Let’s face it, meeting airline restrictions for luggage can drive you crazy.
With all the weight limits imposed by airlines, traveling with a light-sized luggage will give you a HUGE advantage. For that reason we have put together 5 of the best lightweight luggage to help you “lessen your load”.
free trial
- Ultralight weight luggage
Easily meets airline weight requirements
Waterproof
- Built to last
Easily fits under airplane seats
with GPX
- Made of polyester and waterproof coating
Waterproof
Different color choices
- Sleek, sturdy and light
Easily expandable
maps & support
- Weighs just over 4 pounds
Can easily expand up to 25%
- Other High Quality Lightweight Luggage
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ultralight Carry-On Luggage
Composition
Some materials are more lightweight than others are. Materials such as nylon, polyester, and poly-carbonate (if you are going for a hard-shelled bag) are light in weight, and that in turn allows the bag to be light. A double stitching is a must-have feature. A double stitching will allow the seams to stand up to fraying.
Durability
Just because a bag has to be light does not mean it cannot be strong. To ensure that the bag is durable, check the reviews online. This is a way to verify how previous users felt about the bag. At the same time, you need to realize that the most durable bags are mid-range and upper range when it comes to price. A low price bag will usually not be sustainable. However, a moderately priced bag can be just as durable as an expensive bag.
Lightweight yet durable soft-sided luggage is usually made out of polyester or nylon, while durable hard-sided bags are usually poly-carbonate. While hard-sided bags offer better protection to items inside and are generally waterproof, they show off scratches and struggle to fit into tight overhead bins. If you are concerned about the aesthetic appearance of your bag, then you may prefer a soft-sided bag. Many good quality soft-sided bags offer protection against water by being waterproof. In addition, soft-sided bags do not scratch easily. The only concern for some is the protection soft-sided bags offer. The biggest advantage of soft-sides when it comes to packing lightweight is that soft-sides are generally lighter than hard-sides.
Expandability
While you may not expand the carry-on you are traveling with since you want to pass all the dimensional limitations imposed by an airline, there are times when you may want a bigger bag. Instead of buying two bags of different sizes for different purposes, you can buy one expandable bag.
While it is not surprising that most expandable bags are soft cases, some hard cases are expandable. Other advantages of expandable bags are having the extra space just in case. Whether you are on a business trip or a vacation, you may chance upon an item you want to purchase. An expandable bag will allow you fit in gifts bought on the trip.
In other words, you can be more flexible with an expandable bag.
Organization
Interior compartments found in newer luggage allow you to better organize when on a trip. Bags may have airtight chambers for the liquids such as shampoos and lotions. Some also have suiters to keep your suits and other clothes wrinkle-free. Many of the best suitcases have zippered pockets and straps that allow you to organize your luggage. While hard cases usually lack the exterior pockets and sleeves where you can place extra items, they typically have more interior pockets. Some bags also have padded compartments for your electronic devices such as laptops and iPads.
The organizational aspect of the bag all depends on your preferences. If you wish to bring your laptop along without carrying along an extra laptop bag, carry-on luggage with a laptop compartment is convenient. In the same vein, if you want to bring along a well-pressed suit on your trip, a carry-on with a suiter is convenient.
How to Pack Your Lightweight Carry-on Luggage
Whether you are going on a vacation or a business trip, a lightweight carry on is essential. Apart from the bag itself meeting the airline’s carry-on restrictions, the items in the bag also have to meet TSA restrictions.
Be Conversant With Current Guidelines for Carry-Ons
It is not only the airline’s regulations and limits you need to be conversant with, but you also need to know the TSA restrictions. As you plan on bringing along a carry-on, you should be familiar with the carry-on rules. This will help you avoid packing items that are not allowed while packing allowed items in their right amount. Running into trouble at the airport can be frustrating. You want to prevent this.
Here is a lot of general rules for packing light when air traveling.
The Size of a Carry-On
There are limits to the dimensions of any bag you can carry onto the aircraft. Each airline has different restrictions which are generally determined by the dimensions of the airline’s overhead compartment. You should call the airline or visit their website just to verify if your bag qualifies as a carry-on. The general carry-on limits are 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 feet (56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm). This, however, changes from one airline to another.
Liquids
The volume of liquid substances allowed in carry-on bags is limited. As such, you cannot have a big bottle of lotion or shampoo in your bag. You should know these restrictions and keep them in mind when packing. Unless the liquid substances are medically required, you can bring along just 100 ml (3.4 oz.) in each bottle. You should have the bottles in a transparent airtight bag such as a Ziploc.
Medically Required Liquid Substances Allowed
When it comes to substances that meet medical requirements, you can bring more than 100 ml (3.4 oz.). Examples of such liquids are medications, baby formula, breast milk, and such. These substances need to be declared to the TSA officer right at the start of the checkpoint process.
Objects That Are Not Allowed
It is important to know the list of prohibited items before packing. Sharp objects and potential weapons are not allowed as ultralight carry-ons. These include things such knives (including Swiss army knives), baseball bats, hammers, drills, scissors, box cutters, golf clubs, drills, and much more. You get the point. Any potentially dangerous object cannot be a carry-on.
Bags Allowed
In addition to your carry-on luggage, you can bring along a purse, briefcase, a laptop bag, diaper bag and such. It is necessary to check the restrictions for the airline you will be using.
Best Ultralight/Lightweight Carry-On Luggage Reviews
#1: Lipault Paris Originale Plume Spinner
Pros
- It is ultralight in weight thus allowing you meet weight limitations, even when abroad
- This waterproof bag will keep all inside content dry
- Its 4 wheels spinner system makes it easy to maneuver
Cons
- Despite its lightweight, you may still be forced to check this bag as it may not fit strict international carry-on dimension limits
#2: Travelpro Maxlite 4
Pros
- The Maxlite 4 is very light and easy to carry
- This waterproof bag will keep all inside content dry
- Its 4 wheels spinner system makes this easy to maneuver
Cons
- Despite its lightweight and small nature, it may still be a tad too big for some international carriers
#3: it Luggage Megalite 21.9″ Spinner with Expander
Because it is a luggage spinner, moving this bag is easy. The only problem you will have with this bag is the chance of it tipping over if you pack it unevenly. If you must have a laptop in the front pocket make sure there are enough items in the bag to prevent it from tipping over. With a size of 21.9 x14 x 8.1 inches, this bag will qualify as a carry-on with most airlines.
Pros
- The it Luggage Megalite Spinner is super light and will allow you pack more items
- It can be expanded by 25%
- Wheeling this bag is easy
- It is low in price
Cons
- Because it is light, it can tip over if you have a massive item in the front pocket
#4: Travelon Wheeled Underseat Carry-On with Back-Up Bag
Pros
- This bag will allow you to meet weight and dimension restrictions with ease
- Its quilted microfiber build ensures it lasts
- Wheeling this luggage is easy
Cons
- Because of its small size, you cannot fit too much into it
#5: Samsonite Aspire Xlite 20-Inch Expandable Spinner
Pros
- This bag has rubberized, textured corner protectors with reduces wear and tear
- The Wetpack compartment inside the bag is an ideal place to store liquids
- Moving this luggage is easy
- This bag is expandable
Cons
- You may be forced to check this bag as it may not fit strict carry-on dimension limits of some international carriers
Final Thoughts
A lot has been discussed in this article including how to choose a good lightweight bag for air travel, how to pack and much more. It is important to always plan ahead to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Among all the five carry-on bags reviewed, the strong favorite and one we recommend is the Lipault Paris Originale Plume Spinner. The price is good, and it is very durable. This bag has all you will need of a lighthcarry-on suitcase. You can find more of the best checked lightweight luggage online too.
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