An overview of suitcase sizes

Travelling is exciting and fulfilling, but choosing the perfect suitcase can be a real challenge. There’s a wide range of suitcase sizes available, and finding the right one for your needs ultimately makes the difference between packing with ease and ending up with a suitcase that’s either half-empty or bursting at the seams.

Contents

01Why choosing the right suitcase size matters
02Suitcase sizes at a glance
03travelite Suitcase ranges
04Calculate suitcase capacity
05Checked luggage: dimensions vary by airline
06Which size is right for my trip?
07Conclusion
08Frequently Asked Questions

Why choosing the right suitcase size matters

Choosing the right suitcase can make the difference between a stress-free trip and one full of luggage problems. Whilst the focus is often on the destination, flights and hotels, the right suitcase size is frequently overlooked. Here are some reasons why it’s worth giving it some thought:

Simplified organisation

A suitcase of the right size ensures that everything has its place and is safely stowed away. A suitcase that is too small may mean that items are left at home, whilst one that is too large may result in items getting jumbled up and damaged.

Cost savings

Excess or oversized luggage may incur additional charges, particularly with airlines. Choosing the right suitcase size helps ensure you comply with baggage regulations and avoid unnecessary costs.

Convenience and comfort

A suitcase that’s too big makes travelling difficult, whilst one that’s too small is often not big enough for all your essentials. The right size ensures easy transport whilst providing plenty of space.

Security

A suitcase that is packed too full can tear. In a suitcase that is too empty, items will slide about and may get damaged. The right size of suitcase protects the contents all the way to your destination.

Choosing the right suitcase size is part of your travel preparations and should not be overlooked.

Suitcase sizes at a glance

Suitcase sizes are usually divided into four categories, from S for short trips to XL for long journeys.

Size	Height	Volume	Duration of trip
S (hand luggage)	50–55 cm	35–45 litres	1–3 days
M (medium)	60–69 cm	50–75 litres	4–7 days
L (large)	70–79 cm	80–100 litres	1–2 weeks
XL (extra large)	from 80 cm	from 110 litres	from 3 weeks

These figures are for guidance only and do not represent a fixed standard. Manufacturers set their limits differently; for size L, the figures range from 70 to 90 litres to 80 to 115 litres, depending on the source. How much actually fits into a suitcase also depends on the model and the internal layout, so it’s always worth checking the specific litre capacity of the suitcase in question.

Size S

Hand luggage – for 1 to 3 days

Hand luggage is designed to be taken into the cabin. Most airlines allow carry-on dimensions of up to 55 x 40 x 20 cm; more compact models range from 40 x 20 x 25 cm to 55 x 35 x 20 cm. A carry-on suitcase offers enough space for:

Weekend trips with one or two nights’ accommodation
Business trips with minimal luggage
Short trips without checked luggage

Size M

Medium-sized suitcase – for 4 to 7 days

Medium-sized suitcases offer more space for clothes and other items than carry-on luggage; typical dimensions range from 60 x 40 x 25 cm to 70 x 50 x 30 cm. They are suitable for:

City breaks with several nights’ accommodation
A week’s summer or winter holiday
Travelling with moderate luggage requirements

Size L

Large suitcase – for 1 to 2 weeks

Large suitcases are designed for longer stays or more luggage, with dimensions ranging from approximately 75 x 50 x 30 cm to 85 x 60 x 35 cm. They are ideal for:

Classic summer or winter holidays
Family holidays with a single suitcase
Travel with space for shoes and extras

Size XL

XL suitcases – from 3 weeks

XL suitcases, with heights from 80 cm and a capacity of 110 litres, offer enough space for long-haul trips. There’s enough room here for:

Travelling around the world or stays abroad lasting several months
Family holidays with lots of luggage
Moving house or seasonal relocations

If you don’t want to travel with a single XL suitcase all year round, you’re often better off with a suitcase set that can be flexibly combined depending on your trip.

travelite Overview of the suitcase ranges

Series	S	M	L	XL
Air Base	55 x 39 x 20/23 cm, 37–50 L	67 x 45 x 27–31 cm, 71–82 L	77 x 51 x 30 cm, 105 L	–
Next	55 x 40 x 22 cm, 35–41 L	67 x 47 x 26 cm, 69 L	77 x 52 x 29 cm, 100 L	–
Crosslite	55 x 40 x 20 cm, 37 L	66 x 47 x 26 cm, 69 L	77 x 47 x 30 cm, 90–102 L	81 cm
Dynamiic	55 x 40 x 20/23 cm, 37–48 L	66 x 46 x 26/30 cm, 69–79 L	76 x 51 x 31/35 cm, 101–115 L	81 cm, 130 L
Briize	55 x 39 x 20 cm, 33 L	67 x 43 x 27/31 cm, 62–67 L	78 x 46 x 30/34 cm, 86–96 L	–
Skaii	55 x 40 x 20/23 cm, 36–46 L	67 x 43 x 27/31 cm, 62–67 L	78 x 47 x 30/34 cm, 91–98 L	–
Mooby	55 x 40 x 20 cm, 39 L	66 cm, 73–82 L	77 x 51 x 30 cm, 106 L	–
Millennium	55 cm, 40 L	67 cm, 69 L	76 cm, 100 L	–

Once you’ve found the right size, you can work out the actual capacity yourself using a simple formula.

Calculating suitcase capacity: the formula

Height in cm × Width in cm × Depth in cm ÷ 1,000 = Volume in litres

A suitcase measuring 55 x 40 x 20 cm – the standard size for hand luggage on many airlines – has a volume of 44,000 cubic centimetres. Divided by 1,000, this gives 44 litres.

In practice, 50 to 75 litres have proven sufficient for a week’s trip, depending on your packing style and destination. Those who pack more minimally or are travelling to warmer regions can get by with less, whilst those planning to take winter clothes or several outfits off are better off aiming for the upper limit. When travelling by air, a second restriction comes into play alongside volume: the Airlines’ size restrictions for checked-in luggage.

Checked luggage: Dimensions according to Airline

For checked luggage, most Airlines do not consider the individual height, width or depth, but rather the sum of all three dimensions. For most major airlines, this total dimension limit is 158 cm; anything exceeding this is classified as bulky luggage and incurs a higher charge.

Airlines	Overall dimensions (H+W+D)	Weight
Lufthansa	158 cm	23 kg
Air France	158 cm	23 kg
KLM	158 cm	23 kg
Eurowings	158 cm	23 kg
Turkish Airlines	158 cm	23 kg
American Airlines	158 cm	23 kg
United Airlines	158 cm	23 kg

Some Airlines specify individual dimensions for height, width and depth instead of a total:

Airlines	Height	Width	Depth	Weight
British Airways	90 cm	75 cm	43 cm	23 kg
Ryanair	81 cm	119 cm	119 cm	10/20 kg
Wizz Air	149 cm	119 cm	171 cm	10–32 kg

A size L suitcase, approximately 75 to 79 cm high, remains within the 158 cm limit for most manufacturers. It is still worth checking the exact specifications of the respective airline before departure, as weight and overall dimensions vary depending on the fare. Separate dimensions apply to hand luggage.

Which suitcase size is right for my trip?

In addition to the overview at the start, it helps to consider three further criteria when making your decision: duration of the trip, type of trip and mode of transport.

By duration of trip

1 to 3 days: Size S (cabin luggage)
4 to 7 days: Size M
1 to 2 weeks: Size L
from 3 weeks: Size XL

By type of journey

Solo trip: an S or M is usually sufficient
Pair: One M or two S-sized suitcases
Range: L or a set of suitcases in various sizes
Business travel: S with a compartment for a laptop and documents

By mode of transport

Flying with hand luggage: Size S
For checked luggage, choose M or L
Train or car: all sizes are possible; the suitcase’s own weight is less of a factor
Low-cost airline with strict guidelines: hand luggage should be as close as possible to 40 x 30 x 20 cm

travelite Crosslite Suitcases for travelling

Conclusion: The right suitcase size for your next trip

As well as the duration of your trip, the type of journey and your mode of transport, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing the right suitcase size:

Destination: A tropical destination requires fewer and lighter clothes than a trip to colder regions.
Airline: Checking the baggage regulations of the relevant airline before buying a suitcase helps to avoid excess baggage charges.
Packing habits: Those who take a lot of sports or camera equipment with them, or who like to have a wider selection of outfits to hand, are more likely to opt for the next larger size.

Ultimately, the right suitcase size depends on the duration of your trip, the type of journey, your mode of transport, your destination and your personal packing habits. By taking height, volume and Airline regulations into account, you’ll find the perfect suitcase for your next trip, whether it’s a weekend break or a holiday lasting several weeks.

Frequently asked questions

How many litres should a travel bag hold for a week’s trip?

For a week’s trip, 50 to 75 litres is enough for most people, depending on their packing style and destination. Those who pack minimally or are travelling to warmer regions can get by with less, whilst those planning to take winter clothes are more likely to need the upper limit.

How big is an XL suitcase?

For most manufacturers, an XL suitcase is defined as having a height of 80 cm or more and a volume of 110 litres or more. At travelite, the ‘ Dynamiic ’ and ‘ Crosslite ’ ranges offer an XL model measuring 81 cm and with a capacity of up to 130 litres.

What size of suitcase is suitable for air travel?

This depends on whether the case is travelling as hand luggage or hold luggage. Cabin luggage is usually limited to a maximum of 55 x 40 x 20 cm, whilst checked luggage on most Airlines flights must comply with the 158 cm total dimensions rule, which corresponds to a size L suitcase or smaller.

What are the dimensions of the L-sized suitcase?

Size L is generally between 70 and 79 cm in height and has a capacity of 80 to 100 litres, suitable for trips lasting 1 to 2 weeks.

What does 55x40x20 mean?

55 x 40 x 20 cm are the height, width and depth in centimetres and correspond to the standard dimensions for hand luggage on many airlines.

What are the dimensions of the ‘ travelite ’ cabin suitcase?

That depends on the series. The Air Base Trolley S measures 55 x 39 x 23 cm with a capacity of up to 50 litres, whilst the Next Trolley S measures 55 x 40 x 22 cm with a capacity of up to 41 litres.

Discover our products

Grey Travelite hard-shell suitcase with telescopic handle and four wheels, suitable as hand luggage

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