The Smart Traveler’s Buying Guide to International Carry-On Luggage
International travel invites discovery, from sunrise strolls through unfamiliar cities to unplanned moments that become lifelong memories. But before the journey unfolds, there's a practical question every traveler faces: what is the best carry-on luggage for international travel?
Unlike domestic flights, international airlines often follow stricter rules for bag size and weight. And when navigating long layovers, quick connections, and tightly packed overhead bins, you need carry-on luggage that confidently meets both their standards and yours.
This guide will walk you through acceptable international carry-on luggage sizing and weight, how to pack smartly, and how to choose the best international carry-on luggage to match your travel style. Whether you're preparing for a weekend abroad or an extended global adventure, it all starts with the right bag. Let's find yours.
A Quick Look at International Carry-On Luggage Standards
Before you invest in a new carry-on, you should understand the differences between domestic and international luggage standards. Many travelers are surprised to learn that what fits in the overhead bin on a U.S. flight may be too large for an international one. And when gate agents are measuring, even half an inch matters.
What Size Is Acceptable for International Carry-On Luggage?
While every airline sets its own policies, most international carriers—especially those based in Europe and Asia—follow stricter size limits than U.S. airlines. A widely accepted standard for international carry-on luggage is the following:
- Maximum Dimensions: 21.5" H x 15.5" W x 9" D (including wheels and handles)
- Weight Limits: Typically 15-22 lbs. (7-10 kg), though some airlines do not specify weight
To avoid surprises at the gate, always check your airline's carry-on policy before departure. Understanding what size carry-on luggage is allowed for international flights helps you stay compliant and avoid last-minute surprises.
How Many Pounds Can International Carry-On Luggage Weigh?
Weight allowances vary more than size, and some carriers will weigh your bag at check-in. As a rule of thumb, aim to keep your packed carry-on under 20 lbs. unless your airline provides more flexibility. Items like electronics, outerwear, and toiletries can add weight quickly, so consider shifting heavier items to your checked bag if needed.
Which Collection Matches Your Travel Style?
International travel is personal. Your carry-on should reflect that: complementing your preferences, adapting to your itinerary, and moving with you in perfect rhythm. At Briggs & Riley, each collection offers a distinct approach to form, function, and aesthetic, so you can find the piece that feels like it was made for your journey.
Here's how our top international carry-on options compare.
Baseline Collection
Timeless performance for the traveler who values precision and polish.
- Dimensions: 21" x 14" x 9"
- Material: Durable ballistic nylon
- Features: CX® Compression Expansion, Outsider® handle, garment panels, smooth-glide wheels
- Ideal for: Business travelers, frequent flyers, those who appreciate a classic, refined look
Why it stands out: Exceptional organization, expandability, and understated elegance, all backed by our Lifetime Guarantee.
Sympatico Collection
Modern sophistication meets hard-sided resilience.
- Dimensions: 21" x 14" x 9"
- Material: Lightweight, high-gloss polycarbonate
- Features: CX® Compression Expansion, aircraft-grade aluminum handle, integrated TSA lock
- Ideal for: Style-conscious travelers, international explorers, those who prefer the sleek protection of a hard shell
Why it stands out: The only hard-sided carry-on with CX® technology, combining elegance, capacity, and effortless handling.
ZDX Collection
Everyday flexibility with a modern, minimalist edge.
- Dimensions: 21.5" x 14" x 9"
- Material: Polyester fabric with textured overlays
- Features: Expandable main compartment, SpeedThru™ pocket, USB port pass-through
- Ideal for: Urban adventurers, quick-turn business trips, travelers who favor practical versatility
Why it stands out: Clean lines, rugged charm, and the perfect balance of simplicity and substance, all with our Lifetime Guarantee.
What Makes Briggs & Riley the Best International Carry-On Luggage?
When your travel plans span continents and time zones, the right carry-on becomes more than just a suitcase; it becomes a trusted partner in your journey. At Briggs & Riley, every design decision is made with one goal in mind: to make your travel experience smoother, smarter, and more refined.
Here's what sets our international carry-on luggage apart.
Built to Fit, Everywhere
Our international carry-on spinners are thoughtfully designed to meet the most common global airline requirements. With exterior dimensions under 22 inches, these pieces fit comfortably in overhead bins, even on European and Asian carriers with tighter restrictions. Whether you're boarding a transatlantic flight or navigating a regional connection, you can count on your Briggs & Riley to be welcome overhead.
Need specifics? Most international carry-on bags in our Baseline, Sympatico, and ZDX collections measure approximately 21.5" x 14" x 9"—within the accepted international standard.
Intelligent Expansion, Effortlessly Compressed
Available in: Baseline and Sympatico Collections only
Packing for an extended trip? Our exclusive CX® Compression Expansion system gives you 25% more space when you need it, and compresses back down to its original size for a perfect fit in the overhead bin. It's intuitive, effortless, and engineered to adapt to your journey, not limit it.
Whether you're bringing home finds from abroad or preparing for unpredictable weather, this feature gives you space when it matters most.
Thoughtful Interiors for Structured Travel
Our carry-ons are created with real travelers in mind. The Outsider® handle system, positioned on the exterior of the bag, creates a flat interior packing surface to help keep clothes wrinkle-free. Smartly placed compartments, compression panels, and garment sleeves make organization intuitive and fast, whether you're unpacking at a boutique hotel or grabbing your passport in the security line.
Enduring Quality, Backed by Our Lifetime Guarantee
Frequent flyers know that international travel puts gear to the test. Every piece of Briggs & Riley luggage is crafted for the long haul. From impact-resistant wheels and aircraft-grade aluminum handles to durable ballistic nylon and precision-engineered zippers, these bags are made to perform, trip after trip.
And if something goes wrong? Our Simple as That® Lifetime Guarantee covers repairs for functional damage, even if it was caused by an airline.
What to Pack in Your Carry-On for an International Flight
When you're traveling internationally, what you pack in your carry-on can define how comfortably and confidently you move through your journey. From in-flight essentials to personal items you simply can't afford to check, smart packing is a strategy.
So, what should you pack in your carry-on luggage for an international flight? Start with the nonnegotiables, then layer in comfort, organization, and a touch of preparedness for the unexpected.
The Essentials
These items should always stay within reach:
- Passport, ID, and travel documents
- Credit cards and currency for your destination
- Phone, charger, and power adapter
- Prescription medications and health essentials
- Headphones or earbuds for immersive travel moments
Curate Your In-Flight Comfort
Keep your journey seamless and serene with these must-haves:
- Neck pillow, sleep mask, and travel blanket
- Toiletry kit (TSA-compliant), including toothbrush, face wipes, moisturizer, and hand sanitizer
- Compression socks to ease circulation
- Packing Cube to maximize your luggage space
- Healthy snacks, herbal tea bags, and a refillable water bottle
Bonus: Be Prepared, Just in Case
Even the smoothest trips can take an unexpected turn. Pack a few "just in case" items to stay ready:
- Backup outfit (lightweight, wrinkle-resistant)
- Luggage tag and AirTag/tracker to help keep tabs on your bag
Choosing the right carry-on is only half the equation; knowing what to pack in your international carry-on luggage ensures you're equipped for every leg of the journey. With the right bag and the right contents, travel becomes less about logistics and more about the moments that matter.
Briggs & Riley: Your International Carry-On Companion
Travel is more than a destination. With every glide through the terminal and every click of the zipper, you're stepping into new possibilities, fully equipped for what lies ahead. Let your carry-on reflect that promise: sleek, capable, and ready to make every mile matter.
Invest in the Best International Carry-On Luggage for a Life Well-Traveled
International travel rewards those who prepare with intention. When you select a carry-on that's purposefully designed, packing becomes easier, movement becomes smoother, and every connection feels a bit less stressful. With smart features, refined craftsmanship, and a Lifetime Guarantee that speaks for itself, Briggs & Riley gives you the confidence to move through the world without compromise.
Invest in luggage that's engineered for the journey. Shop our international carry-on luggage collection and find the carry-on that's ready when you are, wherever your next passport stamp takes you.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Best International Carry-On Luggage
Still deciding on the best international carry-on luggage for your travels? Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions to help you make a confident, well-informed choice.
