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Wole Femi Asaolu
- September 21, 2023
Who says you have to spend a fortune on quality luggage? I bring you great news—quality can indeed be affordable. I have personally handpicked the 15 best carry-on luggage options under $100 that will impress you.
These selections are not just based on my personal experiences but also stem from fellow travelers’ recommendations and lotta glowing reviews. Prepare to be amazed!
SPOILER ALERT – Our Top Picks…
- Amazon Basics Hardside Suitcase: It’s our favorite carry-on luggage under $100. It’s strong and affordable.
- Matein Travel Backpack: If you’re looking for a backpack under $100, this is the one. It’s popular among frequent travelers and built to last.
- Hershel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag: This duffel bag gives you a good blend of quality without breaking the bank.
Our full list
If you’re not sold on the four bags above, don’t fret. Here is a preview of the best carry-on luggage that are priced under 100 dollars:
Best carry-on luggage under $100 (suitcases)
- Amazon Basics Hardside Carry On
- Rockland Melbourne Hardside Luggage
- American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Luggage
- SwissGear Sion 21-Inch Softside Suitcase
- Olympia U.S.A. 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag
Best carry-on luggage under with a lot of pockets for Travel (backpack)
- SwissGear 1900 Scansmart 17-Inch Backpack
- KROSER Travel Backpack
- Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
- Fjällräven Raven 20
- Under Armour Adult Hustle Pro Backpack
Best carry-on luggage under $100 (duffel, weekender, luggage set)
Best carry-on luggage under $100 (suitcases)
All the affordable carry-on suitcases in this section are durable and well-rated by travelers.
Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Luggage
I highly recommend the Amazon Basics suitcase as the best carry-on luggage option under $100 for frequent flyers seeking a reliable, budget-friendly bag that’s hard to beat.
This suitcase has garnered a multitude of positive reviews from Amazon users, boasting over 25,000 five-star ratings. It’s certain to exceed your expectations.
Carissa Rawson, a reporter at The Points Guy, has personally tested this bag on approximately 10 trips, both as a carry-on and checked luggage and she has been thoroughly impressed with its performance.
Rawson describes it as the perfect size to effortlessly maneuver through security and fit into almost any overhead bin. In her words, “It’s a win all around. I’ve put this bag through its paces and it always comes out ahead.”
What we also like
For easy organization, the fully lined interior features dividers that ensure your clothes stay in place, along with three zippered pockets for storing smaller items like toiletries, jewelry, or electronics.
I also like that this carry-on suitcase can expand up to 15% if you need more packing space. This means you’ll never have to worry about leaving your cherished souvenirs behind.
What we don’t like
During my research into the negative aspects of this budget friendly carry on luggage, I came across feedback from users such as Courtney Thompson, a writer for CNN Underscored. According to Thompson, the suitcase is not as sturdy as premium suitcases like the Away Carry-on and can be easily damaged if not handled with care.
Moreover, while some Amazon users have successfully used this bag for 5 years across three continents, there are also reviews from customers who haven’t been so fortunate. Therefore, my advice is not to expect this bag to last you many years of use, as chances are it probably won’t.
Rockland Melbourne Hardside Luggage
The Rockland suitcase is popular among travelers, primarily because of its affordable price and its sleek, stylish appearance. However, its appeal extends far beyond its great price tag. Numerous customer reviews on Amazon have attested to its excellent performance for both business trips and weekend getaways.
A customer expressed their admiration for this bag’s sleek spinner wheels and its strict adherence to carry-on size guidelines. They were particularly thrilled that it flawlessly conforms to the size limitations imposed by the airlines they have traveled with, eliminating any concerns about sizing problems.
Moreover, users appreciate that this 20″ carry on luggage under 100 effortlessly fits into the overhead compartments of most major airlines, including United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Allegiant flights.
What we also like
If you’re someone who, like me, tends to pack more than necessary, you’ll find this expandable luggage handy when you need more space.
Moreover, the suitcase offers handy features for easy packing, including compression straps, an interior mesh zip pocket, and an elasticated pocket. These ensure that even your smaller items stay well-organized throughout your journey.
What we don’t like
Following the recommendation made by Kimberly Holland, a luggage writer for Trip Savvy, I would strongly advise against checking this best carry on suitcase under $100. The reason for this caution is that the hard shell suitcase is constructed from ABS plastic, a material that is not as durable as polycarbonate.
Some customers have reported instances of broken spinner wheels, damaged handles, and shell cracks, sometimes occurring even during the initial use. But if you’ll exclusively use this bag as a carry-on, you can help protect it from unnecessary bumps and impacts that often occur during the checking process, which may ultimately extend its lifespan.
American Tourister Moonlight Spinner Luggage
Amanda Lawrence, the travel blogger at Pilot Plans, in her review about American Tourister says it’s the best brand if you want a durable suitcase without breaking the bank.
And you know what? I couldn’t agree more! The American Tourister Moonlight bag, one of their most popular and highly rated suitcases, exemplifies these qualities.
With over 8000 five-star ratings, this Amazon bestseller has stolen hearts left and right. Customers love its sleek design, buttery-smooth spinner wheels, and the fact that it’s durable enough to withstand multiple trips.
For example, an Amazon customer, who identified themselves as a frequent traveler looking for reliable and roomy luggage, expressed their satisfaction with the bag.
They stated that it was absolutely perfect, highlighting its robust build that effectively safeguards their belongings during travels. Furthermore, they praised the bag’s spacious interior, which offered ample room for packing.
What we also like
Here’s the kicker: this 21″ wonder can hold an impressive amount of stuff. A reviewer even mentioned that it’s spacious enough for a five to seven-day trip through Vancouver Canada to in Japan.
Clearly, this bag is the real deal, with style, functionality, and oodles of positive reviews to back it up. Plus, it’s simply the best luggage items under $100 if you want something that’ll last.
What we don’t like
Just like Torben Lonne from Dive.com and a few Amazon reviewers have mentioned, the glossy surface of the Moonlight suitcase is prone to scratches.
Moreover, I discovered that some users were not happy about the bag’s zipper quality, noting that it tends to become stiff or damaged too easily. Although this viewpoint was not dominant among the 11,000+ Amazon users who reviewed the bag, I still think it’s worth considering when you wanna buy.
SwissGear Sion 21-Inch Softside Luggage
I have been discussing hardside suitcases, but if you’re looking for the best softside carry on suitcase under $100, I recommend the SwissGear Sion 21-Inch suitcase.
This bag is constructed with scuff-resistant polyester, which is typical for cheap luggage of this kind. Although it may not be as durable as a high-quality nylon bag, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this bag has received numerous positive reviews commending its durability.
According to Alexios Georgakopoulos, a writer for Clever Journey, if you’re not a heavy user, you can expect your SwissGear suitcase to last anywhere from five to ten years. One Amazon user, who lives in a small town where all their flights require gate checking, mentioned that their Sion luggage is “[still] going strong” after three trips and numerous gate checks.
Likewise, another reviewer, whose family has relied on SwissGear luggage for more than ten years, shared that every member of their family has borrowed or use these bags for every journey throughout the past 15 years, and the quality has remained unchanged.
What we also like
For easy organization, you’ve got a spacious main compartment, compression straps, zippered mesh pockets, and even a nifty detachable TSA-approved toiletry pouch. How convenient is that? And guess what? The main compartment is expandable by a whopping two inches, perfect for those moments when you’re running low on space.
What we don’t like
More than a few users of this carry-on suitcase have complained about its flimsy retractable handle. It has been noted that after a few trips, the luggage handle may become unstable or cease to function properly. Shockingly, there have been reports of the handle breaking even upon its first use!
Olympia U.S.A. 8 Pocket Rolling Duffel Bag
If you’re concerned that a hardside suitcase lacks the flexibility to meet your travel needs, consider opting for the Olympia rolling duffel bag, an expandable softside bag.
This carry on luggage under $100 is an excellent choice for adventure travelers and those who tend to over-pack. Why, it’s so versatile that you can fit it into the trunk of a safari vehicle or squeeze it into the overhead bin of an airplane. You can use it for whatever you like.
I like that you can conveniently carry it around thanks to its grab handles, or wheel it around with in-line skate wheels. The choice is yours!
What we also like
I have been thoroughly impressed by the bag’s durability. A traveler has attested to extensively using this bag—they’ve packed it to the brim, stacked other travel bags on top of it, and carried it to various places—and even after years of use, it remains in perfect working condition. They recommend opting for a dark color because this bag is built to last indefinitely!
What we don’t like
One downside of this rolling duffel bag is its two-wheel design. While these wheels excel at navigating challenging surfaces and are less prone to breakage compared to four-wheel designs, they tend to tip over when the bag is being rolled.
There have also been complaints about the bag not meeting the carry-on requirements of certain airlines, like American Airlines. Despite the website stating a maximum size limit of 22″ including the wheels, a traveler reported that the bag measures 23″ with the wheels included, surpassing the specified dimensions.
Best carry-on luggage under $100 (backpacks)
According to experts, research and personal experience, here are my recommended picks for the best backpacks under $100.
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack
When it comes to recommending the best carry-on backpack under $100, SwissGear immediately comes to mind. They have a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, yet affordable bags. Shocking, right?
I want to specifically highlight their popular 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack, which has received outstanding reviews from Amazon shoppers, garnering over 22,848 ratings, including nearly 18,947 five-star customer reviews.
Not only is this backpack highly regarded, but it is also one you can rely on to last for a long time. For instance, there’s a customer who reported using this backpack for a remarkable 9 years, and it still looks almost new. They relied on it daily to transport their laptop and documents to and from the office, and it has undeniably passed the test of time.
What we also like
You’ll also like how this spacious 31L bag has many pockets and compartments to help keep everything neatly organized. It features an organizer compartment, stretchy water bottle pockets, zippered accessory compartments, a daisy chain for attaching extra accessories, and more.
My favorite is the dedicated 17-inch laptop compartment that opens flat, making it convenient for TSA screening at the airport. You can simply leave your laptop inside the bag during security checks, saving you valuable time.
What we don’t like
Despite the padded shoulder straps and the back panel featured in this 31L bag, I wish it also had a chest strap for additional support. So be prepared that wearing this bag for an extended period or carrying a lot of weight can strain your back.
KROSER Travel Laptop Backpack
If you need a travel backpack that can fit a 17.5″ laptop while providing multiple pockets and sufficient padding for your valuables, I think you should seriously consider the Kroser Travel Pack.
This spacious carry on luggage under $50 offers four separate compartments for easy organization. Firstly, there’s a larger compartment designed for clothing and bulkier items. Additionally, there’s a dedicated and padded laptop compartment that can comfortably house a 17.3″ laptop.
Furthermore, an iPad compartment is included, as well as an organizer with diverse slots and pockets for smaller belongings. What makes this backpack even more impressive are the many easy-access pockets it offers. You’ll find a protective pocket for sunglasses, two elasticated pockets for water bottles pockets, and an anti-theft back pocket for when carrying valuable belongings.
To showcase its generous storage capacity, a traveler questions the necessity of a suitcase. They were able to carry their laptop, three cameras with long lenses, clothes, and essentially everything they needed for a couple of weeks. The bag can hold an enormous amount of items and has pockets for each item! Impressive, right?
What we also like
What’s not to love about this carry on luggage under $100? It’s water-repellant, with a built-in USB port. Plus, it’s got a luggage pass-through strap and the comfiest air-flow back padding ever.
What we don’t like
Due to its big size, I believe this bag is too large for individuals of shorter stature or those with a petite frame. So, if you fall into this category, please take note of this factor. Oh, and watch out for the zippers too! Some users have griped about its lousy quality.
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
I’ve observed that cheap bags are often expected to be of low quality and not suitable for heavy use. However, this is not the case with the Matein backpack.
Despite being a carry on luggage under $30, this bag has proven to be a reliable workhorse that surpasses expectations. It has received praise from over 68,000 users who have found it to be durable and dependable.
A particular traveler praised this backpack, stating that it is excellent as an everyday commuter bag and carry-on bag. For a little over a year, it has been an essential part of their daily routine.
The quality of the backpack, from the fabric to the zippers, has been impeccable as it has faithfully carried their belongings to the office and back home every day. They have also taken it on multiple flights and found that it easily fits under the seat.
Staying organized is a breeze with this 34L bag. It features a tech compartment with plenty of pockets and padding to protect your smartphone, tablet, and even a 15.6-inch laptop during transport.
What we also like
One thing I appreciate about this bag is that it offers two variants tailored to different laptop sizes: one for 15-inch laptops and another for 17-inch laptops.
Equally significant is the bag’s focus on providing a comfortable carrying experience through excellent weight distribution. It incorporates a ventilation back design that promotes airflow, ensuring a cool and breathable feel. Additionally, the shoulder straps are padded to offer back support and minimize strain.
What we don’t like
This pack lacks adequate padding on the bottom to ensure the safe transportation of your laptop or other tech devices. While there is cushioning on both sides of the compartment where you slide in your laptop, there is no padding on the bottom. This means that if you accidentally drop your backpack forcefully onto the ground, it could potentially damage your devices.
Fjällräven Raven 20
The Fjallraven Raven 20L is a compact and practical backpack suitable for everyday use and short trips. Interestingly, this 20L bag can hold more than it looks. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it can fit a 15″ laptop, small water bottles, and various other daily essentials.
A happy reviewer shared their experience using this bag during a trip to Cancun, expressing their surprise at its capacity. They were able to comfortably fit passports, keys, wallets, and headphones. The main pocket accommodated an iPad Pro and a mirrorless camera with a lens, while the second compartment easily held a portable battery and miscellaneous items.
The side pockets, although not large enough for a hydro flask or Nalgene bottle, were suitable for a sunglasses case. They also utilized the outer zip pocket on the front to store all their charging cords.
What we also like
Crafted from the robust G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco fabric, this bag, like most Fjallraven packs, is not only sturdy but also environmentally conscious, being made with organic cotton and recycled polyester. An added advantage is the ability to wax the bag, enhancing its water resistance.
What we don’t like
While the bag itself is small and lightweight, it’s worth noting that the back panel lacks ventilation or mesh. This can be a factor to consider, particularly when using the bag during the summer months as it may result in increased heat and discomfort while wearing the backpack.
I also found that the two water bottle pockets lack elastic, which means they may be a tight fit for the hydro flask, Nalgene bottles, or even an umbrella.
Under Armour Adult Hustle Pro Backpack
If you’re on the lookout for a cheap luggage under $50 that you can take to the gym and everywhere else, I highly recommend the Under Armour bag. People who have used this bag have praised its spacious interior, and specifically designed compartments for shoes, clothes, electronics, and more.
Here’s an intriguing detail: The Pro pack features an expandable shoe pocket that conveniently doubles as a laundry pocket, allowing you to keep soiled items separate from the rest. It also has several other fantastic features such as a soft-lined laptop sleeve to protect your device and an insulated pocket to keep your valuable items safe.
Another appealing aspect of this top luggage under $100 is its wide array of fun colors and patterns, providing you with plenty of options to choose from.
What we also like
Choose this backpack, and you’ll enjoy a comfortable carrying experience with its breathable design, adjustable shoulder straps, and innovative clip system that ensures a balanced distribution of weight. It can be conveniently attached to your chest, preventing the backpack from slipping off and keeping it securely in place.
What we don’t like
While the Pro backpack has its merits, some Amazon shoppers were disappointed that the bag’s exterior is not water-resistant as they had anticipated. A particular customer had hoped for better protection against rain, but unfortunately, after approximately 15 minutes of rainfall, the side of the bag that was exposed became soaked.
Best carry-on luggage under $100 (Duffel, luggage set, etc.)
In this section, I’ll be talking about the best budget friendly carry-on luggage set and duffel bags that are priced affordably, specifically under $100.
Hershel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag
The medium-sized Herschel Novel Duffel is just what the doctor ordered for those who are looking for a sturdy hauler while keeping to a budget. Don’t let its low price fool you—this best luggage under $100 is packed with all the essential features you need.
The duffel offers ample storage options, including a spacious 33L main compartment with a padded pocket for a 16″ laptop. It even has a dedicated shoe compartment to keep your footwear separate and easily accessible.
Plus, it’s got some great extras like a waterproof zipper, reinforced handles, and a removable padded shoulder strap, ensuring comfortable carrying.
Need proof? On the brand’s website, one thrilled customer gushed about their recent 4-day trip, praising the bag’s quality, roominess, and lightweight design.
They said, “I’m thrilled with the bag’s quality. It’s roomy without being heavy, and I love the lining. This is no ordinary duffle bag. I’m confident my new Herschel bag will last me for years to come.” This ain’t your average duffle bag, folks.
What we also like
The design of this duffel bag is carefully crafted to strike a balance between tastefulness and minimalism, ensuring it appeals to even the pickiest traveler. This is a travel companion I can take on any sort of getaway, be it a casual weekend or an important business trip.
And here’s another exciting part: the bag comes in a range of vibrant colors, and is cheaply priced, making it one of the best carry on luggage under 100 dollars!
What we don’t like
I would not suggest the Herschel Supply Co.’s novel duffle bag for extended journeys, particularly if you intend to travel with only one carry-on or prefer to stay organized. Apart from the shoe pocket, it lacks sufficient internal and external pockets, which limits your choices for keeping your belongings neatly arranged.
Furthermore, I came across numerous customer complaints on Amazon regarding the bag’s subpar zippers and strap quality. Many customers also mentioned that they don’t like the annoying sound of the strap buckles squeaking, which can be embarrassing to carry in public.
Beis The Mini Weekender
It is possible to do it in style with the Mini Weekender from Beis. It’s called ‘weekender’ as it’s perfect for a weekend getaway. But this is a bag that can serve multiple purposes, including as a gym carry, diaper bag, work bag, and even travel bag for overnight trips.
With a whopping 33-liter capacity, this bag gives you plenty of space to pack all your essentials and more. From your everyday must-haves like your phone, wallet, keys, snacks, and clothes, to your travel essentials like extra outfits and shoes, this bag can handle it all. You’ll also find a padded laptop sleeve capable of fitting devices up to 13″ or 15″.
The Mini Weekender goes the extra mile to keep you organized. It features a separate bottom compartment specifically designed for your shoes, toiletries, and other essentials. No more digging through a jumbled mess—everything has its place in this bag.
What we also like
While I’m still on why the Beis Weekender is the best carry on under 100 dollars, it is only fair I provide an example of someone who successfully traveled with the bag.
Anvita Reddy, the assistant editor for POPSUGAR’s Commerce team, shared her experience with the bag as a personal item carry-on bag during a three-day trip.
She found that the bag accommodated most of her essentials and easily fit horizontally underneath the seat in front of her when she flew to DC on United Express with basic economy seating.
Given the bag’s dimensions of 16 x 16 x 8 inches, which meet the requirements for a personal item, Reddy recommended it as an excellent choice for budget airlines. She specifically mentioned that “if you prefer to fly the cheapest options (Spirit Airlines, Frontier, or basic economy seating), this bag should be your go-to for fitting all your vacation must haves and in-flight necessities.” Its size is ideal for meeting the personal item requirements of such airlines.
What we don’t like
On the Beis website review section, I came across some less favorable experiences shared by users regarding the Mini Weekender.
The main concerns expressed by these individuals primarily revolve around durability issues. According to their feedback, there have been instances where the stitching comes apart or the zippers break after only a few uses.
Rockland Softside 2-Piece Luggage Set
What could be better than getting one affordable bag? How about two best luggage under 100 dollars! This incredible set includes a suitcase and a flight tote bag, both of which have received an impressive 4.4-star rating on Amazon with over 61,000 reviews. It’s clear that people love these bags!
And the best part? They are priced at just $40, making them one of the top choices for best carry-on luggage under $100. Talk about a steal! With this set, you’ll be getting not one, but two high-quality luggage that won’t break the bank.
You’ll like that the suitcase is carry-on sized, measuring a convenient 20″ x 13″ x 7.5″. It will fit perfectly in most overhead bins, even on smaller planes. One traveler mentioned that this bag meets the requirements of budget airlines, making it their go-to suitcase when facing strict carry-on rules.
But that’s not all—the tote bag can easily serve as your personal item on the flight, allowing you to pack essentials like your laptop and other items that you need quick and easy access to. With this set, you’ll have everything you need, and on days when you don’t need to pack a lot, you can simply travel with just one bag. It’s all about convenience and practicality!
What we also like
Navigating with this bag is a breeze! It features robust inline wheels, which are more resilient than spinner wheels when rolling over various surfaces. You won’t have to worry about them getting damaged. Additionally, the telescoping handle makes maneuvering effortless, especially when fully extended.
What we don’t like
Xeandra Naicker a writer of Clever Journey in her review stated that the wheels on this soft-sided luggage lack a rubberized coating. So even though they roll smoothly on various surfaces, they tend to generate significant noise during use.
I have to also point out that a few customers have expressed concerns about the suitcase’s tendency to tip over. Therefore, when you travel with it, you have to be prepared to hold onto it or support it against another object, so it doesn’t fall over.
FAQs
What is the best carry-on luggage under $100?
In my opinion, the best suitcase under 100 dollars is the Amazon Basics Hardside suitcase. It offers excellent durability while still being budget-friendly compared to other suitcases on the market.
For an affordable backpack priced under $100, my go-to is the Matein Travel Backpack. Despite its reasonable price, this bag is highly regarded by frequent travelers and is designed to withstand the test of time.
For those in need of an affordable duffel bag, I believe the Hershel Supply Co. Novel Duffel Bag is the way to go. This best carry on luggage under $100 offers a decent level of quality and price that lets you know you got the best deal.
What is the safest carry-on luggage size?
The common size considered safe is a carry-on bag that meets the maximum dimensions allowed by most airlines, which is typically around 22 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 9 inches in depth.
These dimensions ensure that the bag can fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you without any issues. Always check with the specific airline you are flying with as their size restrictions may vary.
What is the normal price for a suitcase?
The normal price for a suitcase can vary significantly depending on various factors such as brand, size, material, features, and quality. In general, for a decent-quality suitcase, prices typically range from $50 to $200. However, luxury or premium suitcases from well-known brands can exceed $200 and may go up to $1000, or more.
Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?
Airlines do not have a specific preference for whether passengers use hard or soft luggage. As long as the luggage adheres to the airline’s requirements, including size and weight restrictions, and can be safely stored in overhead compartments or cargo holds, airlines are generally unconcerned about the type. The choice between hard or soft luggage is ultimately a personal preference for travelers.
Bottom Line
Thank you for reading this review of the best carry-on luggage options under $100! The selections above are indeed great choices in terms of affordability and quality.
That said, there may be other affordable bags that I may have missed out on. If you have any recommendations for reasonably priced bags that you believe would be ideal for travelers, please let’s know in the comment section!
Why You Should Trust Travelccessories
If you’re looking for trustworthy guidance on travel accessories, you can count on Travelccessories. Femi, an expert in travel gear, and our team have put together a comprehensive review that draws on our hands-on testing, extensive research on reputable brands, careful examination of product manuals and customer feedback, and evaluation of numerous luggage models.
We specifically looked for bags with robust construction, exceptional features, and high ratings from real users. And most importantly, our team consists of experts who do not accept payment for reviews and are committed to providing honest and thorough information to help you make informed decisions when choosing the right luggage.
Also, this article is not sponsored in any way by any company. These products have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesn’t cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.