Buying luggage should make preparing for your next trip easier, but with so many different sizes, styles and features available, it is natural to have questions. How big should your suitcase be? Is a cabin case suitable for your airline? Are four wheels really better than two? And what type of luggage is best for a business trip?

Our customer service team speaks to luggage shoppers every day, so they know the questions travellers commonly ask before making a purchase. We have put together some of the most frequent questions to help you choose luggage that suits the way you travel.

What size suitcase should I buy?

There is no single suitcase size that is right for everyone. The best choice depends on the length of your trip, how much you normally pack and whether you intend to check your luggage or take it into the cabin.

For shorter breaks, a small suitcase may give you enough room without being unnecessarily bulky. A medium suitcase can be a versatile option for longer trips, while large suitcases and extra-large suitcases are designed for travellers who need more capacity.

If you are still unsure which size is appropriate, our suitcases by size selection makes it easier to compare your options.

Will this suitcase be accepted as cabin baggage?

This is one of the most important questions to ask before buying cabin luggage. Airlines have their own baggage restrictions, and these can vary depending on the airline, route and fare you have booked.

Always check your airline's current cabin baggage allowance before travelling. Compare the permitted dimensions with the external measurements of your chosen case, taking wheels and handles into consideration where appropriate.

If you want to explore your options, take a look at our cabin luggage collection. For travellers looking to maximise the space available under the seat, underseat bags can also be worth considering, subject to your airline's allowance.

Is a hard-shell or soft-sided suitcase better?

Both have their advantages, so the better option depends on how you travel and which features are most important to you.

If you prefer a structured suitcase, you can explore our hard-sided luggage. If flexibility and exterior pockets are more important to you, our soft-sided luggage may be more suitable.

Are four wheels better than two?

Four-wheel suitcases, often known as spinner cases, can be moved in multiple directions and pushed alongside you. This can be particularly convenient in airports, railway stations and other busy environments where you may need to change direction frequently.

Two-wheel cases are pulled behind you and can work well across pavements and other uneven surfaces. Some travellers also prefer the simplicity of a two-wheel design.

There is no universal winner. If you spend a lot of time moving through airports and smooth indoor spaces, you may prefer the manoeuvrability of four-wheeled luggage. If your journeys involve more outdoor surfaces, two-wheeled luggage may be worth considering.

How much luggage do I actually need?

It can be tempting to choose the biggest suitcase available, particularly if you are worried about running out of space. However, a larger case is not always the most practical option.

Think about the length and purpose of your trip. A weekend away, business trip and fortnight-long family holiday will all have different luggage requirements. You should also consider the weight of the empty suitcase. Choosing from our lightweight suitcases can leave more of your baggage allowance available for your belongings.

If your packing needs vary from one trip to another, expandable luggage can provide additional flexibility. Remember that expanding a case can change its overall dimensions, so check the specifications before travelling.

What is the best luggage for a business trip?

Business travel often comes with different priorities to a family holiday. You may need to carry a laptop, documents and other work essentials while keeping everything organised and easy to access.

For shorter trips, a business backpack can be a practical choice, particularly if you want to keep your hands free while travelling. A laptop business bag can provide a more traditional professional option, while wheeled laptop bags can make heavier loads easier to move.

If you need the capacity of a suitcase with dedicated space for your technology, laptop suitcases are another option. Travellers who prefer a backpack-style design can browse our business backpacks.

What should I look for in a suitcase?

The answer depends on your priorities, but there are several features worth considering before you buy. Think about the size and capacity, the weight of the empty case, wheel configuration, handle design, fastening system and interior organisation.

Security features can also be important, particularly if you regularly check luggage into an aircraft hold. If you travel frequently, consider the materials and construction too, as well as whether the suitcase has features that will make repeated journeys easier.

It is also worth thinking about what you carry separately from your main suitcase. A travel accessory can sometimes make a surprisingly useful addition to your luggage setup, whether you need better organisation, added convenience or something to help with your journey.

What is the best luggage for frequent travellers?

Frequent travellers tend to prioritise durability, manoeuvrability and practical organisation. If your luggage is regularly being loaded into cars, trains, aircraft and hotel rooms, features that make everyday handling easier can become particularly important.

Your travel routine should guide your choice. Someone who frequently takes short business trips may benefit from cabin luggage or a business bag, while a traveller who regularly takes longer holidays may prefer a larger suitcase with plenty of organisation.

There is no single "best" suitcase for every frequent traveller. The right choice is the one that matches how you actually travel.

How do I know if my suitcase is suitable for my trip?

Before travelling, check three things: the suitcase's dimensions, its weight when packed and the baggage allowance provided by your airline or transport operator.

For air travel, do not assume that a suitcase will be accepted simply because it is described as cabin luggage. Check the current requirements for your specific airline and fare. If you are checking luggage into the aircraft hold, make sure you understand both the permitted dimensions and weight.

For other forms of travel, consider how easy the luggage will be to get on and off trains, through stations or into vehicles. A suitcase that looks ideal on paper may not be the most convenient option for your particular journey.

What if I am not sure which luggage is right for me?

This is exactly the sort of question where expert advice can be useful. There is a huge range of luggage available, and product descriptions do not always tell you everything you need to know about how a suitcase or bag will work for your particular circumstances.

Before choosing, think about your typical journey, how long you travel for, whether you normally check luggage or take it into the cabin, and which features matter most to you. This information can make it much easier to narrow down your options.

If you are still undecided, our wider luggage collection covers a broad range of suitcases, bags and travel options, making it easier to compare different styles.

What should I do when my new luggage arrives?

It is a good idea to inspect your new luggage before your first trip. Check the exterior, wheels, handles, zips, locks and interior to make sure everything is as expected.

If your luggage has a combination lock, familiarise yourself with how it works before travelling. If the case has an expandable section, try the mechanism before you pack it. This gives you the opportunity to become familiar with your luggage while you are still at home, rather than discovering how something works when you are rushing through an airport.

Keep your order confirmation and other purchase information somewhere accessible too. Hopefully you will never need it, but having your details to hand can make things simpler if you need to contact the retailer later.

What Our Customers Think

Good customer service is about more than answering questions. It is about making the experience of choosing and buying luggage as straightforward as possible. We are proud that our customers rate their experience with Luggage Superstore highly, with a 4.8 Excellent rating on Reviews.io.

Take a look at what our customers have to say about their experiences with Luggage Superstore below.

Why does customer service matter when buying luggage?

Choosing luggage is not simply about finding a suitcase that looks good. You are buying something that needs to work reliably throughout your journey, whether that means navigating a busy airport, travelling across Europe by train or heading away for a family holiday.

That is why good customer service matters. Sometimes you need help understanding a product before you buy it. Sometimes you have a question about your order. And sometimes you simply want reassurance that you have chosen the right luggage for your plans.

At Luggage Superstore, our customer service team is here to help with those questions. Whether you are buying your first suitcase or replacing luggage you have travelled with for years, getting the right advice can make the whole process easier.

Still Have a Question About Luggage?

There is no such thing as a silly luggage question. The right suitcase depends on your trip, your packing habits and the way you travel, so it is perfectly reasonable to ask for advice before making a decision.

If you are unsure about which type, size or style of luggage is right for you, our customer service team can help you work through your options and find a solution that suits your journey.