What Size Suitcase Do I Need For A Two-week Trip?

What Size Suitcase Do I Require For A Two-week Trip?

A good way to figure out what size suitcases you require for a two-week vacation is to look at how long you'll be away and whether or not you plan on doing a lot while you're there.

If you're only travelling for a short time, then a smaller suitcase might suffice. However, if you're doing a lot while you travel, then you'll probably want a larger suitcase.

For example, if you're flying somewhere for a day, you won't need a large suitcase.

However, if you plan on spending several days sightseeing, packing extra clothes, and having lots of snacks and drinks while you travel, then a bigger suitcase will come in handy.

In general, a 32-inch suitcase is a plenty big enough to fit everything you need for a couple of weeks. It would be great if you have an expandable suitcase instead of an extra-large suitcase.

It's very important that you have the perfect suitcase size for long-term travel and you never know where your plan for a week's trip will change and you have to travel on public transport as well, for that check the size of the suitcase and its external dimensions as well.

For that always buy common suitcase sets keeping in mind the carry-on restrictions of the airline.

You may be surprised at how small a suitcase you really need; don't buy something you think you'll need later, like a 40-inch suitcase. Instead, buy a smaller one and add items to it as you pack until you feel comfortable with the size.


What Exactly Are You Bringing?

Before you start packing, consider what you plan on bringing with you. Will you be spending lots of time sightseeing or touring or cooking or playing games?

If you're going to do any of those activities, you'll probably need a bigger bag. On the other hand, if you're only going to spend a week visiting relatives, then you should definitely opt for a smaller suitcase.

You should also consider how long you'll be gone and what kind of trip it is. If you're planning on staying in a hotel every night, you'll probably need fewer things than if you're camping or sleeping in hotels less frequently.

Also keep in mind that if you're travelling internationally, you'll need larger clothing sizes, since most countries adopt sizing standards that differ from North American ones. Finally, consider how much room you need for souvenirs and gifts for family members.

So what actually happens during a typical overnight stay? How do you decide what you need? Is it fair to assume that everyone brings the same amount of luggage? And what exactly counts as a carry-on item? These are questions worth thinking through.


What's Your Destination?

First off, decide whether you're going on vacation or not. If you're going on vacation, then chances are you're going to be heading out somewhere new, so it makes sense that you'd want to bring along a lot of clothes and personal items.

However, shorter trips might require less luggage space than longer trips. Think about what activities you plan on doing during your trip, and weigh the pros and cons of packing heavier versus lighter.

Next, think about how far away you're going and where you're going. Are you heading overseas? Do you live close enough to visit family?

Most destinations require at least two types of suitcases: a carry-on and checked bags.

Carry-ons are usually smaller than checked bags and hold less weight, so if you're only carrying small amounts of stuff with you, then you may want to buy a carry-on only instead of checking your entire baggage allowance.

On the other hand, if your destination requires large amounts of luggage space, then you should purchase a checked bag to give yourself plenty of room to store your belongings.

Remember that international flights tend to be pricier than domestic flights, which means you'll save money by purchasing a lower-priced ticket rather than buying more expensive luggage.

However, be aware that you won't be able to check a second bag on an international flight because your airline generally charges extra fees for additional bags.

Be sure to research the cost of flying internationally before making your decision.

Finally, decide how many days you plan on being away. If you're going abroad for five nights, then you should definitely buy a bigger suitcase than if you're only going away for a weekend.

Don't forget to factor in any customs forms required by your country. Some countries require special paperwork, while others just ask travellers to provide a passport number. Either way, it never hurts to prepare ahead of time.


What Do You Have To Say?

After deciding whether or not you should travel, you now need to figure out what kind of suitcase you need to pack. There are several factors to consider including: how long are you going to be gone, how far you want to go, how heavy the contents of your suitcase etc.

The most important consideration though is the amount of luggage space you have available. If you're travelling abroad, you don't want your suitcase to become overweight.

Make sure you pack light and avoid using multiple pieces of luggage. Also, don't forget to include anything you'll need for customs clearance.

Next, decide if you're going to fly domestically or internationally.

International flights tend to be the priciest, so if you're going a short distance domestically, you may want to buy cheaper tickets rather than pay more for a larger suitcase. Still, international flights have baggage fees, so make sure to budget accordingly.

Finally, keep in mind that international flights take longer than domestic flights.

So, if you're going to be away for five days, you should probably get a larger suitcase than if you're planning on staying away for two days.

Once you've decided on the right size suitcase for your trip, remember to prepare ahead of time. First, look up any customs regulations requirements in your destination country.

Then, once you arrive, find out if you can bring certain things through security without paying extra fees. Lastly, when you board your plane, make sure your luggage fits under the seatbelt.

Otherwise, you may be forced to leave your luggage behind until you land.


Road Trip Or Staycation?

A road trip should be planned carefully to avoid getting lost or breaking down along the way.

The journey may seem mundane when compared to staying at your favourite destination, but without careful preparation, your vacation might feel tedious rather than relaxing.

Before you depart on your road trip make sure you have a clear itinerary, a detailed map, and a variety of supplies.

Also, keep in mind that even if you have a GPS device in your vehicle, it does not replace a detailed map. Plan your route ahead of time to prevent getting lost or running out of gas.

You can also rent electric bikes online (find the best bags for bike packing here) or from reputable bike shops so you won’t have to worry about carrying extra luggage for your ride.

And don’t forget to bring plenty of snacks and drinks for your long drive. You can buy canned goods at most grocery stores, or pick up some fresh produce at roadside stands along the way.

Finally, remember to pack your cell phone charger because your batteries will die during long drives. Also, think about buying camping gear and toiletries before you leave so you can treat yourself to some luxury while driving.

What Are The Right Suitcase Sizes?

Suitcases come in various sizes depending on where you travel. You'll want to make sure yours fits within the specifications listed above.

Here's an example of a typical international carryon luggage size versus the US domestic carryon size: International Carry OnUS Domestic Carry On

As you can see, the international carryon sized suitcases are slightly bigger than the domestic ones. So if it doesn't matter where the airline thinks you're travelling to, you might want to consider a larger suitcase instead of a smaller one.

However, if you're planning on making stops along the way, it may be easier to pack light and carry fewer items in a smaller suitcase.

An Extra-large Cabin Suitcase

You may have heard that most large suitcases won't fit through the narrow gates at airports. But there are a couple of exceptions. One exception is American Airlines.

Their carryons measure 22 inches wide, 10 inches long and 13 inches deep, making them perfect for international flights with no gate restrictions.

However, unless your destination is within North America, you should probably opt for a smaller suitcase to avoid paying a hefty fee for checking baggage.

Another exception is Delta Air Lines. They let travellers choose between two sizes: 21” x 11” x 15”, and 19” x 10” x 14’'. Both options come with a free checked bag allowance.

You should definitely consider buying an additional bag to put on the plane if you plan to take advantage of this perk.

Make sure that you read the fine print on any luggage policies before booking. Some airlines charge you for each piece of checked luggage; others charge only once for multiple pieces.

In addition, some airlines charge fees for overweight bags. Finally, if you intend to purchase an optional checked bag, make sure you factor in the price of that bag when determining whether you'll save money on airfare versus checking baggage.

Remember, packing light makes flying easier and saves time. So don't waste space by bringing a heavy suitcase. Instead, grab a backpack, purse or rolling bag. That way you can keep your belongings close at hand and easily accessible when needed.


Medium-size Check-in Suitcase

Checked-in suitcases are typically bigger than carry-ons, but not as big as regular medium-sized suitcases. You can usually find them in sizes ranging between 25 inches high and 29 inches high, and varying widths.

The main difference between checked-in suitcases and carry-ons is that they come equipped with wheels. A wheeled suitcase allows you to roll it right through security and onto the plane without having to unpack it.

As long as your luggage fits under the seat in front of you, it should fit fine. Be careful if you plan on checking a bag with large bulky items; those might not fit in carry-on luggage.

Also, note that airline regulations prohibit you from leaving your baggage unattended at the gate. So, you'd need to either leave it behind or pick it up later.


Large Size Check-in Suitcase

Some airlines allow oversized bags to pass through security checks without being removed from the traveller's suitcase. However, there are certain limitations to large suitcases. These include:

* You must keep the length, width and height of your bag below specific limits.

* You cannot carry any liquids or gels within the bag itself.

* You cannot place items inside the bag that are larger than the exterior dimensions of the bag itself.

Suitcases larger than 300cm x 150cm x 90cm (116 x 59 x 36 inches) cannot be checked in at most airports due to space constraints. You'll need to store these suitcases at baggage claim until you find a place to check them in.

Checked bags must fit under the seat in front of you or behind you. You can carry two large-sized wheelie bags on board if you prefer. Anything else placed under those seats will not pass security screening and may cause delays for flights.

You can buy a backpack-style suitcase instead of the traditional rolling suitcase, or simply try to bring less stuff. As long as you're able to walk with it, you can probably travel without checking it.


Extra-large Check-in Suitcase

As long as large suitcases don't exceed 300cm in length, width and height, they'll fit through most airport security checkpoints.

The TSA only allows travellers to bring certain items onto planes such as laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, jewellery, watches and electronic devices.

However, if you're flying internationally, there may be additional restrictions placed upon large suitcases.

For example, certain airlines require oversized bags to be stored in overhead bins during flights.

For your convenience, we carry a wide variety of large suitcase sizes at the checkout counter. If you travel frequently, then you're probably familiar with the hassle involved with checking two big suitcases.

Now imagine trying to do that with four. Or five. Or six. The last thing you'd want to do is lug those cases around all day, especially if you live near an airport where you must pass through security checkpoints every time you fly.

So instead, consider packing light with one medium-sized suitcase and using your laptop computer, tablet or smartphone to keep track of your stuff.

Many modern gadgets, including smartphones, tablets and laptops, are small enough to fit under the seat in front of you during aeroplane flights.

If you're packing electronics, remember to pack them in a hard case rather than putting them in a soft laptop bag. Also, pack them separately from clothing since you won't be able to access them easily if you've already stuffed your backpack overflowing with clothes and toiletries.

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Carry-on Suitcase Sizes for Various Airlines

There are numerous factors that determine what size suitcase you should bring for your next trip. Some of those include:

• Destination

• Length of stay

• What happens if there's bad weather?

• Et cetera...

You've probably heard the term "economy class," and chances are you think of it as meaning less space inside the plane. However, it doesn't mean that you have to fly by coach.

You can travel in the economy but with plenty of room to stretch out.

For general tips, you typically only need one carry-on suitcase. If you plan on staying longer than a couple of days, then you may consider getting two suitcases instead. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

• Economy class 2 inches per person

• Economy Plus 4 inches per person

• Business Class 6 inches per person

• First class 8 inches per person

• Premium Economy 10 inches per person

Size A - Carry-on suitcase

To start off with, we should talk about the most common sizes of carry-on suitcases. Most travellers choose to travel with a 22" x 14" × 9" domestic carry-on suitcase.

Though there may be slight differences between various airlines, the standard size limits for international carry-ons and checked bags are approximately 45" x 30" x 20".

With almost every airline, the standard domestic carry-on bag is 22" x 14 × 9 inches. It includes a handle and wheelbases to make it easier to manoeuvre through the airport. This size also allows for the baggage allowance provided by the airline.

You might find an additional inch or two of variation depending on the airline you fly with. However, the standard domestic carry-on is probably what you'll end up using.

There really isn't any reason not to go with the standard sizes unless you plan to travel internationally.

Size B - Hand luggage

This article explains that there are no exact sizing guidelines regarding hand luggage. However, most major airlines require luggage to fit within certain dimensions:22" x 14" x 16"- 24" x 15" x 21"- 26" x 20" x 23".

These sizes are considered large enough to accommodate items such as laptops and tablet computers, electronic devices, clothing, shoes and boots, toiletries, etc.

While none of us wants our clothes wrinkled or our shoes ruined, we should keep in mind that the majority of suitcases fall under the larger category.

Most major airlines require luggage to be at least 22 inches wide and 14 inches tall. This allows travellers to pack quite a bit inside since 12 inches doesn't seem very big until you start adding multiple pairs of socks, underwear, shirts, pants and any other personal effects.

Most airlines charge fees for checked bags, but if you travel regularly, it may not be worth checking every single item you bring along. Instead, opt for a carry-on suitcase size A or B.

You won't pay extra fees and you'll still be able to carry everything you need for your trip.

Size C - Carry on

You might think that there is no reason to worry about the size of your suitcase if you are flying domestically. However, international travel may require larger sizes due to weight limits and regulations.

Larger suitcases let you pack more clothes or souvenirs, which makes for a happier vacationer. Plus, not having to check baggage means you won't have to pay extra fees, so that's another perk of carrying on!

For most airlines, you can only carry on one small personal item, so consider packing light. You shouldn't pack anything bigger than a laptop or tablet computer.

Remember, electronics are fragile items that should never be checked in luggage, so keep them out of sight until you reach the airport.

Even though you can carry on only one small item, you still have to have enough room within your suitcase for toiletries, clothing and documents.

You'll probably want to try to fit in at least one change of clothes, along with any other essentials. Be careful not to overload your case and risk damaging it during transit.

Keep in mind that your suitcase cannot exceed 50 pounds in total, including its contents, with no exceptions.

Size D - hand luggage

If your child travels regularly, they may have already figured out the sizes of the carry-on suitcases that work best for them.

Some travellers prefer larger bags, while others prefer small ones. You can shop for carry-on luggage online to make sure you get the right size for your needs.

Before buying a new suitcase, consider whether you'll need one wheel or two. Many airlines require your baggage to fit within certain dimensions, including width, length, height and weight.

A wheeled carry-on suitcase can easily meet those requirements, but if not, you can still travel light by carrying only a backpack.

You can also buy a carry-on suitcase that fits multiple passengers. These items usually come in multiples of four, allowing you to keep enough room in the overhead compartment for carry-on luggage from additional family members.

Depending on the airline, you may also need to pay extra fees for checking larger pieces of luggage.

There are several options to consider for adding electronics to your carry-on luggage.

First, you can purchase a separate device holder, which clips onto your existing bag. Second, you can pick up a protective case for any electronic gadgets you pack.

Finally, you can buy an expandable computer sleeve that allows you to connect all of your devices and gear inside a single bag.

Size E - carry-on luggage

For those of us flying between North America and Europe, an international carry-on suitcase is really necessary if we want to travel light.

International carry-ons must meet the same carry-on luggage regulations that apply to domestic flights. However, there are a couple of extra restrictions that should be taken into account before packing a carry-on suitcase.

International carry-on suitcases are subject to the same carry-on size limits as domestic ones. Though you might find an inch of a difference with various carriers, the standard domestic carry luggage size is 22" X 14" X 9".

This size allows you to fit a carry-on suitcase in the overhead compartment of a plane and keep your baggage safe. That means that you don't have to worry about checking bags or paying additional fees.

By far, the biggest advantage of carrying on luggage is being responsible for yourself instead of relying on the airlines.

You are in control of what goes in your bag, whether it fits under the seat next to you or not. Also, since you pack yourself, you can bring along whatever you'd like.

No matter where you end up going, you'll still have plenty of room for souvenirs or gifts.

To ensure that you can easily navigate through airports and find your way around foreign cities, make sure you have a carry-on suitcase that meets the industry standard.

A large number of travellers prefer to fly using carry-on luggage because it makes it easier to move around the airport and navigate unfamiliar streets and neighbourhoods.

You can reduce the chances of losing your bag by packing your bag well in advance. You can either prebook your ticket online so you receive confirmation right away or reserve a spot in the check-in line as soon as possible.

Either way, you won't need to wait until the last minute to secure your seat on board.

Size F - Various other sizes

This guide from TravelingMommy.com shows you the exact dimensions for carry-on suitcases. You can keep your family safe by transporting them yourself using only a carry-on suitcase.

Avoid putting items in checked baggage that you will need during the trip; instead, pack your travel essentials in your carry-on luggage.

Travelling with a carry-on suitcase means you won't have to worry about missing your flight due to delays, damaged bags, or lost luggage. Plus, when you travel with carry-on luggage, there's no extra fee for checking a bag. All carry-ons must fit within the size limits listed above.

United States domestic airlines generally require a carry-on suitcase that measures 22 inches wide, 14 inches deep and 9 inches high.

You may find an inch or two difference between various airlines' requirements, but the standard domestic suitcases meet the requirements of most major airlines.

Your best bet is to buy one of the largest domestic carry-on suitcases available. As long as it meets the requirements of the airline, there should be no problems.

Just keep in mind that the larger the suitcase, the easier it will be to lift onto the aeroplane.

About this Guide

Written By Alex
Last Updated On November 18, 2022
Reading Time 
18 minutes
Guide Views 
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