Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Away The Carry-On
Best Hard-ShellBriggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On
Best PremiumPrice
$275-$325
$550-$700
Summary
The most popular hard-shell carry-on among everyday travelers, with a polycarbonate shell, built-in TSA lock, and a look that holds up after years of use. Most WIRED staffers own one.
The best carry-on money can buy if you fly constantly. Every detail — zippers, wheels, telescoping handle — is built to the highest standard, with a true lifetime warranty that covers airline damage.
Pros
- Polycarbonate shell retains shape and protects contents
- Built-in TSA-approved combination lock
- Stylish design available in many colors
- Wirecutter's top hard-shell pick — well-tested and widely trusted
- True lifetime warranty covers airline damage, not just manufacturing defects
- Higher proportion of usable packing space than any other spinner tested by Wirecutter
- Wrinkle-resistant suit compartment built in
- Glides like a dream — wheels and telescoping handle are top-tier
Cons
- Warranty not as comprehensive as Briggs & Riley
- Hard shell can crack under extreme airline mishandling
- Less packing flexibility than soft-sided bags
- Expensive — significantly more than most competitors
- Heavier than ultralight options
- Overkill for occasional travelers
Our take
Away isn't the most durable bag on this list, but it's the one most people actually buy and love for years. The price-to-quality ratio is hard to beat for a hard-shell, and the brand's repair program adds peace of mind.
Briggs & Riley is what frequent flyers upgrade to after their second or third Travelpro. The warranty covers airline damage, which no one else does — that alone justifies the price for road warriors.
Buy
