Choosing a Suitcase: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

One in four travellers only discovers their suitcase is too large for the overhead locker at the gate, when it's too late to do anything about it. If you're shopping for a suitcase right now, the good news is that choosing the right one is straightforward once you know what to look for.

This guide covers everything: size, shell type, wheels, locks, airline rules and what separates a suitcase that lasts a decade from one that buckles after a single trip.

Hard shell vs soft shell suitcase: which should you choose?

This is the first decision most people face, and it matters more than the brand on the label.

Hard shell suitcases are made from polycarbonate, ABS plastic or a blend of both. They protect fragile items better, are easier to wipe clean and tend to be more water-resistant. The trade-off is that they cannot expand, what you see is what you get in terms of capacity.

Soft shell suitcases are typically made from nylon or polyester fabric stretched over an internal frame. They are usually lighter for the same capacity, often include external pockets for last-minute access, and many have an expansion zip that adds a few extra centimetres of depth when you need it. The downside is that they offer less protection for fragile contents and can be cut more easily.

Neither type is universally better. If you travel with electronics, glass or anything breakable, a hard shell makes sense. If you tend to overpack or need to squeeze in souvenirs on the way home, a soft shell suitcase with an expansion zip is often the more practical choice. Many regular travellers own one of each.

What size suitcase do you actually need?

Suitcase sizes are measured in litres (internal capacity) or by external dimensions in centimetres. The industry uses broad categories, though exact measurements vary between manufacturers:

• Cabin / carry-on, typically 35–45 litres; designed to fit in aircraft overhead lockers
• Medium / weekend, typically 55–75 litres; suits trips of four to seven nights
• Large / check-in, typically 75–100 litres; suited to two weeks or more
• Extra-large, 100 litres and above; useful for families packing for multiple people or very long trips

A common mistake is buying a large suitcase "just in case" and then filling it, which results in a heavier bag and potential excess baggage charges. Be honest about how much you actually pack. For most one-week holidays, a medium suitcase is sufficient for one adult.

If you are travelling as a family and considering one big suitcase versus two medium ones, two medium bags usually make airport handling, lifting into cars and navigating steps far easier. They also reduce the impact if one bag is delayed.

Getting the cabin bag size right, airline rules explained

This is where people most often come unstuck. Every airline sets its own maximum dimensions and weight allowance for cabin bags, and these vary considerably. Some budget carriers have strict size limits and charge a fee if your bag exceeds them, and those fees can be significant if paid at the gate rather than in advance.

Before you buy a cabin suitcase, check the exact cabin bag policy for every airline you plan to use. You will find this in the baggage section of their website. Measure not just the main body of the case but include wheels, handles and any protruding feet, because airlines measure the whole bag.

Some airlines also limit the number of cabin bags per passenger or specify that only one personal item is allowed in the cabin for free. Always read the full policy for your specific ticket type, not just the headline dimensions, rules often differ between fare classes on the same airline.

If you fly with multiple airlines, choose a cabin bag sized to the most restrictive carrier you regularly use. That way your bag will always qualify.

What to look for when buying a suitcase

Once you have decided on size and shell type, the details matter a great deal for long-term usability.

Wheels: Four spinner wheels (360-degree rotation) are now standard on most mid-range and above suitcases. They allow the bag to roll beside you without effort. Look for wheels that sit recessed or have protective surrounds, exposed wheels take the most punishment on rough surfaces. Two-wheel rollers are less common but can handle cobblestones and uneven terrain better, as the wheels are larger.

Handles: The telescoping handle should lock firmly at multiple heights and retract smoothly. Wiggle it in the shop, any side-to-side movement is a sign it will loosen further with use. A grab handle on the top and one on the side are useful for lifting the case into overhead lockers or car boots.

Zips and closures: Zip quality varies enormously. Look for chunky, self-repairing zip teeth and a smooth action around the corners of the case. Hard shell suitcases sometimes use a frame-and-clasp closure rather than a zip, which is generally more secure but can be harder to open in a hurry.

Locks: Most suitcases sold in the UK come with a TSA-approved combination lock built in or as an addition. These locks can be opened by US customs without cutting the lock, useful if you ever travel to the United States. For destinations outside the US, a combination padlock through the zip pulls adds extra security on a soft shell suitcase.

Weight: A lighter suitcase means more of your allowance goes on your actual belongings. Check the empty weight of any suitcase you are considering, especially for checked luggage where airlines enforce strict weight limits. The difference between a heavy and a lightweight large suitcase can be two kilograms or more, that is two kilograms less you can pack before paying extra.

Interior organisation: Most suitcases have a cross-strap on one side and a zip mesh compartment on the other. More expensive models often add dividers or compression straps. Think about how you actually pack, if you fold clothes neatly, an open interior suits you. If you tend to pile things in, a bag with dividers may help.

How much should you spend?

Suitcase prices vary from under £30 for a budget cabin bag to several hundred pounds for premium luggage. It is worth thinking about this as a cost-per-trip calculation rather than a one-off purchase.

Very cheap suitcases often have weak zips, wobbly handles and wheels that stop turning after a handful of flights. If you travel even twice a year, a suitcase in the mid-price range will almost certainly work out better value over three to five years than replacing a budget option repeatedly.

That said, you do not need to spend a premium price to get a reliable bag. The mid-range of the market, broadly speaking, bags that are neither the cheapest nor the most expensive in any given retailer, tends to offer the best combination of durability and value. Look at construction quality, wheel quality and zip action in person if you can, rather than relying entirely on online reviews.

If budget is a constraint, prioritise spending more on your cabin bag if you travel with hand luggage only, since that bag will be handled far more frequently and will need to pass size checks every flight.

Packing your suitcase efficiently

Even the best suitcase will not help if everything arrives creased or you cannot close the zip. A few habits make a real difference:

• Roll clothes rather than folding them, it reduces creasing and uses space more efficiently
• Pack shoes along the spine of the case, near the wheels, to keep the weight low
• Use packing cubes to compress soft items and keep similar things together
• Place toiletries in a sealed bag inside a pouch, in an accessible spot in case of security checks
• Spread weight evenly across both sides of the suitcase so it rolls without tipping
• Leave a small amount of space in a checked bag for the return journey, your holiday shopping has to come back somehow

If you are travelling with a soft shell suitcase that has an expansion zip, resist the temptation to use it on the outward journey. Keep it in reserve for the trip home when you need the extra room.

Looking after your suitcase

A well-made suitcase should last many years with basic care. Wipe hard shell cases down after each trip with a damp cloth. For soft shell suitcases, spot clean fabric panels and check the zip teeth for grit, a gentle brush clears debris that causes zip failure over time. Store suitcases upright in a dry space rather than stacked flat, as stacking puts stress on the frame and wheels.

If a wheel or handle breaks, check whether your suitcase came with a warranty before assuming you need a replacement. Many reputable manufacturers offer multi-year warranties on structural components, and some offer free repair or replacement. Keep your receipt.

Frequently asked questions

What size suitcase is allowed as carry-on luggage?

There is no single universal answer, cabin bag size limits are set by each airline individually and can differ between fare types on the same airline. The only reliable approach is to check the specific baggage policy on your airline's website before you buy or travel. As a general guide, many short-haul carriers permit a bag of roughly 55 x 40 x 20 cm in the cabin, but this is not a rule, always verify for your specific flight and ticket.

Is a hard shell or soft shell suitcase better for a holiday?

It depends on what you are packing and how you travel. Hard shell cases give better protection for fragile items and are easy to clean, but cannot expand. Soft shell suitcases are usually lighter, often have external pockets and many include an expansion zip for extra capacity on the way home. Both types are widely used and both can be durable, quality of construction matters more than the shell type.

How heavy should my suitcase be when empty?

There is no set standard, but this matters because airlines weigh the whole bag including the case itself. If your checked bag allowance is 23 kg and your empty suitcase weighs 4 kg, you effectively have 19 kg for your belongings. Lightweight large suitcases weigh as little as 2–3 kg empty; heavier options can weigh 5 kg or more. Check the published empty weight before buying a large checked bag, and compare it to the weight of bags at a similar price point.