The suitcase size you need depends mainly on how long you're travelling: for trips of up to 4 days, an S suitcase (35–45 L) works well as carry-on. For 5–10 days, size M (55–75 L) is the most popular choice. For trips over 10 days or with lots of clothing, size L (80–100 L) is recommended. XL from 100 L upward is worth it for trips over 3 weeks or travel without flying. The right suitcase size determines whether you stroll through the airport relaxed or end up paying excess baggage fees at the gate. This guide helps you find the size that's truly right for you, based on trip length, travel style, and your personal packing habits.
On this page
- Suitcase Sizes at a Glance: What Do S, M, L, and XL Mean?
- Size S: The Perfect Companion for Short Trips and Business Travel
- Size M: The All-Rounder for a Week's Holiday
- Size L: For Longer Trips and Families with High Standards
- Size XL: When Space Matters More Than Mobility
- Luggage Set Instead of a Single Suitcase – When Is It Worth It?
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Suitcase Size
Suitcase Sizes at a Glance: What Do S, M, L, and XL Mean?
Suitcases and trolleys are categorised into sizes S, M, L, and XL – unfortunately without a uniform manufacturer standard. What matters is the volume in litres and the exterior dimensions in centimetres (always including wheels, handles, and side pockets). This table gives you a reliable point of reference:
| Travel duration | Height (approx.) | Volume | Ideal for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (Carry-on) | 1–4 days | ~55 cm | 35–45 L | Day trips, short trips, weekend trips, business trips |
| M | 5–10 days | 65–67 cm | 55–75 L | City trips, summer holidays, weekend trips |
| L | 10–21 days | 75–77 cm | 80–100 L | Summer holidays, winter holidays / ski trips, family holidays |
| XL | 3+ weeks | from 80 cm | from 100 L | Cruises, road trips, family holidays, long-term stays |
Note: The dimensions given are average values for common brands. You'll find the exact litre and centimetre specifications on the respective product page.
Size S: The Perfect Companion for Short Trips and Business Travel
An S suitcase (35–45 L, approx. 55 cm in height) is the right choice for trips of up to 4 days and fits as carry-on luggage on most airlines — provided the exterior dimensions, including wheels and handles, don't exceed the allowed limits. This saves you waiting time at baggage claim and checked-baggage fees.
When is size S the right choice?
- Business trips of 1–3 days
- Short holidays and city trips up to 4 days
- Trips where you only want to bring carry-on luggage
- As a complement to a larger suitcase in a luggage set
What to keep in mind: allowed carry-on dimensions vary by airline. The IATA recommends a maximum of 55 × 40 × 20 cm – many network airlines such as Lufthansa or Swiss follow this guideline. Budget airlines like Ryanair or Wizz Air sometimes have noticeably stricter limits and often check more rigorously. Dimensions always include wheels and handles – check this before you buy.
Packing capacity: with 35–45 litres, 3–4 outfits, toiletries, and a laptop typically fit comfortably – provided you pack in a structured way. Not ideal for: trips over 4 days, winter trips with warm clothing, or when souvenirs are part of the plan — the limited 35–45 L storage space fills up quickly in these cases.
Size M: The All-Rounder for a Week's Holiday
An M suitcase (55–75 L, 65–67 cm in height) is the best-selling suitcase size and the right choice for trips of 5–10 days — compact enough for air travel as checked baggage, yet large enough for a week's summer holiday with room to spare.
When is size M the right choice?
- Holidays of 5–10 days
- City trips where you also want to go shopping
- Summer trips to warm destinations (lightweight clothing takes up little space)
- Solo travellers with a moderate packing style
What to keep in mind: with 55–75 litres, you'll be well equipped for a week's trip. Not ideal for: winter trips with bulky clothing or trips over 10 days — in these cases, it's better to choose size L.
Size L: For Longer Trips and Families with High Standards
An L suitcase (80–100 L, 75–77 cm in height) is the right choice for trips of 10–21 days, winter holidays with bulky clothing, or family trips where two people share one suitcase.
When is size L the right choice?
- Trips of 10–21 days
- Winter holidays or ski trips with bulky clothing
- Family holidays (one L suitcase for 2 people)
- Travellers who like to pack with extra buffer space
What to keep in mind: for air travel as checked baggage, many airlines apply the so-called 158 cm rule – the linear dimensions (width + height + depth) must not exceed 158 cm. L suitcases are usually just under this limit. Pay attention to the suitcase's own weight: the lighter the suitcase, the more payload you have within your permitted baggage allowance.
Size XL: When Space Matters More Than Mobility
An XL suitcase (from 100 L, from 80 cm in height) offers maximum storage space for trips of 3 weeks or more — ideal for cruises, road trips, or long-term stays where airline baggage restrictions don't play a role.
When is size XL the right choice?
- Trips of 3 weeks or more
- Large families who want to spread luggage across just a few pieces
- Long-term stays abroad
- Trips without flying (car, train, cruise)
What to keep in mind: XL suitcases often exceed the dimension limits for checked baggage on flights — check with the airline in advance. There's also the suitcase's own weight to consider: XL suitcases are already heavy even when empty, which reduces your payload within the baggage allowance. Not ideal for flights with strict baggage restrictions or trips involving a lot of walking — here, mobility matters more than storage space.
Luggage Set Instead of a Single Suitcase – When Is It Worth It?
If you regularly pack for trips of varying lengths, a luggage set is often a better choice than a single suitcase. Sets typically combine a carry-on suitcase (S) with a medium or large suitcase (M + L) – matched in terms of dimensions and design.
Advantages: a uniform look, dimensions that are coordinated with each other, and better value compared to buying individually. It's a smart solution especially for families or frequently travelling couples.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Suitcase Size
Which suitcase size fits as carry-on luggage on the plane?
Generally, size S suitcases with a maximum exterior dimension of 55 × 40 × 20 cm (including wheels and handles). Since every airline has its own requirements, we recommend checking your airline's current carry-on rules before you travel.
Which suitcase size for a 1-week holiday?
For a week's summer holiday, an M suitcase with 55–75 litres is a good fit. If you're travelling in winter or packing a lot, you're better served with an L suitcase.
How much fits in a 75-litre suitcase?
With 75 litres, clothing and shoes for around 7–10 days typically fit, depending on how compactly you pack and how bulky your clothing is.
What does the 158 cm rule mean?
The 158 cm rule describes the maximum linear dimensions for checked baggage on flights – that is, the sum of a suitcase's width, height, and depth. Most L suitcases stay within this limit; for XL suitcases, you should check the dimensions in advance.
Do wheels and handles count toward the dimensions?
Yes. Airlines always measure the suitcase including all attached parts. When buying, make sure the manufacturer states exterior dimensions including wheels and handles – this is the case for all WARDOW products.
Is a luggage set worth it?
If you regularly travel for varying lengths of time, yes. A set with an S and L suitcase covers most travel scenarios and is usually cheaper than buying two suitcases separately.