If You Haven’t Found the Perfect Carry-on Yet, Watch This Video

[@alysmalls]

These are the 5 carry-on bags I use the most and the pros and cons of each: ► BAGS: Mixi Carry-on (20”): amzn.to/42gPjA2 Monos Carry-on: shrsl.com/4tb2x Travelpro 19” (Amazon): amzn.to/42kUsXT Travelpro 19" (Travelpro website): www.jdoqocy.com/click-100836937-15750331?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftravelpro.ca%2Fcollections%2Fcompact-and-international-carry-on-luggage%2Fproducts%2Fmaxlite%25C2%25AE-5-19-international-carry-on-expandable-spinner%3Fvariant%3D14189020217407 Travelpro 20” 2-wheel: amzn.to/4hc6t5U Bric’s X-Travel: amzn.to/42f9Wwl BEIS Small Carry-on: go.shopmy.us/p-12069347 my lip color: amzn.to/40EDqT5 my sweater: shrsl.com/4tfjo ►My blog post: likewhereyouregoing.com/best-carry-on-bags/ ►Newsletter: likewhereyouregoing.com/subscribe/ ►Other items I travel with: Tan backpack: amzn.to/4aoGDK0 Black personal item bag: amzn.to/4amJ1kj Green personal item bag: amzn.to/4aoGzKg Nomad Lane Bento Bag: nomad-lane.myshopify.com/products/the-bento-bag?rfsn=8318354.ddb71b&variant=48289627275569 Toiletry kit: amzn.to/3E23HlG Packing Cubes: amzn.to/42bW8CR Powerbank: amzn.to/4g38ikT ► Buy Me a Coffee? If you found this helpful and would like to support me, you can 'buy me a coffee' (thank you!!!!) buymeacoffee.com/alysmalls

[@nopeDnope]

Love your videos! Also, that red lip color looks fantastic on you!

[@Academic9999]

@@nopeDnopeagree! I would love to know the color!!!

[@alysmalls]

@@Academic9999 thanks, it's this one in 'savant' amzn.to/3CnTHT2 😊

[@lindasarinana2898]

Just wanted to thank you for your content! I had been researching to prepare myself for my first out of the country trip to Portugal. I had already decided that I was going carry on only and your videos were super helpful. My biggest concern was how I was going to comfortably sleep on the plan and even purchased the contraption that straps my head to the seat. Though this was probably the most comfortable, I still was not able to sleep so now I have just accepted the fact that I can't sleep on the plane. I also purchased the foot hammock which also helped with comfort on the 11 hour flight. 😊

[@judithnielsen8170]

Aly, I love your enthusiasm. Laughed when you showed the picture of all your suitcases. When I graduated from high school my parents gave me a luggage set ( no wheels) and I used that set for more than 20 years, then I struggled finding the right luggage for 30 years. So now I’m older and travel with 25 inch checked bag and samsonite underseater in which I carry meds, a few pieces of jewelry, iPad and electronics, snacks and book.

[@magietagie]

I would to see you do a video on higher end compression packing cubes! Which is best and so on!

[@pta3407]

Having used hard sided clamshells exclusively for the last 8 years or so, I just made the switch back to a top open soft sided carry-on and I'm glad I made the switch. I went with the 53cm Briggs and Riley ZDX, while definitely on the pricer side, It worked flawlessly on my last trip. I packed for a 7 day trip and only needed half the space. The TravelPro Maxlite5 is another great choice if you're on a budget. I absolutely love the design of the Mixi bag, but the dimensions just are too much of a risk for me personally.

[@Linda-df7gz]

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Compact Carryon Spinner fits the new 2025 standardized carryon size limit for US domestic airlines. It's 22 x 14 x 9. I bought it last year because it already fit with the EU's carryon size limit. Also, as a senior traveler, its light weight is very appealing. We have to be able to put our own carryon in the overhead bin, so every pound counts.

[@pamhiar5708]

I bought this bag and the first time I used it with a medium sized bag on top it would flip over. It ended up bending the poles and they wouldn’t retract. I had to put it in the overhead compartment with them extended. If you look at it it’s a poor design. Has a slight slope which causes it to flip over with an item on top. I returned it.

[@canyonoverlook9937]

22x14x9 was the standard at least since the 90's on legacy carriers.

[@lokicooper4690]

Omg! Please do make that suitcase! I’d buy it! I love the idea of the Mixi, but, as you demonstrated, it’s a hair too big at times, and hard shells are heavy. I tend toward soft sided simply because of the weight, and that it’s not clamshell.

[@EO-qt2mg]

Canadian here. I have the maxlite 5 and have taken it on American Airlines to New York and on Porter Airlines to LA and on week long working road trips. Bought it thanks to the video where you tested it in airline sizers. I think it would work for a two week trip, long haul, with a personal item. Thank you for your videos.

[@pamelaswan7214]

I bought the Hanke 20” carry on which is very similar to the Mixi with opening at the top. It doesn’t have the charging port or cup holder but it is a bit cheaper (paid $160 CND on Amazon Black Friday Sale). Tested it in the WestJet sizer and it fits almost perfectly, just a hair too tall (maybe 1/8 inch), so I can’t see them not allowing it on. Rolls beautifully, handle doesn’t wobble. Also comes in fun colours.

[@alysmalls]

I've been eyeing the Hanke, thank you for sharing! sounds like a good one

[@MickieB3333]

The takeaway is buy a soft side. Lightweight, flexible, less expensive, and more pockets. I own a samsonite I’ve had a few years. That’s all they make is luggage. No issues and a joy to travel with..

[@dianaj3139]

YES design it!! :)

[@wanderinggypsydeb]

I recently bought the Brics bag after watching your video. I tried it out on a test run on a flight in the US and loved it. It is going with me on a trip to Europe in the summer!

[@inespk]

I have only used Bric’s for the last 18 years and love them! The X collection is my favorite, super light and durable!

[@Martine-s4p]

Hi Aly, I recently purchased the BEIS small carry-on (same color as yours). I was wondering if you could share your tips for packing it. I went to Mexico a few months ago and struggled to use it effectively. Also, a special thank you to your husband for the video 'The Dude Packing Guide'-it helped me convince my husband to go carry-on next time (along with the 2hrs waiting line at the airport for checked luggage)!

[@mierdevries9643]

Briggs and Riley ZDX has the open top and pockets on the front, including an "RFID shielded" one for quick storing bits and bobs. They have a 21" model that should fit most restrictions.

[@popcorn7657]

I did buy the LIPAULT Plume Cabin Spinner in a beautiful Kaki color which is the same size and cheaper than the Briggs & Riley. And it fits on many air lines.

[@midlifemom5829]

Crowd fund and design/create your carry on please!

[@alysmalls]

I really want to!!

[@coastandtrailtravels]

I second this!

[@midlifemom5829]

Someone please help Aly get started! We need her to create a luggage!

[@hctim96]

@@coastandtrailtravels I third this!! Get a designer and mfg in Asia like the big boys do...Pay them fair and get a good product and you have your self a business opportunity. Schweet

[@carefulshopper4239]

As a senior with severe back issues the weight and easy maneuverability are very important. You seem to analyze well, so please take those factors into account even though you are young and healthy. I’ll support you if you crowd fund, but partnering with a brand may be your better option.

[@sarahfreivald4800]

I have the Monos, Mixi and the Bric's and I love them all. In the Americas I definitely reach for the Mixi.

[@hctim96]

On your suggestion I got a Travel pro maxlite 5 in Sage green color. I found it on sale WITH the matching personal item bag for $89.00 US... I've used it a few times and it's great.. Score one for Aly's recommendations!!! thanks and good vid btw...

[@joannecava2418]

I take the Travel Pro 19” international all the time when I go to Italy- as mentioned it can tip over if not packed correctly - but I’ve never had a problem bringing it on the low cost European airlines. - Like Ryan Air , Jet air ,etc…..super light weight so you will never have to check it

[@alysmalls]

nice! thank you for sharing 🙌

[@ShayCWin]

I’ve been waiting for this!

[@alysmalls]

🥰

[@relentlesspursuitofshade1234]

I have the travel pro max lite both full size and carry on. It’s so rugged. I travel 50% and they get beat up but keep going. The zippers blow me away

[@margaretlee6669]

One setback I found on the TravelPro is that the handle curves outwards at the top, making it difficult to slide my personal bag/backpack on and off. While it is lightweight and I like how it opens, it did feel flimsy to me after being accustomed to my regular sized Beis, which I love. I also wish I invested purchasing the double-wheeled version of the TravelPro. Thanks for all your helpful information on your channel!

[@LasCoquettes]

That lipstick color looks really good on you.

[@CarmenBarnes-i4t]

I bought the Mixi Carry-on as soon as I saw you talk about it. I love it!! It has served me well!

[@lynnconroy8]

I hear the airlines will all be cracking down by about may. They’re supposedly putting newly designed bag sizers at the gates. The rumor is, 60% of the bags that are current carry ones, won’t fit. I’m so glad I opted for the small Beis. I think the monos is the exact size they are shooting for. Everything else will be too big.

[@loisblake5854]

The absolute best carry on is Briggs and Riley. The handle is on the outside of the bag, makes for much easier packing. It is a compression bag as well. Check it out.

[@sgodbout2213]

Not on my budget

[@terrirojas]

I think that lipstick color is beautiful on you! 💋

[@kayokolindenberger3754]

I love your videos! And by the way, I bought the backpack purse you featured in a prior video. Love it!

[@alysmalls]

awe yay 🥰

[@AlexKasper]

I have a carry on I bought in 2002 or 2003, some generic brand "Airliner". It's similar to the bag on the left in 4:17 (dual large wheels), and is top load. The bag has traveled several times per year, was dragged on tough surfaces and was checked at the gate several times (grrr!). It's showing its age, and eventually (along with my 13-yo zipper-less hard shell checked bag) might need replacement in the next five years or so. In spite, I'm considering a J-hook add-on to hang my personal item on the side, to keep a good balance while dragging it across airports, as airline crews do it. I like the Mixi carry on, but it's wider than what I'd like. An enhanced Travel-Pro might be a good choice, either two or four wheeler. Question: why the four wheels need to stick out so much? I feel some of the bottom space is sort of wasted. I saw some designs that have the two back wheels a bit more reinforced for when the bag needs to go on "two legs" to be dragged across fast. Also I'm looking for a potential replacement for a slightly larger personal item bag, maybe in the form of a backpack. It needs to fit my 15.4 in Lenovo laptop, and a bunch of accessories including my headset case. But so far nothing compares to the bag the laptop came with, except that this one doesn't fit some extra stuff that I bring on the carry on.

[@coastandtrailtravels]

I love my Travelpro! I have the Maxlite Air hard side spinner. I do wish o would have gotten the compact version though. I had the Maxlite 5 and loved that one too.

[@Rebecksoxo]

Aly! What sweater are you wearing in this video? It looks great for travel

[@alysmalls]

thank you, it is! It's merino wool and so comfy: shrsl.com/4tfjo

[@bill.godwin-austen]

I've been looking at carryon bags lately, as the one I currently have is just outside the current size restrictions (primarily the depth). One factor that could be crucial to me, and which I rarely see mentioned in detail, is a bag with a laptop pocket. My laptop isn't huge, but it is on the larger side as it's not really a "travel" laptop. It measures 15" wide and 10" deep. Are there any bags that meet the new size limits that has a laptop pocket that can handle one that size? I'm mainly looking at the Travelpro, as the hard sided bags aren't designed to carry a laptop. And nearly every "personal" sized bag I've looked at are definitely designed for smaller "travel" laptops, so it would need to go in my overhead carryon. Not being able to find a suitable bag will probably expand the radius of my "I prefer to drive rather than fly" zone. 😋

[@tceller08]

After decades of loving my Travelpro bags, I treated myself to a new set. After one use, the handle broke on the carryon size and the seams were fraying on the larger bag. After giving me the runaround they eventually replaced both under warranty. And the checked one - the newly replaced one- looks old and beat up after only two trips. They aren’t what they used to be, very disappointing. I’m currently loving my super lightweight expandable Quince. It’s smaller but holds more and weighs less than the soft sided travelpro.

[@Linda-df7gz]

I read somewhere a while back that the bags with the Travelpro logo that you see in stores like at Nordstrom Rack or TJ Maxx or Macy's are made by a different manufacturer than the bags you buy directly from Travelpro. For that reason, I bought both of mine directly from Travelpro. They have their own website & an Amazon page. So far I've had no issues with quality.

[@tceller08]

@ I got mine directly from the local TravelPro store. Which, btw, would not send it for repair. They insisted I ship it to the repair center myself. Super helpful (not)

[@Linda-df7gz]

@@tceller08 ugh

[@littlegoobie]

I saw something about them have a bunch of zipper problems recently too so quality has taken a good downward slide. Mine is from an older series so i'm not too worried, but i doubt i'll ever get another travelpro with all the available alternatives these days.

[@parinazaz4044]

That lipstick looks really good on you, what’s it called plz? 😊

[@alysmalls]

thank you! it's this one in 'savant' amzn.to/3CnTHT2

[@keschlvincent7464]

Have you tried the Quince 20 inch carry on? Very affordable and amazing quality! Highly recommend you try it out! I love mine 😊

[@alysmalls]

not yet, they don't ship outside of the US 😥

[@keschlvincent7464]

Oh darn!! I didn’t even think about that…

[@MariaAbrahamsson-nf5he]

Have you seen Lauren from It´s the Kellys? She just hade a video about Quince carry on. Turns out it is not really for international travels, the size is... strange :-(

[@wayneh8767]

Aly the first bag is very cool indeed, I want to use it as a lunchbox is that weird?! Also remember your husband's favorite carry on bag the Taygeer, that thing is amazing! Hardly wait till you guys goto Vegas again.

[@Elli79406]

Hope you can get your bag made soon!

[@dianecameron6270]

?? Aly. I love your videos and have learned a ton. I am visiting the USA from Canada soon and would like to know about eSIM cards. You travel a lot so you would know the best plans and how they work - if you can still use your existing phone number, etc. I just don’t want to come home to a massive phone bill. Thanks for the great videos. ❤

[@tjodine2433]

This is a great video and please let us know if you partner with a luggage brand and design your perfect carry on. The unfortunate news is most airlines are now charging or will be charging for any item except a small personal item. I recently booked a flight to South America and numerous flights within South America and was shocked to see a charge for a carry on as well as a charge for a personal item in the base fares. It is still great to travel light but will no longer be economical if you normally book a basic fare.

[@KiaY619]

I think Icelandair has the most restrictive bag policy! Have you flown them with any of these bags?

[@jeanskemp8488]

I am also very curious about Iceland Air. Anyone have experience?

[@claireneilson2441]

I’m flying emirates soon , Brisbane to Uk , I went with July carry on light - emirates seems to have the smallest width allowance !

[@TheMMAlegria]

Thank you for your videos. They are helpful. Curiosity: have you tried the Lojel Cube?

[@karenlangley8254]

Please please make your own bag. 🎉

[@Jimbo4575]

Pelican 1535 is the best hands down

[@dianehall6686]

Would you do a review of zipperless bags? After watching a video where a guy jammed a pen into the zipper and opened the bag right up, this senior tried and sure enough, a simple pen can open up my bag making those locks useless. I also did it with my fingernail file. I’m looking for a more economical zipperless bag. Any recommendations?

[@tjodine2433]

Zipper less bags are good for keeping thieves out of your bag if you carry it on but be careful if you check it..customs can inspect it which means they will break into it. My locked and wrapped luggage came down the belt unlocked and unwrapped with a note inside. Nothing was seized but something looked suspicious over X-ray that needed a physical inspection to confirm it was ok.

[@dianehall6686]

@@tjodine2433 Whoa Nellie! If it's not one thing, then it's another! Thanks for the info.

[@GolfCoachellaValley]

I travel with at least a suit or dress and am looking for an airline approved carry on bag that has a garment section in the top like some Ricardos have. Have you seen anything like that? I haven't seen how you pack for business. thanks, love your informative videos.

[@craigheitman1510]

I’m somewhat confused… are the airlines maximum dimensions the actual bag compartment size or the overall size with wheels and handles included? For example, the travel pro Maxlite 5 21” is listed on Amazon at 23” tall (floor to top of handle).

[@alysmalls]

yes including the wheels and handles, that's why the 19" ends up[ being about 21

[@Cara-mw4bd]

Thank you for the great video, I love your channel! I just ordered the Travelpro Maxlite 5 20" Compact and already own the Travelpro Maxlite 5 soft tote bag for under the seat. I know these work in the US, but does anyone have experience with the soft tote under the seats on Virgin Atlantic?

[@herecomesthesun66]

The only reason I won't buy a soft sided is because I can't clean it off with disinfectant wipes like hard sided ones. They need to make a soft sided one with a fabric that can be wiped off.

[@laulutar]

I think my Samsonite Ecodiver has a wipeable surface.

[@blakpurl14]

Id just get a sleeve for it , they are cheap and protect the bags, just have to make sure i don't have anything in it ill need during the flight , as it wont be convenient to take it on the airplane.

[@herecomesthesun66]

@blakpurl14 yes but I like the look of the shiny hard sided ones, they have such nice ones now 😊

[@monuquefreeman5723]

Have you reviewed the Biaggi hard bag? or any Biaggi bag?

[@ralphandritashow4904]

Thank you. Do you live here in Vegas?

[@grantwatson8141]

Hola, Como Estas, I am heading to Mexico and will be flying both WestJet and Volaris. Which carry on do you recommend?

[@alysmalls]

Since Volaris allows larger sizes than WestJet, I recommend either the Travelpro, Bric's or Monos which all fit. Felices viajes!

[@zahavailan3782]

Seriously you to design your own bag! Aly bag🎉

[@sunsetatshabooms4558]

I too wish I could make my own suitcase!!!

[@anrn5303]

delsey actually has the top loading luggage at Costco for

[@popcorn7657]

Thank you so much @anrn5303 I just ordered the DELSEY PARIS top loading luggage from Costco. Me too I am looking for a luggage that has the hard shell top loading luggage like the Mixi but not as deep.

[@RetroDiver]

Are the prices you're showing in CAD or USD?

[@toristarrhollywooddashxo1507]

Have you used the regular Beis carry-on on Canadian flights? Have you had any issues?

[@alysmalls]

I haven't tried the regular - it's slightly too big but I've definitely seen them on the plane brought by others!

[@Academic9999]

Could you share your fabulous lip color? It looks great on you! Thanks for the tips, too!!

[@alysmalls]

thank you, it's this one in 'savant' amzn.to/3CnTHT2

[@dorothycline9439]

Please tell me why nobody is reviewing or recommending the Lipault Plume? It is light at 4.8 pounds, small at 21.6x13.8x8.3. It is soft sided, has excellent skate wheels, outside zipper, tough but classy looking. Mine has been to many countries and still looks new. WHY are you not looking at it? It is under $200, actually $122 right now on their website.

[@alysmalls]

thanks, Dorothy - working on it! I always like to take at least a couple trips with a new bag before reporting back. Stay tuned 😊

[@dorothycline9439]

@@alysmalls Thank you! And thanks for all the great ideas. Keep them coming!

[@GOJ739]

No to clamshell opening. Slowly I’m replacing my old luggage with top lid openings

[@davido4835]

How does these bags work for Chris cause he’s a big guy so does it has enough room for him packing for his trips?

[@alysmalls]

He's used the Mixi, Travelpro and Monos and fits his clothes and toiletries + our camera and batteries lol

[@davido4835]

@ thank you very much for your input

[@carefulshopper4239]

We have the Bric’s bags - both carry ons and checked sizes. Mostly, we love them, and our checked bags and carry on duffles have held up for many years. But my carry on spinner veers off to the right, which is a pain. How can I correct it? Also, could you please address,the new size requirements? I see the middle number as 14” but when you convert the cm to inches it should be about 153/4” - what gives? (The Bric’s should fit if that is correct.)

[@jenib4057]

I have the same issue with my Brics carry on. I gave up trying to walk with it beside me and just started dragging it like a 2 wheeler. Good to know someone else had the same issue, I thought I just did a bad packing job!

[@carefulshopper4239]

@ yikes - I don’t want to have to drag it! Sorry to hear you have the same issue - I’m thinking of trying to find a luggage repair to see if the wheels can be adjusted somehow.

[@carolbialy5920]

I have a question, if I have a frameless backpack that measures 22” but I don’t fill it so it measures 20” squished down and is well under weight will I be able to carry on?

[@chickyboodiva]

Design it!

[@ge48421]

Some issued w.r.t. luggage restrictions I ran in to on my last two trips. Trip #1: I used the TravelPro 20" (Max Lite 5 International Rollaboard) on a trip to Europe on KLM. There are two relevant restrictions that cause problems. The first one is the limited thickness of the carry-on: 20cm/7.78in. Only the TravelPro "international" models fit, the other bags mentioned don't. The second is the weight limit. The combined weight of the carry-on and personal item bags is limited to 12kg. I ended up taking a small backpack (PacSafe GO 15L) as my personal item, anything larger was pointless because I hit the weight limit before both bags were full. Trip #2: Air New Zealand has a weight limit of 7kg/15.4lbs for a carry-on bag on domestic flights, and they check. I took a Tomtoc Navigator-T66 backpack on that trip, it's less than half the weight of the TravelPro (1.2kg/2.65lbs). The TravelPro would have taken over 1/3 of the maximum weight.

[@singerAR0406]

Have you tried the Kipling carry-on?

[@z06prime]

No pelicans?

[@z06prime]

Do a review of the pelican 1525

[@TheKelly1951]

Perfect carrying = backpack

[@bankomeister11]

What do you do when the airlines stated dimensions are insane? For Air France, literally none of your bags will fit! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@alysmalls]

I brought both the Monos and Bric's on Air France 😊

[@liigcssaygaming2629]

But according to Air France website both of those bags are to big. The dimensions for carry-ons are 55x35x25cm/21.7x13.8x9.9in. Monos measurements are 22x14x9in and Bric’s 54.61x38.1x38.1cm. One thing that is a bit worrying is that on Monos website it states that their bag fit on all major airlines in North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania but it doesn’t. For example their bag is too big for British, Virgin, Lufthansa, Scandinavian, Swiss, Turkish and many more by only one or two centimetres.

[@bankomeister11]

@ that’s my exact concern.

[@alysmalls]

@@liigcssaygaming2629 frustrating isn't it? not sure if you've seen it yet, but in this video I have footage of both bags on Air France flights: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJapY6Ofeqybgbcsi=a7Fqx1_NMUtz0Vh-

[@brittany281]

@@liigcssaygaming2629 Granted there is no bag that is a guarantee. But I took an eBags MotherLode on both KLM & Aer Lingus (which I heard was a crappy baggage policy) and it was technically 1/2 inch/1.27 cm too big...but it fit totally fine. It's possible that if it's down to a few centimeters, it may be okay.

[@tanyas6643]

I’m a fan of the 20” Voyager (wide handle) by Level 8. It handles like a dream and has more space due to the handle design. I’m also looking into getting their 18” Luminous (with typical handle) for times when I need a much smaller case. And the TakeOff “personal bag sized” case is great for under the seat or for “personal item bag only” travel.

[@colleenc5008]

Good to hear that you love your Voyageur 20". I was gifted a 20" an 28" set, and will be using the smaller bag on a trip next month. Looking forward to it! Do you take a personal item bag when you use yours? What do you do about the wide trolley handles?

[@colleenc5008]

I'd be so tempted to try the Beis, as I like lightweight and exterior pockets. I have a 19" spinner TravelPro now that I just love, but sometimes you need something bigger. I've been gifted a 20" Level 8 Voyageur, so I guess I won't be getting the Beis.... 😉 Thanks for the great reviews, though!

[@nanabutner]

WOULD you please do a review on the best carryons using the NEW STANDARDIZED measurements that are soon to be implemented for ALL US AIRLINES? The new standards are 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches total weight of 15 - 22 lbs.

[@garyg7684]

luggex from amazon perfect size fit on all airlines

[@donnabuckner2689]

Great job! I usually check my bag because I don't want to fight for an overhead bin! 🧳