Briggs and Riley carry-on

I would check if this model can only be used on international flights and not domestic. I believe they may be too wide to fit the domestic carry-on requirements. That would be a shame because it's such an expensive bag....but it's not their fault that carry-on dimensions are not standardized across countries (they're just trying to meet the international business traveler niche). I've looked at their bags and the only other downside (except for price, of course) is the weight. They are definitely not light bags.

I ditto what Alice says. They are great bags, but they are very heavy. Too heavy for me to want to manage throughout a vacation. As an example, I have a 9 lb Hartman. I also check my carryon. Even with this I seem to in the end choose a lighter bag. I like my packed bag to be about 20 lbs...creeps to 21-22 lbs. to be easy to lift when I must lift it. So about a 4 lb difference in bags, makes a huge difference in my desire to carry it up the stairs, etc. Just something to think about. If I were 30, I wouldn't care, but that day has passed...

My wife and I both have the Briggs and Riley Baseline expandable international carry on spinners, and we love them, as we do the rest of our B&R. We fly delta and have never had any issues international or domestic. My wife likes the expandable feature and often expands it to hold the extra stuff she seems to acquire on trips and checks it for the return flight. We had one wheel destroyed when she checked it once and got a replacement under warranty for a small shipping charge. If you don't check it I think it will last forever, ours have been over some rough terrain.

When considering a carry on there are always two considerations.

First is size, obviously. You want a bag that will fit requirements of different airlines. The worst case scenario is when they make you fit your bag into a measured space. The reason that's the worst is that's usually when people find out their 21" bag is actually 22" or more when the handle and wheels are included - and it won't fit - meaning you now have to check your bag. Be sure the actual dimensions of your bag meet the maximums for carry on. Consider whether the handle is recessed. 4 wheel spinners use more space than two wheel models. Consider a slightly smaller (20") bag to stay a within the limits.

Also don't pack it so full that the width is beyone the max. Many bags have zippers to expand the bag. If you take advantage of those, your bag may no longer fit carry on requirements.

The second obvious consideration is weight. Some airlines are as strict on weight as they are on size (others are pretty loose on both counts). I've been in the gate area of SAS and watched staff wander through the waiting area weighing bags that looked stuffed. Get a luggage scale from a travel store or just use your home scale and subtract your weight without the bag from your weight with your packed bag. Spinners take up more of the available weight than two wheel bags. Convertible versions are generally even lighter (but the weight of different bag options varies widely). If you can't get under the weight limit, you may defeat the entire purpose.

I've been carry on only for years. I can't imagine checking a bag anymore. In fact, the less I carry the happier I am. The key is mix and match and don't bring anything you "might" need. In the last few years I've gone from a "full" size carry on to a shoulder bag about half that size. My new bag will fit the strictest requirements including Ryan Air and Frontier Airlines. I generally pack ten pounds but use 12 lbs. as my personal max because more than that is uncomfortable.

I've had Briggs and Riley cases. I think they make a lighter version now. They do wear out though, when traveling much with the airlines.

It's important to check with each airline regarding baggage, carry-on, and personal item requirements. I found them all to be very different, some carry-ons have weight restrictions as well as measurement restrictions. Some airlines charge more if you have to check the bag at the counter, or even more at the gate. Some other airlines won't let you bring on a carry-on and a personal item, unless you pay for that.. So do your homework thoroughly, and you won't run into any problems.

I personally would not use an expensive bag or high end brand. Not sure what you are getting for that price. An expensive bag can get just as dirty, damaged, or lost as a cheaper bag. A couple of years ago a luggage theft ring at our local airport was broken up. They only grabbed expensive bags because they assumed that those bags would have more expensive items inside. I also avoid the spinners in favor of the two wheel bags as I find the two wheel bag lighter and more practical in Europe with the rougher surfaces. Do take a tape measure and stand the bag against a wall or a flat surface and measure the bag to determine the true size.

We check some luggage about half the time. The problem of losing checked luggage is no greater in Europe than the US. In fact, the only time we have had luggage go missing (twice) was in the US. Always caught up with us a day or two later. So I fail to see the advantage to an expensive spinner bag other than maybe a little status.

I have always make a big issue about avoiding pickpockets and petty theft by not attracting attention to yourself with expensive jewelry, unusual clothing, etc. I put expensive, name brand luggage in that same category.

For budget airlines like Vueling and Easyjet, almost anything above 20 inches will not be carry on. Since you only get one carry on, I would just plan to check a bag if using those airlines as most of us need at least a messenger bag, small backpack or purse for things like the computer, meds, camera etc and these airlines don't have an allowance for two carry on items. We have never permanently lost luggage in the US or Europe or Asia; the only place we have temporarily lost luggage was in the US and it eventually showed up a few days later.

Jane raised an excellent point that should have been mentioned earlier. She is correct. Those airlines are very strict on size and weight.