How to Choose the Right Suitcase Size for Your Trip

April 26 2025, by Carolina UC, 7 min reading time

Choosing the right suitcase size can feel like a guessing game. Too small, and you’re squeezing socks into side pockets. Too big, and you’re hauling unnecessary bulk around the airport. Whether you’re jetting off for a weekend break or gearing up for a month-long adventure, getting the suitcase size right can save you time, stress, and even money.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you pick the perfect suitcase for every trip, based on the most important factors.

Trip Length

It sounds obvious, but the length of your trip is the starting point. A weekend getaway typically needs only a carry-on or cabin-sized suitcase, whereas a two-week escape will likely require a medium or large check-in bag.

1–3 days: Cabin-size (around 20–22 inches)
4–7 days: Medium-size (around 24–26 inches)
8+ days: Large suitcase (28–30 inches or more)

If you’re a minimalist, you might get away with a smaller bag – but it’s best to leave wiggle room for unplanned extras.

Airline Rules

Airlines have their own baggage restrictions – and they’re not always forgiving. Always check size and weight limits before flying. Cabin baggage dimensions vary slightly across airlines, so a suitcase that fits one may not work for another.

Budget airlines in particular have stricter policies, so if you fly with them often, investing in a compliant cabin-size case is a smart move.

Travel Style

Your suitcase should reflect how you travel. Are you the type to dress up and bring options, or do you pack light and rotate a capsule wardrobe? Business travellers may need space for suits, shoes, and tech, while backpackers might prefer lighter, more compact options.

Your packing personality matters just as much as the destination.

Weather/Clothing

Packing for cold climates often means bulkier items like jackets, jumpers, and boots – which require more space. In contrast, packing for summer involves lighter clothing, meaning you can make do with a smaller bag.

If you're heading somewhere where the weather swings, layering items help – but again, that takes up room.

Extra Shopping

Planning to shop while abroad? Then factor that in from the get-go. A medium suitcase may feel just right on the way there, but it’ll feel tight after hitting the local markets or fashion districts.

In such cases, consider a suitcase with expansion options (more on that below), or leave some space intentionally for your new buys.

Transport Ease

A massive suitcase might not seem so bad until you’re dragging it through cobbled streets or heaving it onto trains. If you’re relying on public transport or walking a lot, a compact, lightweight bag will save your back and nerves.

For multi-city trips, opt for mobility over maximum capacity.

Home Storage

A suitcase lives with you when you're not travelling. Do you have enough storage space at home to keep a large case? If you’re short on room, a collapsible or smaller suitcase might make more sense. Some brands offer nesting sets (smaller bags stored inside larger ones), which help with storage efficiency.

Size Type

Suitcases typically come in three main sizes:

Cabin / Carry-on: 20–22 inches
Medium: 24–26 inches
Large: 28–30+ inches

Some brands also offer extra-small or "underseat" bags, ideal for personal items. Think carefully before defaulting to the largest one – more space usually means more weight and potential overpacking.

Expandable?

Expandable luggage is a game changer if you like flexibility. These bags feature an extra zip that lets the bag expand by a few inches, giving you more room if you need it.

They’re ideal for return trips where you’ve acquired more stuff, or for last-minute packing changes. Just remember, when expanded, the bag might no longer meet airline carry-on rules – always double-check dimensions.

Travel Frequency

If you travel often, investing in multiple sizes might be worth it. Frequent flyers benefit from owning both a solid carry-on and a dependable medium-sized case. Occasional travellers might get by with just one versatile medium-sized suitcase.

Also, the more you travel, the more wear and tear your suitcase will see – so size aside, build quality becomes a priority.

Trip Purpose

Why you're travelling also plays a big role. A business trip might require specific items like blazers, tech accessories, and neatly folded outfits, demanding more structured space. A beach holiday? Fewer clothes, more swimwear, and maybe just a hat and a good book.

Choose your size not just by quantity but by the type of items you’ll be packing.

Avoid Overpacking

A larger suitcase doesn’t mean you need to fill it. It’s tempting, sure – but overpacking leads to heavier bags, wrinkled clothes, and possible excess baggage fees.

Sometimes, a smaller suitcase is better because it forces you to stick to the essentials and travel smarter. You'll thank yourself later when breezing through the airport.

Weight vs. Space

It’s not just about what fits – it’s about how much it weighs. Some materials are heavier than others, and a large suitcase filled to the brim can tip the scales fast. Always balance your need for space with weight considerations.

Lightweight suitcases can help, especially when travelling long distances or through multiple stops.

Future Use

When investing in a suitcase, think long-term. Will this size work for future trips too? Go for a style and size that’s versatile, durable, and suitable for a variety of journeys – not just the one you’ve got planned now.

Spending a bit more upfront for a suitcase that adapts to your changing travel habits often pays off.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the right suitcase. It depends on where you’re going, how long for, your habits, and even your personality. The key is to strike the right balance between space, weight, flexibility, and practicality.

So, next time you're suitcase shopping, run through this checklist. You’ll avoid those classic travel headaches and hit the ground running – with everything you need and nothing you don’t.