The Best Carry On Suitcase - 2021
We looked at the top 13 Carry On Suitcases and dug through the reviews from 34 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Carry On Suitcases.
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Our Picks For The Top Carry On Suitcases
- The Best Carry On Suitcase
- 1. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Carry On Luggage, 21-Inch
- 2. Rockland Melbourne Carry On Spinner Luggage, 20-Inch
- 3. U.S. Traveler Rio Fabric Expandable Carry On Suitcase, 2-Piece
- 4. Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Carry-On Suitcase, 20-Inch
- 5. COOLIFE Expandable Spinner Carry-On Luggage, 20-Inch
- 6. Travelpro Maxlite Softside Carry On Suitcase, 19-Inch
- 7. Travelers Club Chicago Expandable Spinner Carry On Luggage, 20-Inch
- 8. Samsonite Omni Wheeled Carry On Suitcase, 20-Inch
- 9. Olympia Rolling Shopper Tote Luggage, 20-Inch
- 10. GoPenguin Hardside Spinner Carry On Luggage, 20-Inch
- 11. Betsey Johnson Duffel Weekender Roller Bag, 21.5-Inch
- 12. Steve Madden Softside Expandable Carry On, 20-Inch
- 13. Perry Ellis Mobile Office Spinner Luggage, 16-Inch
Expands for More StorageThis carry-on suitcase has a telescoping handle, spinner wheels and three inner pockets.
Ergonomic, Telescoping HandleTravelers that require a little extra space in their carry on will love that this carry-on suitcase is expandable.
Self-Locking Handle SystemWith this traveler suitcase, you'll enjoy high-quality construction and a choice of six rich colors.
Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this carry-on suitcase comes in a choice of 14 bright colors, including cobalt blue, Kelly green, red, magenta and deep purple.
Why we recommend these carry on suitcases?
Products Considered
Products Analyzed
Expert Reviews Included
User Opinions Analyzed
Our experts reviewed the top 13 Carry On Suitcases and also dug through the reviews from 34 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Carry On Suitcases.
DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.
The Best Overall
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Carry On Luggage, 21-Inch
Our Take
Thanks to its hard outer shell, this carry-on suitcase will keep all of your valuables safe when traveling. The shell is also scratch-resistant, which ensures the luggage continues to look like new even years after you bought it. Inside the suitcase, you'll find plenty of room for your items; however, the bag also expands by 15% to allow for additional clothing.
What other experts liked
What other experts didn't like
The Best Bang For Your Buck
U.S. Traveler Rio Fabric Expandable Carry On Suitcase, 2-Piece
Our Take
Although you can transport this traveler suitcase using the upper carrying handle, it also comes with a set of inline skate wheels. The main case offers two outer pockets and one large inner mesh pocket, while the smaller case has one outer pocket. If you find that you need more space, the larger bag can be expanded to fit additional clothing.
Overall Product Rankings
3. U.S. Traveler Rio Fabric Expandable Carry On Suitcase, 2-Piece
4. Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Carry-On Suitcase, 20-Inch
7. Travelers Club Chicago Expandable Spinner Carry On Luggage, 20-Inch
Our Carry On Suitcase Findings
AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Carry On Luggage, 21-Inch
What We Liked: Thanks to its hard outer shell, this carry-on suitcase will keep all of your valuables safe when traveling. The shell is also scratch-resistant, which ensures the luggage continues to look like new even years after you bought it. Inside the suitcase, you’ll find plenty of room for your items; however, the bag also expands by 15% to allow for additional clothing.
Rockland Melbourne Carry On Spinner Luggage, 20-Inch
What We Liked: Made from a durable ABS material, this carry-on suitcase is designed to last. It is equipped with an ergonomic aluminum telescoping handle and multi-directional double spinner wheels that make maneuvering the carry on suitcase a breeze. There are also several pockets to help keep you organized while you travel.
U.S. Traveler Rio Fabric Expandable Carry On Suitcase, 2-Piece
What We Liked: Although you can transport this traveler suitcase using the upper carrying handle, it also comes with a set of inline skate wheels. The main case offers two outer pockets and one large inner mesh pocket, while the smaller case has one outer pocket. If you find that you need more space, the larger bag can be expanded to fit additional clothing.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Carry-On Suitcase, 20-Inch
What We Liked: You won’t have any trouble moving around the airport when you opt for this carry-on suitcase. Not only is it lightweight, but it also has multi-directional spinner wheels. Then there’s the retractable telescoping trolley handle, which makes maneuvering the suitcase a breeze.
COOLIFE Expandable Spinner Carry-On Luggage, 20-Inch
What We Liked: With a built-in TSA lock, this carry-on suitcase keeps your belongings safe. The luggage has a telescoping handle with three different height choices and quiet spinner wheels that allow you to pull the bag. If you upgrade to the 28-inch carry on suitcase, you’ll get the added ability to expand the suitcase to fit more clothing, souvenirs and personal items.
Our Carry On Suitcase Buying Guide
When you travel, it’s a good idea to have a few things at your disposal. You’ll want comfort items, personal care products and an extra set of clothing. Since it is unlikely that you’ll be able to fit all of these things in your purse, you’ll need to purchase a carry on suitcase.
Ideal carry on luggage has 360-degree spinner wheels, so you don’t have to lift the bag. The wheels make it so that you can push or pull the suitcase in any direction.
A telescoping handle with a comfortable grip is also essential to maneuvering the carry-on. Check for a push-button recessed locking handle system with at least a few height options. You want to be able to adjust the handle to match your height.
Review the carry on suitcase’s construction material. A durable ABS material is a good choice, as its hard shell protects the contents of the bag much better than a soft material. If you do opt for a bag made using a softer material, make sure it is coated to resist water and stains, as the more you travel, the more likely you are to come into contact with rain and mud puddles.
You may also want to opt for a carry on bag that has a few extras, such as a built-in TSA lock or one that comes with a choice of colors and patterns. There are also suitcases with an abundance of interior and exterior pockets and compartments, which will help you stay organized during your trip.
DWYM Fun Fact
Before you head to the airport, it’s important that you know the rules and regulations that have been created in regard to carry on bags. For example, the airline may require all carry on suitcases to not exceed 22 by 14 by 9-inches, as anything bigger may not fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat. In some cases, the airline may also have weight restrictions.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also restricts certain items to checked baggage only. For example, you cannot pack a baseball bat, toy swords made of foam, gel candles, gel heating pads or Magic 8 Balls in a carry on, even though they are permissible in your checked luggage.
The Carry On Suitcase Tips and Advice
- Review the cleaning instructions for the carry on suitcase you purchased before attempting to wash it. Hardshell luggage, for example, can be wiped down with a wet rag. Bags made using a soft material, on the other hand, might have more complex cleaning instructions. Of course, you can use the attachment on your vacuum to clean out the inside of any piece of luggage.
- There are a few features that affect the price of carry-on suitcases. These include size, construction materials and the number of pockets and storage compartments. You’ll find the U.S. Traveler Rio Fabric Expandable Carry On Suitcase, 2-Piece is one of the most affordable options. The Kenneth Cole Reaction Out Of Bounds Carry-On Suitcase, 20-Inch and the Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage, 20-Inch have a more moderate price tag. The AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Carry On Luggage, 21-Inch has the highest cost of the bunch.
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About The Author
Alicia Bodine is a New Jersey-based writer specializing in finance. With more than 15 years of experience, her work has appeared in leading financial publications. She's also a financial coach and mother to two daughters. When she's not writing, you'll find her gardening, spending time with her kids, cooking in the kitchen or playing with her two kitties, Flitter and Otter. Alicia loves researching the latest and greatest gadgets, products and items that help her save time, energy and money.