Expert Guide to Choosing the Perfect Suitcase

Expert guide to choosing your perfect luggage

After more than 30 years selling suitcases and backpacks in a brick-and-mortar store, customers have told us all kinds of stories: cheap suitcases that break on their first trip, wheels that get stuck at the worst possible moment, and lately, tons of people traveling only with "under-seat" backpack to avoid paying extra fees.

In this guide, we explain in a clear, practical way how to choose suitcase or backpack based on your trip, what materials they are worth it, what to look for in wheels and closures, and how to avoid common costly mistakes.

1) First step: suitcase, backpack, or both?

✅ Choose 1 under-seat backpack if…

  • do you want to go unbilled and without paying for extra baggage

  • Do you take short getaways or go on trips with quick turnaround times?

  • you prioritize agility (subway, staircases, cities)

✅ Choose 1 carry-on suitcase yes…

  • Is it worth it to pay for priority shipping or add a second item?

  • want better organization and quick access

  • you'd rather roll the weight than carry it

✅ Choose 1 suitcase medium/large yes…

  • you travel for 1 week or more

  • Are you bringing any coats, extra shoes, or gifts?

  • Do you travel with family, or share luggage?

2) The key trend for 2026: backpacks “under the seat(personal item)

Every airline changes or adjusts its policies over time, so the professional recommendation is this:

✅ Golden Rule: Buy a backpack that can give a little when full. Soft backpacks with compression straps usually work better than rigid bags.

Store Details: 80% of the baggage surcharges we see are not for bags that are oversized when empty, but for overstuffed backpacks that won’t compress.

The most important thing to avoid paying extra is that it fits in the measuring gauge.

Approximate guide measurements (to avoid pinching your fingers)

These figures are a common reference, but Always check your ticket and your airline's website before you travel:

  • Ryanair (personal item under the seat): 40 × 30 × 20 cm

  • Vueling (under-seat): 40 × 30 × 20 cm

  • easyJet (under seat): 45 × 36 × 20 cm (easyJet allows slightly more width, but it is one of the airlines that most strictly enforces that your luggage fits fully in the size gauge.)

  • Iberia (personal under-seat accessory): 40 × 30 × 15 cm (in some cases you will also see 30 × 40 × 15 cm depending on the format; what matters is that it is a small personal accessory)

  • Air Europa: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
  • Volotea: 40 × 30 × 20 cm
  • Wizz Air: 40 × 30 × 20 cm
  • LEVEL: 40 × 30 × 15 cm
  • TAP Air Portugal (widely used in Spain): 40 × 30 × 15 cm

What to look for in an under-seat backpack (what actually matters)

  • Actual measurements: they feature handles, pockets, and protruding details.

  • Structure: semi-rigid/soft is better than rigid.

  • Compression straps: they save you at the checkpoint.

  • Suitcase-style (clamshell) openingkeeps your luggage much more organized.

  • Comfortable straps and backrest: if you go for a walk, you'll be glad you did.

Store tip: Lots of people buy the “perfect” backpack based on its measurements… only to then fill it like a suitcase. The ideal backpack is the one that you can compress if they measure it for you.

3) Which suitcase to choose based on your type of trip

✈️ Short getaways (2–4 days)

We recommend: lightweight, smooth-rolling wheels, and a sturdy closure

🧳 5–10 day trips

The most balanced option is usually a medium suitcase.

Why it works:

  • sufficient capacity without having to brute-force it

  • it handles better than a large one

  • great balance of space and comfort

🌍 Long trips or family trips

Around here, the one in charge is the large suitcase, but with good judgment.

Genuine keys:

  • rugged case

  • great wheel system

  • reliable closure

  • reasonable weight (a large, heavy one becomes a burden)

🛫 Frequent travelers (this is where the quality really stands out)

If you travel frequently, the first thing that almost always breaks is:

  1. wheels

  2. cabinet pull

  3. closures

Our professional recommendation:

  • durable materials (best polycarbonate o polypropylene that ABS if you travel a lot) 

  • double wheels and silent

  • stable cabinet pull

  • securely fastened interior (dividers and tie-down straps)

4) Hard-shell vs soft-shell luggage: real differences

Hard-shell suitcase

Advantages:

  • extra protection against bumps and impacts

  • ideal for air travel

  • ideal for fragile items or gifts

Common materials:

  • ABS: Suitable for occasional use (quality/price)

  • Polycarbonate: the most rugged and durable (recommended if you travel frequently)

  • Polypropylene: best value for money (super flexible and lightweight, our top overall recommendation) Technical detail: Polypropylene returns to its original shape after a collision, while ABS tends to crack under repeated impacts.

Soft-sided suitcase

Advantages:

  • Flexibility to make the most of your space

  • it usually works well for car/train travel

  • some models weigh less

5) The detail almost no one notices, which is what makes all the difference

✅ Wheels

  • best 4 double wheels that 2 simple wheels

  • They must spin smoothly without “wobbling”

✅ Zippers and closures

  • A bad zipper ruins a good suitcase

  • it’s better if the cursor is solid and glides smoothly without catching

✅ Weight

  • When two suitcases are the same size, a lighter one gives you real, usable extra weight headroom

6) Common mistakes when buying luggage (we see these every day)

  • choose based on price alone

  • buy the wrong size “just in case”

  • Ignore the wheels and handle

  • Buy a backpack based on its measurements, then pack it without compression.

Investing in a good suitcase or backpack is usually more cost-effective long-term.

7) Our final piece of advice as specialists

There is no single perfect suitcase for everyone. The best choice depends on the trip type, the frequency, and how do you get around (plane, car, train, city).

At Bolsos Maruja, we handpick luggage with durability, comfort, and true functionality, so you can travel worry-free from day one.

If you'd like, send us a message and we will recommend the most suitable option for your trip and your airline.

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