The Ultimate Luggage Suitcase Size Guide

We've done it! We've finally written out an easy guide that tells you many shirts will fit in your suitcase. Our Ultimate Suitcase Size Guide has all the answers to your questions.

A note on how suitcase sizes are measured

Suitcase sizes will be indicated by the supplier in both cm (outer dimensions) and litres. There is a lot of variation in how the suppliers do their measuring. For example, one supplier may include the wheels, one may not. It's not always indicated how they do it, so allow for some variation. Similar with litre capacity, some base it off calculation, some use volume of water displaced and so on, which leaves a lot of room for variation. If dimensions or volume is of great importance to you (for example for a tour with restricted luggage) we recommend calling us so we can advise based on brands and measure for you if possible.

Standard Suitcase Sizes

There are 4 standard suitcase sizes, cabin (small), medium, large and extra-large.  We'll outline the range for each standard size, the average size and what you can expect to pack into the average suitcase size.

Size in Consideration to Weight

In terms of check in bags, the typical weight restriction imposed by airlines is 23kg. A full, large suitcase of average weight for the average traveller will be hovering around 23kg. So, a heavier than average large suitcase or any extra-large suitcase packed to capacity has the opportunity to go over the 23kg. We recommend buying and travelling with portable luggage scales to avoid over limit fees.

The Average Cabin Suitcase

The vast majority of cabin suitcases adhere to the ‘international’ size restriction of 115cm, which means the dimensions of the 3 sides add up to 115cm or less. This is the cabin size bag which is suitable for international flights, Qantas, Jetstar and Tiger domestic flights. There are some exceptions to this of course so always check the details on your tickets.

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Standard Suitcase Sizes

This size is mostly suitable for:

Weekends to long weekends

A cabin bag for spare clothes and in-flight essentials for longer trips

Up to a week for smaller children

Overnight business trip

Things to consider:

If you have technology in your cabin bag (laptop, ipad, cords, charging docks etc) then you will fit less clothing

A full toiletry bag and 2 pairs of shoes may place you very near the 7kg weight allowance for cabin suitcases, always weigh your bag prior to travel to avoid fees.

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Size in Consideration to Weight

As there is no airline-imposed size restriction for medium cases like for cabin, then there is a much bigger variation in size. They range from nice and compact ‘long weekend’ size to quite spacious. Use the below summary to compare based on volume.

This size is mostly suitable for:

We recommend everyone take a medium sized suitcase if they can get away with it. It’s a comfortable size to lift solo when full and is more forgiving in car boots and so on. Typically though, those travelling for 1-2 weeks opt for medium.

Consider packing for 2 people into 1 medium suitcase for a weekend or long weekend

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The Average Cabin Suitcase

This size is mostly suitable for:

Large is suited to 2 or more weeks of travel

1 large suitcase could also be used to pack for 2 people's items for 1 week, consider this if travelling with small children who can't handle their own luggage.

Things to consider:

If your suitcase starting weight is closer to 5kg, you have 6 pairs of shoes and 2 full toiletry bags you will be sitting on, around or over the 23kg weight limit applied to most flights. Always weigh your bag and take portable scales with you to avoid over limit fees.