As of: 20 June 2026 · Buying advice from the Markenkoffer editorial team. Size and capacity figures are approximate guidelines – the exact dimensions vary by brand and series.
A 3-piece luggage set is the classic choice for anyone who travels sometimes short, sometimes long and sometimes with the whole family: a small case for hand luggage, a medium one for a week-long holiday and a large one for the long trip. In this guide we show you which sizes a set contains, when a set really pays off and what to look out for when buying.
Which sizes are in a 3-piece luggage set?
A typical set consists of three coordinated sizes S, M and L. There is no fixed standard – but good guideline 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 | Capacity | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| S (hand luggage) | ~55 cm | ~35–40 L | Short trip, cabin |
| M (medium) | ~65–68 cm | ~60–75 L | 1–2 week holiday |
| L (large) | ~75–77 cm | ~90–130 L | Long trip, family |
Find the right luggage set: Our range offers numerous 3-piece sets in many colours – from the lightweight soft-shell to the rugged hard-shell set.
View luggage sets »Is a luggage set worth it?
A set plays to its strengths when you cover different trip lengths:
- Price advantage: A set is usually significantly cheaper than three cases bought individually.
- Consistent design: All three cases coordinated in colour and look – also handy for spotting them on the baggage carousel.
- Space-saving: The cases nest inside one another and so take up hardly any space in the basement or wardrobe.
When a single case is the better choice: If you almost always travel with the same size – for example with hand luggage only – you don't need a set. In that case a single, high-quality hand luggage case is worth more to you than three sizes, two of which sit in the basement.
Is the S case suitable as hand luggage?
In most sets the smallest case is designed to the cabin size – often around 55 × 40 × 20–23 cm. This means it qualifies as hand luggage with most airlines.
Watch out with Ryanair: For large hand luggage Ryanair allows only 55 × 40 × 20 cm. Many set S cases are 23 cm deep and are therefore too large. Always check your airline's dimensions before the flight – you'll find an overview in our guides to Ryanair, Lufthansa and Condor.
Material & features: what to look for?
- Hard-shell (ABS / polycarbonate): rugged and impact-resistant; polycarbonate is especially light and shatterproof. ABS is cheaper and a little heavier.
- Soft-shell luggage (polyester): lighter, more outer pockets, flexible – but less protection.
- 4 double wheels (360°): roll smoothly and tip over less easily than 2-wheel models.
- TSA lock: important for travel to the USA – more on this in our guide TSA lock.
- Expansion fold (expandable): creates more packing volume when needed – handy for the return trip with souvenirs.
Popular luggage sets at markenkoffer.de
The largest share of our sets comes from Travelite – in many series and colours:
- Travelite Air Base – lightweight hard-shell set with expansion fold; 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 gathered in the luggage set category.
5 tips for buying a luggage set
- Check trip lengths: Do you really need all three sizes? If so, the set is worth it.
- Check the S case as hand luggage: Look for 55 × 40 × 20 cm if you want to fly with Ryanair.
- Choose a lightweight material: Polycarbonate saves weight – more payload up to the weight limit.
- 4 double wheels & TSA lock: make travelling easier and safer.
- Get the expansion fold: provides reserve volume on the return trip.
Frequently asked questions about luggage sets
Which sizes does a 3-piece luggage set have?
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 cover different trip lengths – a set is cheaper than three single cases, consistent in design and space-saving thanks to nesting. Anyone who only uses one size is better off with a single case.
Is the small case suitable as hand luggage?
Usually yes (~55 × 40 × 20–23 cm). With Ryanair only 55 × 40 × 20 cm are allowed – many set cases with 23 cm depth are too large.
Hard-shell or fabric in the set?
Hard-shell (ABS/polycarbonate) is more rugged and wipeable, fabric is lighter with more pockets. For most people a hard-shell set with 4 double wheels and a TSA lock is the best choice.
Which brands are available as a set?
Above all Travelite (Air Base, Skaii, Bali, Mooby, Tamaris Voyaage) as well as other brands – in many colours and with an expansion fold.
