Whether you are a seasonal mini-break lover or a frequent jet-setter, the perfect carry-on cabin cases can make a significant difference to your travel experience, which we all know starts long before setting foot on a plane. Few things are more tedious when travelling than a cumbersome bag that requires an airport trolley or a rolling case with an annoying wonky wheel. A good quality carry-on will not only hold all your necessities with aplomb but, at the risk of sounding just a little bit shallow, it is a single item that can also enhance your whole look, rather like a cool pair of sunglasses or a chic handbag. But let’s get back to practicalities: for short getaways in particular, the right cabin piece is a no-brainer. With these trips, every minute is precious and no one wants to waste time waiting for a checked-in case to find its way onto the conveyor belt when the beach is beckoning.
There are a few considerations when choosing carry-on cabin cases, even when you take away the most obvious, the price. While there is no standard size for carry-on luggage and it is important to check with each airline, you are generally likely to be safe with anything up to 56cm x 36cm x 23cm. It is usually recommended that cabin luggage is no heavier than 10kg so if you are an enthusiastic packer, a lightweight case may be the best option. That could mean a soft shell case in this instance however a hard shell will provide more protection, is easier to keep clean and generally comes with more color options.
Thankfully there is a plethora of carry-on cabin cases to choose from to suit every style and budget. Here is our edit of the best seven which tick functionality and style…
Rimowa Original Cabin Suitcase
Owned by French luxury house LVMH, the stable of Louis Vuitton, Rimowa is unsurprisingly the darling of the fashion pack. The aluminium cases were launched in 1937, the first of their kind, and with their instantly recognizable grooves they are now widely regarded as one of the most iconic luggage designs of all time. The impressively robust, four-wheel Original Cabin has compression straps which help maximize the number of items that can be packed, and snap-down locks which give a retro feel. Yes, it’s not light on the bank balance but it’s a timeless classic and the makers are so confident of its durability they offer a lifetime guarantee. rimowa.com
Antler Clifton Cabin
This polycarbonate case is strong, yet light and easy to manoeuver, thanks to the handle’s clever twisting mechanism which allows for a more comfortable grip. Available in ten colourways in on-trend hues from coral to purple, the suitcase is hand-finished and once open, it has a compression strap on one side and a zippable compartment, complete with storage pockets, on the other. It also has a TSA lock which is recommended when traveling to and around the US as it allows airport personnel to open, inspect and relock the case without any damage. The case comes in an expandable version as well as a standard one, but note it is only cabin-friendly in the latter form. antler.com
Away Original Carry-On
If Rimowa is a fashionista favourite, then Away is definitely at home with the celebrity pack, with stars from Margot Robbie to Harry Styles having been spotted with various versions. So what is the big lure? Well apart from the sturdy, lightweight shell, its 360-degree spinner wheels mean that it glides effortlessly, so navigating it through airports is an absolute breeze. Inside there are compression and zipper compartments which can fit an impressive number of belongings and it has a hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothes separate. With its good looks to boot, this case more than lives up to its hype. awaytravel.com
Brics Bellagio Rolling Carry-On
For a case that instantly oozes luxury, look no further than the Italian-made Brics Bellagio Rolling Carry-On. The polycarbonate shell is complemented by vegetable-dyed leather accents with contrasting stitching which also cover the corners, helping to protect from scratches while on the go. As well as a retractable handle, the case also has a leather strap grip for easy pick-up alongside a front pocket and a USB adaptor for charging devices. The four double swivelling wheels are made to high Japanese standards and movement is satisfyingly quiet, thanks to their rubber coating. brics.it
Samsonite Upscale Expandable
Samsonite’s Upscale Expandable is certainly proof of the brand’s continuing reinvention and its refusal to be jostled out of the way by newer kids on the block. While the exterior of the case is made from polypropylene, the interior was created from recycled plastic bottles and it has a removable machine-washable lining. The shock-absorbing four wheels make light work of pulling it on rougher terrain than airport lounges and it also has two considered integrations - a USB port and an ID tag which makes the case easier to spot. The expandability is useful for heavier packing and may need to be checked in while in that mode. Oh, and the case has a five-year global warranty. samsonite.co.uk
July Carry-On
July, a relatively new luggage brand founded in Melbourne, Australia, has been causing a stir and it is easy to see why. The Carry On’s shell has custom-constructed anodised aluminium bumpers to protect it from damage and it comes in a range of different colours. Special features include a cleverly designed ejectable battery, discreetly hidden under the handle, which allows for charging up to three devices on the go and uniquely designed wheels which promise little noise. Inside, a special compression system allows for more space in the case and there is a hidden water and smell-resistant laundry bag for used clothes. And if all this wasn’t enough, it also comes with a lifetime guarantee. july.com
Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus
Paravel’s eco credentials are hard to quibble with: it uses recycled materials in all of its products and it created what it describes as the first carbon-neutral suitcase – the Aviator – by off-setting its carbon footprint, from production to shipping. But how good is it? Well, pretty good, actually. Double spinner wheels with carbon steel bearings assure smooth movement and the textured finish not only provides visual interest but helps hide any scuffs. Inside the case, you’ll find an interior compression board – helping to fit four to seven days worth of clothes – smart pockets and a removable laundry bag. tourparavel.com
