Hand luggage is an indispensable part of travel, offering convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, having the right carry-on bag can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. With flight prices increasing and lots of companies charging extra for luggage more and more people are traveling with hand luggage only, especially for holidays that are a week or less. But what exactly makes hand luggage great? Let’s explore the key features that set high-quality carry-on bags apart.
1. Size and Weight Compliance
Airlines have strict regulations regarding hand luggage size and weight. A great carry-on bag is compact enough to fit in overhead compartments while maximizing packing space. Lightweight materials also help ensure you stay within airline limits without sacrificing essentials.
Ryanair hand luggage sizes are
- Small Cabin Bag (included with standard fare): Maximum dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Large Cabin Bag (requires Priority Boarding or additional fee): Maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm, with a weight limit of 10 kg. This bag is stored in the overhead compartment.
Easy Jet hand luggage sizes are
- Small Under-Seat Cabin Bag (included with standard fare): Maximum dimensions of 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels, with a weight limit of 15 kg. This bag must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Large Cabin Bag (available for purchase or included with certain fares/memberships): Maximum dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. Booking a large cabin bag also grants Speedy Boarding.
Jet 2 hand luggage sizes are
- Small Under-Seat Cabin Bag (included with standard fare): A small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag is permitted, which should not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 cm
- Cabin Bag: Passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25 cm and a weight limit of 10 kg.
2. Durability and Quality Materials
Your bag may be thrown around a bit, squashed in to spaces with other bags and moved from cars to planes to taxis and even carried around the town or city your visiting a lot so you need to make sure it is durable and will not only not break but that it will also protect your belongings too. A sturdy carry-on bag, made from materials like polycarbonate, ballistic nylon, or high-quality leather, can withstand the rigors of travel. Durable zippers, reinforced handles, and strong wheels further enhance longevity and ease of use.
3. Smart Compartments and Organization
The best hand luggage bags are the ones that have been designed with multiple compartments for efficient packing. Dedicated sections for laptops, toiletries, and documents allow quick access to necessities without rummaging through your bag making your travel experience less stressful. Opting for both additional pockets on the outside and inside is also a great idea, especially hidden pockets that can be used to carry your passport, money and phone if you will be using this bag during your holiday as it will help prevent them falling out or being taken by a pick pocket.
4. Mobility and Ease of Transport
Wheeled carry-ons, particularly those with four 360-degree spinner wheels, offer smooth maneuverability through busy airports. Adjustable handles and ergonomic grips also contribute to seamless travel. Both these features can be helpful when your bag is heavy and you are in a rush to catch your plane/train/taxi as you can pull it behind you instead of having to carry it whilst running. However remember that the wheels do need be considered when measuring the bag if you are using it as hand luggage with an airline that specifies the size.
5. Versatility and Style
Hand luggage should be both functional and stylish. Sleek, minimalist designs or bold, colorful options allow travelers to express their personality while maintaining practicality.
In conclusion, the best hand luggage balances size, durability, organisation, mobility and style. Investing in a high-quality carry-on enhances travel convenience, ensuring that you have everything you need within reach while keeping your journey stress free.
Here are 5 pieces of hand luggage that we recommend
Cabin Max Anode TwinWheel Suitcase
Measuring 45 x 36 x 20 cm, this hard-shell suitcase is perfect for easyJet’s free cabin bag allowance and fits comfortably under the seat. Its durable design and twin wheels offer both protection and easy maneuverability.
Helly Hansen Scout Duffel
This 30-liter travel duffel has a smart shape and sturdy yet light structure, making packing easier than ever. With a large U-shaped opening, bag access is easy. The bag’s construction is unusually strong for a duffel. It stays standing upright even when empty, making packing a breeze. Interior pockets let you separate shoes from clothes, or clean and dirty garments. The bag also features hidden, padded shoulder straps in the top lid pocket, if you prefer to carry your duffel like a backpack. The Scout series is built with durable 600D nylon with a water-resistant TPU backing. It measures in at 53x24x24 so perfect for larger cabin bags. It is also available in 4 different colours.
Sport Expedition Trolley
This trolley bag makes travel easy. It’s super lightweight so you can carry it just as easily as use the wheels which sturdier than the average trolley wheels with 80mm diameter to tackle bumpy terrain. The interior has compression straps as well as a full-size mesh ventilation pocket. It has two grab handles as well as a 2-stage, telescoping, anodized-aluminum handle and is really easy to use. The addition of the front pocket is perfect for your passport and paperwork so you can access them without needing to open the whole bag. It measures in at 56 x 36 x 23.
Xkdoai Underseat Travel Backpack
Designed to fit under the seat on airlines like Ryanair, this backpack measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm and offers a 20-liter capacity. Features include a 180-degree opening for easy packing, multiple compartments, and a built-in USB charging port.
Primark 8-Wheel Hard Shell Underseat Suitcase
This budget-friendly option measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm without wheels, aligning with Ryanair’s underseat dimensions. It features detachable wheels, multiple zipped compartments, and a hard-shell exterior, all for an affordable price.
You may also like
Best Places to Visit in Spain During Summer