Travel

Get ready to take flight with these affordable carry-on bags

Travel light with all of the essentials.

Nothing is better than setting off for the airport, bag in hand, ready for an adventure; and what ruins the mood worse than standing around waiting for your suitcase to finally make its way out to you?

So save time, cash and space by treating yourself to a carry-on bag that holds all of the essentials and gets you out of the airport and on to relaxing, adventuring or exploring as quick as possible. 

Taking carry-on luggage means packing thoughtfully and carefully to ensure you have all the essentials. Which means you may have to limit yourself to only two pairs of shoes (an impossible task, we know), but the feeling of strolling straight out of the airport ready to relax and unwind will make up for the lack of outfits.

Carry-on bags are also particularly helpful for quick work trips where all you want to do is get in, out and home again. But their compact size doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all of your essentials and little luxuries. Below we have found our favourite carry-on bags that are affordable, space saving and convenient; so get packing and book that trip already! 

Our top 3 cheap carry on bags for 2024

  1. Slimbridge 20″ Carry On Suitcase at Catch.com.au.
  2. Swiss Basics Roma Soft Small Luggage at Big W.
  3. Orbis Kuredu Spinner Luggage Case at Kogan.

The best cheap carry on bags in Australia to pack for your next trip 

20-inch-carry-on-slimbridge-black-luggage

Slimbridge 20″ Carry On Luggage Suitcase

$53.99 (usually $59.99) at Catch.com.au

Reliable and affordable, this carry on bag doesn’t compromise on functionality when travelling from A to B. Featuring smooth dual wheels, a secure built-in combination lock, and scratch proof construction, the compact and sleek luggage will slide seamlessly into the overhead locker, allowing you to sit back and relax as you fly to your destination.

Key features:

  • Enhanced ABS and ultra-light construction.
  • Scratch-proof PC layer.
  • Wear resistant.
  • Retractable aluminium handle.
  • 360° rotatable wheels.
  • Spacious interior.
  • Anti-theft lock.

Available at:

swiss-basic-roma-black-carry-on-luggage

Swiss Basics Roma Soft Small Luggage

$22 at Big W

Don’t leave any of the essentials at home with this soft and upright carry on bag. With adjustable trolley handles, easy rolling with a two wheel drive system, and a spacious inside compartment for your favourite belongings, you will have everything you need for the vacation of your dreams.

Key features:

  • Top carry handle.
  • Two wheel drive.
  • Protective feet.
  • Telescopic handle.

Available at:

orbis-carry-on-blue-luggage

Orbis 20″ Kuredu Spinner Luggage Suitcase

$54.99 at Kogan

Navigate easily through the airport with this lightweight case featuring 360° spinner wheels and a retractable handle. The hard outer shell and tie down straps will ensure your valuables remain protected through even the mightiest of turbulence… for carry on that will last you many trips to come.

Key features:

  • Durable hard-side polycarbonate shell with sturdy ABS.
  • Scratch, shock and impact resistant.
  • Lightweight and spacious internal capacity.
  • Tie down straps and interior partitions.
  • Built in TSA-approved lock and sturdy YKK zippers.
  • 360°spinner wheels and retractable handle.

Available at:

nere-duffle-bag-white-carry-on

Nere Seeker Duffle

$79.99 at Strandbags

It’ll cost you a bit more, but this carry on bag is still affordable and top quality for all of your travelling needs. From superior luggage brand Nere, this sleek duffle bag is the spacious and sturdy weekender or carry on for a light packer. Made with lightweight material and an easy carry handle, lift the bag with ease from airport to plane to Airbnb.

Key features:

  • 34cm in height, 54cm in width, and 32cm in depth.
  • 0.94kg in weight.
  • Capacity of 51 litres.
  • Made of lightweight material.
  • Easy carry handle.

Available at:

soft-case-black-carry-on

Anko Soft Case, 46cm

$45 at Target

No matter the destination, push this four-wheel carry on bag effortlessly with its retractable handle. While the price may be small, the interior is big enough to fit all of your favourite belongings safe inside lockable zips. Compact and lightweight, lift this case easily into the overhead and settle in for the holiday ahead.

Key features:

  • Capacity of 33 litres. 
  • Lockable zips.
  • Four spinner wheels for ease of movement.
  • Easy to access front pocket.

Available at:

What is the best bag to use as a carry-on?

The general rule of thumb when it comes to carry-on luggage is to keep it under 7kg here in Australia, and the average bag limit is around 115-centimetres (56cm x 36cm x 23cm).


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