Airline rules checked September 2026. Prices correct at time of publishing.
Heading away for the spring school holidays? On most Australian flights the weight limit for your cabin bag includes the suitcase itself. A heavy carry-on can use up a third of your allowance before you've packed a single T-shirt.
We've compared the lightest carry-on suitcases we stock at Rainbow Bags. Every weight and capacity below comes from the brand's own specs, and we've added the 2026 cabin rules for Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, including the Jetstar change coming in 2027.
Quick answer: our top picks
- Lightest overall: Antler Soft Stripe 2.0 Expandable Carry-On – 1.9 kg
- Best premium hard-shell: Samsonite C-Lite Spinner 55cm – 2.1 kg
- Best value hard-shell: American Tourister Light Max 55cm – 2.3 kg
- Best under $150: Antler Lincoln Small 56cm – 2.5 kg
- Best all-rounder: Antler Icon Stripe Expandable Carry-On – 2.8 kg
- Best for work trips (laptop pocket): Antler Icon Stripe Carry-On with Pocket – 3.16 kg
Carry-on rules in Australia (2026)
All three major airlines use the same maximum size for the overhead bag, 56 × 36 × 23 cm. The weight limits are different:
| Airline (Economy) | Overhead bag size | Weight limit |
|---|---|---|
| Qantas – Domestic | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 14 kg total across your cabin bags, max 10 kg per item |
| Qantas – International | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 7 kg |
| Virgin Australia | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 8 kg for the overhead bag, plus a small personal item |
| Jetstar (Starter fares, until 1 Feb 2027) | 56 × 36 × 23 cm | 7 kg combined for your main item and small item |
Jetstar is changing in 2027. From 2 February 2027, Jetstar will drop the 7 kg limit, and the included allowance becomes one underseat bag of up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm. A second, overhead-locker bag (up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm) will need to be purchased as Priority Carry-on, which Jetstar says starts from $25 one-way on selected routes.
Rules can change, so always check your airline and fare type before you fly.
Why the weight of the case matters
With a 7 kg or 8 kg limit, every gram of suitcase is a gram of clothes you can't pack. Here's how much packing weight each case leaves you:
| Suitcase | Empty weight | Left to pack (7 kg limit) | Left to pack (Virgin 8 kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antler Soft Stripe 2.0 | 1.9 kg | 5.1 kg | 6.1 kg |
| Samsonite C-Lite 55cm | 2.1 kg | 4.9 kg | 5.9 kg |
| American Tourister Light Max 55cm | 2.3 kg | 4.7 kg | 5.7 kg |
| Antler Lincoln Small 56cm | 2.5 kg | 4.5 kg | 5.5 kg |
| Antler Icon Stripe Expandable | 2.8 kg | 4.2 kg | 5.2 kg |
| Antler Icon Stripe with Pocket | 3.16 kg | 3.84 kg | 4.84 kg |
On Jetstar Starter fares the 7 kg is shared with your small item, so a light suitcase matters even more there.
The best lightweight carry-on luggage, reviewed
1. Antler Soft Stripe 2.0 Expandable Carry-On – lightest overall
At just 1.9 kg, this is the lightest carry-on in our range. It's a soft-shell case made from 100% recycled polyester, with a front zip pocket for your passport, charger or snacks. You don't have to open the whole case at the gate.
- Size: 55 × 35 × 23 cm
- Capacity: 37 L (45 L expanded)
- Features: 360° spinner wheels, TSA-approved combination lock, YKK zips, internal compression strap
- Best for: Travellers flying on 7 kg fares who want the most packing weight possible
Shop the Antler Soft Stripe 2.0 →
2. Samsonite C-Lite Spinner 55cm – best premium hard-shell
The C-Lite is made with Samsonite's Curv® woven material, which keeps it rigid and very light for a hard-shell at 2.1 kg. It has double wheels and a double pull handle, and it's covered by a limited 10-year global warranty.
- Capacity: 36 L (42 L expanded)
- Best for: Frequent flyers who want maximum protection with minimum weight
3. American Tourister Light Max 55cm – best value hard-shell
The Light Max is made from ultralight polypropylene and weighs 2.3 kg, with a generous 40 L of space. It comes in a range of colours, which makes it easy to spot on the carousel if you ever check it.
- Capacity: 40 L (44 L expanded)
- Features: Double wheels, internal organiser, limited 10-year global warranty
- Best for: A light hard-shell without the premium price tag
Shop the American Tourister Light Max →
4. Antler Lincoln Small 56cm – best under $150
The Lincoln weighs 2.5 kg and has a scratch-resistant matte polypropylene shell, heat-sealed zips and a recessed TSA lock, all for well under $150. It measures right on the 56 cm limit, so it makes full use of the overhead space.
- Size: 56 × 35 × 23 cm (25 cm expanded)
- Capacity: 40 L (43 L expanded)
- Warranty: 10 years
- Best for: Budget-conscious families buying more than one case
Shop the Antler Lincoln Small →
5. Antler Icon Stripe Expandable Carry-On – best all-rounder
If you want a hard-shell that looks as good as it performs, the Icon Stripe is one of our most popular cases. It has a water-resistant recycled polycarbonate shell, Antler's quiet Silent Glide 360 wheels, and three interior zip pockets. At 2.8 kg it's not the lightest, but it's a great fit for Qantas domestic flights, where you get 14 kg across your cabin bags.
- Size: 55 × 36 × 23 cm
- Capacity: 39.6 L (46 L expanded)
- Features: TSA lock, YKK zips, compression strap, Antler lifetime warranty (see product page)
- Best for: Travellers who want a durable, stylish case for years of trips
6. Antler Icon Stripe Carry-On with Pocket – best for work trips
This version adds a front pocket with two padded tech sleeves that fit laptops up to 16 inches, so you can pull your laptop out at security without opening the case. You get 47.7 L of packing capacity. At 3.16 kg it's best suited to Qantas domestic flights or Virgin's 8 kg allowance.
- Features: Laptop pocket, Silent Glide 360 wheels, TSA lock, lifetime warranty
- Best for: Business travellers and anyone working on the go
Shop the Icon Stripe with Pocket →
Also worth a look
- Samsonite Oc2Lite 55cm – injection-moulded polypropylene, 37 L (43 L expanded), anti-theft zips and a 10-year global warranty
- Delsey Anvers 55cm – a budget-friendly polypropylene case, 34 L (39 L expanded), with a TSA lock
How to choose the right carry-on
Soft-shell or hard-shell?
Soft-shell cases, like the Antler Soft Stripe 2.0, are usually the lightest and have handy outside pockets. Hard-shell cases protect fragile items better and shrug off rain and scuffs. If weight is your top priority, go soft. If you want protection, go hard.
Don't use the expander when you fly cabin-only
Expanders usually add around 5 cm of depth. That pushes most 23 cm-deep cases past the 56 × 36 × 23 cm limit, so keep the expander zipped up for carry-on. It's there for when you check the bag on the way home, full of souvenirs.
Measure the whole case
Airline limits include the wheels and handles, so check the full external size on the product page before you buy.
Look for spinner wheels and a TSA lock
Four 360° spinner wheels make it easy to steer down narrow plane aisles. A TSA-approved lock lets US security inspect your bag without cutting the lock.
Don't forget your personal item
Most fares also let you bring a small bag that fits under the seat. From February 2027, that will be the only included bag on Jetstar. An anti-theft crossbody or small backpack keeps your passport, phone and wallet close. Browse our Pacsafe anti-theft travel bags for slash-resistant, lockable options.
Frequently asked questions
What size carry-on is allowed on Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar?
All three allow an overhead bag of up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm in Economy. Jetstar's included allowance changes to one underseat bag (40 × 30 × 20 cm) from 2 February 2027.
Does the weight of the suitcase count towards the 7 kg limit?
Yes. The limit applies to the total weight of your bag, so a lighter suitcase leaves more room for your belongings.
What is the lightest carry-on suitcase at Rainbow Bags?
The Antler Soft Stripe 2.0 Expandable Carry-On, at 1.9 kg. The lightest hard-shell is the Samsonite C-Lite 55cm, at 2.1 kg.
Can I bring an expandable suitcase as carry-on?
Yes, as long as it's within the size limit. Keep the expander closed when you fly.
Is a 56 cm suitcase OK for carry-on?
56 cm is the maximum height for Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar, so a 56 cm case like the Antler Lincoln Small is right on the limit. Make sure the depth stays at 23 cm or less, which means keeping the expander closed.
Find your perfect carry-on
Whether you're packing for a long weekend or the school holidays, the right carry-on makes the trip easier. Shop all carry-on luggage at Rainbow Bags →