Cabin suitcase – which one to choose for a plane?

“Ready for boarding!” You’re probably looking forward to the moment when you hear that phrase and set off on your dream holiday. However, before that happens, you need to choose the best cabin suitcase – your inseparable travel companion. Carry-on luggage must first and foremost comply with the restrictions of the airline you are flying with. Moreover, it should be spacious, durable, and match your travel style. Below you will find some practical tips on what to check before purchasing, along with examples of recommended suitcase models.

Limits for carry-on luggage

Carry-on luggage, also known as cabin baggage, can be brought on board the aircraft. The restrictions regarding its weight and dimensions depend on the airline you are flying with. You can check the current limits on the carrier's website.

For example – Polish Airlines LOT, regardless of the travel class or fare purchased, allows you to take one carry-on luggage weighing up to 8 kg with dimensions not exceeding 55 × 40 × 23 cm. The same restrictions apply to Lufthansa.

In low-cost airlines, the allowed carry-on baggage is usually smaller, and you have to pay an additional fee for bringing a standard cabin bag. After paying for the additional cabin suitcase on wheels, you can take a bag measuring 55 × 40 × 23 cm on Wizz Air or 55 × 40 × 20 cm on Ryanair.

As you can see, the rules regarding carry-on luggage vary depending on the carrier. That’s why it’s so important to familiarize yourself with the limits and only then start searching for the right cabin suitcase. On the OCHNIK website, you already have an easier task – by going to the "cabin suitcases" category, you simply need to select the airline to filter products that meet its requirements.

Sturdy travel suitcase – hard or soft?

Once you know the dimensions yourcabin suitcase should have, the next step is choosing the material. You can opt for a soft suitcase made of high-quality polyester or nylon. Its advantages include flexibility and durability, as well as the ability to expand the luggage.

Material suitcases often also have multiple pockets and compartments (including on the front), which makes sorting your belongings easier than with a hard cabin case with two compartments.

                                                                             Small suitcase on wheels – WALNY-0033-42-19 (W23)

Equally popular are hard-shell travel suitcases: polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), ABS, and their blends. Such products are resistant to dents, providing peace of mind that your transported items won’t be damaged. They are also easy to keep clean – if they get dirty, simply wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

                                                                             Small suitcase on wheels – OCHNIK WALAB-0066-80-20 (W23)

Which material is sturdier? Hard luggage is easier to scratch – contact with rough floors or sharp objects can leave unsightly marks on the surface. On the other hand, soft material could be completely punctured in such a situation. Thus, it’s difficult to make a definitive choice.

Weight matters

You already know that each airline has its limitations – these also apply to luggage weight. It’s easy to deduce that the lighter the suitcase itself, the more you can pack in it, thereby maximally utilizing your allowance.

The lightest cabin suitcases are usually those made from polycarbonate and polypropylene. You might also choose a model made from ultralight polyester fabric.

Which wheels work better in a cabin suitcase?

When choosing a cabin suitcase, it’s also important to pay attention to the type and number of wheels. What solution will be best? As usual, it all depends on how you use the luggage.

A suitcase on two larger wheels works well on uneven paths, such as cobblestones or grass. This type of luggage can be easily pulled behind you, even if it weighs quite a lot.

                                                                 Small suitcase on wheels – OCHNIK WALAB-0053-80-16 (W23)

A cabin suitcase on four wheels is ideal for smooth airport, train station, and hotel floors. The 360° rotating wheel system is particularly recommended, as it evenly distributes weight, allowing for smooth movement. This way, you can quickly get from point A to point B.

                                                                             Small suitcase on wheels – OCHNIK WALAB-0066-99-20 (W23)

Nice to have with a travel suitcase

Demanding travellers, especially those who fly frequently and far, need a suitcase for special tasks. Sometimes, a seemingly small detail can make a huge difference and ensure that it’s a purchase for years to come. Among useful features and functionalities, you should consider:

• an additional pocket on the front
• – with it, you will always have your documents and boarding pass within reach;
• good security
• – for transatlantic travels, take a suitcase with a TSA combination lock, ensuring that your luggage won’t be damaged during customs checks;
• a carrying handle on both sides
• – an extendable, telescopic handle for pulling the luggage and another for carrying the bag by hand;
• interesting design
• – luggage with distinctive design not only complements your style but also makes it easier to identify, e.g., on the airport conveyor belt.

A high-quality cabin suitcase is the foundation of a successful journey. Invest in a functional model from a well-known manufacturer to ensure your luggage arrives at its destination in one piece. Bon voyage!