Choosing the right luggage size can make or break your travel experience. Too small, and you're cramming belongings or leaving essentials behind. Too large, and you're lugging unnecessary weight, paying extra fees, or struggling through crowded airports. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the perfect size for any trip.
Understanding Luggage Sizes
Luggage sizes are typically described in three ways: dimensions (length x width x depth), capacity in liters, and general category names. Understanding all three helps you make informed comparisons.
Luggage Size Categories
| Category | Typical Dimensions | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | 17" x 13" x 8" | 15-25L | Day trips, under-seat bags |
| Carry-On | 21-22" x 14" x 9" | 35-45L | Weekend to 1 week trips |
| Large Carry-On / Plus | 22-23" x 14" x 9" | 45-50L | Extended weekend to 1 week |
| Medium Checked | 25-27" x 18" x 11" | 60-75L | 1-2 week trips |
| Large Checked | 28-32" x 20" x 12" | 85-120L | Extended trips, family travel |
Reading Luggage Dimensions
Luggage dimensions are typically listed as height x width x depth. Important notes:
- Include wheels and handles: For carry-on compliance, airlines measure the total outer dimensions including wheels, handles, and any protruding parts. Ensure advertised dimensions include these.
- External vs. internal: External dimensions determine airline compliance; internal dimensions affect packing capacity.
- Measure when extended: Expandable luggage should be measured both expanded and compressed. When expanded, it may exceed carry-on limits.
Understanding Capacity (Liters)
Capacity in liters tells you how much fits inside, regardless of external dimensions. This is often more useful than dimensions for packing planning:
- 35-40L: Weekend trips, efficient packers for up to a week
- 40-50L: One week trips, comfortable capacity for most travelers
- 60-75L: 1-2 week trips, room for bulkier items
- 85-120L: Extended trips, family items, winter travel
Carry-On Size Guide
Carry-on luggage fits in airplane overhead bins and allows you to skip checked bag fees and waiting at baggage claim. It's the most versatile luggage category for frequent travelers.
Standard Carry-On (35-45L)
The standard carry-on is the workhorse of travel luggage. At around 21-22" tall with 40-45L capacity, it fits most airline requirements while providing meaningful packing space.
The Paravel Aviator Carry-On at 42L capacity represents the sweet spot, maximizing space within standard airline dimensions (21.5" x 14" x 9").
Best for:
- Weekend to 5-day trips
- Business trips
- Efficient packers on longer trips
- Travelers who want to avoid checked bag fees
Large Carry-On / Carry-On Plus (45-50L)
Slightly larger carry-ons push the boundaries of airline limits while remaining compliant with most carriers. They offer extra capacity for longer trips or those who need more space.
The Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus offers this extended capacity while maintaining sustainability credentials.
Best for:
- 5-7 day trips
- Travelers who need extra space
- Those who fly primarily with carriers allowing larger carry-ons
Caution: Some budget airlines and regional aircraft have stricter size limits. Verify with your specific carriers before relying on a larger carry-on.
Personal Items (15-25L)
Personal items fit under the seat in front of you. Airlines typically allow a personal item in addition to a carry-on.
Best for:
- Day trips
- Supplementing a carry-on for quick-access items
- Budget airline travel where only personal items are free
Checked Luggage Size Guide
Checked luggage travels in the aircraft cargo hold, allowing for larger sizes and freedom from liquid restrictions. It's essential for longer trips, family travel, or when carrying items that can't go in the cabin.
Medium Checked (60-75L)
Medium checked bags offer substantial capacity while remaining manageable to lift and maneuver. At around 25-27" tall, they're suitable for most travelers' needs.
Best for:
- 1-2 week trips
- Winter travel with bulky clothing
- Trips requiring special equipment
Large Checked (85-120L)
Large checked bags maximize packing space for extended trips or family travel. The Paravel Aviator Grand exemplifies this category with sustainable construction.
Best for:
- 2+ week trips
- Family travel (sharing one large bag)
- Moving or extended relocations
- Heavy winter gear
Considerations:
- Weight limits: Most airlines cap checked bags at 50 lbs (23 kg). Large bags can easily exceed this when full.
- Handling: Fully loaded large bags can be difficult to lift and maneuver.
- Oversize fees: Some very large bags may incur oversize charges.
Recommendations by Trip Length
1-3 Days: Weekend Getaway
Recommended: Carry-on or weekender bag
For short trips, a standard carry-on like the Paravel Aviator provides ample space. Many travelers can manage with just a weekender bag for ultra-light weekend trips.
See our weekend getaway packing list for what to bring.
4-7 Days: Week-Long Trip
Recommended: Carry-on (efficient packers) or Medium Checked (comfort packers)
A week-long trip is the threshold where packing style matters most. Efficient packers using packing cubes and a capsule wardrobe can manage with a 42L carry-on. Those preferring more options or traveling to varied climates may want a medium checked bag.
1-2 Weeks: Extended Trip
Recommended: Large carry-on plus personal item, or Medium Checked
For trips exceeding a week, most travelers benefit from checked luggage or a strategic carry-on + personal item combination. Plan for laundry to reduce what you need to pack.
2+ Weeks: Extended Travel
Recommended: Large Checked or Medium Checked + Carry-On
Extended trips typically require checked luggage. Consider whether one large bag or a medium checked plus carry-on combination works better for your needs.
Family Travel
Recommended: Mix of sizes based on family needs
Families often benefit from a combination approach: one large checked bag for shared items, plus individual carry-ons for personal items. See our family vacation packing guide for detailed strategies.
Consider Your Travel Style
Beyond trip length, your travel style affects ideal luggage size:
Minimalist Packers
If you pack light and don't mind wearing items multiple times or doing laundry, you can go smaller than typical recommendations. Many minimalist travelers use carry-ons for trips of two weeks or longer.
Comfort Packers
If you prefer options and don't want to worry about outfit planning, size up from recommendations. The peace of mind is worth the extra space.
Business Travelers
Business travel often requires specific attire that doesn't compress well. A carry-on works for short trips, but longer business travel may require checked luggage for suits, formal wear, and presentation materials.
See our business travel essentials guide for specific recommendations.
Adventure Travelers
Adventure travel may require specialized gear that affects luggage needs. Consider whether equipment can be rented at the destination to reduce packing requirements.
Shopping Travelers
If you plan to shop at your destination, leave room for returns or choose luggage with expansion capability. A foldable bag like the Paravel Fold-Up Weekender can provide overflow capacity.
Airline Size Requirements
Major US Airlines
| Airline | Carry-On Max | Personal Item Max | Checked Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22" x 14" x 9" | 18" x 14" x 8" | 62" linear (L+W+H) |
| Delta | 22" x 14" x 9" | 17" x 13" x 8" | 62" linear |
| United | 22" x 14" x 9" | 17" x 10" x 9" | 62" linear |
| Southwest | 24" x 16" x 10" | 18.5" x 13.5" x 8.5" | 62" linear |
| JetBlue | 22" x 14" x 9" | 17" x 13" x 8" | 62" linear |
Budget Airlines
Budget carriers often have stricter limits and may charge for full-size carry-ons:
- Spirit: Full-size carry-on costs extra; personal items free
- Frontier: Similar to Spirit; personal items free, carry-ons extra
- Basic Economy: On major carriers, basic economy fares may restrict carry-on to personal item only
International Considerations
International airlines, especially budget carriers, may have different size limits. Some are more generous (Emirates, for example), while others are stricter. Always verify requirements for international travel.
Paravel Size Options
Paravel offers sustainable luggage across key size categories:
Carry-On Options
- Aviator Carry-On: 21.5" x 14" x 9", 42L capacity - Our most popular size, fits most airline requirements
- Aviator Carry-On Plus: Slightly larger for extended trips
Checked Options
- Aviator Grand: Large checked luggage for extended trips and family travel
Bags for Flexibility
- Fold-Up Weekender: Folds flat for storage, expands for weekend trips or overflow
- Weekenders and Backpacks: Various sizes for different needs
Tips for Choosing
Start with Your Most Common Trip
Choose luggage size based on your most frequent trip type. A road warrior taking weekly business trips has different needs than someone taking one annual vacation.
Consider Buying Two Sizes
Many travelers benefit from having both a carry-on and checked bag option. Use the carry-on for short trips and business travel; use the checked bag for longer vacations.
Test Before Extended Travel
Before a major trip, do a test pack. This reveals whether your chosen size actually works for your packing style.
Factor in Souvenirs and Shopping
If you tend to bring things home, leave room or bring a foldable bag for overflow.
Weight Matters Too
A larger bag that's too heavy when full doesn't help you. Consider both capacity and the weight you can comfortably handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a week-long trip, most travelers need either a large carry-on (40-45L) like the Paravel Aviator Carry-On if packing light, or a medium checked bag (60-70L) for a more comfortable fit. Efficient packers can manage a week with just a carry-on by planning outfits carefully, using packing cubes, and doing laundry if needed.
Most major airlines accept carry-ons up to 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels. However, budget carriers often have smaller limits, and international airlines may vary. The Paravel Aviator Carry-On at 21.5" x 14" x 9" fits most airline requirements. Always verify with your specific airline before traveling.
Choose carry-on if you want to avoid checked bag fees, prefer faster airport navigation, and can pack light. Choose checked luggage for longer trips (1+ week), when traveling with bulky items or restricted materials, or if you prefer not to worry about liquid restrictions. Many travelers benefit from having both options available for different trip types.
Linear inches is the sum of length + width + height. Airlines commonly use this measurement for checked baggage limits. Most airlines allow checked bags up to 62 linear inches. For example, a bag measuring 28" x 20" x 14" equals 62 linear inches (28+20+14=62).
For carry-ons, check if your bag fits in the airline's sizing bin at the airport. For checked bags, verify that total linear inches (L+W+H) is under 62 inches for most airlines. If your luggage is frequently too heavy when packed or difficult to maneuver, consider sizing down. The goal is luggage that's comfortably full, not bursting at the seams.
Conclusion
The right luggage size balances capacity with convenience. For most travelers, a quality carry-on like the Paravel Aviator Carry-On serves as an excellent primary bag, supplemented by checked luggage options for longer trips.
Remember that sustainable luggage choices, efficient packing strategies, and the right size selection all work together for better travel experiences. Choose thoughtfully, pack intentionally, and enjoy the journey.
