I never want to be that person at airport security. You know—the flustered traveler who slows down the line due to a lack of organization and what not. Basically my worst nightmare. While I’ve streamlined my process over the years (thanks in large part to TSA PreCheck), I noticed one hiccup recently that continued to slow me down…
Yep, like many, I’ve always relied on a massive open tote bag as my carry-on. In my defense, the choice has made sense in theory. You can toss your entire life inside and fill it to the brim to avoid checking extra bags. Unfortunately, this silhouette just isn’t that practical. Think about it: You send it off down the conveyor belt through security, and unless there’s a bin to toss it in, your belongings more or less jump ship, spilling out everywhere.
The issue then escalates when you put the bag under the seat, right? So much fun watching various items (a phone charger, a water bottle, etc.) roll out during takeoff—not. My solution was to invest in pouches to at least compact everything so loose items wouldn’t fall out. But I realized I kept making my travel routine feel even more high-maintenance… The solution? While it may seem simple, it’s all about opting for a zippered tote that has functional inside pockets to keep everything in place.
TBH, I recently introduced this type of bag into my airport style game with this pick from Dagne Dover—and it has minimized my airport stress. What about you? Do you rely on zippered totes? Are you ready to ditch your open tote for something else? Regardless, I rounded up 23 perfect carry-on bags to shop below that could easily streamline your jet-set life (like they have mine).
Dagne Dover
365 Small Landon Carryall Duffle Bag
Meet the bag that’s basically become my go-to. It’s lightweight, expandable, and comes complete with practical pockets inside—including a removable mesh pouch (ideal for beach vacations).
LeSportsac
Gabrielle Medium Box Tote
Compliment your travel uniform with this very-right-now leopard-print tote that has a trusty top-zipper, along with every inside pocket you need.
Madewell
The Abroad Bag
Shoppers rave about this Madewell best seller’s chic look and functionality—especially the fact that it has a zippered top.
Tumi
Expandable Tote
Offering plenty of room with 21.5 inches of expanded depth, this is the tote you need to keep organized with everything secure.
Urban Originals
The Weekend Croc-Embossed Vegan Leather Tote
The mock croc and rich green hue makes this oversized tote look triple the price. One of the best features is the metal feet on the bottom for longevity.
Kroser
Laptop Backpack
With 4.7 out of 5 stars on amazon (out of more than 1600 customer reviews), this water-repellent tote can easily fit your 15.6-inch laptop—along with all of your other travel necessities.
H&M
Weekend Bag
A functional yet fashionable weekend bag that looks so expensive with the gorgeous blue hue. And at only $50? Yes, yes.
Baggu
Cloud Bag
The name—"cloud bag”—pretty much sums this one up. It’s as roomy and light as a cloud, and packs in its own pouch for super-easy storage.
AllSaints
Captain Lea Leather East West Tote Bag
Not only is this AllSaints tote super functional, but it's gorgeous as well with the blue hue.
Gucci
Ophidia GG Medium Tote
Into the logo vibe? You’ll be all about this beautiful catchall tote that has just-long-enough double straps to swing the bag over your shoulder for easy use.
Saint Laurent and Jacquard™ by Google
Cit-e Backpack
This is not your average backpack. Saint Laurent and Google Jacquard have woven intelligence into this must-have that allows you to control music, take pictures, and more with a simple gesture. For more information, click here.
Fjallraven Kanken
15” Padded Laptop Backpack
Don’t underestimate the power of a tote/backpack-hybrid. This top-rated silhouette is incredibly easy to carry with the adjustable padded shoulder straps and dual top handles.
Away
The Everywhere Bag
Featuring a sleeve to slip over the handles of your wheeled-carry on, this durable zippered bag is water-resistant and has interior staples like a laptop pocket and waterproof umbrella pocket.
Adidas
Studio Duffel Bag
If you’re looking for a sporty silhouette (that could double as a gym bag as well), consider this under-$30 go-to.
Nordstrom
Celia Croc-Embossed Leather Tote
This zippered croc-embossed bag will add an instant touch of sophistication to any jet-setting look. Also note that it comes in black and an emerald color a well.
Neely
Chloe
No. 21 Weekender Tote
Looking for a larger weekender to act as your tote and suitcase? Consider this spacious canvas tote with PVC lining.
Banana Republic
Camouflage Small Tote
You can’t go wrong with this customer-favorite that has the always-cool camo print.
Prada
Leather-Trimmed Nylon Tote
Now this is classic you’ll have in your closet forever.
Louis Vuitton
Luco Tote
What’s more timeless than a monogrammed Louis Vuitton tote for travel? Exactly. This vintage style from Shopbop’s What Goes Around Comes Around section is where it’s at.
Lou
Grey
The 48-Hour Bag
Fit everything and add an on-trend pop of color to your travel fit—all for under $100.
Legends
Seal Backpack
A cool yet functional carry-everything backpack. The best part is the removable pocket that turns into an across-the-chest pack.
Herschel Supply Co.
Alexander Tote
This spacious tote features a removable pouch to add an extra layer of function to its already-practical nature.
Anya Hindmarch
E/W Tote Bag
The old-school neon rope handle and crossbody strap brings a unique twist to this technically-woven carryall.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers likeReplica Store, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.