The Best Travel Bag Sizes For World Exploration

Choosing the right size bag for your travels can be challenging, especially with varying airline restrictions and personal preferences. The ideal travel bag should be convenient, comfortable, and spacious enough for your essentials. This guide will help you select the perfect bag size for your next adventure, whether a weekend getaway or a month-long journey.

Carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions

When travelling, it's important to be mindful of the size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, as these can vary depending on the airline and the region you're travelling to or from. Here are some general guidelines and specific restrictions to keep in mind:

While specific restrictions can vary, the standard carry-on luggage size for many airlines is 22" x 14" x 9" (including the handle and wheels). Some domestic airlines, like Frontier and Southwest, allow slightly larger luggage, with a size limit of 24" x 16" x 10". To ensure your bag fits in the overhead bin, it's best to stick to the standard size or opt for a smaller bag.

When it comes to weight restrictions, most major domestic airlines such as Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags. However, you should be able to lift your bag above your head into the storage bin. On the other hand, some international airlines and smaller commuter planes do have weight restrictions, with limits ranging from 15 to 22 pounds for carry-on luggage.

It's worth noting that, in addition to your carry-on suitcase, many airlines allow you to bring a personal item, such as a laptop bag, purse, or briefcase. These items typically need to fit under the seat in front of you and may have their own weight restrictions, depending on the airline.

To avoid any issues, it's always a good idea to check the specific restrictions of the airline(s) you'll be travelling with. Some airlines provide this information on their websites, while others may require you to contact them directly. Additionally, keep in mind that weight restrictions may vary depending on your destination, especially when travelling internationally.

International Carry-on Size Restrictions:

When travelling internationally, the standard carry-on baggage size is typically smaller than that of domestic flights. The general rule of thumb for international flights is around 21", although specific restrictions can vary by airline and destination. It's recommended to visit the websites of all the carriers you plan to use during your trip to get a clear understanding of their size restrictions.

International luggage size standards are often weight-based, with a typical weight limit of 50 pounds for checked luggage. The maximum checked luggage size for international travel is usually 62 linear inches (total height, width, and depth).

Domestic Carry-on Luggage Size:

For domestic flights within the United States, the universally accepted carry-on luggage size is 22" x 14" x 9". However, it's important to note that this size bag may not always fit in the overhead compartment on shorter commuter flights, and you may need to check it at the gate.

Specific Airline Restrictions:

Each airline has its own set of restrictions, and it's essential to review their policies before travelling. Here are some examples of carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions for a few popular airlines:

• American Airlines: 22" x 14" x 9" for carry-on, with no specified weight limit.
• Delta Airlines: 22" x 14" x 9" for carry-on, with weight limits varying by destination (e.g., 15 pounds for Singapore, 22 pounds for Beijing and Shanghai).
• United Airlines: Passengers with a basic economy ticket on domestic or Canada-bound flights can only bring a personal item; no carry-on bag is allowed.
• Southwest Airlines: 22" x 18" x 10" for carry-on, with no specified weight limit.
• EasyJet: Standard fares include a free personal item ("small cabin bag"). There is a fee for standard carry-on bags, ranging from £5.99 to £32.99 depending on the destination.

Remember to check the latest information on the airline's website, as restrictions and policies can change over time.

What counts as a personal item

When it comes to air travel, different airlines have varying baggage rules, which can make packing a confusing task. However, there are some general rules of thumb to follow.

Firstly, it's important to distinguish between a carry-on bag and a personal item. A carry-on bag is a piece of luggage that you can take into the aircraft cabin and store in the overhead bin. The typical maximum size for a carry-on bag is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), but this can vary slightly between airlines. Most major airlines in the US allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag for free, except for those travelling in the cheapest fare class, such as basic economy.

A personal item, on the other hand, is another bag that you can take on board the aircraft in addition to your carry-on bag. This could be a laptop bag, purse, briefcase, backpack, or small duffel bag. The typical maximum size for a personal item is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 29 cm), but again, this can vary between airlines. Personal items must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, even if it is your only piece of cabin baggage.

Most airlines allow passengers to bring a personal item on board for free, and this item is usually not subject to weight restrictions. However, it's important to check the size and weight restrictions with your specific airline before you fly, as exceeding these limits may result in additional fees.

When packing your personal item, it's a good idea to include important documents, electronics, medications, comfort items, and any other small personal items that you may want during the flight. Your carry-on bag, on the other hand, is better suited for clothing, shoes, accessories, toiletries, and any other fragile or valuable items.

Domestic vs international carry-on size

When it comes to travelling, luggage size and weight restrictions are a key consideration. The standard domestic carry-on luggage size for most US airlines is 22" x 14" x 9", whereas the standard international carry-on size is often 21" or 21.5" x 15.5" x 9".

The domestic carry-on size is the same for most US airlines, including Delta, American Airlines, Southwest, and JetBlue. However, a few domestic airlines, such as Frontier and Southwest, will allow 24-inch luggage as a carry-on. This is a significant difference from international carry-on restrictions, which are generally smaller.

For international flights, the standard carry-on size varies depending on the airline and the country of origin. Outside of the US, the standard size is typically around 21", with some airlines specifying measurements such as 20 x 15 x 10 inches or 45 linear inches. It's important to note that budget airlines, such as Ryanair, often have stricter size limits, such as 22 x 16 x 8 inches or 55 x 40 x 20 cm.

In terms of weight restrictions, most major US airlines do not enforce weight limits for carry-on bags, as long as they fit securely in the overhead bin. However, some international airlines do have weight restrictions, which can vary from 15 lbs to 51 lbs.

When choosing between a domestic or international carry-on bag, it's important to consider the specific requirements of the airlines you plan to use. While a 22" bag may work for most US domestic flights, opting for a smaller, 21" bag can offer more flexibility when travelling internationally. Additionally, soft-sided bags can provide a bit more flexibility, as they can gain 1-2 inches when packed full.

Ultimately, checking the size and weight restrictions of your specific carrier before travelling is essential to avoid any issues at the gate.

Checked baggage size and weight limits

When it comes to checked baggage, there are size and weight limits that need to be followed. These restrictions vary depending on the airline and region of travel, so it's important to check with your specific airline for their guidelines. However, here is some general information about checked baggage size and weight limits to consider when travelling the world:

Most airlines have a standard checked baggage size limit of around 62 linear inches or a total of 158 cm. This means that the sum of the length, width, and height of your bag should not exceed this limit. Some airlines may have slightly different size restrictions, so it's always best to check with your airline beforehand.

In terms of weight restrictions, a common maximum weight limit for checked baggage is 50 pounds or 23 kilograms. However, this may differ depending on the airline and the class of travel. For example, on American Airlines, the weight limit for checked bags in First or Business Class is 70 pounds or 32 kilograms, while for excess charged bags, it's 50 pounds or 23 kilograms.

It's important to note that there may be additional restrictions or fees for oversized or overweight baggage. These fees can be quite expensive, and airlines are usually strict in enforcing these policies. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of the specific restrictions of your airline to avoid any unnecessary charges.

When packing your checked baggage, keep in mind that some items are restricted or prohibited. For example, items such as lithium batteries, firearms, and hazardous materials are not allowed in checked baggage. Additionally, valuable or fragile items should be packed with care, as checked baggage may be handled roughly and is subject to inspection, which may result in locks being broken if necessary.

Overall, when travelling the world, it's important to be mindful of the size and weight limits for checked baggage imposed by airlines. By planning and packing accordingly, you can ensure a smoother travel experience and avoid any unexpected fees or complications.

Choosing the right bag for your trip length

Consider Your Trip Duration

For shorter trips, such as a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, a mid-size bag in the range of 23 to 26 inches is ideal. These bags typically need to be checked at the airport but offer ample space for your belongings. If you're planning to travel for an extended period, consider investing in a large bag, ranging from 27 to 30 inches. These bags are perfect for long trips or even for accommodating the belongings of more than one traveller.

Understand Carry-On Restrictions

When selecting a carry-on bag, it's crucial to consider the restrictions imposed by airlines. The standard carry-on baggage size for international flights originating outside the US is typically smaller, with a rule of thumb limit of about 21 inches. On the other hand, the universally accepted carry-on luggage size for domestic flights within the US is 22" x 14" x 9". Keep in mind that some domestic airlines, like Frontier and Southwest, may allow slightly larger carry-on bags of up to 24 inches.

Personal Items

In addition to your carry-on luggage, you are usually allowed to bring a personal item on board. This can include a purse, a briefcase, a laptop bag, or a small backpack. These items are typically stored under the seat in front of you and have easy access to items you may need during the flight, such as laptops, medication, or books. While there is no standard size for personal items, they should generally be smaller than your carry-on luggage.

Weight Restrictions

While domestic flights often have no weight restrictions for carry-on bags, international flights usually impose weight limits. For checked baggage, domestic flights typically have a weight limit of around 50 pounds, while international flights may have specific weight requirements, usually around 50 pounds.

Choose the Right Bag for You

When choosing a travel bag, consider the length of your trip, the restrictions imposed by airlines, and the amount of gear you need to carry. For daily commutes or short trips, a bag in the range of 15L to 18L should suffice. If you're planning a weekend trip or a longer vacation with smart packing, a 20L travel backpack can be a perfect choice, as it will likely fit under the seat in front of you. For longer journeys or one-bag travel, consider a 40L to 45L backpack, which offers ample space for extended periods away from home.

By considering your trip duration and following these guidelines, you can choose the right bag for your travel needs and ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey.

Frequently asked questions