How To Choose Luggage Size: A Guide For Travelers

Choosing the right luggage size can make or break your travel experience. From airline restrictions to trip length, several factors impact which suitcase is best for your journey. This guide will help you confidently select the perfect size — whether you're packing light for a weekend getaway or preparing for a long-haul adventure.

Types of Luggage Sizes

Understanding the different luggage categories is the first step toward choosing wisely. Here's a breakdown of the most common options:

Personal Item

Small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, personal items include backpacks, totes, or briefcases. Ideal for essentials like a laptop, travel documents, and toiletries.

Carry-On (Cabin Size)

Designed to fit in overhead compartments, carry-ons typically measure around 22” x 14” x 9”. They’re perfect for short trips, business travel, or travelers who pack efficiently.

Medium Checked Luggage

Measuring between 24” and 26”, medium suitcases offer enough room for week-long vacations without being oversized. They balance capacity with maneuverability.

Large Checked Luggage

Ranging from 27” to 30”, large checked bags are built for longer journeys, international trips, or families packing together.

Oversized / Extra-Large

Anything over 31” is considered oversized and may incur extra fees. These are best suited for extended stays or special-use travel (e.g. relocating, ski trips).

Factors to Consider When Choosing Luggage Size

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Use these questions to narrow down your best fit:

Trip Duration

• • 1–3 days: Carry-on

  • 4–7 days: Medium checked luggage

  • 8+ days: Large checked luggage or a set

Type of Trip

Leisure, business, family, or adventure travel — each comes with different packing needs.

Destination & Weather

Warm-weather destinations require fewer bulky items. Cold climates demand more space for layers, jackets, and boots.

Packing Style

Are you a minimalist or an over-packer? Do you roll or fold your clothes? Knowing your habits helps prevent bringing too much or too little.

Transport Mode

Trains, rideshares, and regional flights often have tighter space and weight restrictions. If you'll be moving around a lot, opt for lighter, smaller luggage.

Airline Carry-On & Checked Baggage Restrictions

Typical Limits

• Carry-on: 22” x 14” x 9”

• Checked: 62 linear inches (length + width + height), max 50 lbs

Variation by Airline

Each airline sets its own rules. For example, budget airlines in Europe often have stricter limits than U.S. carriers. Always check before flying.

Tips to Avoid Extra Fees

• Weigh your luggage before leaving home

• Use expandable suitcases wisely — don’t overpack

• Choose lightweight luggage, like the Helium DLX Collection

Comparing Softside vs. Hardside Luggage

If you're checking your bag, hardside options like the Rempart Collection offer better protection. For flexibility and easy access, softside styles like Flânerie SE are excellent.

Luggage Size Chart by Trip Length

Here’s a quick reference table to help match luggage size to your travel plans:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Too Big (or Too Small)

Oversized luggage can result in extra fees and physical strain. Undersized bags may force you to sacrifice key items.

Ignoring Airline Rules

A bag that’s too large for carry-on can be gate-checked — sometimes at a cost.

Overpacking

Heavier bags are harder to handle and could lead to damage or lost items. Stick to essentials and consider packing cubes to stay organized.

Final Tips & Tools

Choosing the right luggage size boils down to trip length, travel style, and airline limits. DELSEY PARIS offers a wide range of thoughtfully designed suitcases to meet every traveler’s needs.

✨ Explore our best-selling luggage collections to find your ideal size

📏 Use a measuring tape to check your suitcase dimensions — length + width + height must meet airline guidelines

📚 Bookmark this guide or share it with your travel companions