Which suitcase to choose in 2026: Comparison, advice and accessories to ensure you never lose your luggage

So, you're off on holiday? Here are all the essential tips you need to follow to buy the most suitable suitcase for your holiday based on your plane ticket, so you don't end up paying for excess baggage at the airport and so that your luggage isn't lost or stolen!

Before purchasing your luggage: Check how many pieces of cabin and hold luggage are included in the ticket you have purchased and what the maximum size and weight allowance is.

This can vary greatly from one airline to another and from one ticket price to another!

For example, on Air France, in Economy class, your cabin baggage and personal item together can weigh up to 12kg and the maximum dimensions of your cabin baggage can be 55cm x 35cm x 25cm.

And in the hold, if you have one piece of luggage, it can weigh up to 23kg.

Whereas on Ryanair, if you are allowed one piece of cabin luggage, it must weigh no more than 10kg and measure no more than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm!

The same applies to your hold luggage with Ryanair: you have to choose an option, and depending on this, it can weigh 10kg or 20kg!

So pay close attention to the size of the luggage you are going to buy!

Airline luggage tags: the solution to never losing your luggage again!

Essential if you don't want your luggage to get lost or simply to find it easily on arrival!

• Don't forget to attach a luggage tag and write your full name, telephone number and email address, and possibly your postal address.

• Also write your flight number (and possibly your booking reference), the route taken by plane and the date of travel; this will make it easier to find your luggage if the tag happens to come off! Prepare it in advance for both your outward and return journeys.

Avoiding theft or loss of luggage

• Put a padlock on each zip.

• Stick or attach something eye-catching to your suitcase so you can recognise it easily: a ribbon, a coloured luggage tag, a coloured strap or a sticker.

• You can also have your luggage laminated at the airport when you purchase theft insurance!

  Be careful not to laminate your luggage yourself with cling film, for example, as many airlines refuse hand-laminated luggage! And don't be fooled by the many touts around airports who will offer you this service but won't sell you the guarantee!

• Finally, more and more people are putting an Air Tag in their luggage, which will allow you to easily track your suitcase!

• Take a photo of your luggage and make a list of what's inside, so that if it gets lost, you can more easily report lost or stolen items to your airline and insurance company.

• Name :

• Email address :

• Telephone :

• Address :

• Date :

• Flight number :

• Route :

If you have special luggage to check in, such as a surfboard, skis or a bicycle, be sure to check for any special transport conditions, such as mandatory covers or boxes, as well as the applicable fees.

If you plan to travel with your dog or cat, find out about the fees and formalities involved. You will have a more peaceful journey if everything has been reported and paid for in advance.

Please note that not all breeds of animals are allowed to travel with you in the cabin or hold, and depending on the country you are travelling to, the identity or health documents required will vary.

Baggage options are often cheaper if you pay for them in advance, and in some cases this is even mandatory, so keep this in mind.

Choose your luggage carefully depending on the type of holiday you are going on!

If you are a backpacker travelling by road, treat yourself to a good rucksack.

If you are going on a romantic getaway or a family holiday to an all-inclusive hotel, suitcases with wheels are the most practical option!

And remember to buy mini 100ml containers for your toiletries if you want to keep them in the cabin! Don't forget, for liquids, it's 100ml maximum per container! (and 1 litre in total per person)

That's it, you're ready!

You now have all the advice you need to enjoy a stress-free holiday!