We’ve all been there: staring at an overflowing suitcase, trying to solve the impossible puzzle of fitting one more pair of shoes in. The stress of whether your bag will meet the airline’s strict carry-on dimensions, or the sinking feeling of watching the checked baggage fees pile up, can sour a trip before it even begins. My recent trip to Zurich, which involved two layovers, was the perfect test for a new travel philosophy: carry-on only. This approach demands luggage that is not just compact, but smart, durable, and incredibly efficient.
- 3-piece Luggage Sets: Our luggage sets includes 20-inch, plus a multi-functional backpack and a toiletry bag. From short trips to long journeys, it fully...
- Expandable Capacity: Designed with an expandable layer to add 15% more space to your rolling luggage.
What to Consider Before Buying a Carry-on Luggage Set
The ideal traveler for a carry-on set like the Joyway Expandable Carry-on Luggage is someone who values efficiency and mobility. This includes frequent weekend travelers, minimalist international flyers, and anyone looking to avoid the hassle and cost of checked luggage. Before you invest, there are several key factors to consider. First, durability is non-negotiable. Look for a strong hardshell material like ABS that can withstand the rigors of travel. Second, maneuverability is crucial. Four 360-degree spinner wheels and a sturdy, multi-stage telescopic handle are essential for gliding through crowded airports. Finally, consider the value of a complete system. A set that includes not just the suitcase but also a coordinated personal item, like a backpack, and a toiletry bag, offers incredible convenience and ensures you have a cohesive travel kit from the start. The Joyway set aims to tick all these boxes, presenting itself as a comprehensive solution for the modern traveler. If that sounds like what you need, the Joyway system is an incredibly compelling option worth a closer look.
While the Joyway Expandable Carry-on Luggage is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- ALL-IN-ONE SET: Includes carry-on, medium checked, and large checked suitcase to suit every travel need; carry-on measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches; medium...
- 【5 Piece Luggage Set】Luggage sets include a 28-inch large suitcase, 24-inch medium checked luggage, 20-inch carry on luggage, an extended duffel bag,...
- Sleek Durability: Crafted with a high-performance polypropylene shell and sandy-smooth texture for superior impact resistance and long-lasting protection.
First Impressions: A Cohesive and Surprisingly Premium Travel System
Upon unboxing the Joyway Expandable Carry-on Luggage set, the first thing we noticed was how complete it felt. This isn’t just a suitcase; it’s a three-part travel system designed to work together. The 20-inch hardshell suitcase, finished in a sleek black with subtle streaks, feels both lightweight and solid. The ABS material has a slight flex, which is good for absorbing impacts. The matching backpack and toiletry bag are not mere afterthoughts; they share the same design language and feel surprisingly well-made. The spinner wheels glided effortlessly across the floor, and the aluminum handle extended and retracted with a satisfying click, showing no initial signs of wobble—a common failure point in budget luggage.
What We Like
- Complete 3-Piece Set: Offers outstanding value with a suitcase, backpack, and toiletry bag.
- Smooth Mobility: 360° spinner wheels and a sturdy telescopic handle make navigation easy.
- Expandable Capacity: The extra 15% storage is a lifesaver for souvenirs on the return trip.
- Surprisingly Good Backpack: The included backpack is feature-rich and genuinely useful as a personal item.
Potential Drawbacks
- Long-Term Durability Concerns: Some users report issues like a broken wheel after minimal use.
- Quality Control Inconsistencies: Reports of faulty zippers or color discrepancies suggest potential issues.
Performance Deep Dive: Putting the Joyway Luggage to the Test
A luggage set can look great out of the box, but its true worth is only revealed on the road. We took the Joyway Expandable Carry-on Luggage on a multi-leg international journey to see how its features held up under real-world pressure, from packed airport terminals to overhead bin battles.
Design and Build Quality
The suitcase is constructed from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a material known for being lightweight and impact-resistant. At just 6 pounds, it’s easy to lift into an overhead compartment. The hardshell protected our belongings well, and we found the double-layer YKK zippers to be robust and snag-free, a detail that many budget brands overlook. While we had no issues, we must acknowledge that a few users have reported durability problems, such as a broken wheel after a single trip. This suggests that while it feels sturdy for careful use, it may not withstand repeated, harsh handling as well as more premium polycarbonate alternatives. For the price point, however, the initial build quality exceeded our expectations.
Mobility and Handling
This is where the Joyway set truly shines. The four spinner wheels are exceptionally smooth, allowing the suitcase to glide alongside you with minimal effort. We navigated through the crowds at DFW and Zurich airports without any trouble, weaving through lines and down tight airplane aisles. As one user aptly put it, the wheels “glide smoothly even when I’m weaving through a crowd.” The aluminum telescopic handle felt secure and didn’t wobble under pressure, which is a common complaint with less expensive luggage. This confident handling makes a stressful travel day significantly more manageable.
Storage and Organization
For a carry-on, the 40-liter capacity is generous. During our test, we comfortably packed for a two-week trip, including an extra pair of shoes and toiletries. The interior is smartly designed with a full zippered divider on one side and cross-straps on the other, keeping everything neatly in place. The real game-changer is the expansion zipper, which adds about 15% more packing space. While we didn’t use it on the outbound flight to ensure compliance, it was invaluable for packing souvenirs on the way back. This feature provides flexibility that is rare at this price point. If you’re looking for a carry-on that maximizes every inch of space, this expandable luggage is an excellent choice.
The Bonus Accessories: Backpack and Toiletry Bag
Often, included accessories are cheap throw-ins, but that’s not the case here. The multi-functional backpack is a standout feature. It’s well-padded, includes a dedicated laptop compartment, and—most importantly—has a trolley sleeve on the back to slide securely over the suitcase handle. It’s perfectly sized as a personal item and fits easily under an airplane seat, even when stuffed full. Several users noted how “surprisingly nice” the backpack is, with thoughtful features like a sternum strap and compression clips. This integrated system of suitcase and backpack is what elevates the Joyway set from just a piece of luggage to a complete travel solution.
Security Features
The integrated TSA-approved lock is a welcome addition. It provides peace of mind that your belongings are secure from opportunistic theft while still allowing customs agents to inspect your bag without causing damage. Setting the 3-digit combination was simple and straightforward, and the lock mechanism felt reliable throughout our journey.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our positive experience is echoed by many other travelers. One user successfully used the set for a two-week international trip with multiple layovers, praising its capacity and the backpack’s utility as a personal item. Another highlighted the smooth wheels and sturdy handle as a “travel win.” However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. A few customers have faced quality control issues, receiving products with faulty zippers or a wheel that broke after the very first trip. There was also a mention of the “white” color option arriving as more of a cream, so it’s wise to be prepared for slight color variations. Overall, the sentiment is largely positive, focusing on the incredible value, but with a note of caution about potential long-term durability.
How Does the Joyway Compare to the Alternatives?
The Joyway Expandable Carry-on Luggage offers fantastic value, but it exists in a competitive market. Here’s how it stacks up against some other popular options.
1. Traveler’s Choice Archer 29-Inch Hardside Spinner Luggage Set
- Durable & Strong: Textured polycarbonate shell delivers maximum durability and protection during travel.
- Protective Lining: Shield-98 technology resists bacterial growth, keeping your luggage clean, fresh, and travel-ready after every trip. Durable YKK...
The Traveler’s Choice Archer is a single, large 29-inch checked suitcase. This is built for travelers who need maximum capacity and aren’t trying to stick to carry-on only. If you’re packing for a long family vacation or moving abroad, the Archer offers far more space. However, you lose the mobility and cost-savings of the Joyway carry-on system and don’t get the included backpack or toiletry bag.
2. Joyway 5 Piece Hardshell Carry-on Luggage Set
- 5 Piece Luggage Sets - The luggage set of 5 pieces offers 20" carry on luggage, 24" medium checked luggage, 28" large check-in suitcase, expandable duffel...
- TSA Lock & Spinning Wheels - Our luggage sets include TSA-approved locks for secure travel protection. Opt for our 360° silent universal wheels for a...
If you love the Joyway concept but need more options, this 5-piece set from the same brand is the answer. It typically includes multiple sizes of suitcases, providing a complete luggage wardrobe for any type of trip, from a weekend getaway to a long-haul journey. It’s an excellent choice for families or couples who want a matching set, but it’s a larger investment and more than a solo traveler might need.
3. Samsonite Centric 3-Piece Expandable Luggage Set
- SET INCLUDES 20" Carry On (meets carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light) and 24"/28" Spinners (maximize your...
- 10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY: Samsonite products are rigorously tested to ensure our products meet stringent standards. This bag comes with a 10-year warranty...
Samsonite is a benchmark brand in luggage, known for its exceptional durability and warranty. The Centric set is a step up in both price and material quality, often using more resilient polycarbonate. While you’ll pay a premium, you’re investing in a product with a proven track record for longevity. The Joyway set offers better immediate value with its included accessories, but the Samsonite is the choice for those who prioritize brand reputation and are willing to invest in luggage that will last for years and years.
The Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the Smart Traveler
After thoroughly testing it, we can confidently say the Joyway Expandable Carry-on Luggage is an exceptional value for the right kind of traveler. For weekend trips, short-haul flights, and anyone committed to the carry-on-only lifestyle, this 3-piece system is a brilliant and affordable solution. The combination of a lightweight hardshell case, smooth-gliding wheels, and a genuinely useful backpack creates a seamless travel experience. While there are some questions about its long-term durability under heavy abuse, its performance, features, and incredibly low price point make it a standout choice in its category.
If you’ve decided the Joyway Expandable Carry-on Luggage is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API