Hand luggage suitcase: 12 compact travel companions for on-board cabins, train compartments, etc.
At first usually with a low weight and later close to the critical weight limit - our luggage is little shrines on wheels because they contain everything we need. This makes it all the more important to get the right hand luggage suitcase for yourself. And while some may place less value on their luggage, a cabin trolley is particularly suitable for investing a little more.
Directly to: Quick Shop: The best hand luggage suitcases at a glance|How do I find the right hand luggage suitcase for me?|That's why investing in hand luggage is worth it|Shopping: The best hand luggage suitcases including advantages, disadvantages and special features|What size is a carry-on suitcase?|What can be put in hand luggage?|What is not allowed in hand luggage?
Quick Shop: The best hand luggage suitcases at a glance
How do I find the right hand luggage suitcase for me?
Deciding which model is right for you goes far beyond the question “hard or soft luggage?” out. A hand luggage trolley is available in different designs, colors and materials, and the different models differ in the number of wheels, internal compartments and external pockets. Questions that arise include: Is there a laptop compartment if you're going on a business trip? Should the trolley also have a carrying handle? Do I choose aluminum, fabric or PP plastic (polypropylene)? Many questions, one shopping cart - means time for research and good purchasing decisions.
That's why it's worth investing in hand luggage
In contrast to a large check-in travel suitcase, which is often unfortunately handled less gently by airport staffIf you are brought back to the plane and via the baggage carousel, your on-board luggage will always remain under your supervision. Therefore, the risk of expensive trolleys getting scratches or losing one of the practical double wheels is relatively low.
Say what you want, but some people worry about the look of their carry-on suitcases. There is hardly anywhere where so many different people meetor train stations. And how do you pass the time there when the duty-free shop has already been visited: “people-watching”. So why not reflect your own style in your hand luggage?
12 hand luggage suitcases from Rimowa, Samsonite & Co. – including advantages, disadvantages and special features
As always, it's important to us to cover different needs, styles, price ranges and features. No matter whether you prefer something very simple in muted colors or whether you prefer to stroll through the airport with the ultimate eye-catcher, you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for here.
1/12
Best Rimowa hand luggage
Pros
- “Essential Lite Cabin” from Rimowa is the brand’s “cheapest” carry-on suitcase
- Luxury and longevity
- lifetime guarantee
- Suitcases can be repaired or replaced in any store worldwide
Cons
- high price
- Light colors tend to get scratches quickly
2/12
Best Samsonite carry-on luggage
Pros
- Quality and tradition
- affordable premium brand
- good internal division
Cons
- narrow, which means little storage space
3/12
Best hand luggage under 100 euros
Size:53 x 24 x 34,5 cm
Weight:3,3 kg
Special Features:scratch-resistant surface, lined interior with partition, expandable to 15 percent more capacity, adjustable telescopic handlePros
- Amazon bestseller with 43k reviews and 4.5 stars
- If you need a carry-on quickly, this is the right place
- good organization inside
Cons
- tends to drift sideways when rolling
4/12
Best vegan carry-on luggage
Size:40 x 55 x 20 cm
Weight:2,9 kg
Special Features:Hard shell made of premium German polycarbonate, telescopic handle, TSA combination lock, mesh room divider, water-repellent inner coverPros
- sustainable & vegan
- Complete production of the case is 99 percent waste-free
- rolls well
- hardly any weight
- can be personalized
Cons
- more expensive than other models
5/12
Best luxury carry-on luggage
Pros
- Traditional brand from Germany
- Made of high quality leather with cotton lining
- modern workmanship and features thanks to production in South Korea
Cons
- sensitive due to leather outside
- not ideal if you like things simple and minimalist
6/12
Best soft-shell carry-on luggage
Pros
- hardly any weight
- Brand has a lot of expertise in the field of travel
- lots of storage space thanks to the soft shell
Cons
- If full, the suitcase could be classified as too “wide” by certain airlines
7/12
Best statement carry-on luggage
Size:55 x 39 x 23 cm
Weight:4,1 kg
Special Features:TSA locks, flex divider, four double wheels, telescopic handle, shell made of robust polycarbonatePros
- Absolute eye-catcher with recognition value
- very robust due to aluminum and polycarbonate shell
Cons
- One of the heavy models with a dead weight of 4kg
8/12
Best carry-on luggage with a vintage feel
Pros
- combines modern functions with elegant vintage design
- lots of storage space
- noble color combinations
Cons
- not for fans of color
- high price
9/12
Best business carry-on luggage
Pros
- Recommended for business trips due to the easily accessible external compartment for laptops, documents, etc.
- expandable
Cons
- Rollers can tend to break quickly
10/12
Best carry-on luggage set
Pros
- light weight
- coordinated set
- Toiletry bags and travel bags can also be used individually
Cons
- The handle is not always easy to use
11/12
Best sturdy carry-on luggage
Pros
- water-repellent
- robust due to the combination of durable polycarbonate and lightweight aluminum frame
- light
Cons
- is considered the cabin size for most, but not all, airlines
12/12
Best eco-friendly carry-on luggage
Pros
- Made from lightweight, indestructible recycled polycarbonate from Germany
- Inner fabric made from 100 percent recycled PET
- is accepted by all airlines
- smart division of storage space
Cons
- no bright colors available in terms of design
A little Q&A to refresh your knowledge about cabin luggage.
What size is a carry-on suitcase?
A suitcase that you can take into the cabin must not exceed the following size:55 x 40 x 23 cm.From time to time there may be differences between airlines, but we have researched thoroughly and checked the websites of the most well-known airlines.
- Lufthansa: 55 x 40 x 23 cm
- Ryanair: 40 x 20 x 25 cm
- Easyjet: 45 x 36 x 20 cm
The dimensions given above work perfectly and you shouldn't have any problems boarding. The exception would be foldable garment bags. Because of their flexibility, these are allowed on board, even if they do not meet the permitted dimensions for hand luggage. Handbags, backpacks and laptop bags are of course allowed on flights in addition to carry-on. If you travel by train or car, of course, different or hardly any regulations apply.
What can be put in hand luggage?
Carry-ons are allowedMaximum weight of 8kghave. A lot of things can now fit in the suitcase. As long as nothing exceeds the 100 ml mark and is packed in transparent bags or toiletry bags, nothing can go wrong. Plus: most, regardless of whetheror, are available in travel sizes in drugstores, for example. Or if you want to pay attention to the environment, you can also buy small containers and fill them as you wish.
If you have medication that is larger, just have a certificate from your doctor with you. By the way, laptops are allowed on board, as are smartphones, tablets or small game consoles. They simply need to be switched off during takeoff and landing.
What is not allowed in hand luggage?
The list of prohibited items is quite short. Lighters, nail scissors, large umbrellas and razors with removable blades (disposable razors are okay!) are not allowed in hand luggage. However, if you are traveling outside of Europe - example: USA - we would recommend that you check online in advance to see whether other, “stricter” rules apply. A reliable source is the website of IATA, the International Air Transportation Association, which takes care of international aviation safety.
You can find more travel essentials here:
