Antler
When you’re hauling your earthly possessions on a trip with multiple destinations, you’re going to want to globetrot with ease. Cue: rolling luggage.
While traditional trunks and duffels have their own merits, they do not boast the convenience and manoeuvrability of wheels.
With durability and design in mind, we’ve curated an edit of some of the best carry on and checked rolling suitcases and bags from respected luggage brands so you can invest in the right set before jetting off on your voyage.
From an Italian-made Gucci trolley to a vegan leather recycled suitcase, here are our top picks to wheel around the airport.
Gourmet Traveller’s 2024 top rolling luggage picks (carry on)
- July Carry On Pro in Lavender (here’s why)
- Rimowa Original Cabin Twist aluminium luggage (here’s why)
- Guess Logo Affair Under Seat Bag (here’s why)
Luxe carry on rolling luggage options in 2024
01
July Carry On Pro in Lavender
$395 at July
With a front pocket specifically for your laptop or iPad and an ejectable battery, this lightweight carryon suitcase from July is the perfect travel accessory for business trips.
Style notes:
- 55cm x 38.5cm x 21.5cm
- Strong German polycarbonate shell
- Inner polycarbonate bumpers
- Water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining
- Leather finishes on the nylon straps and hinge
- YKK Japanese zippers
- Nylon stain-proof laundry bag
- Lifetime warranty
02
Rimowa Original Cabin Twist aluminium luggage
$2440 at Rimowa
The Original Cabin Twist carryon from 1898-founded German brand Rimowa is crafted from high-end anodised aluminium to see your possessions securely through travel in style. Featuring colour accents and matching leather handles and a luggage tag, this rolling suitcase is primed for personalisation.
Style notes:
- 55cm x 40cm x 23cm
- Ideal for three to four days of travel
- Four available colourways
- Multiwheel system
- Flex-divider
- TSA-approved locks
03
Guess Logo Affair Under Seat Bag
from $150 (usually $250) at Strand
At first glance, this Guess bag might look like a generous shopper rather than something you’d travel with – until you realise it’s got wheels. This versatile under seat bag has a retractable handle, just like a suitcase, but can also be carried or even looped over a bigger checked bag for those long waits at the airport. It’s also got multiple sections inside and is designed to sit neatly under the seat in front of you on the plane.
“I saw a lady with this at the airport and went straight home to order it,” one verified buyer said in a five star review on Strand. “Smaller than the usual carryon, but it’s all I need. Two wheels to drag it along. A single change of clothes and toiletries for overnight stays. Love it.”
Style notes:
- 38cm x 40cm x 24cm
- Ideal for day trips or 1-2 night stays
- Multiple compartments
- Two wheels and retractable handle
- Shopper-style handles for carrying
- Trolley slide
04
Nere Relm Under Seat Bag
from $140 (usually $200) at The Iconic
This under seat bag from Nere is a beautiful and practical piece of rolling luggage for your carry on. It has plenty of compartments to help keep your essentials organised, including three clear zippered sections inside that are ideal for toiletries, side pockets you could use for chargers, headphones and other gear, plus a roomy interior section and trolley slide.
Its faux leather finish adds an element of luxe style, as does the dusty pink colourway and rose gold details. With both handles for carrying it and a trolley handle when you want to make use of the wheels, this bag will brighten up even the dullest airport waiting area.
Style notes:
- 37 x 38 x 24 cm
- Multiple compartments
- Two wheels and retractable handle
- Shopper-style handles for carrying
- Trolley slide
- Rose gold detailing
Luxe checked rolling luggage options in 2024
05
Gucci Savoy medium trolley
$5100 at Gucci
Made in Italy, this Gucci medium suitcase features the fashion house’s iconic beige and ebony GG Supreme canvas, brown leather trim and antique gold-toned hardware. Buon viaggio.
Style notes:
- 6.4kg weight
- 45cm x 64cm x 30cm
- Four 360° wheels
- Detachable identification tag and key holder
- Interior zip compartment and one compartment with two elastic straps
- Retractable leather and telescopic top handles and one side handle
- Double zip around closure with lock
06
Samsonite C-Lite expandable 69cm suitcase in Northern Lights
$949 at Samsonite
Engineered with a shock-absorbing, self-reinforced design, the C-Lite from heritage luggage brand Samsonite is in it for the long haul. Available in limited edition Northern Lights colourway – as well as more classic ones – this expandable suitcase should be one you consider for your next sojourn.
Other sizes: 55cm and 69cm
Style notes:
- 69cm x 46cm x 29cm
- Integrated ID tag
- Divider pad
- Integrated three-digit TSA combination lock
07
PARAVEL Aviator Grand vegan leather-trimmed recycled-hardshell suitcase
$970 at NET-A-PORTER
Made from Paravel’s signature recycled polycarbonate and trimmed with vegan leather, this rolling suitcase is a dapper jet-setting accessory.
Style notes:
- 66cm x 48cm x 28cm
- Interior made from post-consumer upcycled water bottles
- Aircraft-grade aluminium handle
- 360° rotating wheels
- Combination lock fastenings
- Two-way zip fastenings along top and sides
- Comes with a dust bag
08
Antler large Clifton suitcase in navy
$399 at Antler
From 1914-established British brand Antler comes this polycarbonate cabin suitcase that is hand-finished with meticulous care.
Other sizes: carry on with expander, medium, large
Style notes:
- 5kg weight
- 80cm x 51cm x 34cm
- Comes in four colourways
- Innovative, twist-grip handle
- TSA combination lock
- Lifetime warranty
5 tips to choose the best rolling luggage for your travels
There are plenty of smart and stylish types of luggage you can buy, so when you’re shopping for a new carry on, checked bag or set, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Luggage dimensions and capacity. Airlines have guidelines around the dimensions and/or total measurements for both checked and carry on luggage. When you’re shopping for rolling luggage, you’ll find these details listed, along with the capacity (usually in litres). This helps you choose luggage that’s fit for purpose.
- Weight. The weight of rolling luggage can be as little as 1.5kg for some lightweight carry on options or more than 5kg for heavier-duty checked bags. You’ll need to factor this in to the airline’s weight restrictions for carry on and checked baggage, so lighter bags mean a bit more capacity for the items you want to take with you.
- Wheels. A lot of suitcases have four wheels these days, which can make it smoother for you to wheel around. But rolling luggage with two wheels can actually provide a bit more internal space for packing and are often easier to wheel across rough or uneven surfaces. You’re also more likely to find two-wheel designs for under seat and other carry on rolling luggage options. Keep these details in mind so you can choose the type of wheels that are most suited to your travels.
- Compartments and storage. As well as a stylish exterior, the best rolling luggage will be designed with convenient and practical interiors. Think separate sections for different items, laundry areas and straps to help secure things in bigger suitcases.
- Other features. Check out the locks, handles, material and warranty details. For carry on, in particular, check if it has a trolley slide so you don’t have to wheel two suitcases at the departures or arrivals area of the airport.
Are hard or soft suitcases better for overseas travel?
The eternal luggage debate; hard or soft. While hard suitcases offer superior protection to your possessions, they are often less flexible and may not expand – should you go shopping on your stint way. Soft suitcases on the other hand are generally more flexible for extra packing but may not provide the same level of security. Ultimately, if you’re after luggage that will stand the test of multiple transits, you might want to opt for hard luggage.
What size luggage is carry on?
For most domestic flights in Australia, the maximum measurements for carry on are typically 56cm x 36cm x 23cm, or 115cm total. It’s the weight allowance that’s often a bigger issue, and usually ranges from a maximum of 7kg to 10kg. You’re often allowed an additional small handbag or personal item as well but it does depend on the airline. For international flights, the dimensions are typically similar, but with a slightly higher weight allowance.
