How to Choose the Right Luggage Size

Choosing the right luggage size is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a traveller. Get it wrong, and you'll either struggle with an oversized bag that exceeds airline limits or find yourself cramming essentials into a case that's too small. This comprehensive guide will help you understand luggage sizing conventions and select the perfect size for your travel needs.

Understanding Luggage Size Categories

The luggage industry generally divides suitcases into four main size categories, though exact dimensions can vary between manufacturers. Understanding these categories is your first step toward making an informed purchase.

Carry-On (Cabin) Luggage: 50-56cm

Carry-on luggage is designed to fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. These bags typically measure between 50-56cm in height (including wheels and handles) and hold 30-45 litres of capacity. They're ideal for:

• Weekend trips (2-3 nights)
• Business travel with minimal wardrobe needs
• Domestic flights within Australia
• Travellers who prefer to avoid checked baggage fees
• Short international trips with careful packing

The standard carry-on dimensions for most Australian airlines are approximately 55 x 40 x 23cm, though budget carriers like Jetstar may have stricter limits. Always verify your specific airline's requirements before flying, as exceeding these dimensions could result in gate-check fees or denied boarding.

Medium Luggage: 60-69cm

Medium suitcases occupy the sweet spot between portability and capacity. Measuring 60-69cm in height with 60-80 litres of space, they're the most versatile option for regular travellers. This size is perfect for:

• Week-long holidays (5-7 nights)
• Trips requiring multiple outfit types (business and casual)
• Travellers who like packing options rather than strict minimalism
• Couples sharing a single checked bag
• International trips with varying climates

At this size, you'll have room for a full week's clothing, toiletries, and a few extras without the bulk of a large suitcase. Medium bags typically weigh 3-4kg empty, leaving ample allowance for the standard 23kg checked bag limit.

Large Luggage: 70-80cm

Large suitcases are the workhorses of extended travel. With heights of 70-80cm and capacities of 90-120 litres, they're designed for trips where you need serious packing space. Consider a large suitcase for:

• Extended holidays (2-4 weeks)
• Trips requiring heavy or bulky items
• Winter destinations needing thick clothing
• Family holidays where children's items are consolidated
• Relocations or long-term travel

Be mindful that large cases can easily exceed airline weight limits when fully packed. A large hardshell suitcase might weigh 4-5kg empty, and 120 litres of clothing and gear adds up quickly. We recommend weighing your packed bag before heading to the airport.

How to Measure Luggage Correctly

Luggage measurements can be confusing because manufacturers and airlines measure differently. Here's how to interpret the numbers you'll encounter:

External vs Internal Dimensions

Most airlines care about external dimensions—the overall size of the bag including wheels, handles, and any protrusions. Manufacturers often advertise internal dimensions, which can be several centimetres smaller. When comparing bags, ensure you're looking at the same measurement type.

What Gets Included in Height

The height measurement should include wheels (typically adding 5-7cm) and any built-in handle hardware on top. Extended telescopic handles don't count—only measure with handles fully collapsed. Spinner wheels generally add more height than inline skate wheels.

Expanded vs Unexpanded

Many modern suitcases feature expansion zippers that add 4-8cm of depth when opened. Airlines measure bags in their expanded state, so if your carry-on only fits the limits when compressed, you risk being turned away at the gate when that expansion zipper is used.

Matching Luggage Size to Trip Duration

While personal packing styles vary, here's a general guideline for matching luggage size to trip length:

1-3 Nights: Carry-On (35-45L)

For weekend getaways within Australia, a carry-on is typically sufficient. You'll pack 3-4 tops, 2 bottoms, undergarments, basic toiletries, and perhaps one smart outfit. This is also the ideal size for frequent business travellers who have mastered minimalist packing.

4-7 Nights: Medium (60-75L)

A week-long trip is where most travellers transition to checked baggage. The medium size provides flexibility for varying weather conditions, multiple activities, and the inevitable souvenirs. This is our most recommended size for occasional travellers who take 2-3 holidays per year.

8-14 Nights: Large (80-100L)

Two-week holidays, particularly those spanning multiple climates or requiring formal attire alongside casual wear, benefit from a large suitcase. The extra space reduces the need for mid-trip laundry and accommodates bulky items like hiking boots or winter jackets.

15+ Nights: Extra Large (100L+) or Two Bags

Extended travel presents a choice: one very large bag or two medium bags. Two bags offer flexibility (one can stay in your accommodation while you take a shorter trip), but one bag simplifies transport. Consider your itinerary and whether you'll be moving frequently between destinations.

Special Considerations for Australian Travellers

Australia's unique travel landscape creates specific sizing considerations:

Domestic Flight Restrictions

Australian domestic carriers have varying carry-on policies. Qantas allows larger carry-ons than Jetstar, and Regional Express (Rex) has its own specifications. If you frequently fly multiple airlines, choose a carry-on that meets the strictest requirements to avoid surprises.

Long-Haul International Flights

Australians flying internationally often face 12-24 hour journeys. Consider that checked bags will be handled multiple times during connections. A durable medium bag might outlast a budget large case when subjected to repeated handling at hubs like Singapore, Dubai, or Los Angeles.

Road Trip Storage

If your travels include driving—whether through the Outback, along the Great Ocean Road, or around New Zealand—consider your vehicle's boot space. Two medium bags often fit better than one large bag plus a carry-on, depending on the rental car size.

Quality vs Size: Finding the Balance

When budget is limited, travellers often face a choice between a larger cheap suitcase and a smaller quality bag. Our experience suggests that investing in quality at a practical size delivers better long-term value than buying cheap at a larger size.

A well-constructed medium suitcase with smooth spinner wheels, robust zippers, and quality materials will serve you reliably for years. A cheap large case might offer more space initially, but broken wheels, stuck zippers, and cracked shells often appear after just a few trips.

Final Thoughts

The right luggage size depends on your travel style, trip duration, and personal packing preferences. Take time to assess your typical trips before purchasing, and remember that slightly underpacking usually leads to a more enjoyable travel experience than struggling with an overstuffed bag.

Use our luggage finder quiz to get personalised recommendations based on your travel habits, or browse our comparison tool to evaluate specific products across all size categories.