Hard-shell suitcase for hand luggage

Buying hard-shell suitcases as hand luggage - what should I look out for?

When researching a new carry-on suitcase, you may have already stumbled across the 55-35-20 rule. This states that the dimensions of your hand luggage must not exceed 55 x 35 x 20 cm in length x width x height. However, this is actually only a rule of thumb, as baggage dimensions and weight limits vary depending on the airline. For example, Eurowings and Lufthansa specify maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm for hand luggage.

In the compact guide Suitcases as hand luggage, you can find out everything about the dimensions and permitted weight of your luggage.

In addition to the right dimensions, you should also pay attention to the following points when choosing your carry-on suitcase:

Weight

Most airlines specify a maximum weight of 8 to 10 kilograms for hand luggage. To stay within this limit, your carry-on suitcase should not weigh more than 4 kilograms. This way you avoid excess baggage and can go through the security check without any worries.

Rollers

It's the ultimate nightmare: you're racing from security to your gate, your forehead is beaded with sweat, you can almost hear the last passengers being boarded and just at that moment your wheels get stuck or even fall off. To avoid this scenario, you should invest in a carry-on suitcase with high-quality or interchangeable wheels.

Material

Your suitcase is your faithful travel companion and should therefore be reliable and protect your luggage well. When choosing your carry-on suitcase, make sure that robust materials such as polycarbonate or aluminium are used. They make hard-shell cases particularly resistant as hand luggage.

Telescopic handle

A sturdily constructed telescopic handle gives you a secure grip. The bar should neither wobble nor be flexible. A high-quality carry-on suitcase has a fixed telescopic handle that allows you to manoeuvre comfortably through the airport and city centre.

Security

Robust aluminium caps and a sturdy interior protect your luggage efficiently. A TSA combination lock ensures that your suitcase can be easily opened by the security authorities.

Capacity

Your carry-on suitcase should be able to hold at least 30 litres. This means you can easily pack all the essentials for a weekend holiday without compromising. Incidentally, depending on the airline and fare, you can take one larger and one smaller item of hand luggage on board. The smaller piece of luggage should fit under your seat. A laptop backpack is particularly useful here, as it allows you to quickly access your electronic devices or important travel documents.

Aluminium carry-on suitcases: advantages and disadvantages

Contrary to what most people might think, aluminium weighs more than other materials. The disadvantage of aluminium carry-on suitcases is their weight. However, the material is significantly higher quality and therefore more robust than other materials. Aluminium hard-shell cases are therefore particularly suitable as hand luggage because they are especially durable thanks to their robustness.

It's a match: hard-shell suitcase for hand luggage from Kapten & Son

Hard-shell hand luggage suitcases from Kapten & Son impress with their minimalist design, while at the same time offering numerous practical features and easily fulfilling all the criteria of a good hand luggage suitcase.

• With its measurements of 55 x 38 x 23 cm, it is a welcome travel companion on airlines such as Eurowings or Lufthansa.

• Our High End 360° swivel castors have a 10-year guarantee and can be replaced in a Kapten & Son store.

• When you buy a Heathrow Cabin, you will receive a free laundry bag and four Packing Cubes worth €39.90!

• High-quality premium polycarbonate and aluminium make our Heathrow Cabin a virtually indestructible travel companion.