What should I look for when buying luggage?

The priciest suitcases can cost more than £1,000. While not all luggage brands are this expensive, it’s still an investment, and a carefully considered purchase will ensure you won’t need to shell out to replace it again too soon.

That’s why, below, we’ve outlined what to look for when choosing luggage - from the wheels to the handles - as well as the pros and cons of hard and soft shell bags.

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What to look for when buying a suitcase

Suitcase weight

If you’re checking in a bag, you’ll need to abide by the weight limit set by the airline, or you’ll be charged extra. Remember that the heavier the case when empty, the less weight you’ll have left for clothes, shoes, and toiletries.

Handles

It’s good to have at least two handles on your suitcase - a grab handle that enables you to lift it in and out of the boot of the car or onto the luggage belt at the airport and a retractable trolley handle so that you can wheel your case around. Remember that a trolley handle will sit inside the case when put away. Check how much usable packing space the handle takes up before splashing out.

If comfort is essential, an adjustable handle means you can set it to a height that best suits you and choosing one that’s padded or ergonomically shaped will increase pulling comfort.

Lastly, check for sturdiness when purchasing. If the handle feels flimsy now, it’s likely to become wobbly later - especially if you have to wheel it up and over kerbs or on cobbled surfaces.

Wheels

Luggage with four wheels are known as spinner suitcases, while two-wheeled ones are often called upright bags. While the best suitcase brands can cope with being pulled along different types of ground, four-wheeled spinners are typically easier to manoeuvre over smooth floors, such as those at the airport. Two-wheeled cases with larger wheels are generally easier to pull across rougher ground and up and down kerbs.

Whether you choose a two or four-wheeled case, it’s worth considering that hollow plastic wheels may be noisier when pulling across rough ground.

Read on for more tips for choosing a suitcase – or head to our article on best and worst suitcase brands to find out which were best-rated by Which? Members.

Suitcase storage

If you like to store bits and pieces in your case that are easy to access, check for pockets on the outside. It’s less common to find these in hard-sided luggage. Similarly, if you prefer to separate things inside your case, look for suitable pockets and compartments. Think about what you typically use your case for. Do you need a laptop sleeve? Or are straps to separate belongings into the two suitcase halves non-negotiable?

Expandability

Longer trips may require more clothes than others, and that’s where an expandable case will come in handy.  Alternatively, we've discovered the best way to pack your suitcase to get more in after testing four methods. But remember that check-in luggage has a weight limit, and expanding your case could tip you over the limit.

Is a hard or soft suitcase better?

Hard and soft-side suitcases both have pros and cons. Hard-shell luggage is rigid and usually made of plastic or metal. What it’s made of, though, can affect the price, durability, and weight. Polypropylene cases are generally the lightest, while polycarbonate is typically more durable and impact-resistant but heavier. Luggage made from ABS sits in the middle weight-wise. As you may expect, cases made from metal — typically aluminium — are the most durable but are heavier and pricier. See which luggage brands Which? readers said were great value.

Soft-shell luggage is made of fabric such as nylon or polyester, which means it’s more flexible but often provides less protection for fragile items. However, previous lab tests at Which? showed that both types of cases can be durable.

Discover which cabin bag brands Which? members rated highly

Hard-sided luggage: pros and cons

Pros

• Can protect fragile items 
• An increasing number of lightweight options are available
• Often have a sleeker finish
• Easy to wipe clean
• Typically more water-resistant than soft-sided cases - although the zip closure still may let water in

Cons

• The glossy finish of some suitcases may scratch
• Could dent or crack if roughly handled at the airport by baggage handlers
• Fewer expandable cases
• Less give when packing
• Non-flexible exteriors can make them trickier to store
• Typically more expensive than soft-sided cases

Soft-sided luggage: pros and cons

Pros

• Flexible fabric makes them comparatively easy to store
• Many are expandable to increase suitcase capacity
• Usually lighter than hard-sided suitcases
• Often cheaper than like-for-like hard-sided suitcases

Cons

• Fragile items may have less protection
• Easier to overfill - which could mean it’s more likely to go over an airline’s permitted dimensions 
• Less water resistant than hard-sided suitcases

Is a medium or large suitcase better for holidays?

When checking in bags, size and weight matter — and the bigger the case, the heavier it will be when filled. 

Larger cases might appeal to families or those heading on wintry getaways requiring bulkier clothing. Just check the airline's luggage restrictions before travelling to ensure your large suitcase won’t exceed the weight or size limit (this will cost you extra). You should always weigh your case before leaving the house. If you don’t have luggage scales, the best way to do this is to weigh yourself first, then weigh yourself again holding your filled suitcase off the ground. Subtract the smaller number from the larger one to calculate the suitcase’s weight.

Cabin bags also have size limits - check which airlines are most generous with hand luggage dimensions.

Find the best suitcase by trying before you buy

Head to the high street to try out Which? members’ best-rated suitcase brands in person. Trolley handle heights and grips will vary, so choose one that suits you and get a feel for how easy it is to lift and manoeuvre. If it’s going in the car boot, think about an appropriate size, especially if you’re likely to put more luggage in.

Remember that spinner cases fare better on smooth surfaces. They will likely excel on a shiny shop floor and won’t be a fair test.