Best Carry-On Luggage in Australia (2026 Guide)
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Looking for the best carry-on luggage in Australia?
The right 55cm carry-on suitcase should be lightweight, durable, cabin-approved and easy to manoeuvre through busy airports.
Whether you travel frequently for work or take occasional holidays, choosing the right carry-on luggage makes a noticeable difference to comfort and efficiency.
This guide explains what to look for in a carry-on suitcase, followed by some of the best 55cm carry-on options available in Australia right now.
What Is the Best Carry-On Luggage Size in Australia?
For most Australian airlines, a 55cm carry-on suitcase is the standard cabin size.
A 55cm case:
• Fits in overhead lockers
• Works for domestic and international flights
• Holds enough for up to 7 days
• Is easier to lift and store
If you plan to travel carry-on only, under 55cm is the ideal balance between capacity and airline compliance. (Remember, the 55cm height includes the wheels.)
What Makes the Best Carry-On Suitcase?
Not all carry-on luggage performs the same. Here is what matters most.
Weight
The best lightweight carry-on luggage should weigh under 3kg when empty.
Most Australian airlines allow 7kg of carry-on luggage in economy class, with higher allowances available on selected fares.
Spinner Wheels
A spinner carry-on suitcase has four 360-degree rotating wheels.
This allows you to push the suitcase upright beside you rather than dragging it behind you. Spinner luggage reduces arm strain and makes navigating long airport terminals easier.
For most travellers, a 55cm spinner carry-on suitcase offers the smoothest airport experience.
Hard Shell vs Soft Shell
Hard shell carry-on luggage is typically made from polycarbonate or polypropylene and offers:
• Better impact protection
• Structured packing
• Strong durability
Soft shell carry-on suitcases offer:
• Slight flexibility in tight overhead lockers
• External access pockets
• Often lighter overall weight
Both are suitable for cabin travel. Your choice depends on how you travel.
Expandability
Expandable carry-on luggage provides additional internal space when needed.
This is especially useful for return trips.
Best Carry-On Luggage by Travel Style
Below are some of the best carry-on suitcases available in Australia based on weight, durability and manoeuvrability.
🏆 Best Ultra-Light Carry-On Suitcase
Samsonite OC2Lite 55cm Spinner
One of the lightest cabin suitcases in its class, made for travellers who prioritise weight above all else.
Approximate empty weight: ~2.5kg
Why it stands out:
• Ultra-lightweight polycarbonate shell
• Expandable design
• Smooth spinner wheels for effortless rolling
• Stylish yet practical finish
Perfect for travellers who want to maximise packing allowance while staying well under cabin limits.
🧳 Shop Samsonite OC2Lite 55cm Spinner
⭐ Best Overall Lightweight Carry-On Suitcase
American Tourister Curio 55cm Spinner
A lightweight yet durable carry-on suitcase that balances weight, strength, value and functionality.
Approximate empty weight: ~2.8kg
Key features:
• Spacious and expandable design
• Smooth double spinner wheels
• Durable polypropylene shell
• Cabin-friendly 55cm size
Ideal for leisure travellers who want strong performance at excellent value.
🧳 Shop American Tourister Curio 55cm Spinner
💼 Best Premium Carry-On Luggage
Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 55cm Spinner
Premium design and silky smooth movement for travellers who value aesthetics and comfort.
Key features:
• Brake system to prevent unsolicited rolling
• Structured interior
• Durable outer shell
• Elegant finish
Perfect for city breaks, hotel stays and business travel.
🧳 Shop Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 55cm Spinner
🧰 Best Softside Carry-On for Frequent Flyers
Victorinox Werks 6.0 & 7.0 55cm Softside
Built for serious travel, the Werks softside carry-on range is engineered for durability, stability and long-term performance across frequent flights.
Key features:
• Flexible exterior
• Stable two-wheel system
• Strong internal organisation
• Premium build quality
Ideal for frequent flyers and business travellers.
🧳 Shop Victorinox Werks Traveller 55cm
🎒 Best Carry-On Backpack Alternative
Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35
Approximate empty weight: 1.5 kg
For travellers who prefer a backpack over a suitcase, this anti-theft 35L carry-on offers security, comfort and cabin-approved capacity in a compact design.
Key features:
• RFID blocking pocket
• Lockable security zippers
• Cabin-approved size
• Comfortable harness
Ideal for urban explorers and multi-stop trips.
🎒 Shop Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35L
👧👦 Best Carry-On Luggage for Travelling with Kids
Miamily 48cm Carry-On Suitcases
A family-friendly cabin suitcase with a built-in seat designed to make airport travel easier for parents and young travellers.
Key features:
• Cabin-approved 48cm size
• Sturdy design that supports kids sitting on top
• Smooth spinner wheels for easy manoeuvrability
• Fun colours and sleek design
Ideal for families who want carry-on luggage that doubles as a seat when little legs get tired.
🧒🧳 Shop Miamily Carry-On Suitcases
🧳 Best Wheeled Duffle Carry-On
High Sierra Ultimate Access 4 DLX 55cm
A versatile hybrid carry-on that combines the structure of a suitcase with the flexibility of a duffle.
Key features:
• Wheeled duffle design for flexible packing
• Divided interior for organised storage
• Dedicated laptop compartment
• Lockable zippers for added security
Ideal for travellers who carry a mix of clothing, tech and “just in case” extras.
🧳 Shop High Sierra Ultimate Access 4 DLX
How to Choose the Best Carry-On Luggage
Before buying carry-on luggage, consider:
• Airline weight & size limits
• How often you travel
• Surface types you typically walk on
• Preference for spinner vs two-wheel
• Hard shell vs soft shell
If you are planning to travel carry-on only, read our 7-Day Carry-On Packing List on how to maximise your space.
📖 Read Our Carry-On Packing Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best carry-on luggage size in Australia?
A 55cm carry-on suitcase is the standard cabin size for most Australian airlines and is suitable for short to medium trips.
How much should a carry-on suitcase weigh?
For Australian travel, aim for a lightweight carry-on suitcase under 3kg empty. This helps maximise your available packing weight within standard 7kg cabin limits.
Is hard shell or soft shell better for carry-on?
Hard shell luggage offers better protection. Soft shell luggage offers flexibility and external storage access. Both are suitable depending on your needs.
Find the Best Carry-On Luggage in Australia at Travel Universe
At Travel Universe, we stock lightweight 55cm carry-on luggage from trusted brands including Samsonite, Delsey, Victorinox and Pacsafe.
Whether you prefer a hard shell spinner suitcase, a softside cabin case or a secure travel backpack, our range is built for real travel conditions.
🧳 Shop Trusted Carry-On Brands
📖 Read Our Carry-On Packing Guide
🎒 Explore Crossbody & Backpacks
🧥 Discover Travelwear
