When it comes to finding the best cabin bag for your next holiday, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, especially now that airlines have different size allowances. You might have to choose your bag not only based on the nature of your trip but also on the airline with which you fly.
When flying with low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, you need the right cabin bag. Exceeding the luggage limits by even 1cm could mean paying a hefty fee. Other airlines, such as British Airways, are slightly more accommodating when it comes to cabin bag sizes, so it can be tricky to find a bag that fits every airline.
On top of that, you need a bag that works for you. You need something strong and sturdy with plenty of storage for clothes and chargers. A suitcase that works for a weekend city break might not be suitable for work trips.
Thankfully, I’m a travel writer, and I’ve tried dozens of bags on short-haul flights around Europe. After thousands of miles of testing, I’ve whittled down my list to the bags that fit most airlines’ baggage allowance, are comfortable to use, and, most importantly, hold your items safely and securely.
Whether you are setting off on an adventure and need a spacious bag you can carry on your back, or you’re a frequent flyer on the hunt for a bag that will last a lifetime, I’ve found the best cabin bags for all budgets and types of travellers.
How I tested
I took each bag on at least one trip across Europe. After testing dozens of bags for different types of journeys and travellers, I drew up a final list of favourites from the following criteria:
- Capacity: I filled the bags with the same amount of clothes and personal items, both with and without packing cubes, to see how much I could fit inside.
- Size: I wanted bags that held lots of different items, from clothing to laptops and phone chargers. Not only that, I ensured that these bags fit different airlines’ baggage allowances. To make it a little clearer, I have listed which bags are compatible with different airlines.
- Durability: I looked for bags with tough shells or hard-wearing nylon to ensure your belongings are safe.
- Comfort: I carried these bags through cities around Europe, so I know which are comfortable to hold or wear for hours of travel.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Alessia Armenise is a travel journalist. Her work as a travel writer means she has years of experience carting cabin bags onto countless planes and trains around Europe. She knows exactly what makes for a sturdy, comfortable bag after testing these products over thousands of miles.
The best cabin bags for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Victorinox spectra 3.0 expandable global carry-on: £495, Victorinox.com
- Best budget buy – Cabin Max anode suitcase: £54.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget under-seat bag – Cabin Max equator X 20l: £24.95, Amazon.co.uk
- Best backpack – Antler discovery: £140, Antler.co.uk
