Carry-on bags have changed the way we travel. With airlines charging extra fees for checked luggage, more of us are packing into carry-on bags.

If you pack well, you can get pretty much everything you need into these suitcases, and you will save time and money, not having to waste time at baggage claim or pay the extra fees.

If you are in the market for a Carry-on, here are some important considerations.

How Big? Most U.S. airlines will have strict rules about the amount of carry-on luggage a traveler can have with them, as well as the size of the items they bring on board. Items that are too large, too heavy, or restricted won’t be allowed to travel with you, and will need to be checked instead.

These are the rules from Southwest Airlines

10 x 16 x 24 inches

Carry-on items are limited to one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item. Southwest Airlines limits Carry-on bag dimensions to 10 x 16 x 24 inches. All Customers and Employees and their items are subject to a thorough physical search.

Check with your airlines for their standards

How Heavy? The usual rule for carry-on luggage is that it must weigh less than 40 pounds, including the weight of the bag itself. If you want to be sure before you fly, weigh your bag using a good scale before you leave home.

If your bag is too heavy, it may need to be checked. Carry-on luggage that is too heavy is a safety risk, and you could injury yourself putting or removing it from the overhead storage.

Finally, what type of material should you consider

Unlike your checked bags, your Carry-on bag will stay close to you in an overhead bin, or under the seat in front of you… yes there are bags small enough to fit under some airline seats. Traveling as much as I do, I prefer hard sided luggage. They are much more durable and do not show travel wear as quickly as nylon or other materials

Here is what I consider to be an excellent mid-priced option