Best Softside Carry-On Luggage of 2026
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Softside carry-on luggage is a great choice for travelers who want a lightweight and flexible option for their carry-on needs. Made from durable and water-resistant materials, these bags are designed to withstand the wear and tear of frequent travel. They often feature multiple pockets and compartments, making it easy to organize and access your belongings on the go. Softside carry-on luggage also comes in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find the perfect fit for your travel needs and personal style. Whether you're a frequent business traveler or a weekend adventurer, softside carry-on luggage is a smart and practical choice.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Softside Carry-On Luggage
LOVEVOOK 22" Softside Carry-On Luggage
The LOVEVOOK Carry-On Luggage is designed to make your travel smooth and hassle-free. Its compact size fits most airline overhead bins, so you won’t have to worry about checked baggage. The durable, water- and scratch-resistant fabric keeps your belongings safe, while the 360-degree spinner wheels let you glide through airports quietly and with ease. Inside, you’ll find plenty of space and smart compartments, including a waterproof pocket for wet items and multiple sections to keep everything organized. Plus, the front laptop compartment offers quick access and protection for your 15.6-inch laptop, making it perfect for business trips or working on the go.
U.S. Traveler 20" Green Carry-On
The U.S. Traveler Carry-On is designed for travelers who appreciate both style and functionality. With its high-quality polyester construction, this suitcase looks elegant while being durable. You will love the retractable push-button handle, which makes navigating through the airport effortless. The piggy-bag strap is a convenient feature that allows you to carry your tote bag hands-free, simplifying your travel experience. Inside, the fully lined compartment includes tie-down straps and a mesh zipper pocket, providing organized storage for your belongings. This suitcase combines luxury with practicality, making it an excellent choice for your next journey.
SwissGear Sion 21-Inch Carry-On Luggage
The SwissGear Sion Carry-On is designed to make your travel experience smoother. Its 360-degree spinner wheels and retractable handle let you navigate busy airports and tight airplane aisles with ease. You’ll appreciate the multiple front pockets, which include a built-in ID tag, helping you stay organized and easily identify your bag. The expandable design offers extra packing space when you need it, while the durable polyester material protects your belongings from scuffs and wear. Inside, adjustable tie-down straps keep your clothes secure, and the fully lined interior adds a touch of quality. This luggage also features several compartments, including a removable wet bag and mesh pockets, to keep your items neatly arranged.
LOVEVOOK 20 Inch Carry On Luggage
The LOVEVOOK Carry On is crafted to enhance your travel experience with its thoughtful organization and accessibility. With three front compartments, you can easily store essentials like boarding passes and a laptop, ensuring you have quick access when needed. The spacious interior features a waterproof wet bag, perfect for keeping wet clothes separate from your other belongings. Additionally, the luggage meets airline size requirements, fitting comfortably in overhead bins. Made from durable, water-resistant materials, this suitcase glides smoothly on 360° spinner wheels, making it easy to maneuver even when fully packed.
LOVEVOOK 22-Inch Carry-On Luggage with Wrinkle-Free Garment Holder
The LOVEVOOK 22" Carry-On is designed to make your travel hassle-free. It features a built-in garment holder that keeps your suits and dresses wrinkle-free, perfect for business trips or special events. You’ll appreciate the well-organized interior with padded laptop compartments and multiple pockets that keep your essentials like electronics, documents, and toiletries within easy reach. The suitcase glides smoothly on 360° spinner wheels, making airport navigation effortless. Plus, its TSA-approved lock provides security while complying with airport regulations. This carry-on meets airline size limits, so you can avoid checked bag fees and easily fit it in overhead bins or under the seat.
LOVEVOOK 22-Inch Softside Carry-On Luggage
The LOVEVOOK 22" Carry-On is designed to fit most airline cabin size limits, making it perfect for hassle-free travel. Weighing just 7.6 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for easy handling. Its durable polyester material is water and scratch-resistant, so it can handle the bumps of travel while staying looking good. The 360-degree spinner wheels roll smoothly and quietly, helping you move effortlessly through busy airports. Plus, the front laptop compartment lets you quickly access your 15.6-inch laptop or tablet, ideal for business trips. With included storage bags and a wet compartment, you can stay organized and keep your belongings protected on any trip.
LOVEVOOK 20 Inch Carry On Luggage Set
The LOVEVOOK Carry On Luggage is designed to make your travels easier and more organized. Its size fits most airline overhead bins, so you won't worry about gate-checking your bag. With multiple exterior pockets, including one for a water bottle, you can quickly access your essentials during busy airport moments. The suitcase comes with extra storage bags and a special wet compartment, helping you keep your belongings neat and separated. Built tough, it has passed several durability tests, ensuring it can handle rough handling and different weather conditions. This luggage is a reliable travel companion for both short trips and longer journeys.
LOVEVOOK 20-Inch Carry-On Luggage
The LOVEVOOK Carry-On Suitcase is designed to make your travels easier and more organized. It fits most airline overhead compartments, weighing just 6.8 pounds, so you can breeze through airports without checking your bag. The stylish front quilted compartment offers quick access to essentials like your laptop and boarding passes, saving you time at security checkpoints. With a spacious 45-liter main compartment, you can pack for trips lasting up to a week, and the dedicated dry and wet separation keeps your belongings neat and fresh. Plus, the durable, water-resistant fabric and TSA-approved lock provide security and protection wherever you go.
KROSER 20-Inch Expandable Carry-On Luggage
The KROSER Carry-On Luggage is designed to fit in most airline overhead compartments, making it an ideal travel companion. With dimensions that accommodate a 16-inch laptop and an 11-inch iPad, you can easily store your essentials. The durable spinner wheels ensure smooth movement on various surfaces, while the TSA-approved lock provides added security for your belongings. Additionally, the built-in USB port allows you to charge your devices on the go, enhancing your travel convenience. This luggage combines practicality with style, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
Samsonite Uplift 20-Inch Carry-On
The Samsonite Uplift Carry-On is designed for travelers who value convenience and functionality. Its lightweight construction, made from recycled materials, makes it easy to carry without weighing you down. You’ll appreciate the adjustable handle that customizes to your height, enhancing comfort as you navigate through busy airports. The mesh access pocket provides quick retrieval of essentials, while the compression straps maximize your packing efficiency. Additionally, the included wet pouch keeps your liquids organized and separate from your clothing, ensuring peace of mind during your travels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the pros and cons of soft side luggage?
Soft side luggage has its pros and cons. On the positive side, it is more likely to recover from rigorous handling compared to hard side luggage. However, it is more prone to scratches and stains, can be harder to clean, and may offer less protection for valuables if the bag is thrown or pushed around during transit.
2. Does softside luggage have TSA locks?
Softside luggage may come with TSA locks, but it depends on the specific product. Some softside luggage sets may include TSA locks for added security during travel.
3. Can you take soft luggage on a plane?
Yes, you can take soft luggage on a plane. There are no specific guidelines or restrictions regarding the choice between soft-side or hard-side luggage. It is entirely up to you whether you prefer to carry soft-sided luggage for your journey.
4. What size is a soft carry-on?
The size of a soft carry-on luggage can vary. Soft-sided garment bags up to 51 inches (length + width + height) can typically be taken as a carry-on item. However, it is always recommended to check the specific size requirements of the airline you are traveling with.
5. Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?
Airlines do not have a preference when it comes to luggage. Whether you choose hard-sided or soft-sided luggage is entirely your choice and depends on your personal preferences and needs.
6. How can I secure my luggage without a TSA lock?
If you don't have a TSA lock, you can use zip ties to secure your luggage. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), zip ties can be used to ensure that your luggage remains closed during travel. If the TSA needs to inspect your luggage, they have the authority to snip open the zip ties.
7. What is the most strict carry-on size?
The most strict carry-on size is typically limited to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high, including wheels and handles. The total of these three measurements should not exceed 45 inches. However, it is important to note that specific size restrictions may vary among different airlines, so it is advisable to check the requirements of the airline you are traveling with.
8. What is the smallest carry-on luggage size?
The smallest carry-on luggage size that meets the size restrictions of major airlines within the United States is typically smaller than 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches), including handles and wheels. However, it is recommended to check the size restrictions of the specific airline you are flying with, as requirements may vary.
During our softside carry-on luggage research, we found 48 softside carry-on luggage products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 248,465 customer reviews through our big data system to write the softside carry-on luggage list. We found that most customers choose softside carry-on luggage with an average price of $92.33.
The softside carry-on luggage are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of softside carry-on luggage, including LOVEVOOK, U.S. Traveler, SwissGear, KROSER, Samsonite. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 723 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.
Softside Carry-On Luggage Comparison Table
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| Brand | LOVEVOOK | U.S. Traveler | SwissGear | LOVEVOOK | LOVEVOOK | LOVEVOOK | LOVEVOOK | LOVEVOOK | KROSER | Samsonite |
| Item Weight | 6.9 pounds | 6.6 pounds | 8 pounds | 1 pounds | 1 pounds | 1 pounds | 6.8 pounds | 1 pounds | 6.16 pounds | 5.7 pounds |
| Department | Unisex Adult | Unisex | unisex-adult | Women | Women | Unisex Adult | womens | Women | Unisex Adult | Unisex |
| Capacity | - | 28 Liters | 45 Liters | 45 Liters | 49 Liters | 50 Liters | - | 45 Liters | 36 Liters | - |
| Capacity Total | - | 28 Liters | 55 Liters | 45 Liters | 49 Liters | 50 Liters | - | - | 36 Liters | - |
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