Lightest carry-on luggage for the savvy travellers

The reality of airport queues and the stress of checking your bags before making the mad dash to your gate can be overwhelming. Throw in the recent announcement of Jetstar’s new charge for overhead baggage storage, and it might be time to take a closer look at the suitcase you’re travelling with.

Suppose you’re choosing to follow the trend of savvy travellers ditching their large suitcases and preferring to pack it all into your carry-on (smart!), you’re going to need a light suitcase – because when you’ve only got 7kg to play with (or 10kg if you’re flying under Jetstar’s new policy), the last thing you need is a bag that takes up half your weight allowance.

Avoid the queues and extra airline fees with these lightweight suitcases that permit you to pack that extra pair of shoes.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Kathmandu Feather Flight Carry-On

$349.98 | Kathmandu

Weight: ‎1.6 kg

Dimensions: 52 cm x 35 cm x 23 cm

Kathmandu’s Feather Flight Carry-On truly lives up to the name, weighing only 1.6kg. It features a hard-shell case, with a soft nylon body, making it ultra-light, impact-resistant and easy to use. It has 40 litres of packing space as well as internal mesh pockets for easy organisation.

July Luggage Carry-On Light Expandable

$295 | July

Weight: ‎2.2kg

Dimensions: 54cm x 36cm x 22cm (24.5cm when expanded)

July's Carry-On Light weighs just 1.8kg, making it perfect for those who like to bring a lot in carry-on.

Antler Lightest Expandable Carry-on Luggage

$279 | Antler

Weight: ‎1.9kg

Dimensions: 35cm x 55cm x 23cm

Made from fully recycled polyester, this small cabin bag is lightweight and durable. With top and side handles for easy carrying and handling, it weighs just 1.9kg, meaning you’ll be able to move it around easily.

American Tourister Airconic Small

$260 | American Tourister

Weight: ‎2kg

Dimensions: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm

The American Tourister Airconic Small is the perfect bag for weekends away. Featuring a crossed packing strap, an internal organiser, a TSA combination lock, and a deep ocean colourway.

Samsonite Upscape Carry-On 55cm (Expandable)

$375 | Samsonite

Weight: ‎2.3kg

Dimensions: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm

Another lightweight Samsonite option, the Upscape case has both a USB-A and -C port, so if you have your power bank handy, you’ll never run out of charge.

American Tourister Curio 2 Small

Was $265, now $159

Weight: ‎2.7kg

Dimensions: 55cm x 35cm x 25cm

Featuring the American Tourister polypropylene outer shell, designed with a concentric circle that was inspired by retro vinyl records, this bag looks fantastic while remaining lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.

Antler Large Carry-On Luggage

$319 | Antler

Weight: ‎2.8kg

Dimensions: 39.5cm x 58cm x 24 cm

This durable bag has a water-resistant polycarbonate shell, a comfort grip handle, and Antler’s Silent Glide 360 spinner wheels, which make it a dream to move.

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