Best cabin bags and suitcases UK 2022: EasyJet, BA and Ryanair compliant bags, from Away, Gandy, Travelpro

First and foremost, you need to make sure your chosen cabin bag fits within the baggage dimension allowances of the airline you are travelling with - it’s no good buying a bag and then realising it won’t be allowed onboard! All of the bags below are airline compliant.

Once you’ve made sure the bag is indeed small enough, the next thing to consider is what features work best for you. It’s usually a good idea to look for a bag or suitcase which offers at least one zipped compartment so that precious and valuable items, such as your passport and travel documents can be kept secure. This also means that you’ll always know where they are so you can grab them when needed.

Firstly, smaller suitcases or hard cases are probably the most durable option and offer hard-wearing protection for frequent travellers.

Small over the shoulder bags or duffel bags are also an investment and can be a stylish option too. Thirdly, there’s the backpack or rucksack option, which can be very useful when it comes to a bag providing additional or secondary uses once at your destination - everyone needs a good, reliable rucksack in their life!

Best cabin bags at a glance:

• Best hand case trundler:Away The Carry On Suitcase, £245
• Best for laptop and accessories: Bellroy Oslo Backpack, £115
• Best stylish weekend bag: Gandys Weekend Bag, £89
• Bag used by flight attendants:Travelpro Platinum Elite, £285
• Best sustainable choice: Horizn Studios H5 Cabin Bag, £206
• Best for a small but spacious backpack: Fjallraven Kånken Daypack, £68
• Best laptop backpack:SwissGear Travel Gear 5977 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack, £96

What is it made from?

The next thing to consider is the material the bag is made of. Some are plastic so they tend to be the most hard-wearing, but this also means that they are of course the most rigid so there will be no squeezing them in to the smallest of spaces in the over-head lockers.

Material bags have the advantage of being adaptable to any size or shape of space available - as long as they’re not fit to burst with items - but this lack of structure does also mean that it can be harder to keep possessions organised and firmly in place - so you may find that clothes are a little crumpled when you reach your destination.

The other advantage to material bags, of course, is that they tend to be more lightweight - meaning you can pack even more possessions.

What happens if you exceed the hand luggage limit?

If you have hand luggage that is over the limit, be prepared to place it in the hold and have an excess baggage fee charged. We have a list of great luggage you can check-i

To avoid this, always pre-book an extra bag online rather than risk being charged at the gate, which will cost you more.

What should I take in hand luggage?

We know that packing can turn it to a bit of a nightmare, so we’ve put together a handy guide on how to pack for your holiday. We’ve also rounded up all your holiday beauty and toiletry essentials so that you don’t have to worry about leaving anything behind.

Again, what you pack in your hand luggage depends on your personal circumstances.

If it’s the only piece of luggage you have with you’ll need to make sure it has absolutely everything you need - your passport, travel documents, money, clothing and shoes, toiletries, your devices, device chargers and any medication you may need. Though always remember that any liquids must be 100ml or less.

After a piece of luggage you can place in the plane’s hold? These are the best wheeled larger suitcases for 2022.

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