US slips again in passport power rankings
In the latest quarterly update of the Henley Passport Index, created by the London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, the US — which held the No. 1 position back in 2014 — has slipped down to the 10th place in the rankings.
It's the lowest position ever for the US in the 20-year history of the index, which tracks the global freedom of movement for holders of 199 passports to 227 countries and territories around the world, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). And because Henley counts multiple countries with the same score as a single spot in its standings, there are actually 33 countries that outrank the US on the list.
As we enter the second half of the year, Singapore has held onto its No.1 position as the world's most powerful passport for 2025.
Holders of this most desirable of travel documents enjoy visa-free access to 193 out of 227 destinations worldwide, more than citizens of any other place on the planet.
Naturally, Singapore isn't handing out passports to foreign nationals like candy. Applying for Singaporean citizenship requires at least two years of permanent residency, a review of 'economic contributions' and other qualifications, and compulsory national service for male applicants.
South Korea has climbed to join Japan at No.2 in the ranking, with an open door to 190 destinations, ensuring that Asian nations have a solid lead in the global mobility race.
The EU member states of Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are all at No.3 behind them, in the third tier, along with Finland, with access to 189 destinations with no prior visa needed.
Europe holds sway over the fourth position in the rankings, too, which belongs to seven countries: Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and Sweden. All enjoy visa-free access to 188 destinations.
Squeaking into fifth place are Greece, Switzerland and New Zealand, all of which have visa-free access to 187 destinations.
At the opposite end of the list, at No. 99, Afghanistan remains locked in bottom place, with visa-free access to just 25 destinations, one fewer than at the start of this year. Syria is at No. 98 (with 27 destinations) and Iraq is at No. 97 (with 30 destinations).
That's a yawning mobility gap of 168 destinations between the top- and bottom-ranked passports.
The UK has dropped one spot to No. 6 in the rankings, with visa-free access to 186 destinations. Australia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta and Poland are tied at No. 7, while Canada, Estonia and the United Arab Emirates are at No. 8.
The UAE is one of the biggest success stories on the index, having risen 34 places in the past decade, from No. 42 to eighth place.
China has also jumped from No. 94 to No. 60 since 2015, a rise that's been achieved even without visa-free access to the 29 countries in Europe's Schengen Area.
Ninth place is shared by Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia, while No.10 is held by Iceland, Lithuania and the United States. The US now has visa-free access to 182 destinations worldwide.
In a provision in the Trump administration's recently enacted domestic policy bill, the United States will soon require international visitors to pay a new 'visa integrity fee' of at least $250, added to existing visa application costs. The fee will apply to all visitors who are required to obtain nonimmigrant visas to enter the United States.
Critics including the U.S. Travel Association, a national nonprofit organization aimed at increasing travel to the United States, have panned the new visa fee as discouraging to visitors.
Christian H. Kaelin, chair of Henley and Partners, said in a release that the latest Henley Passport Index reveals an increasingly competitive landscape in global mobility.
'The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned — and must be maintained — through active and strategic diplomacy,' he said. 'Nations that proactively negotiate visa waivers and nurture reciprocal agreements continue to rise, while the opposite applies to those that are less engaged in such efforts.'
Henley & Partners' list is one of several indexes created by financial firms to rank global passports according to the access they provide to their citizens.
Arton Capital's Passport Index takes into consideration the passports of 193 United Nations member countries and six territories — Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, Kosovo, the Palestinian territories and the Vatican. Territories annexed to other countries are excluded.
It's also updated in real-time throughout the year and its data is gathered by close monitoring of individual governments' portals.
Arton's Global Passport Power Rank 2025 puts the United Arab Emirates in the top spot, with a visa-free/visa-on-arrival score of 179. Second place is held by Spain, with a score of 176.
Singapore (193 destinations)
Japan, South Korea (190)
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain (189)
Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden (188)
Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland (187)
United Kingdom (186)
Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland (185)
Canada, Estonia, United Arab Emirates (184)
Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia (183)
Iceland, Lithuania, United States (182)
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Travel + Leisure
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We've Tested Nearly 600 Carry-on Suitcases (Yes, Really) on Flights Around the World—Here Are 15 Must-haves
Credit: Amazon $200 $121 at Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Samsonite For the past couple of years, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner has come out on top as T+L's favorite carry-on—and for good reason. When testing it in our New York City lab, we loved its organization, capacity, and value. We've now tested this bag three times in our New York City lab, and each time we were blown away by its surprising capacity, offering ample packing room for trips up to a week. If you tend to overpack or plan to do some retail therapy during your travels, the expandable zipper unveils an extra inch of depth which gives you wiggle room to fit any shopping hauls and souvenirs you plan to take back home. We were able to pack enough clothes for a four-day trip, including two pairs of shoes, multiple jackets, and two toiletry bags—all without having to use the expander. In terms of maneuverability, it handled tight turns like a champ and went over our simulated concrete curbs without incident. We also gave it a few whacks with a metal baseball bat and noticed that the slight bend of the exterior shell made this suitcase impervious to dents while still protecting its contents (a win if you ever decide to take the gate agent up on the offer to check your bag). Although we did notice the Samsonite Freeform showed a few surface scratches after six months of consistent travel, we still consider it the gold standard for a hardside carry-on suitcase. It may be too large for some overhead compartments, so always check the dimensions of your airline before flying. The Details: Hardside | 23 x 15 x 10 inches | 6.5 pounds | Expandable (1 inch) | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Tumi $779 $623 at Amazon View on Coming in right behind our beloved Samsonite Freeform is the Tumi Alpha Dual Access Carry-on. This close contender fell just short of our Best Overall slot due to its heaviness and lack of open packing space, but it's a sophisticated piece of luggage that's in a league of its own when it comes to organization and helpful features. For starters, it has a built-in front access pocket, which allows you to quickly grab items like a light sweater or your in-flight essentials without having to unzip your entire suitcase in the middle of the airport. There's also another small exterior pocket for stashing smaller belongings like a travel umbrella, as well as a built-in USB port you can connect to your own portable power bank. Perhaps the biggest selling point of this suitcase is the removable garment sleeve, which makes this bag the perfect companion for business trips or destination weddings. While the garment sleeve and three mesh zip pockets are no doubt useful, they will eat into the bag's overall capacity, so you'll have to pack strategically. Thankfully, you can always rely on the Tumi Alpha's expandable zipper to grant you 2 extra inches of depth if things get tight. In terms of durability, we couldn't ask for more. T+L associate editorial director and Tumi loyalist Morgan Ashley Parker took this suitcase for a spin in our testing lab, and after hitting it with a bat several times, she noticed there were no scuffs or dents to speak of. 'As someone who owns a Tumi bag that has lasted 16-plus years (and still kicking), I know the durability will extend beyond our lab tests,' says Parker. 'I truly can't imagine a world in which this would puncture or rip.' While Tumi's coveted suitcases are certainly a splurge, they're a worthwhile investment for someone who wants a durable and versatile suitcase they won't have to replace for a very long time. The Details: Softside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 10.7 pounds | 35-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | USB port | Ballistic nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Away View on Nordstrom View on Away Travel Stroll through any airport, and you'll see loads of passengers toting one of Away's signature striped suitcases. After personally testing dozens of Away products, I can assure you'll have no regrets hopping on the Away trend. The brand's built-to-last luggage can always be counted on to help overpackers travel more efficiently, and The Carry-On Flex is a testament to that. Offering a generous 2.25 inches of extra packing space with its expandable feature, this is the exact kind of suitcase to bring on trips where you want extra room for those 'just in case' items. Inside The Carry-on Flex, you'll find an open compartment with a mesh divider and another compartment opposite of that with a mesh pocket and compression straps to help you pack down all your belongings for an easier close. We enjoyed floating this compact suitcase through the obstacle course in our testing lab thanks to its easy-gliding 360-degree wheels. It also showed minimal damage after our table drop and baseball bat tests — a good indicator that the exterior will stand up to the roughest of handling. The only downside of the Away Carry-on Flex is that some international airlines may be strict about bringing it on board once fully expanded. The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 14.4 x 9 inches | 7.9 pounds | 39.8-liter capacity (unexpanded); 44.6-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable (2.25 inches) | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon You might have assumed that finding a budget suitcase means you have to sacrifice on the quality front, but Amazon's slate of luggage continuously proves that theory wrong. After testing their 21-inch expandable hardside spinner in the T+L lab, I'm convinced the retailer's wallet-friendly suitcase is the best you can buy on a budget. For starters, it offers the same capacity as suitcases that are more than double the price. Inside, you'll find an X compression strap and a mesh zip divider that makes storing underwear, socks, and swimsuits a breeze. The bag has four "feet" on its right side to keep it propped up horizontally on an airport scale or in the trunk of a car. Though the telescoping handle was a bit wobbly, I was able to adjust between the three handle heights with ease. We do caution that, like other expandable suitcases, it would be at risk of being flagged by airline staff because it looks much wider in its expanded state. We tested the Amazon Basics 21-inch carry-on three times in our lab just to make sure we still loved it over the years. Though it got a bit scuffed from our bat tests during its second round of testing, it proved easy to buff the scratches out by hand. Considering all you get for under $100, you can't go wrong taking the plunge on this affordable yet solid option. The Details: Hardside | 21.7 x 14.8 x 10 inches | 6.8 pounds | 34-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Delsey $330 $249 at Amazon View on $660 at Macy's T+L editors reach for this timeless carry-on from Delsey Paris again and again, thanks to its vintage charm and useful functionality. The polycarbonate shell is accented with reinforced corners, and with its two-tone colorway, you're guaranteed to arrive at your destination in style. Aesthetics aside, there's also substance. Inside, you'll find a fully zippered compartment on one side of the suitcase and compression straps to keep clothing from shuffling on the other. We also found pockets throughout and even a handy USB port with which you can attach your own battery pack. After inspecting it closely, we found that the zippers all open and close smoothly, and the spinner wheels glide with little effort (even over carpet!). After taking the cream colored version on the road for six months, we observed little scuffs and scrapes to the bag even after it was checked — a pleasant surprise considering light-colored luggage tends to show the wear and tear quickly. Its maneuverability and lightweight profile also makes it a breeze to travel with. 'I had to carry it up and down multiple flights of stairs and get it onto a train, and I had no trouble lifting it and moving the handle in and out quickly,' says T+L editor Taylor Fox who brought it on a two-week trip to Egypt. The Details: Hardside | 22.75 x 15 x 10 inches | 7.74 pounds | 44-liter capacity | USB port | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Dagne Dover While softside luggage is more durable and less prone to wear and tear, it isn't known for being the most stylish type of luggage. Dagne Dover completely changed the game when it launched its debut luggage collection last summer. T+L editors were among the first to try them out, and we were enamored by the sheen and elegance of the Seattle Carry-on—a modernized softside bag with the structure and sturdy frame of a hardside suitcase. Its 33-liter capacity and 20.5-inch height is ideal for short getaways (it was the perfect companion on my quick trip to St. Thomas), business trips, and international flights. It also offers two ways to pack: via clamshell opening and a top-loading option. During testing and on actual trips, we couldn't help but notice that the wheels glide like a dream over various surfaces. But with the beauty of this suitcase comes one painful fact: it's heavy for a carry-on. For some, it may feel like a drag schlepping a 10-pound carry-on (plus the weight of your items). However, if that's not a big deal to you, we say it's a great entry point for the softside newcomers. The Details: Softside | 20.5 x 13 x 8.75 inches | 9.13 pounds | 33-liter capacity | Recycled 900D polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels | 13-inch laptop sleeve Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Samsonite View on Samsonite $500 at Macy's View on In case you weren't aware, Samsonite's Proxis carry-on is kind of a big deal. Like, it was sent into space and dropped from 130,000 feet-level big deal. To date, this is the most lightweight and durable suitcase Samsonite has ever released. We brought the Proxis Global Carry-on Spinner into our testing lab for some experimenting of our own and found that this textured, hardside carry-on lived up to its claims of being virtually indestructible. The outer shell of this bag is made of Roxkin—an exclusive recycled material developed by Samsonite that is lightweight and engineered to bounce back into shape. 'Samsonite sent this suitcase to space, and it survived, which is only a small amount of what we did to it with a bat,' says T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker. 'I also stood and jumped on it. I completely trust this bag to hold up against baggage handlers.' In terms of organizational features, you don't get much with the Samsonite Proxis: just two fully zippered compartments and one mesh zippered pocket. This is actually a good thing if the goal is for your luggage to weigh less and hold more. While it's certainly one of the more expensive options on this list, we think the Proxis is a worthy investment for carry-on loyalists who want the maximum amount of packing space and a durable design that will last for years. The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 4.7 pounds | Expandable (0.5 inches) | Roxkin material | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: July Sometimes, a diminutive carry-on just won't do (especially for longer trips). In these instances, we'd recommend something like the July Carry-on Max. It has a 50-liter capacity that jumps to 62 liters when fully expanded—the largest carry-on we've ever tested. Weighing in around 8 pounds, it's on par with other carry-ons with similar dimensions. However, we noticed that it became a little cumbersome to maneuver around tight corners the more we packed it, and because of its size, you may be forced to gate-check it at the airport. The exterior shell of the suitcase didn't get too banged up when we put it through the wringer of our durability tests. We were also amazed that you can choose between 20 different height handles—another design quirk that helps July stand out from the pack. Inside, there's a Y compression strap and panel on one side, while the other side is secured by a mesh panel with no pockets (a missed opportunity, if you ask us). We would be remiss not to mention that this carry-on comes with its own packable tote bag that fits discreetly inside the suitcase when not in use. You also have the option to personalize this suitcase with a name or initials, with nine fonts to choose from. The Details: Hardside | 23 x 16 x 9 inches | 8.16 pounds | 50-liter capacity (unexpanded); 62-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels | Packable tote included Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travelpro You won't be short on organization with the Travelpro VersaPack+ Carry-on. While it may look small, it's got a roomy interior made even better by all of the useful add-ons, like the included shoe bags, a laundry bag to store used or wet items, and built-in compression packing cubes that strap in to the top of the bag for additional storage. It also features an external laptop sleeve, a small outer pocket, and a luggage lock. If you find that you're running out of space, the bag's tapered extension adds an extra 2 inches of depth. Our chief complaint about Travelpro's VersaPack+ carry-on is its weight. Part of the appeal of softside luggage is that it's lighter because of its fabric construction. And while its nearly 8-pound weight isn't the heaviest we've encountered, we do think it might get bogged down if overpacked. There's also a possibility you'll be forced to check it on smaller airlines because of its 23-inch height, so keep that in mind if traveling on airlines with tighter carry-on restrictions. Though its a bit heavier than we'd like for a softside, we found this spinner to be pretty compact and loved that it wasn't cumbersome to wheel around our obstacle course. The wheels, zippers, and handle also ran smoothly without any snags. The Details: Softside | 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches | 7.7 pounds | 47-liter capacity | Expandable (2 inches) | Water-resistant nylon | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Aer $319 at Nordstrom View on If you've ever been on a fast-moving airport shuttle, bus, or subway, you know the struggle of trying to keep your luggage from rolling away while holding on for dear life. Aer, a new kid on the luggage block, saw this common problem hadn't yet been solved by its competitors and created a carry-on suitcase with brakes. Similar to a stroller, the wheels on Aer's Carry-on Max can be locked in place with the simple slide of a button located beneath the handles. 'It's such a unique feature and helpful if on public transport or stopping on an incline with bags since it securely holds the bag in place,' says associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker, who owns and loves this Aer model. Speaking of the wheels, they're some of the smoothest we've seen on a carry-on. We were able to roll them over our cement pavers with ease, and it didn't lag behind even when packed full. In terms of capacity, Aer really meant it when they said max . The slender profile of this bag allowed us to fit everything on our packing list despite the fact that it's not expandable. Though Aer touts this as a minimalist's suitcase, there are some undercelebrated details about this bag that we found helpful, like the hidden pocket for you to stash a luggage tracker, a Y-shaped compression system secured with an intuitive and sturdy buckle, and puncture-resistant YKK zippers. The top and side handles also have a hole to where you can attach other bags and belongings to it with a carabiner. We tested out the white version, and the initial surface scratches that appeared after we threw it off a table made us suspect that lighter colors might show damage over time. The good thing is it's available in a range of five colors, so you can always choose a more inconspicuous hue. The Details: Hardside | 22.7 x 15 x 9 inches | 8.4 pounds | 48-liter capacity | Makrolon polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Rimowa There's no doubt that Rimowa, a longstanding luxury luggage brand, is currently having a moment. Its classic aluminum suitcases will cost you a pretty penny, but the sleek vertical lines and sterling material will be instantly recognizable at the airport. We couldn't wait to get our hands on their Cabin S version, which did not disappoint. We'll preface our review by confirming that this is definitely not the bag for overpackers, but if you'll have plenty of space to pack for a long weekend trip or a few items to supplement your checked luggage. We were floored that the bag weighed in much lighter than other aluminum suitcases we've tested (9 pounds), and we find comfort in the locks on each latch that provide extra security. "The wheels roll like a dream—they truly roll better than any suitcase I've tried," says associate editor Anna Popp, who also applauded this Cabin S for surviving our durability tests with not a dent or scratch on it. Aluminum luggage is known to accumulate dents and scrapes over time, so we look forward to seeing how this precious gem of a spinner will hold up over the next six months of testing. The Details: Carry-on | 21.7 x 15.8 x 7.9 inches | 9.3 pounds | 31-liter capacity | Aluminum | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Like Tumi, Briggs & Riley has a best-in-class reputation for luggage. This 22-inch spinner is a classic hardside with some innovative features that allowed us to pack way more than expected. The top lid unzips to reveal a main large compartment which has a built-in compressor pad. While the compressor isn't removable, it did a great job of helping us stuff this suitcase to the brim. Unlike other expandable suitcases that use a simple zipper mechanism, this one has a unique one-touch system: you simply push two buttons on either side of the inner compartment, and raise them up to expose an extra 25 percent more packing space. There's a pouch on the back of the outside of the suitcase with a place to zip up a power bank and pull a charger through the outer pocket. Other fancy accoutrements—like the aircraft-grade aluminum handles, whisper-quiet 360 degree wheels, and drawstring bag storage bag—make the Briggs & Riley 22-inch spinner a justifiable splurge. We thought it rolled well through our obstacle courses. The hardside shell was also well constructed and did not dent after we hit it multiple times with a metal baseball bat. Unfortunately, the very bottom of the bag did get scratched when going over a concrete curb during testing. That said, we still think this carry-on fits the bill for frequent flyers who don't mind shelling out a few extra bucks in exchange for longevity and premium quality. We feel even more confident recommending this Briggs & Riley carry-on because of its lifetime guarantee—you'll be able to have your carry-on repaired for free at any time, no proof of purchase necessary. The Details: Hardside | 22 x 14 x 9 inches | 8.6 pounds | 41-liter capacity (unexpanded); 51-liter capacity (expanded) | Expandable | Recycled polycarbonate, recycled polyester | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Samsonite There's so much to love about this sleek carry-on from Samsonite, from its smooth gliding wheels to its highly-customized handle that offers tons of handle height options. However, where it really shines is its internal organization. We found packing for a trip to be a joy thanks to its generous spacing, compartments, and accessories. The bag came with a TSA-compliant toiletry bag, a shoe bag which easily fit two pairs of shoes, and then—our favorite part—two packing cubes of varying sizes. The more narrow packing cube perfectly fit in the gap between the handles on one half of the suitcase, which we thought to be a clever, space-saving touch. The fun features don't stop there: this suitcase also features a MagneTag, Samsonite's patented magnetic luggage tag that magnetically snaps into the structure of the bag ensuring it won't get lost. Speaking of lost luggage, you'll also find a built-in AirTag holder in the bag's interior (a great benefit if you ever want to take the airline up on the option to check your bag). We thought it felt a little heavy, at 9 pounds but rolled very smoothly. The Details: Carry-on | 23 x 14.75 x 10 inches | 9.04 pounds | Expandable | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Casetify Nothing makes a statement at baggage claim like a suitcase that's inscribed with your name. If you're looking to invest in a luggage that you can make your own in every sense, we'd go with Casetify's 21-inch Bounce Custom Carry-on. The brand is widely known for its cushiony and protective phone cases, but it's recently entered its luggage era—and what an entrance it was. Much like with its phone cases, Casetify gives you the option to customize your suitcase using a variety of fonts, colors, and backgrounds. Associate editor Anna Popp picked her carry-on in a stunning cobalt blue and went with a pink-and-white combo for her initial design. Aside from the monogram option, what sets this carry-on apart from the rest are the reinforced bumper corners that give the suitcase another layer of protection from any rough handling it may endure. The capacity of this 21-inch spinner felt like just enough to fit a multiday vacation's worth of items, but we're confident you could fit more with some strategic packing. "I love the organizer flap it comes with since there are tons of little pockets to place various things," says Popp. "I also love that the flap can be taken out when you don't want to use it." While its not the lightest carry-on out there, we were impressed with its style element, and we expect to get tons of compliments at the airport. The Details: Carry-on | 21 x 13.9 x 9 inches | 8.23 pounds | 33.8-liter capacity | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: July There's something about a zipperless closure on a suitcase that instantly makes it feel a tad more luxury. Such is the case with the July Carry On Trunk. Built with two TSA-approved latch locks, a German polycarbonate shell, and a removable power bank, we'd say this pick serves equal parts style and function. We found an abundance of helpful organization on the interior of the bag: there are two dividers on each side of the bag with mesh pockets on each, clips to keep the dividers in place, Y compression straps on each side, and a cylindrical zip pocket on one side. We also noticed that the bag opens evenly as opposed to the 30/70 design that we typically see in other travel trunks. The wheels were so smooth, they practically rolled themselves through our testing lab floors and in airports. However, our favorite thing about the bag, as with all July luggage, was the handle which has 20 different heights and can be customized down to the exact millimeter. The one small drawback noted by T+L editor Hillary Maglin is that this carry-on tends to get black scuff marks from the baggage carousel conveyor belt after every trip. 'While most of the scuffs come off pretty easily using the included sponge, I noticed a few small scuffs are harder to get out,' she says. Aside from slight cosmetic damage that occurs with most hardside luggage over time, Maglin still attests that 'it's probably the sturdiest and most smooth-rolling spinner I've ever used.' The Details: Hardside | 21.5 x 14.75 x 8.75 inches | 8.4 pounds | 42-liter capacity | Ejectable USB-C battery | Polycarbonate | 4 dual spinner wheels Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Though these carry-on suitcases were strong contenders, they were just shy of making the list due to a few shortcomings. However, they do possess a few redeeming qualities we feel are worth mentioning. Rains Texel Cabin Trolley: We love the puffy exterior of this waterproof carry-on, though it does add bulk to the suitcase. We noticed that when fully packed, it just barely fit in the overhead compartment in our testing lab. Arlo Skye The Zipper Carry-on Max With Front Pocket: This bag had slightly weak scores in the maneuverability category since it didn't glide as effortlessly as other carry-ons we tried. However, we appreciated its helpful features, like its protective front pocket for laptops and removable power bank. Calpak Ambeur Front Pocket Carry-on Luggage: For under $300, this metallic option offers the sleek look of an aluminum suitcase without the heaviness. Upon first glance, the capacity seemed standard for a carry-on. During packing, we struggled to fit everything on our list. We also noticed that the laptop compartment protruded the more we packed it. Zero Halliburton Classic Aluminum 3.0 International Carry-on: The durability on this suitcase was top notch. In fact, it's one of the most solid suitcases we've ever tested. Ultimately, we preferred the Rimowa bag in our main list for an aluminum option, and we wish this one had more internal organization. Paravel Aviator Carry-on Plus: After toting the bag on trips over six months, we came to appreciate the built-in compression board that made it easy to pack in as many items as possible. Still, we would've appreciated an expandable feature here. Miamily Carry-on: We loved how easy it was to navigate a busy airport with a toddler placed on top of this ride-on suitcase. We just wish the luggage was lighter when empty. Bagsmart Roamer Expandable 20-inch Carry-on Luggage: This affordable bag has lots of impressive features. It even held strong after we whacked it with a metal bat about 10 times. The Amazon Basics hardside spinner ultimately won as our favorite budget option because it offered slightly more in terms of organization, but this is another excellent affordable carry-on that will last for years. Frequently Asked Questions Accepted carry-on dimensions vary by airline, according to the TSA. However, standard dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Some airlines will differ give or take a few inches, which is why larger size carry-ons made this list. As a rule of thumb, always research your airline's carry-on rules before your flight to avoid having to involuntarily check your bag. Again, this varies. Some airlines like JetBlue and American Airlines currently don't have any weight restrictions for carry-on bags, while some international airlines limit carry-ons to 22 pounds. In our experience, carry-on weight limits are not always enforced as much as dimension size, but as a rule of thumb, your carry-on is likely too heavy if you can't lift it on your own. If you're concerned about the weight of your bag, grab an inexpensive luggage scale so you can check before heading to the airport. According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the security checkpoint. No liquid in your carry-on or personal item can exceed 3.4 ounces. Any amounts larger than that will need to be checked or will be disposed of. Solid toiletries like powdered makeup, bar soap, and solid deodorant should pose no issue. Yes, AirTags and other luggage trackers are allowed in carry-on luggage. For GPS trackers that utilize a higher level of battery power, you should check with your individual airline to make sure it's allowed on board. T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant covers luggage and travel accessories. She owns roughly 35 different suitcases, backpacks, and tote bags, and rotates between her favorites for different trips around the world. She is a carry-on loyalist and enjoys the challenge of finding creative ways to pack weeks worth of clothing into a compact suitcase. She frequently utilizes clever accessories like compression packing cubes, hanging toiletry bags, and travel pouches to maximize space. Right now, her favorite carry-ons come from brands Away, Dagne Dover, and Samsonite. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
American Airlines stock tumbles as carrier cites 'tough' July for domestic travel
American Airlines (AAL) stock slumped 6% on Thursday as the carrier echoed a trend seen with its peer Southwest (LUV) — weaker-than-expected domestic travel last quarter. "July has been tough, really hit hard by the uncertainty during the primary booking period," American CEO Robert Isom said during the company's earnings call on Thursday morning. The airline pointed out domestic revenue declined about 6% year over year over year in the three-month period ending in June. However, the company expects that July will be the low point and that performance will improve sequentially month over month. In other words, American's financials will recover during the second half of the year. "Let's face it, the domestic network has been under stress because of the uncertainty in the economy and the reluctance of domestic passengers to get in the game," Isom said American said it expects a loss per share between $0.10 and $0.60 during the current quarter and earnings for 2025 in a range between a loss of $0.20 and a gain of $0.80 per share. Read more about American's stock moves and today's market action. The airline reinstated its guidance after pulling it in April, along with the other major carriers, following President Trump's broad-based tariff policy. Despite posting record quarterly revenue of $14.4 billion, American's outlook diverges from the more bullish forecasts from Delta (DAL) and United (UAL). Part of the reason is that American has more domestic destinations and flights than its two biggest rivals. Airlines have been leaning into meeting demand from international routes, as well as premium seats, which command higher ticket prices. Meanwhile, Southwest stock plunged 10% on Thursday after the carrier issued a trimmed pre-tax profit outlook of $600 million to $800 million in 2025 — as much as $1 billion less than previously anticipated. "We saw some uncertainty that came in and demand fell off quite quickly during that period," Southwest CFO Tom Doxey told Yahoo Finance on Thursday morning. "The speed with which that came down was one of the faster reductions in revenue that we've seen in years across the industry." "The great news is we're starting to see that stabilize," Doxey added. "As tariffs and other things are starting to solidify a bit, you're starting to see that spending change," creating a potential tailwind for the airline in the second half of the year. Ines Ferre is a Senior Business Reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @ines_ferre. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices
CNET
an hour ago
- CNET
I'm Breaking Up With My Chase Sapphire Preferred. Here's Why the Love Is Gone
Chase will offer 1.25% boosted redemption on travel through October 2027. Viva Tung/CNET The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card* has saved me a lot of money on flights and hotels over the years. It was even CNET's best travel card and one of my personal favorites. But not anymore. Sadly, Chase recently removed my beloved 25% boosted redemption rate when booking travel through Chase Travel℠. Chase's Ultimate Rewards portal lets you redeem your points for travel, gift cards, experiences and even shopping. Sometimes, my points added up to a free round-trip flight, which was a game-changer. Chase replaced it with a Points Boost program, which offers a higher per-point value than the 25% bonus. Here's the catch: It's only for specific flights and hotels, and the deals periodically change. If you book travel for any other non-boosted offer, you'll earn a measly 1 cent per point. And I'm not happy about it. I guess you could say it's good that other money-saving card benefits are sticking around, like the $50 hotel credit and the 10% anniversary bonus points. But if I'm using more points to book with the new rewards program, the card and Chase travel portal both feel a lot less valuable. This big change might persuade me to swap cards. Let's walk through the program and figure out if the Chase Sapphire Preferred is still worth it for you. What is Chase's new Points Boost program? The new Points Boost program went into effect last month. However, any points earned before Oct. 26, 2025, can be redeemed under the previous rewards program for the next two years. But any points earned after Oct. 26 will be valued at up to 1.5 cents per point on select flights and hotels, and up to 1.75 cents per point on premium flights. However, the boosted offers will change. That can mean good savings if you're booking a first-class flight or find a good deal on a hotel, but the promise of a flat 1.25-cent redemption value regardless of the day or form of travel was an easy way for me to secure value. I'm glad I'll have two years to use my points as I have been. Points redeemed during this time will qualify for the Points Boost program, too. That gives some time to compare the value and savings. Why I'm not excited about Chase's Points Boost Chase's Point Boost feels like gambling for a travel deal. You may spend more points for the same deal you could get for less. Here's how the math shakes out. If I book an economy round-trip flight from Charlotte to New York's LaGuardia airport, I'll spend $179 or 14,316 points booking through the Chase portal. But if those points were redeemed at only 1 cent, I'd need 17,900 points. If I'm lucky enough to score a Points Boost offer that lets me redeem points at 1.5 cents per point for the flight, I'll need fewer points: 11,933. But the big question is, Will the offer apply when I'm ready to book, since offers are limited and can change? Where once there was certainty in landing a good deal, it now feels like it's up to Chase's whims to decide when I can earn more value and when I'll miss out. The Chase Sapphire Reserve's new annual fee isn't worth it, either The Chase Sapphire Reserve®* is Chase's premium travel card, and though it may seem like the next best choice if you're not happy with the CSP's changes, think again. The Sapphire Reserve could be worthwhile if you use the myriad of perks and annual credits attached to its steep $795 annual fee, but the Points Boost changes will apply to the CSR, too. Seeing that I'll run into the same problem with my points, the card's benefits and annual fee don't make sense for my wallet. I'm not breaking up with Chase yet, but it's complicated Although I don't like the new Points Boost program, it's not all bad. For example, I like that Marriott is a Chase travel partner, and I'm a fan of the card's travel insurance perks. But I'm on the fence. So is my colleague Evan Zimmer, a CNET money editor who's covered credit cards for eight years. He typically uses the Chase portal to book flights and has been able to score some savings. But he's not certain of his future with the CSP. "I'll keep the card for the foreseeable future, but the redemption changes certainly are making me reconsider it," he said. "I'll probably wait to see if I notice a big difference in savings." I'll likely do the same, but in the meantime, I'm shopping for new cards that are a better fit for my wallet and have a better redemption value than what Chase will give me, like the Capital One Venture X and the American Express Gold Card.
