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What’s the difference between carry-on, cabin-size, and checked luggage?
Carry-on or cabin-size luggage meets airline size limits and can be brought on board with you. These typically fit in the overhead bin and have size limits around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), though exact dimensions may vary depending on the airline. Meanwhile, checked luggage is larger and stored in the plane’s cargo hold. It’s ideal for longer trips and usually ranges up to 62 linear inches and may have a weight limit of 23–32 kg.
Are hard shell or soft shell suitcases better?
It often depends on your travel needs, but here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:
Hard shell suitcases
- Durability: More resistant to impacts, great for protecting fragile items
- Water resistance: Usually more water-resistant than soft shells
- Security: Often come with integrated locks and are harder to cut open
- Structure: Keeps its shape—ideal for stacking and packing tightly
Soft shell suitcases
- Flexibility: Expands more easily to fit tight spaces or extra items
- Exterior pockets: Offers quick-access compartments for travel essentials
- Lightweight options: Often lighter than hard shells in the same size
- Better for overpacking: The fabric stretches to accommodate more
What features do I need to consider when buying suitcases?
When shopping for a suitcase, here are the key features to look out for:
- Size & weight: Match airline limits and your trip length
- Material: Hard shell for durability, soft shell for flexibility
- Wheels: 4 spinner wheels for easy movement in all directions
- Handles: Telescopic handles that are sturdy and adjustable
- Compartments: Interior dividers, compression straps, and pockets for organisation
- Security: TSA-approved locks for hassle-free airport checks
- Expandability: Useful for extra packing space when needed
- Durability: Quality zippers, reinforced corners, and tough materials
