Luggage Sizes: Luggage Size Guide & Chart
Your next big trip is just around the corner. You’ve renewed your passport, picked out your vacation fits, and even started to think about packing. But you’re struggling to decide what luggage sizes you need.
From carry-on bags to checked luggage, suitcase sizes can get pretty confusing—especially when baggage allowances vary between airlines. But there’s no need to panic. Our luggage size guide covers everything from choosing the right luggage for your trip to deciding between a carry-on or checked bag.
Luggage Sizes
Before you choose which suitcase size to use for your upcoming vacation, it’s worth looking at some of the most common luggage sizes and what trips we recommend them for.
Mini Carry-On Luggage: 16”
If you’re only going away for a day or two and prefer to keep things light, an under-seat carry-on case is the perfect option for your trip. Using a smaller carry-on bag is a great way to keep your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. You won’t have to queue to check in your luggage and can instead head straight to your airport gate—no lugging heavy suitcases behind you!
Our Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage features a durable hard-shell exterior and is small enough to fit underneath most airline seats. With everything you need safely tucked away but still within arm’s reach, all you’ll need to do is sit back and relax.
Carry-On Luggage: 16”-22”
Looking forward to a long weekend getaway? Standard carry-on suitcases are perfect for short trips where you’ve got a full itinerary planned and don’t want to waste precious minutes waiting around at baggage claim.
Normally 16” to 22” in height, a carry-on bag doesn’t need to be checked in and can be taken through security and onboard the flight. Just pop it in the overhead locker above your seat.
Medium Checked Luggage: 23”-27”
Not too big and not too small, medium checked suitcases give you a bit more space to pack everything you need for an extended vacation, while also being light enough to pull along with ease.
Medium-sized suitcases need to be checked in when you arrive at the airport and picked up from baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.
Large Checked Luggage: 27”-30”
Planning a longer trip? Or need plenty of packing space? Large checked suitcases are perfect for couples, families, and “just in case” packers. You’ll never struggle to fit everything you need into your luggage again! Just remember to factor in extra time at the airport to check in your bag.
Your next big trip is just around the corner. You’ve renewed your passport, picked out your vacation fits, and even started to think about packing. But you’re struggling to decide what luggage sizes you need.
From carry-on bags to checked luggage, suitcase sizes can get pretty confusing—especially when baggage allowances vary between airlines. But there’s no need to panic. Our luggage size guide covers everything from choosing the right luggage for your trip to deciding between a carry-on or checked bag.
Luggage Sizes
Before you choose which suitcase size to use for your upcoming vacation, it’s worth looking at some of the most common luggage sizes and what trips we recommend them for.
Mini Carry-On Luggage: 16”
If you’re only going away for a day or two and prefer to keep things light, an under-seat carry-on case is the perfect option for your trip. Using a smaller carry-on bag is a great way to keep your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. You won’t have to queue to check in your luggage and can instead head straight to your airport gate—no lugging heavy suitcases behind you!
Our Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage features a durable hard-shell exterior and is small enough to fit underneath most airline seats. With everything you need safely tucked away but still within arm’s reach, all you’ll need to do is sit back and relax.
Carry-On Luggage: 16”-22”
Looking forward to a long weekend getaway? Standard carry-on suitcases are perfect for short trips where you’ve got a full itinerary planned and don’t want to waste precious minutes waiting around at baggage claim.
Normally 16” to 22” in height, a carry-on bag doesn’t need to be checked in and can be taken through security and onboard the flight. Just pop it in the overhead locker above your seat.
Medium Checked Luggage: 23”-27”
Not too big and not too small, medium checked suitcases give you a bit more space to pack everything you need for an extended vacation, while also being light enough to pull along with ease.
Medium-sized suitcases need to be checked in when you arrive at the airport and picked up from baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.
Large Checked Luggage: 27”-30”
Planning a longer trip? Or need plenty of packing space? Large checked suitcases are perfect for couples, families, and “just in case” packers. You’ll never struggle to fit everything you need into your luggage again! Just remember to factor in extra time at the airport to check in your bag.
Luggage Size Chart
Looking for more information on suitcase dimensions? Our luggage size chart shows the height, width, and depth of some of our most popular suitcases, so you can be sure you've chosen the best luggage size for you.
Luggage Type | Height (in) | Width (in) | Depth (in) |
---|---|---|---|
16.5 |
14 |
9 |
|
21.5 |
14 |
9 |
|
24.5 |
15.25 |
11 |
|
30 |
18.75 |
11.75 |
When To Use a Carry-On
Carry-on suitcases are perfect for when you want to travel light. From business trips to weekend getaways, carry-on bags remove the hassle of having to check in your luggage at the airport—and pay any fees that come with it.
When To Use a Checked Bag
It’s worth checking in a suitcase for longer vacations or if you’re jetting off to a cooler destination that requires lots of heavy layers. Avoid the stress of keeping to strict carry-on allowances and enjoy hands-free travel by dropping off your luggage as soon as you get to the airport.
If you need carry-ons and checked bags, why not buy a matching 2-piece luggage set that includes both? Or, if you’re traveling with a partner, opt for a 3-piece set to have a carry-on each but share the check-in bag.
When To Use a Carry-On
Carry-on suitcases are perfect for when you want to travel light. From business trips to weekend getaways, carry-on bags remove the hassle of having to check in your luggage at the airport—and pay any fees that come with it.
When To Use a Checked Bag
It’s worth checking in a suitcase for longer vacations or if you’re jetting off to a cooler destination that requires lots of heavy layers. Avoid the stress of keeping to strict carry-on allowances and enjoy hands-free travel by dropping off your luggage as soon as you get to the airport.
If you need carry-ons and checked bags, why not buy a matching 2-piece luggage set that includes both? Or, if you’re traveling with a partner, opt for a 3-piece set to have a carry-on each but share the check-in bag.
Cabin Allowance By Airline
Before you set off on your journey, it’s important to check your airline’s luggage allowance as these can vary. If your luggage goes above the size or weight limit determined by the airline, you risk a hefty fine.
To help avoid extra fees at the airport, here is a guide to cabin and checked luggage allowances on some of the most popular US airlines. It’s worth noting that this is just a guide and you should always check the airline’s website before you fly.
Airline | Carry-on bag allowances | Checked bag allowances |
---|---|---|
One carry-on bag (22" x 14" x 9") plus one personal item (purse, briefcase, or laptop bag) |
$35 for the first bag and $45 for the second (up to 50 lbs and 62” linear) |
|
One personal item (18” x 14” x 8”). Charges range from $10 to $75 for additional carry-on bags (22” x 16” x 10”) |
See baggage fee calculator on Allegiant website for detailed costs (up to 50 lbs and 80” linear) |
|
One carry-on bag (22” x 14” x 9”) plus one personal item (18” x 14” x 8”) |
$40 for your first bag for travel within the US (up to 50 lbs and 62” linear) |
|
One carry-on bag (22" x 14" x 9") plus one personal item (purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag) |
$35 for your first bag for travel within the US (up to 50 lbs and 62” linear) |
|
One personal item (14" x 18" x 8"). Charges apply for additional carry-on bags (24" x 16" x 10", up to 35 lbs) |
See baggage calculator on Frontier website for detailed costs (up to 40 lbs and 62” linear) |
|
One carry-on bag (22" x 14" x 9", up to 25 lbs) plus one personal item (purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack, or similar) |
$40 for your first bag for travel within Hawaii or North America (up to 50 lbs and 62” linear) |
|
One carry-on bag (22" x 14" x 9") plus one personal item (17" x 13" x 8") |
$35 for your first bag on off-peak flights, for travel within the US (up to 50 lbs and 62” linear) |
|
One personal item (18"x14"x8"). Charges apply for additional carry-on bags (22”x18” x10”) |
See Spirit Airlines website for detailed costs (up to 50 lbs and 62” linear) |
|
One carry-on bag (24” x16” x10”) plus one personal item (must fit under your seat) |
Two free checked bags per customer (up to 50 lbs and 62” linear) |
|
One carry-on bag (22" x 14" x 9") plus one personal item (17" x 10" x 9") |
See baggage calculator on United Airlines website for detailed costs (up to 50 lbs and 62” linear) |
Luggage Accessories to Make Traveling a Breeze
Organized packing is the secret to meeting luggage size allowances. To dodge the “sit on your suitcase and pray it closes” panic, it’s worth investing in accessories that streamline your packing process.
Compression packing cubes, for example, save much-needed space by reducing the size of your bulkiest items, making them easier to fit into your airline-approved luggage. Similarly, organizers and makeup bags are ideal for storing toiletries, chargers, and other loose items so they don’t clutter your case. Check out our full guide on how to pack a suitcase for even more top tips.
Which Luggage Size Is Best For You?
To choose the right luggage size, consider the length of your trip, how many items of clothing you’ll need, and any baggage limits set by the airline.
At CALPAK, we have suitcases to suit every trip and destination. Check out our full luggage range and find the perfect luggage for your next vacation.
Luggage Accessories to Make Traveling a Breeze
Organized packing is the secret to meeting luggage size allowances. To dodge the “sit on your suitcase and pray it closes” panic, it’s worth investing in accessories that streamline your packing process.
Compression packing cubes, for example, save much-needed space by reducing the size of your bulkiest items, making them easier to fit into your airline-approved luggage. Similarly, organizers and makeup bags are ideal for storing toiletries, chargers, and other loose items so they don’t clutter your case. Check out our full guide on how to pack a suitcase for even more top tips.
Which Luggage Size Is Best For You?
To choose the right luggage size, consider the length of your trip, how many items of clothing you’ll need, and any baggage limits set by the airline.
At CALPAK, we have suitcases to suit every trip and destination. Check out our full luggage range and find the perfect luggage for your next vacation.