Written by Nathalie
Edited on
23 June 2025
·
13:51
How large should your suitcase be?
Which size suitcase you need, depends on your journey. A carry-on suitcase is large enough for a weekend trip, for example. For longer vacations, you need a medium-sized suitcase, a large suitcase, or an extra large suitcase. In this article, we'll explain which sizes travel suitcases there are and how many kilograms fit in them. That way, you can make the best choice.
The right suitcase size
There are 4 different suitcase sizes: carry-on suitcases, medium-sized suitcases, large suitcases, and extra large suitcases. We also call these suitcases S, M, L, and XL suitcases. The size of the suitcase that suits you best depends on your vacation. Think of how many weeks you'll be away and if you need thick winter clothes or thin summer clothes. Also make sure to check how large your carry-on luggage or checked luggage can be when traveling by airplane.
Small and medium-sized suitcases
Carry-on suitcase: weekend trip
A carry-on suitcase is a small suitcase that's up to 56cm high, so you can take it with you on an airplane without any problems. You can store about 10kg of luggage in the 25 to 50L capacity. That's enough for a weekend trip or a short business trip.
Medium-sized suitcase: 1 to 2 weeks
A medium-sized suitcase is about 69cm high and has a capacity between 51 and 79L. This way, you can take about 10 to 15kg of luggage with you. A medium-sized suitcase is enough for a journey of 1 to 2 weeks.
Large and extra large suitcases
Large suitcase: 2 to 3 weeks
Large suitcases offer enough space for a car or plane vacation of 2 to 3 weeks. Most L suitcases are about 75cm high. Thanks to the capacity between 80 and 109L, you can pack about 15 to 20kg of luggage.
Extra large suitcase: more than 3 weeks
If you're going on vacation for more than 3 weeks, an extra large suitcase is a good idea. XL suitcases are about 81cm high. With a capacity of over 110L, you can take at least 20kg of luggage with you. You can effortlessly use this suitcase for 2 people as well.
Suitcase sets
Are you going on vacation with your family or do you want to take extra luggage with you? Get a useful suitcase set. That way, you can get multiple suitcases. Think of a carry-on suitcase and a large suitcase, or choose 2 suitcases of the same size for you and your partner. There are also 3-piece suitcase sets for the entire family.
