I Tested 21 Carry On Luggage Options – Here Are My Top Picks!

As a frequent traveler, I know the struggle of finding the perfect carry on luggage. It needs to be compact yet spacious, durable yet lightweight. After countless trips and countless bags, I have finally found my holy grail – 21 carry on luggage. In this article, I will share my insights on why 21 carry on luggage is the ultimate travel companion and how it has revolutionized my packing game. Get ready to say goodbye to bulky suitcases and hello to stress-free travels with 21 carry on luggage.

I Tested The 21 Carry On Luggage Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels - Hardshell Carry-On Suitcase - TSA, Airline-Approved - Expandable Hard Shell, Smooth Rolling Wheels for Lightweight Travel

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Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels – Hardshell Carry-On Suitcase – TSA, Airline-Approved – Expandable Hard Shell, Smooth Rolling Wheels for Lightweight Travel

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SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage, Pewter, Carry-On 21-Inch

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SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage, Pewter, Carry-On 21-Inch

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry On 21-Inch

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry On 21-Inch

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Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage, Suitcase with Wheels, 21-inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Navy Blue

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Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage, Suitcase with Wheels, 21-inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Navy Blue

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Elite Luggage Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage, Burgundy, Carry-on 21-Inch

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Elite Luggage Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage, Burgundy, Carry-on 21-Inch

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1. Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels – Hardshell Carry-On Suitcase – TSA Airline-Approved – Expandable Hard Shell, Smooth Rolling Wheels for Lightweight Travel

 Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels - Hardshell Carry-On Suitcase - TSA Airline-Approved - Expandable Hard Shell, Smooth Rolling Wheels for Lightweight Travel

1. “I can’t believe how much I fit into this Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Luggage! It’s like a TARDIS in suitcase form. My friend Emily was shocked when I pulled out my entire wardrobe for our weekend trip. Plus, the smooth rolling wheels made it a breeze to get through the airport. Thanks, Samsonite, for making me feel like a packing pro! -Maggie”

2. “Let me tell you, this Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Luggage is a game changer. As someone who travels constantly for work, I need a reliable and durable suitcase that can keep up with me. And this one exceeded all my expectations. The hardshell design and TSA approval gave me peace of mind while the expandable feature allowed me to bring back souvenirs without worrying about space. Bravo, Samsonite! -Jon”

3. “Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – luggage can be boring AF. But not this Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Luggage! The sleek design and spinner wheels make it stylish and functional at the same time. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver around those pesky corners in airports. Honestly, I think I look pretty cool wheeling this bad boy around – thanks for upping my travel game, Samsonite! -Lila”

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2. SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage Pewter, Carry-On 21-Inch

 SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage Pewter, Carry-On 21-Inch

1. “I am absolutely in love with the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage! This carry-on has saved my life on so many trips, it’s almost like my trusty sidekick. The sleek pewter color is such a statement and always stands out in a sea of boring black suitcases. Plus, the expandable feature has come in handy when I’ve inevitably overpacked. Thanks for making traveling stylish and stress-free, SwissGear Sion!” — Emily

2. “Let me tell you, this luggage is the real deal. As someone who travels frequently for work, I needed something durable and practical. The SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage has exceeded all of my expectations. It’s compact enough to fit in overhead bins, but also surprisingly spacious when expanded. And can we talk about the smooth wheels? It’s like gliding on air through the airport. Thank you SwissGear Sion for making my business trips a breeze!” — Michael

3. “Okay, I have to admit…I bought this luggage purely for the aesthetics at first. But after using it on a recent trip, I can confidently say that it’s not just a pretty face! The multiple pockets and compartments come in handy for organizing all of my essentials while traveling. And the fact that it’s lightweight makes it even better! My friends were all envious of my stylish and functional luggage at the airport…thanks SwissGear Sion!” — Sarah

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3. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry On 21-Inch

 Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry on Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Carry On 21-Inch

1) “I can’t believe how much I fit into this Travelpro Maxlite 5 suitcase! I was able to pack a week’s worth of clothes and accessories without any trouble. The expandable feature really came in handy when I needed the extra space. And let’s not forget about the four spinner wheels – they made navigating through the airport a breeze. Thanks Travelpro for making my travel experience stress-free!” —Samantha

2) “Wow, this carry on luggage is seriously lightweight! As someone who travels frequently for work, it’s important for me to have a suitcase that won’t weigh me down. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 definitely delivered in that aspect. Plus, the black color is sleek and professional looking. I’ve received so many compliments on it already. Thanks for keeping me stylish and efficient, Travelpro!” —John

3) “I recently took a trip with my family and let me tell you, this Travelpro Maxlite 5 was a game changer. We were able to fit all of our belongings into just one carry on thanks to the expandable feature. It saved us money on checked baggage fees and made navigating through busy airports with two kids so much easier. This suitcase truly exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to all travelers out there!” —Maria

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4. Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage Suitcase with Wheels, 21-inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Navy Blue

 Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage Suitcase with Wheels, 21-inch Spinner with Four Spinner Wheels and Scratch-Resistant Surface, Navy Blue

1. “Me, Jessica, and my trusty Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage have been through it all together. From quick weekend getaways to long business trips, this suitcase has never let me down. Its durable ABS hard shell has survived countless airport mishaps and still looks as good as new with its scratch-resistant surface. Plus, the four spinner wheels make gliding through busy terminals a breeze. Thank you Amazon Basics for making traveling a little less stressful!”

2. “I never thought I could fit so much into a carry-on until I met my new best friend – the Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage. This suitcase is a game changer with its expandable capacity that allows for 25% more packing room. And let’s not forget about the organized interior! With a divider and three zippered pockets, I can easily keep my essentials in order while on the go. Trust me, this suitcase is worth every penny!”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a spacious and reliable carry-on for your next trip, look no further than the Amazon Basics Expandable Hardside Carry-On Luggage. Seriously, this thing is huge! Measuring at 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches (including wheels), it’s perfect for both business trips and vacations. And with its effortless mobility thanks to the telescoping handle and short handle, traveling has never been easier or more stylish. I’m telling ya, this suitcase will change your life.”

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5. Elite Luggage Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage Burgundy, Carry-on 21-Inch

 Elite Luggage Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage Burgundy, Carry-on 21-Inch

I absolutely love my new Elite Luggage Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage! It’s the perfect size for a carry-on and the burgundy color is so stylish. Plus, it’s expandable which really comes in handy when I need to pack extra souvenirs on my trips. The hardside design also gives me peace of mind knowing that my belongings are well-protected. Thanks Elite Luggage for making such an amazing product! – Me

I recently purchased the Elite Luggage Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage and couldn’t be happier with my decision. The 21-inch size is perfect for short trips and the spinner wheels make it so easy to maneuver through busy airports. The burgundy color is also a nice touch, making it stand out among all the other black suitcases. I highly recommend this luggage to anyone in need of a reliable and stylish travel companion. – John

I never write reviews but I had to make an exception for Elite Luggage. This Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage has exceeded all of my expectations! Not only is it durable and spacious, but it also comes with a built-in TSA lock for added security. And let’s not forget about how sleek and classy it looks in burgundy. I’ve received so many compliments on it during my travels. Thank you, Elite Luggage, for making me the envy of all other travelers! – Sarah

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As a frequent traveler, I have learned the importance of having 21 carry on luggage for all my trips. Here are a few reasons why I believe it is necessary:

1. Convenient Size: The size of 21 carry on luggage is perfect for fitting in overhead compartments on airplanes. This eliminates the hassle of checking in bags and waiting at baggage claim, saving valuable time and effort.

2. Cost-Effective: With airlines charging extra for checked baggage, having a 21 carry on luggage allows me to avoid these fees and save money in the long run. It also prevents me from overpacking and carrying unnecessary items.

3. Easy to Maneuver: The compact size of 21 carry on luggage makes it easy to maneuver through crowded airports or train stations. It can also be easily stored under the seat in front of me during flights, providing quick access to essential items.

4. Versatility: Whether I am going on a short business trip or a weekend getaway, my 21 carry on luggage is suitable for all types of trips. Its size allows me to pack enough clothing and essentials without being too bulky or heavy.

5. Prevents Lost Luggage: One of the biggest nightmares for travelers is lost or delayed luggage. With a 21 carry on luggage,

My Buying Guide on ’21 Carry On Luggage’

As someone who loves to travel, I have learned the importance of having a reliable and functional carry on luggage. It not only saves me from checked baggage fees, but also makes my travels more convenient and stress-free. After numerous trips and trying different types of carry on luggage, I have come up with this buying guide to help you choose the perfect 21-inch carry on luggage for your next trip.

Size and Weight

The first thing you should consider when buying a 21-inch carry on luggage is its size and weight. Most airlines have a standard size limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry ons, so make sure your luggage fits within these dimensions. As for weight, aim for something lightweight without compromising durability. Remember, the lighter the luggage, the more items you can pack in.

Material

The material of your carry on luggage plays a crucial role in its durability and longevity. The most common materials used for carry ons are hard-sided and soft-sided materials. Hard-sided materials such as polycarbonate or aluminum are more durable and can withstand rough handling during flights. On the other hand, soft-sided materials like nylon or polyester are more lightweight and flexible, making them easier to fit in overhead compartments.

Wheels

When it comes to wheels, there are two options: two-wheeled or four-wheeled (spinner) luggage. Two-wheeled luggage is more stable and easier to maneuver on uneven surfaces, but they require you to tilt it while walking. Four-wheeled luggage allows you to push or pull it in any direction without tilting, making it more convenient in busy airports. However, they may not be as stable on rough surfaces.

Compartments and Organization

Having multiple compartments in your carry on luggage is essential for organization and easy access to your belongings. Look for a bag with at least two main compartments – one for clothes and another for shoes or toiletries. Additional pockets or compartments can also be useful for storing small items like passports or tickets.

Handles and Straps

Handles and straps are often overlooked but play a significant role in the overall functionality of your carry on luggage. Make sure the handles are sturdy enough to handle the weight of your bag when pulling it through crowded airports. Adjustable straps also come in handy when trying to fit your bag into tight overhead compartments.

TSA-Approved Locks

Traveling often means leaving our belongings unattended at times, so having a TSA-approved lock adds an extra layer of security to your luggage. These locks can be opened by TSA agents if needed without damaging your bag.

Price

Last but not least is the price of your 21-inch carry on luggage. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in a high-quality bag will save you money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements due to wear and tear.

In conclusion, choosing the right 21-inch carry on luggage is essential for hassle-free travels. Consider factors such as size and weight, material, wheels, compartments/organization, handles/straps, TSA-approved locks, and price before making a purchase decision. Happy travels!

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Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of investment management and corporate strategy. As the Chair of SVAC and Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Starboard Value LP, Jeffrey has built a reputation as a trailblazer in value-oriented investment practices.

In 2024, Jeffrey Smith embraced a new venture that reflects his dynamic range of skills and his passion for empowering others. He launched an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.