Best Lightweight Suitcases in the UK (2025)

Suppose you’ve ever struggled to lift your bag onto the luggage belt or paid a painful overweight baggage fee. In that case, you know the value of a truly lightweight suitcase—every extra kilo matters—especially when airlines are strict with their limits.

The disappointment sets in when many brands advertise their cases as ‘ultra-light,’ but upon weighing them, they’re anything but. It’s a cautionary tale in the world of luggage shopping.

After testing countless suitcases, I’ve discovered that the best luggage is the one that strikes a perfect balance—lightweight enough to carry with ease, durable enough to last, and smartly designed to make travel smoother. It’s a reassuring feeling when you find the right one.

In this guide, I’ll share:

• A ranked list of the 15 Lightweight suitcases in the UK right now.
• My top 7 recommendations, based on real use and hands-on testing.
• Pros and cons of each model.
• Who these suitcases are best for (and who should avoid them).
• A final verdict to help you choose with confidence.

• Size S (carry-on): Perfect for short city breaks, weekend trips, or 3-day business trips.
• Size M: Ideal for a 1-week holiday.
• Size L: Suitable for around 2 weeks of travel.
• Size XL: Ideal for trips lasting 3 weeks or longer.

This guide presents the 15 lightest suitcases in the UK for 2025, ranked solely by weight across the most trusted luggage brands.

It’s a straightforward, weight-only comparison that allows you to quickly find the best lightweight suitcase for your next trip, making the decision-making process a breeze.

The table can be sorted by size – just click on your preferred option in the header to see the lightest model in that category, giving you the power to tailor your search to your specific needs.

5 best picks, along with their strengths and weaknesses

Weight: S (1.7 kg) | M (2.3 kg) | L (2.5 kg) | XL (2.8 kg)

From everything I’ve seen, the Samsonite Lite Shock is the lightest suitcase you can get overall. It may not win in every single size, but when you look across the full range, nothing else really comes close.

The secret is its CURV material—a high-tech fabric made from woven polypropylene ribbons. It’s thin, flexible, and tough, which makes the case both featherlight and surprisingly durable.

To shave off even more weight, Samsonite uses a single-tube telescopic handle and smaller unicycle-style wheels. These aren’t the smoothest choice on cobblestones, but the suitcase still feels effortless to roll around the airport. I was honestly impressed by how easy it was to lift and maneuver, even fully packed.

Of course, there are some trade-offs. The Lite Shock doesn’t have quite as much packing space as bulkier models, and its advanced CURV build does make it more expensive than standard options. But overall, it left a great impression on me—and that’s why it lands in 2nd place on my list of the best suitcases.

✅ Best for travellers who value every gram of weight savings.

Weight: S (1.8 kg) | M (2.4 kg) | L (2.8 kg)

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The Samsonite Litebeam is a suitcase that keeps things simple: it’s light, practical, and doesn’t cost a fortune. In fact, it’s one of the lightest softshell cases you’ll find, yet it still manages to be one of the most affordable in its class.

What I like most is how well thought out the little details are. The double wheels glide smoothly, the front pocket is handy for things you need quickly, and the extra handles on the side and base make lifting a lot less awkward. Design-wise, it has a modern, slightly sporty look that works perfectly for holidays or weekend trips.

When it comes to space, the Litebeam punches above its weight. The inside is roomy for a case in this price range, and if you go for the check-in sizes, you’ll get expandable storage too—ideal for when you return home with a bit more than you packed.

All in all, the Litebeam is a great all-rounder: light to carry, easy to use, and kind to your wallet.

My experience: I used this case for a weekend trip and loved the easy-access pocket for my passport and water bottle. It feels practical without being flashy.

✅ Perfect for casual holidaymakers and budget-conscious travelers.

Size S: 1.8 kg | Size M: 2.8 kg | Size L: 3.4 kg

According to my research, the Aerolite Super Lightweight is one of the best lightest suitcases in the budget category. While it might not be the absolute lightest in every single size, it consistently offers an outstanding balance of low weight and practicality.

This is largely thanks to its strong yet lightweight ABS shell, which keeps the case surprisingly light while still withstanding everyday travel wear and tear.

Smooth 360° spinner wheels and a sturdy telescopic handle make it simple to manoeuvre through airports or train stations. Inside, packing straps, a zipped divider, and elasticated shoe pockets help keep your belongings neat and organised.

There are a few minor compromises: the ABS shell isn’t as flexible as soft-shell luggage, and it scratches more easily than higher-end polycarbonate models.

Still, considering its weight, features, and price, the Aerolite Super Lightweight impressed me overall and is a brilliant choice for anyone seeking a reliable, easy-to-handle carry-on or check-in suitcase.

Weight: S (1.8 kg) | M (2.7 kg) | L (2.8 kg)

The Samsonite Airea is a great choice if you want a suitcase that’s light but still has plenty of space. It’s bigger than many other lightweight suitcases, making it easier to pack for longer trips.

The strong nylon exterior and subtle glossy details give it a neat, professional look—ideal for work trips or anyone who likes to travel in style. Front and side pockets make it simple to reach things like documents or a water bottle quickly.

It’s also easy to handle. The smooth double wheels roll effortlessly, the telescopic handle feels solid, and the built-in TSA lock keeps your belongings safe. The check-in sizes are expandable, which is handy if you pick up extra items on your trip.

Overall, the Airea is light, practical, and stylish—a suitcase you can rely on for all kinds of travel.

My experience: I took this on a business trip, and it easily fit into suits without wrinkling. The side pockets were handy for documents.

✅ Best for business travellers or anyone who wants a mix of style and practicality.

Size S: 2.6 kg (38 L) | Size M: 3.3 kg (66 L) | Size L: 3.8 kg (108 L)

The American Tourister Holiday Heat is a smart choice for travellers who want a lightweight suitcase that doesn’t break the bank. It may not be the absolute lightest or the toughest, but it hits a sweet spot of style, practicality, and value.

The exterior is made from durable polyester with bright accent stitching, giving it a modern, energetic look that suits casual trips and family holidays.

The two front pockets are handy for quick-access items, such as travel documents, a sweater, or even a laptop.

For mobility, the 360° spinner wheels are a game-changer, rolling smoothly on airport floors and ensuring you can navigate with ease. While they may feel less stable on uneven ground, they provide a reassuring level of mobility for most travel situations.

For anyone seeking a reliable, budget-friendly suitcase with style and comfort, the American Tourister Holiday Heat is a solid choice.

Weight: S (2.2 kg) | M (2.9 kg) | L (3.4 kg) | XL (3.9 kg)

The Neopulse is my favourite overall. It blends lightweight build, excellent durability, and smart design like few others. Made from flexible polycarbonate, it’s impact-resistant and perfect for both carry-on and checked luggage.

I loved the smooth-gliding rubberised double wheels, robust telescopic handle, and what I consider the most practical interior layout of any suitcase I tested.

The only minor downside is the shiny surface, which can scratch over time. Otherwise, the Neopulse delivers in build quality, features, and everyday performance.

✅ Ideal for frequent flyers who want a dependable all-rounder.

Weight: S (2.5 kg) | M (3.2 kg) | L (3.6 kg)

The Eastpak Tranverz is a hybrid between a suitcase and a duffel. Flexible fabric, compression straps, and large wheels make it ideal for travellers who cover long distances on foot.

During my test, it handled train stations and cobblestone streets better than many hard cases. The interior is spacious, and the front pocket makes essentials easily accessible.

While it only has two wheels, requiring a tilt to roll, it’s sturdy, practical, and built to last, backed by a 30-year warranty.

✅ Great for adventurous travellers or anyone covering long distances on foot.

• Frequent flyers who want to avoid overweight baggage fees
• City break travellers who value mobility
• Families who pack light and need easy handling

• People carrying fragile items (some lightweight cases offer less protection)
• Heavy packers who need maximum space
• Rough-terrain travellers (small wheels can struggle)

If I had to pick just one, the Samsonite Neopulse is my top choice for most travellers—it balances weight, durability, and features better than any other.

But if you’re looking for the lightest possible suitcase, go with the Samsonite Lite Shock. For value, the Samsonite Litebeam can’t be beaten. And if you’re covering a lot of ground on foot, the Eastpak Tranverz is hard to match.

At the end of the day, the best lightweight suitcase depends on your travel style. Hopefully, this guide helps you pick one that saves your back (and your baggage fees).