Tested by A good suitcase can last years or even decades, so it’s important to choose one that will serve you well, whether you’re jetting off to a faraway destination or road-tripping to your favourite British seaside spot.
Ideally, your luggage should improve your travel experience, fitting in everything you need without becoming too heavy or difficult to manoeuvre. And of course, it should be sturdy enough that you can trust it will protect your possessions.
To take the mystery out of luggage shopping, the Good Housekeeping Institute has tried and tested a huge range of suitcases from leading brands. We've pulled together this thorough guide detailing everything you need to know about buying your next case.
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What should I look for when buying a suitcase?
The type of luggage you’ll need depends on the way you travel. There are endless colours and styles to choose from, but it’s a smart idea to consider the practicalities before splashing your cash.
Weight
Full-size cases: The weight limit for checked luggage varies between airlines. Check that your suitcase isn’t too heavy before setting off, as excess baggage fees are famously extortionate. Frequent flyers may find it helpful to invest in some luggage scales.
Bear in mind that the lighter your suitcase when empty, the more holiday outfits you can pack. It will also be easier to lift and manoeuvre. The best full-size suitcases we tested weighed as little as 3.1kg when empty, with bulkier options coming in at a hefty 5.9kg.
Cabin cases: Note that some airlines have weight restrictions in place for hand luggage, too. If you don’t want to sacrifice books, gifts and souvenirs, choose a lightweight cabin case or fly with an airline that has more relaxed guidelines.
Size
Full-size cases: When looking for a bigger case, consider where you will store it when not in use, and how its size will impact your travel. If you’re planning to travel to the airport by car, how easily will the suitcase fit in the boot? Will it be easy to lug through crowds? What about the luggage rack on the airport bus; could you hoick it up onto the top rung?
Cabin cases: Just because a suitcase calls itself ‘cabin-size’, that doesn’t mean it will fit in the cabin on your plane. Make sure to check any size restrictions before you travel; you will find a breakdown of each airline's size requirements below.
Personal items: Even handbags and backpacks that go underneath the seat in front of you have size restrictions now, so you also need to make sure these aren't too big. We've added the requirements to our list below, as these are often the only free items of luggage you're allowed to take on board.
Security
A padlock is essential wherever you travel, but one with a Transport Security Administration (TSA) function is highly recommended for travellers to the USA.
These locks feature the red TSA logo and have a universal master key. Only the TSA has a copy of this key, which allows American airline security staff to open your suitcase and examine its contents without causing damage. If they can’t open your lock, they have the right to destroy it to gain access during random checks.
Handles
Suitcases with handles on the top and side are particularly practical. These extra handles, in addition to the towing handle, make lifting your suitcase on and off check-in scales, luggage racks and baggage carousels much easier.
Most top handles are telescopic and can be extended into multiple positions for optimum user comfort. They are also retractable for pushing down when not in use.
Wheels
Most suitcases are four-wheelers, sometimes referred to as spinners, meaning you don't have to tilt your case before towing and it can be wheeled alongside you. Suitcases with two wheels tend to have slightly bigger wheels and can be easier to pull up and over kerbs, but spinners win for versatility.
Storage
Internal pockets can be found inside most hard shell and soft-sided suitcases, from small integrated pockets and larger pouched compartments that can fit a laptop, to removable laundry bags and garment sections that help keep suit jackets from creasing. External pockets for stowing easy-access items are usually only found in soft-sided suitcases.
Expandability
Many suitcases feature an expandable panel, which can be unzipped for at least 10% extra packing space. Some of the top-scoring cabin cases and full-size suitcases in our roundups are expandable, and well worth considering if you can’t resist those last-minute gifts and souvenirs.
The Good Housekeeping Institute's top suitcases
For longer trips, a full-size suitcase is a must. Most have ample room for two weeks’ worth of clothes and may also prove roomy enough to pack for two. But not all large suitcases are alike, with lots of variables including weight, pocket designs and shell construction.
Here are the best suitcases we’ve tried and tested at the Good Housekeeping Institute:
Pros
- Lightweight design at 3.2kg
- Wheels glide easily on all surfaces
- Water-repellent zips and plenty of compartments
Cons
- May scuff or dent, if bashed around
Score: 89/100
Pros
- Spacious, with three interior pockets
- Three TSA-approved locks for extra security
- Smooth on two or four wheels, on different surfaces
Cons
- Some minor damage observed after our drop test
Score: 87/100
Pros
- Lifetime guarantee
- Comes in a range of stylish colours
- Comes with laundry bag, leather tag and scuff sponge
Cons
- Wheels lagged a bit on carpet and cobbles
Score: 85/100
Pros
- Impressively watertight
- Locking aluminium frame, TSA-approved
- Internal dividers make packing effortless
Cons
- Metal frame takes up space
Score: 84/100
Pros
- Very large capacity (144 litres)
- Wheels glide smoothly
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Sustained some scratches and chips in our drop tests
Score: 83/100
The Good Housekeeping Institute's top cabin bags
If you’re a long-weekend type of traveller, or you prefer to pack light regardless of the length of your stay, a great cabin bag lets you keep all your belongings close to hand (and skip baggage reclaim).
Here are our best cabin bags for ease of use, durability, and design:
Pros
- Withstood our durability tests
- Lifetime guarantee
- Ejectable battery to charge phones
Cons
- On the heavier side for a cabin bag
Score: 89/100
Pros
- Wheels very smoothly
- Sturdy exterior
- Organised interior with lots of pockets
Cons
- Might be a little oversized for some airlines
Score: 88/100
Pros
- Expandable zips to fit more souvenirs (but may have to be checked in)
- Durable, watertight design
- Comes with washbag, leather tag and scuff sponge
Cons
- On the heavy side
Score: 88/100
Pros
- Available in a fun selection of colours
- Durable shell
- Ample room and plenty of pockets
Cons
- Can let in a small amount of water around the zip area
Score: 87/100
Pros
- Excellent value
- Array of useful pockets and compartments
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not as durable as some others
Score: 83/100
What size suitcase do I need?
Many airlines have different size and weight restrictions, which can make investing in a new cabin bag tricky. If you’re a frequent flyer, consider buying hand luggage that adheres to the specific requirements of the airline you use the most.
If the airline you fly with tends to vary, however, choose a cabin bag that meets stricter requirements. This will give you more flexibility when it comes to booking and packing.
Note, some budget airlines (such as Ryanair and easyJet) now charge for anything more than a small under-seat bag. Other airlines have also tightened their cabin bag size restrictions – so make sure to check before you fly. Buying luggage allowance tends to be cheaper when done in advance.
Hand luggage restrictions
Here’s our up-to-date guide to the different cabin baggage requirements of the major airlines (for basic/economy class). Always check your booking confirmation and the airline’s website before travel, as policies can change.
Aer Lingus
Size limit: 55 x 40 x 24 cm
Weight limit: 10kg
Carry-on included: No, charges apply
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (no charge)
Aer Lingus Regional
Size limit: 48 x 33 x 20 cm
Weight limit: 7kg
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
American Airlines
Size limit: 56 x 36 x 23 cm
Weight limit: None specified
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: 45 x 35 x 20 cm
British Airways
Size limit: 56 x 45 x 25 cm
Weight limit: None specified
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
EasyJet
Size limit: 56 x 45 x 25 cm
Weight limit: 15kg
Carry-on included: No, charges apply
Personal item: 45 x 36 x 20 cm, up to 15kg (no charge)
Emirates
Size limit: 55 x 38 x 22 cm
Weight limit: 7kg economy, 10kg premium economy
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: Rules vary by route and fare
Etihad Airways
Size limit: 56 x 36 x 23 cm
Weight limit: 7kg
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: None allowed for economy
Jet2
Size limit: 56 x 45 x 25 cm
Weight limit: 10kg
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
KLM
Size limit: 55 x 35 x 25 cm
Weight limit: 12kg (this is a combined weight that includes your personal item)
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
Loganair
Size limit: 40 x 35 x 18 cm
Weight limit: 6kg
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: Carry-on item must either go in overhead locker OR under your seat
* Loganair flyers also get an additional 15kg allowance of hold luggage per person.
Lufthansa
Size limit: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight limit: 8kg
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 15 cm
Ryanair
Size limit: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight limit: 10kg
Carry-on included: No, charges apply
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm (no charge)
TUI Airways
Size limit: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
Weight limit: 10kg
Carry-on included: Yes
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
* Package holidays flying with TUI Airways also get an additional 20kg allowance of hold luggage per person.
Virgin
Size limit: 90 x 75 x 43 cm
Weight limit: 23kg
Carry-on included: Included for Economy Classic and Delight; charges apply for Economy Light
Personal item: Allowed, but no dimensions specified
Wizz Air
Size limit: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
Weight limit: 10kg
Carry-on included: No, charges apply
Personal item: 40 x 30 x 20 cm, up to 10kg (no charge)
Should I buy hard or soft luggage?
Hard shell
Often considered the most durable type of luggage, a hard shell suitcase has a rigid exterior that is usually made from moulded polypropylene, polycarbonate or ABS plastic, with some using aluminium. They’re less flexible than soft-sided suitcases, making them a better option for protecting delicate items. The shells are water-resistant, but water may still seep through the zipper.
Hard shell suitcases can better withstand the rough handling that checked luggage suffers. The latest models are lightweight with plenty of give, and many have an internal divider for packing your belongings into two halves. They don’t have external pockets, but there are usually a couple inside.
Soft-sided
Made of polyester, nylon or a mix of both, soft-sided suitcases usually feature expandable sides for extra packing space. They tend to be less water-resistant than hard shell suitcases, but most have waterproof PVC linings for travelling in light rain.
Soft-sided suitcases usually boast a range of internal and external pockets, making them a good choice for organised travellers. External pockets generally don’t come with their own padlocks, though, so hide valuables elsewhere.
How we test suitcases
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, every suitcase is put through a series of rigorous tests to see how they perform in real-life scenarios. We weigh them when empty to make sure they're not too heavy before packing. We pack enough belongings for a long weekend in cabin cases and a fortnight’s worth in full-size suitcases, noting how well they fit and securely hold everything in place. We make use of any internal or external pockets, packing straps and dividers.
Once packed, we test each suitcase’s manoeuvrability across a variety of common terrains – including tarmac, concrete, carpet and cobbles – to check how stable they are in motion and how easy they are to pull. We take durability of the wheels, casing and corners into consideration, and test any water-resistance claims. Overall ease of use, design and clarity of instructions are also reviewed.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
