Shoppers looking for an affordable suitcase that costs nothing to fly on most airlines could find a bargain at Dunelm. The homeware store, which also sells a range of suitcases, has a deal on a "strong" case that should give passengers no issues at the boarding gate - and save money on luggage fees when travelling.
Product details and availability
Describing the Elements Hard Shell Suitcase Vanity online, Dunelm bosses said: "Going away for the weekend, or hoping to catch some sun elsewhere? Then this is the key item you need to store your clothes and other bits and bobs in." Available in a range of sizes and colours, this suitcase has been designed using a strong hard shell. Finished with a "sturdy" handle, which Dunelm says helps to make carrying more comfortable, the case also has a zip insert with an elastic clip closure to hold your clothes in place.
The smallest size in the set, the Vanity Case, measures in at 30x36x17cm. At the time of writing, this £20 case is only available to order online in coral. There is an aqua blue option, but that is currently sold out - shoppers can sign up for email alerts to be told when Dunelm gets more of these in stock. There are similar cases available elsewhere, such as the Tripp Holiday Slate Vanity Case (Amazon, £22.50, 25x37x17cm) or the IT Luggage Black Desirable Suitcase Vanity (Matalan, £28, 45x32x20cm).
Customer reviews
One said: "Unbelievably good quality. This case is of such quality for such a low price." Another put: "Sturdy and well-built set of suitcases. Very pleased with them." Someone else said: "Four trips in, three flights and still looks good, perfect size as a cabin bag." Not everyone was impressed by the case, though, as several shoppers mentioned "zips broke when packing" in their one-star reviews, and others claimed the case "easily scratched" and wheels (on larger cases) had broken off.
However, the majority of customers (648 out of 855) had rave reviews, including one who said: "I love this little vanity case, it is perfect for my holiday. I will pack it with my essentials for the flight."
Airlines that accept the case for free
Using the baggage limits available online for passengers to check before they fly, this compact case does not work for Ryanair (which strictly limits free bags to 40x30x20cm). If staff catch passengers with this case at the airport, and they have not paid the online fee for larger baggage, it could cost up to £75 at the boarding gate.
The Dunelm Vanity Case does, however, fit perfectly within the size limits for free under-seat cabin baggage on EasyJet (up to 45x36x20 cm and must be under 15kg) and Jet2's overhead cabin bag (up to 56x45x25cm, no more than 10 kg). On TUI flights, every passenger aged two and over is allowed a large overhead bag measuring up to 55x40x20cm (must also be under 10 kg).
People should always check before they travel if their suitcase fits the dimensions that airlines enforce. Take measurements once your packing is complete, or use the baggage checkers at the airport itself for added peace of mind.
