I have dragged suitcases through airports on five continents and learned the hard way what matters and what doesn’t. A broken wheel at Bangkok airport. A zip failure in a Lima taxi. A cabin bag rejected at a Ryanair gate because it was 2cm too tall. Each disaster taught me something about what makes good travel luggage.
After testing dozens of suitcases, bags, and sets over the past several years, these are the ones I actually recommend — and a few I’d avoid. Every pick has been used on real trips, not just unboxed for a photo.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: American Tourister Bon Air — Tough, lightweight, well-priced. The one I reach for most.
- Best Budget: Aerolite Luggage — Does the job at half the price. Good enough for most travellers.
- Best Cabin Bag: Flight Knight Lightweight — Approved for 100+ airlines. No gate-check roulette.
- Best Set: DK Luggage 3-Piece — Cabin, medium, and large for under £100.
- Best Travel Backpack: Cabin Max Metz — Fits the strictest budget airline limits (40x20x25cm).
Comparison Table
| Suitcase | Best For | Type | Price Range | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Tourister Bon Air | Best overall | Hard shell | ££ | 4.5/5 |
| Flight Knight Premium | Frequent flyers | Hard shell | ££ | 4/5 |
| Flight Knight Lightweight | Cabin luggage | Hard shell | £ | 4/5 |
| Aerolite Luggage | Budget pick | Hard shell | £ | 4/5 |
| Kono Fashion Trolley | Budget cabin | Hard shell | £ | 3.5/5 |
| DK Luggage Set | Best set | Hard shell | ££ | 4/5 |
| Snug 3-Piece Set | Budget set | Hard shell | £ | 3.5/5 |
| Tripp | Mid-range brand | Hard/Soft | ££ | 4/5 |
| Cabin Max Metz | Budget airline cabin | Backpack | £ | 4/5 |
| Nomatic Travel Bag | Organised packing | Travel pack | £££ | 3.5/5 |
Individual Reviews
#1 American Tourister Bon Air Spinner — Best Overall
The Bon Air is the suitcase I recommend more than any other. It’s made by the same company that owns Samsonite, using polypropylene that absorbs impacts rather than cracking. The four spinner wheels roll smoothly in all directions, the TSA-accepted lock is built in, and it weighs just 2.5kg for the cabin size.
I’ve taken mine on over 20 flights and it still looks almost new. The shell flexes under pressure rather than denting, and the zip has never jammed. It’s not the cheapest option, but the durability means you won’t be replacing it after two trips.
Key specs: Polypropylene shell, 4 spinner wheels, TSA lock, 2.5kg (cabin)
Pros:
- Excellent build quality from a trusted brand
- Lightweight for its size
- Handles airport baggage systems well
Cons:
- Interior packing straps could be better
- Limited colour options on some sizes
- Not the cheapest cabin bag
See our full American Tourister Bon Air review for details.
#2 Flight Knight Premium Lightweight — Best for Frequent Flyers
The Flight Knight Premium stands out for one feature most suitcases lack: a built-in USB charging port. Plug in a power bank inside the case and charge your phone from the exterior port while waiting at the gate. Practical, and saves digging through your bag.
Beyond the USB trick, it’s a solid mid-range suitcase. ABS hard shell, 8 spinner wheels, TSA lock, and a weight of 2.7kg for the cabin size. Flight Knight design their cases to meet specific airline size limits, which removes the will-it-fit anxiety at check-in.
Key specs: ABS shell, 8 spinner wheels, TSA lock, USB port, 2.7kg (cabin)
Pros:
- USB charging port is genuinely useful
- Designed to meet airline size limits
- 8 smooth-rolling wheels
Cons:
- ABS is less durable than polypropylene long-term
- USB port requires your own power bank
- Handle feels slightly flimsy at full extension
See our full Flight Knight Premium review for details.
#3 Aerolite Luggage — Best Budget Pick
If you want a hard shell cabin suitcase for under £40, Aerolite is the answer. They’ve built a business on one simple proposition: lightweight suitcases that meet airline size limits at prices most brands can’t match. No USB ports, no fancy features — just a functional suitcase that does what you need.
The trade-off is durability. ABS plastic at this price point won’t survive years of heavy use. But for occasional travellers or anyone who doesn’t want to invest heavily in luggage, Aerolite delivers surprising value.
Key specs: ABS shell, 4 spinner wheels, combination lock, 2.4kg (cabin)
Pros:
- Hard to beat on price
- Lightweight — leaves more weight for packing
- Designed to airline cabin specs
Cons:
- ABS shell will show wear faster
- Internal organisation is basic
- Zip quality is adequate, not premium
See our full Aerolite Luggage review for details.
#4 Flight Knight Lightweight 4-Wheel — Best Cabin Luggage
This is the suitcase to buy if you’re tired of gate-check arguments. Flight Knight specifically designs to meet the cabin size limits of over 100 airlines and prints the compatibility list on the packaging. Ryanair, easyJet, BA, Emirates — it fits.
At the budget end of the market, the Flight Knight Lightweight does everything competently. The 4-wheel design manoeuvres easily in tight aeroplane aisles, the adjustable handle extends to three heights, and the internal pockets keep things organised.
Key specs: ABS shell, 4 spinner wheels, 3-digit combination lock, 2.6kg
Pros:
- Verified to fit 100+ airlines
- Good internal organisation with pockets
- Adjustable telescoping handle
Cons:
- Only available in cabin size
- ABS isn’t the toughest material
- Wheels could be smoother
See our full Flight Knight Lightweight review for details.
#5 DK Luggage 3-Piece Set — Best Suitcase Set
Buying a matching set makes sense if you travel with different bag sizes — cabin for weekends, medium for a week, large for extended trips. The DK set gives you all three in polypropylene (the good plastic) with spinner wheels and combination locks, for roughly the price of one premium cabin bag.
The polypropylene construction at this price is the standout. Most budget sets use ABS; DK uses the material found in suitcases costing twice as much. The trade-off is slightly heavier weight, but the durability improvement is worth it.
Key specs: 3-piece polypropylene, spinner wheels, combination locks
Pros:
- Polypropylene construction (unusual at this price)
- Three sizes cover all trip types
- Matching set looks smart
Cons:
- Heavier than ABS alternatives
- Internal organisation is basic
- Colour options limited
See our full DK Luggage Set review for details.
#6 Tripp Suitcases — Best Mid-Range Brand
Tripp has been making luggage in the UK for over 30 years and sits in the sweet spot between budget and premium. Their Holiday 8 and Escape ranges offer the build quality of more expensive brands at sensible prices. Available in hard shell and soft options across multiple sizes.
What separates Tripp from budget brands is consistency. The wheels are smoother, the handles more rigid, the zips more reliable. You’re paying for a suitcase that will last five to ten years of regular use rather than two to three.
Key specs: ABS/polycarbonate shell, 8 spinner wheels, TSA lock (select models)
Pros:
- Established UK brand with good reputation
- Wide range of sizes, colours, and styles
- Good balance of quality and price
Cons:
- Costs more than pure budget options
- Not widely available outside the UK
- Some models lack TSA locks
See our full Tripp Suitcases review for details.
#7 Kono Fashion Cabin Trolley — Budget Cabin Alternative
The Kono Fashion trolley targets budget-conscious travellers who want a cabin bag that looks more expensive than it is. Available in a range of colours, the ABS shell with diamond texture hides scuffs better than plain finishes.
At this price, expectations should be calibrated. The wheels work, the lock works, the handle extends — but none of these will match a suitcase at twice the cost. For occasional city breaks, it’s fine. For frequent travel, spend more.
Key specs: ABS shell, 4 spinner wheels, combination lock, 2-year guarantee
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Good colour range
- 2-year manufacturer guarantee
Cons:
- ABS will dent under pressure
- Wheels aren’t the smoothest
- Limited to cabin size
See our full Kono Fashion Trolley review for details.
#8 Snug 3-Piece Set — Budget Set Option
If the DK set is out of budget, the Snug 3-piece offers a similar concept at a lower price. Three sizes, ABS hard shells, spinner wheels, and TSA locks. The quality is a step below the DK set (ABS vs polypropylene), but for the price difference, some travellers will happily accept that trade.
The Snug set is the kind of luggage you buy when you need something functional without worrying about it. Family holiday? Checked bags that might get thrown around? This is the pragmatic choice.
Key specs: 3-piece ABS, spinner wheels, TSA locks
Pros:
- Very affordable for a 3-piece set
- TSA locks on all pieces
- Covers cabin to large sizes
Cons:
- ABS won’t last as long as polypropylene
- Heavier than individual budget cases
- Interior dividers are basic
See our full Snug Set review for details.
#9 Cabin Max Metz Backpack — Best for Budget Airlines
Not a suitcase — a backpack designed specifically for the strictest budget airline cabin limits. At 40x20x25cm, the Cabin Max Metz fits under the seat on Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet without paying for priority boarding. If you’re flying hand-luggage-only to save money, this is the bag that makes it work.
20 litres sounds small, and it is. Pack light — a weekend’s worth of clothes, toiletries, and your phone charger. Roll your clothes. Leave the “just in case” items behind. The constraint forces good packing habits.
Key specs: 20L, 40x20x25cm, polyester, padded shoulder straps
Pros:
- Fits the strictest budget airline limits
- Saves priority boarding fees (£6-12 per flight)
- Comfortable as a day bag at your destination
Cons:
- Only 20 litres — pack light
- No rigid structure means less protection
- Not suitable for trips longer than a weekend
See our full Cabin Max Metz review for details.
#10 Nomatic Travel Bag — Best for Organisation
The Nomatic is for travellers who want every item to have a designated pocket. Shoe compartment, laptop sleeve, toiletry pocket, laundry bag — everything is separated and accessible. It converts between backpack and duffel carry modes.
It’s overbuilt for what most people need, and the price reflects that. But if you travel frequently for work and need to arrive with a pressed shirt and accessible laptop, the organisation system is genuinely useful. Not for everyone — but for its target audience, nothing else compares.
Key specs: 40L, multiple compartments, backpack/duffel conversion, water-resistant
Pros:
- Exceptional organisation system
- Dual carry modes (backpack and duffel)
- Water-resistant materials
Cons:
- Expensive for a bag
- Heavy when fully loaded
- Too structured for casual travellers
See our full Nomatic Travel Bag review for details.
How We Chose These
Every suitcase on this list has been used on actual trips — airports, trains, cobblestones, overhead lockers. We assessed:
- Durability: How does it hold up after multiple trips? Wheels, zips, handles, and shell integrity.
- Weight: Every gram counts when airlines impose limits. Lighter is better.
- Airline compatibility: Does it actually fit? We checked against published limits for major UK and European airlines.
- Value: Price relative to build quality and expected lifespan. A £40 case that lasts 3 years beats a £30 case that lasts 1 year.
- Practical features: TSA locks, wheel quality, handle rigidity, internal organisation.
We deliberately excluded suitcases we haven’t used. Marketing claims and spec sheets don’t tell you how a case handles a conveyor belt at Heathrow.
How to Choose the Right Luggage
Hard Shell vs Soft Shell
Hard shell (ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene) protects fragile contents, cleans easily, and resists water. Heavier, can crack under extreme pressure, and won’t expand.
Soft shell (nylon, polyester) is lighter, can squeeze into tight spaces, often has external pockets, and some expand. Less protection for contents, harder to clean, and absorbs water.
Our take: Hard shell for checked luggage (baggage handler protection). Soft shell or backpack for cabin bags (flexibility in overhead bins).
Materials Ranked
- Polypropylene — Best durability, absorbs impacts, mid-weight
- Polycarbonate — Lightweight, flexes under pressure, scratches easily
- ABS — Cheapest, adequate for light use, cracks under heavy impact
Sizes You Actually Need
- Cabin (55x40x20cm): Weekend breaks and hand-luggage-only flights
- Medium (65-70cm): One week holidays — the most versatile size
- Large (75-80cm): Two weeks or family trips. Careful with weight limits.
Wheels: 2 vs 4
Four-wheel spinners roll in all directions and stand upright. Two-wheel rollers are more durable and handle rough surfaces better. For airports and smooth surfaces, four wheels. For cobblestones and gravel, two wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size suitcase can I take on a plane as hand luggage?
Most airlines allow cabin bags up to 55x40x20cm (including wheels and handles). Budget airlines like Ryanair have stricter limits for non-priority passengers (40x20x25cm). Always check your specific airline’s current policy before travelling — they change frequently.
Is ABS or polycarbonate better for a suitcase?
Polycarbonate is generally better — it’s lighter and more flexible under pressure. ABS is cheaper and adequate for occasional use. Polypropylene is the best option if available, combining durability with reasonable weight. For checked luggage that will be thrown around, invest in polycarbonate or polypropylene.
How heavy should an empty suitcase be?
A good cabin bag weighs 2-3kg empty. A medium case should be 3-4kg, and a large case 4-5kg. Anything heavier eats into your airline weight allowance. Budget cases are sometimes heavier despite costing less — check the empty weight before buying.
Should I buy a suitcase set or individual pieces?
Sets save money if you’ll use all the sizes. Buy a set if you travel with different bags for different trip types (weekend, week, two weeks) or if you’re equipping a family. Buy individual pieces if you only need one size or prefer different brands for different uses.
What’s the best suitcase brand for the money?
American Tourister offers the best overall value — better build quality than pure budget brands at prices below premium names like Samsonite and Rimowa. Tripp is an excellent UK-based mid-range option. For budget buyers, Aerolite and Flight Knight do the job.
Do I need a TSA lock on my suitcase?
If you’re flying to or through the United States, yes. TSA agents can open TSA-approved locks with a master key; non-TSA locks may be cut off during security screening. For other destinations, any combination lock is fine.
The Bottom Line
For most travellers, the American Tourister Bon Air is the suitcase to buy. It balances build quality, weight, and price better than anything else I’ve tested.
On a tighter budget, the Aerolite does the essentials at half the price. And if you need a full set, the DK Luggage 3-Piece offers polypropylene quality at ABS prices.
All Luggage Reviews
Individual Suitcase Reviews
- American Tourister Bon Air Spinner — Best overall
- Flight Knight Premium Lightweight — USB charging
- Flight Knight Lightweight 4-Wheel — Cabin focused
- Aerolite Luggage — Budget pick
- Kono Fashion Trolley — Budget cabin
- Tripp Suitcases — Mid-range UK brand
Suitcase Set Reviews
- DK Luggage 3-Piece Set — Best set
- Snug 3-Piece Set — Budget set
- Aerolite Luggage Set — Retro style set
- VonHaus Suitcase Set — Distinctive colours
- Monzana 4-Piece Set — Family set
Travel Bags
- Cabin Max Metz Backpack — Budget airline cabin
- Nomatic Travel Bag — Organised packing
- Best Duffel Bags — Duffel bag roundup
Buying Guides
- How to Choose Luggage — Complete buying guide
- Suitcase Buying Guide — Types and features
- Luggage Sets Guide — Set buying advice
- Luggage & Suitcase Sets — When sets make sense
Related
- Luggage Scales — Avoid overweight fees
- Packing Lists — What to pack
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
