THE sun is shining so of course our thoughts turn to holidays: two weeks of lazing on the sand, refreshing dips in the pool and relaxing away from work.
Now’s the time to be thinking about new cases if your old luggage has seen better days, as the best suitcases will help ensure your trip goes swimmingly. And there’s so much choice – hard-shell or soft, expandable or not, and so many colours!
You’re no longer limited to sensible black, navy or silver; why not indulge yourself with sunshine yellow, blue the colour of an azure sea or bright pink? There’s also a practical reason for going with stand-out hues – you’ll be able to spot your case immediately on the luggage carousel at arrivals, giving you a head start on getting through security and on with the serious business of chilling.
The length of your trip will decide the size of the case you use (that and the airline cost for hold luggage) but a medium-size suitcase should be more than enough for two weeks away. That said, it’s amazing how much you can fit into a cabin case or holdall, especially when packing lightweight summer clothes, so that may be all you need.
Longer trips require larger luggage, but at the end of the day the size you choose comes down to how feasible it is to move your case when it’s fully loaded – and if you have to carry it at all. Go for spinner wheels that move in every direction, retractable handles and padded grab handles to make sure travelling is as effortless and comfortable as it can be.
How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetime
When it comes to security, a TSA lock gives peace of mind and when it comes to packing, internal dividers and pockets help keep your clothes organised. If your suitcase is rather lacking on the pocket front (many are) then consider packing cubes – they’re a godsend for finding what you want quickly, so helping to lower your stress levels!
Best suitcases at a glance:
- Best overall suitcase: Away The Large
- Best value suitcase: Tripp Holiday 7
- Best mid-range suitcase: Rock Novo
- Best premium suitcase: Antler Clifton
- Best carry-on: Gomatic Navigator
Antler Clifton
Antler Clifton in Sycamore (Medium) £178.50
Pros: Strong polycarbonate shell, colour-fast, internal pockets, interior luggage label, lots of colours to choose from, lifetime warranty
Cons: Price
Rating: 5/5
This is one stylish suitcase that looks and feels like it is built to last, and while it is expensive, look at it as an investment in your travel future.
The polycarbonate shell is robust, but if it does happen to get scratched in transit, the colour-fastness means the scratches will be the same colour so are less likely to show.
The Clifton is a dream to move around. The 360° wheels offer excellent manoeuvrability and it glides smoothly, whether it’s travelling across hard floor, carpet or pavement.
The telescopic handle has three height-adjustable positions and there’s also a fixed handle on the top and another on one side. The remaining long side has four feet, so you can set down the case without worrying about scratching it.
Inside, the two compartments look more or less equal in size, but the top one has a divider that itself contains two zipped pockets – one plastic fronted and one mesh. The bottom compartment has luggage straps to keep your clothes safely secure, a long narrow zipped pocket along the front and a luggage label holder (with blank label) on the back.
I’m a savvy shopper – best time to shop for Xmas 2023 is sooner than you think
At first, I wondered how useful that would be, but of course, the Clifton has a TSA lock so if your luggage was lost then airport staff would be able to open it and easily find your details. Especially handy if any external luggage tags come off during the journey.
Size: 67 x 45 x 29cm Weight: 3.9kg Capacity: 75/83L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: lifetime warranty
IT Eco Friendly Medium Suitcase
IT Eco Friendly Medium Suitcase, £80 from Argos
Pros: Biodegradable shell, large capacity, expandable, tactile grab handles that are also moveable
Cons: None I could see
Rating: 5/5
Sustainability has come to luggage – this suitcase is made from bio-degradable polypropylene yet its hard shell is strong and should withstand the usual bumps and scrapes of baggage handling.
I received the medium size in red so it will certainly stand out on the luggage carousel in Arrivals. The shade is dark though, rather than in-your-face bright and I love that the self-coloured grab handles are actually comfortable to hold.
Eight spinner wheels make moving in any direction and on any surface a breeze, while the retractable handle rises to a good height, allowing you to fit a cabin bag on top yet still have enough room to hold the handle comfortably.
Inside, there’s a divider which has two large, zipped pockets and there’s also luggage straps to keep everything secure. There’s even a rubberised luggage tag attached to one of the pockets should your case go missing and airport staff need to access it for your details.
This one is also expandable, giving you precious extra space to take home holiday gifts.
Size: H 65 x W 46 x D 26.5cm, (expanded: H 65 x W 46 x D 34.1cm), Weight: 3.66kg, Capacity: 91L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee
READ MORE:
- Best carry-on luggage
- Best cabin cases
- Best cheap suitcases
- Best lightweight suitcases
- Best underseat luggage
Away The Large
Away The Large, £345
Pros: So much space, a joy to wheel around, lightweight, hardwearing, good selection of colours, strong polycarbonate shell
Cons: Price
Rating: 5/5
This is the suitcase you need if you’re going away for an extended trip – it has a capacity of almost 100L!
The outside is tough polycarbonate yet it’s still relatively light for its size, and it’s a joy to move, thanks to the eight spinner wheels that allow you to pull the suitcase in all directions.
There’s a two-position telescopic handle, which has a soft, comfortable grip, and there’s an additional fixed handle on the top, with another on one side. The other side has four feet, which will help avoid scratches if you have to set the case down on its side.
Inside, the top section is separated from the bottom by a zipped mesh divider. The bottom section has luggage straps to keep clothing secure, and a zipped pocket to one side, which contains a laundry bag for your dirty washing. A more substantial divider with a large zipped pocket on one side is attached to the luggage straps and you can remove this if you wish, but I found it really useful for keeping small items separate from the rest of the case contents.
The leather luggage tag that comes with the case is a lovely extra and Away even supplies an eraser sponge to clean away scuffs and dirty marks your case may be subject to on your travels.
Comes with a TSA lock and limited lifetime warranty.
Size: 73.6 x 52.1 x 31.8cm Weight: 5.4kg Capacity: 99.2L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: Limited lifetime warranty
Away Bigger Carry-On
Away Bigger Carry-On, £235
Pros: Hardwearing, lots of packing space, lovely mover
Cons: Price
Rating: 4.5/5
The Bigger Carry-On has a massive (for a cabin case) 48L capacity and will still fit into the overhead lockers of most airlines.
Made from robust polycarbonate, the case is satisfyingly solid and built to last. The eight swivel wheels have 360° motion for supreme manoeuvrability across all types of ground. I tested it on carpet, hard flooring, and pavement and it moved like a dream.
The three-height telescopic handle features a comfortable, soft top, so it’s easy on your hands if you’re pulling the case for any distance. There’s a static handle on the top too, as well as one on the side, so you can easily grab it from the overhead locker on the plane.
Inside, the layout is thoughtfully designed. The top section has a zipped divider to keep contents in place, while the bottom section has a divider with a large, zipped pocket on one side that fits onto the luggage straps (so you can remove it if you don’t want to use it).
There’s a small zipped pocket inside for bits and bobs, which itself contains a handy water-resistant laundry bag, while Away also provides a black leather luggage label, which is a luxurious – and practical – touch.
Size: 57.7 x 37.3 x 24.3cm Weight: 3.4kg Capacity: 47.9L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: Limited lifetime warranty
Tripp Holiday 7
Tripp Holiday 7 Mint Large Suitcase, £69.50, from Tripp
Pros: Colourful, price, lovely mover
Cons: No pockets inside, adjustable handle isn’t very high
Rating: 4/5
Tripp suitcases stand out among a sea of darker colours on the luggage carousel in Arrivals, which is surely what makes them popular with so many people. That and the price of course.
This Holiday 7 large mint case is a great example – it’s big enough to hold clothes for several weeks away, so ideal if you’re going long haul, but it’s lightweight at the same time.
The polypropylene material is flexible but strong in case of rough handling during transit and the square raised pattern provides an extra buffer against knocks.
I like the chunky zip and there are grab handles on the top and side of the case, though they’re not the most comfortable to use.
Inside, the luggage straps are the same mint colour as the case, which is a nice touch, and there’s a mesh divider, but there’s no pockets! I don’t know why Tripp don’t add pockets to the interior as they’re so useful.
I found the case easy to move on both carpet and hard floors, thanks to the double spinner wheels but the adjustable handle has only two positions, so if you fit a bag on top there isn’t a lot of space for your hands.
Size: H 76 x W 50 x D 32cm, Weight: 4kg, Capacity: 102L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: 5-year guarantee
Ramverk Check-in Luggage Medium
Ramverk Check-in Luggage Medium, £449 from DB
Pros: Lightweight and sleek
Cons: Price
Rating: 4/5
This Norwegian brand certainly stands out compared to other common UK suitcases, especially in it's unusual shades of beige, bright yellow and red.
The perfect size for a week away, there was more than enough room for two people to pack everything without scrimping, nor going over the weight limit when checking it in.
My favourite addition was the inner zips separating both sides of the suitcase - meaning it keeps thing organised, with one even having a pocket perfect for documents and books.
The external straps were a bonus too, ideal for attaching extra items or bags onto.
It's light when it's empty, made from 100 per cent recycled polyester inside and a 70 per cent recycled polycarbonate exterior.
I had no problems with the telescopic trolley handle when hopping on and off trains, with the wheels being ultra smooth too.
The only downside is the price - the check in size starts from £449 so it's a splurge for sure.
However, that also comes with a two-year guarantee, so there are no worries of it breaking and having to fork out for a new one.
Size: H66 W45 D29cm Weight: 4.3kg Capacity: 70L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: Two-year guarantee
Review by Kara Godfrey
Rock Vintage Medium Suitcase
Rock Vintage Medium Suitcase, £115 from Rock
Pros: Looks fab, good capacity
Cons: A little heavy for its size
Rating: 4/5
I love the vintage style of this suitcase, it reminds me of those in old films of the 30s and 40s. Don’t worry about the case’s performance though, that’s anything but old-fashioned.
It’s made from ABS, which is resistant to knocks and it has reinforced corners for extra protection. The spinner wheels mean it’s easy to move in any direction and I can confirm it’s just as easy to manoeuvre on carpet as on concrete.
The luxury touches make this a thing of beauty; I received the sage green version with rose gold accents – studs, zip, grab handle buckles, adjustable handle and wheels – so it’s sure to stand out on the luggage carousel. Even the chunky grab handles are in faux leather.
Inside, the grey lining is slightly padded and a same-colour fabric divider give you two separate spaces for packing. This in turn incorporates two elasticated pockets and a zipped mesh pocket. There’s a further large, zipped pocket in the bottom section of the case with all inner zips in rose gold to match the main one.
The only downside to this case that I can see is it’s a little heavier than other brands of a comparable size. I guess there has to be some pay off though for that vintage vibe.
Available in lots of colours including cream, rose pink, navy, grey, burgundy and black.
Size: 67 x41 x 26cm Weight: 4.1kg Capacity: 57L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: 15-year manufacturer’s warranty
American Tourister Hard TSA Medium Suitcase
American Tourister Hard TSA Medium Suitcase, £80 from Argos
Pros: Hardwearing, spinner wheels, good-size retractable handle
Cons: No interior pockets
Rating: 4/5
This hard-shell suitcase is made from ABS plastic, which give strength without weight and is also said to be scratch-resistant.
I received the medium case, which is more than big enough for two weeks in the sun, at least for me. The retractable handle is high enough to allow me to fit my cabin bag on top and still comfortably hold on to the handle, while the eight spinner wheels make moving the case in any direction a simple process.
Inside, a mesh divider separates the two sections of the case and luggage straps in the bottom keep contents securely in place. I prefer a fabric rather than mesh divider though, especially for the trip home, as you can put shoes and dirty washing in one part of the case without grit or sand getting into clean clothes in the other section.
There are no interior pockets, which is a shame as they are so useful.
Size: H 66 x W 47 x D 28cmm, Weight: 3.4kg, Capacity: 66.5L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee
Kipling Teagan US Wheeled Duffle
Kipling Teagan US Wheeled Duffle, £109.20
Pros: lightweight, spacious, easy to carry or wheel
Cons: the two wheels aren’t multidirectional
Rating: 4/5
This small cabin bag from Kipling is like a cross between a holdall and a case. I love the blue and white stripes shot through with purple, and the navy handles – including a detachable shoulder strap – and zips. It’s an altogether more casual vibe than a regular suitcase.
The Teagan still has all the essentials though – two wheels so you don’t need to carry the case if you don’t want to, three feet on the bottom for stability, a padded handle on the top for comfy grip and a two-position telescopic handle for ease of pulling.
Its two wheels aren’t multi-directional, but that said, they glide easily over hard floors, carpet and concrete with no drag.
Unusually, there’s two zips for access. The main zip separates the top from the bottom – the top section has a zipped divider, so you could pack your shoes here, and the bottom compartment has luggage straps to keep your clothes secure. However if you just want to get to the contents of the top half of the case then there’s a second zip that allows you to do so – handy.
Inside a large zipped pocket keeps small items secure and there’s even a toiletry bag in the same fabric as the case, which is a nice touch.
Size: 54 x 35 x 27.5cm Weight: 2.6kg Capacity: 39L, TSA lock: No, Guarantee: manufacturer’s warranty
Craghoppers 22” Wheelie
Craghoppers 22” Wheelie, £119 from Craghoppers
Pros: Loads of pockets, laptop pocket, RFID pocket
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 4/5
This soft-top carry-on packs a punch for its size and is perfect for work trips. The outside front has two pockets, the top one of which is a lot bigger inside than it looks from the outside – it has a section with Velcro fastening for your laptop, another for your iPad, a couple of smaller mesh pockets and eight individual pen holders (or holders for equally small items).
Outside, the case has a safety pocket with RFID protection and a cut-resistant panel to protect your belongings. Inside there’s one zipped pocket and five smaller pockets, as well as the main compartment.
Inside the case proper, the bottom section is spacious and there’s a separate top section with a zipped divider. However, because this is the back of the pockets where you’ll be storing your laptop and iPad, it’s going to be quite solid here, so there won't be much space for extra packing.
I really like the khaki lining and edging to the inside of the case and the matching zipper and luggage straps. The Craghoppers embossed logo on the mesh divider is a nice design touch, too.
The two wheels are really chunky, which is reassuring, but they don’t move through 360° and I noticed a bit of resistance when pulling the case across a hard floor. No problem at all on carpet, though.
The main zips fit together and you can add a luggage lock. The other zips can be fastened together to make them more difficult to open and there are external luggage straps to keep your case extra secure.
There’s a stop/handle on the bottom for stability and a sturdy telescopic handle on the top. This has four positions and a top section with a soft grip underneath for comfort. In addition, there’s also a chunky padded handle on the top, as well as a thin handle on the side and another on the front pockets. These aren’t padded though so you wouldn’t want to carry the bag with them for very long – though they’re great for grabbing it from the overhead locker.
Size: 55 x 34 x 24cm Weight: 2.7kg Capacity: 40L, TSA lock: No, Guarantee: 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
Rock Novo
Rock Novo medium in navy, £90 from Rock Luggage
Pros: Lots of space, easy to manoeuvre, expandable, separate zipped top section
Cons: Lack of inside pockets
Rating: 4/5
I found the Novo really easy to manoeuvre on hard floors, carpet and outdoors, thanks to its eight 360° wheels, which give it balance and stability. It feels slightly heavier than some of the suitcases I’ve reviewed, but it also seems really sturdy.
Inside, the upper section is separate from the bottom section of the case, with its own zip fastening, so you could pack your shoes here and keep them away from your clothes; you could also pack everything you need for your first night or day here so it’s immediately accessible – handy if you’re arriving in the small hours and you’re too tired to unpack properly.
There’s also an extension in the lid that increases the inside space by 20% (seven litres), so if you’ve bought loads of souvenirs on holiday you’ll be able to get them home, no problem.
The Novo has a TSA lock and comes with a 15-year warranty.
From a design viewpoint, I love that the wheels and the pull-up handle are highlighted in navy also, to match the case. Such a small detail, but it’s an aesthetic touch that really makes a difference.
Size: 69 x 45 x 28/31cm Weight: 3.9kg Capacity: 60/67L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: 15-year manufacturer’s warranty
Briggs & Riley ZDX Expandable Spinner
Briggs & Riley ZDX expandable suitcase, £589 from John Lewis
Pros: Inside pockets, handle on the bottom, lifetime guarantee
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 3.5/5
The expandable medium spinner is part of Briggs & Riley’s ZDX range, a collection that’s designed for both business and leisure travel.
While it looks and feels small and compact, there’s actually quite a bit of space inside.
The suitcase has one main storage compartment, with a garment panel that can also double as a compression system to secure all your clothes into place. There are also two pockets on the inside and outside of the lid that are ideal for storing smaller items.
Because of the layout of the suitcase, this case would be best suited to those who are very organised, although packing cubes can help streamline the process.
Reinforced corners add strength and grab handles on the top and one side make lifting the case a breeze.
For longer journeys, you might want to invest in a separate lock though, as the suitcase doesn’t come with an integrated TSA lock.
The price is obviously quite a bit more than most brands out there but it does come with Briggs and Riley's no-quibbles, lifetime guarantee.
Size: H66 x W45.5 x D30.5cm Weight: 4.7kg Capacity: 97.8L, TSA lock: No, Guarantee: lifetime guarantee
How we tested these products
When reviewing these suitcases we considered the features of each one, including material and design, as well as weight and capacity.
The cases were tested for manoeuvrability indoors and outdoors, on a range of different surfaces, including carpet, concrete and hard flooring.
We looked at how each case felt to handle, to lift, to pull and to push, as well as how comfortable each was to use in general.
Interior layout was also taken into account. We found the best suitcases included pockets and individual sections for small items you want to keep separate from the main contents so you can easily put your hands on them when you need them.
Where possible we tested the cases on trips away, though this wasn’t feasible for all reviews.
Where to buy suitcases
Suitcases are available to buy in-store and online from a wide range of retailers. Department stores and high-street chains often have a luggage section and during the summer you can even find suitcases and travel bags in branches of larger supermarkets.
Online, individual luggage brands have their own websites so it’s always worth checking these for the latest models and any special offers.
Amazon always has a massive selection to suit all budgets, and don’t forget to take a look at department and chain store websites such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Matalan, TK Maxx and Debenhams, as well as popular brands, such as Muji and Radley.
We found the suitcases reviewed in our feature at:
- Antler
- Argos
- Away
- Craghoppers
- Dunelm
- Gomatic
- John Lewis
- Rock
- The Portable Porter Company
- Tripp
How much do suitcases cost?
Suitcases range in cost from around £40 for a basic, inexpensive model to hundreds of pounds for higher-end brands and thousands for top designer brands such as Dior, Gucci or Louis Vuitton.
The price you pay will also depend on the size of the suitcase and the type of material it’s made from, with cabin cases costing less than medium and large versions.
We reviewed cases for our feature that ranged in price from £75 up to almost £600, but they vary in price so much you’re sure to find one to suit your needs, no matter what your budget.
How to choose the best suitcase
Choosing the best suitcase is an individual process. It depends on what you want from your case, where you’re going, for how long and what the baggage limitations are of your airline. Other factors that could influence your buying decisions include price, internal capacity, how easily you can move and lift the case, even its colour.
The suitcase material should also be taken into account. Robust hard-shell cases may last longer than soft cases, but they may be prone to scratches and scuffs. Then again, they are better suited for long-haul journeys. For short breaks or business trips then buying a carry-on could be more efficient, cost and time-wise, than checking your case into the hold. No waiting around at your destination!
What size suitcase do I need?
The size suitcase you need depends on the duration of your trip. If you’re away for a weekend or a few days, they you may find a cabin case fulfils your needs, especially if you pack light.
For a holiday of one or two weeks, then a medium-size suitcase should give your enough space to pack your clothes, toiletries, shoes, sandals and accessories. You’ll be limited by the baggage allowances of your airline or holiday company so don’t overpack and remember to weigh your full suitcase.
If you’re going away for longer, especially if you’re flying long-haul, then you may find a large suitcase more suitable for your needs. A trip to Oz for example definitely warrants a big suitcase, especially if you’re away for several months. Again though, check the baggage limitations of your airline.
Budget airlines like Ryanair have stricter size requirements for carry-on luggage, which means a suitcase that’s suitable for other airline cabins might be too big for Ryanair.
At the moment, Ryanair will let you take on a suitcase measuring up to 55cm x 40cm x 20cm if you pay for their “Priority & 2 Cabin Bags” upgrade.
Otherwise you can only take a bag measuring up to 40cm x 20cm x 25cm, which must be stowed underneath the seat in front of you.
Similarly, easyJet will let you take a bag measuring up to 45cm x 36cm x 20cm on board for free. You can also pay for an extra cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25cm) weighing up to 15kg with your booking.
For premium airlines, most standard carry-on suitcases will be fine.
Depending on your ticket and fare class, British Airways will let you take on a suitcase that measures up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm as well as a personal bag of up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
If you prefer to check your luggage into the hold, then you can be more flexible with sizes.
A medium-sized suitcase should be more than big enough for most holidays, but if you pack heavy, or tend to travel long haul for longer periods of time, choose a larger suitcase.
Restrictions for hold luggage are:
Ryan Air – 20kg, maximum size 80 x 120 x 120cm
EasyJet – 23kg standard size (up to maximum of 32kg) and up to three pieces of hold luggage per customer.
British Airways – up to 23kg in economy and premium economy, up to 32kg in first class and business. Maximum case size is 90 x 75 x 43cm.
What’s the difference between two wheel and four wheel suitcases?
Four-wheel suitcases are easier to manoeuvre than two-wheel cases, and eight-wheel cases are even more so. The eight wheels may be paired, so look like four double wheels, but they all move independently.
The best suitcases have wheels with a full range of motion – they can turn 360° – which means they move easily even on rough surfaces. That said however, some cabin cases only have two wheels because of their smaller size.
Are hard or soft suitcases better
Hard shell or soft is a matter of personal preference, but hard shell suitcases are good, especially for long journeys where they may be subject to rough handling in transit.
Hard shell cases can suffer scratches, but they won’t dent like metal cases and won’t rip, as can sometimes happen with fabric suitcases. They also offer your belongings more protection, especially if you want to bring back a bottle or two from abroad.
Newer materials, such as polycarbonate, are lightweight and flexible enough that they’re less likely to shatter on impact. Plus, they have the added benefit of being more weather resistant, so are more likely to keep your clothes dry if it rains.
Soft shell suitcases can be cheaper, and they are generally made from tough, scratch resistant fabric.
These may feature expandable designs, which is ideal if you want to buy souvenirs to take home.
