In short
Suitcases come in four sizes: S as carry-on luggage (50–55 cm, 35–45 litres) for 1–3 days, M (60–69 cm, 55–75 litres) for 4–7 days, L (70–79 cm, 80–110 litres) for 1–2 weeks, and XL (80 cm and up, over 110 litres) for three weeks or more. All figures are average values from popular brands.
Suitcase sizes and litre capacities vary by manufacturer – the values listed here are average values from 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. Our overview helps you find the perfect size based on trip duration, mode of transport and type of travel – whether it's a weekend getaway, a two-week family holiday or a three-week round-the-world trip.
The test winners among carry-on suitcases
In the current carry-on suitcase test (17 models), the TITAN UPGRADE S20 was named test winner with a score of "Good" (1.8). The travelite Air Base 4w S also received a "Good" rating (2.0) – the best-value pick.
View & compare test winners »The 4 suitcase sizes at a glance
We regularly update this guide with the latest airline dimensions and measurements from popular suitcase manufacturers.
Carry-on luggage for short trips, business travel or meetings
Weekend trip, city break or short business trip
Classic holiday, family trip, week-long hotel stays
Long-term travel, round-the-world trips, families with children
Important when buying a suitcase: The stated cm measurements are usually outer dimensions including wheels and handles. For Lufthansa, Ryanair or Eurowings, it's these overall dimensions that count – not just the suitcase's actual height.
Size S – carry-on luggage for 1 to 3 days
The carry-on trolley with a height of 50–55 cm and 35–45 L capacity is the absolute standard for short trips. Compliant with almost all carriers' rules, fits in overhead bins, and keeps weight to a minimum. 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: carry-on luggage is enough for the whole family
- Tight connections: quick boarding and deplaning without waiting at the baggage carousel
You'll find classic models in our carry-on suitcases category. For strict low-cost airlines like Ryanair, it's worth checking out suitable 55×40×20 cm models.
Size M – weekend suitcase for 4 to 7 days
Medium-sized suitcases with 60–69 cm and 55–75 L capacity are the all-rounders: ideal for extended weekends, classic city trips and everything between a short trip and a full holiday. This size almost always qualifies as checked luggage with most airlines (23 kg limit) while staying easy to handle.
- Weekend trip with outfit changes: several outfits for a business dinner or a wedding
- City trip of 3–5 nights: enough space for souvenirs on the way back
- 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 occasion.
Size L – holiday suitcase for 1 to 2 weeks
The classic holiday suitcase with 70–79 cm and 80–110 L is the year's best-seller. Perfect for package holidays, family trips, summer and winter getaways. Important: pay attention to the empty weight – every kilo counts towards the 23 kg checked baggage limit.
- 1-week beach holiday: swimwear, beach towels, sun protection, evening outfits
- 2-week active holiday: hiking and outdoor clothing plus an evening look
- Family trip: parents share a large suitcase, children have their own smaller ones
- Winter holiday: ski suit, thick jacket, thermal clothing need plenty of volume
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 make sense for true long-term travellers or family trips. Important: many airlines calculate size based on the total linear dimensions (length + width + height). The usual cut-off is 158 cm – anything above that incurs oversized baggage fees.
- Round-the-world trip or emigration: everything for 3–6 months
- Family holiday with young children: nappies, onesies and children's clothing add up quickly
- Seasonal moves: students or professionals relocating for a six-month stint
Alternative: a luggage set with S+M+L – often more flexible than a single oversized suitcase, as you can choose the right size for each trip.
Choosing the perfect suitcase size
By trip duration
- 1–3 days: Size S (carry-on)
- 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 carry-on only: Size S
- Flying with checked luggage: M or L
- Train & car: all sizes possible
- Strict low-cost airline: carry-on 55×40×20
By type of travel
- Solo trip: S or M is usually enough
- Couples: one M shared, or 2× S
- Family: L or a luggage set
- Business: S with a laptop compartment
Comparison table: suitcase size and trip duration
| Size | Height | Volume | Trip duration | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (carry-on) | 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 trip, city break |
| 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 made up of S + M + L usually works out cheaper than buying three separate suitcases. The benefits:
- Price advantage: sets are often 20–30% cheaper than three separate purchases of the same quality
- Matching design: same brand and look for couples or family trips
- Space-saving storage: suitcases can be nested inside one another
- Flexible use: choose S, M or L depending on the trip
Drawback: sets usually come in a single colour – if you want variety, buy individual pieces.
Suitcase size and empty weight – don't underestimate it
A large suitcase often weighs 4–5 kg empty, and a hardshell L-sized suitcase can weigh as much as 5–6 kg. With a 23 kg checked baggage limit, that leaves only 17–18 kg for your actual belongings. Lightweight models (polycarbonate instead of ABS) save 1–2 kg. Find out more about material differences in our material comparison.
Money-saving tip: A 65 cm suitcase with an empty weight of 2.8–3.2 kg is a good compromise between volume and payload. Find out more in our suitcase test 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. With light luggage or trips without swimwear, size M (65–69 cm) may also be sufficient.
What suitcase size am I allowed to take as carry-on 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 take trips of varying lengths. A set of S+M+L is usually 20–30% cheaper than three single suitcases and gives you the flexibility to choose the right size for every trip. A matching design is also handy for couples and family travel.
How many litres does a suitcase have?
Carry-on: 35–45 L, medium-sized suitcase: 55–75 L, large suitcase: 80–110 L, extra-large suitcase: over 110 L. The exact litre capacity is listed on the manufacturer's product page.
What do the cm measurements on suitcases mean?
The cm measurement refers to the suitcase's outer height – including wheels and handles. Airlines go by the total dimensions in cm (width + height + depth combined). For checked baggage, the usual maximum is 158 cm in total linear dimensions.
What suitcase size is best for a family holiday with 2 children?
Parents: one size L suitcase (80–100 L) or XL (110 L+). Children aged 6 and up often enjoy carrying their own suitcase – size S (50 cm) or a children's suitcase. Alternative: a luggage set with 3 sizes flexibly covers the whole family.
Conclusion: the right size saves hassle and money
The wrong suitcase size is the most common reason for gate fees, back pain and unnecessarily expensive upgrades. With our overview, you'll choose the right size for your next holiday straight away:
- Size S for short trips and business travel (55 cm, 35–45 L)
- Size M for weekends and city trips (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.
