Are you new to traveling or just wondering about the Travel trunk size to suit your traveling needs? Well, at some point, we’ve all been there. The Travel Trunk Size Chart article has been tailored just for you.

Outlined below is all you need to know regarding suitcases, sizing limits for major airlines, baggage sizing, and weight restrictions in airlines.

Since knowledge is power, this article will equip you with information that will save you plenty of money and time as it is all in one.

Stick with us!

What are the Baggage Sizes and Weight Limits?

As earlier indicated, domestic airlines list their checked baggage size limits as single dimensions in linear inches, i.e., 62 linear inches. However, international airlines have slight variances but most at times use the 62-inch rule as the standard globally. Overweight baggage fees exceeding this size limit attract additional baggage fees.

For checked baggage, the standard weight limit in domestic airlines is usually 50 pounds per bag. However, some airlines such as Allegiant and Spirit Airlines offer baggage allowance of up to 10 pounds. On the other hand, international airlines such as Korean Air give baggage allowances of up to 70 pounds.

Below is a table showing the standard weight limits in pounds for baggage.

Better yet, it is easier to consult with your airline carrier about weight limits to make the right decisions.

What are Checked Baggage Fees?

All airlines based in the United States follow federal airline safety rules. Also, they have set fees on checked baggage with the exception of Southwest Airlines, whose baggage fees are a bit of a waiver for two checked bags. Last year alone, checked baggage fees cost passengers in excess of $5billion.

With regard to the airline industry, baggage fees range at approximately $30 per bag.

The table below shows the sample Travel Trunks size chart showing prices and duration of time for the trunk contents.

Who is exempted from baggage fees?

Most airlines waive checked baggage fees for a specific number of travelers. These include:

• People flying first class or business class
• Military personnel on active duty
• People of elite status with the airline

Baggage exceeding the standard weight limit attracts overweight baggage fees. In addition to that, airlines have set a maximum weight for all weight allowances, including for overweight baggage. Baggage exceeding 100 pounds can’t be flown.

So, how do I choose the right travel trunk size?

As much as any baggage size can be checked in, most checked bags are larger than 22” x 14” carry-on suitcases. The most common checked-in bags tend to be 25-29 inches in height with varying widths.

Based on the size, baggage can be put into several categories, including

• Medium-sized check-in luggage
• Large check-in baggage.

Medium-sized check-in luggage- are 25-26 inches in height and approximately 18 inches in width. Therefore, such a suitcase is capable of satisfying your traveling needs for a whole week and is Ideal for business trips and city trips for a week.

Large check-in baggage- measure 26” and more. They provide a lot of packing space hence ideal for longer trips, even up to 20-day trips, more gear, and more people. They include large duffel bags, trunks, etc.

In addition to that, large check-in luggage tends to have a more expandable capacity as well as additional capacity for items.

Below is the Travel Trunk Size Chart showing the trunk size, its corresponding dimensions, storage capacity, and the approximate duration with which the trunk’s contents can serve you.

Travel Trunk Size Chart. 

Rules and Regulations of Hand Luggage in all EU Airlines. 

In fact, you need to adhere to the following policies if you are boarding a plane in an airport within the EU. Here are the requirements for boarding and packing: 

Liquids. 

The maximum capacity for liquids is 1 liter with no container holding more than the recommended 100 ml and this includes drinks, aerosols, cosmetic cream, toothpaste, or gel. These policies don’t apply to baby food and medicines. 

Duty-free Liquids. 

These are either purchased in any airline or airport. You are allowed to carry the hand luggage accompanied by the receipt. A security bag will be given with a red border and you will not be allowed to open it until you get to your final destination. 

Sharp Objects. 

Any sharp object such as scissors and knives which can be used as weapons are not allowed.

Size of Cabin Baggage Limit. 

This is determined by the specific airline and therefore you need to check with your airline before you travel. 

Inflammable and Explosive Items. 

These include aerosol spray paint or fireworks, and any other toxic substances are fully prohibited by all airlines operating in the EU. 

No Weapons. 

There is no one allowed to carry a weapon on a flight. 

Rules and Regulations of Hand Luggage in all US Airlines. 

Personal item

The dimensions of your handbag or purse should not exceed (45 x 35 x 20) cm or (18 x 14 x 8) inches and should easily fit in the seat in front of you. 

Medicines and baby materials are exempted from this list such as child safety seats, diaper bags, strollers, and more. 

Carry-on requirements

• Should be at least (56 x 36 x 23) cm or (22 x 14 x 9) inches with wheels and handles. 
• Must fit the airport size. 

Sports Equipment and Special Items. 

For instance, if you are planning to travel with your pet and crate, you will have to cater for the carry-on pet fee. 

Restricted items 

Liquids

You are not allowed to travel with liquids above 1 liter such as pastes, creams, aerosols, liquids, and gels and each container should have 100 ml of each liquid. However, duty-free liquids are allowed by TSA and you have to package them in security bags. 

American Airlines,  has all the policies available on their website. 

What size of travel trunk do I need?

Several considerations come into play when determining the travel trunk size of your choice. Frequently asked questions in this regard should be:

• Is it a road trip or via air transport? What’s the passenger capacity for the model of choice?
• Is it a weekend getaway, or is it a 20-day trip?
• Do all airlines charge baggage fees for all bags?
• What are the weight restrictions for the travel suitcases?
• Which are the standard weight and maximum limits for travel trunks in airlines?
• What is the weight and baggage allowance for my airline for my suitcases?
• What are my airline’s carry-on restrictions and luggage options available?
• What is the overweight baggage fee? 
• Is there some weight allowance? 
• What are the maximum size restrictions and luggage limitations? 
• Are there carry-on luggage allowances and what about oversized luggage? 
• Are my personal items safe? 

Suitcases

Cases with handles and hinged lids for transporting personal items on road trips and airlines to various destinations. They come in different sizes and types. These include:

• Hard-sided suitcases
• Soft-sided suitcases
• Carry-On suitcases
• Travel totes among others

Knowing the proper suitcase sizes to carry onboard aircraft, primary luggage size and weight restrictions, and the ones that will be checked in. Also, deciding whether to purchase a hard-sided suitcase over a soft-sided one doesn’t require being that hard. The best one should be the most convenient and one that best suits your traveling needs.

Among others, the most important aspect to consider before buying suitcases is usually its price. Both prices vary greatly, but there are cheap ones in either of the two categories. It is advisable to avoid cheap ones as their quality tends to be flawed. Others include the durability of the carry-on suitcase, which depends on the material they’re made of, the contents of the suitcase, their mobility, and personalization.

In addition to that, care should be taken to ensure that you acquire proper suitcases capable of achieving your traveling needs.

Trunks

Trunks are large cuboidal containers meant to carry clothes and various other personal items purposefully. They were mainly used during long trips due to their ample trunk space. They have been in use for a few thousand years around the globe since medieval times.

There exists a variety of trunks, including;

• a steamer trunks
• soft trunks
• Saratoga trunks
• Hat trunks, among others

Initially, steamer trunks were very expensive. However, the influx of American-made steamer trunks into the market saw the production of affordable trunks to many. Numerous trunk maker manufacturers have existed in history. However, acquiring an authentic steamer trunk can prove hard to some.

Since they’ve existed for a long time and have been faced out of the market by the cheaper and smaller suitcases, most of them have become antique trunks collections.  Today, Antique Steamer Trunks can be found on sale on various online eCommerce platforms.

The Antique Steamer Trunk Value mainly depends on the antique steamer trunk’s size, rarity, style, and condition. It all narrows down to the price you are willing to pay. Smaller ones are quickly sold as compared to the large ones.

How do you measure baggage?

With the proper knowledge, measuring baggage can be done with ease. First, you have to find out the baggage policies and requirements with your specific airline. All airlines have size limits for carry-on and checked baggage. However, the size limits vary with the airline, route, and traveling first class, coach, or business class.

Some airlines publish their size restriction measurements for carrying suitcases by inches in height, width and depth. Others combine the above measurements giving a single dimension in linear inches. It is arrived at by the addition of your bag’s depth, width, and height. The maximum heights are usually specified in most cases.

Second, you have to determine the height of your baggage. Stand the bag upright and measure the height from the wheels to the handle (do not extend it!). This measurement is the most crucial aspect to look for before packing.

Third, determine the bag’s width by measuring the waist height. It is decided by measuring the widest points from side to side of the bag.

What is categorized as baggage?

Different airlines allow different types and sizes of baggage on airplanes. Some are free of charge, while for others, you have to pay baggage fees as per the airline’s baggage policy.

What are personal items?

Airlines consider personal items to be purses, backpacks, or small bags that fit under the passenger’s front seat. They do not attract any additional baggage fees. However, size requirements vary from airline to airline.

The standard size requirements are 10-14 inches in height, 6-9 inches in width, and 17-18.5 inches in length. Also, some airlines include weight restrictions on personal items.

Why Carry–On Baggage?

From the word itself, carry-on baggage refers to any luggage carried onto the airplane personally by a passenger. The baggage has to fit into the overhead bin with other personal items. It can be a backpack, suitcase or a duffel bag.

Most at times, they are 19-23 inches in length, 8-10 inches in width, and 13-15 inches in height. Some are usually free to have carry-ons and other personal items, but most airlines charge $10-$20 as baggage fees for the carry-on.

Due to the Carry-on luggage size limits, it is advisable not to overpack your carry-on since it will bulge and fail to fit in the overhead bin. Therefore, it will be taken as checked baggage by the airline personnel, for which you will have to pay. You will also not have access to it for the duration of the flight.

International airlines sometimes have smaller carry-on size limits compared to domestic airlines. Therefore, regularly check with your specific airline for updated rates. It will give you peace of mind before your long-awaited trip.

What are the benefits of Carry-On Baggage?

Risk

The probability of baggage loss and theft is greatly reduced as you are usually in possession of the baggage.

Baggagefees

Most major airlines give an allowance of a free carry-on bag that fits the overhead bins. The same case goes for personal items which have to fit under a passenger’s seat. It thus helps waive baggage fees cost on passengers. For more information, check on your airline’s website. 

Time

Carry-on baggage reduces waiting time for the baggage carousel in case of checked luggage. Also, fewer baggage details are required for its transport.  It is thus more convenient.

Weight

It is usually uncommon for airlines to put weight limits on carry-on bags.

What is Checked Baggage?

It is any baggage, larger suitcases, and items that are large enough not to be carried onto the airplane’s cabin. They include:

• Cardboard boxes
• Sporting equipment
• Weapons
• 40-lb suitcases

What are the available payment options?

There are a few available payment options for travel bags purchased. These include credit cards, payment in cash, etc. Credit card companies have made it easier for travelers to pay for goods or services. It is usually as simple as swiping it!

You can also acquire a credit card for travel purchases which can either be an annual fee card or a branded credit card for your convenience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, determining the right travel trunk size can be an uphill task for new travelers. Therefore, this article provides you with information on the size of travel trunks for your choice and the basic baggage size restrictions for airlines. 

Such information usually comes in handy when you are stranded on whether a certain suitcase or trunk meets an airline’s size and weight restrictions. Furthermore, the issue of whether your baggage will be carried on or checked in has been addressed at length.

Therefore, to get the best travel trunk size for your traveling needs, you have to follow the guidelines outlined above.

It is also advisable to regularly check the website for your preferred airline to ensure that you are up to date with their sizing restrictions, baggage policy, carrier weight limits, and weight restrictions and allowances.

In case of any queries, feel free to contact us in the comments section!

Picture in this post is by Oleksandr Baiev on Unsplash

All questions answered regarding the carry on luggage sizes when traveling in US or anywhere else in the world