Joybuy Insights

Buying a suitcase without making a costly mistake: how to choose a practical travel companion

Buying a suitcase seems simple, until you discover at the airport that the wheels are sticking, it doesn’t meet your airline’s size limits or the interior is awkwardly laid out. Business travellers and frequent flyers in particular often leave it too late to check the details that make a suitcase easy to use.

Three common pitfalls are worth looking out for:

  • The inch size doesn’t tell the whole story. A 20-inch cabin suitcase can have different external dimensions depending on the brand. Handles, wheels and frames all count towards an airline’s size limits.
  • “Lightweight” can mean less protection. Check the material, weight and construction together. A hard-shell suitcase made from ABS or polycarbonate, or one with an aluminium frame, has different features from a soft polyester suitcase.
  • A TSA lock won’t protect against every kind of damage. It’s designed to allow authorised security staff to inspect your case, but it won’t automatically protect against cracks, overpacking or a faulty zip. Check the fastenings, corners and handles too.

Key specifications to consider when buying a suitcase

1. Dimensions, capacity and baggage rules

Start by thinking about the purpose of your trip. A cabin suitcase may be enough for a short business trip. For four to six days, a 24-inch medium suitcase is often more practical. Always check your airline’s current requirements, as permitted sizes and weights can vary.

Here’s an example of a clear size breakdown:

  • 20-inch cabin: 55 × 40 × 20 cm, 32 litres and 2.6 kg for the Kono ABS version.
  • 20-inch zipperless model: 55 × 37.5 × 23 cm, 39 litres and 3.45 kg.
  • 24-inch medium: 66 × 45 × 26.5 cm, 58 litres and 3.2 kg.
  • 28-inch large: 76 × 50 × 29 cm, 91 litres and 3.9 kg.

The stated measurements are the external dimensions. According to the product information, the internal space may differ by around 1 to 2 cm. Weigh your luggage at home if your airline has a strict weight limit.

2. Material and fastening

A hard-shell suitcase with a TSA lock has a rigid exterior and either a combination lock or a click-lock fastening. ABS is relatively lightweight and commonly used for affordable hard-shell cases. Polycarbonate is another popular hard-shell material. An aluminium-frame suitcase can have a sturdy rim and a zipless fastening, but it’s usually heavier.

Also look out for:

  • Zip or zipperless fastening: a zip is flexible and easy to repair; a zipless click-lock fastening is quick to use, but needs to be aligned carefully.
  • TSA feature: check that it’s explicitly mentioned in the product description.
  • Interior organisation: cross-straps, mesh pockets and a separate zipped pocket help stop clothes shifting during transit.
  • Expansion: an expandable soft-shell suitcase can give you extra packing space, but also increases the depth.

3. Wheels, handles and everyday comfort

Four 360° spinner wheels let you roll a suitcase alongside you. Check the type of wheels and how the telescopic handle is constructed. A product description may mention “quiet wheels”, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be completely silent on every surface. Tiles, kerbs and cobbles can all affect how much noise they make.

A sturdy top handle, a side handle and a compact shape are useful for business travellers too. A built-in phone holder or cup holder can come in handy while you’re waiting, but check that these features don’t add extra weight or create protruding parts.

Our recommendations for different types of travellers

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Kono 24 Inch ABS Hard Shell Medium Suitcase

Kono 24 Inch ABS Hard Shell Medium Suitcase

Why it suits this type of traveller: Its 58-litre capacity and 3.2 kg weight make it a good fit for trips of around four to six days, without needing to go straight for a large model.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The dimensions, capacity and weight are listed separately. That makes it easier to compare the suitcase with baggage rules, rather than relying on the word “medium” alone.

Key benefit & features

ABS hard shell, three handle height settings, 360° spinner wheels, mesh divider and cross-straps.

Ideal for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Kono 20 Inch Zipperless Aluminium Frame Cabin Suitcase

Kono 20 Inch Zipperless Aluminium Frame PC Cabin Suitcase

Why it suits this type of traveller: This model is designed for travellers looking for an organised cabin suitcase with a zipless fastening and extra travel features.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

The external dimensions of 55 × 37.5 × 23 cm and the weight of 3.45 kg are clearly stated. Be sure to check these against your flight’s baggage rules.

Key benefit & features

PC hard shell, aluminium frame, zipperless one-click TSA lock, phone holder, cup holder and leak-proof compartment.

Ideal for: Specific needs & frequent travellers
British Traveller 24 Inch Expandable Soft Shell Suitcase

British Traveller 24 Inch Expandable Soft Shell Medium Suitcase

Why it suits this type of traveller: The soft-shell design with an expansion zip is well suited to business trips and short holidays where flexible packing space matters.

How this product helps you avoid the pitfall

According to the product information, the expansion zip increases the depth by up to 3.5 cm. Make use of that extra space thoughtfully, then check the baggage dimensions again.

Key benefit & features

600D polyester, TSA combination lock, water-repellent front pockets, TPE spinner wheels and internal compression straps.

Pair your suitcase with business travel essentials

If you’re taking a business laptop, a protective laptop compartment, a well-organised suitcase and a suitable overall weight are important. According to the product information, the Lenovo V15 G5 IRL has a 15.6-inch Full HD screen, 16 GB DDR5 memory, 512 GB SSD, Wi-Fi 6 and Windows 11 Pro. Take a look at the Lenovo V15 G5 IRL business laptop if you want to combine work and travel.

For a permanent workstation or compact office set-up, a mini PC may be more convenient than a laptop. According to the product listing, the FIREBAT A8 has 24 GB DDR5 RAM, a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, USB4, dual 2.5G Ethernet and support for four screens. The FIREBAT F1 is a more compact alternative with a Ryzen 5 7640HS, 24 GB LPDDR5 and support for three 4K screens. These devices shouldn’t go in a checked suitcase; if you’re taking them with you, carry them in a protective bag.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the current European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying a suitcase

What size suitcase do I need for a short business trip?

For one to three days, a 20-inch cabin suitcase is often enough, provided its dimensions and weight meet your airline’s rules. If you’re taking extra shoes, documents or equipment, consider a 24-inch medium suitcase too.

How long does a hard-shell suitcase last?

Its lifespan depends on the material, how heavily it’s packed, how it’s transported and how well it’s maintained. Avoid overpacking, lift the case by its handles and check the wheels and fastenings regularly. Clean a hard shell with a soft, damp cloth and don’t use abrasive products.

Are suitcases with quiet spinner wheels always silent?

Not completely. According to the product description, spinner wheels may roll more smoothly and quietly, but the surface still makes a difference. The noise may vary on carpet, tarmac and uneven cobbles. Before setting off, also check that all four wheels turn freely.