Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Suitcase sizes and litre capacities vary by manufacturer – the figures given here are average values across popular brands.
Which suitcase size suits which trip? Choosing the wrong one quickly leads to unnecessary lugging around or costly excess baggage fees at the airport. With our overview, you'll find the perfect size according to trip length, mode of transport and type of travel – whether it's a weekend break, a two-week family holiday, or a three-week round-the-world trip.
The Test Winners Among Cabin Luggage Suitcases
In the latest cabin luggage test (17 models), the TITAN UPGRADE S20 was named test winner with a rating of "Good" (1.8). The travelite Air Base 4w S also received a "Good" rating (2.0) – making it the best-value pick.
View & compare test winners »The 4 Suitcase Sizes at a Glance
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · We regularly update this guide with the latest airline dimensions and measurements from popular luggage manufacturers.
Cabin luggage for short trips, business travel or meetings
Weekend break, city trip or short business trip
Classic holiday, family trip, extended hotel stays
Long-term travel, round-the-world trips, family with children
Important when buying a suitcase: The stated cm measurements are usually overall external dimensions, including wheels and handles. For Lufthansa, Ryanair or Eurowings, it's these total dimensions that count – not just the case height.
Size S – Cabin Luggage for 1 to 3 Days
The cabin luggage trolley with a height of 50–55 cm and 35–45 L capacity is the go-to standard for short trips. It's compliant with almost all carriers, fits in overhead lockers, and is nice and light. Ideal for:
- City break: 2 nights in Paris, Amsterdam or London
- Business trip: a suit or blazer plus underwear for 2 days
- Weekend visit home: hand luggage is enough for the whole family
- Tight connections: quick boarding and disembarking, with no waiting at the baggage carousel
You'll find classic models in our Cabin Luggage Suitcases category. For strict budget airlines like Ryanair, it's worth checking out matching 55×40×20 cm models.
Size M – Weekend Suitcase for 4 to 7 Days
Medium-sized suitcases at 60–69 cm and 55–75 L are true all-rounders: perfect for extended weekends, classic city breaks and any trip falling between a short trip and a full holiday. This size almost always qualifies as checked luggage with the major airlines (23 kg limit) and remains easy to manoeuvre.
- Weekend trip with outfit changes: several outfits for a business dinner or a wedding
- City trip, 3–5 nights: enough room for souvenirs on the way home
- Business trip with a client meeting: suit, spare shirt, backup outfit
- Wellness weekend: sportswear, swimwear, books
Our range of medium-sized suitcases and trolleys offers models for every purpose.
Size L – Holiday Suitcase for 1 to 2 Weeks
The classic holiday suitcase at 70–79 cm and 80–110 L is the bestseller of the year. It suits package holidays, family trips, summer and winter getaways alike. Important: keep an eye on the empty weight – every kilo eats into your 23 kg checked baggage allowance.
- 1-week beach holiday: swimwear, beach towels, sun protection, evening wear
- 2-week activity holiday: hiking and outdoor clothing plus an evening look
- Family trip: parents share one large suitcase while the children have their own smaller cases
- Winter holiday: ski suits, thick jackets and thermal wear all take up plenty of room
In the Large Suitcases category, you'll find models from 75 cm in height. Look out for brands such as Samsonite, Titan or Travelite.
Size XL – Extra-Large Suitcases for Long-Term Travel
Extra-large suitcases from 80 cm and 110 L capacity only really make sense for genuine long-term travellers or family holidays. Important: many airlines calculate size based on total linear dimensions (length + width + height). The limit is usually 158 cm – anything beyond that incurs oversized baggage fees.
- Round-the-world trip or moving abroad: everything you need for 3–6 months
- Family holiday with young children: nappies, babygrows and children's clothing all add up
- Seasonal relocations: students or professionals moving location for six months
Alternative: a luggage set with S+M+L – often more flexible than one giant single suitcase, as you can pick the right size for each trip.
Choosing the Perfect Suitcase Size
By Trip Length
- 1–3 days: Size S (cabin luggage)
- 4–7 days: Size M (weekend suitcase)
- 1–2 weeks: Size L (holiday suitcase)
- 3+ weeks: Size XL or a luggage set
By Mode of Transport
- Flying with hand luggage only: Size S
- Flying with checked baggage: M or L
- Train & car: any size works
- Strict budget airline: hand luggage 55×40×20
By Type of Travel
- Solo trip: S or M is usually enough
- Couples: share an M, or take 2× S
- Family: L or a luggage set
- Business: S with a laptop compartment
Comparison Table: Suitcase Size and Trip Length
| Size | Height | Volume | Trip Length | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (Cabin luggage) | 50–55 cm | 35–45 L | 1–3 days | Short trip, business travel |
| M (Medium) | 60–69 cm | 55–75 L | 4–7 days | Weekend break, city trip |
| L (Large) | 70–79 cm | 80–110 L | 1–2 weeks | Holiday, family trip |
| XL (Extra-large) | 80 cm + | 110 L + | 3 weeks + | Long-term travel, round-the-world trip |
Luggage Set or Single Suitcase – Which Makes More Sense?
If you travel several times a year for different occasions, a luggage set consisting of S + M + L usually works out cheaper than buying three individual suitcases. The advantages:
- Cost savings: sets are often 20–30% cheaper than buying three matching cases separately
- Matching design: same brand and look for couples or family trips
- Space-saving storage: suitcases can be stacked or nested inside each other
- Flexible use: choose S, M or L depending on the trip
Downside: sets usually come in one uniform colour – if you want variety, individual pieces are the way to go.
Suitcase Size and Empty Weight – Don't Underestimate It
A large suitcase often weighs 4–5 kg empty, and a hardshell L-sized case can weigh as much as 5–6 kg. With a 23 kg checked baggage limit, that leaves you with only 17–18 kg for your actual belongings. Lightweight models (polycarbonate instead of ABS) can save you 1–2 kg. Find out more about material differences in our material comparison guide.
Money-saving tip: A 65 cm suitcase weighing 2.8–3.2 kg empty is a great compromise between capacity and payload. Read more on this topic in our suitcase review article.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suitcase Sizes
What suitcase size do I need for a 1-week holiday?
For a week, a Size L suitcase (70–79 cm, 80–100 L capacity) is usually enough. If you're travelling light or don't need swimwear, a Size M (65–69 cm) can also do the job.
What suitcase size am I allowed to take as hand luggage?
Most airlines accept 55×40×23 cm (standard) or 55×40×20 cm (Ryanair Priority). Always check your airline's specific requirements – see Lufthansa, Ryanair and Eurowings.
Is a luggage set worth it?
Yes, if you travel for varying lengths of time. A set of S+M+L is usually 20–30% cheaper than three individual suitcases and gives you the flexibility to pick the right size for every trip. A matching design is also handy for couples and family travel.
How many litres does a suitcase hold?
Cabin luggage: 35–45 L, medium suitcase: 55–75 L, large suitcase: 80–110 L, extra-large suitcase: over 110 L. Exact litre capacities are listed on the manufacturer's product page.
What do the cm measurements for suitcases mean?
The cm figure refers to the suitcase's external height – including wheels and handles. Airlines go by the total linear dimensions in cm (width + height + depth combined). For checked baggage, the limit is usually a maximum of 158 cm in total linear measurement.
What suitcase size is best for a family holiday with 2 children?
Parents: one Size L (80–100 L) or XL (110 L+) suitcase. Children aged 6 and up often like carrying their own case – a Size S (50 cm) or a dedicated children's suitcase. Alternative: a luggage set with 3 sizes covers the whole family flexibly.
Conclusion: The Right Size Saves You Hassle and Money
Choosing the wrong suitcase size is the most common reason for gate fees, backache and unnecessarily expensive upgrades. With our overview, you'll pick the right size for your next holiday first time round:
- Size S for short trips and business travel (55 cm, 35–45 L)
- Size M for weekends and city breaks (65 cm, 55–75 L)
- Size L for classic holidays (75 cm, 80–110 L)
- Size XL or a luggage set for long-term and family travel
Still not sure? In our Suitcases & Trolleys category, you'll find all models sorted by size – or take a look at our suitcase recommendations.
