Buying luggage and suitcases

Luggage needs change per journey. From overnight holdalls to long-haul suitcases, here’s what to consider.
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Three hard-shell wheeled suitcases in blue, red and grey with telescopic handles on a light background
Three hard-shell suitcases with telescopic handles in blue, red and grey, ideal travel luggage on a plain backdrop
Buying guides
White hard shell suitcase with telescopic handle and four spinner wheels, minimalist travel luggage on white background

Cabin cases - up to 56cm

Perfect for short business trips when you only need a laptop plus essentials. Most airlines allow these onboard up to 56cm at no extra cost. Designed to be space efficient

Black hard shell suitcase with telescopic handle and four spinner wheels, lightweight travel luggage on white background

Large suitcases - 72cm+

The most popular for travellers wishing to check-in their luggage. Versatile, spacious and ideal for long trips especially if you need to pack for more than one traveller

Teal hard-shell suitcase with tropical leaves and lemur print, four wheels and telescopic handle for travel luggage

Medium suitcases - 57-71cm

Relatively lightweight and small enough to carry around. Easy to take onto public transport or into a taxi. Four-wheel options offer additional convenience

Black wheeled garment bag with telescopic handle, zip pocket and business travel luggage design on white background

Suit and garment carriers

Designed to transport and protect a suit or dress with minimal creasing. Depending on size, can carry enough for two or three days. Great for business travellers

Suitcases

Black Samsonite softshell spinner suitcase with telescopic handle, four wheels and built-in combination lock

Soft sided suitcases

Usually made from polyester or nylon. The higher the denier, the thicker and more durable it is. Most have waterproof PVC on the inside, although if left out in the rain some seepage may occur

Black hard-shell spinner suitcase with telescopic handle and TSA lock, ideal lightweight travel luggage

Hard sided suitcases

Ideal for frequent air travel and protecting your more fragile items. Most are made from moulded polypropylene or ABS plastic and are rigid rather than flexible

Backpacks

Samsonite black laptop backpack with padded straps, top handle and multiple zipped compartments, front view

Laptop Backpacks

Built to protect your laptop or tablet while offering space to cleverly organise your other daily gear, the best options are padded

Navy kids backpack with unicorn and rainbow print, pink zip, padded straps and front pocket for school or travel

Kids’ Backpacks

Think fun but functional, with adjustable straps and zips to keep valuables safe - plus enough room for school books, snacks and juice boxes

Black Osprey Talon 11 hiking backpack with front bungee cord and padded shoulder straps, studio product photo

Travel Backpacks

Headed on a backpacking trip? Look out for a bag with a strong frame, waistband, padded shoulder straps and plenty of pockets

Features to look out for

Four wheels

Cases with four wheels don’t need to be tilted when you pull them (unless you’re on very uneven ground) you can simply wheel the case alongside you.

Telescopic handle

An extendable handle allows your to pull your case with minimal effort.

Pockets and compartments

Built-in pockets and compartments are ideal for keeping your personal items separate.

Bumpers or skirts

A handy bumper or skirt at the rear base of a suitcase can help protect it from damage from kerbs and stairs.

Expandable

Some cases feature panels than can be unzipped for extra space – perfect for when you’ve picked up gifts and souvenirs on your trip.

Padlocks and combination locks

These will add a level of security and give you peace of mind.

If you're travelling to the USA, then you should try to get your hands on a TSA-approved padlock. It allows American airline security to examine your suitcase without damaging the lock or your case.

Protected zips and closures

These will help to reduce wear and tear.

Additional side handles

Will make it easier for you to manoeuvre cases into boots and luggage racks.

Our guarantees

All luggage is guaranteed against faulty workmanship and some of the brands we stock offer guarantees covering many years.

Note that manufacturers’ guarantees won't cover damage caused by overloading, mishandling in transit or airline damage. The exception is Briggs & Riley, where all products are covered by an unconditional lifetime warranty that includes all damage caused in transit, including airline damage.

Always take a moment just to look over your luggage as you take it off the carousel. Should there be any transit damage, you need to inform the airline or their representative before you leave the terminal, as they won't entertain any damage claims against them once you've left.

Airline Restrictions

Weight and size restrictions on hand and checked baggage vary from airline to airline, so you need to check their allowances before you pack. Check the weight of your luggage before you leave too, as you may have to pay a hefty fine for each kilo it’s overweight.

There are also certain things you can’t carry in your hand luggage, including liquids over 100ml. Read the latest UK guidelines to find out what the current UK airport restrictions are.

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