The radical advice these days is to travel with only carry-on luggage, even if for a multi-week trip.
This choice seems absurd, but with the proliferation of lost luggage and other travel mishaps on a mass scale, this guidance is not as crazy as it seems.
Therefore, travelers may be interested in purchasing new luggage – a solid carry-on for their travels. Amazon offers an exciting choice: Amazon Basics 21-inch Hardside Spinner (in your choice of colors).
About the Amazon 21-inch suitcase
This carry-on luggage is regularly priced at $107.75 though you see it as low as $65.01. It qualifies for Amazon’s Prime shipping. In my case, the suitcase arrived in two days with my Prime membership.
Packaging was minimalistic. The luggage came in a standard brown box with the suitcase covered in plastic wrap.
My experiences with carry-ons are limited to thrift store purchases. The Amazon 21-inch suitcase is the first time I purchased a real piece of carry-on luggage and not one passed down to me from a relative. I used to carry these on Atlanta, Greyhound, and on two or three flights between New York and Atlanta over the years. I can’t forget the numerous car trips too.
Amazon describes the suitcase as such:
· Hardside spinner luggage for work travel, weekend getaways, or as international carry-on
· Includes a 21-inch hard side spinner with a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell and a scratch-resistant black finish
· Four double spinner wheels ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction
· Sturdy telescoping handle for comfortable maneuvering and a securely mounted short handle for easy lifting
· Fully lined 150D-polyester interior organizer with divider, plus three zippered pockets for storing smaller items
· Expandable for up to 15% more packing space when needed
· Product dimensions: 10 x 14.9 x 22 inches (LxWxH, including wheels); interior dimensions: 9.6 x 13.3 x 18.5 inches (LxWxH)
What I like about this carry-on luggage
The suitcase comes in multiple colors and sizes. Available colors are Black, navy blue, blue, and orange. I wanted the orange one but clicked through the checkout process so quickly that I forgot to change the color. So I ended up with a black one.
Sizes include 21-inch, 26-inch, and 30-inch. You can buy a two-piece set or all three as a set.
The hard side is a step up from fabric – in hardness and sturdiness. But I would be reluctant to hear about the suitcase tumbling down a flight of stairs.
I don’t think it could take a beating without scuffs or scratches. I expect the contents in the suitcase to be in shape through regular transit. But if you try to replicate videos on social media where people run over bags during their review, I can tell this suitcase will fail that test without trying.
The handle is a bit loose yet sturdier than expected. It has some wiggle to it when you pull it out. It won’t snap in half, but its construction needs a bit more heft – preferably a solid metal.
The suitcase maneuvers well enough to spin like a top.
The suitcase has four wheels and can do a 360 spin. Moving the luggage around is the most fun feature of the luggage for me.
I don’t have any videos of my antics with the suitcase. Nevertheless, I did push the luggage down my hallway. The wheels carried it straight to my front door about 10 feet — without toppling over. You would have any problems moving this luggage around.
The price is affordable.
I’ve seen this carry-on luggage as low as $65.01 on Amazon. For the price, this is a steal. I doubt a price jump to $200 or more would be worth it for other brands unless you need battery charging, some other accessory, extra toughness for your suitcase, or some other unique feature.
The construction is simple.
• A hidden compartment on the top flap.
• Two smaller sections in the upper section.
• A sizeable primary partition on the base of the suitcase.
• A zipper bag.
The Competition
Competing brands for this suitcase include:
• Away Travel
• Eagle Creek
• eBags
Each competitor is unique, quality, and renowned. However, all three brands cost more. Prices in the $200 plus range are not unusual. In some cases, costs can exceed $1,000.
Features may be more luxurious for the price. For example, Away Travel’s carry-on luggage has leather detailing, a hidden laundry bag, and a TSA-approved combination lock. Some carry-ons feature battery charging.
If you want these features or more stylish suitcases, a higher-priced brand might be for you. But if you wish for functional luggage that will get the job done at an affordable price, look at Amazon Basics 21-inch Hardside Spinner and its larger cousins.
Overall impression
Overall, I like Amazon’s 21-inch Hardside Spinner. The one detail I found annoying was the Amazon Basics branding throughout the interior of the luggage. This is my first time seeing branding on the suitcase interior, so it was noticeable. This design choice is a minor gripe, though it wouldn’t stop me from using the suitcase.
The branding and handle aside, this is a solid carry-on for the price. Costing as low as $65.01 makes these compromises easier to swallow.
