Best suitcases and smart luggage for travel in 2023
Bags you can check in, carry on or place under a plane seat
A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Thank you for signing up to TheWeek. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
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.
Subscribe to 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.
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.
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.
Sign up to our 10 Things You Need to Know Today newsletter
A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
-
Should you fire your financial adviser? 4 signs it's time to say goodbye.
The Explainer Breakups are never fun, but you have to protect your wallet
By Becca Stanek Published
-
The daily gossip: Man arrested in connection with shooting of Tupac Shakur, an OceanGate movie is in the works, and more
Feature The daily gossip: September 29, 2023
By Brendan Morrow Published
-
What to expect from an El Niño winter
The Explainer Things might be different thanks to this well-known weather phenomenon
By Devika Rao Published
-
Properties of the week: European coastal escapes
The Week Recommends Featuring a 300-year-old rustic finca in Alicante and a secluded villa with sea views in Sardinia
By The Week Staff Published
-
Marina Abramović at the Royal Academy review
The Week Recommends Exhibition looks back at the spectacular highlights of her five-decade career
By The Week Staff Published
-
Fernando Botero obituary: artist of 'whimsical rotundity'
Obituary Colombian painter and sculptor was known for his 'exuberant style'
By The Week Staff Published
-
Boys from the Blackstuff review
The Week Recommends A 'powerful' adaptation of Alan Bleasdale's 'masterpiece'
By The Week Staff Published
-
Chris Packham: Is It Time to Break the Law? review
The Week Recommends Channel 4 documentary grapples with 'profound' questions about the 'climate apocalypse'
By The Week Staff Published