Best Cabin Luggage in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 6, 2024
Travel without the hassle of waiting for your bag in a baggage carousel with cabin luggage! It's compact, light, and approved for the majority of airlines around the world. So, keep reading our best cabin luggage review and take your pick to make your travels more comfortable and enjoyable. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Material
Compartments
Lock
Convenience Features
SIZE & WEIGHT
Warranty
 
PROS

Forget about zipped cases and try this one. The bag has a 3-point closure system, thus, there is no risk of zip breaking or sticking.

CONS

The outer shell is not that thick.

OUR VERDICT

If you need a handy case without zips, the Samsonite 55/20 suitcase is it! The suitcase is very lightweight, durable, stylish, and spacious. It's perfect for short haul flights.

detailed parameters
Material

HS Polypropylene

Compartments

Bottom compartment with straps

Top compartment with zipped divider pad

Elastic side pockets

Lock

Fixed 3-digit combi lock with TSA

Convenience Features

Top carry handle

Side carry handle

Retractable handle

4 Spinner wheels

Packing straps

SIZE & WEIGHT

Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm

Volume: 34 L

Weight: 2.9 kg

Warranty

Limited 5-year global warranty

PROS

The suitcase is made of extra-durable 100% polypropylene and has a very strong construction. It can easily go to the luggage compartment. 

CONS

The zip is lacking in quality. 

OUR VERDICT

This is an excellent luggage that can go both to the cabin and checked baggage compartment. It's ultra-durable and available in a variety of vibrant colours, so you'll be able to easily spot it in a luggage carousel.

detailed parameters
Material

100% Polypropylene

Compartments

One zipped side pockets

Two mesh pockets

Lock

Fixed-3-digit TSA lock

Convenience Features

Top carry handle

Multi-stage push button locking handle

4 spinner wheels

Packing straps

SIZE & WEIGHT

Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm

Volume: 31.5 L

Weight: 2.5 kg

Warranty

Limited 2-year global warranty

PROS

The spinner has a very smart interior.  It features packing straps and an internal zipped divider with elasticated pockets that are perfect for shoes.

CONS

The handle might wobble around a bit. 

OUR VERDICT

The Aerolite ABS322 is a best-seller on Amazon. It's a very affordable and smart solution for short journeys. It has the IATA endorsed size and is approved for the vast majority of airlines around the globe.

detailed parameters
Material

ABS

Compartments

Zipped mesh pocket

Elasticated pockets

Pockets for trifles

Lock

3-digit combination barrel padlock 

Convenience Features

Top carry handle

Multi-stage push button locking handle

4 spinner wheels

Packing straps

SIZE & WEIGHT

Size: 55 x 35 x 20 cm

Volume: 33 L

Weight: 2.5 kg

Warranty

5-year guarantee

PROS

This suitcase is equipped with a 3-digit combination lock that can block a zipper to secure your valuables.

CONS

Dark scuffing might occur on the shell.

OUR VERDICT

Ultralight, super compact, extremely secure, and eye-catching! This suitcase from Merax is the perfect choice for those who need a durable carry-on bag for small business trips.

detailed parameters
Material

ABS

Compartments

Bottom compartment with straps

Elastic side pocket

Lock

3-digit combination lock

Convenience Features

Top carry handle

Side carry handle

3-level telescoping handle

4 spinner wheels

SIZE & WEIGHT

Size: 55 x 37 x 20 cm

Volume: 33 L

Weight: 2.6 kg

Warranty

14-day Amazon's return policy

PROS

It's not a hard case. It's ultra-lightweight luggage made of hard-wearing rip-resistant 600 Jacquard polyester material.

CONS

The supplied padlock is rather flimsy. 

OUR VERDICT

The Aerolite carry-on cabin suitcase is an excellent choice for those who prefer travel light. Being less than 2 kilos, it'll help you beat weight restrictions at the check-in gate.

detailed parameters
Material

600 D Polyester

Compartments

Large front zipped pocket

Smaller top pocket

Zipped mesh pocket

Lock

3-digit combination padlock

Convenience Features

Top carry handle

Side carry handle

Retractable handle

4 spinner wheels

Packing straps

SIZE & WEIGHT

Size: 55 x 35 x 20cm

Volume: 33 L

Weight: 1.85 kg

Warranty

10-year warranty

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Samsonite 55/20

Luggage without Zips

This Samsonite carry-on suitcase is extremely lightweight yet strong. It's made of the revolutionary polypropylene material, Flowlite, with top synthesis technology. Therefore, it's pretty durable, tough, and glossy. However, it is not as rigid as some other Samsonite models, so if you need something super-strong to withstand all abuses of travelling, you might need to look for completely hardshell models.

This cabin luggage has a step-adjustable handle that you can pull out to manoeuvre through the airport. The case is equipped with four 360° rollers that glide smoothly on any surface. The outside features a fixed 3-digit combination lock with TSA, which is a nice thing to have while travelling by air. The lock is recessed, meaning there is nothing to be caught on in a tight overhead locker.

The suitcase opens flat out into two halves for easy packing. The interior is spacious and has cross straps on one side and a zippable fabric divider on the other side. Though there are no zips to slide around the suitcase! Instead, there are sturdy plastic lugs on each side. No zips means less hassle and better moistureproofing. So, if you prefer latch locks to zips, this Samsonite hand luggage is just what you need.

Review of Samsonite 55/20 Hand Luggage

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £152.80
Stock In stock
ASIN B009SIVAO0

 

American Tourister Bon Air 4 Wheel 55cm-31,5L

Super Robust

The American Tourister Bon Air Suitcase is an excellent choice for weekend getaways. Manufactured from ultra-strong 100% polypropylene, the case feels well-built and very robust. And even if you decide to register it as a checked baggage, you can be sure that it will stand up to abuse the airlines usually put suitcases through. Plus, it's fitted with a fixed 3-digit TSA combination lock and lockable zippers to ensure the extra protection of your personal belongings. If the case is somehow lost, an address label will help you find it faster. Another advantage is that the case is available in 14 vibrant colour options, which makes it even easier for users to spot it on the luggage carousel.

The suitcase has 4 spinner wheels for easy manoeuvrability and smooth gliding either when standing or tilted. The trolley handle can be adjustable in height and retracted with the push-button mechanism. The handle is also good for stabilising objects on the top.

As for the interior, the American Tourister spinner has two main compartments. One of them has a zipped divider pad with two mesh pockets for toiletries, and the other one has a zipped side pocket and straps to separate packed items and secure them in place. This extra-robust suitcase can neatly organize all your stuff.

Review of American Tourister Bon Air 4 Wheel 55cm-31,5L Suitcase

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £70.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00K6VQ0UM

 

Aerolite ABS322

Classy Suitcase for Those Who Travel in Style

Aerolite is a big name in the global luggage market, as the company always offers very affordable solutions for both short and long trips. The Aerolite hardshell carry-on suitcase is a very reasonably-priced model that looks very classy and seems to be strong enough to endure many trips in the aircraft cabin.

The Aerolite suitcase measures 55 x 35 x 20 cm, and is approved for a wide variety of major airlines around the globe including Ryanair, British Airways, EasyJet, Vueling, Flybe, Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian, Turkish Airlines, Aegean, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Wizz Air, Aer Lingus, Air Berlin, Air France, Air Europa, TUI, American Airlines, Delta, Emirates, Finnair, Iberia, KLM, Thomas Cook and many more. Even if your airline wasn't listed, it might still be compatible - just check its online requirements.

The case weighs just 2.5 kg and offers 33 L of interior capacity. The interior has handy packing straps and a zipped divider with mesh pockets to separate the contents and keep them in place during transit. The outer casing is made of anti-scratch ABS hard shell plastic, meaning the bag can protect different glass souvenirs from damage. And to secure the contents from thieves, you can use the 3-digit combination barrel padlock that is included in the set. Millions of travellers worldwide already enjoy Aerolite suitcases. Join!

Review of Aerolite ABS322 Lightweight Travel Carry On, Cabin Size
Last updated price £52.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01B4SU91G

 

Merax ABS Hard Shell

Ideal for Bussiness

Made of ABS polycarbonate, Merax travel carry on suitcase is super lightweight and tough. The hard shell material not only looks nice but also absorbs shocks and provides maximum protection for your belongings. The suitcase is very solid yet pretty flexible to withstand harsh airport conditions. It has a stylish grooved exterior that can hide any scratch and comes in 6 vibrant colour options. The best part is that the casing can be easily cleaned after travelling just with a damp cloth.

The interior is fully lined and features cross straps with a privacy curtain for easy organization. You can pack a week's worth of clothes and other personal belongings into this case. Even when full, it doesn't tip over and is very convenient to manoeuvre on 4 spinner wheels. The reinforced metal handles on top and side make the case absolutely easy to move around.

This Merax sleek-looking suitcase is fitted with a digital lock that can block a zipper and secure the contents. Thus, this small lightweight cabin luggage will be extremely useful for important business trips! For the price, there's no better hardshell suitcase on the market.

Review of Merax ABS Hard Shell Hand Luggge

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B06XV9Y173

 

Aerolite Lightweight Carry On

Travel Light!

The Aerolite company helps travellers worldwide to beat weight restrictions at the check-in gate with their ultra-lightweight luggage, and this bag is no exception. The Aerolite Travel Carry On Cabin suitcase weighs less than 2 kilos and is great for those holidaymakers who prefer travel light. The trick is that it's a softshell case made of rip-resistant 600 D polyester. And although the material isn't as robust as ABS plastic, it's still very durable and reliable. Equipped with four 360-degree wheels and a double-tube retractable handle, this carry-on suitcase is very comfortable to walk with. For easy loading, the bag features both top and side handles.

The suitcase has numerous interior compartments for smart organization and two large exterior pockets for travel essentials. The lower exterior zipped pocket is perfect for books and tablets, while the top zipped pocket is great for tickets, passports, boarding passes, money, and other things you'd like to keep within easy reach.

The manufacturer supplies the suitcase with a 3-digit combination padlock that can keep unwanted hands out of your luggage. The lock is lacking in quality a bit, but we doubt if you ever need to lock the hand luggage. Other than that, it's an excellent suitcase for light travellers.

Review of Aerolite Lightweight Carry On Cabin Suitcase
Last updated price £54.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01GE6Q71Y

 

What Is Cabin Luggage?

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a short vacation, a good carry-on bag means you can take all your essentials while avoiding the hassle and extra cost of checking in a bulky suitcase. However, before investing in the bag of this type, you should consider which cabin luggage you really need. Ask yourself whether you want a hard or soft-sided bag? Hard suitcases guarantee better protection for your belongings, however, they are heavier and don’t squeeze, which makes them harder to fit into cramped overhead bins. On the other hand, soft-sided luggage offers less protection, but they are lightweight and pretty flexible to fit into very tight spaces. What's the maximum cabin luggage size? Cabin luggage allowances vary from airline to airline, so you should check out the weight and size restrictions of the airline you're flying with. Most airlines like EasyJet and British Airways allow people to take bags up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, and all the reviewed models meet this requirement. Also, all the bags we have reviewed are fitted with wheels and pull handles for easy manoeuvrability through airports.

What to pack in a cabin bag for a long-haul flight? An mp3 player and noise cancelling headphones can make travel more fun.

Sources:

1. How to choose the perfect suitcase, FOX News.January 15, 2013.

2. Julie Loffredi How to Pick the Perfect Luggage, U.S. News & World Report. September 14, 2015.

3. Melanie Pinola The Best Way to Pack a Suitcase: Five Methods Compared, Lifehacker. November 9, 2015.

4. Caroline Costello 10 packing tips every traveler should know, USA TODAY.

5. Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports, GOV.UK.

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Publish Date: 2017-12-05 12:15:32