'I'm a chronic overpacker and tried the 'Tardis-like' bag that avoids luggage fines'
With budget airlines charging extra for baggage, many of us try to holiday with hand luggage only to save money. But is it actually doable?
With premium luggage brand Antler recently launching a 20% off sale, Manchester Evening News writer Rachel Pugh decided it was the perfect time to test one of their smaller cases. She took one of their cabin bags on her latest Ibiza holiday to see if she could really get everything she needed for a break into its compact 40x55x20 dimensions which makes it perfect for fitting within Ryanair, Jet2 and plenty of other European airline luggage restrictions.
She explains: "When it comes to going on holiday, like many I'm a chronic overpacker, and I really struggle to work out exactly what I want to take with me. This often results in an overflowing case, which either won't shut, or bulges so much I end up paying extra charges before boarding.
"Recently, somebody recommended giving Antler a go. There's currently 20% off many of its bestselling cases, including the one I bought. Browsing the site, I opted for the Icon Stripe Cabin, as its effortlessly sleek design appealed to me even before I'd even looked at the practical side of things. But as I delved deeper into its details, I realised it was exactly what I was looking for."
All Antler cases come with a lifetime guarantee, a comfort grip handle and plenty of pockets to pack efficiently. But the first thing she noticed was their patented wheels perfect for manouevring the case around. She explains: "When it arrived, it looked even better in real life than it had done on the website. The first test I did with it was the wheel test - because we all want to know how easily a suitcase glides.
"The cabin case uses Antler's Silent Glide 360 spinner wheels, which meant maneuvering it around felt effortless. I'd go as far as to say it's the easiest suitcase I've ever had to roll around the airport, and it doesn't make that annoying sound you find with some cases from rival companies.
The Icon Stripe Cabin in Taupe is like the Tardis of cabin cases
But with so much to take on holiday, the real test was packing it. How much could she really fit inside without being unable to shut it? It exceeded her expectations. She says: "This is the Tardis of cabin cases. Piling in multiple dresses, shoes, swimsuits and a selection of makeup, as well as a pair of straighteners and a speaker, I wasn't convinced I'd be unable to close it.
"But to my surprise, having packed four days' worth of stuff for my trip, with multiple options for each day, it shut. I felt victorious as I zipped it shut, safe in the knowledge I had everything I wanted to look glam on my trip. But the satisfaction didn't stop there. I came to realise that Antler's Icon Stripe Cabin in Taupe has a handy zip lock, which keeps the zip in place once you've shut it.
"Waiting to board my flight, both in Manchester and on the way home, members of airline staff didn't give my case a second glance. I had zero issues, and avoided the dreaded fines."
The Icon Stripe Cabin is currently 20% off when you spend £225 on the Antler website here. The discount is automatically applied at checkout, and the offer ends 7th July 2024.
Antler is not the only luggage brand trying to tempt shoppers ahead of holiday season, with Amazon, Nere and Samsonite all offering discounts on cabin-friendly bags.