Luggage · US
Carry On Luggage trends
As travelers in the US prepare for 2026, the carry-on luggage market is adapting to a renewed focus on efficiency, durability, and personalization. A significant trend is the move towards the lightest carry-on luggage possible to navigate increasingly strict airline weight limits, with both hardside and softside options offering unique advantages. While hardside bags made of polycarbonate remain popular for their protective qualities and sleek designs, championed by brands like Away and Rimowa, there is a resurgence in softside bags, partly due to concerns that new AI-powered airport scanners may flag rigid, overstuffed bags. Features that enhance the travel experience are paramount; expandable carry-on luggage is a must-have for travelers seeking flexibility, and carry-on luggage with wheels, particularly smooth-gliding spinner wheels, is a standard expectation. Organization is also key, with travelers looking for smart compartments and compression systems. The demand for tech integration is growing, with features like USB charging ports and GPS tracking becoming more common, catering to the needs of the modern, connected traveler. Sustainability is another major driver, with a growing number of consumers seeking eco-friendly materials and ethical production. For family travel, kids' carry-on luggage is becoming more innovative with fun, functional designs that make the journey more enjoyable for children. Amidst these new trends, established brands like Samsonite and Travelpro continue to be trusted for their proven reliability and feature-rich designs, maintaining a strong presence in the market.
Themes
5
Market
US
Trend observations
53
US
Expandable Softside Carry-On
- This trend focuses on soft-sided carry-on luggage, typically made from durable ballistic nylon or polyester, with a key feature of zippered expansion. - The expansion feature can add several inches of packing space, offering flexibility for travelers who may purchase items on their trip. - Softside luggage often includes easily accessible exterior pockets for items like laptops, documents, and jackets. - Brands like Travelpro carry on luggage and Briggs & Riley are well-regarded for their high-quality and functional softside options.
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Kids' Fun & Functional Carry-On
- This theme is dedicated to kids carry on luggage designed to make travel easier and more enjoyable for families. - A popular feature is the ride-on suitcase, which allows a child to sit on their luggage and be pulled, reducing fatigue in large airports. - Designs are often playful and engaging, featuring bright colors, animal shapes, or collaborations with popular characters, like the Away x PAW Patrol collection. - These carry-ons are built to be durable and lightweight, with features like adjustable handles that grow with the child and simple organizational compartments.
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Lightweight Hardside Carry-On
- This theme centers on carry-on luggage constructed from durable yet lightweight hardside materials like polycarbonate and aluminum. - These bags are known for providing excellent protection for fragile contents against the rigors of travel. - They often feature a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a glossy or matte finish, available in a wide range of colors from neutral to bold. - Leading brands in this space, such as Away carry on luggage, Samsonite carry on luggage, and Rimowa luggage carry on, are noted for their stylish and impact-resistant designs.
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Smart & Connected Carry-On
- This trend involves carry-on luggage integrated with technology to enhance security and convenience. - Key features include GPS tracking to monitor the bag's location in real-time, reducing the stress of lost luggage. - Many models come with built-in, removable battery packs and USB ports for charging devices like phones and tablets on the go. - Advanced security options such as remote locking/unlocking via a smartphone app and digital weight scales to avoid overweight fees are also popular.
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Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Carry-On
- This trend reflects a growing consumer demand for luggage made from environmentally friendly materials. - These carry-ons are constructed from recycled materials, such as recycled plastic bottles (rPET), or innovative bio-based fabrics like mushroom or pineapple leaf leather. - Brands in this space emphasize circular design, creating products that can be disassembled and recycled at the end of their life. - The focus is not just on materials but also on ethical manufacturing processes and a reduced carbon footprint.
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