Buying guide from the markenkoffer editorial team. Size and volume figures are approximate guide values – exact dimensions vary by brand and series.
A 3-piece luggage set is the classic choice for anyone who travels sometimes briefly, sometimes for longer, and sometimes with the whole family: a small case for hand luggage, a medium one for a week's holiday, and a large one for long trips. In this guide, we'll show you which sizes come in a set, when a set is really worth it, and what to look out for when buying.
Which sizes come in a 3-piece luggage set?
A typical set consists of three coordinated sizes: S, M and L. There's no fixed standard – but here are useful guide values:
- ~35–40 L
- Short trip / cabin
- ~60–75 L
- 1–2 weeks
- ~90–130 L
- Long trip / family
- cheaper than buying separately
- nestable
| Size | Height | Volume | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| S (cabin luggage) | ~55 cm | ~35–40 L | Short trip, cabin |
| M (medium) | ~65–68 cm | ~60–75 L | 1–2 weeks' holiday |
| L (large) | ~75–77 cm | ~90–130 L | Long trip, family |
Find the right luggage set: Our selection includes numerous 3-piece sets in many colours – from lightweight soft-shell to robust hard-shell sets.
View luggage sets »Is a luggage set worth it?
A set shows its strengths when you need to cover different trip lengths:
- Price advantage: A set is usually significantly cheaper than buying three suitcases separately.
- Uniform design: All three suitcases are matched in colour and look – also handy for spotting your luggage on the carousel.
- Space-saving: The suitcases nest inside one another, taking up hardly any space in storage or a cupboard.
When a single suitcase is the better choice: If you almost always travel with the same size – for example, only with hand luggage – you don't need a set. In that case, a single, high-quality hand luggage suitcase is more worthwhile than three sizes, two of which would just sit in storage.
Is the S suitcase suitable as hand luggage?
In most sets, the smallest suitcase is designed to fit cabin dimensions – often around 55 × 40 × 20–23 cm. This means it fits as hand luggage with most airlines.
Watch out with Ryanair: Ryanair only allows 55 × 40 × 20 cm for the larger hand luggage allowance. Many set S-suitcases have a depth of 23 cm and are therefore too big. Always check your airline's dimensions before flying – you'll find an overview in our guides to Ryanair, Lufthansa and Condor.
Material & features: what to look out for?
- Hard shell (ABS / polycarbonate): robust and impact-resistant; polycarbonate is particularly light and break-resistant. ABS is cheaper and slightly heavier.
- Soft luggage (polyester): lighter, more outer pockets, flexible – but less protection.
- 4 double spinner wheels (360°): roll smoothly and tip over less often than 2-wheel models.
- TSA lock: important for trips to the USA – more on this in our TSA lock guide.
- Expandable zip: creates extra packing volume when needed – handy for the return trip with souvenirs.
Popular luggage sets at markenkoffer.de
Most of our sets come from Travelite – available in many series and colours:
- Travelite Air Base – lightweight hard-shell set with expandable zip; the S size was rated "Good" by Stiftung Warentest.
- Travelite Skaii – modern 3-piece set (S/M/L, expandable).
- Travelite Bali, Mooby & Tamaris Voyaage – further 4-wheel sets in many colour variants.
You'll find all sets collected in the luggage set category.
5 tips for buying a luggage set
- Check your trip lengths: Do you really need all three sizes? If so, a set is worth it.
- Check the S suitcase as hand luggage: Look for 55 × 40 × 20 cm if you plan to fly with Ryanair.
- Choose lightweight material: Polycarbonate saves weight – more allowance for packing up to the weight limit.
- 4 double spinner wheels & TSA lock: make travelling easier and safer.
- Take the expandable zip into account: provides reserve volume for the return trip.
Frequently asked questions about luggage sets
What sizes does a 3-piece luggage set include?
S (~55 cm, ~35–40 L, hand luggage), M (~65–68 cm, ~60–75 L) and L (~75–77 cm, ~90–130 L). The exact dimensions vary by brand.
Is a luggage set worth it?
Yes, if you need to cover different trip lengths – a set is cheaper than three individual suitcases, has a uniform design, and nests together to save space. If you only use one size, a single suitcase is the better choice.
Is the small suitcase suitable as hand luggage?
Usually yes (~55 × 40 × 20–23 cm). Ryanair only allows 55 × 40 × 20 cm – many set suitcases with a depth of 23 cm are too big.
Hard shell or soft fabric in a set?
Hard shell (ABS/polycarbonate) is more robust and wipeable, soft fabric is lighter with more pockets. For most travellers, a hard-shell set with 4 double spinner wheels and a TSA lock is the best choice.
Which brands are available as a set?
Mainly Travelite (Air Base, Skaii, Bali, Mooby, Tamaris Voyaage) as well as other brands – in many colours and with an expandable zip.
