Every traveler’s must-have, of course, is a good bag. If you are someone who would love to have extra room in your luggage for extras from your travel (aside from memories), a carry on softside luggage is a good choice. It is expandable and with the right room for extra items yet it remains intact with TSA standards so you will not have problems about allowing it as a carry on. The same thing is it should remain fitted in the overhead cabin or your luggage under seat.
There are tons of carry on softside luggage products on Amazon that can fit any budget range. And there are also those extra features and premium functionalities that scale the prices up. So, are they worth it? Well, it still depends on a lot of factors, but ultimately on your purpose.
Here at Top Best Reviews, we’ve rounded up three of the best carry on softside luggage that is available on Amazon. We used the major global airlines and the TSA to narrow down your options to bags that comply with the strictest standards. In the same way, this can also give your travel itinerary more mileage.
Safe to say, you can bring any of these bags with you either on your domestic or international travel.
Must-Have Carry On Softside Luggage for Frequent Travelers – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Features | |
| Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside CX Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage 22”– (Editor’s Choice) | Utilizes CX system that provides extra 25% of space then compresses back to its original size with the items | Check Price |
| Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage, Carry-On-Global (22″) | With optional Swiss tracking system equipment | Check Price |
| Travelpro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Carry-On 21-Inch | Has a removable TSA approved toiletries case and comes with a dedicated pocket for a power bank that also has a built-in USB port | Check Price |
Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside CX Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage 22” – Editor’s Choice
If you are into no-nonsense luxury (it means you can afford an expensive piece but needs to justify it), then the Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside CX Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage 22” is what we recommend.
Frequent travelers’ concerns boil down to the following:
- Storage space (mostly, expandable)
- Ease of transport
- Lightweight and fits compartments and airline weight limits
This Briggs & Riley does tick everything on the list.
At first glance, you will definitely know that this is a solid carry on softside luggage. It does not look flashy, enough not to easily qualify as thief-potential. But, it does look professional and sturdy on its own. And it comes with the elusive Navy Blue variant.
This early, know that this is the priciest carry on softside luggage on our list. And it is not without the right justification. More than the looks, everything else is premium.
This Briggs & Riley carry on packing suitcase is equipped with a patented CX system. It is expandable to provide you with an extra 25 to 30% of space. And that does not end there. After taking up that extra space, you can easily press it back down to its original size with your things compressed neatly.
Everything else in this carry on softside luggage is engineered to cater to frequent travelers’ needs. There aren’t dead spaces in this bag. Even the handles were integrated outside so it does not have to take up the space inside your luggage. This outside handle is made of aircraft-grade aluminum which can be adjusted in 4 different heights for your convenience.
The fabric is made of 1680D ballistic nylon, which can resist dust, damage, abrasion, and wear. This carry on softside luggage also has full self-repairing YKK zippers, tamper-resistant double zippers, and a TSA lock to keep everything inside more secure.
This complies with most standards like the Allegiant carry on, American airlines carry on, and Delta airlines carry on restrictions and guidelines on flight carry on size and weight.
Pros
- Utilizes CX system that provides extra 25% of space then compresses back to its original size with the items
- Premium 1680D ballistic nylon fabric body
- Smooth high-grade 4 spinner wheels
- With TSA lock
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
Conclusion
If you are looking to buy a keeper carry on softside luggage that fits TSA carry on the size as well as of airlines, then you will not be disappointed with Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside CX Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage 22”. This has everything a premium frequent traveler’s luggage must-have. Plus, it got a no-frills lifetime warranty to boot.
Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage, Carry-On-Global (22″)
Even on short trips, a reliable bag is an absolute necessary. Being mobile and fast-paced will help you make the most out of your limited time.
The Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage, Carry-On-Global (22″) is engineered with the frequent traveler in mind. Firstly, it complies with the carry on limits of the major airlines of the world. It assures you that your carry on softside luggage will not bring you down in the airport. Next, it got dual-caster wheels for seamless mobility as you glide your way from the airport tarmac to your destination.
Another aspect of mobility for this carry on softside luggage comes with its adjustable trolley handle that can be retracted to three different heights. This provides ample support for travelers of different heights. The handle is made of aluminum for lightweight support without sacrificing mobility. This dual-trolley system also helps you transition from a 4-wheel sliding motion to a 2-wheel pulling-position.
When it comes to storage space, it got some well-thought-of compartments to organize your belongings. The main compartment is expandable to give you an additional 4 cm in height. It also features an extra divider that provides a flat space for your clothes that needed extra care while you’re on transit. This also prevents your clothes from being wrinkled when you hold your carry on softside luggage upright.
This Victorinox carry on luggage fits Frontier airlines carry on, Southwest Airlines carry on, and Jetblue carry on size requirements. The storage space is also fit to accommodate your essentials without risking you over baggage.
When it comes to safety, have peace of mind knowing that it comes with a Sentry combination lock. TSA screeners can open this without having to destroy it. The owner also has the option to purchase a luggage tracking device to equip your carry on softside luggage with. This adds another layer of security to your luggage and eases you to locate it faster should it got lost.
Pros
- 4-wheel dual-caster wheels for increased maneuverability
- Deluxe Pack More divider for added storage and protection for your clothing
- Dual-trolley handle system – either on 4-wheels gliding motion or on 2-wheel pulling position
- Comes with a Sentry combination lock
- With optional Swiss tracking system equipment
Cons
- Not the lightest carry on the list
Conclusion
The Victorinox Lexicon 2.0 Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage, Carry-On-Global (22″) is for the frequent traveler who needs extra security and more mobility while traveling.
Travelpro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Carry-On 21-Inch
If you are the kind of frequent traveler who finds value in simple yet valuable extras in a bag, the Travelpro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Carry-On 21-Inch will surely appeal to you.
Firstly, this carry on softside luggage has a pocket to hold your power bank, which also comes with a built-in USB port. Many users find it a plus feature that makes it convenient for them to recharge gadgets without having to scour over their well-packed carry on softside luggage.
Next, it has a TSA-approved removable toiletries bag. Yes, there is such a thing as to carry on item size in TSA rules – it has the right size, is clear, and waterproof to hold the allowable liquid and its amounts. We find it a “sweet and thoughtful” feature, which spares you of the hassle at the airport by automatically getting you compliant.
At 22”, this softside luggage matches most airlines carry on restrictions like the United carry on, Spirit carry on size.
This carry on softside luggage features an ergonomic handle designed to reduce stress on hands. As for the wheels, it got Magnatrac that is also self-aligning to ensure it is heading in the same direction.
Pros
- Equipped with self-aligning Magnatrac wheels
- Has a removable TSA approved toiletries case
- Comes with a dedicated pocket for a power bank that also has a built-in USB port
Cons
- Limited lifetime warranty
Conclusion
Again, the Travelpro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Carry-On 21-Inch is carry on luggage for the frequent traveler who values convenience and mobility while traveling. This carry on softside luggage’s accessories like a pocket dedicated for a power bank and a TSA-approved toiletries case is simple features yet add value to it.
Final Verdict
Being a frequent traveler surely will help you gauge your options, including the must-have features of your bag, the space you need from it, the environmental conditions it must fit in, etc. But for first-timers or occasional travelers, it is challenging to find a keeper bag since the market is tempting out there – with all the unnecessary add-ons that are purely marketing.
The products on our list only have straightforward but essential features. And with only the barebones to compare with, we chose the Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside CX Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage 22” as our Editor’s Choice.
A premium price tag for premium features is cost-effective in many ways since we are dealing with a bag that:
- Has to comply with standards for travel (domestic and international)
- Guarantees the safety of your belongings (which could be something pricey or valuable enough to be kept in a carry on)
- Can provide ample room for your necessities
- Durably-built to last any kind of environment and travel situations
- Built to last
Despite the hefty price tag, we guarantee a keeper in a keeper product in a Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside CX Expandable Carry-On Spinner Luggage 22”.