Easy Guide to Understanding Suitcase Sizes and the Standard 4 Luggage Options (Last updated on 28/12/24)
COMPARE SIZES IN (INCHES AND CM)
| 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 suitcases and Checked luggage sizes for every journey
When planning a trip, it’s essential to ask, “What are the standard suitcase sizes?” or “Which luggage is best for my journey?” Understanding airline regulations and selecting the right suitcase size can greatly improve your travel experience, saving you both time and money.
To help simplify your decision, we’ve outlined the most common suitcase and luggage sizes available. From dimensions and storage capacity to their suitability for different trip lengths, we’ve broken down all the key details to help you find the perfect luggage for your needs.
*We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. There are no additional costs for you.
Our Top Picks: Based on Journey Duration
Best (Small) for short trips –
Beis, Small Carry-on Roller
Best (Hybrid) for short/long weekends –
Aerotrunk, Armadillo
Best (Medium) for 1 week getaways –
TravelPro, Maxlite 5
Best (Large) for extended travels –
SwissGear, Sion
Best (Extra-Large) for long-term vacays –
Samsonite, Winfield 2
Best luggage set (small/medium/large) –
SHOWKOO, Luggage Set
Carry-On Suitcase
Luggage in size S is all about convenience—these compact suitcases, often referred to as carry-ons or hand luggage, are perfect for trips of up to 3 days. Designed to fit effortlessly in the overhead bin, they ensure your essentials stay close at hand throughout your journey.
The standard carry-on size is typically 21x14x8 inches (55x35x20 cm), making it suitable for most airlines. With plenty of options available in this size range, consider the following factors to choose the perfect carry-on for your needs.
Size Regulations: 20 to 22 inch carry-on luggage is designed to meet standard airline requirements. However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific size limits of the airlines you frequently travel with before making a purchase.
Durability and Weight: Choose a carry-on suitcase made from durable materials like polycarbonate for a hard shell or ballistic nylon for a soft shell. For a detailed comparison, check out our materials guide. The award winning Carry-On range by Away is a perfect example of balancing strength with a lightweight design, making it easy to lift and maneuver during travel.
Storage Capacity: Opt for a carry-on suitcase with well-designed compartments and pockets to organize your belongings. Consider your packing habits and choose one that comfortably fits your essentials for a short trip. The SwissGear, Sion Softside Carry-On, available on Amazon, is an excellent choice and one we highly recommend here.
The Carry-On
A harmony between Style and Durability
Standout Features: Award-winning lightweight 100% Polycarbonate Hardshell.
Luxury soft, water-resistant interior with multiple pockets and an inner compression system for efficient packing. Easy grip handles and smooth gliding wheels.
Sion
For Greater space and Functionality
Standout Features: Good value for money suitcase with Multiple Front Panel Pockets.
Has a durable construction, spacious compartments, and lightweight design. It’s easy to pack and provides great convenience for traveling.
Hybrid Size Suitcases: Slightly Bigger Carry-On
While not consistently recognized by name, hybrid suitcases are carry-ons with slightly larger dimensions or expandable features. They can function as compact carry-ons when lightly packed or expand to offer more space for checked luggage.
Hybrid suitcases, typically 22 to 23 inches, are perfect for travelers who value flexibility and convenience. If you’re looking for a bit more space than the average carry-on, the Aerotrunk Armadillo provides ample room and added practicality.
Size and Weight Considerations: While they provide increased volume and slightly larger dimensions, it’s important to keep airline size regulations and weight limits in mind when fully expanded to avoid additional fees and difficulty handling.
Armadillo
Larger than most carry-ons (23 inches)
Standout Features: Makrolon Polycarbonate Hardshell, Japanese double spinner wheels.
Premium, ultra-light design with thoughtfully designed interior compartments for maximum storage space, built to withstand rough handling and ensure durability.
Checked Luggage
Checked-in suitcases are the go-to choice for longer trips or when you need to pack extra stuff. These larger bags, usually between 24 and 30 inches tall, get checked at the airport and travel in the cargo hold.
They’re spacious enough to fit everything you need and keep it all secure, making them perfect for extended vacations or packing heavy.
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.
The Samsonite, Freeform range is a popular choice among travelers, known for its sleek design and spacious interior. Available in S, M, and L sizes, it offers the perfect option for any journey.
Factors to Consider:
Size and Weight Restrictions: Familiarize 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.
Freeform
Spacious interior and lightweight design.
Standout Features: Durable, Scratch-Resistant Shell and expandable storage.
Combines practical storage with a sleek, futuristic design, that’s widely appreciated by users and easy to handle on rough surfaces for hassle-free travel.
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.