Luggage Sizes: A Complete Guide

The right suitcase is as crucial as other steps in your travel plans and it can be considered the first step in a well-planned and organised trip. This will ensure that you can pack all your belongings safely and also assist in knowing more about the safety regulations on flights. 

Different airlines have different safety measures regarding the size and weight of luggage. So before packing, it's important to choose a suitcase that complies with the airline's guidelines. 

This comprehensive guide about luggage size will help you become familiar with the various luggage size categories and tips for packing efficiently. It will offer advice on choosing the right luggage for your specific needs.   

An Introduction to the Different Suitcase Size Dimensions

Suitcases are available in different sizes and types to meet different travel needs. This is one of the important factors to consider when you are planning a trip. Each size available in suitcases is beneficial for different trips and packing needs. Here are some of the common suitcase sizes: 

• Extra Small (XS) Suitcases

These suitcases, available in 18-20 inches, are the best choice if you are planning a short weekend getaway or as an additional suitcase for your larger luggage. These suitcases are known for their compact and easy-to-carry features. XS suitcases are more fitting under most airline seats.   

• Small (S) Suitcases

For 2-3 day trips, small suitcases measuring between 21-22 inches are the perfect option. These suitcases have enough and more space for essentials and other items too. These suitcases are favourites and popular among business travellers. 

• Medium (M) Suitcases

Medium suitcases range from 23-26 inches and provide ample space for a 5-7 day trip. These suitcases can easily carry clothing, shoes and accessories, making them the most preferred suitcase for longer vacations.   

• Large (L) Suitcases

Suitcases like these measure 27–30 inches and are the best for extended trips or family vacations. These suitcases offer enough space for packing your things, but the chances of exceeding airline weight limits are high when fully packed. So it's essential to keep this in mind.  

• Extra Large (XL) Suitcases

These suitcases, which measure over 30 inches, are designed for long vacations or when you need to carry bulky items. These suitcases offer wide storage facilities, are challenging to handle and also incur additional airline fees.   

Cabin Size Dimensions

Cabin-size luggage, also known as carry-on luggage, is designed to fit into the overhead compartments of aeroplanes. It allows travellers to avoid checked baggage fees and ensures their belongings are nearby during the flight. Here are the standard dimensions:

• International Cabin Size

The cabin size is typically  21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches, which also includes wheels and handles. This size is for most international airline regulations and your luggage fits within the cabin without creating any issues.  

• Domestic Cabin Size

In the U.S., the standard cabin size is typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Most domestic flights generally accept this size, despite it being slightly larger than international dimensions.  

• Small Cabin Size

The small cabin-size luggage is the perfect choice for light travellers who don't want to get into the hassle of checking in luggage. This size of luggage is chosen by frequent flyers or those who go on short business trips.   

Dimensions: Usually these cabins are around 18-20 inches in height with a width of approximately 14 inches and a depth of 8–9 inches. The compact size makes it easy to fit under a seat or in an overhead compartment.

Best for: It is perfect for overnight stays, weekend trips or as an additional piece of luggage for longer journeys. Small cabin sizes are perfect for you if you are into minimalist packing styles.   

• Cabin Size 

This is the standard cabin size and the most commonly used carry-on size, offering a balance between compactness and capacity. This one is suitable for trips, business and leisure travel. 

Dimensions: Ranging from 21-22 inches in height, with a width of around 14–15 inches and a depth of 8–9 inches. These dimensions meet the requirements of most airlines for carry-on luggage. 

Best for: These luggage sizes are the appropriate choice to pack your few outfits, shoes, and other essential toiletries.  The standard cabin size is versatile and fits in most overhead compartments without issue.    

• Cabin Size Plus

This is the best option for those who need extra space and want a convenient carry-on. This one is larger than the normal cabin size and is still within the limits of most airlines.   

Dimensions: This has 23–24 inches of height, a width of 15–16 inches and a depth of 9–10 inches. This dimension is slightly larger and is considered carry-on for many airlines, especially on domestic flights.  

Best for: Luggage sizes in cabin size plus are essential for 4-5 day trips and a bit more without checking a bag. These cabin sizes offer extra room for additional clothing, souvenirs, or even small laptop bags. 

Medium Suitcases

Medium suitcases are the perfect choice, as they find a perfect balance between capacity and portability. They offer enough space for a week-long trip without being too bulky and heavy.  

Dimensions: these suitcases are available in a measure between 23-26 inches in height, with a width of around 16-18 inches and a depth of 10-12 inches. These dimensions make them spacious enough to accommodate clothing, shoes and accessories for a week. 

Best for: For 5-7 day trips, where you need to pack a variety of outfits, toiletries and possibly a few extra items. Medium suitcases are ideal for vacations, business trips or any travel where you need more than just the essentials.  

• Medium Size

The standard medium-sized suitcase is specially designed for travellers who prefer more spaced suitcases with a large suitcase. This is versatile and ideal for most travel needs.

Dimensions: Typically, these suitcases measure around 24 inches in height, with a width of 17 inches. These dimensions make it easy to handle while still providing ample storage. 

Best for: For a week-long trip or vacation where you need several outfits, a couple of pairs of shoes and additional travel essentials. The medium-sized suitcases are perfect for both solo travellers and those who want to travel with less luggage.   

• Medium Size Plus

This is the best choice for travellers who need a bit more space but still want to keep things manageable. It will give you the space you need without crossing into the large-sized luggage choices. 

Dimensions: The medium-size plus suitcases typically measure between 25-26 inches in height, with a width of around 18 inches and a depth of 12 inches. This size is slightly larger than the standard medium and provides additional packing space. 

Best for: If you are planning 7-10 day trips, you need to pack a variety of outfits, shoes and possibly bulkier items, including jackets or sweaters. This one is for those who want to pack extra items without taking large suitcases. 

Large-Size Suitcases

The standard large-size suitcase is perfect for travellers who need maximum packing space for longer trips of shifting from one place to another. It is good for extended vacations or when you need to carry more than just the basics. 

Dimensions: A standard large-size suitcase measures around 28 inches in height with a width of 19 inches and a depth of 13 inches. This size provides enough space to pack a couple of outfits, shoes, toiletries and other essentials you need while travelling. 

Best for: 2-week trips or longer, where you need to pack a wide range of clothes, accessories and other bulkier items. This one is an ideal choice for family trips and can pack the belongings of one or more people.         

• Extra Large Size

Extra large sizes are the ultimate if you need extra large suitcases. This is an option for people who have to carry a significant amount of luggage or when transporting bulkier items.  

Dimensions: Extra large-size suitcases measure over 30 inches in height with a width of 20-22 inches and a depth of 14–16 inches. These dimensions provide maximum capacity and they also make the suitcase much heavier and more challenging to carry. 

Best for: if you are having extended vacations, relocations or have to transport bulky items like winter gear, sports equipment or souvenirs. This size is ideal for families who want to pack all their belongings together in just one suitcase. 

How to Measure the Capacity of Suitcase Sizes

The capacity of your suitcase is very important to check before determining how much you can carry for a trip. Most of the measurements of suitcases are taken in centimetres or inches and the easiest way to determine the capacity is by multiplying the height, weight and depth measurements, and you get the total volume of the main compartment.   

For example, if you have a suitcase with dimensions of 50 cm ✕ 35 cm ✕ 20 cm. To measure the capacity in cubic centimetres, we need to just multiply the following dimensions: 

50 cm ✕ 35 cm ✕ 20 cm = 35,000 cubic centimetres

1 litre is equal to 1,000 cubic centimetres, so divide it by 1,000 to get the capacity in litres: 

35,000 cubic centimetres / 1,000 = 35,000 litres. 

Helpful Tips to Use Suitcase-Size Efficiently

To use your suitcase most effectively, there are some simple and effective tips that you have to follow:

• Use Packing Cubes

The small compartments of this help in categorising the clothes and other essentials by maximising the space inside the suitcase. 

• Roll Clothes

When packing your clothes, roll them rather than folding them. This will save a lot of space and protect your clothes from wrinkles. 

• Use Compression Bags

This is another way of maximising the space in your suitcase, as it can compress your clothes and reduce the space inside the suitcase. 

• Wear Bulky Clothes

If you have bulky things with you while travelling or shifting, if it's possible, wear them instead of packing them in your luggage. It helps a lot by freeing up your space for other, less bulky items.   

Get Your Luggage Bags from bFab

As we come to the wrap-up of this blog, you get a complete picture of the variety of luggage sizes. You may improve your trip comfort, minimise needless expenses, and pack your luggage effectively by having a comprehensive understanding of the various luggage classifications and their size. Remember to consider your destination, the length of your trip and the specific airline’s luggage policies to make the best decision. With the information provided in this guide, you will be able to choose the ideal luggage size for your upcoming trip.