5 things to look for when buying a suitcase

In our latest Which? survey, one member told us that the thing they like most about their suitcase is its durability, having owned it for more than 15 years.

Finding a case that will go the distance doesn't have to cost the earth; you just need to choose a well-rated suitcase brand. Plus, consider the suitability of the luggage's features before buying to ensure it has a long lifespan.

Below, we’ve outlined what to look for when choosing luggage, including the pros and cons of hard-shell and soft-shell bags. But you should also consider factors such as whether the case has your preferred wheels and a sturdy handle. 

We asked more than 1,300 Which? members about their experiences with suitcases and cabin bags to find you the best brands to buy in 2025.

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5 things to look for when buying a suitcase that will last

1. Check how light it is

Both checked-in luggage and cabin bags are usually subject to weight limits; exceeding them can cost you extra. It's therefore important to choose a suitcase that isn't exceptionally heavy to start with, before adding any clothes, shoes and toiletries.

If you're after a large suitcase, try to buy one weighing less than 4kg to maximise your packing allowance.

2. Choose handles that work for you

It’s good to have at least two handles on your suitcase. In addition to a retractable trolley handle for wheeling your case, a side-grab handle is useful for lifting your luggage in and out of the car or onto the luggage belt at the airport. A trolley handle will sit inside the case when put away, so check how much usable space it's taking up before buying, especially to maximise space in your cabin bag.

An adjustable trolley handle might be worth looking for – especially if you're particularly tall or short, as you can set it to a height that best suits you. Choosing a handle that’s padded or ergonomically shaped will also increase comfort.

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

3. Find the right number – and type – of wheels

Luggage with four wheels is commonly referred to as a spinner suitcase, while two-wheeled cases are often called upright luggage.

The best suitcases can withstand being pulled along different types of ground. Four-wheeled spinners are typically the easiest to manoeuvre over the smooth floors at airports, while two-wheeled cases with larger wheels are easier to pull across rougher ground and up and down kerbs. Consider whether you usually get dropped right outside the terminal or if you have to do a lot of walking when travelling to the airport.

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

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

4. Be sure the luggage's compartments suit you

Do you need a laptop sleeve? Or are straps and compartments in the two suitcase halves non-negotiable?

If you like to store bits and pieces in your case that are easy to access, pick one with pockets on the outside. It’s less common to find these in hard-sided luggage, so a soft-shell case might suit you better. To keep things tidy inside your case, look for handy pockets and compartments with zips.

5. Consider a suitcase that can expand

Many of us would rather not have to buy and store multiple suitcases for different occasions, so having the option for extra space in an expandable case can come in useful. You can then keep the expandable section closed when you don't need as much space, or when you need to fit it in the aeroplane cabin or above you on a train.

However, always bear in mind that check-in luggage has a weight limit, and expanding your case could tip it over this.

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Is it worth putting a lock on your suitcase?

Locking your suitcase helps to act as a deterrent to thieves. Some suitcases have a built-in lock, or you can attach a small padlock or cable tie to keep the zips locked. Just make sure the lock isn't so heavy that it could end up damaging the zips.

However, a lock won't prevent airport security from searching your case if your luggage is singled out for inspection. Locking your suitcase with a TSA lock (example pictured above) allows most airport security to open the lock with a master key without damaging it.

Should I buy a suitcase with removable wheels?

As airline cabin bag luggage allowance rules become stricter, suitcases with removable wheels have become more popular. Their flexibility enables you to wheel your suitcase comfortably in the airport, and then snap off the wheels when fitting it under the seat in front of you or in the overhead locker. We've seen bags like this give you between 10% and 25% more room for your luggage, and they can be slightly less bulky to store at home, too.

However, we recommend removing the wheels before you get asked to put your suitcase in the airline's bag sizer, for example at your boarding gate. This is because some customers have reported that the airline won't allow the bag to be measured without the wheels, making the rules a bit of a grey area.

Is a hard or soft suitcase better?

Hard and soft-sided suitcases both have their pros and cons. Hard-shell luggage is rigid and usually made of plastic or metal. Polypropylene cases are generally the lightest, while polycarbonate is heavier but typically more durable and impact-resistant. Luggage made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polycarbonate sits between the two in terms of weight. Cases made from metal, typically aluminium, are the most durable, but they're also the heaviest and most expensive.

Soft-shell luggage is made of fabric such as nylon or polyester. This makes them more flexible, but they often provide less protection for fragile items. However, previous lab tests at Which? showed that both types of cases can be durable.

We've discovered the best way to pack your suitcase to get more in, after testing four methods.

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 get scratched
• Could dent or crack if roughly handled by baggage handlers at the airport 
• Fewer expandable cases available
• Less give when packing
• Non-flexible exteriors can make them harder to store
• Often 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 exceed an airline’s permitted dimensions 
• Less water-resistant than hard-sided suitcases

Is a medium or a large suitcase better for holidays?

When checking in bags, size and weight are important considerations. The bigger the case, the heavier it will be when filled.

Larger cases might appeal to families who share, or those heading on wintry getaways that require bulkier clothing. Just check the airline's luggage restrictions before travelling to ensure your large suitcase won’t exceed the weight or size limit, as 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.

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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, so it won’t be a fair test.

For shorter trips, head to our guide to the best cabin bags.