Traveling sometimes can be a hassle, and the last thing you want is to have carry-on luggage that’s inconvenient to use or too big to fit the overhead bin. To make sure you’ll never experience that, you should get a carry on luggage 21 inch. However, there are hundreds of carry-ons on the market, offering both established brands and newcomers hoping to be the next best luggage brand. Thus, picking the right one for your trip can be overwhelming. That’s why today, we’re going to show you the best carry-on luggage that many travelers love. From the lightest 21 inch carry on luggage to the best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage, we’ve got it all! So, please sit back, relax, and have a great time reading our list!
Table of contents
- Travel Select Amsterdam Expandable Rolling Upright Luggage
- Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Expandable Smart Luggage
- DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage
- Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage
- Travelpro Crew 11 Softside Expandable Luggage
- Olympia Apache II Carry-On Spinner Luggage
- DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
- Briggs & Riley Baseline Softside CX Expandable Wide Body Luggage
- Amazon Basics 21-Inch Luggage
- Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
- American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Luggage
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage
- How To Choose The Best Carry On Luggage 21 Inches
- Is a 21-inch bag a carry-on?
- What happens if my carry-on is too big?
- What is the normal carry-on size?
Travel Select Amsterdam Expandable Rolling Upright Luggage
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To start this list, we have the Travel Select Amsterdam Expandable Rolling Upright Luggage. This is the perfect option for those who really don’t want to spend much money on a carry-on luggage 21 inch. Costing you around 50USD, it’s the cheapest option on this list! Available in several color options, this suitcase is made of 2-tone polyester construction.
Furthermore, it’s designed with a large main compartment as well as elastic tie-straps to secure your garments neatly. There are also plenty of extra compartments that can accommodate your shoes and other travel essentials. With an expandable design, you don’t have to worry about running out of space. Finally, we love the small ID window on the back panel that makes it easier to recognize your luggage.
- What We Love:
- The cheapest option on this list.
- Pros:
- Extremely cheap
- Available in different color options
- Spacious compartments
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- Considering its price, it’s not the most durable option
Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Expandable Smart Luggage
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For business travelers who want to travel light with carry-on luggage 21 inches, we recommend getting the Samsonite Pro Travel Softside Expandable Smart Luggage. Weighing 8.4lbs, it’s among the lightest 21 inch carry on luggage on the market. It allows you to travel without any hassle and in style. Plus, this Samsonite luggage meets the requirements of most airlines!
The best part about this carry on luggage 21 inch is that it’s fully loaded with advanced features like wireless charging, RFID protection, and USB ports for on-the-go charging, making it your perfect match when traveling for business. Of course, aside from those technologically advanced features, there’s also a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 15.6″ laptop! With everything it brings to the table, you really shouldn’t think twice about getting it!
- What We Love:
- Arguably the most ideal pick for business travelers with plenty of advanced features.
- Pros:
- Comes with USB ports
- Offers wireless charging
- RFID protection
- Padded laptop compartment
- Smooth, durable zippers
- Cons:
- Lacks color varieties
DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage
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There’s no way we can skip on the DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage. This is a must-have for everyone looking for the best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage. Featuring 100% Virgin Makrolon polycarbonate material, it isn’t the lightest 21 inch carry on luggage, but it’s arguably the most durable option out there.
As we said earlier, this luggage comes with smooth spinner wheels and allows you to maneuver it effortlessly. On top of it, there’s a brake system that can help to prevent the luggage from rolling away. Yes, the outside of this luggage is impressive, but the inside is also worth the praise. Once you unzip this luggage, you’ll see 2 huge packing compartments with tie-down straps that’ll keep your clothes in place. There are also plenty of small pockets for better organization.
- What We Love:
- This option has a nice balance of looks and features.
- Pros:
- Incredibly durable
- Has a unique braking system
- Smooth spinner wheels
- Huge compartments
- Plenty of extra pockets
- Cons:
- Not really affordable
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage
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Made from polyester fabric with a stain-resistant coating, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Spinner Luggage is perfect for clean-freak travelers looking for carry on luggage 21 inch. Because it’s water-resistant, it’s also a nice pick for those searching for luggage for cruise carnivals! Despite being cheap, this luggage looks just as good as many of its other more expensive counterparts. Plus, it’s also available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Weighing only 6lbs, it’s also one of the lightest 21 inch carry on luggage. Like some luggage out there, this one has an expandable design that can dramatically increase the interior space. Apart from that, we also love how the spinner wheels allow for easy maneuverability. If you’ve been hunting for the best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage, this luggage might be able to impress you. Plus, the handle is incredibly durable and not flimsy at all!
- What We Love:
- This item is worth exploring if you want to travel light but right.
- Pros:
- Sturdy handle
- Comes in a wide range of colors and sizes
- Lightweight
- Expandable design
- Smooth spinner wheels
- Cons:
- Can easily tip over
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage
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Those who love traveling in style would definitely be amazed by the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Luggage. This carry on luggage 21 inch allows you to turn the airport into a runway! It looks modern and is available in a wide array of different hues. However, it’s more than just a good-looking suitcase. Like other best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage, this item has smooth double spinner wheels. Thanks to them, there’ll be no weight on your arm or shoulder!
Another impressive feature is its exterior, that’s scratch-resistant. On the inside, there’s more than enough space that you can use to keep all of your precious items. It also has an expandable design, which is a huge plus. We fancy the compression straps too, which make it easier to pack plenty of stuff.
- What We Love:
- A stylish option that’s more durable than it looks.
- Pros:
- Comes in 12 color variations
- Super lightweight
- Double spinner wheels
- Push-button handle
- 10-year limited warranty
- Cons:
- The zippers aren’t the smoothest
Travelpro Crew 11 Softside Expandable Luggage
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When talking about carry-on luggage, you can’t leave Travelpro out of the conversation. It has produced tons of impeccable luggage. That said, if what you’re after is a carry on luggage 21 inch, the Travelpro Crew 11 Softside Expandable Luggage is your go-to option. Its exterior is ballistic nylon with DuraGuard coating, protecting the suitcase from scuffs, scratches, and damage. As one of the best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage, you can always rely on its 4 double wheels.
The packing compartment of this luggage is rather spacious, and as you can guess from its name, it has expandable capacity. You can find several pockets and tie-down straps that’ll keep our clothes in place on the inside. We also love the availability of several external compartments that are super handy, including one with a USB port for charging your phone.
- What We Love:
- This luggage looks professional and has some amazing features.
- Pros:
- Comes with a USB port
- Expandable design
- Suiter section included
- Adjustable handle
- DuraGuard coating
- Cons:
- On the expensive side
Olympia Apache II Carry-On Spinner Luggage
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Want affordable carry on luggage 21 inch that doesn’t skimp on quality? Then check out the Olympia Apache II Carry-On Spinner Luggage! It’s one of the best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage on the market that costs less than 100USD. Made of 100% ABS plastic, this item is pretty lightweight. The design is quite distinctive, too, as it’s covered in black with different accents of colors; however, if it’s worth noting that the one with a blue accent is somehow significantly more expensive.
Thousands of people have purchased this product, and they’re happy with how spacious its main compartment is. With an expandable design, it’s definitely more than able to hold all of your travel essentials. Even better, there’s a patented hidden compartment feature that you can use to keep your laptop! It’s a great feature, especially if you’re looking for carry-on luggage for business travelers! Although it’s cheap, it’s really sturdy, which is pretty shocking.
- What We Love:
- Affordable carry on luggage 21 inch that offers premium features.
- Pros:
- Wallet-friendly
- Attractive design
- Comes in many sizes
- Sturdy and durable
- Expandable design
- Cons:
- The one with a blue accent is more expensive
DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage
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Everyone searching for quality luggage should definitely consider getting the DELSEY Paris Helium Aero Hardside Expandable Luggage. Weighing 10.93lbs, it might not be the lightest 21 inch carry on luggage, but it’s pretty lightweight that you can carry it around effortlessly. It looks really nice, and it comes with plenty of space for lots of belongings. On the inside, there are 2 full packing compartments, a separate lined divider, tie-down straps, and a zippered pocket for small accessories.
Unlike other low-quality options out there, this one can expand a little bit so that you can drop in some souvenirs during your return journey! Made from 100% polycarbonate, this carry on luggage 21 inch should remain durable throughout its lifetime. Plus, it’s available in a selection of colors and sizes, which is pretty awesome. Meanwhile, the double spinner wheels are pretty small, but they’re somehow super smooth and effective. So, if you’re looking for the best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage, this one is a nice option.
- What We Love:
- It’s a solid, feature-packed option with a fashionable edge.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Huge compartments
- Small but smooth wheels
- Expandable design
- Strong handle
- Cons:
- The durability of the wheels is questionable
Briggs & Riley Baseline Softside CX Expandable Wide Body Luggage
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Those who don’t mind spending more than 600USD to get the best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage should take a look at the Briggs & Riley Baseline Softside CX Expandable Wide Body Luggage. One of the most popular suitcase brands makes this luggage so that you can expect nothing but the best. With your tastes and preferences in mind, this carry on luggage 21 inch is available in several sizes and colors. The handle is sturdy, and the 4 spinner wheels allow you to maneuver it without breaking a sweat.
Made from 1680D ballistic nylon outer fabric, it promises to resist moisture and dirt as well as the wear and tear of travel. The hybrid fiberglass frame isn’t only lightweight, but it also provides flexibility, durability, and the ability to retain its shape cleverly. Among all of its features, perhaps the most impressive one is its patented CX expansion-compression system. It allows you to increase your packing capacity by a whopping 26% while compressing back to the original size to keep the contents secure.
- What We Love:
- Premium luggage with top-notch construction and first-class quality.
- Pros:
- Amazingly durable construction
- CX expansion-compression system
- Can resist moisture and dirt
- Available in any sizes
- Plenty of pockets
- Cons:
- Might be out of budget for many travelers
Amazon Basics 21-Inch Luggage
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When it comes to popularity, we think the Amazon Basics 21-Inch Luggage is second to none. As its name suggests, this is a pretty basic carry on luggage 21 inch. Featuring a scratch-resistant finish, it’s made of super-thick ABS material for enhanced strength and durability. Meanwhile, the interior is spacious and has 3 zippered pockets for storing small items. With an expandable design, you’ll never run out of space!
Weighing 7.43lbs, it’s one of the lightest 21 inch carry on luggage on the market right now. Apart from that, you have the choice to choose the black, navy blue, blue, and orange variants. Each of them is equally stunning, so pick the one that catches your attention the most! As with other Amazon Basics products, this one is also affordable! Lastly, it boasts solid, strong zippers and smooth spinner wheels. Those looking for the best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage should definitely give it a try.
- What We Love:
- A simple and insanely popular carry on luggage 21 inch that’s versatile for any vacation.
- Pros:
- Comes in several color and size options
- Thick ABS material with a scratch-resistant finish
- 3 zippered pockets
- Strong zippers
- Smooth spinner wheels
- Lightweight
- Cons:
- The handle doesn’t feel sturdy
Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
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The next best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage is none other than the Samsonite Centric Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels. Fancied by countless travelers, this carry on luggage 21 inch is spacious, functional, and made using vacuum-formed polycarbonate. This material makes it strong but lightweight at the same time. Apart from that, there are also top and side carry handles to make lifting convenient. Speaking of convenience, feel free to check out the best luggage backpack carry-ons! They’ll definitely make traveling much easier!
On top of that, this one comes with a TSA-approved lock for extra protection. It also has an expandable design and opens with a zipper. Space isn’t an issue with this one, and it’ll never be. Plus, there are tons of extra zippered pockets to store all of your important belongings. Best of all, it’s backed by a limited 10-year warranty!
- What We Love:
- A reliable option that’s built with durability in mind.
- Pros:
- Comes with a TSA lock
- Anti-scratch
- Multi-directional oversized wheels
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Roomy compartment
- Limited 10-year warranty
- Cons:
- The handle isn’t the best
American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Luggage
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Another incredibly well-known carry on luggage 21 inch that we want to introduce is the American Tourister Moonlight Hardside Expandable Luggage. This well-made carry-on luggage is available in tons of stunning colorways. Aside from the stunning gold rose variant that we’re showing you, it’s available in black, gray, and other fun designs too. Weighing 7.83lbs, it’s also one of the lightest 21 inch carry on luggage on the market. Apart from that, we should also praise its durability. This hard side luggage is far from weak, and it’s backed by a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and craft.
Once you unzip this luggage, you’ll see mesh dividers and cross straps in the huge main compartment. Since it has an expandable design, feel free to throw in everything you want. There are also tons of pockets for you to store some of your small items. Like other best 21 inch spinner carry on luggage, it has multi-directional oversized spinner wheels for effortless mobility. By the way, did you know that American Tourister also produces luggage 2-piece sets?
- What We Love:
- It’s a well-made option that looks good and unbelievably functional.
- Pros:
- Available in tons of stunning colorways
- 10-year warranty
- Wallet-friendly
- Plenty of compartments
- Smooth spinner wheels
- Sturdy and durable
- Cons:
- The side handle isn’t the most durable
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage
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Taking the number one spot is none other than the awesome Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage. Most travelers love this carry on luggage 21 inch, and there are countless reasons why. First of all, it’s incredibly lightweight. Weighing only 7.7lbs, it’s one of the lightest 21 inch carry on luggage that you can get out there. Not to mention, there are several beautiful colorways that you can choose from!
With an expandable design, the last thing you’ll have to worry about is running out of space. This luggage is made of high-density nylon fabric with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and abrasions when it comes to construction. We also fancy the SUPRA zipper heads that are engineered to take beatings. Best of all, there’s an external USB port with a dedicated power bank pocket that meets FAA regulations for carry-on and checked baggage!
- What We Love:
- A feature-loaded all-rounder that every traveler can rely on.
- Pros:
- Expandable design
- Comes with an external USB port
- SUPRA zipper heads
- DuraGuard coating
- Available in many color options
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Cons:
- Might be too small for overpackers
How To Choose The Best Carry On Luggage 21 Inches
Now that you’ve read our picks, it’s time to learn all the important aspects you should consider when getting a carry-on luggage 21 inches!
Size
The first thing you should do when looking for carry-on luggage 21 inches is to make sure it fits the overhead compartment. After all, there’s no point in purchasing a carry-on that’s only accepted inside the shuttle by a few obscure airlines!
Durability
Hardside luggage is generally more long-lasting. However, it’s heavier and will most likely cost you more. Softside luggage is more flexible, cheaper, and allows you to pack more. However, in terms of durability, it isn’t the best. As you can see, both have their own strengths and weaknesses. So, choosing which one to get depends on your needs and preferences.
Compartments
Another thing to consider is the number of compartments offered by the luggage. Of course, everyone wants to have a big main compartment, especially if they’re going to have a long trip. However, your luggage should also have extra space to hold some of your small or fragile items. Aside from that, we also recommend getting luggage that comes with external easy-access pockets.
Wheels
Nowadays, plenty of suitcases come with 4 wheels. By purchasing luggage that has 4 wheels, you’ll be able to maneuver the luggage smoothly on any surface without tilting it. On the other hand, 2-wheel luggage offers less maneuverability. But it’s great when you’re in a rush and have to run to the boarding gate.
Is a 21-inch bag a carry-on?
Most airlines in the US, including American, Delta, and United, allow carry-on bags no more than 22 inches long. So, the answer is yes! Your 21-inch bag will most likely be considered a carry-on.
What happens if my carry-on is too big?
Unfortunately, if your carry-on is too big, you can’t bring it on the plane. Instead, you’ll have to pay a checked bag fee.
What is the normal carry-on size?
Though you might find an inch or 2 of a difference with various airlines, the standard carry-on luggage is 22” x 14” x 9”, including the handle and the wheels. This size limit ensures your bag will be able to be stored safely in the overhead bin.
