Which suitcase size is the perfect choice for my next travel plans?
Do you know the feeling - you pack your suitcase and want to be perfectly prepared for all weather conditions and activities? On the other hand, a larger piece of luggage is usually associated with higher costs, especially for air travel. If this dilemma also plagues you, then watch out - we'll show you which suitcase size is the right one for your next trip.
There are indeed a few things to consider when it comes to the size of your suitcase. But first things first. The first step is to think about what you will use your suitcase for. You have a lot planned and want to go on a dreamy long holiday? An important business trip is coming up? Or an exciting weekend trip to get your mind off things? The type of trip will determine the size of the suitcase you need. So preparation is everything.
Especially if you are travelling by plane, the size of your suitcase should not be underestimated. Suitcases that are too big or too small may not be accepted by the airline. And of course we want to avoid this stress. So step number one is to ask the airline about their specific size requirements. That way you can prepare yourself in the best possible way.
An overview of the most common suitcase sizes
Hand luggage: If you are going on a business trip or a longer weekend trip, the small suitcase is super suitable. The small all-rounder usually fits perfectly in the luggage compartment of an aircraft. However, the permitted dimensions for hand luggage vary between airlines, so it's best to find out about the regulations in advance.
Medium-sized: Medium-sized suitcases are ideal for a one-week trip. But beware - suitcases of this size count as checked baggage. You have to pay extra to take the suitcase with you and hand it in at the airport check-in.
Large: A large suitcase is ideal for a long holiday or an extended business trip. It must also be checked in at the airport. Our tip: It is practical to choose a model with different compartments or packing walls. This way, even with a lot of luggage, you can keep your suitcase tidy and always have everything at hand.
What we love are memories of precious moments from our travels. We love to dream back to our holidays until the next trip is on the agenda. So when packing your suitcase, don't forget to leave room for souvenirs! No one wants to have to sit on their suitcase to close it. And no one wants the sad surprise of finding broken souvenirs when they open their suitcase. If you're travelling with a piece of hand luggage, it's best to make sure it fits under the seat in front of yours or in the overhead compartment.
After the basics, it's down to the nitty gritty. Now that you know the basics of suitcase sizes, you can start packing for your next trip!
Wait, you're still missing the right suitcase for your next trip? At IMPACKT you'll find the right companion for every trip. We will prepare you perfectly. Discover our sustainable suitcases from the IP1 collection in sizes S to L.
Nice to know – what is the girth?
Girth? Never heard of it! We can understand that, because when you think of your next travel plans, your mind is more likely to be on idyllic places, dreamy beaches or breathtaking mountain landscapes than on seatbelts and units of measurement. The seatbelt measurement, however, plays a significant role in air travel. It is a key figure used by many airlines to determine the maximum dimensions allowed for your luggage. In short, it indicates when a piece of luggage is too big. The girth is the sum of height, width and depth. How high this sum is is determined by the airlines.
Here is an example:
If the maximum permissible girth is 115 cm, the suitcase may have the following dimensions:
Height: 55 cm
Width: 40 cm
Depth: 20 cm
55 cm + 40 cm + 20 cm = 115 cm
Please note the following: If your luggage exceeds the size allowed by the airline, you will be charged for this oversize. In addition to weight and size, the penalty also depends on your flight route. If the luggage is too heavy but is still within the belt size, charges of €50 to €150 may apply. If the luggage is too big and does not correspond to the belt size, you will pay between €150 and €450.
Doesn't sound so nice, but we got you! So here's some information to help you prepare for your trip. Similar to the weight of suitcases, there are also different guidelines for the oversize of luggage for the individual airlines. The general maximum belt size is 158 cm. This value is used by Lufthansa and Condor, for example. As a rule, there are fewer problems with a large suitcase than with one that is too heavy. Unfortunately, there is no general answer to the exact reason for this. But as long as you stick to the prescribed values, everything is fine.
Which suitcase sizes are allowed by the airlines?
The destination has been chosen and it's only going to be a short adventure? Then hand luggage is the right choice. If you are planning to travel with hand luggage only, there is a maximum weight and maximum dimensions that you should consider when choosing and packing your suitcase. Sounds like a time-consuming search for the approved dimensions for your flight? It's not, because we have summarised the regulations of the most common airlines regarding the permitted suitcase sizes.
Hand luggage guidelines of common airlines:
| Austrian Airlines | max. 8 kg | 55x40x23 cm |
| British Airways | unbegrenzt | 56x45x25 cm |
| Brussels Airlines | max. 12 kg | 55x40x23 cm |
| Condor | max. 6 kg | 55x40x20 cm |
| Finnair | max. 8 kg | 56x45x25 cm |
| Lufthansa | max. 8 kg | 55x40x23 cm |
| SAS | max. 8 kg | 55x40x23 cm |
| Swiss | max. 8 kg | 55x40x23 cm |
| TAP Portugal | max. 10 kg | 55x40x20 cm |
| Tui fly | max. 6 kg | 55x40x20 cm |
| Turkish Airlines | max. 8 kg | 55x40x23 cm |
Status: March 2022
When packing your hand luggage, there is more to consider than just the maximum weight and suitcase size. So that you don't have to worry so much and can start your holiday relaxed, we inform you about the regulations for carrying liquids in your hand luggage. With our practical hand luggage packing list, you are also guaranteed to have everything you need with you. And then you can start your journey to collect all those wonderful moments that you remember only too fondly.
