It’s a common question, ‘What are the standard suitcase sizes’? And rightly so.
Not every trip is the same; whether for business, leisure, solo travelling or a family vacation, navigating through airline regulations and choosing the perfect-sized suitcase can make your travel experience much smoother and save time and money.
In this section of our smart luggage guide, we’ll look at using metric units for understanding suitcase sizes in cm and kg to ensure you’re not left confused, especially if you find it difficult to work your way around the standard imperial units used to explain luggage dimensions.
Suitcase Sizes (Visual Guide)
| Suitcase Size | Height (inches) | Height (cm) | Width (inches) | Width (cm) | Depth (inches) | Depth (cm) | Capacity (litres) | Capacity (kg) |
| Carry-On | 20-22 | 51-56 | 14-16 | 36-41 | 8-10 | 20-25 | 35-50 | 10-15 |
| Medium | 23-26 | 58-66 | 16-18 | 41-46 | 9-11 | 23-28 | 60-80 | 15-20 |
| Large | 27-30 | 69-76 | 18-20 | 46-51 | 10-12 | 25-30 | 80-100 | 20-25 |
| Extra Large | 31-34 | 79-86 | 20-22 | 51-56 | 11-13 | 28-33 | 100-120 | 25-30 |
Use our suitcase sizes chart (above) as a guide to help you choose the correct size luggage for your trip. For convenience, we have included dimensions in (cm) and inches and luggage capacity in (kg) and litres.
Carry-On Suitcase
It’s called Carry-on because you can carry it onto the plane (presuming that’s the mode of travel). It’s also often called hand luggage because we practically hold onto it. These small suitcases fit adequately within an airline’s overhead compartment.
Standard size (S) typically stands at 55 cm in height, 35 cm in width, and 20 cm in depth. However, these dimensions vary slightly between airlines, so checking specific carrier allowances is always advisable.
When selecting a carry-on suitcase, consider the following factors:
Size Regulations: Familiarise yourself with the size limitations imposed by airlines you frequently travel with. Most carry-on suitcases range from 20 to 22 inches, ensuring they fit within the required dimensions.
Durability and Weight: Opt for a carry-on suitcase made from durable materials such as polycarbonate or ballistic nylon. Balancing durability with lightweight design is essential, as you’ll be lifting and manoeuvring the suitcase frequently.
Storage Capacity: Look for a carry-on suitcase with well-designed compartments and pockets to maximise organisation. Consider your packing habits and choose a suitcase that accommodates your essentials efficiently.
Hybrid Size Suitcases
Hybrid suitcases are a combination of carry-on and checked sizes. They offer the convenience of being versatile, allowing you to use them as carry-ons when needed and expand their capacity for check-in purposes.
Hybrid suitcases typically range from 55-65 cm and are ideal for travellers who want flexibility.
Consider the following when choosing a hybrid suitcase:
Size Adaptability: Check if the suitcase’s expandable feature allows additional packing capacity when needed. This flexibility is ideal for travellers who want the option to adjust their luggage size based on the nature of their trip.
Weight Considerations: Hybrid suitcases should balance lightweight design and durability to ensure ease of use in both carry-on and checked scenarios.
Checked Luggage
Checked-in suitcases are larger-sized suitcases that are checked in at the airport and transported in the aircraft’s cargo hold. These suitcases offer more storage space and are ideal for longer trips or travellers who require additional items. The standard dimensions for checked-in luggage usually range from 24 to 30 inches in height. They provide ample room to pack your belongings securely.
These are the Standard Checked Size Suitcases:
Size (M) Medium: Suitable for week-long vacations or business trips.
Size (L) Large: Perfect for extended trips, family vacations, or travel with bulky items.
Size (XL) Extra Large: Suited for long-term travel, relocation, or travellers needing ample storage space.
Factors to Consider:
Size and Weight Restrictions: Familiarise yourself with the size and weight limitations imposed by airlines or transportation providers to ensure your chosen suitcase complies with their guidelines.
Durability: Look for suitcases with reinforced corners, sturdy handles, and reliable zippers contribute to the longevity of the suitcase.
Manoeuvrability: Look for suitcases with multi-directional spinner wheels for easy navigation through crowded airports or city streets. Telescopic handles should be adjustable and comfortable to grip.
Storage Capacity: Consider your packing needs and choose a suitcase with sufficient compartments, pockets, and expandable features to accommodate your belongings efficiently.
Security Features: Look for suitcases with built-in TSA-approved locks or the ability to add your lock for security and peace of mind.
Personal Preferences: Consider your travel style, preferences, and the nature of your trips. For frequent flyers or business travellers, lightweight and carry-on options might be more suitable, while larger suitcases may be more suited for family vacations or longer journeys.
Oversized Luggage
The 62″ linear rule is a guideline airlines use to determine the maximum size of checked luggage. It refers to the total sum of the suitcase’s length, width, and height. If you add the three dimensions together, the sum should not exceed the airline’s size limit.
For example, a suitcase with dimensions 28 x 18 x 16 inches (71 x 46 x 41 cm) would fall within the size limit of most airlines.
If the total sum of your suitcase’s measurements exceeds 62 inches, it may be considered oversized by the airline. You might have to pay additional fees or face restrictions when checking in your luggage.
Understanding and adhering to the 62″ linear rule allows you to avoid surprises or inconveniences when checking your suitcase for your journey. So, it’s always best to check with your airline to ensure compliance with their policies.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size suitcase is essential for a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience. Ensure that your luggage complies with airlines’ guidelines to avoid additional charges; think about your trip duration and the items you will need to pack for your journey and follow efficient packing techniques like packing cubes, rolling clothes, and using compression bags to make the most of the available space in your suitcase.
Next, look at our guide on smart luggage and learn how to pair the perfect-sized suitcase with the latest smart features.
Q&A
Q: How do I measure my luggage to ensure it’s the correct size?
A: Measure your luggage from the ground to the highest point of the handle, including wheels and exterior pockets. Ensure the total dimensions (length + width + depth) are within your airline’s size restrictions.
Q: Can I bring a carry-on and a personal item on a plane?
A: Most airlines allow one carry-on suitcase and one personal item per passenger, such as a laptop bag or purse. Always check with your airline for specific size and weight limits.
Q: How can I ensure my suitcase is with weight limits?
A: Use a luggage scale to weigh your suitcase before heading to the airport. Pack strategically and consider removing unnecessary items to stay within the weight restrictions. Or better still, look at these suitcase options with built-in weighing scales for the ultimate smart convenience.
Q: How do I choose between hard and soft luggage?
A: Hard luggage offers added protection for contents and durability, while soft luggage provides flexibility and may have extra pockets for organisation. We’ve made choosing between hard shell and soft shell easy with our Smart Luggage guide.
Q: Are International suitcases carry-on luggage?
A: Yes. These suitcases are typically smaller and more compact than standard carry-ons to comply with stricter size limits some airlines impose. These suitcases range from 18 to 20 inches, making them perfect for international travel.
Q: What size suitcase is best for 23kg?
A: A medium-sized suitcase with regular packing weighs around 15-20kg, whereas a large suitcase fully packed can generate approximately 20-25kg. A Medium to Large size suitcase with a capacity between 80-100L will be enough for over a week’s worth of clothes.