101 Guide for Suitcase Sizes

Picking the right suitcase for your travels is the first step towards ensuring a smooth and organised trip. Not only does it ensure that you have enough space to pack your belongings, but it also helps to familiarise you as a traveller with the airline safety regulations for your flights and luggage, to avoid any extra fees or inconveniences.

You need to be aware that different airlines have different regulations when it comes to the size and weight of luggage, so it is essential to choose a suitcase that complies with your airline's guidelines. Additionally, the type of travel you embark on between flights or for alternative luggage uses also plays a role in selecting the right suitcase. 

So, Eminent unpacks the sizing and capacity of suitcases helping to guide you towards choosing the best luggage option for your upcoming travels.

Suitcase Size Chart & Dimensions

Here is the suitcase size chart that includes the standard specificities of carry on and checked in luggage sizing for airline travel.

Please, consider that these sizes may vary depending on the airline and the destination, so it's always best to check with your airline before packing to ensure that your luggage meets all the size requirements. Some airlines also have weight restrictions, so you need to be mindful of checked luggage either.

Cabin Size Dimensions

small cabin size
Small Cabin Size

Our small cabin size suitcases do not exceed the measurements of 55x40x20 cm so it fits in the overhead bin of nearly any plane and is accepted by as many airlines possible.

Trip Length

2-3 Days

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cabin size
Cabin Size

Our standard cabin size matches the IATA requirements for cabin size and have maximum dimensions of 55x40x23 cm. While it slightly larger than our small cabin size suitcases it is accepted by most full service airlines such as Lufthansa, Aeroflot or Turkish Airlines.

Trip Length

2-4 Days

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cabin size plus
Cabin Size Plus

Our Cabin Size Plus items are even larger than the standard cabin size requirements. Some Airlines such as British Airways as well as several American Airlines allow larger size hand luggage. On smaller airplanes or when travelling with more restrictive airlines you might need to check-in the suitcase.

Trip Length

3-5 Days

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Medium Size (Check-in) Suitcases

medium size eminent suitcase
Medium Size

When travelling just with hand luggage is not an option and a large suitcase is too big, our Medium Size items are the ideal choice. The size is ideal for individuals or couples on going on a trip for a week or longer.

Cabin Size and Small Cabin Size suitcases can be nested inside the medium size to save space when you are not traveling.

Trip Length

5-8 Days

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medium size plus eminent
Medium Size Plus

Medium Size Plus suitcases are ideal if you are searching for a suitcase with a little extra space without taking your large size suitcase with you.

Any of our carry-on sizes can be nested into a Medium Size Plus suitcase to save space when storing the suitcase.

Trip Length

6-9 Days

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Large Size (Check-in) Suitcases

large size eminent suitcase
Large Size

Our large size suitcases are ideal if you plan to go on a long holiday or need more space for shopping. As many airlines restrict the size of check-in baggage to 158cm (length + width + height ≤ 158 cm) our standard large size suitcase will not exceed this size.

For most models (except the model Vertica) all three sizes can be nested into each other so you only have to store one suitcase. For the model Vertica the cabin size can be nested into the large size (the medium size can however not be nested into the large size).

Trip Length

10-15 Days

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extra large size eminent suitcasee
Extra-Large Size

Our Extra-Large Size suitcases offer enough space for long trips and have enough space for all your belongings and is ideal for family holidays.

For most models (except the model Vertica) all three sizes can be nested into each other so you only have to store one suitcase. For the model Vertica the cabin size can be nested into the large size (the medium size can however not be nested into the large size).

Please check the maximum size and weight requirements of your airlines before you travel.

Trip Length

12-17 Days

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How to Measure the Capacity of Suitcase Sizes?

Measuring the capacity of a suitcase is essential when determining how much you can pack for a trip. Suitcases are typically measured in centimetres or inches, and the most common way to determine their capacity is to multiply the height, width, and depth measurements together to get the total volume of the main compartment. 

For example, let's say we have a suitcase with the dimensions 50.8 cm x 35.6 cm x 20.3 cm. To measure its capacity in cubic centimetres, we need just multiply the following dimensions:

50.8 cm x 35.6 cm x 20.3 cm = 36,059 cubic centimetres

Since 1 litre is equal to 1,000 cubic centimetres, we can divide the result by 1,000 to get the capacity in litres:

36,059 cubic centimetres / 1,000 = 36.059 litres.

What is the Maximum Size of the Suitcase you can Take?

The maximum size of the suitcase you can take on a flight is determined by the "Maximum Linear Dimensions" allowed by your airline, which is usually around 158cm (62 inches) for most carriers. However, airlines tend to prioritize the weight of the suitcase over its size. 

For most airlines, the maximum weight allowed is 23 kilograms (approximately 50 pounds), and exceeding this limit may result in additional charges. So, while the size limit is important, it is essential to ensure your suitcase's weight remains within the specified range to avoid extra fees and inconvenience during your journey.

Helpful Tips to Use Suitcase Size Efficiently

If you want to make the most of your suitcase size and capacity, there are several packing tips you can follow. 

  • Use packing cubes: These are small compartments that help to organise clothes, maximising the space inside the suitcase. 
  • Roll clothes: Instead of folding them when putting them in your luggage.This technique helps save space and due to the smooth roll of the clothes it can reduce wrinkles in the packed clothing items.
  • Use compression bags: It is another useful tool for maximising space, as they compress the clothes and reduce the amount of space taken up in the suitcase. 
  • Wear bulky clothes: Last but not least, if you have bulky items like a coat or boots, it's better to wear them on to the plane instead of packing them in your luggage, this frees up valuable suitcase space for other less-bulky items.

 By using these packing tips, you can make the most of your suitcase regardless of the size and ensure that you have everything you need for your travel.

How Much does an Extra Suitcase Cost?

The cost of an extra suitcase varies depending on the airline and chosen flight. Generally, most airlines charge a fee for checked baggage, and the fee increases with each additional bag or with the size and weight of the bag. 

The cost of an extra suitcase can range from 15-185 Euros or more, depending on the airline's policies and your chosen destination. Checking with your airline before your flight to find out their specific baggage policies and fees help to avoid any unexpected costs at the airport.

Do you Know which Suitcase Size Fits your Travel?

Choosing the correct suitcase size for your trip ensures ultimate comfort and convenience for your travel. If you want to find out which suitcase fits your travel, we have prepared some useful tips to choose the most suitable suitcase for your trip.

Business Travel

For business travel, a small or medium-sized rolling suitcase is ideal as it can easily fit a laptop, business attire, and other necessary items. 

Business travelers also often choose a hard shell hand luggage, or a sturdy laptop bag for taking their electronic items safely on board a flight.

Weekend Getaway/ Short Trip

For a weekend getaway, a small to medium-sized bag or rolling suitcase is perfect as it is lightweight and durable enough to fit all your essentials. If you are travelling solo for the weekend you may also choose to only bring a carry-on suitcase which is a viable and cost effective option for taking limited items on a short trip. 

A large wheeled bag is also suitable for a beach holiday to accommodate swimsuits, sunscreen, and other beach essentials. For adventure travel, a large durable suitcase with a hard shell and good wheels is essential.

Family Travel

Lastly, for family travel, a large rolling suitcase with multiple compartments and pockets is a great option to keep each family member’s items organised.

 A large durable bag also keeps everyone's items safe and can pack more in one case. It is always important to choose a suitcase that suits your needs to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.

Want to know about choosing the right size?

While there are industry standards such as the IATA cabin size dimensions, there are no mandatory standard sizes. This means that any airline can set their own size and weight restrictions even though they are similar in many cases.

The dimensions for cabin size bags as well as the maximum dimensions for check-in luggage (e.g. 158cm rule) are measured including the wheels, handles, lock and any other components of luggage. The luggage sizers at airports are in many cases slightly larger than the maximum size of the airline to allow small deviations.

We always recommend choosing a suitcase that is filled to approximately 80%. While this leaves a little space for souvenirs, this avoids empty spaces in the suitcase. Additionally, you should pay attention to packing your suitcase evenly to avoid empty spaces.

Suitcases with a lot of empty space or unevenly packed suitcases are at a higher risk to get damaged during the handling. Equally, packing the suitcase too full can lead to damages on the zipper or the shell. Hence, it is best if you have multiple sizes for different lengths of trips.

The weight of a suitcase depends on multiple factors such as the material, the components used as well as the features. Suitcases with double wheels are slightly heavier compared to suitcases with single wheels. Equally, suitcases without an inner lining or suitcases out of Polycarbonate (instead of materials like ABS) are lighter than others.

At Eminent we aim to offer you extremely lightweight suitcases while still offering you features that allow a comfortable travel.

You can find some of the lightest Eminent suitcases available on this page.

In recent years many low cost carriers have introduced more restrictive size requirements for personal items which are allowed to be taken into the cabin.

Due to these restrictive size requirements it is not possible to offer suitcases with the same quality and comfort as our regular cabin size items. As an alternative to a cabin size suitcase you may however consider one of our backpacks as hand luggage.

Additionally, many low-cost carriers offer the option to take a traditional cabin size suitcase into the cabin against a surcharge.

Every airline may have different maximum size and weight limits for cabin size and check-in luggage. While it is typical for airlines to check the weight of your check-in bags, not all airlines will measure the dimensions of your check-in luggage. Equally, not all carriers will check the size and weight of your hand luggage. In case of low-cost carriers it is however not unusual that the size of your cabin bag will be checked.

In the case your hand luggage exceeds the size and weight limits many low-cost carriers allow you to carry the item with you against a surcharge. In other cases you might be asked to check-in your suitcase (sometimes against a fee). If your check-in luggage exceeds the weight or size limits the airline has the right to charge for overweight or oversize luggage. The exact cost may vary depending on the airline.

Many airlines have weight restrictions on checked in luggage, a 15kg suitcase mostly matches medium, medium plus suitcase sizes and has a weight limit for economy class travellers. The size of the suitcase depends on the regulations defined by the airline and it can differ based on airlines. However, in general the dimensions fall into the following sizes:

  • Length: 65-70 cm (22-26 inches)
  • Width: 45-48 cm (14-17 inches)
  • Depth: 26-33 cm (7-9 inches)

Most suitcases that fit under 20kg suitcase category are large or XXL suitcases that are suitable for checked in travel on airlines. In general a 20kg suitcase has the following dimensions:

  • Length: 69-81 cm (27-32 inches)
  • Width: 43-51 cm (17-20 inches )
  • Depth: 20-30 cm (8-12 inches)

Also, it is crucial to be mindful of the weight limitations set by airlines and transportation services. While a suitcase may have a large size capacity, the weight of the items packed inside is equally significant. Exceeding weight restrictions can result in additional charges and inconvenience at the airport.

When it comes to travelling with a 23kg suitcase, there are exact dimensions that you need to consider. Although there are various shapes and sizes, most 23 kg suitcases have large and extra large suitcase dimensions and are appropriate for checked-in travel on airlines. Typically, 23kg suitcases will have the following measurements:

  • Length: 71-81 cm (28-32 inches )
  • Width: 43-51 cm (17-20 inches)
  • Depth: 26-30 cm  (10-12 inches)

Please be aware that it is always essential to check the airline regulations before travelling. Keep up with Eminent to ensure you safe flight without violating any regulations.