Pack it in: picking the perfect carry-on

British Airways’ Hand Baggage Only and Day Trip fares are perfect for affordable short trips to Europe. But how do you choose the perfect kit? Francesca Salih, founder of Wardrobe Mistress, is no stranger to packing light. She regularly travels from Switzerland to New York to help her clients pick the right luggage and pack smarter. Here are her top five carry-on cases

Bottega Veneta Woven Holdall

Dimensions: H28cm x W49cm x D23cm
This is one of my favourite pieces. It’s lightweight, so you can carry it straight off the plane to a business meeting or lunch date. I use this bag when I’m travelling to visit clients – it’s chic and subtle – and you can fit a lot in it, including a change of clothes and laptop.
£2,330, farfetch.com

Louis Vuitton Pégase 55

Dimensions: H55cm x W40cm x D20cm
This is my go-to bag when I want to make a fashion statement. It’s an iconic and fun piece for a weekend away with the girls – I used it recently on a trip to Istanbul. The larger Louis Vuitton pieces can be quite heavy before you’ve even put anything in them, but the hand luggage is great. This case has a pocket at the front for easy-to-access magazines or books.
£1,950, louisvuitton.co.uk

TUMI Alpha Lightweight Continental Carry-On

Dimensions: H54.6cm x W40cm x D42cm
I love the practicality of this bag. It has a lot of space and compartments, so you can pack your laptop and iPad with your clothes and access important gadgets quickly. It also has a hook to hang clothes on. And the bag works really well for men – it’s luxe without being feminine.
£595, uk.tumi.com

Tusting Explorer Holdall in Tan Atlantic Leather (small)

Dimensions: H22cm x W40cm x D24cm
This is a classic you’ll want to hand down. It’s great for when you’re travelling light or on a weekend getaway. The leather is really good quality, and I like that it’s quite androgynous, so it’s suitable for both men and women.
£399, tusting.co.uk

Samsonite Lite Cube Spinner

Dimensions: H55cm x W40cm x D20cm
This is ideal for regular travellers going on short trips. It’s hardwearing, stylish and super-lightweight – just 2.2kg – thanks to Samsonite’s exclusive Curv technology (which is used to make bullet-proof vests, skates and skis). It’s great for a medium-haul flight, too, when you might need to get the bag down from the overhead locker.
£349, samsonite.co.uk

To find out more about where you can fly to in Europe using British Airways’ Hand Baggage Only Fares, visit ba.com