I've come to appreciate soft-sided carry-ons for a very practical reason: they give you some wiggle room when the overhead bin doesn't.
I've had flights where the bins were already packed when I boarded, yet I could still squeeze my soft-sided bag into the remaining space because the fabric had some give. That's much harder to do with a rigid hardshell.
After years of traveling with both, I find soft-sided bags quite useful, even if they’re not as trendy as their hardshell counterparts. Plus, they usually have more room for souvenirs with exterior pockets and extra expansion zippers. Here’s how to decide which is best for you, and my top picks.
In this article
Travelpro Crew Classic Compact Carry-On Spinner
If your biggest carry-on challenge is choosing a size within airline limits while still leaving enough room to pack, the Travelpro Crew Classic Compact is a solid choice.
It measures 22 by 14 by 9 inches including wheels and handles, so it matches the published limit used by most U.S. airlines. At 6.8 pounds, it's also considerably lighter than others on this list, while still offering a generous 38 liters of capacity.
The bag has an exterior made from water- and stain-resistant fabric, and a 2-inch expansion zipper provides additional room when you need it on the trip home. I also think the spinner wheels are extra smooth, and I appreciate that the telescoping handle offers multiple height settings. At $255, it's an investment, but one I’m confident will be long-lasting.
Samsonite Silhouette 18 Softside Carry-On Spinner
Samsonite has been my go-to luggage brand for years, and the Silhouette 18 ($269.99) is the bag that moved me from a hard- to soft-sided suitcase fan.
One of my biggest pet peeves about soft-sided luggage is that it can become heavy on one side and tip over. However, that’s not the case here. This suitcase has a fiberglass-reinforced molded bottom to provide greater structure and stability without adding excessive weight.
I also like that this bag has a front padded pocket for safe laptop storage, so I don’t have to put it in the main compartment and take up more space. It also comes with removable tech kit and toiletry pouches, which keep those items within easy reach without opening the whole bag.
I've used this with many U.S. airlines, though the 22.2-by-14.4-by-9.1-inch size is slightly larger than what some technically accept. If that worries you, try the Global Carry-On version that's slightly smaller.
Away Softside Carry-On
Away makes impressive suitcases, and its Softside Carry-On ($225) is a good option when you want the organization and style that the brand is known for, just in a soft-sided version.
It measures 21.9 by 15 by 9 inches and weighs 9.2 pounds, so it fits in the overhead bins of most major airlines when it isn't expanded. You'll get 1.75 extra inches (7 liters) of space for souvenirs when you have it fully expanded, but you might need to consider checking it at that point, which could incur some unexpected fees.
The suitcase is top-load, which often works better than a clamshell opening when hotel room space is at a premium. A built-in compression system helps fit more clothes, and the nylon exterior has a water-repellent coating for added protection.
Amazon Basics Soft-sided Medium Carry-On Suitcase
If you're looking to try soft-sided luggage without making a hefty investment, the Amazon Basics Medium Carry-On Suitcase ($54.98) is worth considering.
It measures 20.9 by 14.4 by 8.3 inches including the wheels, and weighs just 5.5 pounds, giving a genuinely useful advantage for travelers trying to keep their bag light. When expanded, you'll have 18 percent more space.
You won't get the high-end glide of other premium spinner suitcases, but the deep front exterior compartment accommodates a laptop, and the interior pockets for smaller items are a nice, useful touch.
Soft-Sided vs. Hardshell Carry-Ons: Which Makes More Sense?
When it comes to carry-on luggage, soft-sided luggage has a few practical advantages that are hard to replicate with a hardshell. Fabric is more malleable than a hardshell and can sometimes squeeze into an almost-full overhead bin more easily, particularly if it’s not packed to the gills.
They also typically have exterior pockets—a rarity with hardshells—that give you somewhere to stash a laptop, book, boarding pass, or jacket without opening the entire suitcase. That can translate to more packing space overall.
The trade-offs become more obvious when your luggage takes a beating. A hardshell suitcase is generally more durable because its rigid shell doesn't press against its contents. Hardshells are also easier to wipe clean, while soft fabric can stain and scuff.
For me, it comes down to how I travel: soft-sided stands out for access, flexibility, and packing efficiency. Hardshell wins when protection and easy clean-up matter more.
The Shortcut
Soft-sided bags have a practical advantage for full flights: fabric can flex into tight overhead spaces where a rigid case simply cannot.
The trade-off for soft-sided luggage is that its fabric can scuff and stain more easily, while durable hardshells tend to hold up better to rough handling and abuse.
Look beyond the sticker price when considering new luggage. Wheel quality, empty weight, and airline-friendly dimensions can make a big difference.
