Best cabin bags 2025 for UK airlines: Top picks for short trips tried and tested
LOOKING for the best cabin bags for weekend trips or short breaks?
Whether you’re flying with Ryanair, EasyJet, or British Airways, hand luggage can save you time and money.
The bonus is that there's no waiting at the luggage carousel for your case once you arrive at your destination.
Like the best suitcases, the right cabin bag combines style, convenience, and durability, making it perfect for travel without the extra baggage fees.
Read on for my thoughts on the best cabin bags I have tried and tested that are worth buying for your summer holiday or short trips in 2025, including plenty of eco-friendly options and premium designs.
Best cabin bags at a glance:
- Best budget option: (£40) – Affordable and versatile with wheels and backpack straps.
- Best cabin bag with wheels: (£185) – Durable and high-quality with spinner wheels and a TSA lock.
- Best for eco-friendly travel: (£50) – Made from recycled polyester and certified sustainable.
- Best for organisation: (£74.95) – Separate top access and compression straps for organised packing.
- Most stylish option: (£159.99) – Faux leather with vintage charm.
- Best carry-on holdall: (£195) – Versatile bag for short-haul and overnight trips.
How I tested the best cabin bags
All of the cabin cases tested for this roundup were rated based on their design (inside and outside), ease of movement, robustness, and whether they included clever packing features such as interior dividers, pockets, and price.
Each cabin case was packed for a trip away and assessed on how it was to pull and push (if they had wheels) on different flooring.
All the carry-on luggage was evaluated on how stable it was and how heavy it was to lift when full.
Weight when empty, maximum packing capacity, case measurements and handle comfort were also considered.
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Best cabin bags for 2025
It Luggage Lykke cabin case
Lykke cabin case, £50 from It Luggage
Pros: very lightweight, great mover, lots of pockets, recycled material that conforms to international standards
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
This soft-shell cabin case is extremely lightweight yet still holds a respectable 44 litres, which is more than enough for a week’s summer holiday, even the way I pack (not lightly).
The zips are chunky, with satisfyingly sturdy pulls, and the material is 100% recycled polyester made from plastic bottles and certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). Two outside pockets add to your storage space, and the spinner wheels mean it’s easy to move even when fully laden.
There’s a telescopic handle, as well as a padded grab handle on the top and a second grab handle on the side.
I received the case in black with orange accents – the wheels, stitching, zip pulls, handle button, and It label are all orange. The sunny theme continues inside with the lining, which incorporates luggage straps, two elasticated pockets and a mesh zipped pocket.
There’s even an expander, which is handy as I’m always buying too many souvenirs while I’m away.
I love that plastic bottles have found a new life in luggage.
Size: 55 x 35.5 x 22 cm, Weight: 2.31kg, Capacity: 44L, TSA lock: Yes Guarantee: Manufacturer’s 10-year warranty
Antler Icon Stripe Cabin Case
Antler Icon Stripe Cabin Case, £185
Pros: Interior pockets, long retractable handle, comfortable grab handles, great mover
Cons: None I could see
Rating: 4.5/5
The cabin case is available in four versions: Cabin, Cabin With Expander, Biggest Cabin and Cabin With Pocket. I received the Cabin for testing.
It’s made from polycarbonate, so it’s tough and made to withstand the rigours of travelling, with the eponymous stripes adding extra protection as well as being a design feature.
The shell also contains some recycled material, which is good to see from a sustainability point of view.
As you might expect from Antler, the case feels well-made and high-quality, from the feel of the retractable handle to the textured grip of the movable grab handles.
The eight spinner wheels ensure it is a dream to manoeuvre on hard floors, carpet, concrete and grass.
Inside, the top section of the case has a divider, which itself incorporates two zipped pockets, while the bottom section includes luggage straps and a narrow zipped pocket for small items.
The lining feels thicker than that of some other cases I’ve tested, and I love that it’s made from 100% recycled polyester.
Size: 55 x 40 x 20 cm, Weight: 2.7kg, Capacity: 44L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: Antler lifetime warranty
Katie Loxton Oxford Cabin Suitcase
Katie Loxton Oxford Cabin Suitcase in Navy, £159.99
Pros: Moves well, can fit a lot inside, traditional style
Cons: None
Rating: 4.5/5
There’s an old-school charm to this cabin case that reminds me of holidays past. It’s made from faux leather with a visible grain and features the brand name embossed in gold on the front as well as gold accents, a zip, and satisfyingly solid zip pulls.
I received the navy version, which is more of an air force blue, I’d say. It incorporates modern features, such as spinner wheels for movement in all directions and a retractable handle. The grab handle on top is chunky and well-padded, which adds to the classic style.
The lining looks expensive inside, thanks to its satin finish. There’s a generous zipped pocket and luggage straps, while the lid incorporates another zipped pocket and two elasticated pockets, which are great for shoes.
Overall, the vibe is of a traditional vanity case, which appeals to the old Hollywood film fan in me – I can just see Lauren Bacall travelling with a case like this.
There’s an integral luggage label on the back and a combination lock for security.
Size: 53 x 39 x 21cm, Weight: 3.6kg, Capacity: 40L, TSA lock: No, combination lock, Guarantee: one-year warranty
American Tourister Eco Soft Cabin Suitcase
American Tourister Eco Soft Cabin Suitcase Khaki, £110
Pros: Moves well on two wheels, good-size retractable handle, two separate compartments inside, outside pockets, external luggage straps outside for extra security
Cons: None I can see
Rating: 4.5/5
Now I love this bag. It came with me to a yoga retreat in the middle of the countryside, and it had no problem being pulled over a bumpy field while packed full, even though it only has two wheels.
There are no pockets inside, but I coped. Outside, there’s a generous pocket and a smaller pocket at the top of the bag, which I found useful for carrying my phone and train tickets.
The retractable handle was long enough for me to comfortably fit my work bag on top and still be able to easily move my hands.
There’s a fabric grab handle on the top and another on the bottom, while integral luggage straps on the outside provide extra security should your bag be damaged in transit.
Size: 55 x 35 x 20 cm, Weight: 2.5kg, Capacity: 55L, TSA lock: Yes, Guarantee: Manufacturer’s two-year guarantee
Kipling Spontaneous S Cabin Bag
Kipling Spontaneous S Cabin Bag in Blooming Pink, £195 £117
Pros: Easy to move on a variety of surfaces, expandable, double TSA combination lock
Cons: No pockets in main packing sections
Rating: 4/5
Pink is one of my favourite colours, so this cabin case is right up my street.
The outside material is made from 56% recycled polyamide, while the inside lining is bright pink and 100% recycled, with a divider on one side and luggage straps on the other.
The top of the case has a section that's expandable, so it gives you extra space if you need it and lies flat if you don’t, and it incorporates a large, zipped pocket.
The TSA combination lock accommodates both sets of zippers, which is a thoughtful touch.
There’s a padded grab handle on the top and a non-padded one on the side, which you wouldn’t want to carry the case with for too long, but is handy if you need to pull it out of the overhead locker.
Eight spinner wheels and a retractable handle make for easy movement – I manoeuvred this across carpet, concrete and hard flooring without any problems. I also like the reinforced corners that give extra protection in case your case is bumped or dropped during the journey.
For those who aren’t into pink, it’s also available in black, metallic beige, and various shades/ patterns of blue.
Size: 53 x 33 x 21 cm, Weight: 2.8kg, Capacity: 37.5L, TSA lock: Double TSA lock, Guarantee: Two-year warranty
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Vango Shuttle 45 Roller
Vango Shuttle 45 Roller, £74.95
Pros: Can access the top section separately from the bottom, padded pockets, lined pocket
Cons: No lock
Rating: 4/5
This bag has been designed with a lot of thought into what a traveller might need and is ideal if you love organising your packing so you know where everything is.
The deep, bottom section of the bag has adjustable compression straps to keep everything in place.
A zipped divider separates the top from the bottom, giving two packing sections. The great thing about this bag is that you can access the top section separately from the bottom.
With the divider fastened and the main zipper closed, you can still get to what you need in the top section. How’s that for an organisational dream! And the detail doesn’t stop there.
The front of the bag has a zipped pocket at the top, lined with a soft fabric to protect your devices. There’s a larger pocket on the front, accessed from the side, that holds within it a further zipped pocket, a small open pocket and two pen holders. The whole of this pocket section is padded to protect whatever you store in there.
It has two wheels and a good-sized retractable handle, which means you can easily fit another bag on top. There’s a fabric grab handle on the front at the top and a plastic grab handle on the bottom.
Size: 54 x 35 x 24 cm, Weight: 2.45kg, Capacity: 45L, TSA lock: No lock, Guarantee: two-year warranty
IT Luggage 28L Backpack With Two Wheels
IT Luggage 28L Backpack With Two Wheels, £40
Pros: Great price, lots of separate storage compartments, padded pocket for laptop, can wheel or carry the case
Cons: Retractable handle is not as comfortable to pull as some
Rating: 4/5
This is a bit of a multi-purpose cabin bag as it combines a main packing section with a host of briefcase-like functions, so it’s great for work trips – and you can either wheel it along or wear it as a backpack.
Starting from the inside, there’s a generous-sized compartment that will hold enough clothes for a couple of days away, maybe more if you pack light.
In front of that, there’s a second section that could also be used for packing clothes, and this incorporates a laptop pocket, secured by a Velcro strap.
The third section is large enough for a couple of books or a tablet, and has three more pockets and two pen holders.
Outside has two wheels and a retractable handle for easy movement, though the grip on the handle isn’t that comfortable to hold. T
here’s a well-padded handle on top of the bag and a plastic grab handle on the bottom. There’s a zipped pocket on the front, and as if that wasn’t enough, you also get a mesh pocket on the side for a water bottle and a small, zipped pocket on the other side.
A large pocket across the back keeps the shoulder straps out of the way until you wish to use them. When you do want to carry the bag, the straps secure to plastic D-rings, one on each side.
So many functions and all for only £40!
Size: 50 x 33 x 20 cm, Weight: 2.1kg, Capacity: 28L, TSA lock: No lock, Guarantee: Manufacturer’s 10-year guarantee
Mountain Warehouse Legion Laptop Bag
Mountain Warehouse Legion Laptop Bag, £42.99
Pros: Padded to protect your laptop, lots of pockets, different sections to hold a variety of items, padded shoulder straps, adjustable waist belt, exterior compression straps
Cons: None
Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re off on a work trip and just want something to protect your laptop and carry your business gear, then this bag is ideal. The laptop section is padded, but you’ll also fit a few clothes in here – definitely enough for a night or two away.
The back of the bag is also padded for comfort and covered with mesh, which helps with breathability (who wants a sweaty back after all), while padded shoulder straps add to the comfort factor.
Besides the laptop section, there’s a further zipped compartment that opens to reveal multiple pockets, and there are two sturdy zipped pockets on the front of the bag.
Webbing on the front of the backpack creates numerous attachment points for bottles, torches and whatever else you might want to fix there, while an integral clip means you’ll always be able to find your keys.
Finally, a pocket on the bottom of the bag holds a rain cover that fits over the bag, providing protection when it’s wet.
Size: 47 x 27 x 23cm approx, Weight: 1.2kg, Capacity: 35L, Guarantee: Antler lifetime warranty
Away The Weekender
Away The Weekender, £195
Pros: Lots of packing space, multiple pockets, laptop pocket, removable shoulder strap, water-resistant
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 4.5/5
This holdall is great for short trips, and I fitted a lot more in it than a weekend’s clothes.
The main section opens on three sides, like a suitcase, which makes for easy packing and has a zipped divider to keep everything in place. The lid provides extra packing space, and the divider here incorporates two zipped pockets.
There’s a second zipped section, which is ideal for your laptop and associated bits, and there’s a zipped pocket on the front that’s big enough for your passport, phone, money and cards. This also contains a further pocket and integral key clip.
You can choose to carry it by the handles, which clip together, or with the removable shoulder strap. This is adjustable and padded to take the strain off your shoulder. There’s also a trolley sleeve for securing the bag to your suitcase.
I’m a big fan of Away, they always design their luggage with a wealth of useful features and The Weekender is no exception. Love it.
Size: 53 x 30 x 24 cm, Weight: 1.5kg (1.7kg with shoulder strap), Capacity: 38L, Guarantee: Limited one-year warranty
Elizabeth Scarlett Sun Goddess Overnight Bag
Sun Goddess Overnight Bag, £85
Pros: Lovely fabric and design
Cons: Limited packing space, shoulder strap not padded
Rating: 3/5
This is a pretty bag that works for daytime and the gym, as well as travel. The burnt orange fabric is soft, with a velvet feel and the sun design on each side seems fitting for summer getaways.
It features two outside pockets – one on each side – which are ideal for storing tickets, passport, phone and bank cards. Inside, there’s a large, zipped pocket and another that fastens with a snap fastener.
There’s certainly enough space for a couple of days’ worth of clothes, but I found the bag was a little on the heavy side when full and the detachable shoulder strap isn’t padded.
Size: 48 x 30 x 29cm approx, Weight: Unknown, Capacity: Unknown, Guarantee: Unknown
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Best cabin bags FAQs
What size is a cabin bag?
Cabin bags are designed to comply with airline luggage requirements.
This means they're a standard size - more or less - as airlines tend to have similar size limits.
That said, there are slight differences in maximum limits between companies, so do check our info below for these.
Also, bear in mind that size requirements can and do change without warning.
Generally speaking, you're looking for a maximum of 55 x 45 x 25cm.
However, there are variations - for example, Ryanair's limit is 55 x 45 x 20.
It's always best to check the airline limits against the bag you're planning on buying or taking with you on your trip.
What features should I look for in a cabin bag?
Cabin luggage should ideally have compression straps to keep your clothes in place, as well as internal pockets for small items.
Wheels are a must, and if they're spinner wheels that move in all directions, even better.
A retractable handle makes pushing or pulling the case easier, and you can set a handbag or backpack on top.
TSA combination locks add an extra layer of security and mean airport staff can open your case if necessary, without damaging it.
Some cabin bag designs incorporate an external pocket big enough to carry a laptop, so for work travel, these are worth considering.
While cabin bags with wheels tend to be a standard size, airlines do vary slightly in their maximum limits, so check these before heading to the airport.
Remember that wheels and handles do count when calculating the size.
Cabin bag limits for popular airlines
The requirements of major airlines vary regularly, and these can even differ within the same company, depending on what class you’re travelling.
All measurements include handles and wheels. At the time of writing, the maximum size and weight limits for a cabin bag are:
- EasyJet: 56 x 45 x 25cm, 15kg – pay extra
- Ryan Air: 55x40x20cm, 10kg – pay extra
- Jet2: 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, 10kg – free of charge
- Tui: 55 x 40 x 20cm, 10kg and a small handbag or laptop – free of charge
- British Airways: 56 x 45 x 25cm, 23kg and a personal bag 40 x 30 x 15cm – free of charge
- Emirates: 55 x 38 x 22cm, 7kg (Economy Class); 55 x 38 x 22cm, 10kg (Premium Economy); 55 x 38 x 22cm, 7kg and a briefcase (max size 45 x 35 x 20cm) or garment bag (no more than 20cm thick when folded) up to 7kg (Business and First Class)
- Virgin: 56 x 36 x 23cm, 10kg (Economy and Premium); 56 x 36 x 23cm, two pieces of hand luggage weighing a total of 16kg (Upper Class)
- Air France: 55 x 35 x 25cm, 12kg (Economy and Premium); 55 x 35 x 25cm, 18kg (Business and La Première)
Does Ryanair weigh cabin bags?
Ryanair has a limit of 10kg for cabin bags, but whether or not they weigh them before letting you board depends.
Some passengers have their bags weighed, others don't.
You're more likely to be landed with an extra fee if your carry-on luggage doesn't fit inside their bag size.
So for that reason, it's safer to make sure your case is within the size limits.
You need to be able to lift your cabin bag above your head to store it in the overhead lockers, which is another factor to take into consideration.
If your bag is weighed and found to be over the limit, you'll have to check it into the hold.
How much this costs depends on the route, but it could be up to £60.
How strict are Easyjet on cabin bag size?
Easyjet is also strict on its cabin bag size limits.
Your luggage has to fit inside their bag sizer at the departure gate, or you won't be allowed to take it on board as a carry-on.
However, it is more generous with their weight allowance, which is up to 15kg.
You still need to be able to lift your bag over your head to place it in the lockers.
If your bag is found to be too big or weighs too much, you will have to check it into the hold. The fee for this is currently £48.