Hardshell cabin luggage — or cabin suitcases — are made of plastic and are up to 55 cm long and up to 50 litres in volume. They are suitable for short trips or as an add-on to a normal large suitcase. Most airlines allow you to take them with you on board. Compared to cloth cabin luggage, they are tough and sturdy and provide better protection. On the other hand, they tend to be quite heavy.
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Before buying a cabin suitcase, check the airline websites to see the maxim luggage weight and dimensions you can take on board. Each airline has its own hand luggage restrictions.
Things to keep in mind when choosing a hardshell cabin suitcase
Interior arrangement
- Cross straps - secure clothes and other belongings in the suitcase.
- Internal compartment - compartment is usually separated by a mesh or cloth and is located on the inside of the lid. Suitable for storing clothing, electronics, or make-up and similar beauty products.
Handling
Handling a suitcase is considerably easier if it is equipped with a telescopic (extendable) handle and wheels. Generally speaking, the larger the wheels, the easier the handling.
- Two wheels can better cope with uneven terrain and curbs.
- Four rotating wheels provide better control. The luggage is easier to turn.
TSA locks
If you travel by plane frequently, we recommend purchasing a suitcase with a TSA lock. This lock type allows the airport security personnel to open the suitcase with a master key, if they happen to select your luggage for random search. This ensures the lock does not get damaged (the security personnel are allowed to simply break the lock if they fail to open it by normal means).
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