Suitcases/luggage - recommend places to buy

All4ABargain

Hi
I am looking for some luggage for holidays and was wondering does anybody have anywhere they would recommend?

Specifically I need hand luggage to fit Ryanair's hand luggage restrictions (55x40x20cm) and so far in my limited search, I have found that even luggage that has the dimensions written on it and would seem perfect, have turned out to be just over the limit when I actually measure them, which then makes me a little nervous about shopping online since I can't measure before I buy. I'm also looking for a large suitcase but there are no size restrictions.

The other two "wishes" I would have would be for them to be as light as possible and as cheap as possible! I know I might be asking a lot, but if anybody has any shops or websites they recommend, I would love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: for some reason the MSE search didn't throw this up for me before I posted this thread, but now google did! - there is already a discussion on Ryanair luggage here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/988075
So sorry everyone! I was trying to delete this thread but can't - could some of the moderators delete this thread

basill

I bought a bag online, advertised as being OK for Ryanair. When it arrived I measured it at 230mm deep even before it was filled. I decided not to risk it and returned that one.

As time was getting short I ended up with an Antler wheeled bag from the outlet shop at Hatfield Galleria. Although it was a bit more expensive it does have a 10 year guarantee.

I took a tape measure with me but was pleased to find they have cardboard boxes exactly the right size for popular airlines. You can drop the bags in and see immediately if they are the right size.
B

Tarry

Not sure if it helps, but I got my case from Poundstretchers as it was nice and light. I used it to fly to Jersey, well, not the case, but you know I mean.

bcl999

If you are near a TJ Hughes store, they have a wide range at reasonable prices. For your cabin case, I think the lightest you can get is the Sub-Zero range. Not sure if they meet size for Ryanair. Also, they are not the sturdiest cases so wouldn't advise getting one for your checked luggage which will be exposed to the rough and tumble of the baggage system.

All4ABargain

Thanks guys!

@basill - Mmm, that's my fear of buying online - I had assumed that measurments would be exactly as quoted since it's so important nowadays but I've been shocked how much they were out when measuring any I've came across. I'm in NI and I think there's an Antler luggage outlet store, so we must make a trip there some day, armed with a tape measure. That's great they had boxes for all the major airlines - what a fantastic idea! Saves them having returns because the sizes aren't as quoted!

@ Tarry - LOL, now that would be handy having a suitcase that you could fly there - would cut out on Ryanair full stop! :rotfl: Thanks, I'll have to check out Poundstretcher - it's good to hear there are some the right size and also light as I have been in despair of ever finding a suitcase small enough for Ryanair, (although I am certainly not paying for their overpriced cabin-approved suitcase they advertise when booking!)

@bcl999 - unfortunately we don't have a TJ huges store here in NI, though I think there are some sub zero suitcases in argos. I think they are quoted as 1cm 2 tall but yet I've saw a picture of one in a Ryanair luggage cage so I don't know whether to get one, and measure it myself and if not, take it back. I didn't know they were flimsy though, so thanks for the tip - will look for something else for the large suitcase.

If anybody is interested, I found this on amazon for £24.95 - it has good reviews, but my only problem is that it's a backpack and something on wheels would be better for me. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cabin-Max-Backpack-Approved-55x40x20/dp/B002Q5APX4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336480945&sr=8-2

Doshwaster

When buying luggage the most important question to ask is - how often do you fly?

If it's only once or twice a year then the cheap cases from the likes of supermarkets or Argos may be fine but if you are a regular traveller then it's worth spending some money on cases which will take a lot of abuse and last longer than your suntan.

I like the Tripp range as they are really lightweight. I don't know about other stockists but it's always available at Debenhams - and currently on sale too: http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigate?ps=&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&x=0&y=0&txt=suitcases#catalogId=10001&lid=//productsuniverse/en_GB/product_online%3DY/insearch%3D1/%24s%3Dsuitcases/brand_description%3E%7Btripp%7D&ps=default&sfn=BRAND&sfv=Tripp&storeId=10001

loobs40

We have bought from http://flylite.uk.com/ My son borrowed my case so much I bought him one for his birthday.

Used them many times including non flight holidays and am very pleased with them

bcl999

loobs40 wrote: »

We have bought from http://flylite.uk.com/ My son borrowed my case so much I bought him one for his birthday.

Interested you mention this company. I bought one of their flight bags but wasn't at all confident when it was packed that it would meet Ryanair's strict rules. It was soft-sided with no frame as such so it just sort of got bigger & bigger as i jammed more stuff into it. I couldn't take the risk of being refused at the boarding gate so ended up using another bag and returning the new one for a refund.

bcl999

All4ABargain wrote: »

Thanks guys!

@bcl999 - I didn't know they were flimsy though, so thanks for the tip - will look for something else for the large suitcase.

Yes, there's been some threads on this site about them and the general consensus seems to be they are great for carry-on but not so good for checked baggage.

KonkyWonky

I bought a Karabar backpack which is bang on the size limits and is very well made. It weighs around 700g which is a huge weight saving on a trolley case which generally weighs over 2 kg.

http://www.karabars.co.uk/Shop/Sale/Casual-Bags-Sale/3529-Karabar-Maximum-Cabin-Allowance-Backpack.html

They have a store on ebay where it is a little cheaper at £22.99 delivered.

All4ABargain

Doshwaster wrote: »

I like the Tripp range as they are really lightweight. I don't know about other stockists but it's always available at Debenhams - and currently on sale too: http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigate?ps=&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&x=0&y=0&txt=suitcases#catalogId=10001&lid=//productsuniverse/en_GB/product_online%3DY/insearch%3D1/%24s%3Dsuitcases/brand_description%3E%7Btripp%7D&ps=default&sfn=BRAND&sfv=Tripp&storeId=10001

Thanks Doshwaster - how do you find them on sizing? Are they the size as advertised (including handles and wheels). I just ask because I usually order from Debenhams online as their nearest store is quite a trek from my house. Also would they be sturdy enough to have in the bigger sizes too? Thanks