Carry-on bags: The best cabin-sized cases for every getaway
Ditch the bag drop queues and lost luggage woes with these chic carry-on bags
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Dreaming of a picturesque escape? Whether you’re planning on sailing off into the sunset, lounging in an island paradise, or setting off to a luxury hotel in Paris for a quick getaway, chances are, you’re looking for the right piece of luggage to accompany you. With horror tales of long bag drop queues and lost luggage plaguing many a travel anecdote lately, carry-on luggage has emerged as the best route for stress-free travel. Compact enough to be stowed in an overhead locker but sizeable enough to hold your carefully curated holiday capsule wardrobe, we’ve trawled the stylish selection at Case Luggage to find the best carry-on bags to invest in right now.
Should I get a carry-on bag or check-in luggage?
This depends on your specific needs, but for a trip that lasts a week or less, carry-on bags easily trump larger suitcases. You can bypass the queues in departures and the baggage belts on arrival, making sure you spend more time lounging by the beach instead of at a dreary airport. You can also rest assured that all your holiday essentials are within sight and therefore safe throughout your trip.
While it is important to note that cabin bags face the same restrictions as any hand luggage, including the ban on liquids over 100ml, cabin bags are often a better option purely for the convenience they provide.
What size is a carry-on bag?
With cabin bags, there are no universally accepted allowances. Rules change from airline to airline, so it’s important to check the details when booking a ticket to avoid any inconvenience. That being said, the majority of airlines consider bags that measure about 56cm high and weigh between 10kg and 18kg to be acceptable onboard.
Should I buy a hard shell or a soft shell cabin bag?
Again, this depends on your own preferences as both options have their own benefits. A hard plastic or aluminium shell can offer optimal protection for your belongings. They are also easier to manoeuvre, as most feature multi-directional wheels, while also being easier to stack. Aesthetically, hard shell cases have a sleeker build than their soft-shelled counterparts lending them a more sophisticated feel.
Soft shell carry-on bags, meanwhile, are the more flexible option of the two, and can be squeezed into tight places as well as giving you extra room to slightly overpack. They also tend to be a tad lighter, letting you carry more without exceeding airline weight limits.
The best carry-on bags
There are a few key features to consider when picking out your carry-on bag. You need a durable bag that is lightweight and matches your personal style and, with a myriad of options available, a good place to start is Case Luggage in Piccadilly, which has been meeting London’s baggage needs for a century. To get you started, we’ve put together an edit of the best carry-on bags for a fuss-free getaway.
Tumi Expandable Cabin Bag
The last word in practical design, Tumi’s expandable suitcase is made from a recycled polycarbonate shell in glossy green. Great for fitting a capsule holiday wardrobe, the compact bag is lightweight and features integrated TSA-approved locks and smooth wheels that make breezing through the airport easy. Also available in rich plum and deep black colourways, it even features a built-in USB port.
Samsonite Major-Lite Carry On
Samsonite’s carry-on suitcases are a cult favourite and it’s easy to see why. Designed to be durable and long-lasting, they are also amazingly lightweight. Crafted in a striking saffron yellow, with a five-year warranty, this is a cabin bag that’ll see you through countless holidays and trips.
Bric’s Bellagio 2 Carry-on Bag
No luggage edit is complete without a mention of Italian brand Bric’s. This gorgeous Barbiecore take on the brand’s iconic Bellagio 2 design is a truly chic investment. The sturdy polycarbonate shell is elegantly offset with Tuscan leather inserts, eliciting images of heritage luggage trunks. Classy and distinct, this is an aesthetically pleasing cabin bag that’ll make you stand out on those airport strolls.
Carl Friedrik Carry-On Pro
Sleek and minimal, the Carl Friedrik Carry-On Pro is aptly named. Constructed with a high-quality polycarbonate shell, it promises robust protection for your belongings. Featuring efficiently designed compartments and pockets to help you optimise packing space, this truly timeless piece is made with deep cognac-hued leather accents for a stylish touch.
Horizn Studios M5 Essential Cabin Luggage
Berlin-based brand Horizn Studios’ carry-on bag is long-lasting and sustainable. Crafted from recycled and vegan materials, the light grey bag comes with a five-year warranty and features a front pocket for easy access to your laptop and documents.
Tumi Oxford Compact Carry On
This compact cabin bag is made in a gunmetal black nylon and is designed to fit everything you need for a short trip. Expertly-made pockets ensure your belongings are safely packed away while an in-built USB port makes it handy for your tech products. This is the perfect business trip companion.
DB Front-Access Carry-On
Crafted in a lightweight recycled polycarbonate shell reinforced with a strong aluminium frame, this DB carry-on bag is designed for ease and versatility. The beige split-open bag features quick access pockets as well as an internal laptop pocket to make flying through airport security checks a breeze. Offering optimal protection for your belongings, the bag also comes with a two-year warranty.
