The 8 best carry-on cases to buy this Black Friday according to travel experts
LOOKING for the perfect hand luggage case?
They don’t always come cheap, so it’s important to make sure you’re buying the right one to suit your needs.
Whether that’s something light and easy-to-carry or one that complies with your airlines strict carry-on restrictions and fits under the seat in front of you.
Our team of travel experts have tried and tested a range of suitcases from the affordable to the more swish brands.
The best part is, they’re all in the Black Friday sale, with up to 60 per cent off.
Here’s what the Sun Travel team thought…
Brixham Cabin, Antler
Black Friday offer: 30 per cent off sitewide until November 27
Was £170, now £119; click here to buy
- Size: 55 x 35 x 20cm
- Packing capacity: 32 litres
- Weight: 1.9kg
The Brixham suitcase is incredibly light, which makes carrying it a doddle.
It is slightly smaller than some cabin bags, but I was still able to fit everything I needed into it for a weekend away and it at least gives you peace of mind that it will work with all airline requirements.
There’s only one pocket on the front, instead of two, but personally find that easier as it has more space.
The navy blue fabric looks incredibly chic and durable – important for the unpredictable nature of air travel.
There are three compartments inside the bag, including a small pocket for valuables.
Lite 4W Black Underseat Cabin Suitcase, Tripp
Black Friday offer: up to 60 per cent off everything until November 27
Was £99, now £45; click here to buy
- Size: 45 x 36 x 20cm
- Packing capacity: 27 litres
- Weight: 2.3kg
If you’re looking for something affordable that won’t fall apart after several uses, this Tripp Lite case really is a fantastic option.
It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the fancier brands, like endless pockets and padded handles, but it does have a built in lock-system and a mesh divider inside.
It manoeuvres well throughout the airport and its hard shell exterior, in combination with its diddy size, make it pretty indestructible.
Most importantly, you won’t have to pay a penny to bring this on your flight as unlike many carry-on cases today, this one slots under the plane seat in front of you and complies with many airline’s free hand luggage restrictions, including easyJet and British Airways.
It is small though, with a capacity of 27 litres, so if you’re not a light packer this one’s probably not for you.
The Original Bigger Carry-On, Away
Black Friday offer: 20 per cent off all suitcases until November 27
Was £255, now £204; click here to buy
- Size: 58 x 38 x 24cm
- Capacity: 47.9 litres
- Weight: 3.4kg
This premium case will serve any regular traveller well.
Four 360* spinner wheels allow you to swish your way through any airport in style and the case oozes quality.
The durable polycarbonate shell will withstand any number of knocks and bumps without marking the exterior.
The case is too large to be accepted as an ‘under seat’ bag but has more than enough room for a long weekend away, capable of fitting at least seven outfits.
As well as one side covered with a mesh zipped lid, there’s also a nifty compression system that allows you to squish your clothes and gain extra space.
It also comes with a separate hidden laundry bag to keep dirty clothing separate.
Topped off with a TSA combination lock, this case may be expensive but will last a long time.
The only negative may be the weight – it’s a fairly hefty 3.4kg but the hardy construction is worth it.
Curiosity S Cabin Size 4-Wheeled Hardshell Luggage, Kipling
Black Friday offer: up to 50 per cent off the Kipling Icon styles from November 24 until 27
Now £215; click here to buy
- Size: 40 x 55 x 22 cm
- Capacity: 44 litres
- Weight: 2.87kg
It’s hard to justify spending big money on something you use a few times a year – but Kipling’s Curiosity S, cabin-sized 4-wheel hardshell suitcase is worth it.
The ease with which it glides in all directions across the airport floor and the simple integrated lock made travelling through the airport a breeze.
Plus, its stylish appearance made me feel particularly important as I strolled to my boarding gate.
I was mostly astonished by how much I managed to fit into the Mary Poppins-style bag, with four daytime outfits, three evening dresses, two pairs of shoes, a toiletry bag and an enormous amount of souvenirs, all helpfully organised in the various sections.
Weighing 2.87kgs, it is heavier than the super light bags but the hard shell and huge 44 Litre capacity made up for that.
Be warned though – it is fine for most airlines, but 2cm deeper than the Ryanair larger hand luggage requirement.
So if they are being particularly picky at the boarding gate, you may get caught out.
Trinary Underseat Cabin Suitcase, it
Black Friday offer: 25 per cent off all hand luggage (excluding kids cases) until December 3
Was £40 now £30; click here to buy
- Size: 45cm x 33.5cm x 19cm
- Weight: 2.1kg
- Capacity: 23 litres
There is nothing I hate more than having to pay for my hand luggage.
My Scrooge-like quality has become a running joke of how much I can fit into an under-seat bag – which I only achieve by using this tiny IT under-seat suitcase.
Abiding by nearly all airline restrictions, (excluding Ryanair, sadly), it’s easy to cram enough clothes and toiletries into it for a long weekend.
The inside compression straps mean you can pack a lot more than you think, while still fitting it underneath the plane seat in front.
There are two zip pockets on the front – perfect for keeping a passport safe – as well as a TSA lock for extra security.
And its tiny size and eight-wheel system mean that even if running late for a flight, dashing through the terminal is no bother.
It comes in a classy black, or a standout magenta if you want to spot it easily.
Each suitcase comes with a 10-year warranty, so you’re covered if it ever breaks.
Transit’r 4 S Cabin Suitcase, Eastpak
Black Friday offer: up to 50 per cent off selected items with the code BLACKFRIDAY until November 27
Was £180, now £150; click here to buy
- Size: 54 x 35 x 28cm
- Weight: 2.87kg
- Capacity: 44 Litres
The Eastpak Transitr 4 S is deceptively roomy, with every extra item of clothing slotting in without any problems.
Overall, we managed to squeeze in two weeks’ worth of stuff, including outfits, spare shoes, toiletries and electronics, without the need to check the suitcase in, cutting out the infuriating wait at baggage reclaim.
The Transitr fits well within the Eastpak family, with its design offering the same stylish neutrality you can expect from pretty much all of their baggage, while the built in lock provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
It feels very sturdy, even for a soft case, suggesting it will provide the longevity you would expect from the £160 price tag.
However, that same solidity sadly can’t be found in the case’s handle, which feels a touch flimsy in comparison.
Layover Travel Bag, Ogio
Black Friday offer: up to 70 per cent off selected items until December 4
Was £159, now £113.30; click here to buy
- Size: 56 x 36 x 25 cm
- Capacity: 46 litres
- Weight: 3.9kg
Not only is the Ogio Layover Travel Bag one sturdy little suitcase, but it’s also highly practical too.
It has plenty of internal and external pockets, which is great for keeping clothes, toiletries, and other items organised.
As well as the large internal compartment, there are two smaller mesh pockets on the inside lid of the suitcase.
There are also two more external pockets where items that need to be frequently used can be stored, and they’re pretty hard to spot too.
Other features include two internal compression straps, a pull handle, and two other handles on the front of the suitcase.
Unfortunately, the suitcase loses marks because it doesn’t comply with the hand luggage rules laid out by low-budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
However, it can be taken onboard British Airways and easyJet flights without a hitch.
The bag also has a three-inch expansion zipper, which means it can be made slightly larger to be used in the hold.
Clifton Cabin, Antler
Black Friday offer: 30 per cent off sitewide until November 27
Was £170, no £119; click here to buy
- Size: 20 x 40 x 55 cm
- Capacity: 37 litres
- Weight: 2.8kg
This Antler case glides along all manner of surfaces with ease – something you’ll greatly appreciate when weaving through a packed airport or navigating your way to the hotel in a strange new city.
It has a twist grip handle, which pivots “ergonomically” to supposedly ease pressure on the wrist.
I can’t say for certain I’ve noticed a difference to my wrists, but the case does feel easy to swivel in all directions.
It comes in an endless number of chic matte colours from navy to ochre, although I’d recommend opting for a darker tone as the light ones tend to get scuffed more easily.
The TSA combination lock and great number of pockets and fastenings are ideal for organised packers who like everything to have its own place and they help you to cram a lot into it.
The only downside is, it’s too big to comply with the free hand-luggage restrictions on a lot of budget airlines.
It is very chic and stylish though – definitely one for the fashionistas.