A well-made, durable carry-on is an essential piece of luggage for every traveler, but especially for those hitting the road for business. Whether you're flying across the country for a conference or heading overseas for an off-site retreat, you'll need sleek, sophisticated luggage that’s as functional as it is polished. The best carry-on luggage for business travelers offers thoughtful compartments to keep you organized, smooth-rolling wheels to glide through security, and tough exteriors that can handle wear and tear trip after trip. Bonus points go to carry-ons with front pockets for easy laptop access and interior compression straps that make packing bulkier items—like dress pants or jackets—a breeze.
ILLUSTRATION: Alex Green
To help you find the perfect suitcase for your next work trip, editors from Condé Nast Traveler and WIRED teamed up to test and select the best carry-on luggage for business travelers. Below, you’ll find our top picks: long-lasting, tech-forward suitcases built to keep up with you, wherever you’re headed.
How We Tested:
Each of these carry-ons was road-tested by an editor from Condé Nast Traveler or WIRED, with durability, size, weight, and aesthetics in mind. The ones that made the cut can comfortably hold several outfits, shoes, and essentials without tipping the scales, because you need to be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin with ease. We also prioritized smart organizational features and, of course, good looks—especially important when traveling in business class.
The Zipper Carry-On Max with Front Pocket $395 Arlo Skye Dimensions: 23" x 15" x 10.3"
Weight: 8.1 lb. Durable, roomy, and elegantly designed, Arlo Skye’s Carry-On Max is a favorite among frequent flyers. Traveler's associate articles director Megan Spurrell calls it her all-time favorite carry-on, and Traveler readers have voted Arlo Skye the best luggage brand for two years running. “I take it as a carry-on for most flights—from weekend trips to weeklong getaways—because it’s surprisingly roomy, with an organized front pocket that I can easily stow essentials like my laptop, book, and magazines in,” says Spurrell. It also includes a removable charger (USB-C and USB-A ports), two shoe bags, a laundry bag, and a cotton storage cover. Pros: Laptop-protective front pocket
Cons: Limited color options
Away The Softside Bigger Carry-On $208 Away Dimensions: 21.9" x 15" x 9.1"
Weight: 9.2 lb. Away’s latest nylon carry-on is as functional as it is beautiful. It opens drawbridge-style for easier access in your hotel room compared to the usual clamshell design. The striations on the front expertly conceal a spacious front laptop pocket and a small zipper pocket, and the interior has ample storage as well. In place of compression straps, there’s a double-sided compression panel with pockets on the front and back, as well as a large pocket on the underside of the lid. “Everything about this bag is designed to move smoothly through the airport,” says WIRED senior commerce editor Adrienne So. She especially appreciated the stabilizer, which prevents tipping—even when topped with an overstuffed tote. Pros: Stylish, excellent interior organization, easy to maneuver
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