Understanding luggage sizes is essential for avoiding extra fees, stress at the check in counter, and last minute baggage fees on your next trip. Whether you are packing for short trips, family trips, or international travel, knowing airline regulations, size restrictions, and weight limits will help you choose the right carry on baggage, personal item, or checked luggage.

This ultimate guide explains luggage sizes in cm, industry standards, and how different airlines apply maximum dimensions, weight restrictions, and additional fees on domestic flights and international flights.

Understanding luggage size standards in cm

Most airlines define luggage sizes using total size or linear inches, which is the sum of length, width, and height. When converted, these measurements are typically communicated in centimeters for international airlines.

Carry on luggage size usually falls within a standard size of about 55 x 40 x 20 cm, including wheels and handles. This is designed to fit in the overhead bin. A standard carry on bag or carry on suitcase should always meet the maximum size allowed by your specific airline.

Personal item size is smaller and must fit under the seat in front of you. Common examples include a laptop bag or small backpack.

Checked baggage or check in baggage includes medium suitcase, large suitcase, and large size options like a 24 inch suitcase, which is often considered the most popular suitcase size for longer trips.

Carry on and personal item size chart overview

Carry on baggage
Standard carry on bag size in cm is approximately 55 x 40 x 20
Weight limits range from 7 kg to 10 kg depending on the airline
Designed for overhead bin storage

Personal item
Must fit underseat
Often includes laptop bag or small tote
Airlines underseat size chart all varies by airline

Checked luggage
Medium suitcase usually 65 x 45 x 25 cm
Large suitcase can be 75 x 50 x 30 cm or more
Checked bag weight is often limited to 23 kg

Airline specific carry on and checked baggage rules

Different airlines apply different size of your luggage rules, even on international flight baggage allowance. Always check the official website of the individual airline before your next trip.

Major international and domestic airlines

American Airlines allows carry on luggage size up to 56 x 36 x 23 cm with one personal item. Weight limits are not strictly enforced but size restrictions are.

United Airlines uses similar carry on dimensions and applies stricter rules for basic economy ticket holders.

Delta Air Lines allows a standard carry on bag and personal item on most fares, with checked item fees depending on route.

Alaska Airlines allows generous carry on rules but applies extra fees for additional bags.

Frontier Airlines is a budget airline where carry on baggage often incurs an additional charge unless included in the fare.

Sun Country Airlines charges extra fees for carry on and checked luggage depending on fare type.

SkyWest Airlines follows partner airline regulations, which may affect airlines dimensions.

International airlines baggage allowance highlights

British Airways has generous carry on luggage size allowances with strict weight restrictions.

Virgin Atlantic allows one carry on suitcase and one personal item, with weight limits enforced.

Qatar Airways enforces both maximum dimensions and luggage weight limit strictly on international flights.

Air France applies different sizes and weight rules depending on cabin class and route.

Air Canada follows standard size rules but has specific baggage fees for additional bags.

Singapore Airlines allows a standard carry on bag with tight weight restrictions.

Cathay Pacific is known for strict enforcement of carry on luggage size and weight.

Air China applies different weight limits depending on cabin class.

Turkish Airlines uses a weight concept on many international routes.

Philippine Airlines has varied baggage rules depending on international or domestic flights.

Austrian Airlines enforces both maximum size and weight restrictions.

Porter Airlines has smaller overhead bin limits due to aircraft size.

Air New Zealand has strict carry on weight enforcement.

Air Europa applies different baggage fees by fare family.

Saudi Arabian Airlines uses a piece concept on many routes.

South African Airways follows international airlines baggage standards.

Aer Lingus charges for carry on luggage on basic fare tickets.

Garuda Indonesia applies weight based baggage allowance.

Wizz Air allows only a small personal item unless additional fees are paid.

Air Transat has different allowances for international travel and leisure routes.

Blue Air enforces strict size of your luggage policies.

Checked luggage sizes and fees

Checked luggage includes a checked bag, checked item, or extra bag depending on your fare. A medium suitcase is ideal for short international travel, while a large suitcase or large size option works better for long stays.

Most airlines allow a maximum size of 158 cm total size for checked luggage. Exceeding this results in additional charge or extra fees. Weight restrictions are usually 23 kg, though business travelers or elite status passengers may receive higher limits or additional bags.

Budget airlines and extra fees

Budget airlines often charge baggage fees even for carry on baggage. Basic economy ticket holders may only be allowed a personal item. Additional fees apply for additional bags, overweight checked luggage, or oversized checked item.

Always compare airline regulations when booking, especially for domestic airlines versus international airlines.

Tips for choosing the right suitcase

For short trips choose a carry on suitcase or standard carry on bag
For family trips consider a medium suitcase plus one checked bag
For long trips or international flights a 24 inch suitcase is often the most popular suitcase size
Check airline regulations for specific airline rules before purchasing luggage

Final travel advice

Luggage sizes, weight limits, and airline dimensions vary widely across different airlines. Always verify details on the official website of your airline, especially for international flight baggage allowance. Doing so helps you avoid additional fees, travel smarter, and focus on enjoying your next trip.

For additional questions, updates, or new arrivals new products in luggage collections, always review airline policies, privacy policy pages, and social responsibility statements when planning your journey.