Luggage is a great way to travel light and still have a lot of space. But it can be a challenge to choose the right size. The wrong size can make you feel like you’re carrying a ton of weight when you don’t need to. Besides, it can cause you to pay extra at the airport. So how do you know what size you need? This luggage size guide will help you figure out what size suitcase or backpack you should buy.
Contents
Standard Suitcase Sizes
The internal dimensions of the suitcase determine how many pounds or kilograms a bag can hold. The sizes are measured from the ground to the top of the carry handle, not from the inside. It’s typical for suitcase manufacturers to label sizes in inches and indicates that size with a prefix. To find the best carry on luggage for traveling, read this whole article.
So, let’s see some carry on sizes and their capacity, and then you can have some idea about them.
| Size of the Suitcase | Capacity |
| Small cabin suitcase | 48cm or 18inch, capacity up to 40 liters. Also referred to as ‘domestic cabin size’ |
| Large cabin suitcase | 55cm or 20inch, capacity up to 45 liters. Can be referred to as ‘international cabin size’ |
| Extra-large cabin suitcase | 56cm or 22 inches, capacity up to 50 liters. Can also be referred to as a ‘business class cabin’ |
| Medium suitcase | 68cm or 24inch, capacity up to 75 liters |
| Large suitcase | 74cm or 27inch, capacity up to 117 liters |
| Extra-large suitcase | 85cm or 32inch, capacity up to 130 liters |
Luggage Size Chart
Well, if you don’t have any idea about the luggage size which one you should buy, then you can have a good and clear idea from the below images. This chart of the luggage size could be the best luggage size guide for you to buy a new one. By seeing the image you can easily differentiate and understand the capacity.
You can see the luggage size chart is divided into two categories namely Cabin Luggage and Checked Luggage. The Cabin Luggage includes Personal Item Luggage, International Carry-on, and Domestic Carry-on while the Checked Luggage is categorized into Small Checked, Medium Checked, and Large Checked luggage. We are going to mention the size and capacity of that luggage later.
As you have looked at the image very carefully, you might have some ideas about the capacity and the size of the luggage that you might need. However, we will now make a table and will try to show the inches, probable capacity, and fees if you are traveling by air.
| Name | Size | Capacity | Fees |
| Personal item | Under 17 inches | Essentials | Always free |
| International carry-on | 18-20 inches | 5-14 days | 0-50$ |
| Domestic carry-on | 21-22 inches | 7-14 days | 0-50$ |
| Small checked luggage | 23-24 inches | 2-3 weeks | 20-100$ |
| Medium checked luggage | 25-27 inches | 2-4 weeks | 20-100$ |
| Large checked luggage | 28-32 inches | 3-4 weeks | 20-100$ |
Carry On Luggage Sizes by Airline
The most common Carry-on luggage size in the United States is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Bear in mind, when your carry-on will be measured, the 22″ height limit includes the wheels and handles for suitcases.
However, most airlines limit the size of carry-on bags to approximately these dimensions while some airlines allow bigger bags and some are more restrictive.
You are highly recommended to confirm the sizing chart surfing the airline’s website before taking off, and then use the chart below to calculate the correct size for your travel.
In case, you’re traveling on multiple airlines, you need to be more careful about the luggage you are carrying.
Anyways, you’ll only find the most reputable airlines that enforce their weight and size limits.
However, if you’re planning to buy a new carry-on bag, check the airlines that you fly most often and buy one that will fit all of them. Now let’s see some different continents’ airlines’ carry-on luggage sizes.
American Carry on Luggage Sizes
| Airline | Carry On Size (in) | Carry On Weight (lb.) | Carry On Size (cm) | Carry On Weight (kg) |
| Aeromexico | 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 in | 22 lb.¹ | 55 x 40 x 25 cm | 10 kg¹ |
| Air Canada | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in | Not specified | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Not specified | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| Allegiant Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Not specified | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| Avianca Airlines | 21.5 x 13.5 x 10 in | 22 lb. | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 10 kg |
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Not specified | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| Delta Air Lines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 or 22 lb.² | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 or 10 kg² |
| Frontier Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 in | 35 lb. | 61 x 41 x 25 cm | 16 kg |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 25 lb. | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 11 kg |
| JetBlue Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Not specified | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 x 16 x 10 in | Not specified | 61 x 41 x 25 cm | Not specified |
| Spirit Airlines | 22 x 18 x 10 in | Not specified | 56 x 46 x 25 cm | Not specified |
| Sun Country Airlines | 24 x 16 x 11 in | 35 lb. | 61 x 41 x 28 cm | 16 kg |
| United Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Not specified | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| WestJet | 21 x 15 x 9 in | Not specified | 53 x 38 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| Minimum | 21 x 13.5 x 9 in | 22 lb. | 53 x 36 x 23 cm | 10 kg |
| Maximum | 24 x 18 x 11 in | 35 lb. | 61 x 46 x 28 cm | 16 kg |
| Mode (most common) | 22 x 14 x 9 in | n/a | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | n/a |
European Carry on Luggage Sizes
| Airline | Carry On Size (in) | Carry On Weight (lb) | Carry On Size (cm) | Carry On Weight (kg) |
| Aer Lingus | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 24 cm | 10 kg |
| Aeroflot | 80 in¹ | 51 lb | 203 cm¹ | 23 kg |
| Air France | 21.5 x 14 x 10 in | 26 lb | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 12 kg |
| Alitalia | 21.5 x 14 x 8 in | 18 lb | 55 x 35 x 20 cm | 8 kg |
| British Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 in | 51 lb | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 23 kg |
| easyJet | 22 x 18 x 10 in | Not specified | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | Not specified |
| Iberia | 22 x 15.5 x 10 in | 22 lb | 56 x 40 x 25 cm | 10 kg |
| Icelandair | 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg |
| KLM | 21.5 x 14 x 10 in | 26 lb² | 55 x 35 x 25 cm | 12 kg² |
| Lufthansa | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in | 18 lb | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg |
| Norwegian Air Shuttle | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in | 22 lb² | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 10 kg² |
| Ryanair | 21.5 x 15.5 x 8 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg |
| SAS Scandinavian Airlines | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in | 18 lb | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg |
| Swiss Air Lines | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in | 18 lb | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg |
| Turkish Airlines | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in | 18 lb | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg |
| Vueling | 21.5 x 15.5 x 8 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg |
| Minimum | 21.5 x 14 x 8 in | 18 lb | 55 x 35 x 20 cm | 8 kg |
| Maximum | 22 x 18 x 10 in | 51 lb | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 23 kg |
| Mode (most common) | 21.5 x 15.5 x 10 in | 18 or 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 25 cm | 8 or 10 kg |
Asian Carry on Luggage Sizes
| Airline | Carry On Size (in) | Carry On Weight (lb) | Carry On Size (cm) | Carry On Weight (kg) |
| AirAsia | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 lb¹ | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg¹ |
| Air China | 21.5 x 16 x 8 in | 11 lb | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 5 kg |
| Air New Zealand | 46.5 in² | 15 lb | 118 cm² | 7 kg |
| ANA | 21.5 x 16 x 10 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 25 cm | 10 kg |
| Asiana Airlines | 21.5 x 16 x 8 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg |
| Cathay Pacific | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 lb | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg |
| Cebu Pacific Air | 22 x 14 x 10 in | Not specified | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| China Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 lb | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg |
| JAL (Japan Airlines) | 21.5 x 16 x 10 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 25 cm | 10 kg |
| Jetstar | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 lb | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg |
| Korean Air | 21.5 x 16 x 8 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 20 cm | 10 kg |
| Malaysia Airlines | Not specified | 15 lb | Not specified | 7 kg |
| Philippine Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 lb | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg |
| Qantas | 22 x 14 x 9 in | Not specified | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | Not specified |
| Singapore Air | 45 in² | 15 lb | 115 cm² | 7 kg |
| Thai Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 in | 15 lb | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 7 kg |
| Virgin Australia | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 lb | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg |
| Minimum | 21.5 x 14 x 8 in | 11 lb | 55 x 36 x 20 cm | 5 kg |
| Maximum | 22 x 18 x 10 in | 22 lb | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 10 kg |
| Mode (most common) | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 lb | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg |
Middle Eastern Carry on Luggage Sizes
| Airline | Carry On Size (in) | Carry On Weight (lb) | Carry On Size (cm) | Carry On Weight (kg) |
| El Al Israel Airlines | 22 x 18 x 10 in | 18 lb | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 8 kg |
| Emirates | 21.5 x 15 x 8 in | 15 lb | 55 x 38 x 20 cm | 7 kg |
| Etihad Airways | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 15 lb | 56 x 36 x 23 cm | 7 kg |
| Saudia Airlines | 62 in¹ | 15 lb | 158 cm¹ | 7 kg |
| Minimum | 21.5 x 14 x 8 in | 15 lb | 55 x 36 x 20 cm | 7 kg |
| Maximum | 22 x 18 x 10 in | 18 lb | 56 x 45 x 25 cm | 8 kg |
| Mode (most common) | 22 x n/a x n/a in | 15 lb | 56 x n/a x n/a cm | 7 lb |
Worldwide Carry on Luggage Sizes
| Type | Carry On Size (in) | Carry On Weight (lb) | Carry On Size (cm) | Carry On Weight (kg) |
| Minimum | 21 x 13.5 x 8 in | 11 lb | 53 x 35 x 20 cm | 5 kg |
| Maximum | 24 x 18 x 11 in | 51 lb | 61 x 46 x 28 cm | 23 kg |
| Median | 22 x 15.5 x 9 in | 18 lb | 56 x 40 x 23 cm | 8 kg |
| Mode (most common) | 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in | 22 lb | 55 x 40 x 23 cm | 7 kg |
What size is carry-on luggage?
There are many different sizes of carry-on luggage available and each airline will have its own specification for carry-on luggage. However, the standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22″ x 14″ x 9″. It includes the handle and the wheels.
This size limit ensures your bag will fit easily in your overhead bin for your flight.
A typical size for carrying your own luggage is between 20″ and 25″ wide and 13″ and 17″ high. This may be slightly smaller or larger depending on the airline that you’re flying with.
A carry-on bag should ideally be about 30 inches wide by 22 inches tall and 45 pounds or less (in weight). If your bag doesn’t fit that description, consider using a smaller, carry-on-sized bag that you can take out of the overhead bin.
Carrying your own luggage is definitely the best option for travelers. You’ll be able to transport your belongings yourself, and you’ll have control over when you get to your destination, and how much they’ll cost when you arrive.
If you’re not a frequent traveler, it may take you a while to get used to the concept of checking luggage.
Personal Item Size and Weight Requirements
When traveling by air, try to pack as light as possible. Most airlines won’t give exact weight restrictions for personal items, so be sure to pack what you need.
Personal items must fit under the seat or in the overhead bin. If you don’t know what size to get, try the first option.
It should be 6-9 inches in width, 10-14 inches in height, and 17-18.5 inches in length on average.
You can get the exact personal item requirements from your airline, or check the list of personal item restrictions for the most popular airlines.
This is why, if you’re flying with an airline that allows you to carry a certain amount of personal items, it’s best to check if those items have weight restrictions.
Some airlines have personal item weight limitations, but not all of them do.
But most airlines have a maximum weight for the total weight of your personal item and carry-on luggage, so you should check to make sure that you’re not going to exceed that limit.
Carry-on Size and Weight Requirements
According to TSA guidelines, carry-on bags are limited to 8-10 inches in width, 13-15 inches in height, and 19-23 inches in length.
It depends on which airline you’re flying. But if you want to avoid getting checked in and having a hassle during security, the carry-on size for most airlines is 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
The regulations on airplanes are so different because the overhead bins on airplanes tend to vary in size and capacity.
Weight is a big factor in what kind of luggage you’ll need to check when you fly with an airline.
Most airlines in the USA don’t have any weight requirements for hand luggage. However, some carriers, especially budget airlines, may impose weight restrictions.
Some airlines will also have a specific weight limit for the total weight of carry-ons and personal items.
Checked Luggage Size and Weight Restrictions
Most often, checked luggage will be limited to a height of 62 inches (measured from the top of the handle to the bottom of the wheel well). If your luggage weighs more than 50 or 70 pounds, it will have to be packed into a single piece of luggage and you can only bring one piece of carry-on baggage.
The maximum weight of a bag that baggage handlers are allowed to handle is the IATA guidelines, and they’re enforced by the airline, not the airport or the airlines. They’re the International Air Transport Association’s guidelines that are enforced in the EU and U.S. These guidelines were created in order to prevent people from handling too heavy of luggage.
However, if you carry oversized as well as overweight baggage, the airlines won’t refuse to carry it but it will be labeled as oversized/overweight and you’ll have to pay an extra fee for that unless it’s sporting equipment.
American Airlines accepts oversized bags up to 126 linear inches (320 cm) and overweight bags up to 100 lbs (45 kg.)
So, be careful about your luggage size. Oversized luggage can make you suffer.
What Size Luggage Do I Use For My Travel
My bags are usually very small. The only thing I’ll pack into my carry-on bag is an international flight kit (small backpack).
I only carry the things that I need for the trip. I don’t like checking bags because it means more things to carry.
For my personal item, I like the Matein laptop bag. It fits perfectly under the front seat and has lots of neat compartments for everything I need. It’s 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches, but I rarely pack it full, so it always fits under the front seat.
You can fit a Kindle Fire in this pocket-sized case. It’s not that hard to fit in the pocket if you take out some clothes.
For the carry-on, I use the TravelPro Maxlite 5 International 19-inch carry-on, which is pretty light and small enough for domestic luggage. It’s 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 inches large with wheels and handles included.
This is a large, strong, high-quality backpack that can be used as carry-on luggage, and if it doesn’t fit in the overhead
Measuring a shirt is always tricky. If you’re not careful, you can make it tighter than it was originally.
My laptop backpack comes with a retractable handle that allows it to be carried by its straps, and this makes it easier to carry in the overhead compartment of an airplane.
I’ve had a spinner wheel for a while, and it’s handy because my carry-on has spinner wheels, and they’re super easy to move around.
The biggest advantage of packing the backpack on top of the carry-on is that you can fit more stuff in a smaller space.
I recommend packing lightly. There’s no need for lots of extra stuff if you are like me.
If you’re planning to travel for more than one week, you should get a 25-27-inch checked suitcase instead of the carry-on.
Final Words
Traveling can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking for a carry-on or a checked bag, there’s the right luggage size for you. That’s why the size of your luggage is a very important factor when it comes to choosing a suitcase for yourself. In fact, if you are looking for the best luggage for men or women, you should know that there are different sizes of luggage and that you have to choose the right one for you. Hope this luggage size guide was helpful to you.
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