Mastering the art of travelling light requires the right kit. And with airlines increasingly treating overhead locker space like prime real estate, your cabin bag needs to be smarter than ever.
The best cabin bags and carry-on luggage should be tough enough to survive a mad dash through Heathrow, spacious enough to pack for a long weekend, but compact enough to satisfy even the grumpiest Ryanair ground crew. Get it wrong, and you face the indignity and expense of having your bag gate-checked.
As a travel writer, I’ve dragged dozens of cases across cobbled streets and crammed them into sizers to find the bags that actually go the distance. After thousands of miles of testing options from the best luggage brands, I’ve whittled down my list to the bags that fit most airlines’ baggage allowance, are comfortable to use, and, most importantly, hold your items safely and securely.
Whether you are setting off on an adventure and need a spacious bag you can carry on your back, or you’re a frequent flyer on the hunt for a bag that will last a lifetime, I’ve found the best cabin bags for all budgets and types of travellers.
We’ve also expert-tested the best check-in suitcases for your next big trip.
