luggage Set – Retro Hard Shell Suitcase with Spinner Wheels

This is too cute not to include. However, it measures 15″ x 24″ which is too large for a carry-on. If you are traveling by train, bus or car and want to look ultra fashionable and cute and retro at the same time, these CO-Z vintage pieces are for you.

Do you consider yourself ultra feminine? Do you tend to decorate with pink? Do you think nothing looks right unless it’s tied up with a bow? The CO-Z vintage luggage is perfect for you! This cute carry on luggage has a vintage shape but with modern upgrades. It’s lightweight, has 360-spinner wheels, durable, and has a secure TSA lock.

This is a 2-piece luggage set. The larger CO-Z luggage piece measures 15″ by 24″ and is too large as a carry-on. It holds 38L volume. It has two locks. There is also a 12.4″ by 9″ carry-on briefcase with 6L volume has one lock. They both have hard shells.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Cute Carry On Luggage

Of course, you want to keep it cute but it’s important to buy something functional and sturdy. When buying luggage, keep these things in mind:

  • 360-degree wheels are the best invention for travelers. Don’t leave home without the spinner wheels!
  • The right measurements – Check with your airline to see what they consider a carry-on size. Twenty inches is usually standard but may vary with different airlines.
  • Compartments are key – Stay organized and keep everything in the right place.
  • TSA lock – Yes, you want to carry the bag on the flight with you but having a lock is handy for your hotel room when you leave the room.

Carry On Bag Packing List

Are you going places? We’re all guilty of over stuffing our checked-in luggage and then shoving all the extras into our free carry-on baggage. Nobody needs a hefty excess baggage charge after months of preparing for our travels.

Some airlines are considering scrapping free carry-on baggage altogether, so figure out how to pack wisely now before you learn the hard way. You can start by reading our ultimate carry on packing list of everything you really need by your side while in flight.

Carry-On Bag Checklist

In-Flight Entertainment

It’s going to be a long, possibly bumpy ride. If you battle to sleep on an airplane, we recommend slipping a mild sleeping pill into your pocket in case you need it. There are times when sleep is out of the question and books are the answer here. If you don’t have a Kindle or can’t take one on the flight, a small stash of magazines is just the trick.

You can always donate them to someone else afterward. Several airlines are starting to offer in-flight Wi-Fi nowadays. If yours does, a tablet or iPad could save you hours of boredom. You could also stock up on movies before you leave and watch them during the flight.

Remember to bring Airpods or a pair of lightweight headphones to avoid alienating your traveling companions.

Electronics

The amount of electronic firepower you should pack is a matter of preference and need. All electronics should be transported in your carry on bag for safety’s sake.

Smartphone

If you want to update your social media profiles and stay in touch with family and friends at home, a smart phone should be sufficient. Make sure you have it all set up for international roaming — for some cellular plans that means just paying a few dollars extra per day — and sim cards in advance to avoid stress on arrival.

Cameras

Unless you really want high-end photographs, your smart phone will do a great job of recording all your memories. Other options are a GoPro, compact waterproof camera or Mirrorless. Pack a tiny tripod into your camera bag and don’t forget the selfie stick.

Laptop, Tablet or Notebook

Those who need to work online while abroad or perform more complex technological tasks will need a lightweight laptop or notebook. A laptop sleeve is an added bonus if you are traveling with one of these devices. You don’t want to lug your carry-on bag with you wherever your laptop goes.

Slip a compact USB with high storage capacity into a side pocket for storing photos and backing up your work.

Chargers

Remember to bring a compatible charger as there is no guarantee that you will find one at your destination. You can purchase a suitable adapter on arrival to save space now. A USB battery pack is an optional nice-to-have device. If you are traveling with a friend, discuss which items you could share to save space. A laptop is a likely contender for this.

Comfort Items

You don’t want to be miserable during a 12-hour flight. Small items like lotion, earplugs, an inflatable neck pillow and a few of your favorite hard candies can do much to alleviate the discomfort of air travel.

Any essential medications should already be on your carry on checklist so that they are nearby when needed. Make sure you have enough medication for your entire trip and get permission in advance for any liquid medications.

A change of clothing can be a great source of comfort in the event of a long layover or delay. Roll the items instead of folding them to save on space.

Wear a warm lightweight jacket onto the plane to avoid packing it anywhere and so that it is close at hand. If they are allowed in your carry-on luggage, a couple of snack bars are a must, especially if you don’t like airline food.

Valuables

Keep your credit card with you, some airlines don’t accept cash for in-flight purchases. Your passport and other important travel documents are also essential carry on checklist items. Anything irreplaceable should be kept with you at all times. Lost luggage happens. I always use a front pocket travel wallet.

Toiletries

Good quality Ziploc bags are great for keeping your toiletries from spilling all over your bag and keeping small items separately. Always carry only the most essential toiletry items in your carry on. The airlines have strict policies when it comes to liquids and you will be able to buy most of your requirements on arrival.

A small tube of toothpaste (under 100 ml), some face wash (50 ml) and a disposable toothbrush also come in handy. Pack a comb instead of a hairbrush.

Other essentials include sanitizing hand wipes, a small medical kit containing painkillers, plasters and burn medication, and a compact sewing kit.

Get Packing

You’ll be surprised how much space you save by following our carry on checklist. Now all you have to worry about is how to beat the jet lag. Bon Voyage!

Other Resources

Still undecided about which carry on luggage is right for you? We have also written lots of great guides about luggage for traveling the world which we’re sure you will love:

(photo credit: 123)