A travel suitcase is a wheeled bag — soft or hard shell — designed to carry your belongings when travelling by plane (cabin or hold), train or car. Choosing the right size depends on three factors: the duration of your trip (from 2 days to several weeks), the size restrictions set by your transport provider, and the empty weight of the bag, which determines how much packing capacity you have left.
In 2026, the IATA guideline for cabin baggage is 55 × 35 × 20 cm, but rules vary widely between airlines — and even a small oversize difference can lead to additional fees at the gate.
What size suitcase do you need based on your trip length?
Trip duration is the first criterion for choosing your suitcase size. Here are the recommended benchmarks, based on a standard traveller (3–4 outfits per week, temperate climate):
| Trip Duration | Size | Height | Volume | Luggage Type | Lipault Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend (2–3 days) | XS/S – Mini Cabin/Cabin | 50–55 cm | 30–40 L | Cabin luggage | Cabin suitcases |
| Short break (4–5 days) | S – Cabin | 55 cm | 35–50 L | Cabin luggage | Cabin suitcases |
| 1 week | M – Hold | 63–67 cm | 50–80 L | Check-in luggage | Medium trip suitcases |
| 2 weeks | L – Hold | 72–75 cm | 80–100 L | Check-in luggage | Large trip suitcases |
| 3 weeks + | XL – Hold | 79–82 cm | 100–140 L | Check-in luggage | Very long trip suitcases |
💡 Golden rule: duration is a guide, but think about your destination too. A week of beach holidays (light clothes) needs far less volume than a week of skiing (ski jacket, boots, thermals). Always match the volume to the nature of your belongings.
Which cabin suitcase is best for a 2–4 day city break in Europe?
Typical duration: 2–4 days · Transport: budget airline, Eurostar, train
For a short European break, one rule matters: travel light. City breaks are done on foot, on the Tube, through cobbled streets. A heavy or oversized case quickly becomes a burden — and an extra cost on budget flights.
The ideal bag for a city break
A 4‑wheel cabin suitcase is the optimal solution. It fits in the overhead bin on virtually every European flight, avoids check-in fees, and glides easily through stations and airports.
Key criteria:
- Size: 55 × 35 × 25 cm max (the most universally accepted size in 2026)
- Volume: 30–40 litres is enough for 2–4 days
- Empty weight: choose a model under 2.5 kg to maximise your allowance (often 10–12 kg)
- 4 spinner wheels: essential for uneven surfaces (cobblestones, station platforms)
Discover Lipault cabin suitcase
The must-have accessory: a crossbody bag
A compact crossbody bag for your daily essentials (ID, phone, wallet) is indispensable. Handy for sightseeing, it tucks under the seat during your flight. Since the EU regulation of summer 2025, every passenger on EU-based airlines has the right to a free personal item of 40 × 30 × 15 cm under the seat — regardless of ticket tier.
How to avoid baggage fees on budget flights
On budget carriers (EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2), the rules vary and charges add up fast. Since 2025, the key distinction is:
- Personal item (under the seat): Dimensions 40 x 30 x 15-20 cm / Included free: yes
- Cabin suitcase (overhead bin): Dimensions 55 x 35-45 x 20-25 cm / Included free? Usually a paid add-on
💡 Lipault Tip: investing in a cabin suitcase with universally compatible dimensions (55 × 35 × 25 cm) means you never need to buy a new bag when you switch airlines. Lipault soft cases in twill nylon have the added advantage of compressing slightly if the sizing frame at the gate is tight.
Which suitcase is best for a 1–3 week beach holiday?
Typical duration: 1–3 weeks · Transport: flight (hold luggage)
Light dresses, swimwear, sun cream and a few evening outfits — beach holidays call for well-organised luggage, not necessarily large volumes.
What size suitcase for a 1–2 week holiday?
For a 1–2 week trip in warm weather, a medium‑sized suitcase (63 cm, 50-80L) is generally enough if you pack smartly. For families or travellers who like options, a large-sized suitcase (72 cm, 80–100 L) gives more flexibility.
The organisation hack: packing cubes. These compression pouches let you:
- Separate clothes by type (underwear, beachwear, evening outfits)
- Compress contents and save up to 30% of volume
- Find your belongings instantly at every stop
- Keep dirty laundry separate on the way home
Discover Lipault travel accessories
What bag to take to the beach on holiday?
For beach excursions or days out in town, a tote bag is perfect. Lightweight and foldable, it travels inside your suitcase and becomes your beach companion once you arrive. No need for a second bulky bag. Explore the Lipault bags collection.
💡 Lipault Tip: Slip a laundry bag into your suitcase to separate worn clothes from clean ones — and to avoid coming home with everything mixed up.
Which suitcase is best for a road trip or long journey of 3 weeks or more?
Typical duration: 3 weeks to several months · Transport: flight + car, bus, train
For long trips, the criteria change: you need luggage that withstands repeated handling, adapts to every type of transport, and remains practical day after day.
Large suitcase and travel backpack, perfectly complementary travel essentials - what are they best for?
| Criterion | Large soft suitcase (72–79 cm) | Travel backpack (31 L) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Hotels, rentals, car/plane travel | Hostels, overnight buses, local transport |
| Capacity | 80–140 L | 31 L |
| Organisation | Excellent (compartments, packing cubes) | Limited (1–2 compartments) |
| Manoeuvrability | Wheels = smooth surfaces | Back-carry = rough terrain |
| Empty weight | 3–5 kg | ≈1.1 kg |
The winning combination: large suitcase checked into the hold + cabin backpack to keep essentials (passport, electronics, change of clothes) with you during transit. Explore Lipault backpacks.
How to protect your suitcase in the hold on a long trip
In the hold, bags face sometimes brutal handling. Lipault soft suitcases in twill nylon absorb impacts naturally thanks to their technical textile materials — unlike hard shells that can crack under impact. For extra protection, a luggage cover shields the surface from scratches and moisture, and helps you spot your bag on the carousel.
💡 Lipault tip: on long flights, a sleep mask, earplugs and a small comfort kit in your cabin backpack make all the difference for arriving rested. Discover our travel accessories.
Why choose a soft, lightweight suitcase for travelling?
Whatever trip you're taking, one factor always matters: the empty weight of your suitcase determines how much you can pack.
A heavy suitcase means fewer kilos available for your clothes. A lightweight suitcase, on the other hand, gives you real flexibility — and helps avoid surprises at airport check‑in.
Real-world example: if your airline allows 23 kg in the hold and your hard shell weighs 5 kg empty, you have 18 kg for your belongings. With a Lipault soft case at 2.5 kg, you gain 2.5 kg extra — that’s 3–4 complete outfits or an extra pair of shoes.
How to pack a suitcase efficiently to maximise space?
Whatever the size of your suitcase, smart packing is the difference between a bag that overflows and one that breathes. Here are the 3 recommended techniques:
- The rolling method: Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This reduces creases and saves 20–30% of volume compared to flat folding. Works best for t-shirts, trousers and underwear.
- Packing cubes: Compression pouches that separate your belongings by category. They compress bulky items (jumpers, jeans), help you find things instantly, and keep dirty laundry separate. Discover Lipault travel accessories.
- The layering rule: Place heavy items (shoes, toiletry bag) at the bottom (wheel side), clothes in the middle, and fragile or quick-access items on top. This distributes weight evenly and protects your belongings.
FAQ – Choosing the Right Suitcase for Your Trip
What size cabin bag is allowed on planes in 2026?
The IATA guideline is 55 × 35 × 20 cm (wheels and handles included), but each airline sets its own limits. Since summer 2025, EU-based airlines guarantee a free personal item of 40 × 30 × 15 cm (under the seat) for all passengers. The standard cabin suitcase (55 cm) is often a paid add-on with budget airlines. Always check before booking.
Can I take a backpack as well as a cabin suitcase?
Yes, most airlines allow one cabin suitcase (overhead bin) plus one personal item (backpack, handbag, laptop bag) under the seat. The personal item must generally measure 40 × 30 × 15–20 cm. On basic budget fares, only the personal item is included free.
Soft shell or hard shell suitcase: which is lighter for travelling?
A soft shell suitcase is nearly always lighter than a hard shell of the same size (2–3 kg vs 3–5 kg). It is also more flexible, fitting into tight spaces, and absorbs impacts without cracking. For travelling light and maximising packing weight, soft shell is the best choice. Lipault’s water-repellent twill nylon cases offer strong water resistance too.
What suitcase should I buy for family travel?
For families, a luggage set works best: one large suitcase (72–79 cm) for shared items, individual cabin cases for the adults, and a backpack for the children. Coordinated sets make spotting your bags on the carousel much easier.
How can I avoid paying baggage fees when flying?
Three strategies: (1) travel with just the free personal item (40 × 30 × 15–20 cm) for short trips; (2) choose a cabin suitcase in a universally accepted size (55 × 35 × 25 cm); (3) weigh your bag before leaving — the limit is often 10–12 kg in the cabin. An overweight bag will be sent to the hold with a surcharge.
What suitcase do I need for a 2–3 day weekend break?
For a weekend, a cabin suitcase of 30–40 litres (size S, 50–55 cm) is more than enough. It holds 2–3 outfits, a toiletry bag and the essentials. The advantage: it fits in the cabin on every flight, saving you hold fees and the wait at the baggage carousel.
What is the best suitcase for a 2-week holiday?
For 2 weeks, choose a size L suitcase of 72–75 cm with 80–100 litres of capacity. Check it meets the 158 cm linear rule (L+W+H) for the hold. Opt for a lightweight model (under 3.5 kg empty) to stay within the 23 kg hold allowance while maximising your packing space.