Guide to choosing the perfect suitcase size

Suitcase sizes explained – what fits in which cabin?

When travelling by plane, it’s a good idea to know the difference between a personal item, hand luggage and checked-in luggage. Rules regarding size and weight can vary depending on the airline and ticket type – and may result in additional charges at the airport.

In this guide, we go through the key differences and explain what you need to be aware of before your next trip.

Personal item

Hand luggage is the smaller bag you take on board, and is often the only item of luggage included in the most basic ticket. It usually needs to fit under the seat in front of you and could be, for example, a small backpack, a crossbody bag or a shoulder bag.

Remember that liquids in your hand luggage must not exceed 100 ml per item – pack them in your toiletry bag and place it on top so that it’s easy to take out at security.

Don’t forget to check that your bag meets your airline’s size requirements. You can read more about our sizes here.

Carry on

A carry-on bag is the larger bag you take on board, which is usually stored in the overhead compartment above your seat. Many airlines charge an extra fee for carry-on bags, so it’s always a good idea to check this before you travel.

Our small 20" suitcases are designed to make travelling easy and hassle-free – and meet the requirements of all the airlines listed below. If you don’t want to use a hard-shell suitcase, our Carry On Travel Bag is a perfect alternative for shorter stays.

Remember that liquids in your hand luggage must not exceed 100 ml per item – pack them in your toiletry bag and place it on top so that it’s easy to take out at security.

Find more inspiration in our 7-day guide to travelling with hand luggag.

Checked in luggage

Checked-in luggage is handed in at the baggage drop-off point before security and is transported in the aircraft’s hold. It’s the perfect choice for longer stays or when you need to pack more – including liquids over 100 ml.

Our 24" and 28" suitcases both meet the requirements of the airlines listed below, so you can choose the size that best suits your trip, your packing needs and your personal travel style.

What rules and baggage restrictions do the various airlines have?

Travelling light starts with packing sensibly. Plan your outfits at home, choose what you’ll really need, and leave the rest at home. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled the baggage allowances for the most popular airlines below.

Airline	Personal item	Carry on	Checked in luggage
SAS	40 x 30 x 15 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm / 8 kg	158 cm total / 23-32 kg
Norwegian	30 x 40 x 20 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm / 10 kg	250 cm total / 23 kg
Ryanair	40 x 30 x 20 cm	55 x 40 x 20 cm / 10 kg	80 x 120 x 120 cm / 10, 20 or 23kg
Lufthansa	40 x 30 x 15 cm	55 x 40 x 23 cm / 8 kg	158 cm total / 23 kg
EasyJet	45 x 36 x 20 cm	56 x 45 x 25 cm / 15 kg	275 cm total / 23-32 kg
British Airways	40 x 30 x 15 cm	56 x 45 x 25 cm / You must be able to lift your cabin bag into the overhead compartment unassisted	90 x 75 x 43 cm / 23 kg

*We have gathered the information from SAS, Norwegian, Ryanair, Lufthansa, EasyJet and British Airways

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Frequently asked questions

Online check-in saves you valuable time at the airport and gives you greater control over your journey. It confirms your booking so that your seat isn’t given to someone else, and gives you access to your digital boarding pass. What’s more, you’ll be notified immediately if there are any changes to your departure time or gate. Online check-in usually opens between 24 and 48 hours before departure, depending on which airline you are travelling with.

Packing for your next trip and choosing the right luggage can be a challenge. We’ve put together our best packing tips here: Pack like a pro

Always check your airline’s hand luggage policy before you travel, as dimensions and weight limits may vary. See also our measurement guide to find the bag that best suits your trip.