Best Deals on Suitcases: Your Guide to Affordable Quality Luggage

Identifying the Best Suitcase Features

When considering luggage options, we focus on three crucial aspects: materials for durability, smart design for functionality, and reliable security features.

Material and Durability

• Polypropylene and Recycled Materials: The best suitcases are often made of sturdy polypropylene or utilised recycled materials. These contribute to the longevity of the case, making them a responsible choice for both frequent and eco-conscious travellers.

• Hard Shell vs Soft Shell Suitcases: Hard shell luggage offers superior protection for your belongings and tends to be more durable, whereas soft shell suitcases are more flexible and can absorb shock, which may prove useful when dealing with rough handling.

Design and Functionality

• Wheels and Handles: Quality suitcases usually feature four multi-directional spinner wheels and robust handles. This makes navigating through busy airports a breeze.

  • Wheels: Spinner wheels for easy manoeuvrability
  • Handle: Sturdy, retractable handles

• Internal Organisation: Look for suitcases with features like:

  • Expandable Design: Offers additional packing space when needed
  • Internal Pockets and Adjustable Straps: Help to keep items organised and in place during travel
  • Compression Systems: Useful for maximising packing space and reducing the volume of your belongings

Security Measures

• Locks: Top suitcases are generally equipped with TSA-approved locks. These locks ensure the security of your belongings while allowing airport security to inspect your luggage without damaging the lock.
• Zips and Seams: High-quality zips and reinforced seams can provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that the contents remain intact and the suitcase retains its shape and functionality over time.

Top Suitcase Brands and Their Offerings

When selecting the ideal suitcase, one’s choice typically revolves around two primary categories: the luxury segment, known for its quality and features, and the budget-conscious range, which offers value for cost.

Premium Brands

• Rimowa

  • Renowned for durability and high-end features.
  • Prices often exceed £500.

• Samsonite

  • Offers a blend of quality and practicality.
  • Price range: £100 – £500.

• July Checked

  • Known for a modern design ethos.
  • Prices start from around £300.

Budget-Friendly Options

• American Tourister Soundbox

  • Vibrant aesthetics combined with functional design.
  • Typically priced under £150.

• IT Luggage

  • Lightweight and cost-effective solutions.
  • Persons can find options well below £100.

• Eastpak

  • Casual and robust designs.
  • Prices hover around the £50-£150 bracket.

• Antler

  • Strikes a balance with affordable pricing and reliable quality.
  • Prices range from £60 to £200.

• Tripp Suitcase

  • Offers various ranges like the Tripp Holiday 7, affordable yet stylish.
  • Price points are generally between £50 and £150.

• Trunki

  • Specialises in playful designs for children.
  • Products are usually below £50.

We hope this summary assists your decision-making in acquiring the best suitcase for your requirements and price point.

Selecting the Right Suitcase Size

When we choose a suitcase, the size should correspond to the length of our trip and the type of items we plan to pack. A well-chosen suitcase can make travelling smoother and help us avoid extra baggage fees.

Cabin Luggage Essentials

• Sizing: Our cabin suitcase should adhere to the airline’s size restrictions, typically not exceeding 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
• Weight: Aim for a lightweight suitcase to maximise what we can carry without surpassing the airline’s weight limitations.
• Best lightweight suitcase: The ideal cabin suitcase combines durability with lightness, allowing us to pack more without the burden of a heavy case.

Features that enhance cabin luggage practicality:

• Packing cubes: Utilise these to organise our carry-on better and maximise space.
• Compartments: Look for a suitcase with multiple compartments for easy access to essentials.

Options for Extended Travel

• Large suitcases: For trips longer than a week, we should consider larger luggage that can comfortably hold all our belongings.
• Luggage set: Investing in a set of varying sizes provides flexibility for different kinds of trips and can often save us money compared to purchasing separately.

Characteristics of good extended travel suitcases:

• Sizing: A typical large suitcase measures around 72cm x 45cm x 30cm, but always confirm that this fits airline regulations.
• Durable construction: Since it will carry more weight, the suitcase must withstand the rigours of travel.
• Wheels: A suitcase with four spinner wheels improves manoeuvrability through busy airports and streets.

Remember, the best choice will balance our needs for capacity, weight, and ease of transport.

Maximising Value for Money

When looking for the best deals on suitcases, we focus on combining affordability with functionality. Optimising our expenditure ensures we’re getting the most practical and durable luggage for our money.

Where to Find the Best Deals

• Online Retailers: Regularly check websites such as Amazon and Argos for sales and discounts on top brands.
• Comparison Sites: Utilise sites like PriceRunner UK to compare suitcase prices across various retailers.
• Out-of-Season Shopping: Purchase suitcases during off-peak travel times to take advantage of lower prices.
• Sign up for Newsletters: Retailers like Tripp often send exclusive offers to their subscribers.

Our strategy is to pinpoint moments when high-quality suitcases are offered at reduced prices, making it the best time to invest in a new travel companion.

Suitcases for Versatile Use

• Tripp Escape: A four-wheeled suitcase known for its practicality and durability; excellent value for money.
  • Price: Often found with significant discounts during sales periods.
• Two-Wheeled Suitcases: Typically more affordable and offer good manoeuvrability.
• Backpacks and Travel Bags: Ideal for those requiring flexibility; can be found at competitive prices and with versatile use in mind.

When selecting a suitcase, our priority is to assess its suitability for various travel situations, ensuring it can adapt to our changing needs and provide the best return on investment.

Other Considerations for Suitcase Selection

When we choose a suitcase, we often consider its size and cost, but there are other factors that deserve our attention. These include sustainability, ethical choices, and travel accessories that can enhance the usability of our luggage.

Sustainability and Ethical Choices

• Sustainability: We look for luggage brands that prioritise environmental sustainability. Our top picks for eco-friendly suitcases are those made from recycled materials. These range from recycled plastics to upcycled fabrics, and their production processes aim to reduce waste and carbon footprint.

  • Example: The Eco-Nomad suitcase line features a stylish and durable design, with shells crafted from recycled PET bottles, ensuring both sustainability and durability.

• Ethical Choices: We recommend companies with transparent supply chains, showing concern for ethical labour practices.

  • Note: Premium brands tend to offer assurance of ethical sourcing and production practices.

Additional Travel Accessories

• Waterproof Protection: For our suitcases, waterproof coverings are vital. They come in various styles but we focus on those that deliver an effective barrier against the rain.

  • Premium Pick: The AquaShield case wrap provides a stylish and functional waterproof layer, perfect for our premium luggage collection.

• Packing Aids: To improve manoeuvrability and organisation within our suitcases, we suggest investing in accessories like packing cubes and pillows.

  • Packing Cubes:
    • Utility: These aid in compartmentalising our clothes and accessories, leading to better organisation.
    • Material: It’s preferable to choose cubes with waterproof material to keep contents dry.
  • Travel Pillows:
    • Comfort: High-quality neck pillows bolster comfort for long journeys.
    • Portability: We favour pillows that are easy to attach to our suitcase handles.