Samsonite

As one of the top performing brands, Samsonite stands out from the rest thanks to the practical features they offer travellers, as well as their durability. Their hardside suitcases, like the S’Cure and Freeform series, receive top reviews from consumers due to their solid construction and organizational compartments. Samsonite owes a lot of its success to their materials like Curv which offers exceptional strength while remaining lightweight. Their four-wheel spinner systems are smooth and reliable, while their TSA-approved locks provide security without compromising accessibility. While not the cheapest option, Samsonite’s prices have remained stable while maintaining their quality standards.

Briggs & Riley
Even with their high price tag, Briggs & Riley has built a strong reputation among frequent travelers. What really allows this brand to stand out among travellers is their lifetime warranty. With the Briggs & Riley lifetime warranty, all repairs, even damage done by airlines, is covered.  Their CX expansion-compression technology allows bags to expand for packing and compress back to cabin-approved sizes. Even with all of these great features, this luggage is a popular choice among travellers because of how practical and durable they are. Their Baseline collection receives rave reviews for its sophisticated design and practical features like the outsider handle system, which creates a flat packing surface inside the bag.

Antler
For travellers wanting quality luggage at a more affordable price, they don’t need to look any further than the British heritage brand Antler. The Icon Stripe series is one of their best sellers due to its durability and practical features, including water resistance and comfortable handling. The brand’s commitment to designing the best luggage is evident in their use of lightweight yet durable materials like polycarbonate. Plus, they pay attention to the small details that makes travelling easier – integrated USB ports and removable laundry bags. The brand offers a lifetime warranty on their products, adding value to the investment.

Osprey
While mainly known for backpacks, Osprey with an 86% satisfaction rate is making a name for themselves in the luggage industry. Their products are favoured among travellers for their features like waterproof covers and ventilated back panels. The Farpoint and Fairview series are especially popular for their versatility and comfort. Averaging £109 Osprey is more expensive than other brands, but they offer excellent value for those preferring backpack-style carry-ons. Their expertly designed suspension systems and ergonomic designs are perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort and functionality.

Eastpak
Earning stellar reviews for durability, Eastpak’s cabin bags are extremely long-lasting, with some users reporting 15+ years of use. Their products receive perfect scores for wheel, zip, and handle durability, but some travellers say that their wheeled cases topple over when full. One of their more popular lines is the Tranverz series with its soft-sided design and impressive 30-year warranty. Eastpak luggage features water-resistant coatings and reinforced construction in high-stress areas.

Cabin Luggage Size Requirements

With UK airlines the most common cabin luggage size is approximately 55 x 40 x 20 cm. British Airways offers one of the most generous allowances at 56 x 45 x 25 cm with a weight limit of 23kg. Ryanair allows a small personal bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm) free of charge – priority customers can bring an additional 55 x 40 x 20 cm bag. EasyJet allows all travellers one cabin bag of 45 x 36 x 20 cm that must fit under the seat in front of you, with larger bags requiring additional fees.

Permitted Items and Restrictions

Before packing your cabin bags it’s important to know what’s allowed in them. Items you can bring with you in your cabin bag include electronics, books, magazines, small umbrellas, cameras, solid food items, and prescription medications. All liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag of up to 20 x 20cm. Electronic devices must be charged and functional. Baby food and milk are allowed in reasonable amounts – think about the length of your trip. Special arrangements can be made for medical supplies, but documentation is often required.

Choosing the Right Cabin Bag

Weight Considerations
The bag’s empty weight must be considered, as it affects how much you can pack while staying within the airline’s weight limits. Lighter bags allow you to pack more while your heavier bags require some careful planning on what to pack to ensure you don’t go over the limit. Materials like polycarbonate and aluminum-magnesium alloys offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios.

Durability Features

• Reinforced corners with metal protectors
• Quality wheels – preferably four-wheel spinner system
• Water-resistant materials
• Sealed seams
• Sturdy telescopic handles with different height settings
• YKK zippers or equivalent quality
• Impact-resistant shells for hard cases

Internal Organization

• Compression straps to secure contents
• Different sized internal pockets for small items
• Laptop compartments with padding
• Separate compartments for dirty laundry
• Quick-access external pockets for travel documents
• Removable organizers

Price and Feature Comparison

Brand Level	Price Range	Notable Features
Premium	£200+	Lifetime warranties, premium materials, innovative features
Mid-range	£100-200	Good durability, quality materials, standard warranties
Budget	Under £100	Basic features, shorter lifespan, limited warranties

Airline Compatibility

Always think about the airlines you fly with the most when choosing your cabin luggage. British Airways and EasyJet have different size requirements, with BA being more generous at 56 x 45 x 25 cm compared to EasyJet’s 45 x 36 x 20 cm for under-seat bags. Budget airlines often have stricter requirements for size and weight, they  also might charge additional fees for larger cabin bags.

If you plan to fly with multiple airlines your best choice is to find a cabin bag that fits the stricter requirements of the budget airlines. This ensures your bag will be accepted across different airlines without any additional fees or complications.

For people who travel a lot having two options – a smaller under-seat bag and a larger cabin bag – provides the most flexibility. The two bag approach allows you to adapt to various airline policies while maintaining efficient packing options for different types of trips.