Jet2 passengers can take one piece of hand luggage on board free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10kg and is no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm, including any wheels and handles. Airlines have different definitions of what counts as carry-on luggage. Ryanair customers can take on one small personal bag with the dimensions 40 x 20 x 25cm free of charge. British Airways allows travellers to bring a handbag or laptop bag with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15cm for free. Ryanair customers can take on one small personal bag with the dimensions 40 x 20 x 25cm free of charge. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters Two-wheeled suitcases tend to have slightly larger wheels. They can be easier to pull up and over kerbs, but we generally find spinners better balanced and more versatile.

Passengers are also allowed to bring a cabin bag up to 56 x 45 x 25cm, with a maximum weight of 23kg, for no extra charge. Cases with handles on the top and sides are easier to manoeuvre and lift. Most top handles are telescopic, extending into two or three different positions to suit your height, and retracting into the case for easier storage. It is a compact size at 45 x 36 x 20cm – matching the exact maximum dimensions allowed on board easyJet flights for free. It matches Ryanair’s maximum carry-on allowance for priority customers, and would also be allowed if you paid extra with easyJet and Wizz Air.All our listed cabin bags are four-wheelers, also known as spinner suitcases. In practical terms, this means you can wheel it alongside you instead of tilting it to tow. Customers booking with Virgin Atlantic can take a 23 x 36 x 56cm cabin bag, weighing a maximum of 10kg, for free. With dimensions of 54 x 36 x 25cm, it would fit on all the same flights as the cheaper model, and weighs 3kg.

Its dimensions exactly match the allowance for Ryanair priority customers, meaning it is also suitable for all of the other airlines featured. It is slightly too big to take on a Ryanair or Wizz Air flight free of charge, but would be acceptable if you paid for priority. The IT Luggage unicorn and stars print case exactly matches the allowance for Ryanair priority customers. Photograph: IT Luggage The Cabin Max Anode 30L cabin case is designed to fit under the seat on easyJet flights. Photograph: Cabin Max It is quite tiny, with just enough space for a change of clothes and some toiletries, meaning it is probably only suitable for short trips.Meanwhile, easyJet passengers can take a bag up to a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20cm, including any handles or wheels, free of charge. It must fit under the seat in front of them – and can weigh up to 15kg.