When you're choosing a suitcase, think about its material and style. But, it's also important to pick the right size. The size you choose affects how much you can take with you on vacation.
Luggage sizes are mainly in two categories: cabin luggage and non-cabin luggage. You can carry cabin luggage with you inside the plane, but non-cabin luggage has to be checked in and goes into the plane's storage.
Luggage is often measured in inches. But, looking at the measurements in centimeters and linear dimensions is a good idea. Many airlines use these to check if suitcases fit their requirements.
To understand what linear dimensions are and how to measure them, you can read the following article:
Want to know about the different sizes of suitcases you can find in stores? Here's the complete list!
The smallest luggage size is often called a kids' suitcase because it's easy for children to handle. Adults can use it too, especially if they don't need to pack much.
These suitcases are typically 14 to 16 inches, which fits them into the cabin luggage category. They're small enough to fit in the overhead storage on a plane.
Since they're not very big, a kids' suitcase is best for short trips, like 1 to 2 days.
Cabin luggage is a favorite among travelers for its versatility. It can be either checked in or taken into the cabin. Despite their compact size, they still fit in the overhead compartments on planes.
Cabin suitcases are usually between 18 to 20 inches. It's important to remember that all cabin luggage should have a linear size of less than 115cm, as this is a common airline requirement for carry-on bags.
However, the allowed size for cabin luggage can vary based on the airline and plane type. For instance, ATR aircraft often only accept suitcases up to 92cm in linear size for cabin use.
Cabin suitcases are great for trips of about 3 to 5 days as it offers enough space for a few outfits and essentials.
A medium suitcase is bigger than cabin luggage, so you'll need to check it in at the airport. These suitcases range from 22 to 24 inches in size and have different shapes.
With a good amount of space, a medium suitcase is ideal for vacations up to 10 days. It's also handy for couples on shorter trips, as it can fit clothes for two people.
A neat trick is that when you're not using your medium suitcase, you can store your cabin or kids' luggage inside it. This helps save space at home.
When you need more space than a medium suitcase offers, go for a large one. It's great for trips longer than 10 days.
But it's not just for vacations. A large suitcase is helpful for moving house, or even packing clothes for several people on a short trip.
These big suitcases are usually 26 to 30 inches. Remember, airlines usually have a limit for checked baggage, which is a linear size of 62 inches (or 158 cm). If your suitcase is bigger than this, you might have to pay extra as oversized baggage.
So, these are the popular suitcase sizes used today. Which one would you pick for your next trip?
