Two "Goldilocks" Carry-on Bags (for even the tightest airlines)

These two carry-on bags may be the best overall on the market right now - perfect for domestic and international travel, especially in Europe. These carry-on bags fit on tough airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Air CanadaAir China, Air France, Air Transat, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Condor, Copa Airlines, easyJet, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, Jetstar, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, LATAM Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, SAS, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, VivaAerobus, Volaris, WestJet
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Bric’s Carry-on: amzn.to/3AdTRvo
Monos Carry-on: shrsl.com/4q8tk
Mixi Carry-on: amzn.to/4eYkweR
Travelpro Maxlite 5 (19”): amzn.to/3YFx0lK
Green Personal Item Bag: amzn.to/3UpozbI
Luggage scale: amzn.to/4hlWvQe
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[@alysmalls]

I still love my Travelpro bags...but...I may be running these carry-on bags for a while...! 👇 ► LINKS: Bric’s Carry-on: amzn.to/3AdTRvo Monos Carry-on: shrsl.com/4q8tk Mixi Carry-on: amzn.to/4eYkweR Travelpro Maxlite 5 (19”): amzn.to/3YFx0lK Green Personal Item tote bag: amzn.to/3UpozbI Luggage scale: amzn.to/4hlWvQe My compression packing cubes: amzn.to/3YjEGsB My pink shirt: shrsl.com/4q8to my necklace: go.shopmy.us/p-7737258 Check out my Amazon store! www.amazon.com/shop/alysmalls/list/1HVV5ET2B3OZS?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_AMDB407B2SQCJ6RSKJ06 ► 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

[@mrlogboy]

Just took a business trip a month ago and going into Goodwill just before that I found a monos plus pro carry-on which has the front section for a laptop and stuff for $45. It was white. It had a few scrapes on it, but a magic eraser took everything out and then I used some fiberglass type protection on the outside and it’s doing wonderful now.

[@CKfromTasOZ]

Thank you Aly. So fantastic that you got to travel with your Mum. What a treasure

[@CrankyGrandma]

my IT brand carryon is my absolute favorite. Light, simple, and “defy physics” roomy. Not loads of bells and whistles but a terrific bag, fits the sizers even on spirit and frontier, and is exceptionally light. And itks almost budget in price.

[@MicheleLaughlin]

Hi Aly, the reason I prefer a hardshell bag is because of rain. Have you noticed that the softshell bags seep water into the bag if it's pouring raining? I like the idea of a softshell because it's a bit more forgiving on cramming things into the bag but I do worry about rain. I do check luggage sometimes (especially if I am bringing specialty food or wine home- just returned from a family olive picking/pressing trip in Umbria and brought home 3 litres of freshly pressed EVOO!) and when I had a softshell bag in the past I noticed my clothes were wet when it was pouring on the tarmac as the bags were being loaded. That was about 10 years ago. Curious if the quality has changed for soft sided bags. Thanks! Love the videos! they have been SUPER useful for trip planning.

[@rf3899]

I bought the Monos because of your reviews. Thanks, I love it!! same green color too.

[@jamischlafer7804]

I have that Bric’s X-something and omg I love it. Can’t take anything else.

[@UnknownJorge]

I LOVE my Travel Pro Maxlite 5 International Carry On Spinner (what a long name for a bag lol). I travel once a month for work for a week at a time, and it has been perfect for me paired up with a Solgaard backpack. It looks very clean and professional for business trips. I do hate that it tips over if not packed correctly (pack heaviest at bottom). That said, when the time comes to replace it eventually, I may get the Monos. For personal travel though, I think I'm moving to a 35L backpack like the Pakt Travel Backpack. Would love to see some reviews in the future from you and your 6'9 man (I'm a big dude as well lol) on backpacks like that for carry on travel. Great video as always, cheers!

[@wandrousvindella716]

Great vlog, but I'm sticking with my TravelPro under seater (2 wheel & 16 inches ) & my tiny Samsonite back pack. Always do what is best for you. Love seeing you & mom traveling !

[@remaguire]

LOL! I just bought a TravelPro carry-on based on your review!

[@tinastupica9635]

Same. :)

[@SharonCee521]

I bought the Travel Pro for its light weight… however… I found that I could not put my personal tote bag on top of it because the TP would tip over. The TP has that odd front configuration that pops out a bit which I now realize makes it not entirely stable. I watched the TP product video on their website and of course there was no problem with putting the personal tote bag on top, but in real life, it did not work. Sadly I will not use the TP for trips to Europe anymore because I had to carry my personal bag on my shoulder which was really uncomfortable.

[@alysmalls]

I still love my Travelpros! Still a good option, these are just a couple of new faves as of late!

[@patticulver]

Me toooo!

[@sf2130]

Me too and just took it on a 2 week trop to London and Paris that included lots of trains.

[@joannecava2418]

I just flew on Lufthansa to Munich and was surprised that at CLT airport they weighed my carryons too - I have the 19” Travel Pro and my only complaint was that when I added the personal item bag to it (attached by the back strap to the handle) the bag kept trying to tip forward. I bought the Travel Pro based on your recommendation….and I do love that it’s very lightweight and moves beautifully thru airports, planes and on the ground. So I think weight is def going to be a issue with airlines going forward

[@43grantct]

I was fortunate enough to pick up a Brics carryon at TJMaxx several years back at a great price (99.00 USD). It has been my go-to bag for all of my trips. It has some wear and tear on the handle, but it really is a sturdy bag that fits in all overhead compartments. Its super light and the wheels are great. I have been looking for a Brics replacement, but when I saw the "real price" I was floored. Someone told me I can get the handle replaced by Brics. I might look into that option.

[@AlexKasper]

I've been using a carry on very similar to the travel pro (zipper, hard sides, top opening) since 2007. Traveled everywhere and works just fine. It's showing its age, but still a few dozens of flight left. Too bad those airlines overselling the overhead space (and not enforcing sizes) had forced me to check this bag at the gate on several occasions.

[@jenib4057]

So happy to know that the Brics bag will work as a carry on for those international airlines. I’ll be trying mine out for the first time next week and hoping that I still love it after this trip. I had purchased the TravelPro crew bag and used it for a trip to London in June. I haaated that bag…. It constantly tipped over and it was returned as soon as I got back. I understand so many love that brand but it just didn’t work for me.

[@melissalopes6492]

Great video!!! I'm going to greece in june and this was very helpful

[@MarylandMermaid]

I use Travel Pro 24”, Level 8 carryon and Travel pro under seat. Love them

[@valriehames3537]

I love my Level 8 as well. Most people don’t mention it as a good option. Does the TP underwear fit on top of the Level 8?

[@MarylandMermaid]

@@valriehames3537 yes, the under seat TP has a strap and fits right on top.

[@tracyc.1005]

My son (teenager) and I both have the Monos carry-on. I am looking at buying the medium size while they are on sale for Black Friday. I have desert taupe and he has olive green.

[@verenab6441]

So what are the reasons that these suitcases might be better than the travelpro for you?

[@krefcenz]

Wow, my wife and I just bought the Travelpro after watching your video. And you switch. hmmmm. I hope the Travelpro still measures up.

[@triciacarolan]

Love that I can relate to your posts because I am from Edmonton too!

[@magietagie]

I just bought a Mixi Carry On, actually I bought two… one clamshell and one top opening. I while I really love the top opening, it’s a little too thick (by like 1/2 inch) for a lot of airlines. The clamshell has been great!

[@funghouls5498]

I recently bought the Travelpro19 maxlite and love it

[@bylisaart]

Great video but at over $500CAD the Bric's is unrealistic for many of us. Would you consider doing a "Budget Traveler's" option? There has to be something under $200 that is comparable?

[@alysmalls]

Hmm, I paid $340 CAD for my Bric's - maybe check prices again in a couple days. Under $200, travelpro is a great option and under $100, this is the bag my sister used in the video: amzn.to/3C372zT

[@Thetinyfit]

I got the travel pro for about $110 for prime day. It frequently goes on sale. And it’s still a great carry- SO light!

[@darlingeloise672]

Thanks for all your great info and advice Aly. LOVE MONOS luggage but the price tag on that brand is a bit much for a lot of us who are not frequent travellers. Can you suggest another good hardshell that's more affordable??

[@andrewpettola6097]

Greta video, very informative. I still love my Tumi, but it's starting to show its age. Thanks for the tips!

[@selinasnowdon2834]

There was a story in the UK about a woman flying RyanAir or EasyJet who had carry on that fit the sizer but the desk person spotted it had expander zips (which she wasn’t using) and charged her £75 to check the bag.

[@juditmihalovits4641]

Aly, love your shirt , nice color

[@darrylk808]

Brics top open. Clamshell ones take way too much space on the luggage shelf(unless you are traveling alone). They also make hardshell top open luggage, but it's harder to find in NA. Asia has many. I have a Delsey hardside top open. Love it! Don't see it for sale anymore. Costco has a top open delsey, but a different model from mine. Must have double wheels. More stable. Notice that your TravelPro has single wheels. I had that one. I gave it away. Not as stable with a backpack on it. I'll have to look into the Brics.

[@borneo60]

you need a wind proof umbrella from Lee Valley :) Cheers from West Coast Canada!

[@gigimarquardt3506]

Seeing you walking through rain and storm I wonder if the Brics is waterproof 🤔

[@alysmalls]

it's water resistant and can stand being in the rain longer than I can lol

[@gsr63970]

Have you tried the travelpro compact crew classic or elite platinum? Crew classic is same price range as the Brics.

[@jasonnysacleomedes5084]

For TAP Air Portugal Hand baggage 55x40x25cm / 22x16x10in: these are the maximum dimensions of height x length x width that a hand baggage can have. 10 kg / 22 lbs: it is the maximum weight of a hand baggage. Personal item 40x30x15cm / 16x12x5in: these are the maximum dimensions of height x length x width that a personal item can have. 2 kg / 4.4 lbs: it is the maximum weight of a personal item.

[@chryspelegris2731]

An entire video and you missed the most important discussion point, WHY are these new choices better than the TravelPro?

[@so.many.obstacles]

Right! There was no need to mention Travelpro if leaving out the reasons why. A missed opportunity.

[@daffodilgirl5]

I just bought a new Travelpro :/

[@SharonCee521]

Well, I can tell you what I don’t like about the Travel Pro. I bought one for travel in Europe because it’s lightweight and the Euro version is a bit smaller than a regular carryon… and I will not use it anymore. The TP has an odd front configuration that in my opinion does not make the bag stable if you put a tote bag on top or other type of personal bag. My TP bag repeatedly fell over with my tote bag on top or the tote kept slipping off. After schlepping through the airport with the tote on my shoulder, I found a way to put it on the TP. I had to put the tote handles at the top of the carryon extended handle and hold it carefully to stop the tote from slipping off. This wasn’t ideal, but it was better than hurting my shoulder. And I have to say that I did watch the TP website video which showed a tote sitting on top of the bag, but honestly this had to be so fake using an empty bag. Very disappointed. The only good thing about the TP carryon is the lightweight…

[@swblanc]

​@@daffodilgirl5Me too! And on HER recommendation!

[@alysmalls]

For all the reasons mentioned in the video 😊 I don't really have anything bad to say about TP, but I've used them a lot, and wanted to put some other bags to the test!

[@knowyourhistory]

Porto looks stunning even when it's raining

[@carolinacadabra8278]

Good thing, too. It rains a lot there!

[@alysmalls]

It definitely is!

[@jack91522]

Can you compare the travelpro maxlite 5 to the quince or away carry ons? can't decide between these

[@ChinLee3]

Can you make a review for Monos carry on plus which is a bit bigger and risky since its 23 inch.

[@nunuvyurbiz123]

The problem with all rollers is that they weigh more than an equivalently sized backpack (Brics is 2.5kg). So that means less stuff (only a problem, of course, if you want to take more). I really want to use a roller but the weight of the minimum amount of stuff I want to bring gets squeezed by the bag weight. My plans change daily (I enjoy the thought experiments) but right now I'm thinking 1.6kg 38L backpack (clothes, etc.) plus a messenger bag (critical stuff). The 0.9kg difference from the Brics doesn't seem like much but it's 13% of the (typically) allowed 7kg.

[@MargaritaPajaro-x8l]

Could you consider reviewing the lipault cabinet plume?

[@alysmalls]

Ooo I love the look of these and they're lightweight, thanks for the idea!

[@AvaGrail]

My travel pro is definitely lighter than either of these suitcases. I’m still not quite sure why you like these better a than the 21inch travel pro

[@lorieh1244]

Hi Aly, thank you for the review but I can't afford $451 CAD for the Brics carry on. Too expensive 😢

[@alysmalls]

Yes it's a splurge - I just posted a video with 4 other options if you'd like to watch that next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2jdaZ6vgL-Xfsksi=jpPU8SMh-K1WS_Jr

[@lorieh1244]

​@@alysmallsthank you! I am very impressed by your quick and helpful response! I will look at your suggestions! p.s. I'm in the Toronto area as well :)

[@k.s.2392]

Mono hybrid fits on ryanair right?

[@Lucinda5858]

I am just about to buy a Mixie based on your review. Now I don’t know what to do…. 😮

[@AnnikenAllis]

Re Ryanair in Alicante my bag stuck out a tiny bit & they charged me although I still carried it on board & it fit in the overhead bin.

[@karleenmartin-vegue6314]

I noticed that you and your mom used a duffle style bag and you have also used different ones on other trips as your personal item, do you prefer them over a backpack? Do they hold more? Do they fit better under the seat? I fly a few international flight a year and have always used a backpack but their are some duffe bags. Thank you

[@alysmalls]

Generally yes, prefer the tote-style bag as a personal item. Backpacks tend to hold a little more so I would bring a backpack when I need to pack more

[@valriehames3537]

@@alysmallsthat’s interesting. I assumed the duffel would hold more. But you said tote which to me is different from duffel. Do you have a link for the one you used?

[@alysmalls]

@@valriehames3537 yes it's this bag here: amzn.to/3UpozbI (in the video mine was the green one and my mom used the same one but blue)

[@Klaatu_]

At 3:34 into the video is where my question comes in. How did the Bric's hold up when you put a bag (or other object) of weight on top sitting and rolling it around from to place to place? Did it collapse because it is a soft shell?

[@alysmalls]

didn't collapse, there's a hard plastic strip across the top that provides structure, especially if it's packed

[@jojotaylor3607]

Air Transat has lowered their carry on size to 20” They measure departing from Toronto. We had to check a carry on that was 21” I’ve been using my 21” carry on for 10 years and the last 2 Transat flights they were very strict. Such a cash grab. Would love a video on 18” carry ons (20” including wheels)

[@jonthovson2242]

Seems like most of the international carry ons are 15" wide and Domestic US requirements usually state 14" wide. Would the International bags not make the US requirements? Most of my travel is Domestic US

[@robertjames-life4768]

I wish I could pack as much as you Ally, my shoes alone take up one side of my clam shell. 😕

[@missdonnav]

Have you ever used the Beis carry-on? They have a smaller size now too.

[@brendatorres6023]

Is there anything else that you can recommend that’s not too expensive?

[@JAO-pf7mc]

I have the Bric’s and travelled with it for 1 week. When fully packed it is too soft. It sags by the handles, so for me not the best. A general comment: I wish the luggage manufacturers would start producing hard-shell suitcases that open like the soft-shelled ones - not OYSTER SHELL - which are very impractical in small narrow rooms.

[@peetabrown5813]

I really prefer a top open too; it is so hard to open a clamshell up. For large bags samsonite years ago did a hard shell “trunk” which looked good to me, I think is might have been an 80/20 split; but this seemed good to me as you can probably handle the 20% volume in the top at a slightly more than 90° opening which suits most luggage racks in most hotels

[@alysmalls]

Hmm I never encountered sagging - I wonder if packing cubes help? And I totally agree about the hardshell - have you seen the mixi bag I like? I talked about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYewgKdrmNmchacsi=MX_T3gIss3nctbbw

[@JAO-pf7mc]

@@alysmalls yes but here in Europe it costs twice as much, and I am unable to find the weight. It looks a bit heavy for a carryon.

[@sgrant9814]

I agree i bought the bric bag in black...it is a quality bag but unless packed full and hard, a y per bag atop it causes the top of the bric bag to "collapse". As well, i find the bric bag handle a bit rickety. I now use it primarily car travel and my heys or quince expandables 21.5" for air travel both of which are under 6.5 lbs.

[@DisabilityAttorney]

I have a Monos and hate it. Handle does not extend when full. Bought a Samsonite. I need to resell the Monos.

[@cheryllaidlaw979]

Would love to see an UnPack with me from your Portugal trip…both carry on and personal item.

[@alysmalls]

Thank you for the suggestion, I just might!

[@olti-d6e]

Which one can fit under the seat of international flight?

[@israelmacario3853]

Hi. Great bags. Do you know if they fit Tag airlines?

[@randolphchappel6098]

Aside from the videos you put out (which I like) the latest stuff on the news about charging for carry-on? I’m totally confused. Do they now charge for check-in suitcases plus anything bigger than a purse or back pack? Then price of the flight, price of seat selection, food, snacks, drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic). Lately I’m wondering about whether it’s worth it or not!🤔

[@alysmalls]

It depends which airline and which fare you're booking - it's mostly just those 'ultra-basic' type fares that they're charging for

[@michellesimmons3150]

I'm surprised the small beis carry is not a favorite

[@alysmalls]

it is! I hadn't tested it yet when I published this video, but it's now in my top 5 - I recently made an update video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2jdaZ6vgL-Xfsksi=nkggfdXu6O9imujk

[@DannyLee928]

Technical issue when watching this video on my Apple TV. Audio was only available in international languages but english was missing. But English is available from the browser. Weird.

[@olti-d6e]

What's your recommendation for an under seat international flight on Delta and Korean Airline? Thank you.

[@myr44]

It's not Westjet but Air Transat that has the smallest allowance size for carry-on : 20x16x9 inches.

[@MsSlb2012]

I find myself wanting the new Beis small carry on.

[@MsSlb2012]

The exterior measurements on the monos are bigger than what British Airways allows.

[@carolynknierim6848]

I don't like the clamshells especially in Europe's smaller hotel rooms. It takes up way more space when opened like a book.

[@paulnbrenda358]

How many pastéis de nata did you eat? I gained 9 pounds from eating in Portugal even with all the walking. Usually outside the The States I lose 15 pounds. The States put way to many chemicals in our food.

[@aahmd29]

Can you pls do a through review of LEVEL8 Hard Shell Carry on Luminous Textured. Keep up the good work. Liked and subscribed. Thank you!

[@RetroDiver]

I believe Sunwing has the strictest carry-on restrictions for a Canadian airline, if not the strictest in the world: 51 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (20” x 16” x 9”), with a max weight of 5kg (11lbs)

[@alysmalls]

sunwing is so hard! I avoid at all costs lol

[@RetroDiver]

@@alysmalls that makes two of us. That said, it's good for bragging rights for having the strictest of the strict

[@coqbcmichelle]

Do you find that the WestJet luggage Sizer bins are actually different sizes- wire bins and solid bins? On a trip from Vancouver to Vegas & back, it was fine in Vancouver and not find in Vegas

[@alysmalls]

Yes, the solid bins are tighter than the caged ones - I demo'd/talked about how frustrating this is in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKOqiIGZobubf8ksi=YFEnG8lpopLAK2Bc&t=366

[@spotifyde5979]

@07:10 taking a taxi or Uber in Europe is "probably only going to be about 3 Euros". What? I can't get into a German bus for 3 EUR.

[@alysmalls]

I never paid more than 6 euros on my last trip!

[@26Bluegb]

People- put your bags on its shortest side in the overhead bin, do NOT lay it on its "back" as shown in the video.

[@michaell1026]

I have been considering the Bric's bag but the specifications indicate that it is 15" wide and a lot of airlines like United, American, and Delta specify a 14" width for carry on bags. Do you know if the dimensions are accurate for the width of the Bric's bag? And/or does it fit in the 14" width sizers?

[@pcmacintyre]

10kg carry-on? I wish! Asian airlines are often 7kg.

[@MartinHarvey]

On your Transat flights your other bags were surely far too large? Under the seats? Sorry to be upity about this but I feel we’re al being penalized by pax who take far too much on board.

[@alysmalls]

? I take one carry-on (that fits in the overhead bin) and one personal item bag (that fits under the seat) - all these bags shown fit perfectly on transat

[@MartinHarvey]

@ I apologize for my error.

[@hiitchicks]

Where did you buy your bric bag in Canada. Any way to get it discounted? Thanks I’m in Toronto.

[@alysmalls]

I bought it direct from Amazon: amzn.to/48Zxcjv - maybe add to your cart and price watch! prices fluctuate a lot

[@deannacooper1859]

Do they fit Sunwing? I haven’t seen that airline on your lists

[@AbiBrown-q9k]

Carry-on: 9 x 16 x 20 inches (23 x 40 x 51 cm) and 11 pounds (5 kg)

[@alysmalls]

technically a little too tall, but it's close

[@alysmalls]

Ok I found a bag that will fit! amzn.to/3CgoOj5

[@henryluka361]

Did you change your channel to, "Carry-On Bags--Choosing & Packing?"

[@PotatoSpudRucking]

you should probably build your own item sizer at home, it will save you a lot of time recording this footage at the airport 😅

[@robertwamack3608]

That purple top fits amazing.

[@CarlBurgess-u5f]

sun wing doesn't allow 21" Your carry-on item cannot exceed 5 kgs (11 lbs) and must be no larger than 51 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm (20” x 16” x 9”). and Your personal item must be no larger than 40 cm x 25 cm x 16 cm (16” x 10” x 6”).

[@frankrogerbuaroy1779]

Nice bags! Have a nice day!

[@Caidezes]

Weight and price are important to me, and Travelpro still wins out in those categories, so I'm gonna stick with it for now.

[@TheKelly1951]

Just simplify your life and use a backpack. Nothing that you're dragging or pushing with wheels. Put your clothes on your back and you can maneuver far easier through cobblestone streets up and down stairs and in and out of airplanes and trains

[@lindaquennec6909]

I have a Monos and I find that when it's packed with the compression feature, the handle becomes very difficult to raise and lower and often got stuck.

[@DisabilityAttorney]

Same. Shelved it. Wish I never bought it.

[@popcorn7657]

The Monos is too big for AirTransat. You were just lucky that they didn’t ask you to place it in the sizer like they did with my TravelPro which didn’t fit either. I just got an incredible ticket with AirFrance on Light class and the Maximum weight is 12 kgs for both (my personal bag and Carry-on). So definitely my TravelPro and Monos were out of the question because already it would give me less weight allowance. So I opted for the Shark Tank carry-on luggage 4 wheels « BIAGGI » and it did the trick, soft side etc. Very happy. Aly, I too prefer the Mixi however it is too wide for Air Canada sizer. I’m thinking on buying the HANKE hard shell Top Opening 20in as I think it would fit the AirCanada Sizer.