13 Best Carry On Luggage Reviews-Buyer Guide (Updated 2021)

Carry on luggage is very essential to bring important personal things or professional items during traveling. So, it important to pick a right carry on to travel comfortably.

We review here the highest quality carry on luggage. All of them are lightweight, durable and extremely comfortable. We bring here all necessary information, including size and weight requirements, liquid and gel restrictions and other guidelines about the best carry on luggage.

Read our full reviews below, make sure you checked everything you need. You can also read our guide on best luggage.

Top Featured Products

Rockland Fashion Softside Upright Luggage Set

This 2 piece rolling luggage is made of heavy-duty EVA-molded Hi-count fabric which is resistant for any weather and is reliable for any types of traveling. It has a clear in-line skate wheel system which allows a smooth ride on any surface. Rockland rolling luggage has three internal pockets for everyone’s needs, so your stuff doesn’t have to be all in one section.

It has over 2000 positive reviews on Amazon and the price starts at around $40.

Key Features and Specifications

• Detachable and adjustable non-slip shoulder strap
• 19″H x 13″W x 7.5″
• Inline skate wheels and stability bar
• Expandable 2 ” with 2 corner wheels
• 3 internal organizational pockets

U.S Traveler New Yorker

This 4 piece rolling luggage is crafted from shiny dobby and durable fabric with PVC backing. It has an easy glide push button handle system and it can be expanded up to 25% packing capacity. U.S Traveler New Yorker luggage has fully lined interior with pockets so your stuff is organized. It’s carry handles grip allows easy lifting. Luggage has inline skate wheels which ensure effortless rolling. You can choose between different colors and the price on Amazon starts at around $90.

It has over 1600 positive reviews on Amazon and is one of the best rolling luggage in the market.

Key Features and Specifications

• Crafted from durable fabrication with PVC backing
• 4 pieces
• Expandable for up to 25% more packing capacity
• Visit seller website for full specification list
• Recessed Inline skate wheels for smooth, effortless rolling

American Tourister Splash

A type of rolling luggage that has inline skate wheels that are made of polyurethane to minimize frictional resistance for smooth rolling. Its retractable handle ensures easy maneuverability and gives you the possibility to lift the luggage easily or carry it when rolling is unnecessary. American Tourister Splash has cross straps that secure your luggage and its content, keeps your stuff organized and it also prevents your stuff from taking damage. It has multiple pockets and a big front panel for extra organization.

This lightweight luggage has over 300 positive reviews on Amazon and its price starts at about $90.

Key Features and Specifications

• Inline skate wheels constructed of polyurethane with ball bearings to minimize frictional resistance
• 21.0″H x 14.5″W x 8.0″
• Retractable handle provides easy maneuverability when extended
• Weight: 7.1 lbs
• Large front panel for additional organization

Samsonite Wheeled Underseater Small

If you look through some of the recommendations over the internet you may find a lot of positive feedback about the Samsonite luggage brand.

They are known for high quality as well as high cost. Samsonite Wheeled Underseater is a small carry-on luggage which you can take with you on the plane or in the bus and fit it under your seat. If an underseat bag is what you are looking for, this small one will be the best choice.

It is very compact, so you should take into account that you will not be able to take a lot of stuff with you. It is the best for short business trips, not for long journeys.

Key Features and Specifications

• Push button locking handle with smooth rolling in-line skate wheels
• 9″H 13″D
• Internal packing compartments with internal wetpak pockets
• 100% Poly/nylon Blend
• Padded computer pocket to keep your laptop or tablet protected
• Weight: 250 grams

COOLIFE Luggage Expandable PC+ABS Spinner

First of all, this COOLIFE Luggage looks as cool as the name of the brand. It is made of ABS+PC hard plastic which prevents its contents from being damaged. Besides you can choose among different colors and textures, which will help you to identify your carry-on luggage among the other suitcases quickly.

It is well-made, sturdy, with sufficient interior compartments and pockets. The inside lining is also durable. This suitcase has four wheels that increase its stability. The four wheels enable you to roll a heavier bag alongside instead of dragging it, which is a huge advantage.

Key Features and Specifications

• ABS+PC hard plastic shell – strict quality control test standards
• 21″H x 8.5″D x 15″W
• 2-year warranty.
• Built-In TSA lock

Goplus 20″ ABS Carry On Luggage

Suitcases such as Goplus 20″ ABS Carry On Luggage which have four wheels are more stable. However, you should take into account that when the suitcase is very full the wheels do not roll as smoothly due to the excess weight. The suitcase is lightweight and durable, and stands up to cobblestone streets, rain, and getting thrown by the airport stuff.

If you want to buy the best carry-on suitcase but your budget is limited, choose this one – it is just as sturdy and functional as the ones that cost twice as much. What is more appealing, it has lots of color options – blue, aqua, grey, light blue, navy, pink and even purple.

Key Features and Specifications

• Lightweight yet extremely durable abs material
• 20″ polycarbonate carry on
• Water-proof & Scratch-resistant
• Multi-directional spinier wheels

U.S Traveler Rio Two Piece Expandable Carry-on Luggage Set (15-Inch and 21-Inch)

To kill two birds with one stone you can purchase the set of carry-on luggage by U.S Traveler. It can actually fit a pretty good amount of stuff in it, especially if you know how to pack your clothes correctly. The size of this set is enough for a short business trip, but it might be too small for long ones.

The durability and quality of this piece are quite good for a pretty decent price. No scuffs or marks from being handled by airport stuff or coming around the carousel. All in all, you get the best carry-on suitcase set for the small price, and you will not be too disappointed if it is lost somewhere.

Key Features and Specifications

• Polyester construction and a self-locking handle system for easy maneuvering
• 21″H x 13.5″W x 7.5″D
• Piggy-bag-strap for easy-carrying the tote bag together
• 14″W x 10″H x 6″D
• Adjustable and detachable non-slip padded shoulder strap on
• 1200 Denier Polyester

Rockland 20 Inch Polycarbonate Carry On Owl

What draws your attention to this carry-on luggage are the vivid colors and the variety of different patterns, the one with the owl pattern especially. It is cool and bright so that it can hardly be confused or stolen. To top it all, it is also very functional – the four wheels add to its stability, and abs material increases the durability of the suitcase and makes it resistant to mechanical stress.

Despite its small size, the suitcase is rather spacious. If you use the roll method for packing, you can also fit in some shoes and even sweaters. This Rockland 20 Inch Polycarbonate Carry On is the perfect size suitcase for a 3-4 day trip.

Key Features and Specifications

• Lightweight yet extremely durable abs material
• 20″ polycarbonate carry on
• Water-proof & Scratch-resistant
• Multi-directional spinier wheels

Which Carry on is Right for You?

What you first need to do to pick the right carry on luggage is assess your needs. What’s your budget? How often do you travel? What kind of wheels do you prefer? Asking yourself these questions will allow yourself to hone in on the features you need and the features you don’t.

Price

Perhaps the very first consideration many of us take into account is the price. Carry on luggage has a wide range in price from 150 dollars to 500 dollars. A good carry-on bag can be found at any price point, but the saying you get what you pay for’ is very true when it comes to luggage. This isn’t to say that a 150 dollar carry on is cheaply made or won’t last you a good long while, it simply means that a 500 dollar carry on will probably last you longer.

With that said, the amount you should pay for a carry on will depend on how much travel you do. People who travel only once or twice a year if that will do just fine with a bag at a lower price point. If it’s properly cared for while not in use, a cheaper bag will last you years. If, however, you travel quite often for business or pleasure, then investing in a more expensive bag is a must. More expensive bags are built for more continuous use and so are made with materials and designs that can easily stand up to that use.

Size

The next quality you need to keep in mind is perhaps the most important: size. Usually, the size of the luggage doesn’t matter much so long as it can carry everything you need. However, size is incredibly important when it comes to carry-on luggage because many airlines have restrictions on size. What makes this especially difficult is that different airlines will usually have different size requirements.

On airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines, carry on bags can’t be any larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high. Meanwhile, Southwest and Jetblue can accept slightly bigger bags that are 24 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 10 inches high.

If you travel with only one preferred airline, or if you have some loyalty program with a specific airline, then find out the maximum dimensions a carry-on bag can be and get one that fits. Since you usually only use one airline you only need to worry about one regulation. If, however, you use multiple airlines, then the smaller, the better. Research which airline has the smallest allowable measurements and pick a bag that will fit that. Though this will mean that you can pack less clothing and other items.

Many luggage manufactures have provided ways to make the size of their carry-on bags a bit adjustable. Many have zippers that when unzipped allows the bag another inch or two of height to allow more packing space and others have compressors and straps that press down clothes for them to take up less space. These bags allow you to adjust the size of your bag in case it’s too big or can be a bit bigger without going over airline requirements.

Also, it is extremely important to note that the size advertised when choosing carry on luggage is not always the actual size. Sometimes the advertised dimensions of a bag do not include wheels or handles, and only measure the compartment itself. Airlines, however, do count wheels and handles when checking to see if a bag fits their requirements. Always make sure to get the right measurements. Bring your tape measure if you have to.

Wheels

Price and size are important, but so is figuring out how you’re going to get your carry on bag from point A to point B. This is where wheels come in. There are two types of wheel styles you will find on carrying on luggage: rollers and spinners.

Spinners are four wheels evenly spaced on the bottom of the carry-on. These wheels can turn in any direction and roll in any direction. This means that when your moving your luggage, you’re moving it as you would floor dolly or a shopping cart. Spinners are convenient because it allows you to simply push your luggage without supporting any of the weight.

Rollers, on the other hand, are two recessed wheels placed toward the handle side of the bottom of a carry-on bag. When transporting carry on luggage with rollers, you need to tilt the luggage and support a part of the weight with your arm strength.

Each of these has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, rollers are faster than spinners. If you’re rushing to your gate and need to go as fast as possible, then rollers are for you. However, if you regularly pack heavily and don’t want to tire yourself out by supporting a lot of weighing, then spinners might be more your style.

Picking what wheels to ultimately go with is a completely personal decision. One is not more beneficial than the other. It should be noted that spinner wheels stick out more than roller wheels. This not only adds an inch or two from the overall size (and subtracts and inch or two from packing space), it also means that these wheels are more exposed. Depending on how often you travel they will need to be replaced more often. Thankfully, many stores offer wheel repair and replacement kits at very low prices.

Pockets

It may sound simple and not worth your consideration, but there has been so much innovation when it comes to pockets that it’s worth talking about. You may be familiar with the large and small pocket that decorate the front of the luggage. Well, because of the increasing prevalence of laptops and tablets these pockets can now be padded to better protect fragile electronics. Though, as a side note, you should be aware that overfilling these pockets might make your luggage top heavy and fall over. That’s not all that luggage manufacturers have done with pockets.

Some carry on luggage backs have a pocket specifically designed for damp items such as lotions and filled baby bottles. These pockets ensure that if anything leaks then the spillage will be contained within the pocket. There are also bags with an added pocket to fit shoes.

These extra features might be nice if you’re a frequent traveler, but might also be utterly useless if you’re not. Either way, things like this are an extra bit of convenience that could make or break a purchase decision, so it’s always a good thing to keep in mind.

Now that you know what to look for in carry-on luggage, here are the top five best-reviewed carry on bags in the market today. These bags have received rave reviews, are very well-constructed, and have features that are convenient. Any one of these products is sure to satisfy. As well, they are also a great jumping off point to do your research and figure out which bag is right for you.