In our 2026 ranking of the best carry-on luggage, the Samsonite Lite-Box takes the top spot. At 2.1 kg empty with a 36 L capacity built around the brand’s exclusive Curv material, it just edges out the rest. Behind it: the Delsey Turenne (made in France), the Rimowa Essential Lite (premium design, premium price), the American Tourister Bon Air (under 100 euros), the Eastpak Transit’R S (30-year warranty), and the Cabin Max Anode (cheapest of the bunch). Here’s the full breakdown.
Our ranking of the best carry-on luggage
| Rank | Brand & Model | Weight | Material | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samsonite Lite-Box | 2.1 kg | Curv | 36 L |
| 2 | Delsey Turenne | 2.2 kg | Polycarbonate | 35 L |
| 3 | Rimowa Essential Lite | 2.4 kg | Polycarbonate | 31 L |
| 4 | American Tourister Bon Air | 2.5 kg | Polypropylene | 32 L |
| 5 | Eastpak Transit’R S | 2.6 kg | Polyester | 33 L |
| 6 | Cabin Max Anode | 2.0 kg | ABS | 30 L |
1. Samsonite Lite-Box
Samsonite is a long-established luggage brand, and the Lite-Box is one of its flagship models. The shell is made of Curv, a material Samsonite developed in-house that combines impact resistance with featherweight construction. The result feels almost suspiciously light when you pick it up empty.
Strengths of the Samsonite Lite-Box:
- Ultra-lightweight at 2.1 kg empty, one of the lightest in its category
- Exclusive Curv material: announced as tougher than standard polycarbonate, which matters when baggage handlers stack five suitcases on top of yours
- 36-litre capacity with a smart interior layout (cross ribbons plus divider)
- 4 silent double wheels that actually glide on smooth airport floors
- Built-in TSA lock, the kind US customs can open without breaking
- 10-year warranty, which tells you Samsonite trusts its own product
The Lite-Box comes in a wide range of colours and meets cabin dimensions for all major airlines, including most low-cost carriers (always double-check Ryanair).
2. Delsey Turenne
Delsey is a historic French luggage brand, and the Turenne is its flagship cabin model. Elegance, solidity, French manufacturing.
Strengths:
- 100% polycarbonate shell with strong impact resistance
- Patented TSA lock with a secure closure
- Textured finish that hides scratches well
- Made in France
3. Rimowa Essential Lite
Rimowa is what luxury looks like in the luggage world. The Essential Lite gives you the brand’s iconic ribbed design in a lighter polycarbonate version.
Strengths:
- Instantly recognisable, premium design
- Lightweight polycarbonate with solid resistance
- Multiwheel system that’s genuinely smooth
- Lifetime warranty on the shell
The Essential Lite starts at 500 euros.
4. American Tourister Bon Air
American Tourister is owned by Samsonite, and the Bon Air channels that DNA into a budget-friendly package.
Strengths:
- Under 100 euros, a rare price point for solid hard-shell
- Polypropylene that absorbs impacts well
- Wide range of bright colours (useful for spotting on a carousel)
- TSA lock built in
5. Eastpak Transit’R S
Eastpak built its name on indestructible backpacks. The Transit’R applies the same logic to cabin suitcases.
Strengths:
- 30-year warranty (yes, thirty)
- Construction feels bulletproof
- Understated design that goes with anything
6. Cabin Max Anode
Cabin Max is the option for occasional travellers who don’t want to spend big on a suitcase.
Strengths:
- Under 50 euros, full stop
- Very light at 2.0 kg
- Sized to comply with low-cost carrier limits
How to choose the right carry-on luggage
- Check dimensions for your specific airline. Each carrier sets its own limits. Verify before you buy.
- Prioritise lightness. Every gram counts when the cabin limit is 7 or 8 kg.
- Go for 4 wheels. Airport maneuverability beats 2-wheel any day.
- Pick a TSA lock. Mandatory for the US, useful everywhere else.
- Spend on quality. A good suitcase lasts a decade. The cost per trip is minimal.
Our verdict
For carry-on luggage, the Samsonite Lite-Box tops this ranking. The Curv material gives you a good strength-to-weight ratio, the 36-litre capacity is generous, and the 10-year warranty makes it a real long-term investment.
On a tighter budget, the American Tourister Bon Air is a smart choice for under 100 euros, and you’re still getting Samsonite engineering underneath. For prestige, the Rimowa Essential Lite is a classic that holds its value.
Whichever you pick, a well-chosen carry-on changes how you travel. No more baggage carousel waits, no more lost-luggage anxiety, no more arguing with check-in desks. That alone justifies spending a bit more.