Tried, tested, and still rolling: 5 most reliable cabin suitcases I have used over the last 13 years
After years of flights, road trips, and hotel check-ins, these five cabin suitcases have proven their quality, durability, and timeless style every single time.
Our Pick
FAQs
Our Picks
| Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Hilfiger Cabin Luggage Mckinley - Rose Pink | Small Trolley Bag with TSA Lock | 360° Spinner Wheels | Telescopic Handle | Water Resistance | Polypropylene Hardshell Suitcase|37L Capacity |55cm View Details  | ₹8,999 | |
| |  | |
| VIP Zorro Strolly 55Cm 360° SMS|Trolley Bag, Speed_Wheel Suitcase for Travel, 8 Wheel Luggage for Men and Women, Polycarbonate Hard Side Cabin and Check in Bag (Silver, Small) View Details | ₹4,600 | |
| | | |
| Skybags Rubik Polyester 57.6 cms Blue Softsided Cabin Luggage View Details | | |
| | | |
| Swiss Military Black Gold Collection Bristol Luggage, Anti-Theft Zipperless Trolley, TSA Lock, 360° Wheels, USB & Type-C Port, 14 in Laptop Compartment, 44L, Makrolon PC, (Free Cover) Gold, 55cm View Details | ₹12,449 | |
| | | |
| MOKOBARA Polycarbonate The Transit Wave Cabin Luggage 58Cms Cabin Size German Makrolon Poly-Carbonate Hardside 8 Hinimoto Wheels Suitcase Trolley (Shy Blue), Small View Details | ₹5,499 | |
| | |
I’m not someone who can manage with just one suitcase. As a self-proclaimed wanderluster, I tend to overthink every small detail before a trip. Is my cabin suitcase perfect? Will it handle the chaos of travelling with kids? Does it have a laptop compartment for work trips? Because heavy handbags and backpacks are just not my thing! For short getaways, I need something compact yet spacious. For longer trips, when there’s already check-in luggage, I prefer something sleeker and more stylish for that perfect airport look.
While I do love minimal packing hacks, a few luggage indulgences are always allowed. Over the years, I’ve built quite a collection of suitcases, gifting away the ones that didn’t quite meet my checklist. I’ve tested, swapped, and refined my list, and here’s a look at my current top five. I say current, because who knows what I’ll find next.
The stylish pick that will grab eyeballs!
This rose pink cabin suitcase is the newest gem in my collection. Its colour is playful yet polished, catching everyone’s attention. Even my kids and husband wanted it on vacation. It is sturdy and sleek, perfect for 1-2 day trips when I skip check-in bags. I have used it on airport trips without a laptop, and its smooth 360° spinner wheels and telescopic handle make moving through terminals effortless. The spacious interior keeps items organised, and its chic design pairs beautifully with any sling bag. This suitcase makes quick trips stylish and stress-free.
What I loved
Vibrant colour, sleek design, smooth wheels, spacious interior, effortless mobility, perfect for short, stylish trips, pairs with any chic sling bag.
What I did not enjoy
No laptop compartment, zipper could feel more durable, only suitable for short trips, not ideal for work travel with electronics.
Read my review here: I took this suitcase with me for a weekend trip, and here is how it went!
I picked up this silver VIP Zorro Strolly 55cm cabin suitcase after a long work-cation, tired of hauling a laptop backpack everywhere. It quickly became the perfect cabin companion. The front laptop compartment is a lifesaver, secure and roomy enough for a laptop, Kindle, chargers, cables, and other electronics, making airport security checks effortless. The main compartment is spacious and includes a document section for files and paperwork. This suitcase works perfectly for sending a bag into check-in while carrying a stylish, practical laptop case for transfers, with space for everything needed on the go, including a change of clothes for unexpected overnight stays.
What I loved
Front laptop compartment, secure lock, spacious main compartment, document section, easy airport security, stylish yet practical, perfect for short work trips.
What I did not enjoy
Slightly heavier than minimal cabin bags, silver shows scratches easily, main compartment organisation could be better for small items.
Sometimes you just need space, and the Skybags Rubik 57.6cm soft-sided cabin suitcase delivers exactly that. Its roomy 47-litre interior is perfect for train journeys, weekend getaways, or as an extra suitcase for international trips. The expander feature gives you a little more room for shopping hauls or souvenirs when check-in allowances are limited. I’ve had a Skybags suitcase just like this for 13 years, and despite showing some wear, it still stands strong. It also works well for carrying kids’ clothes, making the most of their baggage allowance while keeping my packing efficient.
What I loved
Spacious interior, expandable compartment, reliable for years, lightweight yet sturdy, perfect for weekends, train journeys, and extra travel needs.
What I did not enjoy
No laptop compartment, single main compartment limits organisation, soft exterior can scuff, slightly bulky for travel, where you pull your luggage around.
The Swiss Military Black Gold Bristol luggage in gold quickly became my go-to for business trips and tech-heavy travel. Its sturdy Makrolon polycarbonate build makes it durable and reliable, even if it is not sleek. The anti-theft zipperless design with dual TSA locks gives me peace of mind, and the 14-inch laptop compartment keeps all my devices organised and secure. I loved the built-in USB-A and USB-C charging ports, which meant I could charge my phone without juggling a portable charger. The 360° wheels and adjustable trolley handle make it easy to move, and my sons found it simple to handle too. It is heavy, so I reserve it for trips where I carry essentials and valuables only.
What I loved
Durable gold finish, anti-theft design, dual TSA locks, laptop compartment, built-in USB ports, smooth 360° wheels, and practical and reliable.
What I did not enjoy
Heavy for full-flight luggage, not ideal for long trips with lots of packing, front pocket access can be tricky when packed.
This Shy Blue MOKOBARA Transit Wave cabin suitcase was a gift that instantly made my day. It combines a sturdy polycarbonate hard shell with a stylish design, giving any airport appearance a little extra flair. The 8 Hinimoto spinner wheels and feather-touch telescopic handle make navigating terminals effortless, while the TSA-approved keyless lock keeps everything secure. Inside, I love the mesh compartments and zippered pockets, which make packing with cubes compact and organised. Perfect for weekend getaways or road trips, it fits a 3 to 5-day trip with ease and adds a touch of sophistication to every journey.
What I loved
Sturdy polycarbonate shell, stylish airport-ready design, mesh internal compartments, compact packing, smooth 360° spinner wheels, TSA lock, perfect for short trips.
What I did not enjoy
Slightly heavier than ultralight cabin bags, limited main compartment space for longer trips, front pocket is small.
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- What size should a cabin suitcase be?
Most airlines allow a cabin bag around 55cm x 35cm x 20cm. Check your airline’s rules before buying, as sizes vary slightly.
- Hard shell or soft shell – which is better?
Hard shells offer better protection for electronics and fragile items, while soft shells are lighter and can expand slightly for extra packing space.
- How important are wheels and handles?
Very important. 360° spinner wheels and a comfortable telescopic handle make airport navigation smooth and stress-free.
- Should I prioritise compartments or overall space?
Both matter. Compartments help organise electronics, documents, and toiletries, while sufficient space ensures you can pack for multiple days without overstuffing.
Disclaimer:At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
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