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The Best Carry On And Checked Suitcases 2026
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Ah, summer. The season of lying around in the grass, dripping with sweat, and spending hours exasperating over what to pack.
At least, if you’re me. As a chronic overpacker, I consistently struggle to choose the right suitcase for holiday.
Even for weekends away, a mere weekend bag isn’t enough to contain the belongings I tell myself I’ll definitely use, wear, or need.
Naturally, that means I’m constantly looking for a suitcase that has just the right amount of storage, isn’t too heavy, won’t make that annoying sound when you drag it, and has all the compartments I need to pretend I’m organised.
Ahead of the holidays I have planned this summer, I made it my job (as in, it is my job) to find the best suitcases – both carry on, and checked – that make packing and travelling easier.
Keep reading for my selection.
How I chose the best suitcases
Myself and the HuffPost team tested a range of suitcases to assess which would make our pre-holiday planning more manageable. Those we couldn’t test ourselves were crowdsourced through reviews from friends, family, and customers.
In each case (geddit?) we considered its size, whether it was carry-on or checked, how efficient its wheels were, what pockets it included, whether it came with a warranty and for how long, whether it was protective, its capacity, and any added extras like waterproof rating, locks, and battery packs.
Our favourites are listed below.
The best suitcases to shop now
Best carry on with pocket
No one wants to undo their whole case mid-flight. So if you’re (somehow) the kind of person who doesn’t take multiple bags on a flight with them, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find all your essentials – laptop, book, and chargers – all in the handy front pocket to this carry on. But it’s not just what’s on the outside that counts, because inside is a removable compression pad, and straps to keep everything in place. That rock hard exterior will also make sure even your most delicate items are protected.
Specs
Size: 56 x 38 x 25cm
Weight: 4.7kg
Capacity: 44L
Warranty: Lifetime.
Best medium check in
You’re about to fly through the skies, so you might as well dress for the occasion. This opal blue case is as practical as it is stylish, as Away has checked all the boxes. For the aesthetic-conscious among us, the top and side handles match the shade of the shell, and it comes with a matching luggage tag in case someone happens to be as stylish as you. The inside boasts an impressive array of mesh pockets, including smaller ones for knick knacks, a water-resistant laundry bag, and a compression system that means packing for a 10 day trip is suddenly a dreamy concept.
Specs
Size: 66.1 x 47 x 28cm
Weight: 4.7kg
Capacity: 72L
Warranty: Lifetime.
Best hybrid carry on
“Yes, this compact (and cabin baggage compliant) suitcase is pretty. But more importantly, it’s practical, which in this case means loaded with storage. Inside its deceptively tough shell is three mesh pockets, perfect for little items like socks and chargers. Behind that, a generously-lined sleeve – perfect for a laptop or even a suit – offers reassuringly thick padding and plenty of room. The best feature, though, is the part that added more height to the case when unzipped. The stunning design, 360-degree wheel spin, and remarkably comfy handle (with a stylishly satisfying little release button) doesn’t hurt either.” – HuffPost lifestyle writer, Amy Glover.
Specs
Size: 55.6 x 35.6 x 23cm
Weight: 3.9kg
Capacity: 34L
Warranty: Lifetime.
Best expandable hard shell carry on
The joy of holiday is buying mementos from other places to bring back to your house. If you find you never quite have enough room in your case, this carry on from Antler is expandable, for 5cm of extra depth. There’s also plenty of space inside to store all your bits and bobs, thanks to its three mesh pockets on one side and a compression strap. And, your belongings are sure to stay safe as the case has four external stripes designed to protect against bumps.
Specs
Size: 55 x 36 x 23cm
Weight: 2.8kg
Capacity: 46L
Warranty: Lifetime.
Most equipped carry on
Pink to make the boys wink! But this carry on will have you feeling flirty, too, thanks to the fact it’s lightweight, deceptively small, and the wheels spin a full 360 degrees with no effort. Although it’s more petite than other carry ons, you can fit just as much in – six to eight outfits, to be precise. It even comes with its own laundry bag, so your dirties are ready to go at any moment (no one wants that mingling in with all their clean clothes). The pièce de résistance, though, is the built-in battery pack, which means you’ll never be without phone charge while you’re waiting to board.
Specs:
Size: 55 x 38.5 x 21.5cm
Weight: 3kg
Capacity: 42L
Warranty: Lifetime.
Best check in overall
Nothing will ever be out of place in this check-in, due to the sheer number of pockets it has on the inside. As well as capaciously spacious compartments on either side, there are two compartment separators that double as shoe, underwear, or toiletry storage. It also has silent wheels, to avoid that annoying ever-present rolling sound while you’re travelling, and the handle is cleverly designed so the release button is on the underside, making for an easy departure.
Specs
Size: 76 x 53 x 28cm
Weight: 4.79kg
Capacity: 93.7L
Warranty: Lifetime.
Best lightweight check in
When you’re checking a suitcase, you know things are about to get serious. I don’t know about you, but I can never pack a sensible amount when I have a big case, so luckily this one is shockingly light considering its size. As well as weighing pretty much the same as a carry on, it’s lined with interiors made from fully recycled materials, and can expand an extra 5cm for the inevitable goodies you’ll want to bring home with you. Inside is a removable wash bag, which will save room on the thousands of toiletries you’ll no doubt convince yourself you need. Feel smug about that while you glide it along on its seamless 360 degree wheels.
Specs
Size: 80 x 55 x 35cm
Weight: 4.7kg
Capacity: 156L
Warranty: 10 years.
Best budget carry on
If you’re looking for a bag that’ll tick all your boxes, this one from M&S is it. Although it costs just £59, reviews comment on the face it looks and feels as sleek as more expensive brands. It has a hard shell interior, and its zips are made with anti-burst technology, so there’ll be no nasty surprises when you open the overhead locker. It even comes with a lock, so you won’t have to worry about anything mysteriously going missing.
Specs
Size: 55 x 35 x 21.5cm
Weight: 2.65kg
Capacity: 30L
Warranty: 10 years.
Best budget check in
If you’re not a heavy packer but want to make the most of your hold luggage, this budget case will be just the right size to see you through a long weekend trip away (and good news: it’s Ryanair compliant). It might be lightweight, but that doesn’t sacrifice security, as according to reviews its hardshell exterior provides all the protection you need to keep your things safe. Plus, it comes in a range of colours that’ll be the first spotted on the conveyor belt. No more waiting around!
Specs
Size: 67 x 44.5 x 25cm
Weight: Not stated
Capacity: Not stated
Warranty: None.
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