The best carry-on suitcase needs to do more than hold clothes. It should be easy to maneuver through an airport, provide enough space for at least a few outfits and some toiletries, and make it simple to access on-the-go essentials without unpacking the entire suitcase. That’s when a carry-on stops feeling just like luggage and more like a must-have travel partner.
After testing the BAGSMART Getaway 20″ Front-Opening Carry-On, I’m ready to say that it has what it takes to be your next plus-one on a domestic or international flight. It takes a different approach from the traditional clamshell suitcase, using a deep main compartment with a smaller front-opening section for organization and quick access.
At $179.99, it sits above the most basic budget carry-ons, but it adds several features that are usually associated with more expensive luggage, including an expandable 48L capacity, padded laptop and tablet storage, 360-degree spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, and an AirTag-ready pocket.
After testing the Getaway, its strongest qualities are its maneuverability, convenient front access, and generous packing space. There are some tradeoffs, particularly its 8.27-pound empty weight, but this is a well-equipped carry-on that makes a strong case for travelers who value convenience over having the lightest possible suitcase.
At a Glance
| Brand | BAGSMART |
| Product | Getaway 20″ Carry-on: Front-Opening |
| Manufacturer | BAGSMART |
| Category | Hard-shell carry-on luggage |
| Price | $179.99 |
| Capacity | 40–48L (expandable) |
| Weight | 8.27 lb |
| Compressed Dimensions | 21.26″ × 13.78″ × 9.45″ |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty against defects |
| Best For | 3–7 day trips, business travel, travelers wanting easy access |
| Where to Buy | BAGSMART |
Specifications and current pricing are based on BAGSMART’s product listing.
Key Specifications
The Getaway uses a hard-shell polycarbonate case and measures 21.26 × 13.78 × 9.45 inches when compressed. Its zipper expansion increases depth to approximately 11.42 inches, taking capacity from 40L to 48L. BAGSMART lists the empty weight at 8.27 pounds.
Other notable features include four-height adjustable aluminum handle, 360-degree double spinner wheels, a TSA-approved lock, padded laptop and tablet storage, compression panels, wet/dry pockets, mesh storage, and an AirTag-ready pocket.
Front-Opening Design and Packing Space
The defining feature is the front-opening configuration. Instead of opening down the middle like a conventional clamshell suitcase, the Getaway uses a 70/30 layout. Most of the packing space is concentrated in one deep compartment, while the front section provides organized storage and quick access.
That difference matters when traveling. A conventional clamshell can require you to open the entire suitcase to reach something near the bottom. With the Getaway, the front section provides access to a laptop, tablet, or other frequently needed items without completely exposing the contents of the main compartment.
During testing, the front pocket proved particularly convenient. It’s the kind of feature that becomes more useful the more you travel because airport trips often involve repeatedly reaching for electronics, documents, or smaller items.
The deep main compartment is another strength. In testing, there was enough usable space for a 5–7 day trip, depending on how efficiently the suitcase was packed. The layout also avoids the feeling of trying to fit clothing into two shallow halves, which can be an advantage for bulkier items.
The tradeoff is that travelers who prefer a traditional two-sided packing system may need some adjustment. The Getaway’s layout is intentionally different, and it favors a large central packing area over symmetrical organization.
Wheels and Airport Maneuverability
The Getaway performed particularly well in the area where carry-on luggage can make or break a trip: getting through the airport. A suitcase that tracks poorly or requires constant correction becomes frustrating very quickly when navigating crowded terminals.
The suitcase uses 360-degree double spinner wheels with shock-absorbing housing. BAGSMART specifically designed them for smooth movement and tight turns and they did not disappoint. In testing, I found them to roll just as easily across carpeted areas of the terminal as they did on smooth surfaces. It was also just as easy to navigate suitcase with its wide or short side leading. That ability to turn the suitcase in either direction came in handy as I pushed the suitcase through a crowded airplane aisle, for instance.
The four-height adjustable aluminum handle is also useful for accommodating different users. Combined with the spinner-wheel design, the Getaway feels more like a suitcase designed for maneuverability than one where wheels and handle performance were treated as secondary features.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Smooth, easy-to-control spinner wheels
- Convenient front pocket access for electronics and smaller items (with padded sleeve)
- Large deep main compartment
- Expandable from 40L to 48L
- Enough tested capacity for a 5–7 day trip
- TSA-approved lock
- AirTag-ready pocket
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects
Cons
- 8.27-pound empty weight is a bit hefty
- Front-opening layout takes some adjustment
- Expanded dimensions may not be suitable for every airline’s carry-on limits
- $179.99 puts it above basic budget luggage
Organization, Features and Everyday Convenience
Beyond its unusual opening configuration, BAGSMART has packed the Getaway with practical travel features.
The front section includes padded laptop and tablet sleeves, while the interior has compression straps, mesh zip pockets, a key clip, and a wet/dry pocket. I also really liked the addition of removable wet/dry pouch. While it’s rare to need to separate your liquids at the TSA screening lane these days, this clear plastic bag would be the perfect spot to stash your travel-size toiletries for quick access. There’s also a dedicated AirTag-ready pocket.
One of the things that I found most useful about this BASGSMART carry-on suitcase is its expandable capacity. While the 40L of standard depth was fine for my needs en route to Europe, I needed every bit of the suitcase’s expanded 48L capacity on the return trip.
If you’re traveling on an airline that is strict about carry-on size restrictions, keep that expansion panel zipped tight. But if you have more wiggle room (and a lot more souvenirs) on your way home, unzipping the suitcase is a big relief. BAGSMART states that the expansion provides approximately 20% more space.
One consideration is weight. At 8.27 pounds empty, the Getaway isn’t a lightweight carry-on. That’s worth considering for travelers flying airlines with strict weight limits. In my case, the leg of my trip with the lowest weight limit was an Air Baltic flight that allocated 8 kg (17.6 pounds)–to be shared between my carry-on and personal item. The 8 pound weight of this suitcase is nearly half of that total allotment and while I never weighted my suitcase (ignorance is bliss), I guarantee it was more than 17.6 pounds all on its own. But, no one else weighed my suitcase either.
The real bottom line is that this suitcase gives you useful features and substantial packing capacity, but some of that convenience comes with additional weight.
Things to Know Before Buying
The most important decision is whether you actually want the front-opening design. If you frequently work while traveling, carry electronics, or find yourself accessing items in your suitcase at airports, the layout makes a lot of sense.
If you simply want the lightest possible carry-on, however, there are better options. The Getaway’s 8.27-pound empty weight consumes a meaningful portion of an airline’s luggage allowance before anything is packed.
Buyers should also pay attention to airline restrictions. BAGSMART says the suitcase meets carry-on requirements for most major airlines when compressed, but individual airlines can have different size and weight requirements. Expanding the suitcase increases its depth, so travelers should avoid assuming the expanded configuration will be accepted as a carry-on everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BAGSMART Getaway 20″ Carry-on a clamshell suitcase?
No. Its front-opening 70/30 configuration provides one large deep main compartment rather than two equally divided halves.
How much can the Getaway hold?
BAGSMART lists capacity at 40L when compressed and up to 48L when expanded. In testing, the available space was sufficient for a 5–7 day trip.
Does it have laptop storage?
Yes. The front-opening section includes padded storage for a laptop and tablet.
Does it have a warranty?
Yes. BAGSMART provides a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, along with free replacement within the first year for manufacturer defects.
Final Verdict
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if convenient access and practical organization are priorities. The BAGSMART Getaway 20″ Front-Opening stands out because its design solves a common travel annoyance: having to open an entire suitcase just to reach something inside.
Best For…
It’s particularly well suited to travelers taking roughly 3–7 day trips, business travelers who carry a laptop, and anyone who prefers a deep main compartment over the two-sided layout of a traditional clamshell.
Skip If…
Skip it if your primary goal is minimizing luggage weight or if you strongly prefer a conventional clamshell packing arrangement.
Final Thoughts
The BAGSMART Getaway 20″ Front-Opening is more than another inexpensive hard-shell carry-on. Its front-opening layout, smooth wheels, useful organization, and generous interior give it a practical advantage over basic luggage.
At $179.99, it isn’t the cheapest carry-on available, but the additional features make the price easier to justify. The 8.27-pound weight is the biggest drawback, particularly for travelers subject to strict airline weight limits.
Overall, this is a well-rounded carry-on for travelers who want convenience, organization, and usable packing space without moving into premium luggage pricing. The front-opening design is the reason to buy it, while the smooth maneuverability and spacious interior help make the case once you’re on the move.
