Best suitcases and smart luggage for travel in 2023
Bags you can check in, carry on or place under a plane seat
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission
1. Clifton Expandable Cabin
Antler’s compact case fits in overhead compartments and is the acceptable size as carry-on luggage for most airlines (56 x 35 x 23cm). It has a hard polycarbonate shell, TSA lock, 360° wheels and handy compartments.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
2. The Bigger Carry-On
Cabin-approved by most airlines (58 x 37 x 24cm), this 47.9l bag has a durable (but scuffable) polycarbonate shell and is packed with features including a water-resistant laundry bag and a compression system.
3. Bellagio
Bric’s Bellagio range is made from durable scuff-resistant polycarbonate with leather trims, water-resistant zips and smooth swivel wheels.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
4. Holiday 6
Tripp is one of the best budget luggage brands. Its Holiday 6 bag comes in three sizes – cabin, medium and large – and a range of colours. Lightweight but tough, it has a hard polypropylene shell and four wheels for 360° movement. There are no inner pockets, just the spacious main compartment.
5. Herschel Novel Duffle
An ideal weekend bag, this 42.5l duffle is available in a variety of colours and has a shoe compartment, reinforced handles and a removable shoulder strap.
6. Anode 30l Underseat Case
Easyjet and Ryanair charge for cabin bags, but those that fit under the seat in front, such as this hard wheelie case, are still free. It weighs only 2.2kg, but is just about big enough for a short break, and has packing straps and a zipped divider.
7. Airwheel SE3 Mini Smart Riding Suitcase
You can ride at up to 8km/hr on this motor-powered suitcase. It fits as hand luggage and has a removable power bank. Airwheel also makes the SR5, a robotic suitcase that can follow you.
8. The Carry-on Pro
With an expandable zipless design, this hard-shell case has an integrated battery to charge your devices and a silent set of 360° spinner wheels.
9. XD Design Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack
The XD Design Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack fits under a plane seat, and has a USB port with a power bank inside. It is cut-resistant and has hidden zips and pockets.
10. Kono Cabin Case
Weighing just 2.5kg, the Kono has an impressive 38-litre capacity, and a built-in USB charging port, telescopic handle, TSA locks and four 360° wheels.
11. Horizn H5
This vegan cabin bag has two USB charging ports and an integrated removable power bank. It comes in 13 colours, and has a compression pad to maximise capacity.
12. The Away Carry-On
This lightweight case has a durable polycarbonate shell, an interior compression system and a water-resistant laundry bag. It fits in most overhead lockers, has 360° wheels and a built-in USB.
-
Christian Brückner: why prime suspect in Madeleine McCann case can refuse Met interview
The Explainer International letter of request rejected by 49-year-old convicted rapist as he prepares to walk free
-
Angela Rayner: the rise and fall of a Labour stalwart
In the Spotlight Deputy prime minister resigned after she underpaid £40,000 in stamp duty
-
Crossword: September 16, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
-
A tour of Sri Lanka’s beautiful north
The Week Recommends ‘Less frenetic’ than the south, this region is full of beautiful wildlife, historical sites and resorts
-
Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashion
In the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th century clothing
-
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – a ‘comfort’ watch for fans
The Week Recommends The final film of the franchise gives viewers a chance to say goodbye
-
The Paper: new show, same 'warmth and goofiness'
The Week Recommends This spin-off of the American version of The Office is ‘comfortingly and wearyingly familiar’
-
Rachel Jones: Gated Canyons – ‘riotously colourful’ works from an ‘exhilarating’ painter
The Week Recommends The 34-year-old is the first artist to take over Dulwich Picture Gallery’s main space
-
Born With Teeth: ‘mischievously provocative’ play starring Ncuti Gatwa
The Week Recommends ‘Sprightly’ production from Liz Duffy Adams imagines the relationship between Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe
-
Art review: Lorna Simpson: Source Notes
Feature Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, through Nov. 2
-
Jessica Francis Kane's 6 favorite books that prove less is more
Feature The author recommends works by Penelope Fitzgerald, Marie-Helene Bertino, and more