From bright, bold hard-shell spinners to the humble duffel bag, carry-on luggage comes in seemingly endless varieties. Yet despite their differences in appearance, most share the same fundamental goal: to make the standard 22-by-14-by-9-inch size feel as spacious and functional as possible. For years, that meant minor tweaks — slightly lighter frames, smoother wheels or better zippers — but the core design rarely changed.

That’s shifting, however. Designers are focusing on solving the real frustrations travelers face in airports, train stations and hotel rooms. Today’s carry-ons often feature thoughtful touches that transform the same standard size into a true travel tool — purpose-built to make every leg of the journey smoother, faster and less stressful. Here are some cases at the head of the convenience class:

Travel Office

While it may look like a typical hard-sided four-wheel spinner, the Props packs a hidden surprise — a pair of fold-out legs on the back. Swing the supports down, and the lid of the bag becomes a sturdy 21.5-by-14 inch surface at a perfect height for working from a laptop while at the gate, streaming from a tablet or just putting your feet up. Once you’ve reached your hotel or vacation rental, the legs double as a built-in luggage rack. A built-in zipper also expands the bag’s capacity from a sleek 39 liters to a roomier 45 liters. $399, propsluggage.com

Pet Packer

Traveling with a small dog or cat is much easier with the Roverlund Cabin Carry-On and Pet Carrier Kit two-piece combo, built to accommodate your plus-one comfortably. With four pairs of spinner wheels along the long edge of the bag, the opposite edge supports a platform that securely holds the carrier for animals up to 25 pounds. The pet carrier includes a built-in leash for them and shoulder straps for you. $458 for both pieces, roverlund.com

Roller Backpack

Bags with two wheels often cost less than four-wheeled, 360-degree spinners, and their simpler design means the rollers usually last longer. The Topo Global Travel Bag Roller glides effortlessly, but its standout feature is the pair of clip-on backpack straps, making it easier to navigate crowded airports, busy train stations, or Europe’s famous staircases. Internal compartments keep your gear organized, while the straps tuck neatly away when not in use. $299, topodesigns.com

Transformative Traveler

Savvy travelers know that reaching your destination is only half the journey — the right gear makes exploring easier once you’re there. Cotopaxi’s Allpa 50-liter Adventure Travel Pack includes a versatile 8-liter day pack that zips securely to the top during transit, then converts into a comfortable crossbody sling when you’re exploring. On long flights, pack it with the must-haves you need at your seat. $300, cotopaxi.com

Utility Player

The 45-liter Patagonia Black Hole MLC Pack might be the easiest travel bag to carry. Padded shoulder straps and a stowable hip belt distribute the weight of a fully loaded pack, making long walks effortless. Tuck the straps away for a sleek silhouette, then switch to the shoulder strap for lighter loads or carry it briefcase-style when moving in and out of car trunks. A rear handle slips over most roller bag trolley handles for smooth airport transfers. $239, patagonia.com

Continental Charmer

Carry-on bags for international flights are smaller than their domestic counterparts, so every inch of space matters. The Briggs & Riley Sympatico Global 21-inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner makes the most of it with smart engineering. Fill it to the brim, zip it up, then press down on the lid to activate an internal compression system that locks everything tightly in place, giving you up to 25% more packing capacity. $695, briggs-riley.com