Getting to the Caribbean from my home in Denver is a major hassle. It usually requires a three-hour red-eye and a long layover, so I am completely exhausted upon arrival. To avoid this, I booked a very affordable room at the exceptionally clean and comfortable Hilton Newark Airport hotel to split the flights up on a recent trip to Turks and Caicos. Having just carry-on luggage with me made it a breeze to get in and out of the airport twice in 12 hours.

Since I started traveling almost weekly for my job as a travel content creator, I’ve tried to avoid checking a bag when possible. I hate wasting time in airports waiting for luggage to arrive. As a former over-packer, switching to a carry-on has made me more efficient; it is much easier to maneuver through the airport and at my destination when not hauling a large checked suitcase. Depending on the length of my trip, I usually pack a spinner wheel carry-on  and then use a backpack as my personal item bag. I rotate several different-sized backpacks — I’ll take a larger pack if I’m traveling for longer or to a cold climate where I need space for jackets and warm clothes and pack a smaller one for jaunts to the Caribbean, Mexico, or European summers.

If you want to expand your carry-on luggage collection, now is the time to do so. Amazon has hundreds of carry-on suitcases, backpacks, duffels, weekenders, and undereaters on sale ahead of Black Friday, and I found the best 15 deals. Shop top-selling pieces, with discounts of up to 50 percent.

Samsonite Freeform 21-inch Hardside Carry-on Luggage With Spinner Wheels

This all-star from Samsonite was Travel + Leisure’s pick as the best overall carry-on suitcase of 2024, praised for its smooth-rolling wheels, durable thermoplastic shell, and spacious capacity. The expandable suitcase, which is 34 percent off on Amazon, has enough room to pack for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags, without using the expander. It comes in more than 12 colors. And after six months of frequent travel (per T+L’s test), the suitcase still holds up well without showing signs of wear and tear.

Rollink Flex Vega 21-inch Carry-on Collapsible Suitcase

On a recent trip, I tried this carry-on suitcase from Rollink to experience the just-opened South Bank, a striking new all-villa resort that feels like staying in a private island residence on Long Bay in Turks and Caicos. I was spending a week between South Bank and sister property Rock House, which has a fabulous Capri glam vibe, to attend the Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, and I needed to fit a lot of outfits into my carry-on. The Rollink worked perfectly; I fit a week’s worth of warm-weather dresses, shoes, bathing suits, and a few light cover-ups. One of my favorite features of this suitcase is how it collapses to just two inches thick for storage, and I love how easily it slides under my bed when I’m not traveling. The suitcase comes in eight fun shades and is constructed from durable material. The wheels roll smoothly, and the handle slides up and down without sticking. It is also on sale for 50 percent off.

Samsonite Underseat Carry-on With USB Port

On sale for 31 percent off, Samsonite’s Underseat Carry-on scores high for durability and functionality. I’ve traveled with this bag, most recently on a trip to Tuscany, where I spent a lovely weekend foraging for white truffles, dining on farm-to-table fare, and sleeping in a palatial suite at the Villa Petriola. I love how I can fit everything I need for a flight plus extra outfits on the rare occasion (like my Italy trip) when I check a larger bag. The wheels spin smoothly, and the quick-stash exterior pockets are great for keeping things I want within reach organized.

Etronik Weekender Travel Bag With Shoes Compartment

On sale for nearly 50 percent off before Black Friday, Etronik’s Weekender Travel Bag is a great personal item for flights. It comes in two sizes and more than 16 different colors. The bag has multiple pockets, including one that is waterproof and PVC lined — perfect for wet bathing suits. There is also a separate zippered compartment for shoes or dirty clothes on the bottom. Other perks include a small makeup bag, a USB charging port, and adjustable and detachable padded shoulder straps.

Tprc Smart Underseat Carry-on Luggage With USB Charging Port

Amazon customers love this Tprc underseat bag, giving it more than 7,600 perfect ratings on the site. One reviewer, who has flown with the product for two years, said, “This small bag fits exactly under the seat of every American Airline [flight] I have flown. Delta, United, American, Southwest … It’s exactly the right size and fits so much.” They also love all the pockets and the bag’s ease of use. The underseater is made of durable fabric, has smooth in-line wheels, and open side pockets to securely carry items you need quick access to.

Shrradoo Extra Large 50L Travel Backpack

With a separate compartment that can accommodate up to a 17-inch computer and 20 different pockets, this bag from Shrradoo is a top pick if you need a travel backpack that will fit a lot and keep things organized. It is big enough to work as your main luggage for short trips. Made from durable material, it has an external USB port and a built-in charging cable. Currently 36 percent off, Amazon customers have given this backpack nearly 32,000 five-star reviews.

Waterfly Small Lightweight Packable Travel Backpack

I like to throw an ultra-light folding backpack, like this one from Waterfly, into my carry-on for daily use on trips — it can be used for a beach or pool day, hikes, or city walks. It also works great as your personal item on flights. The backpack has a 20-liter capacity but folds into a small pouch when not in use. It has multiple pockets to keep gear organized, including a mesh side pocket for a water bottle.

Lovevook Weekender Travel Duffel

Amazon customers love this best-selling, stylish weekender bag, with one reviewer saying “it is chic and durable” with “tons of great pockets to separate things out.” The quilted bag comes in more than 25 different shades and is currently double discounted with the on-site coupon. It comes with a toiletry bag, has a separate flat bottom compartment for shoes or dirty clothes, and slides under most airline seats. It also has an integrated trolley sleeve to slide over your rolling luggage. There are five big pockets, including one in the front for easy flight access.

Wrangler Smart Luggage 20-inch Carry-on With Cup Holder

This carry-on from Wrangler distinguishes itself from the pack with a built-in cup holder, which is a lifesaver if you are trying to navigate the airport in the early morning with a hot beverage. The cup holder also doubles as a phone holder. The bag has spinner wheels that allow for complete 360-degree movement and a durable hardshell with a fully lined interior and accessory pockets. It comes in eight colors.

SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Carry-on Luggage

If you are looking for a softshell carry-on with spinner wheels, the SwissGear Sion is an excellent choice, especially since it’s currently been marked down by 33 percent for Black Friday. The 21-inch bag has multiple front pockets for easy access, a removable zippered wet bag, and a large mesh lid pocket inside. Amazon customers dig this suitcase, giving it more than 15,300 perfect five-star ratings. “We’ve had the same suitcase in teal for about five years or so,” said one reviewer. “It’s been checked in, used as a carry-on (domestic flights), and has been a reliable suitcase.”

Matein Anti-theft Travel Laptop Backpack

Available in dozens of colors and on sale for a whopping 45 percent off, this anti-theft backpack is one of the best deals we found. Beloved by Amazon customers (check out those 83,800-plus five-star ratings), it is a solid medium-sized pack with numerous pockets for staying organized. The separate laptop compartment can accommodate up to a 15.6-inch computer. The soft padded back design with ventilated padding and adjustable shoulder straps provide decent support. The backpack comes in more than two dozen colors.

Hyc00 Travel Duffel Bag

more than 26,300 five-star ratings. Shoppers love that it is chic and versatile and works well for various activities, from a weekend travel tote to a gym bag. The main compartment is spacious enough to hold clothes, toiletries, and shoes on a short trip. The duffel also has other smaller compartments to keep stuff organized.

Samsonite Omni PC 20-inch Hardside Expandable Luggage

At 20 inches, this suitcase from Samsonite is small enough to meet most carry-on restrictions. The bag is very durable, with a scratch-resistant polycarbonate hardshell. The side-mounted TSA locks are handy for theft-deterrence, and the carry-on comes in a variety of colors.

Kroser Carry-on 16-inch Underseat Suitcase

Amazon customers love this underseat carry-on from Kroser, saying it has ample storage space, fits everything they need, and is well-made with smooth rolling wheels. “This bag is fantastic,” said one reviewer who’s used it for domestic and international trips. The bag fit their “work laptop, its charger, backup battery, charging cables, spare shirt and pants, snacks, and a quart-size bag of toiletries.”

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Lightweight Underseat Carry-on

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 underseater is a flight attendant-loved carry-on option. The ultra-lightweight and compact tote is designed to fit under most airplane seats. It has a top carry handle, a removable padded shoulder strap, and a rear strap to secure it to a roller suitcase, while the front flap and built-in pockets help you stay organized. 

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