Best Cabin Luggage (Carry-on suitcases) in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

• Soft-Sided Luggage

The fabric used in the making of soft-sided luggage generally yields a material which is known as Wooven Nylon Fabric, which could be Cordura Nylon or Ballistic Nylon. Compared to Cordura, the shinier nylon is Ballistic nylon. However, it is prone to abrasion over time, but the strength of the fabric remains unbothered by the abrasion caused to the material. Cordura is comparatively softer and abrasion-resistant as well. It is also the preferred material for an over the shoulder bag. If we are to talk about a ripstop nylon suitcase, it is recommended to make sure that it is a high-denier fabric, which is usually heavier.

Pros: It is comparatively lighter in weight than hard-side suitcases. However, suitable to compress and fit into tight spaces, e.g. a plane’s overhead bin. You can also squeeze in an extra outfit in the suitcase taking advantage of this flexibility. A very apt choice to even store at home or even packing it inside a car trunk saves you a lot of space!

Cons: Vulnerable to ripping as they are not as strong and secure as hard-sided suitcases.

• Hard-Sided Luggage

In today's market, high-tech plastics like ABS and polycarbonate are used to make hard-shell or hard-sided luggage, which happens to be durable as well as lighter. ABS is more lightweight as compared to polycarbonate, but polycarbonate is more durable when compared to ABS. Besides these two materials, aluminium happens to be the most durable, but it is also the heaviest. As hard-sided luggage allows you to pack both sides equally and also stabilize your goods with an X strap which is also called a middle divided, this luggage is sometimes given a 50/50 split opening. We need double the surface to open these up because they close like a clamshell altogether. Generally, the majority of the hard-sided suitcases are built this way, but some cases in the market have a top – lid opening as well.

Pros: It is perfectly suitable for delicate items and contents which are prone to breaking. These also are more secure as they come in with integrating locks for safety. More accessible to stack, making it very ideal for cruise ships travel, as in the belly of the boat, the luggage is typically stacked. Also, you don’t have to worry about over-packing because the design of a hard-sided case will never allow you to do so! 

Cons: It is prone to scuffing and scratching. Some cases may have external pockets.

• Two-Wheel Luggage

A two-wheeler suitcase, called rollers, as a part of designs, actually uses a similar type of wheel which area used in in-line skates. They only roll forward and backwards; they don’t roll to the sides.

Pros: Protection for the wheels for snapping off during rough is provided by recessing the wheels. If you are going to travel on surfaces like sidewalks or cobblestones or will be clearing curbs or uneven surfaces, two-wheelers are a better choice than four-wheelers in city trips and transportation.    

Cons: Some travellers complain that the dragging position causes shoulder, wrist, or back pain. Also, it can be cumbersome to drag a two-wheeler in a crowded space because you need clearance between yourself and the bag. Plus, the recessed wheels take up valuable space in the bag’s interior packing area.

Heavily packed cases have been a reason for the various complaints causing shoulder, wrist or back pain due to the dragging position of the case. It also gets difficult to get through a crowded area with such suitcases as you always need a clearance space between you and the bag. The recessed wheels consume a significant amount of the bag’s interior packing area.

• Four-Wheel Luggage

Four wheeler cases are called spinners- the reason being each of its wheels turns and swirls 360 degrees. It allows you to push it, pulls it, and also wheel them alongside yourself as you walk, while also allowing you to turn in any direction. 

Pros: In crowded and dense places, it's straightforward to navigate spinners. Spinners also make it easier to handle heavy as well as large suitcases as it comes with four wheels and doesn’t need to be dragged like rollers. Considering comfort and efficiency while using, the spinner reigns over the roller as it doesn’t stress your shoulder while you are using the suitcase.

Cons: it is prone to snapping off as the wheels are externally mounted and not recessed. According to experts, screw attached wheels are more secure as compared to those attached with rivets. A spinner cannot stand still or remain stationary on an inclined surface.

Labels and tags reading ‘ official carry on luggage ‘ are not to be followed as there exists no regulation which determines the carry on luggage criteria. Every airline decides on its restrictions individually. It is better to understand this information yourself, explicitly considering the airlines and areas you are about to fly.

Observe the feel of the grip and check the wrist angle. The handle is not supposed to have any wiggling or rattling while you pull the bag; this ensures the durability of the suitcase. The movement of the briefcase should be smooth on the surface.

The overall size of a bag is different; you also need to know how the capacity suits your needs (no pun intended!). This, however, is difficult too because manufactures don’t make the interior volume details public. Below features can help you maximize interior space -

· Squared edges are essential as the curved corners consume and cut up space.

· Both the integrated and outside zip compartments should be on the same geometric plane and not protruded as space will be wasted in the case of the protrusion.

· Do not forget wheels or handle – the overall package space is cut up significantly with wheels and handles.

Checking the manufacturer's warranty is a MUST if you are looking for a suitcase for long term use. You can also keep in mind to check the warranty for certain specific situations. For e.g. exclusion for when the damage to your bag is done by some airline. Riley and Briggs have such policies.

Travelling with your valuables become risky when you do not have a proper lock system. Most bags have numerical locks, but what you should look for is if the bag can be locked. Even if there are no locks, you should have the ability to lock the bag with a lock of your own. If this facility is available, then you have made the right choice!

When you take the bag with you, the first thing you will have to check is the dimensions. If you are fond of road trips, then you need to see if it fits in the truck. If you decide to fly, you will have to adhere to the norms set by the airlines. So dimensions of the bag play a critical role in the selection.

Determine your nature of travel. Is it mostly flying? Or ships? Or by road? It's essential to get acquainted with the luggage regulations of the airline you are travelling with. In the case of on-road travels, it will be better to choose luggage that packs you everything you need and still gives you enough trunk space!

Choosing the perfect sized cabin luggage will depend on various criteria:

• Mode of Travel: If you take a flight, then you will have to check with the airlines for the luggage limit. If travelling by road or train, then there won’t be such a limit.

• Packaging needs: If you travel a lot, then you may already have a cabin bag ready. If not, you need to look at your travelling needs to choose the right size of the bag.

• A mini-cabin suitcase usually measures 48 cm in height—the capacity. And has a 40 litres storage capacity. You can take this on pretty much all airlines. It is a perfect business traveller’s bag that can fit in a laptop or a few other items for in-flight use.

• A large cabin bag has 55 cm in height and 45 litres storage capacity. These are perfect for short-haul trips.

• An extra-large cabin bag is around 56 cm in height that can store up to 50 litres. It has more space for storing than the standard cabin luggage.

There are 3 main sizes; small, large and extra-large! Check our use cases to learn more about them.

The smallest size of a carry-on bag is 18 inches in height. It is ideal for fitting your laptop as well as some other essential that you may want to have at hand’s reach.

You will have to check with the respective airline policy for the same. Some make it mandatory to check-in all luggage, while some decide that on the weight of the bag. For example, AirIndia does not allow any bags above 12 kg to be checked-in as cabin luggage. They take them in as registered cargo.

Cabin luggage capacity varies for airline-to-airline. You will have to check this with the airline.

The maximum size (LxBxH) permitted by Easyjet is 45 x 25 x 56 cm, including all the handles and wheels.

Check out our product reviews to find out the same!

Most international flights weigh the hand luggage. As for weights, they depend on airline policy as well as the system of the country you are flying to.

Flying with AirAsia, you will be able to bring a cabin bag of dimensions not more than 36 x 23 x 56 cm (LxBxH), along with one laptop bag or a small bag of not more than 30 x 10 x 40 cm (LxBxH).

For travelling with economy class, you are permitted a 7kg bag with a dimension of 38 x 20 x 55 cm (LxBxH).

If flying via business class, you can have a carry-on bag of 7kg plus 7kg briefcase or a garment bag. Dimensions will be 38 x 20 x 55 cm (LxBxH) and 35 x 20 x 45 cm (LxBxH) respectively. If taking the garment bag, it should not be more than 20 cm thick when folded.

Not all cabin bags have a separate laptop compartment, but you can still pack your laptop in them. Be sure to take adequate packing measures to safeguard it from any mishaps if there is no special provision.

Here are a few tips that are great to start with!

• If your cabin bag is a hard-sided one, then do not stuff it with things. The reason being that hard-cased bags cannot bloat or expand.

• If you have a soft-sided bag, then you can fit a few extra things, but be sure not to include any sharp objects that can tear through the fabric.

• Applying oil or grease to the handle and wheels helps keep them lubricated and also averts rust.

• Make sure that the zippers are in “Easy to pull” conditions. If not, you may want to get the zipper changed. Do not try to pull too hard on the zippers for they may snap!

• Do not drag your bags on wheels on regular tar roads. This results in damages to the wheels by breaking or wearing out sooner.

• While using the pull-up handle on the bag, remember to be gentle. If you try to jerk it out, it may slip from the track and get jammed.

• If the handle is jammed already, get it repaired from any bag shop near you. Do not try DIY methods at home.

Why?

• The hard-cased luggage is the best to carry any valuables since the bag is shock resistant. The hard case provides ample protection for the same.

• It has 4 wheels making it easy to take around, no matter how much weight it has in the trolley.

• You will get 15% expandable storage with the already available space in the bag.

• The interiors are divided into well-defined zip pockets to make packing more effortless.

• The telescopic handle makes it effortless to carry the bag. Now your hands won’t have to suffer the strain of carrying the weight.

• It does not include a lock, but you can buy any lock available in the market that you feel comfortable with.

• It is available in 4 colours, so you can pick the one to suit your style.

Why?

• This hard side cabin bag is made up of ABS material which gives the ultimate protection.

• It can fit up to 44.275 litres capacity, and with 55 cm height, it is an accepted size of the cabin luggage.

• It has 4 wheels making it easy to take around, no matter how much weight is there in the trolley.

• The interiors are divided into well-defined zip pockets to make packing more effortless.

• The telescopic handle makes it effortless to carry the bag. Now your hands won’t have to suffer the strain of carrying the weight.

• Avaialble in classic black, it will enhance the way you travel.

• This 55 cm height bag is the most trendy looking one that you will get. Isn’t it so fresh!

• Made of polycarbonate, it is a reliable travel partner!

• It has 4 wheels making it easy to take around, no matter how much weight is there in the trolley.

• The interiors are divided into well-defined zip pockets to make packing more effortless.

• The telescopic handle makes it easier to carry the bag. Now your hands won’t have to suffer the strain of carrying the weight.

Why?

• This bag has a prism design that looks great but might come in the way of getting it fit into a sleek space!

• It has a number lock, and that protects your valuables.

• It has 4 wheels making it easy to take around, no matter how much weight is there in the trolley.

• The interiors are divided into well-defined zip pockets to make packing more effortless.

• The telescopic handle makes it easier to carry the bag. Now your hands won’t have to suffer the strain of carrying the weight.

• It is made of polyester and comes under a budget for most people.

• It also has a great storage capacity in our entire selection-61.161 litres!

Why?

• It has 4 wheels making it easy to take around, no matter how much weight it has in the trolley.

• The interiors are divided into well-defined zip pockets to make packing more effortless.

• The telescopic handle makes it easier to carry the bag. Now your hands won’t have to suffer the strain of carrying the weight.

• This is a hard case bag with adequate storage space and is a great classic choice sporting a plain black colour.

• The outer material is anti-scratch and is efficiently protects your valuable.

Why?

• This is a 58 cm height bag and may not be accepted as cabin luggage by some airlines. Be sure to check beforehand.

• It has 4 wheels making it easy to take around, no matter how much weight it has in the trolley.

• The interiors are divided into well-defined zip pockets to make packing more effortless.

• The telescopic handle makes it easier to carry the bag. Now your hands won’t have to suffer the strain of carrying the weight.

• The bag looks very sleek, trendy, and classic.

• It has a numerical lock as well!

Why?

• This 53 cm bag is a very compact choice that you can make as cabin luggage.

• It has 4 wheels making it easy to take around, no matter how much weight it has in the trolley.

• The interiors are divided into well-defined zip pockets to make packing more effortless.

• The telescopic handle makes it easier to carry the bag. Now your hands won’t have to suffer the strain of carrying the weight.

• There is a carrying handle at the side, so you can pick it up when you can’t drag it.

• It has an expandable capacity of up to 25%.

• Available in navy blue colour, it is a classic selection! Checkout reviews and comparison of best ladies wallets, best mens wallets, best messenger bags, best duffle bag in India.