Luggage Price Comparison

Suitcases are one of those purchases where getting it wrong costs you twice — once at the till, and again at the airport check-in desk. Our analysis of 135 products across this category reveals a market dominated by Eastpak and American Tourister, which together account for nearly half the catalogue. Prices range from 30 £ for entry-level duffles right up to 125 £ for specialist or premium hard-shell cases, but the real action happens between 94 £ and 105 £, where the majority of well-specified trolleys sit.

Eastpak is the standout brand here in terms of sheer variety — the Tranverz and Trans4 ranges cover everything from compact 42-litre cabin bags to 121-litre checked monsters, all built on the same reliable polyester construction with spinner wheels. American Tourister, Samsonite's more accessible sibling, brings a broader colour palette and slightly softer price points. Samsonite itself only appears in a handful of products but commands an average price nearly three times higher than Eastpak — a gap that's genuinely justified by build quality and warranty terms, though not always necessary for the average traveller.

One brand worth watching is Xiaomi, whose 15 products average around the same price as Eastpak but offer hard-shell polycarbonate construction at a price point that undercuts most European rivals. It's a compelling option if you're after a rigid case without paying a premium. Trunki, meanwhile, occupies its own niche entirely — six products averaging well under 94 £, aimed squarely at families travelling with young children. If you're kitting out the whole family, pairing a Trunki with a larger duffel bag for overflow is a practical combination worth considering.

Hard-shell versus soft-sided remains the central debate in this category. Soft-sided polyester and polyamide cases flex under pressure, which can actually help squeeze them into overhead bins — but they offer less protection for fragile contents and wear faster when checked into aircraft holds. Hard-shell polycarbonate cases protect better and look smarter for longer, though they're typically heavier. For frequent flyers who check bags regularly, the hard-shell investment pays off. For occasional travellers or those who always carry on, a quality soft-sided case is perfectly adequate.

Don't overlook luggage accessories — TSA-approved padlocks, luggage scales and packing cubes can make a meaningful difference to your travel experience without adding much to the overall cost. And if you're travelling with camera or audio equipment, the equipment cases category has dedicated solutions that offer far better protection than a standard suitcase.

How to Choose the Right Luggage

Most people buy luggage once every five to ten years — which makes getting the decision right genuinely important. The single biggest mistake we see is choosing a bag based on looks alone, only to discover it's overweight empty, fails airline size rules, or falls apart after a handful of trips. Here's what actually matters.

Cabin or checked — know your airline's rules first

Before anything else, check your airline's specific size and weight limits. Carry-on allowances vary significantly: budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet enforce strict cabin bag dimensions (typically 55x40x20cm), whilst full-service airlines are more generous. A bag that's carry-on compliant on British Airways may be rejected at a Ryanair gate. The standard checked baggage limit is around 23kg, but the bag itself can weigh 3–4kg before you've packed a thing — so a lighter case genuinely gives you more usable allowance. Always check dimensions with the bag fully packed, as soft-sided cases can bulge beyond their stated measurements.

Hard shell vs. soft sided — match the material to how you travel

Hard-shell polycarbonate cases protect fragile contents better and resist compression in aircraft holds, making them the right choice for frequent checked-baggage travellers. They're also easier to wipe clean. Soft-sided polyester or polyamide cases are more flexible — useful for squeezing into tight overhead bins — and typically lighter. The trade-off is that they're more vulnerable to rough handling and show wear faster. If you mostly carry on, soft-sided is fine. If your bag regularly goes into the hold, invest in a hard shell.

Spinner wheels — not all four-wheelers are equal

Four-wheel spinner systems are now standard on most trolleys above 94 £, and for good reason: 360-degree rotation makes navigating airports, stations and cobblestones far less exhausting. But wheel quality varies enormously. Cheap spinner wheels crack on rough surfaces and can seize up entirely. Look for double wheels (eight contact points rather than four) on anything you plan to use heavily — they distribute weight better and last significantly longer. Two-wheel designs are lighter and more durable on uneven terrain, but require you to tilt the case, which gets tiring quickly.

Capacity: match the litres to the trip, not your optimism

A 42–44 litre case covers a long weekend or a week if you pack efficiently. A 78-litre medium trolley handles one to two weeks comfortably. Anything above 100 litres is for extended trips or families sharing a bag — and be aware that very large cases can tip you into overweight charges even when half-empty. The sweet spot for most travellers is the medium range (70–80L): large enough for a fortnight, small enough to manage solo. Expandable compartments — which add 10–25% capacity via a zip — are genuinely useful, but remember that extra space tends to get filled, adding weight.

TSA locks — essential for transatlantic travel, useful everywhere

If you ever travel to the USA, a TSA-approved integrated lock is non-negotiable. US security agents are authorised to cut open any lock they can't open with a TSA master key — and they will. An integrated TSA combination lock costs nothing extra on most mid-range cases and saves you the hassle of a padlock. For purely domestic or European travel it's less critical, but it still deters opportunistic theft on baggage carousels. Avoid cases with no locking mechanism at all if you're checking bags.

Warranty length as a proxy for build quality

Manufacturers who offer a five-year or lifetime warranty are, in effect, betting on their own construction quality. Samsonite's lifetime guarantee and Eastpak's 30-year warranty are meaningful signals — not just marketing. Budget brands typically offer one to two years, which is fine for occasional use but suggests lower confidence in long-term durability. If you travel more than three or four times a year, a longer warranty pays for itself. Check whether the warranty covers wheels and handles specifically, as these are the components most likely to fail.

• Budget picks (From 30 £ to 94 £) : Mostly duffel bags, children's cases (Trunki) and entry-level soft-sided trolleys. Arebos and basic Eastpak options appear here. Wheel and handle quality is variable — fine for occasional use, but don't expect them to survive years of airport abuse. Worth considering if you travel once or twice a year and aren't checking bags.
• The sweet spot (From 94 £ to 105 £) : This is where most of the Eastpak Tranverz range sits, alongside American Tourister and Xiaomi hard-shells. You get spinner wheels, telescopic handles and decent material quality at a sensible price. The majority of travellers will find everything they need here. Compare carefully — price differences between retailers can be significant on the same model.
• Well-specified mid-range (From 105 £ to 116 £) : Eastpak's larger Trans4 and Tranzshell models, plus Xiaomi's premium hard-shells and DAKINE's travel bags. Build quality noticeably improves — better wheel assemblies, more robust handles, improved internal organisation. A sensible step up for frequent travellers or anyone checking bags regularly.
• Premium and specialist (Over 116 £) : Samsonite and Delsey dominate here, alongside DAKINE's specialist travel bags and Vanguard's camera trolleys. Samsonite's average price is nearly three times the category average — justified by superior materials, longer warranties and better resale value. Also where you'll find smart luggage with integrated tracking. Only worth it if you travel frequently or need specialist protection.

Top products

• Eastpak Tranverz M Trolley Grey 78 L Polyester (Eastpak) : The most-compared case in this catalogue and for good reason — 78 litres, spinner wheels and Eastpak's 30-year warranty at a price that undercuts most rivals. The grey colourway hides scuffs well. Not the lightest option, but reliability is hard to fault.
• Eastpak Tranverz L Trolley 121 L Polyamide (Eastpak) : 121 litres at a surprisingly low price point — the cheapest large-format trolley in the top 15 by a significant margin. The polyamide construction is lighter than polyester but less abrasion-resistant. Worth it for families or extended trips, but check the current price carefully as it fluctuates.
• Eastpak Tranzshell Suitcase Hard shell Black 32 L (Eastpak) : Eastpak's hard-shell offering in a compact 32-litre format — ideal as a personal item or strict carry-on. The polycarbonate shell is a genuine step up from the brand's usual polyester soft-sides. Compact enough for Ryanair's under-seat allowance on most routes. Limited internal organisation, though.
• Arebos 4260627421022 luggage Rose gold (Arebos) : The outsider pick — Arebos is less well-known than Eastpak or American Tourister, but this rose gold hard-shell case offers solid value at just under 94 £. Good for style-conscious buyers on a tighter budget. Warranty terms are shorter than the big brands, so factor that in if you travel frequently.
• Vanguard VEO SELECT 55BT BK luggage Trolley Soft shell Black (Vanguard) : A specialist pick for photographers — this is a camera trolley first, a suitcase second. The internal layout is designed around camera bodies and lenses, not clothing. At well over 105 £, it's expensive for what it is, but there's no better option in this catalogue if protecting camera gear is the priority.

Related categories

• Duffel Bags
• Backpacks
• Travel Accessories
• Luggage Accessories
• Equipment Cases
• Briefcases
• Handbags & Shoulder Bags
• Waist Bags
• Wallets, Card Cases & Travel Document Holders
• Backpack Covers