Luggage and suitcase buying guide
Heading to the airport or station, or sailing away on a cruise? Get the right bag or case to take with you.
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Luggage types and sizes
Suitcases mainly come in two types: soft-sided and hard-sided. But there are other options to consider too. Explore large or expandable suitcases for family travels and when you need that extra space, or smaller bags and holdalls for shorter, lighter trips.
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Soft-sided cases
Lightweight, strong and versatile, soft sided cases offer the most packing convenience and they are also easier to fit into tight spaces.
Hard-sided cases
Durable, sturdy and surprisingly light, hard sided luggage is best for protecting your belongings when you travel.
Expandable suitcases
Highly versatile, expandable cases are great for giving you that extra bit of packing space when you need it. They also compact down your belongings so that they don't move around in transit.
Holdalls & backpacks
Versatility is key when you're travelling. Smaller bags like holdalls and backpacks are ideal for festivals, short trips and weekend breaks. Keep everything you need close and easy to access.
Kids’ luggage
Travelling with children can be stressful, but you can take away some of the hassle by choosing luggage that they'll love.
Designed specifically for younger travellers, kids' luggage comes with built in fun so they can ride, scoot and play
Shop suitcases by size
Suitcase features & luggage security
Make your packing and travelling experience even easier and worry-free. From deciding if you want to push or pull your case, to tracking and weighing it. Here are some key features and luggage accessories to help you.
Features to look for in your suitcase...
- Wheels: The more wheels a suitcase has, the more stable it is and the easier it is to move around. With 2 wheels you have to tilt and pull; with 4 or 8 wheels you can push and pull. 360° wheels give you added spin.
- Retractable handles: Most suitcases have a retractable handle, which means you can slot it away once you've finished pushing or pulling.
- Suitcase straps: Straps inside keep your belongings secure and in place for the duration of your journey.
- Pockets and compartments: Great for keeping different items separated and easy to find, and important documents safe.
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Luggage Bluetooth trackers
Lost baggage? Not anymore. Track and find your luggage through your phone with these Bluetooth luggage trackers.
Luggage security and accessories
Enjoy a relaxed vacation knowing your luggage is secured. These luggage accessories are must-haves for a safe and seamless journey.
Luggage scales
Weighing your luggage has never been easier. With digital luggage scales, you can stay on top of luggage allowance limits and escape any last-minute hassles.
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Cabin and hold luggage
Travel light with a small suitcase and carry it with you into the cabin, or choose a larger case for storing in the hold.
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Hand luggage
Hand luggage, or cabin luggage, can be taken on the flight if it meets your airline's guidelines. It stays with you in the cabin, so no waiting at the baggage carousel. Perfect for short trips, but check restrictions before packing. Need more info? Visit our hand luggage size guide for airline allowances.
Hold luggage
Hold luggage refers to larger suitcases that must be checked in. Your luggage travels in the aircraft's hold and is collected from the baggage carousel upon arrival. This reduces your load at the airport, allowing you to relax before your flight. It's ideal for longer trips or when you need more belongings. Note that some airlines charge extra for hold baggage, so check in advance.
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What is a good size for kids' luggage?
If you're unsure about what hand luggage you can take for children on your flight, take a look at the allowances for some of the top UK airlines below.
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British Airways
- Infants under 2 - if they're on a lap, adults can carry 1 extra piece of hand luggage. If in their own seat, they have the same hand luggage allowance as adults.
- Children aged 2-11 - in their own seat they have the same hand luggage allowance as adults.
- A standard 18 litre Trunki measuring 46 x 21 x 31cm will fit in the airline's hand luggage restrictions.
Virgin Atlantic
- Infants under 2 - adults are permitted to carry 1 extra piece of hand luggage up to 6kg.
- Children aged 2-11 - in their own seat they have the same hand luggage allowance as adults.
- A standard 18 litre Trunki measuring 46 x 21 x 31cm will fit in the airline's hand luggage restrictions.
easyJet
- Infants under 2 - if they're on a lap, infants are permitted a changing bag only. If in their own seat, they have the same hand luggage allowance as adults plus a changing bag.
- Children aged 2-11 - in their own seat they have the same hand luggage allowance as adults.
- A standard 18 litre Trunki measuring 46 x 21 x 31cm will fit in the airline's hand luggage restrictions.
TUI
- Infants under 2 - 10kg hold luggage only.
- Children aged 2-11 - in their own seat they have the same hand luggage allowance as adults.
- A standard 18 litre Trunki measuring 46 x 21 x 31cm will not fit in the airline's hand luggage restrictions.
Jet2
- Infants under 2 - no baggage allowance.
- Children aged 2-11 - in their own seat they have the same hand luggage allowance as adults.
- A standard 18 litre Trunki measuring 46 x 21 x 31cm will fit in the airline's hand luggage restrictions.
Ryanair
- Infants under 2 - adults are permitted to carry 1 extra piece of hand luggage up to 5kg.
- Children aged 2-11 - in their own seat they have the same hand luggage allowance as adults.
- A standard 18 litre Trunki measuring 46 x 21 x 31cm will not fit in the airline's hand luggage restrictions.
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Need more help with luggage?
Got more queries? These frequently asked questions might help:
What is hold luggage?
Hold luggage generally consists of larger bags that you hand over to your airline when you check in. Every airline has its own set of guidelines on size, weight and the number of hold luggage items that you can check in.
What is the difference between hold luggage and hand luggage?
Hold luggage is any bags that you check in at the airline counter. Carry on luggage is any bags that you take onto the flight and keep with you (also known as carry-on or cabin luggage). Checking in hold luggage leaves you with less weight to carry around the airport. Once landed, you collect hold luggage from the baggage carousel.
There are certain airline guidelines for both hand and hold luggage. Make sure to check what they are with your specific airline before flying.
What is the size of cabin luggage?
Each airline will have its own set of guidelines on the size and number of hand luggage items you can carry on board. (Refer to the section about airline guidelines above for more info.)
How do luggage guidelines work?
If your case doesn't meet the size guidelines, you could up end having to put your case in the hold, which could cost a fee and leave you without your belongings close to hand. The wheels and handle are both included in the total size of your suitcase so don't forget to add them when measuring
Is there a weight limit?
Some airlines impose a weight limit too, which can vary from 5kg to 23kg. Always check your airline's weight limit before travelling, and whether any additional items, like handbags and laptop bags, are included. Shop luggage scales here.
Which items can't I pack in hand luggage?
The full list of hand luggage restrictions can be found on the government's website (https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions), including guidelines on baby food, liquids and medicine.
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