My Honest Level8 Carry-On Luggage Review for International Travel
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Finding the right carry-on for international travel can be surprisingly tricky. Many bags work perfectly well for domestic flights, but fall short when it comes to international airline size restrictions - trust me, I’ve had to check my bag at the gate multiple times. After traveling with the same carry-on for nearly ten years, I finally reached a point where I needed something that truly worked for international trips, especially when I don’t want to check my extra-large suitcase.
I was done with the idea of lugging a large suitcase around Europe, and stressing over the “what if” of lost baggage, and after testing the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry On, I can confidently say it is one of the best upgrades I have made for my travel routine.
This Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry On was gifted to me as part of a sponsored collaboration. As always, all thoughts and opinions in this post are entirely my own, and I only share products I genuinely use and recommend.
What I Look for in an International Carry-On
When you travel internationally, especially if you prefer not to check a bag, your carry-on needs to work harder. Over time, I’ve learned that a good international carry-on should prioritize a few key things.
First, size matters. International airlines are much stricter than U.S. carriers, and even being slightly over the limit can mean having to gate-check your bag. I’ve run into this several times, and it’s not the best way to kick off your vacation.
Second, the bag needs smooth wheels. Long airport terminals, tight connections, and uneven sidewalks make wheel quality more important than most people realize. It needs four swivel wheels, and they need to be durable.
Finally, I want overall durability and security, especially for trips that involve multiple flights or international connections. The bag needs to withstand a few bumps, and I need to keep my belongings safe and secure without having to jump through hoops to unlock it.
Overview of the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On
The Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On is a hard-sided, zipperless suitcase designed with frequent and international travelers in mind. It features an aluminum shell, reinforced corners, and a secure latch closure instead of a traditional zipper. It’s built to feel solid, reliable, and long-lasting.
This may surprise you, but this is my first hard-sided suitcase. I’ve always preferred soft-sided suitcases because you can really stuff them to the brim, but I was shocked to find how much this carry-on from Level8 can hold. Even though the dimensions are smaller than my soft-sided carry-on, I found that I can hold almost the same amount of items, and they’re organized better because of the interior features.
The interior is fully lined, and there are two dividers, one on each side, to keep your items organized at all times. On top of that, this carry-on comes with a 4-piece packing cube set and a luggage tag. I’m a huge fan of this packing cube set because it includes interchangeable velcro labels that attach to the exterior of each bag to help indicate what’s inside.
Why This Carry-On Works So Well for International Travel
International Carry-On Size That Actually Fits
One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to this bag is that it is genuinely sized for international travel. It fits within most standard international carry-on requirements, which means less stress at boarding and fewer surprises at the gate.
If you have ever watched your bag get flagged at boarding while others roll right through, you know how valuable this peace of mind is. Now, I can’t promise that it will fit within all airline carriers’ dimensions since they’re not all standardized, but it will fit most. This carry-on also has two slow-close handles, making it easy to lift the bag from the top or sides to get it up into the overhead bin.
Zipperless Design and Why I Prefer It
This suitcase uses a zipperless latch system, which I now prefer. I was hesitant at first, but after using it, I realized how much easier it is. Zippers are often the first thing to fail on luggage, especially when bags are packed tightly or handled roughly.
The zipperless closure on this bag feels secure and sturdy, eliminating the worry of broken zippers entirely. Two TSA-approved locks latch the suitcase closed and keep your belongings safe. I always pack an additional outfit to change into after a long-haul flight, and getting into my carry-on is now a breeze in the bathroom stall.
The Smoothest Wheels I’ve Ever Used
The wheels on this carry-on deserve their own mention. They glide effortlessly, even when the bag is fully packed, and they’re extremely quiet. Whether navigating airport terminals, hotel hallways, or city sidewalks, the movement feels smooth and controlled at all times.
This may sound like a small detail, but it makes a noticeable difference when you travel often or move quickly through large airports.
Interior Storage and Packing Experience
Inside, the Level8 Gibraltar Carry-On is surprisingly spacious. The interior layout is thoughtfully designed with compartments that make it easy to stay organized without overcomplicating packing.
There is enough room for clothing, shoes, and travel essentials while still keeping everything secure. I found it easy to pack for trips without feeling cramped or disorganized, which is exactly what I want from a carry-on.
Who This Carry-On Is Best For
This bag is a great fit if you:
Travel internationally and want to keep essentials with you on the flight
Prefer durable, high-quality travel gear without the top-of-the-line price tag
Appreciate thoughtful design and security features
Want a carry-on that will last for years
It may not be the best choice if you prefer ultra-lightweight soft-sided luggage or if you are strictly shopping on a budget. This is a quality piece meant for travelers who value reliability and longevity.
Is the Level8 Gibraltar Carry-On Worth It?
After using this carry-on, I genuinely believe it is worth the investment for the right traveler. It feels well-made, secure, and designed with real travel needs in mind. The combination of international sizing, smooth wheels, zipperless closure, and durable construction makes it stand out in a crowded luggage market.
I really wish that I hadn’t taken so long to upgrade my luggage collection to include a hard-side international carry-on like this one. This is now the carry-on I reach for when I am flying internationally, and it has made traveling feel easier and less stressful overall. I can’t wait to see where this carry-on will take me!
Happy travels!
-Tess
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Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!