Choosing the right suitcase depends on how you travel, what you pack, and airline size limits. This guide covers the main types, materials, and features to consider.
Types of Suitcases
By Size
Cabin/Carry-on: Fits in overhead bin. Usually max 56 x 45 x 25cm (check your airline). Good for short trips or avoiding checked bag fees.
Medium (checked): 60-70cm height. Suitable for 4-7 day trips.
Large (checked): 75-80cm height. For longer trips or family packing. Watch the weight – large cases can exceed airline limits when full.
By Construction
Hardside: Rigid shell (polycarbonate, ABS, or aluminium). Better protection, water-resistant, easier to clean. Can’t expand or compress to fit tight spaces.
Softside: Flexible fabric (nylon, polyester). More give when packing, often has external pockets, lighter. Less protection and not water-resistant.
By Wheels
Spinner (4 wheels): Rolls upright in any direction. Easier to manoeuvre but takes more floor space.
Roller (2 wheels): Tilts and pulls behind you. More stable on uneven ground, more compact when stored.
Materials
Polycarbonate: Lightweight, impact-resistant, premium option. Flexes rather than cracks.
ABS: Budget-friendly hard plastic. Lighter but more prone to cracking.
Aluminium: Very durable, stylish, expensive. Shows dents over time.
Nylon (Ballistic/Cordura): Durable fabric for softside cases. Resists tears and abrasion.
Polyester: Lighter and cheaper than nylon, less durable.
Features to Consider
- TSA-approved lock: Essential for US travel. Allows security to open without cutting the lock.
- Expandable zipper: Extra 5-10cm depth when needed.
- Telescopic handle: Look for sturdy, multi-stage handles.
- Internal organisation: Compression straps, dividers, mesh pockets.
- Warranty: Good brands offer multi-year or lifetime warranties.
Size Guide
| Trip Length | Suggested Size |
|---|---|
| 1-3 days | Cabin bag (35-45L) |
| 4-7 days | Medium (50-70L) |
| 1-2 weeks | Large (70-100L) |
| 2+ weeks | Large or 2 cases |
Recommended Brands
Budget: Aerolite, Flight Knight, Kono
Mid-range: American Tourister, Tripp, Samsonite
Premium: Briggs & Riley, Tumi, Away, Rimowa
Tips
- Weigh your packed case with a luggage scale before leaving
- Bright colours or distinctive tags help spot your bag on the carousel
- Register your case with the manufacturer for warranty
- Keep valuables in your carry-on, not checked luggage
Common Mistakes
Buying too large: A large suitcase tempts you to fill it, which means exceeding weight limits. Most people overpack. A medium case forces discipline and avoids overweight fees.
Ignoring weight limits: Airlines weigh bags, not measure them. A lightweight 2.5kg case gives you 20.5kg of packing space within a 23kg limit. A heavy 5kg case only gives you 18kg.
Forgetting cabin size rules: Budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air have strict cabin bag dimensions. Measure your case before buying — a case marketed as “cabin size” may exceed specific airline limits.
Skipping the warranty: Premium suitcases often include multi-year or lifetime warranties against defects. Register your case after purchase and keep the receipt — it can save you the cost of a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size suitcase do I need for a week’s holiday?
A medium case (60-70cm, 50-70L capacity) suits most week-long trips. Light packers can manage with a cabin bag. If you tend to overpack or are sharing a case, go large.
Hardside or softside suitcase?
Hardside protects fragile items better and is easier to clean. Softside gives more flexibility with packing and usually has external pockets. For checked luggage, hard cases protect against rough handling. For carry-on, soft cases can squeeze into tight overhead bins.
How long should a suitcase last?
A decent suitcase should last 5-10 years of regular use. Wheels and handles fail first. Budget cases (£30-60) typically last 2-4 years; mid-range (£80-150) last 5-8 years; premium (£200+) can last a decade or more with warranty support.
