What suitcase should i buy

Bags that are slightly larger than the rules allow might fly under the radar, as cabin baggage isn't always checked by airline staff. But is it something you want to risk? If in doubt, it's always a good idea to check with your airline before you depart.

Here are some requirements for some major airlines:. Baggage requirements vary with each airline. If you have a multiple-sector journey and are flying with multiple carriers, the baggage policy for the most significant carrier in your itinerary will apply. If you're unsure, check on your itinerary or ask your travel agent. Whether you have a small suitcase that you're using for carry-on, or a large suitcase that you need to check-in, the weight of the case counts towards your baggage allowance.

The wheels and extendable handle take up some of the internal space, so check first that the case has the right volume for your needs. If you want a small suitcase for carry-on baggage make sure you check the dimensions against the requirements for the airline.

Consider how you'll be using it for flying, driving or cruising and where you'll be storing it. Soft-sided suitcases are more lightweight and allow you to cram extra items whereas hard-sided suitcases provide more protection for your belongings but cramming extra items inside or fitting it in a tight space might get tricky.

Look for handles that are firmly riveted to the body of the case. These are less likely to have weak points and break. This should be easy to extend and retract, comfortable to grip and should lock firmly in place when extended. Some luggage these days, often referred to as smart luggage , even comes with a built-in battery pack that can be used to charge your devices on-the-go.

This is great for those who are tired of having to seek out an electrical outlet to charge their phones, tablets, or other devices at the airport. Simply make sure your battery pack is charged up before you head out, and you can keep your devices powered up no matter where your travels take you.

But, before you buy smart luggage make sure you are up-to-date on the guidelines regarding traveling with electronics. While it may be easiest to find a plain black bag, think about all the other people on your flight who are probably traveling with a similar plain black bag. This is also a great opportunity to display your own sense of style while traveling.

Consider something like a fun leopard print or a bright color. If you are set on sticking to a more neutral style, however, there are some ways you can go about making your bag stand out. For example, you can attach a colorful ribbon to your bag handle, or opt for bright and unique luggage tags instead. Security and safety should not be overlooked when shopping for the best luggage. This is especially true if you travel with any valuables, such as electronics. Generally, the best way to keep your valuables safe when traveling is to keep them with you in a carry-on at all times.

If you have to check a bag with valuables inside, make sure your bag has some great safety features. For starters, invest in luggage with either an internal or external locking system in place.

Remember, that nowadays some airlines ask you to check in your luggage if you didn't purchase priority boarding. It's always a good idea to keep a small handbag or a carry-on backpack with you which fits under the seat so you can quickly remove valuables from your larger luggage.

If you are going away for a quick city break or doing a multi-city hop for a few days we are jealous a medium suitcase should be enough. You can check it in or in most cases carry it on board. Need more space for gadgets and clothes?

Pick a size larger suitcase and relax. You should always go for the four-wheel versions as they are much easier to roll around. Pro Tip: See if packing cubes can be a good fit for you. They are great to organize your clothes, inexpensive and will make your life much easier. Travelling for weeks? I would recommend one medium-sized suitcase per person unless you are going to the beach or to a very hot destination which case you really don't need much space.

If this is your first time purchasing suitcases, consider buying a suitcase set so you get better value for your money. For your convenience, check-in all your luggage and keep just a small bag with you for your papers and valuables.

This small bag should fit under the seat in front of you. The medium or large suitcase is for long-term travellers or couples who want to minimise the checked-in costs. When you travel with someone, both of you have a carry-on bag to take on board and a checked bag each so you have a lot of space to play with.

It's always better to travel light but we understand that you need a lot of stuff when you travel long term. Remember to always check the size and weight allowances with your airline before you travel. The extra-large suitcases are perfect for long-term travellers who spend a lot of time in one destination or for expats moving countries.

Airlines normally allow you to purchase additional checked bags if needed. We recommend the medium or large suitcase sizes for families with children.

Purchase the four-wheel version so you can carry your suitcases around much easier. Consider investing in a suitcase set so you get better value for your money.

Don't forget to plan ahead. Make sure to pack everything you need onboard into a separate carry-on. Are you travelling long-haul? Consider taking food, water, medicine, toys for the kids, personal hygiene items with you. It is a good idea to organise an airport shuttle to and from your hotel. This way, you will have to worry less about your luggage and enjoy more of your stay. In this handy table, I have collected the measurements and volume of each airline-approved carry-on suitcase. Use the "Size Type" Column to find the airline list below.

Airline companies around the world have different requirements in terms of size and weight of your carry on luggage. In the tables below, we have collected most major airlines and grouped them by their maximum allowed carry on size. For each airline, we added the allowed carry-on weight in kilogram and pounds. Airlines listed below allow carry-ons no larger than 55 x 35 x 25cm or Airlines listed below allow carry-ons no larger than 55 x 40 x 20cm or Airlines listed below allow carry-ons no larger than 55 x 40 x 23cm or Airlines listed below allow carry-ons no larger than 56 x 36 x 23cm or 22 x 14 x 9 inches on board.

Airlines listed below allow carry-ons no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm or 22 x Each airline listed below has a different carry-ons policy. If you can't find your airline, please let us know in the comments section below and we will try and help. Most airlines allow a checked-in suitcase to weigh between 20kg 44 pounds to 25kg 55 pounds but the checked-in baggage allowance varies so much that it is almost impossible to collect them all.

Any bag weighing more than 35 kg will be refused by the airline. Your baggage allowance will depend on the airline, the length of your flight short or long-haul , and sometimes the policy of the airport where you depart from. Always check with the airline before you travel and allow yourself enough time to pack your bags before you leave. In the below table, we have collected the different sizes, capacity and recommended travel times for each checked suitcase size.

The usual weight limit for the largest suitcase you can check-in is 30kg 66 pounds per checked bag. Size restrictions may also apply: the largest suitcase dimensions you can check on a plane is 81 x 59 x 34 cm 31 x 23 x 14 inches. Remember, depending on your ticket class, you might have additional allowances, like extra bags, extra-large bags, etc.

Please make sure to check with your airline before you travel. If you are taking extra carry-on luggage with you onboard or check an extra suitcase on the plane, you might have to pay an 'excess baggage fee'. The excess baggage charge can significantly vary between airlines. Excess carry on fees are normally lower than excess checked-in luggage.

Also, keep an eye on potential extra fees. For example, if your extra luggage is also oversized it's larger than the permitted checked-in luggage size you might need to pay additional charges on top of the excess baggage fee. Suitcases are normally inconvenient to carry around. Always purchase the four-wheel version of larger suitcases. These are easier to roll and you don't have to lift them up. Keep an eye on the quality. If the suitcase is of bad quality, you risk the wheels being broken by the time you arrive at your destination.

Check the reviews and try to go for the suitcase with the most indented wheels. We found that it's sometimes better to carry one large suitcase with us instead of two or three smaller ones.

However, always make sure not to overfill your suitcase and check the weight before you travel. Unfortunately, it can happen that things disappear from your checked baggage. We recommend that you never put valuables into the bags you check-in. Keep a small bag with you and put all your papers, electronics and valuables in there. We found that during long-haul we prefer a good, sturdy, hardshell suitcase.

The hard shell will protect your items in the suitcase and won't tear or damage during handling. Soft cases are lighter normally and easier to carry when you go for a short trip. Classic styling and luxurious materials exude wealth and status, with prices to match. If, as they say, money is no object, then Globe-Trotter just might top the list of best luggage brands. Globe-Trotter luggage is retailed at Matches Fashion. Comparably new to the luggage game, Away has surged in popularity with savvy travelers since its launch in Plus, with a generous no-questions-asked return policy, you can try any suitcase for days.

Once you decide to keep it, Away offers a lifetime guarantee to fix or replace damaged bags. Away luggage is retailed at Away.

Another newer brand on the market, Paravel, launched to produce sustainable luggage. Besides using upcycled and eco-certified materials, the brand also works to offset carbon emissions through its carbon-neutral shipping program. These are just a few reasons why the brand earned itself one of our Global Vision Awards , which highlights eco-friendly travel brands.

Paravel luggage is retailed at Paravel. Love a great deal? Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More. American Tourister Luggage and Suitcases. Credit: Courtesy of American Tourister. Samsonite Luggage and Suitcases. Credit: Courtesy of Samsonite. Travelpro Luggage and Suitcases. Credit: Courtesy of Travelpro.