Baggage Sizes: Choosing Your Perfect Luggage
By: Elena Sikaleski | Last updated: November 16, 2022
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Are you in the market for a new suitcase but aren’t sure what size? Travel Merak is here to help you. This guide covers everything you need to know about finding the perfect size luggage for your next trip.
You will find some great suitcase options that Travel Merak recommends. If you aren’t sure where to start, these options should help guide you to make an informed decision.
Luggage sizes: Understanding the Basics
You will find that suitcase sizes range from 18" up to 32". Bags up to 22" in size are generally considered carry-ons and all larger bags are considered checked baggage for most airlines. Some airlines will allow larger bags in their cabin and you may get away with a 23-inch suitcase as a carry-on.
Most luggage collections will have three to four sizes, typically in sizes of 21 inch, 25 inch, and 28 inch. However, you may find some brands offer suitcases up to 31 inches. With such a variety of sizing options, Travel Merak knows it can be difficult to make the right choice.
The best size for you depends on many factors; we’ve highlighted the most important factors according to us and we hope that this helps you determine which size is best for you.
Why do you need new luggage?
Are you looking to add luggage to your existing collection, or are you preparing for a particular trip, such as a month-long trip through Europe?
If you are purchasing a suitcase to expand your luggage collection, make sure that you only buy something you'll use. For example, do not buy an extra large suitcase simply because you don't have one. You will probably not use it as often as you would like, and you won't get your money's worth.
If you are preparing for a particular trip, think about your destination and how you will be traveling before buying. If you will be trekking through mountainous terrain, a large suitcase is not a wise purchase. However, if you will be flying directly to your destination and spending most of it in one place, a 24-inch suitcase should suffice!
Consider which size you will use most often and how efficient of a packer you are. With airport staffing shortages around the world and rising costs for checked luggage, many choose to
travel with only a carry-on. A 22-inch carry-on is standard for most airlines.
When do you do most of your travel?
Are you more likely to take trips to beach destinations or do you prefer exploring in the winter? The difference is vast.
Summer clothes are light and thin and take up little space. Winter clothes, however, are heavier and bulkier. For example, a single down jacket can take up the same space as a pair of jeans, several tops, and a towel.
Getting a bigger suitcase is a good idea if you plan on going anywhere cold and snowy. You will need the extra equipment if you plan to ski or snowboard (thick jackets, ski pants, hats, gloves…the list goes on!). This is one of few situations where investing in a large suitcase is better.
In most cases, you won't need anything larger than 28 inches. Spring and summer travel make it easy to bring one lightweight jacket that can be worn on the plane.
What are your accommodations?
Will you be staying in a hotel? Airbnb? Visiting family or friends?
You may ask why this is important. If you are staying somewhere with a washer and dryer (friends, family, even some Airbnbs), you don’t have to take too many clothes. Instead of packing 15 different outfits, you can pack less clothes (think: tops and bottoms that are interchangeable for various outfit options) and wash them to rewear.
Hotels typically don’t have this luxury, or charge an arm and a leg for laundry services. So this is an important thing to think about prior to your trip.
Packing - What Do You Really Need?
We all know someone who is an overpacker (myself included)! It can be very easy to get carried away and overpack for every type of trip.
My friend and I went on a month-long trip through Europe years ago, long before Travel Merak and my understanding of efficient travel. With two checked bags weighing over 50 lbs, two carry-ons, and two backpacks (backed to the brim), we found ourselves in Dubrovnik, Croatia with a very big dilemma.
Our accommodations were within Old Town Dubrovnik, where no cars were allowed. Our driver dropped us off at the city entrance and we realized our apartment was a lengthy walk (and some 200 stairs) away. Talk about a stressful situation! We trekked up the steps in 90 degree heat and promised ourselves we’d pack light(er) next time.
Many of us find ourselves wanting to prepare for “what if” situations. That is exactly how I got myself into the Dubrovnik luggage situation. Over the years, I have learned to only pack the essentials, especially if accommodations come with laundry services!
Thinking about what is truly essential for a trip is key to packing light. Do you really need 4 sweaters for a July trip to Greece? Probably not. When you have a good idea of your needs, you can pack for long trips in small suitcases, especially by familiarizing yourself with some good packing techniques.
Speaking of packing techniques…
Over the years, I have learned how to pack for a two week trip using only a small carry-on. It's possible to do the same, with some practice and a Marie-Kondo knowledge of what you need. There are plenty of helpful tips for traveling with only a carry-on.
Rolling my clothes was one of the most useful tricks I discovered. Roll your clothes rather than folding them next time you pack your suitcase. This will not only save space but also prevent wrinkles. Rolling your clothes and placing them into packing cubes is especially helpful if you want to keep specific outfits organized for certain portions of your trip. The packing cubes make it easy to locate what you need quickly.
Another useful tip I discovered was to place my socks and underwear in plastic bags and then stuff them inside my shoes. This tip works great for bulkier footwear and allows you to maximize space in your suitcase.
I frequently used to pack my socks, underwear and smaller items in the zippered pockets of my suitcases. Depending on the purpose of my trip, I now utilize that space to store cosmetics, towels, or other outfits.
Using these packing techniques, you will quickly realize that you do not need an extra large suitcase for a two week vacation!
Do you shop a lot?
Do you buy a few souvenirs or do you like spending hours shopping and buying everything in sight?You should consider a bigger suitcase if you plan on doing a lot of shopping during your trip.
It’s important to remember not to overpack before leaving for your trip. Making sure you have ample space for souvenirs will save you the stress of attempting to squeeze everything in your bag before heading home. Expandable luggage is great for these situations!
Don’t end up like me… I severely underestimated my shopping addiction during a trip to Barcelona. After purchasing countless souvenirs and even 2 full coffee cup sets, I ended up purchasing an additional suitcase abroad to bring home all my goodies.
What’s your method of transportation?
Perhaps one of the most important questions: how are you getting to your destination? Are you flying, driving, taking a train or a bus? Your method of transportation on your trip will help you determine the type of luggage you need to take with you.
If you're flying, is your ticket allowing for a bag to be checked in? It's easier to justify bringing a large suitcase to yourself if the ticket includes a checked bag. However, this is not always true with budget airlines and short flights, so be sure to verify with the airline prior to your flight. If your ticket allows you to check a bag, you can bring a 28-inch suitcase with everything you need. If your ticket does not allow you to check your luggage, you will need to think about packing light in a carry-on or purchasing a checked bag.
Traveling by bus or train? You might prefer a smaller bag. You can move your luggage around more easily if it is lighter, especially if you are catching multiple trains or buses to your destination or during your trip. Packing light with a smaller bag will be to your benefit in this scenario and will make it easier for you to carry and will keep you stress and pain free!
If you will be driving to your destination, consider the trunk space. If you are traveling with your significant other, trunk space will likely not be an issue and you can pack as much as you need in any type of suitcase. However, if you’re traveling with more people, trunk space will be limited.
A road trip with a large group can quickly turn uncomfortable if everyone’s luggage doesn’t fit in the trunk space. Speaking from experience, a 5 hour car ride with your heavy 22 inch suitcase on your lap is not the best way to start a vacation!
Who comes on your trips?
Do you frequently travel alone? Or are you more likely to travel with a significant other or friend? A small suitcase is more practical if you are traveling alone. It's easier to travel with lightweight luggage if there isn’t anyone coming that can help carry additional or larger bags.
If you are traveling with a partner, or one person, splitting a bag with them is the best option. Why would you take two small suitcases when you can pack clothes for you both in one large bag? To make sure you aren't too tired, you can swap who carries your suitcase.
This is a great trick for air travel. There is no need to purchase and pack two large checked bags when you can have one bag checked and two carry-ons. This can provide enough space for approximately a month and save you money if you are paying for the checked bag!
Key Takeaways
- Always choose the smallest size suitcase you are comfortable with
- Do not pack for "what-if" scenarios. You can always buy what you need at your destination.
- You can travel with a friend or partner and share a large suitcase.
- Check a larger suitcase when possible.
- A small suitcase is perfect for solo travel (and is easier to carry than a large, heavy bag).
- Think about a larger suitcase for winter travel for packing clothes and accessories that will keep you warm.
- You can pack less and wash items if your accommodations have a washing machine.
The Best Travel Suitcases by Size
Now that we have covered the basics and given you an idea of what to consider when choosing a size for your new suitcase, check out the top recommendations, organized by size, from Travel Merak!
22 Inch Luggage
Image courtesy: Monos
Monos luggage brand
offers the Carry-On Pro as a great option for a 22 inch luggage. Coming in the standard carry-on size, this bag is perfect for almost any trip you will take. There is even a pocket to hold up to a 15 inch laptop for those planning to work on the go! The sturdy polycarbonate shell makes it a durable option that will last you for years.
24 Inch Luggage
Image courtesy: Amazon
American Tourister offers great quality at a budget price with its Moonlight Hardside Expandable luggage. This suitcase comes with a 10 year limited warranty, so you can rest easy knowing that American Tourister is there if you have any issues with your bag. The luggage is expandable by 1.5 inches for those who need a little bit of extra space.
While a 24 inch suitcase is typically too large to be considered a carry-on, this is a great size if you plan to check your bag for your flight or if you are traveling by other means and size is not an issue.
28 Inch Suitcase
Image Courtesy: Samsonite
The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Large Spinner suitcase provides you with plenty of packing space and Samsonite’s durable polycarbonate shell to prevent any scratches on your travels. This suitcase features oversize wheels for easy gliding through airports and a TSA lock to help secure your belongings. For shorter trips with your friend or spouse, this is the perfect bag to share!
30 Inch Suitcase
Image Courtesy: Tumi
Tumi luggage brand's Latitude Extended Trip Packing Case is a perfect hard-side luggage option for those longer trips where you just need some extra packing room. The suitcase features woven SRPP ballistic material for strength and durability, and the interior has separate divided areas to easily organize and pack your belongings. This is Travel Merak’s favorite option for extended trips around the world.
Extra Large Suitcase (31+ inch)
Image Courtesy: Samsonite
Samsonite’s Freeform Large Spinner suitcase provides all the space you need in an extra large suitcase. While this option is not very practical for short trips, this is perfect for digital nomads or those embarking on trips longer than a month. The lightweight, yet durable design gives you plenty of packing space and with Samsonite’s quality, this bag is made to last.
Luggage Size Final Thoughts
With so many luggage sizes available on the market, we at Travel Merak knows how difficult and stressful it can be choosing the best travel bag for your upcoming trip or future travels. This guide has covered the essentials and we hope that it's been a valuable resource in helping you in determine what options are best for you, keeping in mind key factors like your destination, trip length, packing style, and more.
FAQs
