Going on vacation is exciting, but the packing can be a hassle. Yet, if you have the right luggage sizes, that can make all the difference. Every type of vacation requires different suitcase options, so it’s best to get it sorted out before the last minute.
This guide will help you understand different luggage sizes so you can choose which is the best option for your upcoming trip.
Average Luggage Size
Luggage comes in all shapes and sizes, but most travelers use luggage that’s between 25 and 29 inches tall. However, suitcases can be as small as 17 inches or as large as 32 inches.
Bag rules may vary between airlines, so check your airline’s rules before packing a suitcase. The amount of days you’ll be able to use each suitcase size can vary greatly because some guests travel light while others pack way more than needed.
Luggage Size Chart
Below is a suitcase size chart to help you determine what type of luggage you need.
| Size (Longest End) | Type of Suitcase | What Will Fit in it | Approximate Fees |
| Under 17 inches | Personal Item | Essentials only | Free |
| 18 to 20 inches | Small Carry-on Suitcase | 3 – 10 days | Free to $50 |
| 21 to 22 inches | Large Carry-on Suitcase | 5 – 14 days | Free to $50 |
| 23 to 24 inches | Small Checked Bag | 1 – 2 weeks | $20 to $100 |
| 25 to 27 inches | Medium Checked Bag | 2 – 3 weeks | $20 to $100 |
| 28 to 32 inches | Large Checked Bag | 3 – 4 weeks | $20 to $100 |
Measuring Your Luggage
Before you pack your luggage, you should measure it. Each airline has unique rules about the sizes of carry-on and checked bags, so it’s good to know those measurements before arriving at the airport.
Here’s the correct way to measure your luggage:
- Place your suitcase flat on the floor
- Use measuring tape to measure each dimension of the suitcase
- Measure the length from the bottom of the wheels to the top of the carrying handle
- Don’t include the pull-out handle when measuring the length
- Measure the width and depth from the widest points of the suitcase, including pockets
Personal Item Size
A personal item isn’t a suitcase, but instead, it’s a small item that will go under your seat during the flight. Personal items are often objects like purses, briefcases, and laptops. Anything that’s small enough to slide under the seat in front of you can usually be classified as a personal item, as long as it follows the flight’s rules.
More specifically, personal items are usually expected to be smaller than 18 x 14 x 8 inches, but the exact size will depend on the airline. The staff probably won’t measure your personal item, but they may take a closer look if it appears too big.
Carry On Luggage Size
The standard luggage dimensions limit for carry-on bags is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. However, you may find slightly different limits depending on what airline you choose. If your luggage exceeds that limit, it won’t fit in the overhead bin, so measure your carry-on bag before you get to the airport. Many airlines have a spot where you can make sure your suitcase is the right size before going through security.
Checked Luggage Sizes
Checked bag sizes can vary, so most airlines state that the large suitcase size for a checked bag cannot be more than 62 linear inches (which is the length, width, and depth added together). Most bags won’t exceed 32 inches in length, and in some cases, 32-inch-long suitcases may be too large with the width and depth added on.
Luggage Weight Restrictions
Airlines usually have restrictions when it comes to luggage weight too. So, once you pack your suitcase, weigh it if possible so you can make sure it’s not overpacked. It’s always a good idea to leave some extra space for souvenirs in your bag.
Personal Item and Carry-on Luggage Weight
Personal items and carry-on bags don’t usually have weight limits. It’s unlikely that an airline will weigh your carry-on bags before you get on a flight. However, you may want to check your airline’s requirements beforehand in case they have added weight restrictions. If an airline has a carry-on weight limit, it will likely be somewhere between 15 and 35 pounds.
Even though most airlines don’t weigh the bags in the cabin, your carry-on should be light enough for you to lift over your head since you’ll need to place it in the overhead bins. So, keep that in mind when packing. If it ends up being too heavy to comfortably lift, you may want to pack lighter or check a bag instead.
Checked Bag Weight
Most checked bags need to be under 50 pounds, but some airlines may allow up to 70 pounds. Yet, overweight bags will often be charged additional fees, so it’s best to pack as light as possible.
Airports usually have stations you can weight your luggage at before checking it in. However, it’s best to weigh checked bags before your arrive at the airport if possible.
Luggage Fees
After you buy your plane ticket, there are often additional fees involved. The most common one is luggage fees. Here’s what you can expect to spend on your luggage.
Carry-on Bags
Personal items are free on every flight, however, carry-ons aren’t always free. More expensive airlines will allow a free carry-on in addition to your personal item, but budget airlines, like Frontier Airlines, will often charge you extra for a carry-on bag since their flights are much more affordable. On most airlines, a carry-on bag will cost less than $50, but those rates are always changing.
Checked Bags
Almost every airline charges you to check a bag, but there are a few rare exceptions, such as Southwest. Checked bags can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 per bag, depending on the bag’s weight and the airline. So, you’ll need to check your airline’s policies for an exact number.
What Suitcase Sizes are Best for You?
If you don’t have any trips coming up, having standard-sized luggage handy is a good idea (one that works for carry-on and one that works for checked baggage). However, if you’re planning a trip and you’re unsure which bag to use, here are some things to consider:
- How many days are you traveling for? You’ll need enough space to fit clothes and other necessities for every day.
- Do you tend to overpack? If so, you may want to go with a large luggage size regardless of the length of your trip.
- Are you planning to bring home any items? If so, don’t forget to choose a suitcase that has more than enough room.
- What activities will you do on your trip? Some trips require larger gear. For example, you may need snorkeling gear, camera tripods, or warmer clothing depending on your plans. Or if you’re going on a specific vacation, like a cruise, you may need to pack differently. If you’re bringing any larger items along, a large checked bag is likely what you’ll need.
With these things in mind, you should be able to estimate what type of bag will work for you. If you’re packing light for a short trip, you might be able to get away with a small carry-on bag. Yet, if you have an eventful trip ahead of you, you may need your biggest checked bag.
When packing for your vacation, gather all the supplies you’re planing to bring so you can see it all in one place. Pack it into a bag a few days in advance so you can make sure it all fits. If it doesn’t, you’ll either need to pack lighter or pack a larger suitcase.
Tips for Choosing the Right Luggage
Before you purchase a suitcase, here are some luggage tips to consider:
- Choose a Brightly-Colored or Patterned Suitcase – Bags that stand out are less likely to get lost during travel. Plus, they’re much easier to spot when they come out of baggage claim. If you already bought a plain-colored suitcase, put something unique on it, like a colorful ribbon, to help you distinguish it from other people’s bags.
- Avoid Plastic Suitcases – Plastic suitcases are the most likely to crack, especially when they’re checked. Checked bags often get thrown around, so it’s important to choose a durable one. Aluminum or fabric suitcases are usually the best options.
- Be Wary of Spinner Wheels – Wheels that spin and rotate may be easier to move around the airport, but the wheels are also more prone to breaking. Plus, spinner wheels often stick out more, adding to the length of the bag. So, consider the quality of a suitcase with spinner wheels before purchasing it.
- Choose Lightweight Luggage – The weight of the bag itself is included when you weigh your luggage, so it’s best to choose the lightest bag possible. That way, you can put more weight inside it without worrying about oversize fees.
- Keep Valuables with You – Anything that is very important to you or can’t be easily replaced should stay with you on the flight, whether it’s in your personal item or carry-on bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can never do too much planning when it comes to choosing the right luggage sizes. So, here are a few commonly asked questions.
What’s the Largest Luggage You Can Fly with?
The largest luggage size for check-in is 62 linear inches, which means the length, width, and depth should be added together. Some airlines may allow you to bring a larger bag for an additional fee.
What Airlines Allow Free Carry-on Bags?
As of 2022, these well-known airlines allow a free carry-on bag and personal item:
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
These are just a few examples of airlines allowing free carry-ons. The best way to know if an airline currently allows free bags on-board is to check their website.
How Much Liquid Can You Bring on a Carry-on?
You can only bring liquids in carry-on bags if they’re 3.4 ounces/100 milliliters or less. For a full list of what you can and can’t bring in a carry-on, visit TSA’s website.
Does a Pet Carrier Count as a Carry-on?
Even though you need to pay extra for a pet on most flights, their carrier usually counts as your carry-on. The pet’s carrier must fit under the seat in front of you on the flight, so be sure to check your airline’s regulations before buying a pet carrier. If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll likely need to check a bag.
What Should You Do if Your Luggage Gets Lost?
If your luggage doesn’t appear at the baggage claim, you should contact your airline immediately. You can usually file a claim at the airline’s baggage desk.
Packing the Right Suitcase Sizes for Your Trip
There’s a lot to consider when choosing luggage sizes for your trip. You’ll want to make sure your bag is durable with enough space for all your supplies, but you’ll also want to ensure that the bag meets the airline’s regulations. So, don’t forget to measure and weigh your luggage sizes before heading to the airport to save yourself some time and trouble.
If you’re unsure where you want to travel next, consider one of the best family vacations in the US.
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