The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SUITCASES
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
U
I
T
C
A
S
E
S
More clues leading to the result SUITCASES
- Petitions with legal process stowed in large containers
- Executives holding investigation – they may be off on a trip
- Stops sweetheart going to clubs? They’re packed
- Ship carrying accountant surrounded by damaged etuis and travelling bags
- Manager checks out luggage
- Specimens after action, those taken away
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they may be off on a trip" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they may be off on a trip = suitcases.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SUITCASES mean?
SUITCASES noun- A large (usually rectangular) piece of luggage used for carrying clothes, and sometimes suits, when travelling.