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The 10 best carry-on luggage to buy in the UK

Picture of a carry-on luggage

Looking for the best carry-on luggage for travelling but are unsure what you need? Finding the perfect luggage makes travelling much easier but finding the right item for your needs can be difficult, which is where this handy buying guide is here to help. Below you will find all the information you need to know to help you find the best carry-on luggage for any occasion, whether it’s a work trip, short vacation, or a weekend stay at a friend’s house.

What are carry-on luggage?

Carry-on luggage is simply a type of luggage that is small enough to be taken as your hand luggage on an airplane. Due to airline restrictions, luggage must be a certain size and weight to be taken on-board the cabin with you, with carry-on luggage designed to meet all these requirements while storing your belongings.

Why should you buy a good carry-on luggage?

You can’t go wrong with a good piece of carry-on luggage. It lets you take belongings onto an airplane when travelling, making it ideal for both long and short distance travel. For example, if you are going on a short holiday then you can take carry-on luggage and not need to bother checking luggage in, saving you time and money.

When it comes to longer travel, carry-on luggage lets you bring additional things on top of what’s in your suitcase, whether you want to bring more clothes, a laptop, or even have some extra space to bring stuff back from your holiday.

How to choose the right carry-on luggage in 2024?

Another picture of a carry-on luggage

Struggling to find the best carry-on luggage? Here are a few things to look out for:

  • Size: If you want to take carry-on luggage onto a plane then it must be within the airline’s size restrictions, so make sure you don’t buy anything too large or heavy. Check the airline requirements before shopping to make sure you get something suitable.
  • Materials: Carry-on luggage comes in various designs and materials, so be sure to think about what suits your needs most. For instance, if you are travelling for work and need to bring your laptop or other fragile items, then a hard-side carry-on suitcase may be the best option. For lightweight travel, consider a backpack or holdall.
  • Purpose: Think about what you need the carry-on luggage for, as you’ll find it easier to choose something that meets your needs. For instance, if you are travelling with family you may need several bags or small suitcases, while people travelling for work may require more robust storage that protects fragile belongings like laptops, cameras and microphones.

What is the best kind of carry-on luggage in the UK?

There are a few options when it comes to the popular types of carry-on luggage available:

  • Backpack: A standard backpack typically qualifies as carry-on luggage, with many using this when travelling on a plane. The great thing about a backpack is how versatile it is, with many uses beyond simply travelling.
  • Holdall: Holdalls are another popular choice for carry-on luggage, usually offering more storage than a backpack while remaining lightweight and easy to carry. Some may be too large for air travel, however. So make sure to check this if the holdall is on the larger side.
  • Suitcases: Many suitcases qualify for carry-on luggage and these tend to offer the most storage and security for your belongings. It’s one of the best types of carry-on luggage for fragile items like electronics or for bringing additional belongings beyond what’s in your main suitcase.

Top 10 list of carry-on luggage in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their carry-on luggage. Which luggage set is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of LEVEL8 LA-6576 carry-on luggage
LEVEL8 Carry on Suitcase, 55CM Carry Luggage with Laptop Compartment…
  • WARRANTY: 2-YEAR WARRANTY backed by LEVEL8. If you have any concerns or suggestion…
  • Airline Compatibility: Cabin Suitcase is suitable for the following airlines: EasyJet…
  • Dimension: Overall Dimension: 55x 37x 25CM (Including wheels and handles). Expands…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of Aerolite ABS325 CHARCOAL 21 carry-on luggage
Aerolite Lightweight 55cm Hard Shell 34L Travel Carry On Hand Cabin…
  • OUTSTANDING 5 YEAR WARRANTY: Aerolite pride themselves on the quality and durability…
  • IDEAL STORAGE SPACE: Transporting as many necessities as possible with as little…
  • BECAUSE YOUR LUGGAGE IS WORTH PROTECTING: Whether you're a on a business trip…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of Cabin Max HTCX-06 carry-on luggage
Cabin Max 55x40x20 cm Cabin Suitcase, Built in Lock, Lightweight,…
  • INTERIOR - Spacious 40L interior split into two sections and featuring packing straps…
  • FEATURES - Adjustable push button 3-step telescoping trolley system offers effortless…
  • Built in Lock - This version 2 Anode includes an indented high quality 3 digit built…
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of Kono K1871L BK 20 carry-on luggage
Kono Fashion Hand Luggage Lightweight ABS Hard Shell Trolley Travel…
  • SIZE INCLUDING WHEELS: Cabin suitcase 20" Dimensions: 51.5x38x21cm (All Parts),…
  • AIRLINE COMPATIBILITY: This 20 inch spinner cabin luggage meets most carry on size…
  • TELESCOPING UPGRADED HANDLE & TSA COMBINATION LOCK: Push-button telescopic handle…
BUY NOW
TOP 5
Image of Samsonite 88537/1598 carry-on luggage
Samsonite Flux - Spinner S Expandable Hand Luggage, 55 cm, 44 L,…
  • Striking colour pallet including Black, White, Navy Blue and two commercial bright…
  • Fully lined interior: zipped divider pad, large hinge pocket, functional elastic…
  • Large volume capacity and practical (hidden) expandability on all sizes
BUY NOW
TOP 6
Image of Hayayu 001 carry-on luggage
Cabin Bags 40x20x25 for Ryanair Underseat Carry-ons Bag Hand Luggage…
  • Our commitment extends beyond purchase: Enjoy lifetime replacement service and friendly…
  • Unparalleled Comfort and Durability: Designed with your comfort in mind, this carry…
  • Versatile Organization for Any Travel: Featuring multiple compartments tailored for…
BUY NOW
TOP 7
Image of LUGG 1 carry-on luggage
LUGG 20 Inch Skywander Lightweight Travel Cabin Bag - Carry On Approved…
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE: Made with ABS material your LUGG suitcase is made to withstand…
  • AIRLINE COMPATIBILITY: Made especially to meet the standard cabin requirements, the…
  • FEATURES: With the push button telescopic handle and its swivel wheels, the movement…
BUY NOW
TOP 8
Image of Hayayu  carry-on luggage
Convertible Cabin Bag for Ryanair 40x20x25 Expandable for Easyjet…
  • Multi-Purpose handbagsThis hayayu carry on bags is designed to be a flight bag/ travel…
  • Fit For Suitcase Trolley HandleTrolley sleeve slides over rolling luggage handle…
  • Lightweight Holdall BagThe travel bag has a main compartment for storing your clothes…
BUY NOW
TOP 9
Image of Flight Knight FFK21_ROSEGOLD_S carry-on luggage
Flight Knight Premium Hard Shell Lightweight Cabin Suitcase - 8 Spinner…
  • 5 YEAR WARRANTY: Flight Knight pride themselves on the quality and durability of…
  • FEATURES: Adjustable push button 3-step telescoping handle system offers effortless…
  • LUGGAGE PROTECTION: Whenever and wherever you travel we know your luggage and contents…
BUY NOW
TOP 10
Image of 5 Cities TB023-830 carry-on luggage
5 Cities 21"/55cm Carry On Lightweight Travel Cabin Approved…
  • AMAZING 2 YEAR GUARANTEE: Our durable trolley bags are designed to last but for peace…
  • STORE WITH EASE: When not in use, these trolley bags are fantastic for storage, as…
  • PRACTICAL AND SECURE: The retractable black handle provides the option to pull the…
BUY NOW
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/09/07.