Choosing a suitcase is mostly about two numbers: how many litres it holds, and how much it weighs empty. Get those right and the rest is easy. Here is a simple guide by trip length, using the real measurements of the bags we sell.
This is a rough guide, not a rule. How much you need depends on the weather, what you wear and how light you like to travel.
Quick guide
| Trip | Roughly how much space | What usually works |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend (1 to 3 nights) | 14 to 32 litres | An under-seat bag or a cabin case |
| One week | 32 to 58 litres | A cabin case if you pack light, or a medium checked case |
| Two weeks | 58 to 91 litres | A medium or large checked case |
| Family trips or longer stays | 91 litres or more | A large case, or a set shared between you |
A weekend away
For one to three nights, many people manage with a bag that fits under the seat in front of them. That can mean no cabin bag fee at all on some airlines.
- Cabin Travel Duffel: 40 × 30 × 20cm, about 24 litres, 0.53kg
- Cabin Backpack: 40 × 30 × 20cm, about 24 litres, 0.5kg, with a laptop sleeve
- Foldable Under-Seat Duffel: about 14 litres, 0.3kg, folds flat when not in use
If you want wheels, the 20-inch cabin suitcase (55 × 40 × 20cm, about 32 litres, 2.6kg) gives you more room. It is a cabin-bag size, not an under-seat size, so check whether your fare includes a cabin bag.
One week
A 32-litre cabin case can cover a week if you pack light and plan to do some washing. Otherwise, a medium checked case gives you room to breathe.
Our 24-inch checked suitcase holds about 58 litres and weighs 3.2kg empty. With a 23kg allowance, that leaves about 19.8kg for your things.
Two weeks
For a fortnight, or for winter clothes, look at 58 to 91 litres. Our 28-inch large suitcase holds about 91 litres and weighs 3.9kg empty, leaving about 19.1kg of a 23kg allowance.
One honest warning: a large case is easy to overpack. At 91 litres, you can go over a weight limit before the case is full.
Families and longer trips
If you travel as a family, a set can make sense. The 3-piece luggage set gives you a cabin, medium and large case with matching locks, and the three nest inside each other at home.
Three tips that save money
- Check the empty weight. Every kilo the case weighs is a kilo you cannot pack.
- Weigh it at home. A cheap luggage scale can save you a fee at the airport.
- Check your airline before every trip. Size and weight rules differ between airlines and fares, and they change.
See all our cabin bags and suitcases on launch offer.
Measurements and weights are the manufacturer's figures.