Traveling overseas for the month? How about a weekend in Vegas? Then maybe you’re asking yourself, what size luggage is going to work for one or the other, or better yet, both! Hopefully this short introduction to standard roller board wheeled luggage sizes can help you decide.
Wheeled totes are typically the smallest piece of travel luggage, and are ideal for carry on of small personal items and the luggage fits easily under the seat. They are especially ideal for day trips or even a quick overnight stay.
International Carry-On’s
International carry-on’s are generally 18” to 20” in height, and work great in the overhead bin on most international flights. They can usually store a few days’ worth of clothing, along with some personal items.
Domestic Carry-On’s
U.S. domestic carry-on luggage, usually 21” to 22”, is the most popular luggage size. Ideal for 3 to 4 day trips, and in many cases these bags can expand an additional one to two inches. However, be careful because this may push the luggage beyond the allowable carry-on size.
Small check-in’s
Small check-in’s, typically 23” to 24”, are best suited for medium length trips ranging from 4 to 6 days. However, the down side of these is many airlines cut off their carry-on size around a 22”x14”x9”.
Medium Check-In’s
Medium check-in’s, generally 25” to 27”, are ideal for those week long trips ranging around 6 to 8 days. They can accommodate multiple outfits, a couple pairs of shoes, perhaps even a suit or two, toiletries, and other smaller personal items fit nicely in this luggage.
Large Check-In’s
Large check-in’s, 28” to 32”, are large luggage pieces used for longer trips, usually lasting multiple weeks. They will fit a number of clothes, shoes, personal items and other necessities. However, be weary of airline limitations on size (62 linear inches for most US carriers) and weight (50 lbs for most US carriers) because most carriers will charge extra money to check this size bag.
Now the question is, what can you carry on and what do you have to check? This all depends on not only the airline you choose to flying, but often the country you are departing from. Here is a list of allowable carry-on sizes for some of the major international airlines. Always be sure and check regulations before you pack. Sometimes they do change
Carrier Allowable Carry-On Size Maximum Allowable Weight
Air France 22”x14”x9” 26.4 lbs.
Air Tran 55” (L+T+W)
Alaska Airlines 24”x17”x10”
American Airlines 45” (L+T+W) 40 lbs.
America West 51” (L+T+W)
British Airways 22”x16”x8” 26 lbs.
Continental Airlines 51” (L+T+W) 40 lbs.
Delta Airlines 22”x14”x9” 40 lbs.
Jet Blue 26”x18”x12” (Airbus A320)
Southwest Airlines 24”x16”x10”
Spirit Airlines 22”x13”x10” 40 lbs.
United Airlines 22”x14”x9” 40 lbs.
US Airways 24”x16”x10” 40 lbs.
Virgin Atlantic 22”x14”x9” 35 lbs.
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