The best carry-on luggage for frequent flyers

• Dimensions: 20 x 40 x 55 cm
• Weight: 2.8kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 37l

British luggage maker, Antler, has knocked it out of the park with this one. The Clifton range is purpose-built to make travelling light as easy as possible, with 360-degree whisper-quiet wheels, a lightweight polycarbonate chassis, and we love the rotating handle on the telescopic poles that adjust as you lean the case, easing the pressure on your wrists as you glide through security.

The build quality is exceptionally high, with a great range of fun pastel colours to choose from. Considering its size, it's capacious enough for a few days of clothing or as an overflow bag of snacks, reading material and a change of clothes for longer flights.

• Dimensions: 23 x 37 x 55 cm
• Weight: 3.1kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate and vegetable-tanned leather
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 40.7l

Carl Friedrik has quickly become our favourite brand to accompany us on our travels. Why? Its wares look exceptionally handsome, they cope with hardcore travel, they're capacious and, most importantly, they are affordable. The new Core range offers a few new colourways and a zippered exterior to access the cavernous interior. Each side of the shell is individually zippered too, which is a dream if you also hate all your carefully-packed clothes tumbling out as you go to close the case.

The range may lack the phone charger port available in the standard carry-on and doesn't feature a laptop compartment, but for anyone other than a professional commuter, it's a sensational option. As mentioned elsewhere, CF has featured in a few hit TV shows in the hands of some of the wealthiest and most stylish characters on-screen, and the overall design and build quality is a huge step up compared to several alternatives, despite its affordable price point.

Combine all this with an adjustable telescopic handle, four wheels to navigate security and a lightweight chassis, and you've got the perfect carry-on to take on your next adventure.

Carl Friedrik Core Carry-on reviewed by Owen Gough

• Dimensions: 54 X 39.5 X 23 cm
• Weight: 4.5kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 36l

DB caters to those who travel light and expect tough terrain, with luggage that's both durable and prepared to go the distance to the toughest destinations. This is personified by the Ramverk, which is reminiscent of a heavy metal band's equipment cases. A hardy totally black exterior and a capacious interior combine for a traveller's dream carry-on. The non-Pro edition of this case offers a zipper closure and a lighter overall chassis, but we much prefer the sturdy, rugged aluminium wrap-around of the Pro edition.

It features a double TSA-approved set of triple-digit clasps to secure your luggage inside, and while it may look a tad rugged, actually is among the best-looking options in our eyes.

• Dimensions: 54.1 x 40.2 x 20cm
• Weight: 2.7kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 37l

Antler's Stamford is cheaper than some of the other alternatives on our list, while still offering premium features like four 360° Japanese Hinomoto spinner wheels. If you're not au fait with the world of premium luggage wheels, they're highly coveted and regarded to be some of the best around, thanks to their incredibly smooth, slick action. Mobility aside, this Antler's frame is also compact and very light, weighing in at under 3kg. Multiple internal compartments are also a welcome feature for organisation fans, while three stylish colour options round things off rather nicely.

• Dimensions: 34.8 x 55.1 x 22.8 cm
• Weight: 3.7kg
• Materials: recycled polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 43.7l

If sustainable travel is at the forefront of your mind whenever you consider stepping onto a plane, then you'll adore the planet-centric Paravel Aviator, which is one of the first suitcases to be made totally carbon neutral. Built from recycled polycarbonate, it's best mates with Mother Earth but also delivers practical features that get you to your destination in style and comfort.

Silent rotating wheels, a telescopic handle and a generally light weight make it easy to get through security without trouble, though we'd love it to be a shave lighter if we were to gripe.

• Dimensions: 66 x 25.5 x 45.5 cm
• Weight: 6.2kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 55l

Here to sex up your carry-on options, Tumi's '19 Degree Aluminum' suitcase frees us weary travellers from the constraints of dull and clunky luggage with its insouciance and major aesthetic appeal. Not just a pretty face, however, this style-centric standout is fitted with not one, but two TSA combination locks and push-down buttons, three internal zip pockets, and an internal hanger bracket. Simply put – it's no slouch when it comes to storage, and its stylistic appeal speaks for itself.

• Dimensions: 38 x 55 x 25cm
• Weight: 4.3kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate shell and Vachetta leather
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 43l

Carl Friedrik’s carry-on is one of the most sophisticated and practical out there. Its cognac-hued leather accents are handmade by artisans, boasting a smooth surface that’s a joy to carry. That said, a big part of this suitcase’s appeal is how it rolls, elevated by Hinomoto-made 360-degree spinner wheels that barely make a whisper on the ground below. The metal frame gives this suitcase a hard-wearing feel that’s backed up by two secure combination locks for added security, and unusually, the same sturdy hard shell extends to an exterior pocket for devices and documents. Inside, it's as efficient as one would expect, with a modular design that keeps things flexible for different kinds of trips. As well as handy compression straps, it also comes with a removable compression pad, with the option to add another for £35.

• Dimensions: 56 x 23 x 35.5 cm
• Weight: 5.4kg
• Materials: Carbon Fibre
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 43l

It comes as no surprise to see that Tumi's special McLaren edition suitcase is forged from premium materials, including durable carbon fibre, and a moulded front panel made from Tegris — an advanced composite material made from polypropylene tape woven into fabric and exposed to heat and pressure to form rigid sheets. Engineering tricks aside, it's a handy bit of kit too, with features like a removable suit/garment holder coming in particularly handy for business trips. Incredibly expensive, but a tantalising luxury option for those looking to splurge.

• Dimensions: 42 x 56 x 21cm
• Weight: 4.2kg
• Materials: Leather-covered vulcanised fibreboard
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 40l

James Bond’s luggage brand of choice; Globe-Trotter’s suitcases is the ultimate jet-setting accessory. Timeless and iconic, the British brand produced this particular limited version of its carry-on case to commemorate 125 years in the business, taking on a slick navy blue hue with black accents and glistening silver-toned metal hardware. While it carries the sophistication of old-school leather trunks you’d expect to have seen lugged onto the Orient Express, it’s full to the brim with contemporary functionality including four easy-gliding spinner wheels and a sturdy telescoping handle. Two compartments don’t come short on organisational options either, including plenty of zipped pockets to keep things prim and proper on the inside – a must for a bag of this prestige.

• Dimensions: 57.7 cm x 39.2 cm x 24.4cm
• Weight: 3.4kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 47.9l

Away's hard shell carry-on has an optional built-in USB-charging option for those looking to top up their tech in between connections, layovers, or untimely delays. Available in a plethora of shades ranging from calm and muted, to retina-searingly bright, its sturdy polycarbonate build is perfectly complemented with 360° spinner wheels, a handy interior compression system, and even a water-resistant laundry bag for a more hygienic flight back.

• Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 20cm
• Weight: 1.9kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 32l

How many times have you watched the person in front of you struggle to lift their carry-on into the overhead bins? It's always over-packed, weighs a ton, and cripples the shoulders of its owner, but there's no reason for you to suffer in the same way, as you can simply pick up Antler's Brixham, which is Antler's lightest model.

Its modest weight is largely down to its diminutive size and soft-shell design – which actually lends itself perfectly to double up as a day trip bag, should you need it – but don't let that make you think it's not capacious enough for your bigger trips. The 39-litre capacity is plenty roomy, but it also has a front pocket for overflow and compression straps to squash it all down.

• Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 20cm
• Weight: 3.6kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 37l

Horizn Studios’ M5 proudly proclaims itself as featuring the world's first removable smart charger (an optional addition which raises the price, but also offers a level of convenience unmatched by most rivals). Undeniably stylish it'll glide across airport floors effortlessly, thanks to 360-degree Japanese spinner wheels, while a thoughtful water-resistant front pocket provides easy access to a 15-inch laptop and/or other travel essentials. Available in a variety of colours (with customisation options also available), it should serve you well for years to come.

• Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 20cm
• Weight: 4.3kg
• Materials: Aluminium
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 29l

When it comes to first-class airport style, a Rimowa suitcase is the ultimate accessory. So renowned is the German brand’s luggage, it can count Supreme, Louis Vuitton, Off White, Bape and Fendi among its collaborators, to name just a few. Its carry-on luggage features Rimowa’s signature design – a distinctive, grooved aluminium shell that looks better suited to stowing paper money than novelty swim shorts. Smooth-rolling spinner wheels and a slick telescopic handle mean it moves as good as it looks, while a TSA-approved lock feels necessary given the attention it warrants. Practical and handsome; there is a lot to lust after here.

• Dimensions: 53 x 30 x 22cm
• Weight: 3.3kg
• Materials: Aluminium
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 48l

A minor step down the running order from Monos' top-pick Carry-on Pro Plus, the non-Pro edition is largely the same but without the front laptop sleeve. And that's perfectly ok with us, as it's £40 cheaper and still just as durable, just as impressive to look at, and just as capable a companion on your travels.

A broad range of metallic colours gives it a subtle flex of deluxe sheen, and the whisper-quiet wheels will help you glide through security without a hitch.

• Dimensions: 56 x 35.5. x 23cm
• Weight: 3.1kg
• Materials: Polycarbonate
• TSA-approved lock: Yes
• Packing capacity: 44.9l

The fact that Briggs & Riley’s Torq 2.0 carry-on looks like the kind of casino safe the cast of Ocean’s Eleven would struggle to crack speaks volumes. Resistant to impact, scratches and adverse weather conditions, this suitcase is practically indestructible. But beyond its tough, three-layer polycarbonate shell, the Torq 2.0 has plenty more going for it. Notably, a patented Outsider handle system gives it a completely flat packing surface while maximising interior space, making it easier to keep clothes neat and folded. Making a strong case for business travel, there are also nifty storage solutions for tailoring inside, while an exterior pocket means laptops and documents can be transported safely. And, for those who like to revise all-important presentation decks en route, a USB port will keep you juiced right through to your first meeting.