What size suitcase do I need? Choosing 20, 24 or 28 inch
Which suitcase size suits each trip: 20, 24 and 28 inch compared, hard shell or soft fabric, wheels, locks, handles and how to make it last.
· 3 min read · bookings.vn
What size suitcase do I need is the first question when you plan a trip. Get the size right and you carry everything you need without excess baggage fees or dragging a half-empty case around. This guide compares the three common sizes, hard shells and soft fabric cases, and the small details that decide whether a suitcase lasts a few trips or many years.
20, 24 or 28 inch: which size to buy
| Size | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 20 inch | Two- to four-day trips, short business travel | Often chosen as cabin baggage; check your airline's size and weight rules |
| 24 inch | Trips of about a week | Usually needs to be checked in |
| 28 inch | Long trips, overseas travel, families | Easy to exceed the weight allowance when full; weigh it at home |
The inch figure usually refers to the case's height, and real dimensions vary between brands once wheels and handles are included. Read the full measurements in the listing and compare them with your airline's baggage rules on its website. Many travellers buy a pair: a 20-inch case for the cabin and a larger one to check in.
Hard shell or soft fabric?
| Hard shell | Soft fabric | |
|---|---|---|
| Impact protection | Good for fragile items | Less; wrap hard items well |
| Water resistance | Good | Depends on the coating |
| Weight | Depends on material; polycarbonate and polypropylene are usually lighter than ABS | Usually light |
| Convenience | Opens into two halves for neat packing | Outer pockets for quick access, can expand |
| Scratches | Textured finishes hide scuffs better than glossy ones | Scuffs show less |
There are also aluminium-frame cases with clasps instead of zips. They are sturdier and seal better but are heavier and cost more.
Five details that decide how long it lasts
- Wheels: four 360-degree spinners glide through airports; double wheels are smoother and tougher than single ones. Try rolling it over rough ground if you can.
- Handle: slides up and down smoothly without much wobble at full height.
- Zips: large teeth and a smooth pull; an expansion zip adds capacity.
- Lock: a combination lock adds peace of mind when checked in; some have TSA locks for travel to the US.
- Interior: compression straps, a divider and mesh pockets.
Packing neatly and within the limit
- Roll clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce creases.
- Use packing cubes and vacuum bags to group items and compress bulky ones.
- Put heavy items near the wheels so the case stands steady.
- Power banks and spare batteries always go in your cabin bag under aviation rules.
- Weigh the case at home before heading to the airport.
Suitcases for children and older travellers
Older travellers do best with a light case on four spinner wheels and a handle tall enough that they do not need to stoop. For children, a small case of their own lets them pull it themselves and take charge of their things, but choose one with rounded corners and no small parts that can come loose. If you travel as a family, colour-coded cases or distinctive luggage tags make it far quicker to spot your bags on the carousel, and a shared packing list stops two people bringing the same bulky items.
Making your suitcase last
Wipe the wheels after each trip, store the case somewhere dry, standing up or nested inside a larger one. A protective cover reduces scratches when checked in. Do not drag a case up and down stairs on its wheels; lift it by the handle instead.
Matching the case to the trip
- Budget flights, cabin only: a light 20-inch case or a soft travel bag.
- A week at the beach: a 24-inch water-resistant hard shell.
- Overseas trips with lots of shopping: a 28-inch case with an expansion zip.
- Coaches, trains and lots of steps: a duffel or a light fabric case that is easy to carry.
Browse suitcases on sale, ranked by an independent score, then find somewhere to stay on our hotel finder.
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