04 August 2023 , 12:57
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Finding the right case to take on holiday makes light work of packing and helps you find those extra storage inches when you need them the most.
Whether you are heading off to chase the sun on a short-haul holiday or travelling somewhere more exotic, there is a whole world of luggage options to choose from.
To ensure that your luggage lasts the distance, look for pieces from reputable brand names like Samsonite, Antler, TRIPP and American Tourister, and always choose a case that comes with a warranty.
From carry-on cases for when less is more, to cavernous family-sized cases to cater for you all, there is a suitcase out there to suit every type of traveller.
As a general rule, suitcases come in a selection of sizes:
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- Small/Carry on cases are between 50-55 cm high and offer 30-40 litres of volume, making them suitable for short trips and overnight stays
- Medium cases are between 65-70cm high and offer between 50 - 80 litres of storage space, making them suitable for week-long stays
- Large cases are between 75-79 cm high and offer between 80-100 litres of storage space, making them suitable for two-week stays
- Extra large cases measure as much as 85 cm high and offer up to 140 litres of storage space, making them an excellent choice for when travelling light isn't an option
Scroll down to find out more.
Tour operators such as easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 have different restrictions on the size of the case you can carry on board or stow in the hold, so be sure to check out their guidance before you buy.
To help you find the best suitcase for your summer holiday, we've rounded up some of the best pieces of luggage for 2023.
Best cabin size suitcases
Samsonite Stack'd
The Samsonite Stack'd comes with a built-in power port for charging on the go (John Lewis)Built to last, this 55x40x23cm, 42-litre Samsonite Stack'd cabin case gives you the maximum packing power you can find for a carry-on.
Made from durable Polycarbonate it is highly scratch-resistant and the TSA lock and integrated ID tag offer extra peace of mind while travelling.
With expandable storage spaces, interior pockets, an integrated USB port and a power bank pouch, Samsonite has come up trumps with this brilliant carry-on that is well worth the £195 price tag.
Samsonite Airea
The Samsonite Airea has a deep main compartment (John Lewis)If you prefer to carry a soft-sided case into the cabin, for £195 the Samsonite Airea offers 41 litres of storage space and comes with dividers and compression straps to keep everything well organised on the go.
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Measuring 55x40x20cm the main compartment is incredibly spacious and with a telescopic handle, smooth rolling wheels and an external pocket that makes it easy to reach your passport and other important items, this is an excellent choice for frequent flyers.
American Tourister Bon Air
The American Tourister Bon Air is a great bargain buy (Amazon)If you are looking to spend less on your luggage and more at the bar, the American Tourister Bon Air cabin case is a good compromise on quality and price at just £63.95.
Measuring 40x20x55cm, this little case should meet the requirements of even the smallest luggage restrictions, and with a spacious interior and a three-digit TSA Lock for added security, it comes in a choice of nice, bright colours.
Best medium suitcases
Samsonite Flux
The Samsonite Flux offers funky good looks and a practical interior (Amazon)The expandable Samsonite Flux medium suitcase measures 47x30x68cm and has 360-degree spinner wheels for easy manoeuvrability. Available in a choice of red, blue or black colourways, this case is as good-looking as it is practical.
The large interior comes with a hidden expandable zipper for extra space and the fully lined interior features a zippered divider pad, a large hinge pocket and functional elastic cross ribbons for easy and organized packing.
At £184 this case offers plenty of space for a week away.
TRIPP Mint Retro II
The super stylish TRIPP Retro II suitcase (Amazon)With its vintage looks and spacious interior, the TRIPP Mint Retro II is the suitcase that every stylish traveller wants to be seen with.
Made from tough and durable ABS, it features a zip-around divider and packing straps to separate both sides of the cases to keep your clothing in place and an integrated TSA lock for enhanced security in transit.
Priced at the very affordable £49.50, this case measures 67x46x28cm and weighs in at just 3.9kg.
Antler Stamford
The range-topping Antler Stamford is a classy piece of kit (John Lewis)Serious travellers need seriously good suitcases and at £240 this little number certainly is an investment piece.
Fusing British design with modern Japanese innovation, the Antler Stanford is made from robust yet lightweight polycarbonate and features Hinomoto wheels for whisper-quiet gliding.
With a removable packing divider, and a pocket that sits under the compression packing straps to help prevent creasing and keep clothes flat, this case also offers an additional 5cm of expandable packing space.
Measuring 68x48x29.5cm it comes with a TSA-approved combination lock to keep your belongings safe.
Best large suitcases
Antler Clifton
The large size Antler suitcase comes in five colours, including green (John Lewis)The Clifton suitcase from Antler has been designed to last longer and function better with its polycarbonate construction and lightweight design.
On the inside, the case offers 132 litres of storage space spread across two deep compartments and zippered storage pockets, and the tie-down straps will help to keep your luggage in place in transit.
Measuring 80x52x35cm, this £240 hard-sided suitcase expands to offer more storage space when you need it most and the integrated TSA combination lock offers additional security on the go.
Samsonite Essens
The Samonsite Essens recycled suitcase (John Lewis)The Samsonite Essens suitcase is made from recycled yet durable materials that are lightweight and hardwearing. With two voluminous packing cubes included, you don't even have to unpack when you get there.
The deep storage compartment offers plenty of space for all your holiday items and the zippered surround ensures that everything remains neatly packed while you travel. For added convenience, Samsonite cases also feature an innovative three-point lock system, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.
Measuring 75x52x33cm, this case offers 111 litres of storage and is available from John Lewis for £209.
TRIPP Supreme
The TRIPP Supreme case in eye-catching mulberry (Amazon)The Tripp Supreme hard shell luggage collection is made out of tough polypropylene, and despite its size, it remains relatively lightweight.
Available in a pretty Mulberry colourway, it comes with lots of storage space, luggage straps, a zipper pocket and an integrated three-point locking system.
Measuring 75x53x30cm, this suitcase is a bargain at £79.50.
Best extra large suitcase
Bigger isn't always better, as larger cases can be heavy and could risk being too big to meet the hold luggage size restrictions of some airlines.
But, if you do need a really big suitcase, this one is a beauty:
FLYMAX Extra Large Super Lightweight Suitcase
The FLYMAX XL suitcase expands to offer even more space (Amazon)Made from robust but lightweight materials, the cavernous FLYMAX extra-large case offers an impressive 120 litres of storage space.
With smooth gliding wheels, a three-digit combination lock and a telescopic handle for ease of movement, this case comes with two large front pockets, internal mesh pockets and straps to keep your stuff in place on the go.
It also expands to offer an impressive additional 20% storage space for those times when you need to take a lot of different outfits with you.
Measuring 80x50x30cm, this case is also a bargain at just £59.99.
Luggage allowance 2023 for EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI and more
To make sure that your new case meets the restrictions of your chosen airline, here's a list of all the latest UK airline luggage allowance rules:
Aer Lingus
Cabin bags
- For regional flights, passengers are permitted one piece of cabin baggage with a weight limit of 7kg and maximum dimensions of 48 x 33 x 20 cm.
- For all other flights, Aer Lingus permits one piece of cabin baggage with a weight limit of 10kg and maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 24 cm.
- Passengers can also bring a smaller piece of hand luggage into the cabin, such as a laptop, with maximum dimensions of 25 x 33 x 20cm.
Hold luggage
- For flights in Europe, passengers are permitted to bring hold luggage weighing 20kg or 25kg, or two combined bags weighing no more than 40kg in total.
- For Transatlantic flights passengers on Smart and Flex fares are already entitled to bring a 23kg (50lb) bag. Additional hold luggage options include checked baggage of 20kg, 25kg and 30kg.
- Hold luggage fees start from €25 online or €27 at the airport. Excess baggage is charged at €10 per extra kilo for flights in Europe and €75 per bag for Transatlantic flights.
For more information, visit the Aer Lingus website here.
British Airways
Cabin bags
- One cabin bag measuring no more than 56x40x23cm and one personal item measuring no more than 40x30x15cm. Passengers must be able to lift them into the overhead lockers.
Hold luggage
- British Airways offers different allowances depending on fare:
- Economy Basic - cabin and handbag only
- Economy with checked bag - one 23kg bag
- Premium Economy - two 23kg bags
- Business - two 23kg bags
- First - three 23kg bags
Bags should measure no more than 90x75x43cm.
For more information, visit the British Airways website here.
EasyJet
Cabin bags
- One cabin bag measuring no more than 45x36x25 and weighing no more than 15kg.
- Passengers can book an additional large cabin bag measuring no more than 56x45x25. Prices start from £5.99
- EasyJet Plus members and passengers who have booked a FLEXI fare are also entitled to bring a large cabin bag onboard
Hold luggage
- Small hold bag or case weighing up to 15kg - prices start from £6.99
- Medium or large bag or case weighing up to 23kg - prices start from £9.49 or £40 at bag drop desk
Fees vary depending on the route selected, flight and time of booking. Excess luggage fees are charged at £12
For more information visit the easyJet website, here.
Emirates
Cabin bags
- Economy customers are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage that must not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm and must weigh no more than 7kg.
- First Class and Business Class customers are allowed two pieces of carry-on baggage: one briefcase plus either one handbag or one garment bag. The briefcase may not exceed 45 x 35 x 20cm; the handbag may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm; garment bags can be no more than 20cm thick when folded. The weight of each piece must not exceed 7kg.
Hold luggage
- Economy customers are permitted one piece up to 23kg for Special or two pieces up to 23kg for Saver, Flex and Flex Plus
- First Class and Business customers are permitted two pieces up to 32kg each
For more information visit the Emirates website, here.
Jet2
Cabin bags
- One piece of hand luggage is free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
- Passengers can also bring a small, personal item on board.
Hold luggage
- Passengers can usually bring one 22kg hold bag per person included in the cost of their holiday. Additional hold luggage up to £22kg can be purchased at £45 per item, up to a total of three items per person.
- Bags weighing between 22 and 32kg will be charged an excess baggage fee of £12 per kilogram.
For more information, visit the Jet2 website here.
Ryanair
Cabin bags
- All fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Priority and 2 Cabin Bag customers can bring a small personal bag measuring no more than 40x20x25cm, which must fit under the seat in front of you and a 10kg bag measuring no more than 55x40x20cm onboard.
Hold luggage
- A 10kg checked bag or case can be added to each booking. Prices vary between £25 and £35 per flight pre-booked or £45.99 at check-in.
- A 20kg checked bag or case can also be added to each booking. Prices vary between £50 and £59.99 per flight pre-booked or £69.99 at check-in.
Excess baggage fees are charged between £19 and £11 per kilo.
For more information, visit the Ryanair website here.
TUI Airways
Flight-only cabin bags
- One piece of hand luggage measuring no more than 55x40x20. It must weigh no more than 10kg and be able to be lifted into the overhead locker.
- One small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag must be able to fit under the seat in front.
Flight-only hold luggage
All checked luggage can be booked via the Flight Extras website. Prices vary depending on size, weight and route.
Package holidays cabin bags
- One piece of hand luggage measuring no more than 55x40x20. It must weigh no more than 10kg and be able to be lifted into the overhead locker.
- One small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag must be able to fit under the seat in front.
Package holidays hold luggage
- Passengers are entitled to a 15kg luggage allowance on most TUI package holidays. Certain types of holiday come with a bigger allowance of 20kg – this will be clearly shown on the booking if it applies.
Luggage that is heavier than the designated luggage allowance will be charged at:
- Short haul flights: £13 per kilogram.
- Mid-haul flights: £15 per kilogram.
- Long haul flights: £18 per kilogram.
For more information, visit the TUI website here.
Virgin Atlantic
Cabin bags
- All tickets include hand baggage measuring no more than 23 x 36 x 56cm as well as a small handbag or laptop bag. They must not weigh more than 10kg
Hold luggage
- All packages are entitled to one 23kg bag for free unless they are flying Economy Light. Certain routes including Delhi, Mumbai, and Lagos, have a different baggage allowance.
- Up to seven additional bags can be purchased when passengers check in online. Prices start from £50 per bag.
For more information, visit the Virgin Atlantic website here.
Vueling Airlines
Cabin bags
- All customers can take a cabin bag on board, free of charge measuring no more than 40x20x30 cm, as well as any purchases made at the airport. All cabin bags must fit under the seat in front.
- Premium and TimeFlex Fare passengers can also bring a 55x40x20cm cabin bag weighing no more than 10kg.
- Large cabin bags can be purchased in advance, with prices starting from £21.59 online or £49.49 at check-in.
Hold luggage
- Optima and Family fares include one 25 kg bag per passenger in the booking. Additional bags weighing from 15kg to 30kg bags can be added with prices ranging from €10 to €26 according to weight. Excess baggage from 25 kg will be charged at €112 per extra kg, up to a maximum of 32kg.
For more information, visit the Vueling website here.
Wizz Air
Cabin bags
- All passengers are entitled to bring on 40x30x20cm bag onboard for free. The bag must weigh less than 10kg and fit under the seat in front.
- Large cabin bags measuring no more than 55x40x23cm can be purchased with Wizz Priority.
Hold luggage
- Checked bags and cases can be booked for an additional fee
- 10kg bag or case - €5.00 – €71.50
- 20kg bag or case - €8.00 – €95.00
- 32kg bag or case - €19.00 – €125
For more information, visit the Wizz Air website here.
Passengers should be sure to check their booking information and e-ticket before they travel, to ensure that the allowances above apply to their individual fare.