13 best cabin bags to buy in 2026 so you can skip baggage reclaim

Score: 88/100

Just like Away’s sleek winner, this cabin bag performed impressively on test. The main difference between the two is that this one’s expandable. So, if you like indulging in a spot of shopping on your holidays, then there’s extra room you can unlock (although, do remember, you may need to check it in as a result).

Our testers found it well made, with durable wheels and a hardy, waterproof shell and zip (it didn’t dent on test and no water seeped in). It wasn’t the lightest case, and it was unstable at times, especially when we changed directions sharply. However, it has all Away’s signature finishing touches – coming with a separate washbag, a leather luggage tag and a dedicated cleaning sponge.

Score: 87/100

Available in a selection of vibrant colours, this case’s hard shell belied its affordable price tag and it proved durable on test, withstanding rough handling. Even when our testers took it to the extreme by dropping it repeatedly, it only picked up a few scuff marks. Its sturdy wheels offer a smooth run as you dash across tarmac, too.

The only real disappointment was its zip. It moved well but let a small amount of water into the case – something to bear in mind if you get stuck in the rain. Still, this jolly bag is roomy inside and boasts three internal pockets, so you can definitely sneak in a souvenir or two.

Score: 87/100

If you need a cabin bag that can withstand the perils of the hold and the overhead lockers, consider this spinner, another great value buy from American Tourister. It moved smoothly and emerged from our durability tests practically unscathed – quite the feat given how much our testers bashed it about. It's also sturdier compared to the cheaper Bon Air above, so worth the extra investment if you expect your case to see rough handling.

It felt spacious, with comfortable handles, but some water seeped through the zip at the top. That aside, it’s a reliable design, available in a swathe of cheerful colours at a reasonable price.

Score: 86/100

This smart little suitcase from Tripp put in a great performance on test for the price, making it a fantastic buy for the budget conscious traveller. It manoeuvres smoothly and quietly, and avoided major damage in our merciless drop tests, suffering only minor dents and scuffing. The hard shell is watertight, but bear in mind some moisture might leak through the zips in a downpour.

At 34 litres, the capacity is a little smaller than some of the higher scorers in our list – but the measurements are comfortably within the cabin luggage guidelines for all major airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair. That’s one less thing to worry about at the airport.

Score: 83/100

This lightweight suitcase is a snip. Testers found it moved around easily with sturdy wheels (they barely dropped a point in our durability tests) and a comfortable handle. Its zip-up compartment and adjustable luggage straps mean you can pack your holiday wardrobe tidily, while its shell is watertight. Its zip let some water in though, and the lock isn’t TSA-approved (so avoid if the US is top of your to-visit list).

We also recommend keeping it out of the hold if possible as our testers cracked it when throwing it around. Used as a wheel-on however, this wouldn’t be a worry and it comes with a five-year guarantee for added peace of mind.

Score: 82/100

Another great value cabin case from Tripp. Compared to the higher-scoring Retro III, this model has the exact same weight, dimensions and capacity but proved slightly noisier and more difficult to pull around across challenging terrain.

Conversely, the Horizon fared slightly better than the Retro in our durability tests, only suffering light cosmetic scuffing and minor dents when repeatedly dropped from one metre. The interior will help you keep your packing organised, with luggage straps on one side and a zipped compartment on the other. Plus there’s a combination lock to secure your belongings. Overall, a solid case at an excellent price.

Score: 81/100

This combines the practicality of a suitcase with the flexibility of a backpack. With a soft shell made from wipeable recycled PET, the convertible design impressed our experts with its excellent manoeuvrability and durability. The tough wheels glide over varied terrain – and if they ever break, you can screw on new ones easily.

The shell may be waterproof, but we did find it let in water through the zips – so just bear that in mind if you’re looking for an all-weather case. It's also a little too big for some of the more restrictive airlines (check size restrictions for your favourite carriers before you buy). But, overall, this is a standout wheeled backpack that lets you go hands-free if you need to.

Score: 80/100

This is one classy cabin bag from heritage luggage brand, Antler. It impressed with its easy wheeling and robust design. Testers found they were able to wipe away any scratches, which is the only small damage sustained in our drop tests.

Watch it in a downpour because the zip isn’t waterproof. But it’s well laid out inside for packing, with multiple pockets (including a pencil-case sized pocket for cables or small loose items) and a divider to keep everything in its place. It has a lifetime warranty too, so in all, it would make a great, long-lasting holiday companion.

Score: 80/100

The latest offering from Antler – and the third carry-on bag from the brand in our list – is a premium design that promises longevity, with an aluminium frame, reinforced corners to protect against impact, and replaceable wheels for fuss-free maintenance. There are some luxurious touches too, including a double-latch closure and leather details.

Despite these updates, it scored the same as Antler’s Icon Stripe, above, losing marks because its zips weren’t entirely waterproof. It’s also nearly a kilo heavier – meaning less room for holiday outfits and souvenirs – and its size may be too big for some airlines’ overhead lockers.

That said, like Antler’s other cabin bags, we loved the manoeuvrability, sturdy build, and reassuring lifetime warranty.

Score: 80/100

Like the larger Carl Friedrik Check-In suitcase, this exudes luxury. It was easy to pack and moved well (with silent wheels), while its sturdy frame not only kept all water out but fared well in our drop tests too. Not to mention, the locking system keeps everything secure.

Unlike many cabin bags, this has a front pocket with a handy slot for your laptop. But weighing in at 4.3kg, it’s heavier than lots of the other cases on this list, so keep this in mind if you’ll be lifting it a lot. It’s also very expensive, so best suited to frequent travellers.

If you’re not fussed about the laptop pocket, the brand's classic iteration is worth considering, and it’s currently available in navy, thanks to a limited edition collaboration with Hackett London – it's one that will stand out when you’re travelling for all the right reasons.

Score: 76/100

Weighing in at just over two kilos, this exceptionally light cabin case won’t swallow up your weight allowance, letting you pack in a little more if you want. The thinner, lightweight shell isn’t as durable as others on our list, emerging with some heavy denting in our drop tests, but as you won’t have to check it into the hold, it’s unlikely to experience rough handling.

Our testers noted the quality of the Japanese-engineered wheels, which rolled very smoothly and proved incredibly durable. It’s also within the size regulations for all major airlines, including stricter carriers like Ryanair – though at 33 litres, it’s on the small side. A featherlight (albeit pricey) choice for maxing out your allowance.