What size suitcase do I need?

So you're buying a new suitcase. What do the dimensions and capacities actually mean and how do they relate to your circumstances?


Most importantly all the dimensions shown on our site at Luggage UK are OVERALL. This is the same convention used by the airlines and includes all wheels, handles and anything else that sticks out!  Dimensions are not the same as the actual carcass of the case or bag.

 Capacities shown are the usable packing volume - not the result of multiplying the carcass dimensions.  Interior volume gets used up by rounded shells, recesses for handles, wheels and the trolley mechanism.

There are 2 main factors in choosing the size of case that you need.

Firstly please be aware of any upper size and weight limits provided by the airline that you'll be flying with.  Limits do vary with carrier and may not stay constant over a period of time for your regular airline - ALWAYS CHECK. Our page at Luggage UK has links to the main airlines.

The second main factor is how many people you're packing for and how long you'll be away.  

A cabin case may be all you'll need if you're packing for yourself and only away for a couple of nights.  

If you're away for a night on a business trip then a mobile office case has capacity not only for your laptop, but also a change of clothes.

For longer trips or when you're packing for the family, one or more medium, large or extra large suitcases will probably be required.

Don't forget to allow some unused space in your case to bring back gifts and momentos from your trip.

If you'd like any further help or advice, please call us on 01444 417111 or you can email us at any time.

American Tourister Pasadena Large 4 Wheel Suitcase

Airline cabin and weight limits and allowances

Cabin luggage and baggage allowances - hasn't it all got complicated in recent years?

Inevitably many of the changes made by the airlines have been introduced as a way of extracting more money from you the paying traveller. While many of the schedules airlines still adopt the IATA sizes for cabin bags, many, including a lot of the budget carriers are adopting their own maximum sizes seemingly in some cases without checking there are any cases on the market that meet the new sizes first!

For luggage that you're checking in, ensuring that you meet weight limits may be a problem - investing in one of the latest lightweight suitcases will ensure that you don't miss out, and get stuck with extra charges.

Don't forget always to check your particular carrier's requirements and limits before buying new luggage - they do vary! Click here for links to the most popular airlines.

If you'd like any more help or advice please call us on 01444 417111 or email us outside regular office hours.