Attention, jetsetters! Ready for your next holiday, but unsure which suitcase size to choose? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate suitcase size guide. We’ll walk you through suitcase dimensions and sizes, how to measure a suitcase, and baggage allowances for different airlines. Whether you're going for a quick weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, we'll help you find the ideal suitcase size for your every need.
When it comes to suitcases, there are three sizes to choose from: small, medium, and large. Each size has its own perks, but which one is right for you?
Small Suitcases
Average small suitcase dimensions: H54 x W34 x D20 cm
Classified as hand luggage/cabin bag
To be fitted in the overhead locker of the aircraft
Ideal for a weekend getaway or couple of days travel (and enough room for your mini dresses and staple jeans)
Medium Suitcases
Average medium suitcase dimensions: H67 x W45.5 x D26 cm
Classified as check-in bag
Ideal for a week-long holiday
Large Suitcases
Average large suitcase dimension: H77 x W52.5 x D29 cm or larger
Classified as check-in bag
Ideal for family trips or longer stays
Personal Item (Under Seat Bag)
Average dimensions: H40 x W20 x D25 cm
Classified as free on-board luggage
Ideal for keeping all your must-haves close at hand during your flight (or budget-friendly packing)
You can read our it luggage reviews for size information for our it suitcases.
PSA: We have some new additions to our under seat cabin bag offerings — and they’re wheelable! Yes, you read that correctly! While long-haul trips may still see you ferrying around your under the seat cabin bag on top of your carry on suitcase, for the cost and space-savvy travellers sticking to a strict one bag policy, your holiday just got a whole lot slicker!
How to Measure a Suitcase
Ready to ensure your suitcase is the right size for your next flight? Here's what you need to do:
- Check the airline luggage size requirements before measuring and ensure you are checking the right cm or inches unit.
Measuring height of your suitcase:
Empty your suitcase and stand it upright.
Using a measuring tape, start from the ground and measure to the top of the suitcase keeping the tape as straight as possible. Be sure to keep the handle collapsed and include the wheels and pockets.
Measuring width of your suitcase:
- Using a measuring tape, measure the width from side to side at the widest point of the suitcase. Be sure to include any collapsed side handles.
Measuring depth of your suitcase:
- Using a measuring tape, measure the side from the back to the front.
How to measure the capacity of your suitcase:
- Multiply the height, width and depth measurements together to get the total volume of the suitcase.
For example: 55 (Height) x 40 (Width) x 20 (Depth)
*Remember to check the airline luggage size requirements before measuring and ensure you are checking the right cm or inches unit.
Airline Suitcase Size Chart
When it comes to airline travel, it can get confusing with all the different hand luggage restrictions and baggage allowances. So, we’ve broken down the suitcase size restrictions for common airlines.
Ryanair
Carry-On Suitcases:
Small Cabin Bag (personal item): H40 x W20 x D25 cm
Large Cabin bag: H55 x W40 x D20 cm, up to 10kg
Checked Suitcases:
H119 x W119 x D81 cm, up to 20kg
EasyJet
Carry-On Suitcases:
Small Cabin Bag (personal item): H45 x W36 x D20 cm
Large cabin bag: H56 x W45 x D25 cm, up to 15kg
Checked Suitcases:
Max 275cm, up to 23kg
Wizz Air
Carry-On Suitcases:
Small cabin bag (personal item): H40 x W30 x D20 cm
Large Cabin bag: H55 x W40 x D23 cm, up to 10kg
Checked Suitcases:
H149 x W171 x D119 cm, up to 32kg
TUI
Carry-On Suitcases:
Small cabin bag (personal item): Must fit under seat
Large Cabin bag: H55 x W40 x D20 cm, up to 10kg
Checked Suitcases:
H149 x W171 x D119 cm, up to 23kg
British Airways
Carry-On Suitcases:
Small cabin bag (personal item): H40 x W30 x D15 cm
Large Cabin bag: H56 x W45 x D25 cm, up to 23kg
Checked Suitcases:
Up to H90 x W75 x D43 cm, up to 32kg
Virgin Atlantic
Carry-On Suitcases:
Small cabin bag (personal item): Must fit under seat
Large Cabin bag: H56 x W36 x D23 cm, up to 10kg
Checked Suitcases:
Up to H90 x W75 x D43 cm and up to 32kg
Emirates
Emirates cabin baggage allowances vary depending upon travel class and destination.
Carry-On Suitcases:
H55 x W38 x D22cm
Checked Suitcases:
Up to 300cm (total dimensions), and up to 32kg
*Always double-check the website of the airline you’re flying with, as luggage size requirements are subject to change
FAQs
What size suitcase do I need for one week?
If you're travelling for 7-10 days, then we recommend a medium suitcase measuring between 65-70cm.
What size suitcase do I need for two weeks?
You will need a suitcase with some serious space! Look at large suitcases with a capacity up to 23kg.
What size suitcase is a carry-on?
A carry on (or cabin bag) size requirement may differ from airline to airline. Typically it’s around 45-50cm in height and 40-45cm in width — the perfect size to keep all your essentials at hand.
Is a carry-on enough for two weeks?
Yes, a carry-on can be enough for two weeks if you can fit all your essentials in the suitcase. Packing cubes are an ideal solution for efficiently packing your belongings - from bikini sets and stylish dresses for women to oversized sweatshirts. You can read our guide on how to use packing cubes to help with this.
What is the most popular suitcase size?
The most common suitcase sizes measure around 55x35x20cm.
Largest luggage size for check-in?
Large suitcases can measure up to 80cm x 55cm. Just keep in mind that airlines have different maximum size limits for checked bags.
What size suitcase is best for 23kg?
Aim for a medium to large-sized suitcase, which should give you plenty of space to pack up to 23kg of essentials for your trip.
What size suitcase is 15kg luggage?
A small to medium-sized suitcase with a capacity of 40-60 litres should do the trick for a 15kg limit.
What size suitcase is best for 20kg?
A medium-sized piece of luggage is about right for a 20kg allowance.
What size suitcase is best for 22kg?
Go for a medium-sized suitcase (H67 x W45.5 x D26 cm) with a capacity of 60-80 litres if you have a limit of 22kg.
What size suitcase do I need for 23kg?
Aim for a medium to large-sized suitcase. Typically, a 23kg suitcase size will have the following measurements: H 71-81 x W 43-51 x D 26-30 cm.
Do you include the wheels when measuring a suitcase?
Be sure to count the wheels when measuring your luggage as it automatically makes a suitcase a few centimetres taller.