Carry On Luggage

The case for carry-on only is simple: no check-in queue, no baggage carousel, no chance your bag flies to a city you don't. The case against is that you have to actually pack inside the rules — which is where the right cabin suitcase makes all the difference.

This is the cabin-sized end of our range: Victorinox and Wenger carry-on suitcases sized for Australian airline rules, with the warranty backing and build quality that justifies buying once. Authorised Australian stockist. Free shipping Australia-wide, 30-day returns.

Australian Airline Carry-On Rules

The rules are worth knowing before you buy. Standard carry-on allowance for the major Australian carriers:

• Qantas (domestic economy): up to 14kg of carry-on in total, max 10kg per item — an overhead bag (56 x 36 x 23cm) plus a smaller under-seat bag. The smaller QantasLink Dash 8 turboprops are limited to 7kg total.
• Virgin Australia (domestic economy): 1 carry-on bag up to 7kg, linear dimensions up to 115cm — typically 56 x 36 x 23cm.
• Jetstar: 1 carry-on bag up to 7kg, linear dimensions up to 115cm — typically 56 x 36 x 23cm. Combined carry-on (bag plus personal item) up to 7kg total on Starter fares.

International carriers vary — particularly low-cost airlines in Europe and Asia, which can be stricter on both weight and dimensions. Always check the specific airline before flying, especially if you're flying multiple legs across different carriers. A suitcase that's 55cm tall is the safest universal pick.

What's In The Range

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Carry-On — The flagship. 100% pure polycarbonate shell, integrated TSA-approved combination lock, and dual-spinner wheels that genuinely roll smoothly. Expansion zip adds extra packing depth for the trip home. Sized for Australian carry-on rules.

Victorinox Spectra Eco Carry-On — Same Spectra DNA, built with recycled polycarbonate shell and recycled-PET interior. Lower environmental footprint, identical protection and warranty.

Wenger softside carry-on — Lighter on the scales, with usable external pockets and quick-access front compartments. The pick if you tend to pack soft goods and want fast access at the gate.

Why Polycarbonate For Cabin?

Polycarbonate is the right material for carry-on for one specific reason: it flexes. Overhead lockers are a real-world stress test, and a polycarbonate shell absorbs impact and bounces back instead of cracking the way ABS plastic does. Victorinox uses 100% pure polycarbonate (not the cheaper ABS-poly blend that some brands quietly use). Light, strong, watertight, easy to wipe clean.

What Fits In A 38L Carry-On?

A typical carry-on at around 35–45L holds:

• 3–4 outfits (rolled, in packing cubes)
• 1 pair of shoes packed flat (plus the pair you're wearing)
• Toiletries in a 1L liquids bag (international rules)
• Laptop, charger, cables in the front pocket or a separate personal item
• Light jacket and underwear/socks for 4–5 days

That's 3–5 nights for most travellers, longer if you can do laundry once.

Why Carry-On Wins For Short Trips

• No check-in fees on most low-cost carriers
• No waiting at the baggage carousel — straight to the taxi rank
• Zero risk of lost luggage
• Faster through every airport, every time
• Easier hotel transfers and last-minute connections

Why Buy From TheTravelShop

• Authorised Australian stockist for Victorinox and Wenger
• Free shipping Australia-wide
• 30-day returns
• Full manufacturer warranty, prices in AUD

Frequently Asked Questions

What size carry-on is allowed on Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar?

All three cap the main bag at 56 x 36 x 23cm (115cm linear). On weight, Qantas is the most generous — up to 14kg total, 10kg per item, on its jet services (dropping to 7kg on the smaller QantasLink Dash 8 turboprops) — while Virgin Australia and Jetstar cap you at 7kg. International routes and codeshare flights may have different rules, so always confirm with your specific airline before flying. The standard 55cm-tall cabin suitcase fits all three on size.

Is polycarbonate better for carry-on luggage?

Yes, for most travellers. Polycarbonate flexes under impact and returns to shape, where ABS plastic (the cheaper alternative) tends to crack. It's also lighter than aluminium and watertight in a way that softside isn't. Victorinox Spectra uses 100% pure polycarbonate. The trade-off is no external pockets, which softside offers — so if you need quick gate access to a jumper or a book, softside has the edge.

What fits in a 38L carry-on suitcase?

Roughly 3–5 days of clothing for most travellers: 3–4 outfits, an extra pair of shoes packed flat, toiletries in a compliant liquids bag, and underwear/socks. Use packing cubes and roll soft items for maximum capacity. Laptops and chargers are easier carried in a separate personal item (a backpack or laptop bag) than in the carry-on itself.

Do I need a TSA lock for carry-on?

If you ever fly to or through the US, yes — TSA-approved locks let US security inspect your bag without cutting the lock off. For domestic Australian travel they're optional, but useful for the same reason: same combination, no risk of damage if you do connect through the US. Every Victorinox carry-on suitcase ships with an integrated TSA combination lock as standard.

Can I bring a 4-wheel spinner as carry-on?

Yes. 4-wheel spinner suitcases are accepted as standard carry-on by every Australian airline, provided the overall dimensions and weight are within the carrier's limits. The wheels are included in the dimension measurement, which is why most cabin spinners are sized at around 55cm tall (including wheels) rather than 56cm. Spinners are easier to manoeuvre through long airport corridors than 2-wheel pull-along bags, especially on smooth surfaces.

Not sure which bag? Read our guide to the best carry-on luggage for Australian flights.