Quick answer: Suitcases come in three broad sizes: carry-on (about 55cm tall, made to fit the 56 x 36 x 23cm cabin limit), medium and large. Carry-on suits short trips if you pack light, medium suits most one- to two-week holidays, and large suits long trips. Large cases are easy to pack past a typical 23kg checked-bag allowance.
Carry-on, medium, large. Suitcase sizes sound simple, but there's no industry standard behind them, and one brand's medium can be close to another's large. That's why it pays to look at the actual numbers.
Here's how to read suitcase sizes and pick the right one, using the real specs from cases we sell.
In this guide
Suitcase sizes in our range
| Size | Height | Capacity | Empty weight | Examples (from our listings) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on | 55cm (55 x 35 x 23cm) | 34–35L | 2.3–3.25kg | Victorinox Airox Frequent Flyer (34L, 2.3kg), Thule Aion Carry-On Spinner (35L, 3.25kg) |
| Medium | 65–69cm | 59–75L (up to 90L expanded) | 3.8–3.98kg | Wenger Prymo Medium (65 x 45 x 26cm, 59–67L), Victorinox Airox Medium (69 x 46 x 29cm, 75–90L) |
| Large | 75–80cm | up to 116L (135L expanded) | 4.1–6.8kg | Wenger Ryon Large (80 x 52 x 33cm, 116–135L, 5.6kg), Victorinox Airox Large (4.1kg), Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Expandable Large (75 x 51 x 32cm, 6.8kg) |
Height is measured including wheels and handles. Capacity in litres is the better comparison between brands. Watch the depth on carry-ons too: the Wenger Ryon Carry-On is 54cm tall but 25cm deep, over the common 23cm cabin limit.
How many nights does each size suit?
This is a guide, not a rule. It depends on the season and how you pack.
- Carry-on: a weekend to about a week, if you pack light and do some washing. See how to pack a carry-on for a week.
- Medium: about one to two weeks. The most versatile size for most holidays.
- Large: two weeks or more, winter trips, or two people sharing a case.
Checked-bag limits to watch
Airlines limit checked bags by weight, and some by size. Rex, for example, caps each checked item at 140cm total (height + width + depth). Source: Rex Conditions of Carriage. For Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar, see our checked luggage rules.
Medium vs large: the 23kg trap
A large case can hold far more than many fares allow you to check. It's easy to fill one past a 23kg allowance and pay excess at the airport. If you usually fly on a single 23kg bag, a medium case is often the smarter buy.
Key takeaway: compare litres, not names, and buy the size your fare's weight limit can actually use.
Should you buy expandable?
Expandable cases have a zip that adds extra depth. It's handy for bringing gifts home, but expanding adds weight and can push a carry-on past cabin size limits, so keep a carry-on unexpanded when you fly.
"A suitcase is only as big as your baggage allowance."
Our picks
Most trips: a medium case like the Wenger Prymo Medium. Lightweight hardside: Victorinox Airox. Long haul: a large case like the Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Expandable Large. Browse checked luggage.
Medium and large cases from our range
Prices and specs from our own listings. The Prymo and Airox Medium suit most one- to two-week trips; the Ryon Large and Airox Large are for long trips or two people sharing.
Shop Checked Luggage
Medium and large suitcases from Victorinox, Wenger and Thule. Genuine AU stock · free shipping · 30-day returns.
Shop Now →Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a medium suitcase?
There's no standard. In our range, medium cases are 65–69cm tall and hold about 59–75 litres (up to 90 litres expanded). Compare litres between brands.
Is a large suitcase too big for airlines?
Check both weight and size. Rex, for example, limits each checked item to 140cm total linear dimensions.
Should I buy an expandable suitcase?
It's useful for the trip home, but expanding adds weight. Don't expand a carry-on when you fly.
Which size suitcase is best for two weeks?
For most people, a medium case. Choose large if you're packing for cold weather or sharing.
Choosing a shell? Read softside vs hardside luggage.