Top 5 Travel Bag Choices

A carry-on bag no taller than 22 inches is likely to be an acceptable size on most major airlines. I particularly like this rolling carry-on because it has a big flap on the front. That's where I stash my reading material for the plane. I empty the books and magazines and noise-canceling headphones onto my seat, then hoist the carry-on into the overhead compartment for the duration of the flight (grateful thanks to every man or woman who's given me a hand!).

I've been using a Samsonite luggage set for about five years, and it's held up well. This travel bag is recommended because I really hate to carry things even when there's not much to carry. Despite the fact this Samsonite piece is small, it's a spinner suitcase with four easy-gliding wheels. And at 18" X 15" X 7.5" it is wide enough to accommodate a big laptop and also travel on board with you.

Less boxy-looking than most totes you can carry on a plane, this 17" x 14.5" x 8" travel bag is lightweight and easily fits under the seat or in the overhead. Three separate compartments help to keep you organized, and the front, shorter pocket is ideal for holding travel documents, reading or entertainment devices, and a snack you want to access fast. Comes in a wide variety of color combos.

There's nothing like a carryon with wheels, and this one's cute as could be since it's available in light pink and sky blue as well as midnight black. Soft, padded polyester case comes with a small carry handle, a telescoping handle, and a shoulder strap to use as needed.

So well organized it borders on excessive, this messenger-style carryon can fit a 15" laptop in a padded compartment. There are three pockets in the front and a zippered pocket. Dedicated spots for pens, a cellphone, iPod have Velcro closures to keep them safe.