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CNN
6 days ago
- Business
- CNN
Don't get stuck checking a bag. Here are top airlines carry-on size guidelines before your next trip
You have a handful of luggage and bags for travel at your disposal, but deciding which one fits the carry-on luggage size guide for your airline can be tricky. Each airline has ever-so-slightly different requirements, which means you must research before you fly. Before you get too stressed packing for your next vacation, we're outlining requirements made by top airlines to give you one, convenient place to get info and recommending products that comply with airline regulations. Bust out your measuring tape and double check that your suitcase will fit to make sure you can keep your bags right where you want them: in the overhead bin. After all, you don't want to ruin your vacation by paying extra for checked bag fees if you don't have to. Away The Bigger Carry-On There's a handful of editors from the CNN Underscored team who will sing the praises of this carry-on bag. After lots of testing, it's proven to be durable, easy to maneuver throughout airports and is our overall best-tested hard-shell carry-on bag. The thoughtful design features and streamlined look make it a smart investment when you're shopping for new luggage. Read our review Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On If you prefer a soft-sided suitcase, this is our best tested soft-sided carry-on luggage and a favorite of travel editor Kyle Olsen's. The suitcase's compression system is top-of-the-line, and it maintained its shape after many, many miles of flying. The exterior handle creates extra space for packing. Read our review Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Suitecase A more affordable hard-shell pick, this Samsonite suitcase comes in a range of colors and weighs 6.5 pounds. There are built-in TSA security locks and four omni-spinner wheels to make travel through the airport easy. It also has expansion and compression capabilities for the times you overpack. Read our review Bagsmart Weekender For quick trips or to give you a more versatile personal item, a weekender bag is a solid choice. This affordable bag from Bagsmart has an abundance of pockets that make it easy to stay organized. It might not have premium features, but it definitely gets the job done with a surprising capacity and comfortable straps for carrying. Read our review Coowoz Travel Backpack A backpack that went viral, this under $25 bag will fit under the seat in front of you or act as your sole piece of luggage. You'll find basic features, like interior and exterior organization pockets, as well as bonus design points, like a shoe compartment and built-in charging port. Read our review Monos Expandable Carry-On If you want extra room in your bag, this expandable option from Monos fits size guides when condensed down. It weighs 7.8 pounds on its own, has a streamlined and stunning design and four spinner wheels for a smooth trip through the terminal. It will scuff easily, but if you're just carrying it on, it shouldn't get too banged up. It's worth noting that most airlines require ant expandable luggage to be collapsed down before stowing it in overhead our review Aer Carry-On This carry-on luggage has a smooth gliding wheel system, but an even more advanced wheel-braking system that keeps your bag from rolling away. Aer even has a checklist of airlines the bag is compatible with measurements for if you want to double check before you fly. Read our review Halfday Premium Garment Duffel 45L If you're heading out for a wedding weekend or special event, this duffel-garment bag combo can help you pack smarter, not harder. The messenger bag strap lets you carry it easily throughout the airport, or you can opt for the backpack straps if you find that more our review Travelpro Altitude Medium Expandable Laptop Backpack If you're looking for a compact and functional personal item, this backpack from Travelpro is great for your airport trips or your morning commute to the office. Packed with organization features, RFID-blocking pockets and convenient features, like a water bottle sleeve on the our review When it comes to packing carry-on luggage and personal items, size does in fact matter. It's critical, actually, in making sure you don't have to check your bag at the last minute and pay the highest rates for checking a bag. Here are the two ways airlines measure your carry-on: H x W x D: Most airlines will list measurements by height, width and depth. You'll see something like 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which are the most commonly used carry-on bag dimensions. Linear inches: This is referring to the total number of inches your bag measures if you add up the height, width and depth. As long as your bag's dimensions add up to that magic number, you're good to fly. It's also worth noting that airlines include wheels and handlebars in their measurements. When you're measuring at home, be sure to check that your suitcase will fit from the collapsed handlebar to the tips of the wheels. Airlines also have sizers at the ticketing counters and gates. Certain airlines — notoriously budget airlines — will be strict about making sure luggage fits in the appropriate sizer. Be prepared to have your bag measured before you board. Alaska Airlines When flying with Alaska Airlines, you're allowed one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches), both free of charge. One of these bags must go under the seat in front of you, and the other must be stored in the overhead bins. For checked bags, you'll have to pay a fee. For your first bag, it's $35, for the second bag, it's $45 and for any bags after that it's $150 for each additional bag. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches, no weight limit. Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches. Items that don't count toward carry-on allowance: Coats, hats and umbrellas that are compact to store in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you, FAA-approved child/infant restraint seats to be occupied by a child, strollers and mobility/medical assistive devices. American Airlines American Airlines allows passengers one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) and one carry-on bag (22 x 14 x 9 inches) with no additional charge. These bags must fit underneath the seat in front of you and in an overhead bin. American Airlines notes that some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions. If your bag doesn't fit the specific airplane requirements, American Airlines often offers a free valet check at the gate. Your first checked bag will cost $35 if you pay ahead online and $40 if you pay at the airport. The second checked bag will be $45. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Diaper bag (one per child), breast pumps, small soft-sided coolers for breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical and mobility devices Delta Air Lines You're allowed one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item without charge when flying with Delta. You'll store one bag under the seat in front of you and one overhead. Delta lists the combined measurements of their carry-on allowance as 45 linear inches. Passengers who are traveling on Delta Connection flights, including flights with 50 or fewer seats, are only permitted pto carry ersonal items due to limited overhead space. If you're a Delta SkyMiles Medallion Member, select cobranded cardholder or active duty military member, your first checked bag is free. For others traveling with Delta, your first checked bag is $35 and the second is $45. Personal item: No stated size limit, but Delta lists a purse, briefcase, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag or an item of similar or smaller size to those bags. Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, or 45 linear inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: A jacket, umbrella, food or drink purchased past the security checkpoint, duty-free merchandise, strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats or assistive devices. Southwest Airlines Your carry-on bag (24 x 16 x 10 inches) and personal item are free when you fly with Southwest Airlines. Southwest recently updated its checked bag policy, but the carry-on allowance remains the same. Depending on your ticket, your checked bag fare will change. Basic fare, Wanna Get Away Plus fare and Anytime fare travelers will pay $35 for their first bag and $45 for the second. Business Select fare and Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members will not pay for checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List members and cobranded Chase cardholders get their first bag free and pay $35 and $45, respectively, for their second checked bag. Active duty military customers will not be charged for checked bags. Personal item: Southwest does not list dimensions, but notes a purse, briefcase, laptop computer case, backpack or small camera, provided items can be stowed under the seat in front of you. Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Baggage containing a breast pump or breast milk, neck pillows, FAA-approved car seats/child restraint systems that will be used during your flight, assistive devices for travelers with disabilities, food to be eaten during the flight, outer garments or other wearable articles of clothing, baggage containing necessary items used by trained service animals. United Airlines United Airlines allows most customers one personal item (17 x 10 x 9 inches) and one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) item free of charge. Basic Economy travelers will be allowed one personal item included in their ticket, but will be charged for a carry-on suitcase, with prices starting at $40. If you're flying with a Basic Economy ticket and your personal item does not fit the 17 x 10 x 9 inch requirement, you'll have to check it at the gate and be charged $65. You can check the price of your checked bag using United's baggage fee calculator, and pre-paying online will lower your price. Personal item: 17 x 10 x 9 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Coats, umbrellas, things to read, food or drinks bought at the airport, mobility devices, car seats, child safety harnesses, strollers, diaper bags, breast pumps and cameras Allegiant Air You're allowed one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) free of charge on Allegiant Air flights, and carry-on bags (22 x 16 x 10 inches) will require you to pay a fee. The price for carry-on bags, which the airline lists as a garment bag to a roller bag, range from $10 to $75. The brand lists their baggage fees and offers a baggage fee calculator that you can utilize for both carry-on and checked bags. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 16 x 10 inches; from $10 Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Necessary medical devices, assistive devices (like a stroller), one jacket, a small umbrella, food to be eaten during the flight and a diaper bag. Avelo Airlines Traveling on Avelo Airlines gets you one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches) free of charge and one carry-on item (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for a fee, ranging from $45 to $77. Paying during your initial reservation gives you the lowest fare option. Checked bags will cost from $42 to $77. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 9 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches; from $45 Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Manual wheelchairs, mobility aids and other assistive devices used by a qualified individual with a disability and outerwear Breeze Airways Breeze Airways allows passengers under any ticket reservation to bring one personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) on board, free of charge. Carry-on bags (22 x 14 x 9 inches) are included in Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundle tickets, but those traveling with No Flex Fare and Flex Fare tickets will have to pay a fee, starting at $35 up to $75. Carry-on bags must weigh less than 35 pounds. US military passengers receive one free carry-on and two free checked bags. Checked bags start at $40. Both carry-on and checked bags are given the lowest fees when paying during your initial booking process. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches, up to 35 pounds; from $35 to $75 for No Flex Fare and Flex Fare travelers, included for Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundle travelers. Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Breeze does not list extra items outside of a personal item and carry-on or checked bag. Frontier Airlines Take one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) with you for no charge when flying Frontier Airlines, while a carry-on (24 x 16 x 10 inches) will cost from $34 to $99. The cheapest option for paying for your carry-on is adding it to your cart during your initial booking. Carry-on bags can weigh no more than 35 pounds. Active duty military passengers will not be charged for a carry-on bag and/or one checked bag. Checked bags are allowed for a fee as well, ranging from $34 to $99, weighing no more than 40 pounds. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds; from $34 Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Strollers, car seats, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices. JetBlue Airlines Both your personal item (17 x 13 x 8 inches) and carry-on bag are included when flying with any ticket on JetBlue. Your carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) must fit in the overhead compartment, while your personal item can be stored underneath the seat in front of you. Depending on your ticket, one checked bag may be included. Certain tickets also include a second checked bag for no extra charge. For Blue, Blue Basic and Blue Extra tickets, checked bag fares start at $35. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Strollers, crutches, wheelchair and other assistive devices. Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines allows guests one personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) for free that must fit in the sizer bin. Certain tickets for Spirit flights, like Go Big, Go Comfy and Go Savvy include your carry-on bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches) for a fee. If you're flying with a standard Go ticket, you will not be able to add a carry-on bag for your flight. Active duty military service members will not be charged for a carry-on and up to two checked bags. Your carry-on bag cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. Checked bag prices are comparable to carry-on bags, with prices ranging from $54 to $99. Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches, up to 35 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Umbrellas, cameras, infant diaper bags, assistive devices, outer garments, reading material and food for the flight. Neck/travel pillows must fit in your personal item. Wheelchairs may be checked at the ticket counter or gate free of charge. Sun Country Airlines Traveling on Sun Country Airlines allows you one personal item (17 x 13 x 9 inches), which Sun Country calls an under-seat item, at no extra cost. You'll have to pay for an 'overhead bag,' a.k.a. carry-on (24 x 16 x 11 inches), with the lowest fare being available during your initial booking. Carry-on bag fees start at $40 and go up to $50. Your carry-on cannot weigh more than 35 pounds. Checked bag fees start at $40 and go up to $65. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 9 inches Carry-on: 24 x 16 x 11 inches, up to 35 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Mobility devices and medical equipment must be stored according to FAA regulations, walkers and canes that can fit in overhead storage. Aeromexico Flying Aeromexico gets you one carry-on (21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches) and one personal item for your flight with no additional charge. Depending on which type of ticket you book, you're allowed a certain weight total. For Basic fare and Premier One fare, together items can weigh up to 23 pounds. For Classic, AM Light, Premier and Premier Light fares, bags can total up to 33 pounds. Personal item: Aeromexico does not list measurements, but notes briefcases, purses, computers, umbrellas, fanny packs all count as a personal item and contribute to the weight allowance dependent upon your ticket fare. Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches, with weight requirements dependent with your ticket fare Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Jackets, a bag containing items purchased in the duty-free area, books, electronics like laptops, headphones or cameras, travel pillows, travel blankets, medical devices. Air Canada Most tickets for Air Canada flights will allow you one personal item (17 x 13 x 6 inches) and one carry-on item (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches) for no additional charge. If you're traveling within Canada, to and from the U.S. or to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean and you've booked an Economy Basic ticket, you'll have to pay a fee for your carry-on, but will be allowed a personal item for no cost. Depending on your fare, destination, date of ticket program and loyalty program status, your checked baggage allowance will vary. Personal item: 17 x 13 x 6 inches Carry-on: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Coats, snacks and food to eat on board, infant care items (like a diaper bag), strollers, child restraint devices, mobility aids and battery-powered medical equipment. British Airways British Airways allows passengers one personal item (16 x 12 x 6 inches) and one carry-on bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches) at no upfront cost, though both bags must weigh less than 51 pounds. Checked bags will cost you, depending on your ticket. Prices start at $67. Personal item: 16 x 12 x 6 inches, up to 51 pounds Carry-on: 22 x 18 x 10 inches, up to 51 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Wheelchairs, mobility aids and assistive devices. Emirates All Emirates passengers are permitted one carry-on bag (21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches), not to exceed 15.4 pounds for Economy fare, 22 pounds for Premium Economy. If you're traveling in business or first class, you're allowed one carry-on and one personal item (17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches) that can each weigh 15.4 pounds. Personal item: 17.7 x 13.7 x 7.8 inches (for Business and First Class passengers) Carry-on: 21.6 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches, weight dependent upon fare booked Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Medications, baby milk or foods and duty-free purchases. Lufthansa You'll get a carry-on (21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches) and personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches) for no charge when flying Lufthansa, though there are weight limits to note. Your carry-on cannot weigh more than 17.6 pounds. If you're flying business or first class, then you're permitted two carry-on items. Lufthansa offers a fare calculator for baggage fees, as checked luggage prices depend on your route and class type. Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches Carry-on: 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches, up to 17.6 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: A baby carry cot or child seat, wheelchairs and orthopedic aids. Singapore Airlines Pack one personal item (15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches) and one carry-on item (45.2 linear inches), weighing up to 15.4 pounds, for your flight with Singapore Airlines. If you're flying Suites, first or business class, you're allowed two carry-on items, each can weigh up to 15.4 pounds. Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you while your carry-on goes overhead. If you're planning to check a bag, the allowance is based on the weight or piece concept and is dependent upon your final destination. Personal item: 15.7 x 11.8 x 3.9 inches Carry-on: 45.2 linear inches, up to 15.4 pounds Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Baby strollers, overcoats, umbrellas, infant's amenities, a walking stick/crutches and a small amount of duty-free goods. WestJet The carry-on allowance for WestJet is dependent on your ticket fare. Econo, Member Exclusive, EconoFlex, Premium, PremiumFlex, Business or BusinessFlex passengers are allowed one carry-on (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and one personal item (16 x 6 x 13 inches). UltraBasic travelers are allowed one personal item and cannot bring or pay for a carry-on bag, unless they are flying to and from Europe and Asia, or when Extended Comfort has been purchased for all flights in a single direction, including connections. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you and your carry-on must store overhead. Personal item: 16 x 6 x 13 inches Carry-on: 22 x 14 x 9 inches Items that don't count toward your carry-on allowance: Diaper bags, food items to be eaten on board, medical devices and mobility devices. The following FAQs were answered by our editorial team and cross-checked with the TSA and FAA websites. What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on item, and how do airlines define each? What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on item, and how do airlines define each? Personal items are smaller bags you might bring with you while traveling that can easily be stowed underneath the seat in front of you. Carry-on luggage refers to travel bags that can fit in overhead bins. Airlines define each by the size and style of the bag. Airlines typically refer to personal items as briefcases, small backpacks, totes, purses and laptop cases. Carry-on items are considered duffels, roller bags and large backpacks. Measurements for each vary per airline. Can I bring a backpack as a personal item, or does it count as a carry-on? Can I bring a backpack as a personal item, or does it count as a carry-on? So long as your backpack is within the measurements required for a personal item according to the airline you're flying, it can be used as a personal item. Packing a backpack as a personal item is a great way to give yourself more storage while traveling, but you should note that all personal items on any airline must fit underneath the seat in front of you. If it sizes out of the personal item guidelines, the airline will likely consider it a carry-on bag, and you might be subject to paying a carry-on fee. Are musical instruments, sports equipment or medical devices considered carry-on items, or do they have separate policies and restrictions? Are musical instruments, sports equipment or medical devices considered carry-on items, or do they have separate policies and restrictions? Musical instruments, sports equipment and medical devices are determined as carry-on versus checked luggage depending upon airline regulations. Some airlines may require you to check musical instruments and sports equipment if it doesn't fit within the carry-on size guide. The TSA has a list of what medical equipment and sports equipment can fly safely. Musical instruments are subject to airline discretion. It's best to check your airline's regulations regarding carrying medical equipment on board. Some equipment, depending on where you're flying, might be subject to additional search while going through security checkpoints. Additionally, a few airlines on our list noted that medical equipment may need a doctor's note to fly. What types of items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and what can be packed in checked baggage instead? What types of items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and what can be packed in checked baggage instead? The TSA and FAA have lists of what you are and are not allowed to pack in both your carry-on and checked luggage. We've created an additional guide for commonly asked questions to make it easy when you start packing. A good rule of thumb is to pack any liquids over 3.4 ounces in a checked bag, sporting equipment like skis or golf clubs (though these likely won't fit in your carry-on anyway), certain self-defense items, cookware and kitchen items like a corkscrew must also be checked instead of carried on. The TSA has a full list of items you can pack and which bag they should go in. Can I bring a stroller, car seat or other child-related equipment as a carry-on, or do airlines have specific policies for these items? Can I bring a stroller, car seat or other child-related equipment as a carry-on, or do airlines have specific policies for these items? Typically, airlines have specific policies for these items, and it's best to consult the airline's website. That said, in our research, most airlines do not charge a checked bag fee for items like these, and some offer gate or valet checking before you board your flight. How do airlines handle oversized or overweight carry-on luggage, and what are the potential fees? How do airlines handle oversized or overweight carry-on luggage, and what are the potential fees? Depending on which airline you fly, overweight and oversized bags may be subject to fees. The fee for overweight bags is typically steep, so it's best to weigh your bag ahead of flying. Oversized bags, especially carry-ons, can vary from $50 to $99 depending on the airline. It's almost always more expensive to have to check an oversized bag at the gate than it is to check it in advance. Be sure to read the fine print for your airline before flying. CNN Underscored editors thoroughly test the products we review and provide full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine researched popular airlines and their carry-on allowance rules to create a master list for readers, making it easier to plan for their next vacation.
CNN
21-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
The 30 best Mother's Day gifts under $100, handpicked by our editors
Mother's Day gifts under $100 quick picks An affordable alternative to Le Creuset: Lodge 6-Quart Dutch Oven For the mom who wants to travel in style: Bagsmart Weekender A luxe way to combat chapped lips: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask For fresh herbs all year: Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Even the best Mother's Day gifts can't come close to capturing the love and gratitude Mom deserves. Naturally, then, we have a tendency to think we've got to spend as much time and cash on a gift as possible. But as CNN Underscored editors can attest, thoughtful, unique Mother's Day gifts don't have to be expensive; they just have to show you care. That was my mission with this gift guide. I've included a variety of gifts here — from practical finds to personalized treasures — but I kept them all under $100, ensuring they're in reach for a variety of budgets. Excuse the cliché, but there really is something for everyone. In the unlikely event that you are left wanting more ideas, browse through our guides to Mother's Day gifts for wives, Mother's Day gifts under $50 or even our roundup of the best gifts for women. Bonne Maman 'Ten Ways to Say I Love You' Mini Preserves Set The cheapest way to send Mom to France isn't a budget airline ticket; it's this mini preserves set from Bonne Maman. With nine fruit spreads and one jar of honey, there are plenty of jams to prepare a tartine that'll transport both of you to the banks of the Garonne River. Lodge 6-Quart Dutch Oven Armed with a Dutch oven and your family recipe book, Mom can make loaves of crusty bread, tender roasts and to-die-for pasta sauces. This model stood out in our testing, despite being a fifth of the price of Le our review Anthropologie Eden Pitcher This beautifully painted pitcher is the kind of piece that will make her friends wish they were your parent. "Where'd you get that?" they'll ask with the slightest bit of jealousy. Asakuki Essential Oil Diffuser With this illuminated essential oil diffuser, your mom can turn her bedroom into a four-star spa, imbuing the air with lavender, patchouli and eucalyptus. It also doubles as a cute night light, as it's equipped with seven LED our review UrbanStems Flower Delivery If you can't support your local florist because you live a thousand miles away from Mom, UrbanStems is the next best thing. The company cuts out the middleman to guarantee affordable prices, and same-day flower delivery is available in major cities like Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago. Sonder LA Laurel Cutting Board A great chef is nothing without a sharp knife and an excellent cutting board. So, if you're mom knows "The Joy of Cooking" like the back of her hand, but she's still using a scratched plastic cutting board from 2008, set her up with this beautiful teak our review Nest Himalayan Salt and Rosewater Votive Candle A candle is hardly original, I know. But this thing smells so good (think rosewater, plus warm, woody scents), it'll have Mom calling to thank you every time she lights it. Bokksu Snack Box Subscription Maybe your mom loves Japanese culture, or maybe she won't stop talking about her last trip to Tokyo. Either way, she'll get a kick out of a Bokksu subscription, which will send a box of rare Japanese treats to her door every our review Uncommon Goods Pet Portrait Painting Class For moms obsessed with their four-legged friends, consider this two-hour virtual class from Uncommon Goods. Equipped with a set of watercolors, Mom can paint a portrait of Fido or Mittens with the help of a live instructor. She can bring her own art supplies, or you can order them as an add-on. Our home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel took the class and had so much fun learning watercolor skills while painting her cat. Lego Icons Flower Bouquet Building Set Flowers fade away and die, but Lego bouquets last (practically) forever. Not only is this bouquet a blast to assemble, but the flowers are pretty enough that Mom can show them off in a vase. Loop Dream Earplugs If Mom shares a bed with what sounds like a congested walrus, Loop's Dream Earplugs might give her the best sleep of her life. In our testing, they felt like they were barely there, yet they effectively muffled most noises. Read our review Inkbird Sous Vide Precision Cooker ISV-200W There's a reason why foodies love sous vide cookers — and our tester found this model one of the best. Using a temperature-controlled water bath, Mom can cook meats to the level of perfection you'd expect at a Michelin Star restaurant. Read our review Leuchtturm1917 The Official Bullet Journal Edition 2 Whether Mom is a seasoned diarist or journal-curious, this journal has everything she'll need to get started with bullet journaling, including a pocket guide and index. Dan Toy, CNN Underscored's copy chief and journaling expert, swears by the method, calling it a fixture of his daily our review Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen A great journal is nothing without a pen to match. Toy says this German fountain pen is among the best, especially thanks to its compact our review Caraway 10.5-Inch Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan Nonstick doesn't have to be toxic. Case in point: Caraway's ceramic-coated frying pan, which is easy to clean without the worrying forever chemicals. Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Hydroponic indoor gardens like this one allow you to enjoy fresh produce regardless of the weather outside — and even if you don't have a garden. If Mom is a foodie or home cook, this is a no-brainer gift. Ugg Scuffette Slippers It doesn't matter the season: Stepping into sheepskin-lined slippers feels amazing in the morning, making them perfect for moms who can appreciate life's little luxuries. Lands' End Five Pocket Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag Stylish tote bags typically have one cavernous storage compartment, making it difficult to find anything smaller than an iPhone. But the Lands' End zip-top bag corrects that oversight, with plenty of interior and exterior pockets. It's a favorite of our home and gifts editor, who uses it all the time for running errands. Gorjana Mama Wilder Necklace She can feel good repping motherhood with this gold-plated necklace from Gorjana, which donates 10% of each sale to the Baby2Baby nonprofit. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Wrap Impress Mom with this 100% cashmere wrap, which Quince makes surprisingly affordable at just $100. She can wear it in the spring and summer to survive frigid air conditioning, whether at the office or the movies. Bagsmart Weekender The Away Weekender is one of our favorite bags. It's also over $200. As much as you might love Mom, that might not be in the budget. Luckily, the Bagsmart Weekender is a fraction of the price and another tester favorite, providing tons of pockets and a lightweight our review Polaroid Go Generation 2 If Mom can't help but snap photos at every turn, she'll love this point-and-shoot instant camera. Though the features are limited, our tester said it's compact enough to carry anywhere and does what Polaroid cameras do best: turn snapshots into prints within our review Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light Voracious readers, knitting enthusiasts and really anyone with a late-night hobby will benefit from this handy neck light. No matter where she uses it — on the couch or before bed — it won't disturb anyone else, thanks to its focused beams of light. Duolingo Super Membership What better way to prepare Mom for her next international vacation than to sign her up for Duolingo Super? The ad-free language learning experience comes with premium features like personalized practice, plus access to over 30 languages. Read our review Comlife Portable Neck Fan Neck fans may seem a little silly, even superfluous. But in a few months, you're mom will be thanking you for getting her such a practical gift. Whether she's harvesting tomatoes in the garden or commuting on the subway, this portable fan will offer reprieve from hot temps. Trust us, we've tested our review Brookstone 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station Is your mom decked out with the Apple trifecta: AirPods, Apple Watch and iPhone? If so, this charger is about to make her life way easier. It'll charge all three of those devices simultaneously while only taking up one our review Apple AirTag Having tested 14 of the most popular Bluetooth trackers on the market, I can confidently say the AirTag is the best. And since everyone loses their wallet or keys once in a while, this gift has broad appeal. That said, Android users should grab the Tile Pro our review Estée Lauder Nighttime Experts Skin Care Set This nightly renewal regimen — valued at nearly $150 — is packed with anti-aging products that will make Mom's skin look youthful and healthy. Highlights include a full-size Advanced Night Repair Serum and two travel-size creams. Talika Eye Therapy Patches With Travel Case While most quick fixes in skin care are too good to be true, the best under-eye patches deliver on their promise to reduce the appearance of dark circles and bags in minutes. These reusable patches are among are favorites, improving our tester's skin texture and color. A cute bonus: Each patch comes with "Eye love you" printed on our review Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Even the driest lips are no match for this sleeping mask, which is packed with ingredients to smooth and hydrate cracked, damaged our review We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why CNN Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this guide, writer Maxwell Shukuya trawled through CNN Underscored's library of reviews and editor favorites to gather a list of giftable products we believe in. Rest assured that home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel also scrutinized each selection, ensuring they're all top-notch Mother's Day gifts (and not tchotchkes that'll gather dust).
CNN
16-03-2025
- CNN
The best weekender bags, tried and tested
The best weekender bags we tested Best weekender bag: Away The Weekender Best budget weekender bag: Bagsmart Weekender Best weekender backpack: Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel The best weekender bags are the most versatile of all travel bags. As a luggage enthusiast and a travel expert, I've always favored weekender bags over others. They're typically smaller and more compact than duffel bags and, therefore, easier to lug around. But they're also spacious enough to fit a few days' worth of clothes and travel accessories, depending on their capacity and the type of packer you are. And their compartments are usually more accessible than backpacks. They are, in other words, perfect for pretty much every travel need: quick getaways, weeklong trips as your main luggage or two-week holidays to complement your hardshell carry-on or checked luggage. For years, I traveled the world with only a carry-on and a weekender, even during my months-long trips around Europe. So, it's more than fair to say that I'm somewhat of an expert when it comes to weekender bags. I got my hands on 27 of the most highly rated ones and took each one for a spin — or rather a jaunt — to help you find the best one for your needs. Away The Weekender Travelers cannot deny the amount of detail Away pours into its travel bags. It's no surprise that this weekender bag tops our list, thanks to its build quality, features and versatility. Bagsmart Weekender If you're looking for a cheap weekender, you can't go wrong with this great value option from Bagsmart. It comes with many features, giving you a lot of bang for your buck. Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel Need a bigger weekender to carry on your back? Then you should get this robust, large-capacity one from Adventurist Backpack Co. It boasts so many features, it's almost hard to believe it's as affordable as it is. Choosing just one weekender bag out of all the options I tested was not easy, simply because most of the options in my testing pool were fantastic in their own rights. Many of them I would recommend for specific needs: the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe weekender, for example, feels perfect for beach holidays, while the Monos Metro Weekender with its large capacity is fantastic for a luxurious vacation if you were to bring just one travel bag but don't want a carry-on suitcase. However, if you were to invest in just one weekender bag that will satisfy most of your packing and travel needs, then Away's The Weekender is the most versatile choice. I used it as a personal item to complement my carry-on on a week-long trip and as my only bag for quick getaways, and it served me well on both occasions. Its 38-liter capacity is a huge factor here. This weekender bag is big enough to pack five or more days' worth of clothes (unless you're packing for the winter) but not so big that it's too heavy to sling over your shoulder or stuff under the seat in front of you. It's certainly bigger than a typical personal item, at least by airline size restrictions, but I've flown to New York and back with it as my personal item and no one batted an eye. It just took a little finagling to fit it in smaller under-seat spaces. It's also incredibly sturdy. It took a lot of abuse during my NYC trip, and I have yet to see a scratch on it. That's likely due to its scratch-resistant nylon material, which also proved to have a high level of water resistance. It kept my clothes and laptop dry despite sitting out in the snow for about 30 minutes. The Away also wins for compactness and convenience, especially with its suitcase-style interior. At 20.9 by 11.8 by 9.4 inches, it's neither too big nor too small, and its separate laptop compartment makes it easy to take out your electronics when going through airport security. The zippers are not particularly special, but they slide smoothly and I never had any issues, even when I was overstuffing the bag with treats to take home. One thing to note, though, is that the inner main compartment flap is made of mesh, which makes it a little trickier to zip up when the compartment is brimming with clothes. I do wish there were more internal pockets, but the two medium-sized pockets in the main compartment and the small zippered pocket in the front were enough to keep my accessories organized. And while it could have been lighter, the long handles made it easier to carry when it wasn't attached to my suitcase. Finally, though this Away weekender isn't what I would call a budget purchase, I've owned, used and knocked around seven Away bags and suitcases since the brand launched, and not a single one has failed me yet. So, I'm positive that this will last you for years, ensuring you're getting your money's worth. Really, the only thing missing here is a water bottle compartment, which is kind of a big omission because proper hydration is key to staying healthy while traveling. If your weekender bag budget is only $50, you're in luck. The polyester Bagsmart Weekender has proven to be a worthy contender when it comes to functionality and build, even though it doesn't look and feel as premium as many of the other bags in my testing pool. Personally, I would go for a slightly higher-priced choice like the sub-$100 Halfday Double Decker Weekender, which feels like it should cost more considering its capacity, design and quality, or the $100 Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender, which has been my go-to lately because it's just so easy to use. But if money is tight, this one from Bagsmart is a fantastic value. Two of the best things about this bag are its lightweight design at only 1.74 pounds, and the abundance of pockets. Seriously, for something so inexpensive, it has so many pockets: three mesh pockets and a waterproof one in the main compartment, two more mesh pockets in the laptop compartment, two front pockets, a zipped back pocket and two side pockets. In a weekender bag that's only 19.5 by 8.2 by 11.5 inches in size, that's pretty impressive and makes it a fantastic option for travelers who are obsessive about their packing organization. Bagsmart even throws in a shoe bag for good measure. Next to the Away The Weekender, it's clearly on the smaller side with only a 31-liter capacity in the Medium size I tested (the Large is 37 liters), but you can still get away with packing up to five days' worth of stuff, if you only pack one pair of jeans or two pairs of yoga pants. I did; it can be done. You need not worry about lugging around a heavy, overstuffed bag either. The bag's handles are long enough to sling it over your shoulder instead of using the strap to make it easier to carry. You wouldn't want to use the shoulder strap anyway. Even with just my yoga mat, yoga mat towel and 40-ounce Owala water bottle inside, its plastic strap rings squeaked under that weight the whole walk from my house to the yoga studio. I live in a quiet neighborhood; it was a little embarrassing. Another disappointing thing here is that during my water test, water seeped into the main compartment through the zipper and pooled inside. Though, to be fair, while the zippers didn't do diddly-squat to keep the water out, they did slide effortlessly during testing. If you want to save a lot of money and get this bag, just be mindful not to get it drenched when you're traveling. When you're opting for the budget option, you naturally have to expect compromises, so the Bagsmart Weekender's flaws aren't surprising. However, for a sub-$50 option, you're still getting a lot of bang for your buck. The first time I used the Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel was when I had to leave my apartment and temporarily relocate during the Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025. I had three chonky cats — and a big cooler — in tow, so I could only bring one bag for my clothes and electronics. Luckily, this 21.5-by-14-by-9.5-inch suitcase-style travel bag is up to the task, thanks in part to its huge 45-liter capacity that allowed me to pack a week's worth of clothing, plus my laptop, chargers, two cameras, a bag of coffee beans and a water bottle. That's a lot of stuff, which makes this weekender backpack a worthy carry-on contender as well. It has a similar design to the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack, which was my go-to bag for solo trips around Europe at one point. Only, the Adventurist Backpack Co. duffel has a bigger capacity, a bigger water bottle compartment and is almost half the price at only $125, which makes it a better value. Speaking of compartments, the fact that this bag has eight compartments, excluding the main compartment, helped bring some semblance of order to a very chaotic and stressful time. If you want to organize your clothes even further, it also comes with a removable divider for the main compartment. It has good water resistance and feels incredibly robust as well. Though I do not doubt that the polyester material will wear out with long-term use and abuse, this bag feels durable enough that you'll get a lot of use out of it long before that happens. Its backpack straps are also solid yet comfortable, and they make it easy for a small person like me to carry all that weight around on my back. And if you get tired of carrying it on your back, you can stow those backpack straps and attach the shoulder strap. Though, sadly, it doesn't come with a trolley sleeve for attaching it to your suitcase handle. Because of its size, I wouldn't recommend using this as your personal item when traveling. This one is purely for the overhead bins. However, the two padded side handles do make it easy to stow away and retrieve, even if you're on the shorter side like me. There's another compelling reason to go for this weekender bag: The brand donates 25 meals to families in need across the US for every bag it sells. I had to see firsthand how each weekender bag would perform in real-world scenarios. So, to properly test them, I made the ultimate sacrifice of going on a few trips. It wasn't easy, but someone had to do it. Smug jokes aside, I tested each weekender bag in our product pool by taking them on short weekend trips around Southern California and weeklong trips to New York, Yosemite and other places. That's alongside using them as my gym and work bags when grounded in LA. Because my time was limited, and I still needed to find out how each bag would perform under pressure, I also used them for schlepping heavy things to and from work (like camera equipment and small appliances, for example), and I exposed them to the elements, including rain (heavy rains in LA arrived just in time!). I then evaluated each weekender bag using the following criteria. Performance Functionality: You may think, 'A bag is a bag. As long as it fits everything I need, it's good enough.' But I've traveled more than most people, especially during my stint as a travel writer, and I know it takes more than that to be a great bag for travel. Capacity is certainly important, and I factored that into my tests, but things like how long the handles are, whether or not the shoulder strap is comfortable and stays on, whether or not the zippers are robust yet glide smoothly, and the width of the openings are just as vital. Traveling, though a lot of fun, can be exhausting and chaotic, and factors like having a bag that works in your favor could mean the difference between managing the chaos just fine and having a total meltdown in the middle of Florence, Italy. Waterproofing: If you've ever been stuck in the middle of a downpour in the Andalusian region of Spain — made that mistake twice! — you'll know that some level of water resistance will go a long way. So, I tested each bag to gauge its level of waterproofing by taking them out when it rained. I also performed the same water test I used for my best garment bags guide: I sprayed copious amounts of water on each bag and let it 'soak' for 15 minutes. Design Build quality: Having a bag that will survive the typical abuses of travel is crucial, especially for overpackers. Who wants a bag that will rip while you're navigating a very touristy area to find your hotel or Airbnb? To test this, I packed each bag with heavier products like camera equipment, some of the smaller espresso machines I'm testing and other test units that I needed to transport from the office to my home. Organization: Things can get chaotic when you're traveling, so having a way to organize all those clothes and travel accessories you're lugging around is more helpful than you think, even if you're not so stringent about keeping your stuff organized. That's why I also took into account all the compartments and pockets available in each bag. Weight: For the longest time, my favorite weekender bag was this beautiful pink leather one from Away (sadly, the brand stopped making it). I loved that thing, but the longer I traveled with it, the more I realized that its heavy weight was simply not ideal, especially when I was packing a lot of gadgets like my charger, laptop, headphones and portable battery. So, I also factored weight in when choosing my top picks. Size: This is more of a personal preference and a situational criterion, but I noted each weekender bag's size and included it in my review just so you know that you're choosing the right bag for your travel needs. If you want a weekender to mostly use as a personal item, for example, bringing a massive one that won't fit under the seat might cost you the price of a checked suitcase if the airline crew flags it. Value Price: Naturally, I took price into account. I am a big believer in spending a bit more money for a better-value product, but I also don't think you should splurge if there's a more affordable, better-value product — unless, of course, you want to and have the money to spare. As with most products, choosing the best weekender bag for your needs is a matter of preference. Yes, the criteria I summarized above should be your priority, but at the end of the day, this is still not a one-size-fits-all situation. There are other things you need to take into consideration, such as the type of traveler you are, how you plan on using the bag and more. Consider your packing, carrying and travel styles Are you a light packer or an overpacker? Do you prefer to carry your bag on your back, sling it over your shoulder or secure it to the handle of your carry-on suitcase? Are you a one-bag-only type of traveler? These are some of the things you should be thinking about before you settle on one weekender travel bag and hit buy. Trust me, I've been in scenarios where I regretted the bag I'd brought with me because it simply wasn't serving my travel and personal needs. And when you're away from home and traveling for two or more weeks, you either have to endure the bag for the duration of your trip or buy a replacement, which will obviously cost you more money. Pick the right size for your needs Though weekender bags are typically (but not always) smaller than duffel travel bags, they come in sizes ranging from 20 to 48 liters. To choose the right size for your travel needs, several factors must be considered, including how much stuff you need to pack, whether or not you want to be able to stow the bag under the seat (although I have gotten away with stuffing our top pick, Away The Weekender, under the seat in front of me, it was definitely a squeeze) and how much effort you're willing to put in carrying your bag. I prefer to travel light and not be weighed down by heavy bags, and while the Away Weekender is bigger than what I typically use, I still felt like it was the perfect compromise of size and space. However, if you feel like a smaller weekender will suit you better, then you should take a look at the other bags I tested below. Choose the style you feel most comfortable with I love that weekenders come in a variety of shapes and designs. Many still have that traditional weekender design, but a handful are in backpack form, while a few others have a suitcase-style interior. Some also come with a separate compartment for shoes and other accessories or a separate padded compartment for laptops. What's more, weekender bags are also made of different materials: leather, canvas, nylon and polyester. The leather ones are usually heavier in my experience, but that's not a hard-and-fast rule. Similarly, just because a weekender bag is made of canvas, it doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't have good water resistance. So, before you add to cart, make sure to also take into consideration the style, shape and material that's most appealing to you. Halfday Double Decker Weekender One of the best value weekenders I've tested, the Halfday Double Decker is robust, well crafted and incredibly spacious. My runner-up budget pick is the Halfday Double Decker Weekender, whose $98 price tag gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Its bottom compartment fits multiple pairs of shoes, and its main compartment is ever more spacious, allowing you to fit more than a week's worth of clothes. In addition, the shoulder strap is designed so the bag doesn't swing when you're trudging through airports and train stations, both its polyester outer shell and Taslan inner lining are water-resistant, and the bag itself is lightweight for its size. I do wish it had more organizational pockets and, more specifically, a bigger internal compartment that would fit a laptop (its interior device pocket could only fit a tablet, which is strange considering its massive size). However, if you want a best-value weekender that's bigger and more robust than the Bagsmart Weekender, the Halfday Double Decker Weekender is a solid buy. Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender Large and spacious yet relatively lightweight, the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender is a favorite among stylish travelers. The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender has long been a travel-influencer favorite, thanks to its stylish design, beautiful colors and spacious interior. Seriously, I didn't realize how spacious this weekender was until I tested it — and I'm just talking about its small model (it comes in a larger size too). This small version really isn't appropriately classified because it's big enough to fit 10 day's worth of clothes. That bottom compartment, which comes with a padded insert for structure, can fit several pairs of shoes as well. Meanwhile, its long handles make it easier to carry on your shoulder, and its eco-friendly canvas material means you can fold the bag flat for easy storage when not in use. I only wish there were some water resistance here. The Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe is the kind of bag you'd want to bring on a tropical holiday, yet its canvas material offers no water resistance, so there's a high risk you'll end up with wet clothes. For the price, the lack of water resistance is a little disappointing. Troubadour Apex Travel Duffel A high-quality weekender for travelers with sartorial taste, the Troubadour Apex Travel Duffel is a great splurge if you want an expandable, waterproof travel bag. At first blush, the Troubadour Apex Travel Duffel may look like every other modern-minimalist men's travel bag. But a closer look will show you that this weekender is more capable than it looks. The fact that it's waterproof is impressive; no matter how much water I sprayed and poured on it, the inside stayed completely dry. It also comes with two internal magnetic water bottle pockets, a suspended padded laptop and tablet pocket, and an AirTag pocket. But what I love most about it is that it's expandable. It may look like a small bag that can only carry two to three days' worth of clothes, but unzip the bottom zippers, and it magically transforms into a 42-liter weekender. That nifty feature makes it one of the most versatile bags in this guide. All those incredible features will set you back almost $300, however, so only invest if you have the cash. Also, keep in mind that its recycled nylon material is a lint and hair magnet. Cuyana Weekender Bag The Cuyana Weekender Bag is worth the splurge, especially the leather version, if you want a minimalist travel bag and have the money to spare. If you're looking to splurge on an elegant weekender bag that looks premium, then look no further than the Cuyana Weekender Bag. Listen, I don't typically spend money on expensive stuff, but I love its elegantly curved shape and luxurious pebbled Turkish leather. And its 37.5-liter capacity means it's the perfect companion to your carry-on. It doesn't have many organizational pockets or handles that are long enough for shoulder slinging, but it is committed to keeping its design minimalist. Besides, the big external pockets, two internal pockets, one laptop sleeve, side straps and high level of water resistance do make up for those. Is it the best value here? No. But if money were no object, I would buy this bag in the leather version. It's exactly the type of bag I'd bring if I were (or could afford) to vacation in a 5-star resort on the Amalfi Coast. Away Transit Canvas Weekender If you prefer a canvas weekender from Away, consider getting this massive 48-liter-capacity travel bag ideal for longer trips. The Away Transit Canvas Weekender may be comparable to the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe in design and look. However, it's even more spacious and has better water resistance. And unlike the Catalina Deluxe, it has two shoe compartments accessible on either side of the bag instead of just one big bottom compartment. While I prefer the the Lo & Sons, as it's easier to access and put stuff in, this is more a matter of personal taste than anything else. If you're the type to completely isolate your shoes, you may like the Transit better. What I love about the Transit is that it has two sets of handles, with the shorter set for hand-carrying and the longer one perfect for slinging over your shoulder. If you're like me and hate using shoulder straps, you will love having these two options. Apart from those, however, there's nothing really special about the Away Transit Canvas Weekender, at least not by way of features. That and the fact that it doesn't really have a lot of organizational pockets for something so spacious makes it hard to justify its near-$300 price tag. Monos Metro Weekender A fantastic weekender, the Monos Metro is another crowd favorite that can carry a couple of weeks' worth of stuff. The Monos Metro Weekender is an elegant amalgamation of the Away The Weekender and Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe. It blends the double-decker design of the Lo & Sons and the rectangular design of the Away, then adds a near-48-liter capacity for good measure, making it a fantastic weekender bag for overpackers or longer trips. I also appreciate that the laptop compartment is an external one, accessible from the top to make it easier to get through airport security, as well as the long handles for easier carrying and the zippered trolley sleeve that conveniently converts into an extra external pocket. However, there's one thing Monos could have done better here. While the nylon twill material is water-resistant enough to pass my water stress test, the zippers aren't. Though water didn't pool at the bottom like it did with the Bagsmart Weekender, it still seeped into the inner lining, dampening my clothes. That's kind of disappointing considering it's a $255 purchase. Aer Travel Weekender It's the thoughtful details that make the Aer Travel Weekender a great value, which is exactly what I've come to expect from the brand. The Aer Travel Weekender is probably one of the best-value weekenders on this pool, setting you back less than $200 for a feature-filled option, which is something that Aer seems to be really good at, as proven by my Aer Carry-On. This may look like any typical nylon weekender, but it comes with thoughtful features like its two-pocket laptop compartment, so you can separate your laptop from your tablet, and a massive front pocket that comes with several organizational pockets and key ring. It's also relatively lightweight considering its 35-liter capacity. Though the zippers don't do a great job keeping water out, the outer shell makes up for it with its high level of water resistance. Samsonite Classic Leather Weekender For a more affordable leather weekender bag, this Samsonite Classic Leather Weekender is a stylish and spacious option. Leather travel bags aren't cheap, so when you've got something like the Samsonite Classic Leather Weekender that's less than half the price of the Cuyana Weekender Bag, you pay attention. There's a lot I love about this bag. It's spacious enough to fit one to two weeks' worth of clothing, depending on how strategic you are with packing. Its front pocket is zippered for added protection. It has metal feet to protect its bottom from dirt and scratches. And it truly is a beautiful and elegant-looking weekender bag. Sadly (and perhaps unsurprisingly), it's not made of high-quality leather. In fact, I hadn't spent that much time with it before the leather got scratched. If you decide on this one, I recommend being a little precious with it — and make sure to bring a protective bag in case you're forced to check it at the gate. July Everyday Large Duffel With smart details, a large capacity and a relaxed style, the July Everyday Large Duffel is a good option for beach vacations. Touting a similar look as the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe, the July Everyday Large Duffel is another great option if you're looking for a weekender that's perfect for your beach holiday. It has that same relaxed canvas style and double-decker design, so you can separate your shoes and toiletries from your clothes. And it also has thoughtful details that set it apart from the others, such as its hanging laptop compartment and pockets, and tent-like shape. I also appreciate its 45-liter capacity. However, it misses the mark on many things. It has no external pockets where you can safely yet accessibly store things like your passport, credit cards and tickets. And while it does have two side pockets, they're too shallow for water bottles and too wide and exposed for valuables. What's more, the laptop compartment is not really properly padded — though July claims it has rib-based padding — and the main compartment zipper doesn't slide as smoothly as it should. Finally, while the canvas material offers some water resistance, its top zipper doesn't. It's a good weekender, but at $145 a pop, it's not good enough. Lojel Niru 48H Weekender This minimalist bag is a slightly better value alternative to the Longchamp Le Pliage if you want a foldable weekender with a large capacity. I was curious to test the Lojel Niru 48H Weekender because I've always found the brand's carry-on suitcase to be innovative. Sadly, its take on the weekender bag is a little weak. It has many of the bare necessities, of course. It has one internal and one external pocket, some level of water resistance, a removable packing pouch and a lot of space. In fact, that last one is probably the most special thing about it. For something so lightweight and foldable, it has a 48-liter capacity, offering you the best of the storage and packing worlds. However, that still doesn't account for its steep price. For something so minimalist, this bag will set you back $210. It's basically in the same price range as the Longchamp Le Pliage but without all the signature leather trimmings. If this were much cheaper, it would rank higher. Dagne Dover Large Landon Carryall Bag This highly expandable Landon Carryall from Dagne Dover is one of the most versatile bags of the lot. It's also brimming with pockets and solid features. It was a bit of a toss-up between this and the Away The Weekender for our top pick, even though these two bags are not really all that similar. Ultimately, the Away won because it was a better value for the money, but that doesn't mean that the Dange Dover Landon Carryall isn't impressive in its own right. Testing the large model, I fell in love with its long, 10-inch handles that made it easy to carry, the abundance of pockets, its stretchy key leash that came in very handy and its recycled polyester material that feels luxurious and boasts high water resistance. There are other things to love here as well. You can keep it compact for under-the-seat storage or expand it if you need more space to carry your items. Plus, you can use it for travel, the gym and even work. The only thing that holds this one back is that it is a little more expensive than the Away. The extra-large, 35-liter Landon carryall is $15 more than the 38-liter Away The Weekender. Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender One of my favorite versatile weekenders, the Samsonite Virtuosa can handle most of your carrying needs, including that rainy walk home from your yoga studio. Just like the Halfday Double Decker Weekender, the Samsonite Virtuosa Weekender deserves a spot in the top 10, especially with that affordable $100 price tag. This lightweight weekender bag might look plain, but there are a few things I love about it, such as its convenient side pockets that can accommodate large water bottles but are also secure enough to store your phone and other valuables, and its long handles so you can keep the bag close to your person. It also has a nice curved shape, decent water resistance and is rigid enough to stay upright even when empty. The only thing I don't like about it is the material. Its outer layer is made of a polyester and cotton blend that isn't what I would call luxurious or soft to the touch. In fact, it feels kind of rough. But if you can get past that, which I did, you'll absolutely love this bag. Away The Everywhere Bag If you prefer a smaller version of the Away The Weekender, then the brand's editor-favorite Everywhere Bag is your best bet. Personally, I prefer the way Away's The Weekender lies flat, as it offers more convenient access to the main compartment; however, if its size is a little too big for your taste, then the Away Everywhere Bag is the next best thing. Its wide zipper opening still gives you a lot of space to work with when packing, but it's also the perfect size for under-the-seat storage so you won't have to worry about the ground crew flagging it as more than a personal item. And just like the Weekender, it has a trolley sleeve, great water resistance, a padded space to store a 16-inch laptop and lots of pockets for keeping things organized. The downside of the Everywhere Bag is that it only has a 20-liter capacity, which makes it one of the smallest options in our testing pool. If that's enough for all your travel needs, then by all means, go for it. But if you think you might need a bigger bag in the future, then $195 is too high a price to pay for something so compact. Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Weekender Luxurious getaways demand a luxurious weekender, and the Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 might just be the perfect bag for that. Luxury is the first thing that comes to mind when you see this 32-liter weekender bag from Delsey Paris. The Chatelet Air 2.0 Weekender is a stunner, especially when you get it in Blush Pink or Angora, and it feels luxurious too, with its twill and vegan leather outer shell. You'll see touches of opulence everywhere: the water-resistant toiletry bag, the removable zippered pouch and the separate shoe and laundry compartment you might not notice is there until you see the bottom zipper accessible from the back. The inner lining is even treated so that it has antimicrobial properties. For a compact bag, it is on the heavier side, so I prefer it attached to my luggage handle when I'm traveling. It looks better there anyway. It's a fantastic bag, but it's definitely for more luxurious excursions, making it less versatile. It's also a tad expensive and not water-resistant. Dagne Dover Denver Convertible Duffel Great for quick getaways, trips to the gym or as a personal item bag, the Dange Dover Denver Convertible Duffel is a worthy splurge. Dange Dover seems to have a knack for designing multipurpose travel bags, and the Dagne Dover Denver Convertible Duffel is no exception. Like the Landon Carryall, this is a one-bag-for-all type of weekender bag, so while it's perfect for quick getaways, it's also fantastic for the gym. And just like the Landon Carryall, it also comes with lots of pockets — nine, to be exact, my favorite of which is the top pocket that gives me easy access to my passport, IDs and ticket. It also boasts a robust Dange Dover signature zipper, a stretchy key leash and a bag that you can use to separate your shoes or laundry. As a bonus, you can convert it into a backpack, though it feels a little clunky as one. Because it is only a 32-liter bag, it's better as a personal item and for short trips. If you want a bag that you can use as your sole carry-on for a week-long trip, this likely won't suffice. It's also pricier than our top pick. Longchamp Boxford Travel Bag This classic weekender bag from Longchamp is almost a must-have in every jet-setter's luggage collection. It's hard to argue with a classic, and while I'm sure it has evolved over the years, the Longchamp Boxford Travel Bag still evokes nostalgia in me, having envied my mom's and aunts' growing up. This weekender bag screams quality and elegance, and while it's a little minimal in features, it's still impressive with its waterproof recycled canvas and luxurious cowhide leather trim. The question is, is it truly worth the investment? From a quality perspective, absolutely. Take care of your Longchamp bag, and it'll take care of you for years and years. And for a 30-liter bag, it is very lightweight. However, if you're a more prudent buyer, you might not find a lot of value in this, especially because it only comes with one pocket inside and its shoulder strap doesn't stay put unless you wear it crossbody. Everybody loves Longchamp bags, but if you're looking for the best value option, you're better off with our top pick. Longchamp Le Pliage Original Travel Bag An "it" bag that every style influencer wants, the Longchamp Le Pliage is a great option if you want a Longchamp weekender that won't break the bank. The Longchamp Le Pliage weekender bag is made with nylon and a lot more affordable than the Longchamp Boxford — almost half the price for the same capacity, in fact. The Le Pliage, which was one of 2024's 'it' bags, is almost as minimalist but at least it comes with one extra internal pocket and is several grams lighter. It also can be folded to less than a quarter of its size for easy storage. And, of course, it's waterproof, which is truly impressive considering how thin the material is. The biggest omission here, however, is a shoulder strap or at least longer handles so you can sling it over your shoulders. Sadly, friends, this bag is purely for hand-carrying only. It doesn't even have a trolley sleeve to secure it to your carry-on. And if you've got a long walk to your gate, that's such a big turnoff. Paravel Weekender The Paravel Weekender is the bag of choice for travelers who want to evoke old-world or retro vibes. It's an absolute stunner if you're willing to splurge. Vintage lovers may find it hard to resist the old-world charms of the Paravel Weekender. I admit, I love its stylish retro design. Paravel even offers personalization so you can make it unique to you with your name or initials. It's also a high-quality travel bag, made of spillproof upcycled canvas and recycled vegan leather, which means you're still staying sustainable even though you're technically buying a new bag. If you're the type to pack super light, you'll also appreciate its incredibly compact size. My mom, who prefers to only bring a small carry-on when she travels, absolutely adores this bag. But because it's really only designed to fit two days' worth of clothes, at most, it's not the bag you can rely on for all your travel needs. Plus, its water resistance is subpar at best. That makes its $325 price tag a little too steep. But hey, if you can afford to buy one travel bag for every need, I'm not going to stop you. The Paravel Weekender is undeniably gorgeous. Stuart and Lau The Regimen Gym Bag Quality materials and thorough organization are the highlights of this expensive bag that's a bit tight with a full weekend's contents. If you want separate compartments in your bag, the Stuart and Lau Regimen Gym Bag delivers. Aside from its main section — which has a ventilated shoe sleeve — you get a water bottle pouch on the short end and neatly organized outer pockets on the long sides. One of those outer sections can fit a 16-inch laptop, and therein lies the purpose for which associate testing writer Joe Bloss found this bag to be best suited. The Regimen is a little overmatched as a weekender, especially if its shoe sleeve is full and takes up most of the main compartment. But deployed in a commuting role, it's a spacious bag for your tech, lunch and, as its name suggests, workout gear, all packed into a waterproof shell outfitted with leather straps. Is that worth well over $300? It's not in Bloss' budget, but those who can afford a higher priced bag likely won't be let down. Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Travel Backpack At only $70, this 28-liter backpack weekender from Bagsmart is a great value for your money if you're seeking something compact. The Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Travel Backpack feels like a much more compact, maybe slightly less robust version of the Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel. They have many similar elements, including a main compartment with a 180-degree zipper that opens from the top and an abundance of pockets. The aptly named Bagsmart Blast Quick Access has six organizational pockets plus a spacious water bottle compartment. Its laptop compartment even comes with a smaller pocket for your tablet and two mesh pockets for your tech accessories. What's more, it's very lightweight and offers good water resistance. That's not too shabby for a very compact travel backpack that will slip easily in that under-the-seat compartment. Combine all those features with its sub-$70 price tag, and it's an absolute steal. Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack One of the best suitcase-style backpacks on the market, the Cotopaxi Allpa is great for backpacking through Europe in our review I discovered the Cotopaxi Allpa years back, and it proved incredibly reliable for backpacking through Europe without a rolling suitcase (rolling suitcases and cobblestone streets aren't exactly a good match). This pack is sturdy yet stylish and has a large capacity yet is incredibly easy to carry. It also helps you stay organized, even when you've been traveling for a while. The only thing that's missing here is a rain cover. Although it does come with good water resistance, the early iteration came with its own rain jacket, which made it completely waterproof. This is a fantastic option if you're looking for a backpack weekender. Ultimately, the Adventurist Backpack Co. Carry-On Duffel won by a hair because it's more affordable and has more pockets. But if you're sold on its design, then the Cotopaxi Allpa might just be what you're looking for, as long as you're fine paying a little more. Fjällräven Kanken Weekender Duffel Bag Fjällräven's 30-liter weekender take on its highly popular backpack takes a minimalist yet fun approach, making it a great option for kids, teens and college students. I completely understand the appeal of Fjällräven's backpacks. They're fun, lightweight and collapsible but also high quality enough to survive years of use, thanks in large part to the Fjällräven's legendary Vinylon material. And the brand's take on a weekender bag doesn't fall far from that tree. The Fjällräven Kånken Weekender is a fantastic weekender backpack, with its minimalist design and good water resistance. And while it looks compact when flat, it's actually a 30-liter-capacity weekender bag that has enough space to fit a 17-inch laptop. However, since this is designed for travel, I would have appreciated some vital additions here such as organizational pockets, a trolley sleeve and a water bottle compartment. Without those, the bag just feels a little inadequate, especially since it will set you back $180. It's good without those features, but next to the other backpack weekenders I tested, it feels middling. Editor's Note: We previously tested the July Daybreak Weekender and the July Carry All Weekender Plus, but they are no longer available and may have been discontinued. As a result, they have been removed from this article. What should you pack in a weekender bag? What should you pack in a weekender bag? Weekender bags, as their name implies, are travel bags designed for short weekend jaunts; however, their function — as well as their design and variety — has evolved, with many travelers using their weekender bags for different types of travel. As far as what you should pack in your weekender bag, that truly depends on what you'll need it for. If you're using it as your primary bag for a quick weekend getaway or a short weeklong trip, you obviously should pack everything you need in it. However, if you're using it as your carry-on or as a personal item bag, be sure to pack some essentials that may come in handy if your checked luggage gets lost. That includes extra clothes, underwear and toiletries. That's, of course, on top of everything you'll need while you're traveling to your destination. Can a weekender bag be a personal item on a plane? Can a weekender bag be a personal item on a plane? That depends on its size. Bigger weekender bags might be too big to fit under the seat in front of you, but most weekender bags should work. Please check your airline's size restrictions first. How big is a weekender bag? How big is a weekender bag? These days, weekender bags come in many shapes and sizes, with big brands like Away classifying and naming big bags with a capacity of over 40 liters as a weekender, even though they're designed to fit more than what a single person needs for one weekend. There is, therefore, no size limit to what you can classify as a weekender bag. As long as it fits whatever you need for two to three days, it's essentially a weekender bag. Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions. Our testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy was a travel journalist before shifting to consumer product and service journalism, covering everything from home and kitchen appliances to travel gear. She's also an avid solo traveler.
