How much should you spend on a carry-on suitcase

The short version

• Most people need a bag that fits the airline's size limit with wheels and handles counted, rolls smoothly, and has sturdy zippers and a steady handle.
• A basic hardside carry-on lists around $89.87, a mid level runs about $215 to $245, and premium models list at $679 to $729.
• Skip paying extra just to get the lightest bag, because a bag that rolls smoothly and stands steady is better than a lighter one that handles badly.

Which kind fits you

Start with size, because it decides whether the bag rides with you or gets checked. American Airlines publishes 22 × 14 × 9 inches as its carry-on maximum, and that counts the handles and wheels. CALPAK's size guide lists Delta, United, American, Alaska and JetBlue at the same size, while Southwest allows 24 × 16 × 10. Airlines measure with wheels, handles and outside pockets included, and the size is not a universal standard, so check yours. Some international airlines go smaller, at 21.5 × 15.5 × 7.5 inches, and a 24-inch bag is too large for most economy limits. Budget airlines may allow only smaller cabin bags, and most low-cost carriers charge for carry-ons at all.

Then pick the shell. Softside is usually lighter and often costs less than a like-for-like hardside. Many softsides have an expansion zipper, while many hardshells cannot expand. Hardside resists squashing, while softside resists scuffs better, and a hard shell can crack if it is dropped. If you stay in small hotel rooms, remember a clamshell hardside needs floor space for both halves.

Features to look for

Wheels come first. Spinners, with four wheels, are easiest on smooth airport floors. Two-wheeled cases with larger wheels do better on rough ground and curbs. Hollow plastic wheels can be noisier outside.

Next, handles. Look for a retractable trolley handle and a side-grab handle. The trolley handle sits inside the case, so check how much packing space it takes, especially in a cabin bag.

Then run a quick durability check. Look at the wheels, handle steadiness, zippers and corners, and see if the bag stands upright. A bag that rolls smoothly and stands steady beats a lighter one that handles awkwardly. Last, compare overall dimensions, not just the case size on the tag.

Upgrades worth paying for

A tougher shell is worth it if you fly often or your bag gets tossed around. Polycarbonate is light and handles impact well, while ABS usually costs less but gives up some of that toughness. Aluminum is the most durable, but it is also the heaviest and priciest, so it only makes sense for heavy, frequent use.

An expansion zipper is worth it if you bring home souvenirs. Check the expanded size first, since it can push you past the airline limit. Outside pockets are worth it if you want a laptop, bottle or folder within reach. They are common on softsides and less common on hardsides, so a hardside buyer who wants them should look for them on purpose.

What you can skip

The one thing to skip is paying more only for a lighter bag. Smoothly rolling wheels and a steady handle matter more in daily use than a few ounces saved.

You can also skip aluminum if you fly once or twice a year, since it is the heaviest and priciest shell. A thinner, cheaper shell and a basic spinner give you the same everyday use on a 22 inch limit. And if you never carry a laptop or folder in the outside of the bag, you can pass on outside pockets and not miss them.

What you get for the money

Around $89.87 gets you a basic hardside spinner at list price. One retailer listing shows a polycarbonate shell, a TSA lock, a weight of 6.6 lb and a 10-year limited warranty. That is a single listing rather than a maker page, so treat it as a rough marker for the basic level.

Around $215 to $245 gets you a mid level carry-on, based on two list prices from one maker. This is where the upgrades above come into play, such as a tougher shell or an expansion zipper, so read each model's spec page to see which ones it includes before you pay for them.

Around $679 to $729 is the premium level. One maker lists its 22 inch expandable spinner at $729 and the two-wheel version at $679. The price alone does not tell you what you are getting, so ask whether the extra covers a tougher shell, better wheels, a sturdier handle or zippers you can feel. Spend here only if you will use the bag hard for years.