Hand Luggage Suitcase
Which trolley is most suitable?
© Nick Starichenko / Shutterstock
Carry-on suitcases are very practical for weekend trips, long-haul flights or business trips. But when is a trolley considered hand luggage, what is allowed in and what dimensions are allowed on the plane? GALA shows you five popular models in comparison.
Hand luggage suitcases are pieces of luggage that can be taken into the cabin of the aircraft. So they don’t have to be handed in before boarding to get into the hold. For example, you save time at the baggage carousel on short trips and you can take some things with you on long-haul flights that are too bulky for a backpack or handbag.
Unfortunately, taking hand luggage with you is subject to certain rules. The airlines have specified dimensions for the luggage. In addition, only certain items may be carried after the security check. In addition, the carry-on suitcase must not be heavier than the permitted weight.
Carry-on suitcases: what types are there?
- hard case are made of – as the name suggests – hard material. They are popular because they have four wheels, making them easy to transport. In addition, they are easy to care for. Dirt can be wiped off quickly and the luggage is protected from moisture thanks to the waterproof surface. The only snag: Scratches can quickly occur as the suitcases are confronted with a few knocks on the way to the cargo hold and back. In addition, hard-shell suitcases often unfortunately have no outside pockets. In addition, they are not as elastic and light as soft-shell suitcases.
- soft case Depending on the model, they are made of leather, imitation leather or other robust textiles. The dead weight is low and the case is often equipped with outside pockets. Poles attached to the bottom and sides provide stability. The surface is water-repellent, but not waterproof.
How big can a carry-on suitcase be on an airplane?
Policies can vary from airline to airline and also change over time. It is therefore important to always check before the flight which dimensions are currently permitted. This saves you unnecessary costs.
- Lufthansa: One piece of luggage that does not exceed the dimensions 55x40x23 centimeters and weighs no more than eight kilograms may be taken along as hand luggage. Two pieces of hand luggage are reserved for Business and First Class. (Status: May 2022)
- Emirates: Here, the hand luggage must not exceed the dimensions 55x38x20 centimeters and weigh a maximum of seven kilograms. In Business and First Class, a briefcase or garment bag is also permitted – also under eight kilograms. (Status: May 2022)
- British Airways: In addition to a handbag or laptop bag (max. 40x30x15 centimeters), one carry-on suitcase may be taken into the cabin. This may have the dimensions 56x45x25 centimeters and weigh a maximum of 23 kilograms. (Status: May 2022)
- Ryanair: Here, the hand luggage can be up to 40x25x20 centimeters in size. If you want to take hand luggage with you, you have to book this for a fee of six euros. (Status: May 2022)
criteria when purchasing
So that you can find the perfect carry-on suitcase that not only meets your own requirements but also those of the airline, you will find the most important criteria that you should consider when making a purchase here.
- Type of suitcase: In the first step you have the choice between hard-shell and soft-shell cases. The former are certainly the better choice for frequent flyers because they are more robust. They are also often a bit easier to roll. Soft-shell cases, on the other hand, have a lighter weight.
- Dimensions: Unfortunately, there are no standard dimensions that hand luggage suitcases can have so that they can be transported in the cabin. It is therefore essential to always observe the specifications of the respective airline. With dimensions of 55x40x20 centimeters or smaller, you can hardly go wrong.
- Own weight: Depending on the airline, the weight of hand luggage is limited to seven to eight kilos. It is therefore worthwhile if the case has a low weight.
- Roll: Anyone who has often been to airports knows that several kilometers are often covered here. Therefore, it is important that the roles work well. A suitcase with four wheels is stable and easy to carry. Rubber casters are quiet. And so that the case can be easily maneuvered through all corners and crowds, 360-degree rotation is an advantage.
- Lock: When traveling to the US, a TSA lock is a must. This is a lock that can be opened with a US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) master key without damaging the lock. This is necessary if suspicious objects are sighted during the security check.
5 models in comparison
1. Travelite soft shell trolley case
Of the Travelite Derby trolley case is the perfect flight attendant. Thanks to its four wheels, it can be easily maneuvered through the airport. It also offers spacious front pockets for important documents and has a TSA lock. A similar model is also available from Samsonite.
- Dimensions: 55x37x20 centimeters
- 4 casters, swivel 360 degrees
- TSA lock
- Net weight: 2.4 kilograms
- Materials: polyester
2. Beibye hard case
This Beibye hard case is very popular among buyers. Not only do you have a choice of 20 colors in total, but you also benefit from the four wheels that can be rotated 360 degrees and are therefore easy to roll. The only catch: the suitcase does not have a TSA lock.
- Dimensions: 55x36x21
- 4 casters, swivel 360 degrees
- combination lock
- Net weight: 2.5 kilograms
- Material: ABS plastic
3. Samsonite expandable hard case
Of the Samsonite Prodigy Spinner offers the advantage of having a front pocket, unlike many other hard cases. In addition, it has all other important criteria that you should consider when making a purchase. If the suitcase is too expensive for you, you will find a similar model here Travelite.
- Dimensions: 55x40x23 centimeters
- 4 casters, 360 degree swivel
- TSA lock
- Net weight: 2.8 kilograms
- expandable main compartment and front pocket
4. American Tourister soft shell suitcase
Of the American Tourister soft shell suitcase only has two wheels – but there is also a model with four wheels. Here it depends on your personal needs. All other advantages at a glance:
- Dimensions: 55x40x20 centimeters
- 2 rolls
- TSA lock
- Net weight: 2.5 kilograms
- practical front pocket
5. 5 Cities Cabin Trolley
Of the Cabin Trolley from 5 Cities is a slightly different model, because it can also be worn as a backpack. Although it is slightly smaller than the other models presented, it offers a lot of storage space and ensures easy travel. It also impresses with its light weight of less than two kilograms.
- Dimensions: 54x35x19
- 2 rolls
- without a lock
- Net weight: 1.65 kilograms
- Can also be worn as a backpack
What is allowed in hand luggage?
For security reasons, there have been special ones for quite some time regulations regarding the carriage of certain items in hand luggage. Since November 6, 2006, only small amounts of liquids can be carried in hand luggage at EU airports. The containers of the liquids must not exceed a capacity of 100 milliliters and must be packed in a resealable, transparent plastic bag (1 liter). All other regulations can be found here at a glance:
- Per passenger is the carriage of a 1 liter bagl permitted
- Medicines: Pills and tablets, liquid medicines and injections (only if they are absolutely necessary and preferably with a doctor’s certificate)
- Cosmetic items up to 100 milliliters: Creams, ointments, mascara, liquid make-up, lip gloss, toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, shampoo, perfume, oil, nail file, disposable razors
- Electronic equipment: Smartphone, tablet, laptop, headphones, camera, bluetooth speaker, electric toothbrush, hair styling equipment
- Food: liquid, creamy foods up to 100 milliliters in a 1 liter bag, baby food, baby milk, solid foods
This is not allowed in hand luggage
- hairspray
- deodorant spray
- nail polish remover
- Razor with detachable blade
- razor blades
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