It’s a rookie error that many of us have been guilty of – carry on luggage that’s too large, too heavy, or too uncomfortable to carry. I’m ashamed to admit that, despite having worked in travel for more than 10 years, I recently, and accidentally, overpacked my hand luggage on a flight from Australia to London. Much to the frustration of my fellow Qatar Airlines passengers, I had to do the embarrassing scramble of throwing what I could grab into our check-in suitcases. All that time spent organising was destroyed in a moment of panic.
“It’s an easy mistake to make,” says aviation expert Jordan Rozario. “Especially as there isn’t an industry standard hand baggage allowance, and this is where a lot of travellers get caught out.”
If like me, you’ve been caught out at check-in, you’ll know that the wrong carry on luggage can ruin a trip before it even begins. This is why thought and research are required when choosing the right cabin bag for your flight – even more so than for a check-in suitcase. To save you the admin, we’ve listed the best carry on luggage options in the UK plus our top tips for choosing the right style for your trip.
Which bag is best for cabin luggage?
As mentioned in our guide to the best luggage brands, for carry on luggage we prefer soft-shell suitcases over hard cases, as they tend to be more giving in terms of space and feature outer storage pouches which can come in handy while in transit. There are some hard shell suitcases, like the best selling Clifton cabin case with pocket, that also feature an easy-to-access external pocket, offering the best of both worlds.
How much hand luggage can you take on easyJet?
According to the easyJet cabin bag guide, the maximum size for a carry on bag that fits under the seat is 45x36x20 cm (including any handles or wheels). If you book an Up Front or Extra Legroom seat or book a large cabin bag for your flight, you can also have an additional bag to be stored in the overhead compartment that is no more than 56x45x25cm in size. To maximise your luggage while fitting in with the allowance, try the Tripp Superlite Holdall for an under-seat bag. For the overhead compartment bag, Aerolite's cabin bag fits those exact dimensions and is one of the lightest cases on the market.
How much hand luggage can you take on Ryanair?
According to the Ryanair bags policy, all passenger fare types can bring one small bag which must fit under the seat, measuring less than 40x25x20cm. If you purchase a ‘Priority and 2 Cabin Bags’ fare, passengers can bring one small bag to fit under the seat and a 10kg wheelie bag which must not exceed 55x40x20cm. This American Tourister case fits those exact dimensions and comes in a range of colours.
The best all rounder cabin suitcases
Horizn Studios M5 cabin luggage
Engineered in Germany, Horizn Studios specialises in luggage with a lifetime warranty, made from all-vegan materials, sent to you using neutral shipping. There's a lot to choose from – their Circle One range is made from a plant-based hard shell – but in terms of quality, price and function, our pick is the the M5 cabin bag, a partly recycled hardshell case with a front laptop pocket, recycled polyester lining and enough space to last a five-day trip. The cabin bag comes with a luggage tag, and dust protector as standard, with the option to personalise the case or even upgrade to the smart version that comes with a removable charger and compression pad.
Pros: external zip-up pocket, range of colours and finishes, zip up mesh screens on both sides
Cons: no compression pad, outer pocket does not expand
Size: 55X40X203
Weight: 3.4kg
Clifton cabin suitcase with pocket
The zippy and light weight Clifton cabin case is one of Antler's best sellers. The rolling polycarbonate suitcase has all that you could need for every day travel – twist-grip handle, double lock, waterproof and mesh pockets inside – but what makes this stand out from other classic hard cases is the external pocket. The full zip pocket features multiple compartments as well as a padded slip pocket that can fit a tablet of 15.6 inch laptop, allowing easy-to-reach storage for all of your on-the-go items.
Pros: external zip-up pocket, great value price
Cons: only available in black
Size: 56X35X23cm
Weight: 3.3kg
The Carry-on Pro
For a case that looks and feels like it means business, Carl Friedrik has you covered. Their carry-on case is all slick and shiny, from the studs lining the opening to the tan Italian leather handles and detailing. The snap-shut locks make this hard shell case stand out from the rest. Instead of fiddly zips, the case is secured with a unique aluminium lock frame – for extra security, you can use the combination lock feature. There is a zip on the external pocket, allowing for easy access and storage of your laptop and documents in the padded sleeve and additional compartments.
Pros: won’t scuff or scratch, external zip up pocket with padded laptop sleeve, internal compression pad
Cons: minimal internal pockets and zip up compartments
Size: 55X38X25cm
Weight: 4.3kg
The best budget cabin suitcase
Aerolite cabin luggage
When it comes to size, weight, price, design and quick delivery, Aerolite's cabin suitcase (available on Amazon) ticks all the boxes. The dimensions of the case fit within most airline allowances including British Airways and easyJet, while the weight of the case comes in at a very light 2.3kg. Of all the features, it's the two outer pockets that make this one a winner, plus it has a great value price of £69.99.
Pros: external pockets, lightweight, great value price, next day delivery with Prime
Cons: basic design, not built to last
Size: 50x40x20cm
Weight: 2.1kg
The best hard shell cabin suitcases
Clifton cabin bag
If you're a frequent flyer looking for a zippy hard shell suitcase, Antler's Clifton cabin bag is a winner. The durable yet lightweight polycarbonate case features a twist-grip handle, making it very easy to wheel it around the airport at speed. Not only is this case a great size and quality, but they also look smart too, with seven subdued shades to choose from.
Pros: lightweight, price, colour range, fits inside the matching medium case
Cons: lighter colours are prone to scuffs and scratches
Size: 55x40x20cm
Weight: 2.8kg
The Carry-On Flex
Another frequent flyer favourite, Away's Carry-On Flex is perfect for those that are prone to overpacking. In addition to Away's classic features – spinner wheels, leather details, interior compression system, multiple colour options – the expandable zip allows for an extra 6cm of packing space should you need it (just be careful not to exceed your airline's allowance). We also love the internal pockets, which include fully zipped up dividers , a hidden laundry bag and compression straps.
Pros: expandable zip, hidden laundry bag, leather luggage tag
Cons: lighter colours are prone to scuffs and scratches
Size: 55.1x34.8x22.9cm
Weight: 3.7kg
The Carry On
The leather handles with contrast stitching, the little round logo – the little details that made us notice The Portable Porter's carry-on case. Inside there's even more to discover, the biggest surprise being the bespoke monogrammed lining (in the yellow case, it's a cheery multicoloured geometric print) made from recycled plastic bottles. On one side of the case are three pockets, including a full zip divider, and two smaller pockets – one with a water-resistant laundry inside, the other storing a round leather luggage tag. A compression pad and straps are on the other side of the case.
Pros: organisational pockets, zip up divider, leather luggage tag
Cons: lighter colours are prone to scuffs and scratches
Size: 56X45X25cm
Weight: 3.2kg
The best luxury carry on luggage
Brics Bellagio four-wheel cabin suitcase 55cm
Leave it to Bric's to create the most beautiful and functional hand luggage on the market. The heritage brand has been crafting travel bags and leather goods out of the Lake Como region since the 1950s. Their cabin case is a smaller version of their Bellagio suitcase, with a shell made from lightweight Makrolon® polycarbonate along with vegetable-tanned leather trimmings that not only look smart but also help to prevent scuffing. Inside the lined case features organisation pockets, a padded laptop sleeve and a garment bag hook and space for three hangers. As with all Brics luggage, the Bellagio suitcase comes with a five-year warranty.
Pros: classic look, garment bag hook
Cons: heavier than most
Size: 55x38x20cm
Weight: 4.6kg
The best carry on luggage for weekend breaks
Eastpak cabin case
If you're just needing a suitcase to take on weekend breaks, look for durable and roomy styles with trolley wheels that can handle pesky cobblestone streets. This Eastpak cabin case has clever adjustable straps on the outside so you can ensure your luggage will fit within the allocated size allowance.
Pros: lightweight, adjustable external straps, zip up dividers, range of colours
Cons: none that we can see
Size: 51x32.5x23cm
Weight: 2.42kg
The best carry on for easyJet and Ryanair flights
These compact options feature clever pockets to help maximise and organise your space, while remaining within the strict cabin baggage allowances.
Tripp Berry Superlite 4W Holdall
Size: 24x44x27cm
American Tourister heat wave hand luggage
The best carry on luggage for long-haul flights
Most long-haul flights have generous hand luggage allowances, so the dimensions of the bag are often less important. Instead, when your travel involves stopovers, timezone changes and multiple hours, having a flight bag that's comfortable and well organised is the priority. Look for bags that are lightweight and with multiple pockets so it's easy to grab what you need while in transit and throughout your flight. For more advice, see our guide to the carry-on essential items you should always pack on a long-haul flight.
Skyflight on board folding bag
Size: 35x53x23cm
Anya Hindmarch in flight bag
Size: 21x41x17cm
The best carry on luggage for business travel
Sleek, organised and lightweight, these hand held cabin bags ensure a speedy departure from the plane and offer plenty of room and easy to access pockets.
48-hour travel bag
Size: 45x30x15cm
Best carry on backpacks
If you prefer to travel hands-free, these spacious and comfortable rucksacks make for great travel bags. For more options, see our edit of the best travel backpacks.
Roll top backpack
Size: 48x30x16cm
Altmont professional laptop backpack
