Best Carry-On Luggage for Spirit and Frontier Size Limits

For travelers who want the lightest spinner that still fits both airlines, including frequent flyers who lift a bag into a bin often.

Key specs are overall 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 inches, 5.3 pounds, and 39 liters. It expands up to 2 inches. It has a two position PowerScope Lite handle, four spinner wheels, lid and side pockets, and hold down straps. The DuraGuard fabric resists water and stains.

Pros:

• Fits both airline limits when unexpanded
• Light weight for a spinner
• Two position handle and four spinner wheels

Con: A full bag can tip when a heavy item sits on top, a point raised in owner comments.

Owner review themes, in our own words, center on light weight, smooth rolling, and a size that fits bins on many routes, with room beyond its small case size. Some mention firm zipper pulls and tipping when loaded on top.

Price tier: Mid-range. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon

For travelers who worry most about a strict sizer, with overall size at the Spirit limit and no extra length to argue about.

Key specs are overall 22 x 14 x 9 inches, 5.1 pounds, and 38 liters. It expands up to 2 inches. It has four spinner wheels and a two position handle.

Pros:

• Overall length sits at the Spirit limit, not over it
• Light weight for a spinner
• Compact case size leaves room in a full bin

Con: The smaller case holds less than a full size 21 inch bag, so heavy packers may run out of room.

Owner review themes, in our own words, focus on easy lifting, fewer gate questions, and smooth wheels. Some owners say the compact size forces hard choices on longer trips, and to keep expansion closed for a sizer check.

Price tier: Mid-range. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon

For travelers who want a hard shell and bright colors, without a premium price tag, on short trips.

Key specs are overall 22 x 15 x 9.5 inches, 7.83 pounds, and expansion of 1.5 inches. It has single spinner wheels, an ABS and polycarbonate shell, and a 10 year limited warranty from the maker. Measure with wheels included before you fly.

Pros:

• Hard shell helps protect clothes from rain and bumps
• Bright colors are easy to spot on a belt
• Single spinner wheels roll in any direction

Con: The hard shell shows scuffs more plainly than a soft fabric bag, a theme in owner comments.

Owner review themes, in our own words, praise the bright look, easy roll, and weekend-trip room. Owners also note it is heavier than a same-size soft shell, and single wheels can feel less stable on rough floors.

Price tier: Budget. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon

For travelers who want a hard shell without extra weight. It is the lightest hard shell in this guide.

Key specs are overall 22 x 14 x 9 inches, 4.7 pounds, and a Roxkin shell. It has a built in TSA lock, a USB port in carry-on sizes, and an internal battery pocket. Note that a battery is not part of the bag. Board unexpanded for a strict sizer check.

Pros:

• Very light for a hard shell bag
• Fits both airline limits when unexpanded
• Built in TSA lock and USB port in carry-on sizes

Con: The interior is smaller than the outside size suggests, because the shell and wheel housing take room.

Owner review themes, in our own words, focus on the light shell, the smooth double wheels, and a clean look that holds up on many trips. Some owners say the USB port is only useful if you bring your own power bank and cable.

Price tier: Premium. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon

For travelers who want a simple hard shell with no extra features to learn, on weekend trips.

Key specs are 21.7 x 14.9 x 9.2 inches, weight 6.4 pounds, capacity 38 liters, and an ABS and PC shell. It has a TSA lock and four spinner wheels. The size leaves a small margin on every side of the safe box.

Pros:

• Fits both airline limits with room to spare on length
• Hard shell with a TSA lock
• Four spinner wheels for easy rolling

Con: Owners note that the shell can dent on hard knocks, and a dented corner can make the lid sit less flush.

Owner review themes, in our own words, praise the low weight for a hard shell, smooth wheels, and a size that fits most bins. Owners also mention care needed with a full zipper, and fewer pockets than some soft shell bags.

Price tier: Budget. Check current price on Amazon.

Check current price on Amazon