Choosing the right carry-on is essential for making sure you have enough room for your travel outfits and accessories — especially if you’re a carry-on-only traveler. Flight attendants are professional travelers who regularly take back-to-back trips both domestically and internationally. That means their suitcases get a lot of use, and they’re not going to use just any carry-on luggage.  

To make sure your 2025 trips take off smoothly, we spoke with Karen Young, a flight attendant who’s been in the business for 47 years, to get her expertise on the best carry-on. You can find her pick at Amazon’s luggage and travel gear store for less than a round-trip domestic flight.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-on

After trying out eight different types of carry-ons over the years, Young has declared Travelpro’s design her absolute favorite. She praises how the luggage “rolls really beautifully” and is “lightweight” compared to high-end brands that have been heavy and, in her experience, use four-wheel designs that don’t stay on track and are difficult to wheel. She also notes that Travelpro bags “last forever,” so you won’t have to worry about replacing this one any time soon.

When you think of a heavy-duty carry-on, your first thought may be a hardside piece of luggage, but Young’s must-have is a soft-side shell that’s packed with pockets. In addition to the main compartment, it has a front pocket, and a smaller side pocket for storing your toiletry bag or tablet. 

Travelpro’s carry-on also checks off all Young’s requirements for a quality bag: it’s expandable, has sturdy and durable zippers, and to top it all off, is made with a waterproof material and lining that will keep your belongings dry during snowy winter getaways and sudden rain from the airport to the hotel.

More than 1,000 shoppers have purchased the carry-on this month with reviewers praising its roomy construction. One traveler was able to pack two weeks worth of clothing and accessories for a summer trip to Mexico and Europe without having to use the carry-on’s expandable feature — and, they still had room for their sandals, an umbrella and a camera.

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-on

According to Young, the bag can really take a beating — she’s had hers for 10 years even after heavy use. As a flight attendant she uses it daily, and heavier lift trips where she’s gone for six months, and during international flights. If you travel less than a flight attendant, you may likely have your Travelpro carry-on even longer. 

Curious about other Travelpro suitcases? Check out more  suitcases and travel bag options from the brand, below.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Luggage

Travelpro Rollaboard Upright Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite Air Carry-on

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Weekender Bag

Travelpro Maxlite Underseat Tote

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