Travel expert Chelsea Dickenson argues every traveller should be using one item for their luggage on holiday
A thrifty travel expert has given her say on what type of luggage is the best – and which you should be taking on your next holiday adventure. Chelsea Dickenson, the brains behind Cheap Holiday Expert, said she “didn’t understand” travellers who’d opt for bringing a suitcase on a flight if they didn’t need to.
In a debate of ‘Team Backpack’ versus ‘Team Suitcase’, Chelsea argued a backpack is the better luggage option, but there’s a catch. In a recent TikTok video, she said: “I’m talking about when you don’t pay for additional baggage, you’ve just got that small cabin bag.”
Most budget airlines’ tickets come with a small cabin bag, which is to fit under the seat in front of you on the plane, for free. The dimensions for the small cabin bag vary from airline to airline.
For example, Ryanair’s small cabin baggage allowance must be no bigger than 40 x 20 x25 cm, Wizz Air’s must fit 40 x 30 x 20cm and weight a maximum of ten kilos, and easyjet’s small cabin baggage allowance must fit 45 x 36 x 20cm and no more than 15kgs.
Chelsea continued: “But to me a backpack is the absolute winner, because, one: you have your hands free which is so handy when you’re going to the airport. You need to reach for your passport or for your boarding pass.
“And two: you can just pack more stuff in there, and that’s because look at the suitcase, it’s got sides on it, it’s got a handle, it’s got wheels, and it’s taking up that real estate that you need for all your bits and bobs.”
However, she explained that she understands that suitcases can be more accessible for more people. Chelsea said: “Now obviously, if you need a suitcase for accessibility reasons, that’s absolutely fine. But otherwise, get yourself a backpack, it is so much easier to just push your clothes into it to make the most of the space that you’re actually allowed.
“I honestly don’t think you can change my mind on this, I’m so set into the backpack life.”
Not only did Chelsea praise backpacks for being easy-to-move and hands-free, but she also raved about its cost effectiveness too, explaining it’s saved her a significant amount of money on flights. She wrote: “Oh, that and I must have saved a FORTUNE over the years by option for something that goes on my back!”
Fellow travellers shared their thoughts on the debate, with @roselands saying: “Backpacks can be overfilled making them too fat to fit in the baggage size checkers. I know. I’ve done it. A small hard case cannot change its dimensions. Since getting one I’m team case all the way.”
Steph said: “Now team backpack. I usually do the free Ryanair. Managed five days in winter. I did put Xmas mugs in my pockets on the flight home but was fine,” while Charli wrote, “I’m team backpack, but after limiting the amount of cheese I could bring back from France in my small bag last time, I’m also team upgrade bags.”
However, Hananh said: “My back hurts carrying a backpack! I really wish I could use one tho. [Because] you can defo fit a lot more!!”
Nikki said: “Team suitcase! I bought the TikTok Ryanair suitcase. Yes, it’s small but it fits the sizers & you can’t overpack, causing the backpack to bulge & not fit in the sizer. Backpack ends up hurting my back.”
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