Whenever I plan to fly for any business trip or vacation, all I need is the best 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on luggage! Why a bag with such specific dimensions? That’s because, according to the weight restrictions released by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), domestic and standard carry-on luggage size is limited to around 22 inches tall, 9 inches deep, and 14 inches wide. Since I hate to wait for my bag to come out from the airplane’s belly, such kind of luggage comes to my rescue. They fit in the overhead compartment and help me pass through the check-ins like a breeze! Also, I love the luggage’s capacity, maneuverability, expandability, and durability that keep me going and my bag rolling even on unpredictable terrains and surfaces. 

Our contributor Leah Young, an acclaimed luggage designer, says, “As a passionate purveyor of premium leather goods, I see the 22-inch carry-on as the unsung hero of luggage. Its size, typically 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, is a sweet spot that airlines readily accept as a carry-on, saving you the hassle of check-in lines and baggage claim woes.

But its magic lies beyond mere compliance. This compact size transforms travel on a practical level. The 22-inch carry-on also fosters mindful packing. With limited space, you naturally become more selective, focusing on essentials and avoiding unnecessary bulk. This translates to a lighter travel experience, both e my favorite BagSmart Carry-On Luggage. You can also pick those that are equipped with protective cornerphysically and mentally. You'll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore, unburdened by excess baggage.”

What sets carry-on luggage apart from aluminum luggage is the fact that it can accompany you for shorter trips and weekend getaways pretty easily! In addition, just like under-seat luggage, you get to pack light! Furthermore, I have spun a couple of carry-on luggage around, rolled them over multiple surfaces, hoisted them overhead, and also whacked them a number of times. To my surprise, they hold up in my real-life setting pretty easily. Hence, I put it out straight and clear — such kinds of bags are my BFFs and I believe that you should also get your hands on one. After all, why wait and stare at the conveyor belt for hours when you can carry your luggage with you? 

Without any further delay, scroll down! Below I have rounded up the best 22-inch carry-on luggage that you should think of investing in.

• 1
  Highly Recommended

  Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

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Rockland’s Melbourne Hardside luggage is my all-time favorite. It is meant for every budget and all destinations. Thanks to its durable construction and much-needed expandability that gives me the freedom to dump in all of my travel essentials and keep them safe throughout my journey. Plus, this bag is approved by a couple of airlines like United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Allegiant. Hence, I neither have to worry about the check-ins nor wait for my luggage to come out of the plane’s belly. Plus, the multi-directional double spinner wheels and aluminum telescoping handle make this 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on luggage my forever travel companion. 

Weight Capacity: 38.3 liters 

Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Adjustability: Yes

2

My Favorite

Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinners

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Introducing to you my go-to travel buddy — Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Expandable Luggage! I am sure you too can’t take your eyes off this beauty. I mean, just look at its alluring workmanship, design, and overall construction — my mind is blown, and so is yours, isn’t it? Adding more to its already-existing glamor, let me tell you that it has a scratch-resistant texture and features 360° spinner wheels and a TSA lock. So, for all those light-packers and frequent travelers, this is an excellent choice as it meets most carry-on size restrictions. Shall I confess something? This 22 x 14 x 9 bag is Instagrammable! Trust me, I have a couple of pictures with it from my trip, and it looks super smart and chic! Get yours now!

Weight Capacity: 7.5 lbs

Material: 100% polycarbonate 

Adjustability:  Yes

3

Best Textured Surface

LEVEL8 Grace EXT Carry-on Luggage

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While researching for the best 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on luggage for a few of my planned domestic and international trips, I came across this one from Level8. To be honest, it has my heart since the very first day of purchase. I adore its solid workmanship and just can’t resist admiring its 3-layer micro-diamond textured surface with anti-scratch technology. In addition, the outer shell is extremely durable and sturdy. And guess what? It has a front laptop compartment. Can you believe it? I can safely store and easily access all my electronics and even work while on the go! Talking about its maneuvering, 8 rubber-covered 360-degree spinner wheels pave the way for effortless mobility! 

Weight Capacity: 36L to 42L   

Material: PC+ABS materials

Adjustability: Yes

4

Best Softside Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Upright 2-Wheel Luggage

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No matter how many hard-shell luggage I purchase, I am always drawn toward old-school soft-side luggage. And this soft-side expandable bag is among my favorites. Firstly, it has an ergonomic handle with a good grip that makes maneuvering easy and breezy. Secondly, the high-tensile strengthened zipper pulls keep my personal items and garments safe and secured. For more convenience and flexibility, this 22 x 14 x 9 inch suitcase features a low profile top, side, and bottom carry handles, 2 exterior compartments, a full-length interior lid pocket, a side accessory pocket, and adjustable hold-down straps. There is clearly nothing more I need! 

Weight Capacity: 52 liters  

Material: Polyester 

Adjustability: Yes

5

Best Workmanship

U.S. Traveler Anzio Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage

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Whenever I have a couple of business trips or vacations planned, I look no further than U.S. Traveler’s Anzio soft side expandable luggage that probably knows how to be the best travel companion ever. To help me store garments, accessories, and footwear, this 22 x 14 x 9 suitcase offers me plenty of space to keep everything organized and secure. To be frank, I don’t have to worry about airline restrictions on luggage sizes and the safety of my stuff as it has a full interior lining, compression straps, and two large exterior pockets for last-minute essentials. Not to forget the cherry on the top — the 360-degree spinner wheels that allow me to navigate through busy airports or cities with ease.

Weight Capacity: 2.89 liters  

Material: Premium micro-ballistic nylon 

Adjustability: Yes

6

Most Versatile

Travelpro Bold Softside Expandable Upright Luggage

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Drawing from my experiences, Travelpro Bold Softside Expandable Upright Luggage has always been at my side holding all of my necessary belongings in a neat and organized manner. To be honest, this 22" long x 14" wide x 9" tall luggage never disappoints me. Rather, it leaves me in awe of its capacity, durability, and practicality every time I go on a trip. What I love the most about this luggage is the fact that it is equipped with protective and reinforced wheel housings, skid guards, and molded corner guards to resist wear and tear. Topping it all off, the telescoping aircraft-grade aluminum handle is adjustable from 38 inches to 42 inches for users of different heights. Isn’t that great? 

Weight Capacity: 43 liters   

Material: High-density polyester  

Adjustability: Yes

7

Best Hard-shell Luggage

LUGGEX Carry-on Luggage

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Earning perfect scores in all my luggage tests, LUGGEX carry-on luggage has surpassed my expectations. Its highly resilient construction and 4-round 100% aluminum corner protectors make it one of the most reliable choices in the category of the best 22” x 14” x 9” luggage to travel with. Furthermore, the 8 multi-directional ball-bearing mounting spinner wheels and TSA lock system ensure that my valuables are secure and safe during my entire journey. What’s more? It allows me to travel fearlessly and pass through the airline baggage screenings with utmost convenience. 

Weight Capacity: 38 liters  

Material: 3-layered polycarbonate 

Adjustability: No

8

Best Maneuverability

BAGSMART Carry-on Luggage

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I own so many suitcases but this one from Bagsmart is a special one and my savior! It is a hard-sided 22x14x9 carry-on airline-approved luggage that promises to offer much-needed strength, resilience, and lightness as I hop from place to place. Moreover, the hard shell resists every single scratch or dent and remains in good condition for years. On the other hand, I really love how the 360° spinner dual wheels roll smoothly over multiple terrains and surfaces while the aluminum handle offers a good grip to maneuver smoothly. Hence, I rate this luggage a complete 10/10.   

Weight Capacity: 6.39 lbs 

Material: Polycarbonate 

Adjustability: No

9

Best Built-in USB Port

TUMI Alpha 3 International Expandable 4-Wheeled Carry-on Luggage

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This luggage exceeds my expectations whenever I wish to travel light and easy. It has ample room for all of my belongings and trust me, I have been using this bag for a couple of months and it has no scuffs. Another aspect that I liked the most is the fact that it comes with a built-in USB port so I don’t have to worry about my devices running out of charge. This bag is ideal for every weekend getaway and it also expands up to 2 inches. What’s the most impressive part? It is compact and fits easily in the overhead storage of the plane! 

Weight Capacity: 35 liters  

Material: Ballistic Nylon

Adjustability: Yes

10

Most Reliable

TUMI - Alpha Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-on Luggage

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Hear me out, this luggage is a fabulous traveling buddy. Whenever I want to travel for like a week or two, I know this is the bag I need to rely on. Its phenomenal construction, easy-breezy rolling wheels, and superior workmanship make it a must-have for a fuss-free travel experience. Plus, the brand, Tumi has mindfully crafted it considering the needs and necessities of frequent travelers like me. What I love the most about it is the fact that it offers a dual entry to the main compartment with front lid access and also comes with removable garment sleeves. Last but not least, it features a dual-coil zipper breakaway design for added security and safety.  

Weight Capacity: 11.1 lbs  

Material: Ultra-durable FXT ballistic nylon 

Adjustability: No

That was my comprehensive list of the best 22 x 14 x 9 luggage. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best carry-on luggage - 

Capacity And Expandability: Make sure you get your hands on the best and most spacious 22x14x9 carry-on bag featuring at least 2 main compartments, mesh pockets, and a few front zippers to store essentials. My personal preference is the one that offers extra packing space by expanding up to 20 inches. Talking about my go-to, it's Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Upright 2-Wheel Luggage. I love how roomy it is with a total capacity of 52 liters. You too can find your traveling partner from my list of top picks.

Material: The next and most important aspect to consider while purchasing a 22-inch suitcase is its material. From my experiences, I can claim that any luggage that is crafted from 100% polyester or ABS material is not only sturdy and durable but also light in weight. Secondly, I advise you to splurge on a bag that has a water-repellent outer surface and the ability to withstand wear and tears just like my favorite BagSmart Carry-On Luggage. You can also pick those that are equipped with protective corners for added security and durability of the luggage.

Our contributor Leah Young shares, “The carry-on luggage with the maximum weight capacity typically features a hard-shell design made from polycarbonate or ABS materials. These materials offer a superb balance between durability and lightness, allowing manufacturers to allocate more of the luggage's total weight allowance to the traveler's belongings rather than the suitcase itself.”

Size And Dimensions: Always pay heed to the size and dimensions of the bag. As per my experience and understanding, the majority of the domestic and international airlines approve 22" suitcases as your cabin luggage. Such bags easily fit into the overhead of airplanes. Plus, this size is also convenient for traveling by car or train.

Handle: Check the handles of the 22" x 14" x 9" bag that you are planning to purchase. I recommend bags that feature high-grade aluminum telescopic handles for easy maneuvering just like Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage. 

Wheels: Make sure your 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on luggage is equipped with rubber-covered 360-degree wheels. Luggage with 2 spinner wheels is great but the one with 4 of them is a winner to roll smoothly on multiple surfaces and terrains. It not only lends you enough mobility but also ensures smooth and fuss-free maneuvering. You can surely think of getting your hands on TUMI - Alpha Continental Dual Access 4-Wheeled Carry-On Luggage.   

After taking note of the mentioned aspects, let me walk you through a few ways of using the 22-inch carry-on luggage. 

Below are a few ways of using 22x14x9 luggage -

1. You should use it while going for business trips, weekend getaways, vacations, or even when shopping for a big event.
2. You can easily store your high-glam apparel or wedding outfits in that case and prevent the accumulation of dust. 
3. You can keep the luggage in your wardrobe by dumping seasonal stuff and garments. 
4. You can also neatly organize your belongings especially when you are a fussy and messy traveler.

Contributor: Leah Young, Lead luggage designer - Leatherneo