CABINZERO Founder and CEO Neil Varden talks with Travel Begins at 40 about their travel and their unique CABINZERO brand.
Do you feel that the rising in cost of baggage fees, particularly on low-cost airlines, is a growing problem for today’s travellers?
The rapid rise in baggage fees—particularly on low-cost carriers—has turned luggage into a major hidden cost of air travel. What was once included in the price of a ticket is now an additional charge, even for cabin bags in many cases. For travellers, this means added stress, uncertainty and often, unexpected expenses at the gate. CABINZERO was founded as a direct solution to this problem. We recognised early on that travellers needed an alternative—bags that were light, compact, and precisely designed to meet airline cabin size restrictions. By avoiding checked baggage and even overhead bin charges on some carriers, our customers can sidestep fees entirely. In fact, the cost of a CABINZERO bag often pays for itself after just one or two flights—making it not just a convenience, but a long-term investment in travel freedom. For frequent flyers, digital nomads, or even families planning a holiday, choosing a Smart Travel bag like ours isn’t just smart. It’s financially savvy.
Why are passengers increasingly seeking solutions for a more satisfactory travel experience?
Today’s travellers are navigating an increasingly complex travel landscape—one shaped by tighter airline restrictions, rising costs, environmental awareness and a desire for efficiency. As a result, more passengers are turning to Smart Travel solutions to simplify their journeys and reduce friction along the way. Smart Travel is about travelling lighter, smarter and with greater confidence. It’s about eliminating the hassle of checked baggage, avoiding surprise fees at the gate, and having everything you need in one efficient, regulation-friendly carry-on. This approach saves time, money, and stress—three of the biggest barriers to a truly enjoyable travel experience. At CABINZERO, we design products specifically to support this shift. Our bags help travellers stay organised, move freely through airports and train stations, and focus on the experience rather than the logistics. For modern travellers—whether they’re on a weekend city break, a business trip, or a long-term backpacking adventure—Smart Travel isn’t just a preference. It’s becoming a necessity. Ultimately, passengers want travel to feel easy again. Smart Travel delivers that feeling—streamlined, secure, and stress-free—and CABINZERO is proud to be helping lead the way.
Can you explain the logic behind CABINZERO designs?
One of the biggest frustrations for modern travellers is arriving at the airport only to be hit with unexpected luggage fees because their bag doesn’t meet airline size requirements. CABINZERO bags are designed to eliminate that risk entirely. At CABINZERO, we engineer our bags with precise dimensions that align with cabin and under-seat limits set by major airlines worldwide—including strict budget carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air and Jetstar. Each of our core product lines, such as the CABINZERO Classic 28L and ADV Pro 42L, is created with specific use-cases in mind, allowing travellers to choose the exact right fit for their airline and trip type. By using a CABINZERO bag, travellers can fly with confidence, knowing they won’t be caught off guard by last-minute fees or forced to check their bag at the gate. In many cases, avoiding even a single checked bag fee can offset the entire cost of the bag, making it a smart, sustainable investment in hassle-free travel.
How does CABINZERO empower travellers without compromising on storage or style?
At CABINZERO, we believe that great travel gear should never force a trade-off between functionality and aesthetics. Our mission is to empower travellers to move effortlessly through the world—with bags that are ultra-lightweight, airline-compliant, and designed to carry more than meets the eye. All CABINZERO bags are carefully sized to meet the strict cabin and under-seat requirements of major airlines across the globe, including budget carriers with the tightest limitations. Whether you’re flying long-haul or hopping between European cities on a low-cost airline, our gear ensures you’re always in the clear—no gate-check surprises, no added fees.
Thanks to clever internal layout and compression-friendly materials, our bags offer exceptional storage in a compact frame. From laptop sleeves and RFID-blocking pockets to quick-access compartments and clamshell openings, every detail is thoughtfully placed to help you pack smarter, not more.
How does CABINZERO enable travellers to adopt a more sustainable approach to travel?
Sustainability is no longer a bonus feature—it’s a growing expectation among modern travellers. At CABINZERO, we embrace this shift by offering gear that supports mindful, minimalist, and low-impact travel without compromising on functionality or design. Our Smart Travel philosophy naturally encourages more sustainable behaviour. By enabling travellers to pack light and avoid checked baggage, CABINZERO bags help reduce overall aircraft weight, which contributes to lower fuel consumption and fewer carbon emissions per passenger. This small change, multiplied across thousands of journeys, makes a meaningful environmental difference. We prioritise durability and longevity. Our bags are made from high-quality, wear-resistant materials with reinforced stitching and YKK zippers—designed to accompany travellers for years, not seasons. By reducing the need for frequent replacements, we help cut down on waste and overconsumption. CABINZERO is proud to be a member of 1% for the Planet, committing a portion of our revenue to support vetted environmental nonprofits. This reflects our belief that brands should give back and take accountability for their impact.
Is CABINZERO as appropriate for the growing demand for rail travel as for air?
Absolutely. While CABINZERO was originally designed to tackle the challenges of modern air travel—like avoiding baggage fees and meeting strict cabin restrictions—its core benefits are equally well-suited to the growing demand for rail travel, especially as travellers seek more sustainable and flexible transport options. Rail travel often involves navigating narrow aisles, compact overhead racks, and limited under-seat storage. CABINZERO bags are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for quick boarding and easy stowing without taking up unnecessary space—whether you’re on a high-speed Eurostar, a cross-country sleeper train, or a local commuter route. Train stations frequently require climbing stairs, crossing platforms, or walking longer distances between connections. CABINZERO’s backpack-style design allows for hands-free mobility, giving travellers freedom of movement and comfort throughout their journey. Unlike rolling luggage, our bags handle uneven surfaces, crowded areas, and spontaneous detours with ease.
You have recently won the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade? Can you explain the significance of this?
Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is not just an honour—it’s a powerful validation of CABINZERO’s mission to make Smart Travel accessible to adventurers around the globe. This prestigious recognition reflects our consistent growth in international markets and our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, regulation-compliant travel gear to customers in over 100 countries. The King’s Award is one of the most respected accolades for British businesses. It enhances our brand credibility and visibility worldwide, reassuring new retail partners, distributors, and customers that CABINZERO is a brand they can trust—for innovation, reliability and service. This recognition accelerates our global momentum. It supports our ongoing expansion into new markets and helps strengthen relationships with existing partners across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond. The award brings us one step closer to our goal of ensuring every traveller, anywhere in the world, has access to light, smart, airline-ready gear. Beyond recognition, the King’s Award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries in design, sustainability, and user experience. It reinforces our responsibility not just to grow, but to do so in a way that reflects our values—smart functionality, minimalist design, and a deep respect for the global traveller. In essence, the King’s Award shines a spotlight on the work we’ve done—and propels us forward in our mission to redefine travel simplicity for the modern, mobile world. It’s a proud milestone in CABINZERO’s journey, and a sign of exciting things to come for our community of smart travellers.
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