Carry on luggage – Top 10 best carry on luggage reviews, Buying Guide & FAQ

I always prefer the carry on luggage as compared to the one which I have to check-in. It allows me to alight from the plane and get out of the airport in a jiffy. If you carry only this luggage with you on the airplane, getting in and out of the airport is quite easy. However, you need to choose a sturdy suitcase which can allow you to carry the maximum amount of stuff.

If you search for the best carry on bags, you will realize that there are hundreds of options available. If you compare every option, it can take hours and probably days to find the best option. I will today make this task easy for you. I will share with you the best carry on luggage options available. I will also follow that up with a buying guide and the FAQ list to help you make the right decision.

1. GoPenguin Luggage, Carry On Luggage

 

The luggage on top of my list weighs 6.3 lbs. It means that the weight of the bag is not very high. It consists of 100% polycarbonate. Due to this very reason, durability is not a problem.

With the help of 6 different eye-catching designs, choosing the right one has never been easier. It is as per the TSA and IATA guidelines. The dimensions are 22.5″ x 14″ x 9″. It means that you can carry it on most of the domestic as well as international flights.

With the help of quiet wheels that can move 360°, moving it around has never been easy. With ergonomic and telescopic handle design, you can move it.

With the help of the divider system inside, it is easy for you to organize your possessions. Also, the capacity is 39.8 L which means that there is plenty of space inside. Due to this very reason, it is the perfect option when looking for a durable carry on luggage. With precise craftsmanship, you can be sure that the durability is on the higher side. You will not have to worry about any wear and tear at all. If you’re looking for hard shell luggage, this one is a pretty great option.

Pros

  • Consist of dividers
  • Comes along with 360° moving wheels
  • Polycarbonate construction
  • Large-volume
  • Includes a telescopic handle
  • Available in 6 designs

Cons

  • Handle quality could have been better

2. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner Luggage

 

Are you looking for a compact carry on luggage option?

If yes, this 20 inches hard side luggage is an excellent choice for you. It consists of scratch-resistant material which ensures that you can maintain its aesthetics. With the help of ABS construction, which is thicker than many other options, the wear and tear is pretty limited. It is available in 4 color variants as well.

When you look at the interior, it consists of 150D polyester material. It comes with the interior organizer as well, which means that storing your stuff is quite easy. It also consists of 3 zippered pockets which mean that you can easily organize your things in different compartments.

If you want to expand the bag, that is an option as well. You can expand it by 15%. The telescopic handle means that maneuvering it around is quite easy. Additionally, the design of the handle is such that at full load as well, you will face no problem at all in moving around the bag.

The durable wheels enable you to move it in any direction and on any terrain. Thus, when looking for compact hard side luggage, you should consider this option.

Pros

  • Sturdy ABS construction
  • Polyester material on the inner side
  • Includes an interior organizer
  • Expandable
  • Consist of 3 zippered pockets
  • Telescopic handles

Cons

  • Zipper quality could have been better

3. REYLEO Luggage 20in PC+ABS Carry on Luggage

 

One of the distinct points of this luggage is that it has the confluence of PC and ABS material. Due to this very reason, you need not worry about durability at all. With the help of USB built-in TSA lock, it is easy for you to secure the contents of your bag.

The TSA lock not only works to secure the contents but also as a USB charging port. That is why charging your smartphone is not a problem. The 20inch luggage is allowed by most of the airlines. The size including the wheels is 13.8″ x 8.7″ x 21.6″. With the weight of just 5.5 lbs, it provides you with plenty of room for carrying your possessions.

The 3-level handle consists of aluminum. It has a telescopic design which means that you can adjust it as per your requirement. It comes with footpads and a soft side-handle as well. That is why; moving it is not a problem. The footpads ensure that there are no scratches on the lower part of the bag when moving it around.

Another advantage of this luggage is that it consists of 4 double-sided wheels. The wheels are completely silent in operation, which means that you can move this bag around 360°.

If you’re looking for options, it provides you with four color options. With a capacity of 37 L, there is plenty of space inside to store your luggage. It is a great option when looking for a bag to carry in the cabin and also to store your stuff for a 3 to 4-day trip.

Pros

  • High capacity
  • Highly durable
  • Low noise wheels
  • Aluminum telescopic handle
  • USB lock
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Charging port can disconnect sometimes

4. Travelking Aluminum Luggage Carry On Suitcase

 

Are you specifically looking for a highly durable carry on?

If yes, this one with aluminum construction will not disappoint you. The corners are reinforced with aluminum and magnesium alloy. That is why; you will not have to worry about its durability at all. It is available in 2 color options.

With the weight of just 9.5 lbs, there is ample room to store all your essentials. The dimensions of the bag are 14.6″ x 9.1″ x 21.6″. The capacity is of 35 L which provides you with ample space inside. Also, with the help of organizational pockets, it will easy for you to keep your things properly organized.

The lock on offer is TSA approved combination lock. It means that you can secure your belongings quickly. Dual lock makes it a great option.

With the help of the lined interior, you can be sure that the contents inside will remain completely safe. The wheels are multidirectional, which means that moving through the airport or on any other terrain is quite easy. The telescopic handle is adjustable, which is another advantage.

If you want to go for the most durable option, you cannot ignore this one.

Pros

  • Metal alloy construction
  • High capacity
  • Dual lock
  • Lined interior
  • Quiet wheels

Cons

  • Color representation is not 100% accurate

5. HAZARD 4 Air Support(TM) Rugged Rolling Carry-On

 

The distinct advantage of this carry on luggage is that it can fit into the overhead compartment of most airlines. A unique characteristic of this luggage is that it has a padded laptop sleeve on the outside. That is why, on the interior, you can carry your regular possessions, and on the exterior side, you can carry your laptop.

With the help of rubber id window, carrying your tickets and other documents is easier than ever. It also consists of Velcro on the external surface, which can easily maintain the form factor of the bag.

The dimensions of the luggage are 22.8″ x 14.2″ x 9.1″. When you look at the material in use, it consists of 1000D Cordura material. Also, it is available in 2 variants of colors. Therefore, choosing an aesthetically pleasing option is quite easy.

The telescopic handle ensures that you can move it around with ease. The guardrails at the bottom absorb any impact and keep the contents of the bag entirely secure. The wheels offer smooth movement irrespective of the terrain on which you are using it.

Thus, if you specifically want luggage made from sturdy and rugged material, you can go with this option.

Pros

  • Available in 2 color options
  • Separate 17″ laptop sleeve
  • Telescopic handle
  • Can fit into the overhead compartment
  • Shock absorbent construction

Cons

  • The space inside is a bit less

6. U.S Traveler Rio Two Piece Expandable Carry-on Luggage

 

Are you looking for a carry on bag set?

If yes, this is one of the best options. It consists of 2 pieces of luggage. One is of 21 inches, and another is of 14 inches. The material in use is polyester with PVC backing. Due to this reason, durability is not a problem.

The retractable pushbutton handle ensures that you can adjust the handle according to your requirement. It has a self-locking mechanism as well.

You can use a piggybag strap to carry the tote around easily.

On the interior side, there is a lining which ensures that the contents are entirely secure. The zippered mesh pockets ensure that you can keep the contents accessible.

The bag is expandable as well, which means that you can increase the carrying capacity. With six different color options, this set is available in a variety of choices.

With EVA padding, both of the bags are secured with an extra layer. It means that they are durable than your average carry-on luggage. That is what makes them such a good option.

Pros

  • An extra layer for protection
  • 1200 D polyester construction
  • Set of 2
  • Easy to carry
  • Six color options

Cons

  • The material could have been better

7. Rockland Luggage Melbourne 20 Inch Expandable Carry On

 

With 20″ size, this expandable carry on is one of your best options if you want to carry your bags right into the cabin. It is available in 35 color options which provide you with plenty of choices. It is expandable, and the weight is just 6 lbs.

The ABS material makes it sturdy without adding to the weight. That is why, even if your stuff it up to the brim, it will not go beyond the weight limits. With multidirectional spinning wheels, you can move it around with ease as well.

The telescopic handle ensures that you can move it around with ease. It consists of an interior mesh and zip pocket. There is also an elastic pocket on offer. On the inner side, you will find fully lined interiors that protect your possessions. The dimensions are 20″ x 13″ x 10″.

The double wheels ensure that you can move the bag around with ease. Moreover, with a capacity of 38.3 L, you cannot go wrong with this one.

Pros

  • Large capacity
  • 6 lbs. weight
  • Available in 35 color variants
  • ABS construction
  • Double wheel design

Cons

  • The grip handle is not present

8. AmazonBasics Softside Carry-On Spinner Luggage Suitcase

 

With 21-inches size, you can be sure that it adheres to the TSA guidelines when it comes to carry-on bag. Also, it is available in 2 color options.

One of the distinct advantages of this bag is that it has a soft underside which can collapse a bit. That is why; it can fit into cabin baggage compartment easily. With the help of fabric lining, there is no need to worry about scratches. It consists of the 150 D polyester organizer on the underside. Also, there are three zippered pockets as well, which can help you and store smaller items.

In case you want to expand it, it is expandable by 25%, which makes it an excellent option. Also, it consists of a short handle as well, which can come in pretty handy when putting it into the overhead compartments.

The usual features like the telescopic handle, sturdy zippers, and 360° spinning wheels, are available. It means that in addition to the essential features, it also consists of a collapsible soft side which makes it perfect for overhead cabin compartments. The weight of the bag is 5.5 lbs which means that there is plenty of scope for stuffing it with your possessions. The soft underside makes it a great option.

Pros

  • Squeezable
  • Scratch-resistant
  • An internal organizer and zippered pockets on offer
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to maneuver

Cons

  • The zipper quality could have been better

9. Kenneth Cole Reaction Carry-On Lightweight Luggage

 

The reason why I like this carry on is because of its hard shell. It measures 20 inches which means that it is as per the airline guidelines. Also, it is available in 2 color options which provides you with a lot of choices.

The four spinning wheels can move in 360°. Also, they can handle any terrain as well. Additionally, there are four molded side feet on offer as well. It means that you can make the luggage stand upright as well. The retractable pushbutton telescopic handle allows you to access the handle at two different positions. There is an easy to grab side handle as well. Whichever way you look at it, it is easy to move around.

It complies with the TSA and IATA guidelines. The dimensions are 21.75″ x 14.5″ x 8.5″. With a weight of 6.25 lbs, it is equally lightweight as well.

The hard shell construction ensures that it is water-resistant and also lightweight. At the same time, it is easy to clean as well. At the corners, it consists of guards that work as reinforcements. That is why; any shock or impact gets absorbed. It will keep the contents inside safe. The capacity of the interior compartment is around 44 L which means that it is perfect for 6 to 7-day trip. All these features make it a great choice.

Pros

  • Sturdy hardshell structure
  • Easy to move around
  • Lightweight
  • Excellent capacity
  • Complies with TSA and IATA guidelines

Cons

  • Handle quality could have been better

 

10. Travelers Club 20″ Chicago Expandable Spinner Carry-On Luggage

 

With the help of this 20-inch expandable carry on bag, you can easily stuff all your possessions into a single carry on. It is available in 9 color options as well.

Are you worried about the durability?

Worry not! It uses ABS material. ABS material provides it with the required sturdiness without adding to the weight. The exact dimensions are 20″ x 13″ x 8″. With the weight of 5.6 lbs, it is easy for you to stuff it up to the brim with your possessions.

It consists of a lined interior as well, which means that securing the contents is not a problem. It is expandable to provide you with more space if required.

The pushbutton-lock handle means that adjusting the height of the handle as per your requirement is not a problem. The 360° moving wheels allow you to zip through the airport quickly. With a capacity of 47 L, you can fill up all your possessions for 5 to 6-day trips. The high capacity makes it the best options which you can buy.

Pros

  • Expandable
  • Sturdy ABS construction
  • Lined interior
  • Pushbutton lock handle
  • High capacity

Cons

  • Can be a bit difficult to maneuver on uneven terrain

My list above will help you find the best carry on suitcase with ease. I have compiled this list after researching various data points on every carry on luggage. That is why, when you go with any of these options, it will become easy for you to choose sturdy baggage which you can carry with yourself to the plane cabin. I will now share with you a buying guide which will make it easy for you to choose one among these options.

Carry on luggage Buying Guide

With the help of the parameters below, it will become easy for you to choose the right carry on baggage.

Things to consider while buying carry-on suitcase:

The parameters which you should keep in mind include:

• Dimensions:

Ultimately, it is the dimensions of the carry on bag which will determine whether you can store it in the overhead cabin or not. The dimensions should be such that they are TSA and IATA compliant. Only when that is the case, the carry-on bag will be useful for you.

• Construction:

You have to look at the material of the bag. It can be a hard shell bag or a soft-sided one. Both of them are durable, but you need to look at the material before making your buying decision.

• Portability:

Ideally, you’re looking for a bag with wheels which can move in 360°. Also, it should have a telescopic handle which is adjustable as well. When that is the case, it will become easy for you to move around the bag. You should at least look for these two features before choosing the carry on suitcase.

• Weight:

At the same time, you have to ensure that you choose a lightweight bag. If the weight of the bag is more, there will be no room to store your possessions in it. You have to keep in mind the carry on the weight limit of the airline and then choose the lightweight luggage.

These four options will help you pick the right carry on suitcase. I will now answer some FAQs about carry on bag options.

FAQ

What is considered carry on luggage?

A bag with maximum dimensions of 22.5″ x 14″ x 9″ can be considered as a carry on luggage. The dimensions include the wheels as well as the handles.

Is a 20 suitcase a carry on?

Yes, a 20 inches suitcase can be considered as a carry on luggage as long as the weight and the thickness are below 14 inches and 9 inches respectively.

What Is the Best Carry-on Luggage?

The GoPenguin Luggage, Carry On Luggage is the best carry on luggage which you can go with. It comes in 6 different color options and weighs 6.3 lbs. It allows you to carry a large volume which is why; it is such a good option.

So, while looking for the best carry on luggage options, you can go through my list above. It will assist you select the right option. In case, there is any confusion; you can refer to the buying guide above to choose the perfect carry on luggage. It is time to use these bags to save a significant amount of time at the airports.

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