I constantly overpack but this cabin case means I avoid fines

Hidden costs can easily occur when travelling with budget airlines and before you know it all of the add-ons equate to just as much as the cost of your ticket. If you are planning on taking hang luggage only on your next trip then a designer cabin bag from Antler might be worth investing in.

Manchester Evening News Shopping and Beauty Editor Rachel Pugh decided to give Antler a try on her recent trip to Ibiza. Rachel tested out the brand’s cabin bag to see if it could accommodate all her holiday essentials within its compact 40x55x20 dimensions – perfect for fitting within Ryanair, Jet2, and many other European airline luggage restrictions.

She said: “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 manoeuvring the case around.

Rachel added: “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.”

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: “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.”

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.

Rachel concluded: “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.”

“Waiting to board my flight, both in Manchester and on the way home, members of the 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, and they aren’t the cheapest cases out there. On Amazon, this CMY Hard Shell Cabin Carry-On Suitcase is £34.99 at Amazon. Or the Flight Knight Lightweight 4-Wheel Cabin Case is £44.99.