Melrose Hardside Carry-On Spinner vs Samsonite Opto 4 Hardside Carry-On Spinner

The Samsonite Opto 4 is the safer carry-on for most flyers. At 22.5 x 14.5 x 9.5 in it stays within typical domestic carry-on limits, and it weighs 6.9 lb against the Melrose's 9.7 lb, leaving more of the weight allowance for your things. The Melrose is the sturdier-feeling organizer: polycarbonate alloy shell, two compartments, a large wet pocket, compression straps and 2 in of expansion, and owners say previous Ricardo bags lasted years. The Opto 4 adds a built-in Apple AirTag holder and an EazyHOOK for a second bag, but you buy the AirTag separately.

• Choose the Melrose if you want more interior organization, a wet pocket and generous expansion, and you mainly check the bag or fly carriers with roomier sizers.
• Choose the Opto 4 if you want a lighter case that fits standard domestic carry-on limits, with AirTag tracking and a 10-year limited warranty.