I bought an Aerolite cabin bag specifically for Ryanair flights where every centimetre matters. The bag fit under the seat exactly as advertised, and at £25 I did not worry about it getting thrown around by baggage handlers. After two years and perhaps thirty flights, the zip finally gave up. I bought another one. For the price of a single Samsonite I have been through three Aerolite bags and none of them failed mid-trip. That is the trade-off with budget luggage: lower durability, much lower price, and I am fine with it.
Aerolite is a budget luggage brand known for lightweight suitcases designed to meet airline cabin size limits. They focus on affordable options that work with specific airline requirements – useful if you fly Ryanair, easyJet, or other carriers with strict baggage policies.
Product Range
Hard-Shell Suitcases
ABS plastic construction with spinner wheels. Available in cabin, medium, and large sizes. Lightweight but provides good protection. Most include TSA-approved locks.
Soft-Shell Suitcases
Polyester fabric construction. More flexible for squeezing into tight spaces. Often have external pockets for quick access to documents or electronics.
Cabin Backpacks
Designed to meet budget airline personal item dimensions (typically 45x36x20cm). Some models convert between backpack and trolley. The Minimax range is popular for easyJet’s cabin allowance.
Holdalls
Underseat bags for maximising cabin allowance. Durable construction with comfortable handles.
Retro 3-Piece Set
The retro-styled hard shell sets stand out from the sea of identical black suitcases, combining vintage aesthetics with modern features.
| Size | Dimensions (Body) | Weight | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin (21″) | 46 x 35 x 20cm | 2.7kg | ~32L |
| Medium (25″) | 64 x 46 x 27cm | 3.4kg | ~65L |
| Large (29″) | 73 x 51 x 30cm | 4.2kg | ~95L |
The cabin size meets most airline carry-on requirements including Ryanair (Priority), easyJet, and British Airways. Mock leather straps, riveted corners, and a vintage trunk aesthetic make these cases distinctive and easier to spot on baggage carousels.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Amazon | Widest selection, customer reviews |
| Aerolite UK (aeroliteluggage.co.uk) | Official UK store, full range |
| eBay | New and pre-owned options |
| Walmart (US) | Selected models |
Materials
ABS Plastic: Hard-shell suitcases use this lightweight, impact-resistant material. Not as premium as polycarbonate but good value.
Polyester: Soft-shell bags use durable, water-resistant polyester fabric.
Recycled materials: Some backpacks are made from recycled plastic bottles.
What Reviewers Say
Positives:
- Lightweight construction
- Good value for money
- Sized accurately for airline limits
- Smooth-rolling wheels
Negatives:
- ABS can crack under heavy impact
- Some backpacks don’t stand upright unsupported
- Budget zippers may wear over time
Warranty and Returns
Aerolite offers 5-10 year warranties depending on the product. Returns accepted within 30 days if unused and in original packaging.
UK Support: [email protected] or +44 208 051 3000
Compared to Alternatives
| Brand | Style | Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerolite | Retro/Modern | ABS | £25-150 |
| Tripp | Modern | ABS/Polycarbonate | £30-120 (per case) |
| Samsonite | Various | Polycarbonate | £150-400+ (per case) |
For similar money, Tripp offers more durable construction in less distinctive styling. Samsonite costs significantly more but delivers genuine quality. Aerolite’s value proposition is budget price plus distinctive looks.
Is Aerolite Worth It?
Aerolite fills a gap for budget-conscious travellers who need luggage that meets airline size requirements. They’re not competing with Samsonite or Briggs & Riley on durability or premium features, but for occasional travel or as a backup case, they offer reasonable quality at low prices.
If you fly budget airlines frequently, the “Shop by Airlines” feature on their UK site helps find cases sized exactly for your carrier’s limits.
