Carry on travelling
Looking for a new set of wheels? Jenny Southan checks out the latest cabin cases
The art of the capsule wardrobe is something every business traveller has to master, especially now that so many airlines charge for checked baggage. Plus, it’s far more efficient to travel with hand baggage only.
However, as we all know, most airlines have restrictions on the size of bag that can be taken on board – generally the height is 55-56cm, while the width is 35-45cm and the depth 20-25cm. Sometimes weight is a factor, too (12kg is the upper limit but it could be as little as 5kg), while carriers such as Easyjet may state that you must simply be able to lift it unassisted. (It also only guarantees to accept carry-on cases in the cabin no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm – bigger ones might have to go in the hold.)
Shopping for a bag that will be accepted on all airlines can be tricky. To help, here is a round-up of the latest cases and holdalls for your next short-haul trip, complete with dimensions, weights and standout features. Just check the limitations set by your carrier before you buy.
SAMSONITE SMARTTOP SPINNER
This durable, softside nylon case has a handy zip-up compartment on top that is big enough to place a passport, phone and bag of liquids for easy access, plus a TSA cable lock for added security, and a sturdy two-bar handle. Good value for money.
PRICE £135 DIMENSIONS 56cm x 45cm x 25cm WEIGHT 2.3kg WHEELS Four COLOURS Red and midnight blue samsonite.co.uk
SERAPIAN EVOLUTION SMALL TROLLEY
Crafted in Milan, this sophisticated case is made from calfskin and has a suede-effect micro-fibre interior accessed via palladium zips, secured with an oldschool padlock and key. Its unisex design would work for both men and women.
PRICE € 1,485 DIMENSIONS 54.8cm x 38cm x 20cm WEIGHT 3.5kg WHEELS Two COLOURS Black, caramel uk.serapian.com
ANTLER ATOM
This new, super-light Antler case has a futuristic look, with its honeycomb hexagon design formed from Armordon (“selfreinforcing thermoplastic”). It has a ten-year warranty, TSA combination lock and smooth-glide wheels with 360-degree rotation.
PRICE £199 DIMENSIONS 55cm x 40cm x 20cm WEIGHT 1.9kg WHEELS Four COLOURS Charcoal, silver, blue antler.co.uk
BRIGGS AND RILEY SYMPATICO CARRY-ON EXPANDABLE SPINNER
This polycarbonate trolley has a clip-down compression system so you can pack up to 22 per cent more. The telescoping handle is installed without creating ridges inside, so clothes can be placed flat in a built-in suiter.
PRICE £399 DIMENSIONS 53.3cm x 35.5cm x 23cm WEIGHT 3.6kg WHEELS Four COLOURS Blue, burgundy, black briggs-riley.com
REVELATION FINLAY
Revelation is Antler’s budget brand. The Finlay is both stylish and robust, making it great value for money. The ABS plastic exterior is scratchresistant, and the case comes with a combination padlock, builtin telescoping handle and side grip.
PRICE £49 DIMENSIONS 55cm x 35cm x 20cm WEIGHT 2.6kg WHEELS Two COLOURS Charcoal and turquoise revelationlondon.com
VICTORINOX SPECTRA EXPANDABLE GLOBAL CARRY-ON
This case from Switzerland’s Victorinox has a 3cm zippered expansion section, stabilising straps for holding the case together when opened upright, a 15.6-inch interior laptop slot and pockets for smaller items.
PRICE £315 DIMENSIONS 55cm x 38cm x 20cm WEIGHT 3.1kg WHEELS Four COLOURS Red, black victorinox.com
TUMI V3 INTERNATIONAL CARRY-ON
Tumi claims that the V3 is its lightest hardside case ever, although it’s heavier than some rivals. The case is made from sleek polycarbonate and has a telescoping handle, TSA lock and three interior zip pockets. Monogramming can be added for free.
PRICE £475 DIMENSIONS 56cm x 35.5cm x 23cm WEIGHT 2.9kg WHEELS Four COLOURS Waterfall stripe, merlot, steel blue, black tumi.com
DELSEY HELIUM AIR 2 CABIN TROLLEY CASE
A 42.5-litre cabin case with a spaceage look. Now in its 70th year, Delsey claims that its high-tech zip is 41 times more resilient than a normal fastener. It also comes with an ID code for online registration, and a ten-year guarantee.
PRICE £169 DIMENSIONS 55cm x 35cm x 25cm WEIGHT 2.6kg WHEELS Four COLOURS White, blue, silver grey, black, tangerine, red, emerald delsey.com
BRICS BELLAGIO 2
Made from Makrolon polycarbonate with Tuscan leather trim, giving it the look of a more traditional trunk, this is the “new and improved” version of Brics’ Bellagio case. The front pocket is handy for storing a laptop.
PRICE £475 DIMENSIONS 55cm x 39cm x 24cm WEIGHT 3.4kg WHEELS Four COLOURS Black, olive, tobacco, cream, grey, red brics.it
GLADSTONE G24 TROLLEY
Gladstone produces highend luggage for lovers of style. This leather cabin case is one of the most expensive and heaviest here, but it has enviable details such as a diamondcut bolt in brass and plated pewter, handmade by a jeweller in Florence.
PRICE £1,395 DIMENSIONS 53.5cm x 36cm x 20cm WEIGHT 4.8kg WHEELS Four COLOUR Grey gladstonelondon.com
TED BAKER BURGUNDY GRAPHITE
The high-street fashion retailer has launched a glossy hard-shell cabin case with a graphite-print front panel and quirky bird of prey lining. It has a 40-litre capacity and features zip-up front pockets, a combination lock and an aircraft-grade aluminium handle.
PRICE £199 DIMENSIONS 54cm x 37cm x 24cm WEIGHT 2.5kg WHEELS Four COLOUR Dark red tedbaker.com
GATE 8 SPINMATE MULTIWHEEL
Launched last month, this hardside carry-on has a 15-inch, zip-off nylon laptop bag and a clear pouch for toiletries.
Business Traveller subscribers get 25 per cent off via the Business Traveller Plus reward scheme – visit businesstraveller.com/bt-plus for details.
PRICE £159 DIMENSIONS 40cm x 46.5cm x 25cm WEIGHT 3kg WHEELS Four COLOURS Black gate8-luggage.co.uk