Wherever you are headed, we’ve rounded up some of the best cabin cases your money can buy
With the six-week summer holidays looming large, our thoughts turn to sunnier climates and overcrowded airports. Savvy travellers know the right cabin case will avoid unwanted fees at the check-in desk and a long wait at baggage claim.
If you are in the market for some shiny new suitcases this season there is a whole world of lust-worthy luggage out there, to suit passengers on every budget. From a simple compact carry-all to stash under the seat on a Ryanair flight to something large enough to eke out all those extra hand luggage inches, buying now could see you take more with you for less this summer.
Designed to meet the exacting size restrictions of most British airlines including Ryanair, British Airways and Jet2, the perfect cabin case has become one of our most sought-after travel essentials. From upscale brands like Antler and Away to an airport favourite from Tripp, we’ve rounded up six of the very best cabin bags for the 2024 holiday season.
Savvy travellers can save up to 50% on luxury Antler luggage in flash sale
Marks and Spencer Amalfi
Frequent flyers know that great quality luggage needn’t cost a fortune and the Amalfi range from Marks and Spencer is a testament to that. Available in a selection of muted pastel colours, the spacious cabin case has packing straps, a zip-around divider, two internal pockets and a pattern reminiscent of Italianate mouldings.
With a raft of five-star reviews on the website, buying cheaper doesn’t mean buying twice in this instance. One delighted holidaymaker described the Amalfi as ‘a must-have at a reasonable price,’ adding: “Just what I wanted. Light, easy to move and manoeuvre through crowds and the internal layout makes packing easy. Excellent quality and finish.”
The only downside for some shoppers was the lack of expansion zippers to offer a few extra centimetres of storage space.
Buy from Marks and Spencer (£59)
Antler Clifton with Pocket
This iconic model offers upscale features paired with insta-friendly aesthetics. While the Clifton range is one of the brand’s best-sellers, the revamped cabin-size pocket case appeals to a new generation of luggage lovers. With its innovative front pocket and dedicated laptop compartment, it’s a real treat for tech-loving travellers.
Antler has been a big trend in the travel world this year, with Brits buying up cases in their droves. With over 250 positive reviews, one shopper described the Clifton with Pocket as: “Stylish, high quality and practical. Thoughtful details and looks incredibly smart and professional. I’ll be using this for years.”
Some travellers mentioned that the zippers were a little stiff, but for the most part, this suitcase is setting the standard for discerning travellers this summer.
Buy from Antler (£220)
Tripp Retro II
A brilliant bargain buy, the compact case from Tripp is easy to spot at the airport with its chic vintage design. Offering two roomy compartments, compression straps, seamless 360-degree movement and a TSA lock for extra security, this case serves up all your basic holiday storage needs in a fetching metallic colourway.
Pretty to look at, fashionable flyers love the budget cabin case. One left a five-star review saying: “Great look, lightweight, great colour. Bigger inside than it looks, the wheels are good and it glides along. Just so easy to pull along.”
The design has irked some buyers though, as without a top handle it’s not as convenient to pick up using just the side handle.
Buy from Amazon (£48)
American Tourister Bon Air
Built to withstand the rigours of regular travel, the Bon Air is made from tough yet lightweight polypropylene material. With the obligatory 360 degree spinner wheels for ease of movement, a well-thought-out interior with multiple storage pockets and a brightly coloured exterior design, buyers love the practical suitcase from American Tourister.
One five-star review described it as ‘well recommended, very robust and so easy to handle,’ while another was impressed with the overall quality of the case calling it ‘as good as Samsonite.’
A few buyers, however, were concerned that the shiny finish would be prone to scratches in transit.
Buy from Amazon (£64.95)
Away Travel The Carry On Flex
Pricey but virtually perfect in every way, the Flex cabin case is cleverly designed to offer an additional 6cm of space when fully expanded. With a carefully curated interior, internal organisers, whisper-quiet spinner wheels and a hidden handle on the bottom, it’s the perfect fit for discerning travellers.
Travellers with deep pockets love the Away cabin case. One buyer left a five-star review that said: “Love it. Easy to pack, easy to move through airports, wonderful,” while another simply called it ‘an awesome product.’
Buy from Away Travel (£265)
Aerolite Ryanair Underseat case
Frequent flyers know that Ryanair’s hand luggage dimensions are exceedingly small. This compact case navigates them perfectly offering 18 litres of storage space, two smooth-rolling wheels, a push-button handle and a TSA lock. Small but perfectly formed this is a must-have for flyers looking to maximise their packing power without paying a penny extra.
More spacious than it looks, one buyer said: “I could fit enough clothes for 5 days in it. Fits easily under a plane seat and is quite stable to pull along. Perfect for a short break.”
Buy from Amazon (£44.95)
