Medium vs Large Checked Luggage

here’s a fine line between a suitcase that lets you fit everything you need without taking up too much space and one that’s way oversized for your needs. Luggage sizing is something we help our customers with every day, so we decided to compare medium vs large luggage in this guide.

We classify medium-sized luggage as a suitcase with roughly 60-75L of internal packing space, usually standing at 24-26 inches tall. These are great for weekend trips, solo travel, or minimalist packing for longer stays.

On the other hand, large suitcases are typically 27-30 inches tall with anywhere from 85-120L of packing space inside. They’re the smarter choice for international excursions, business/winter travel, or couples sharing a bag.

Size is just one thing to consider as you look to upgrade your luggage, though. You also need to account for features that help you fit more in less space, like compression systems. Think about materials and other features that elevate your trip as well.

Whatever you decide to go with between medium vs large checked luggage, your search ends here at Nobl Travel. We have the best selection of checked luggage crafted from unbreakable polycarbonate or aluminum, loaded with intuitive features to streamline your travel. Shop now!

“I just got back from a trip to Alaska, and I used my New NOBL carry-on & checked luggage. Both are Beautiful Blue….I got so many Compliments from my other fellow Travelers on how well crafted and easy to maneuver my luggage was.” - Julie

“I purchased the forest green set for an upcoming trip and cannot wait to use. Absolutely love the color, checked bag is surprisingly light, and the overall service was incredible. Can’t thank the team enough for being on top of their game at Nobl. Thank you!” - Kimberly

“I have the carry-on, large checked bag and just purchased the weekend bag, I love them! The weekend/overnite bag is amazingly spacious and perfect for a 2-3 night trip.” - Belinda

Quick Comparison of Medium vs Large Checked Luggage at Nobl Travel

Feature	Check-In Large All-in-One	Check-In Medium All-in-One
Price	$320	$325
Exterior Dimensions	30.5" x 20" x 12"	27" x 17.5" x 10"
Interior Dimensions	27.3" x 18.5" x 11"	23" x 15" x 8"
Weight	15.35 lbs	13.40 lbs
Capacity	99.1 L	55 L

What is Medium-Sized Luggage?

Medium-sized checked luggage typically measures between 24 and 26 inches in height and offers around 60 to 75 liters of internal capacity. This is a good size for travelers who want more space than carry-on luggage can offer, but don’t need the volume of an oversized case.

This is the perfect middle ground for many frequent flyers and occasional travelers. It fits easily in car trunks, glides smoothly through airports, and avoids the bulk that can make larger bags unwieldy. If you’re wondering what size luggage for a week trip would work, this is probably it.

It’s also a smart option for trips with multiple legs where mobility still matters. Medium luggage tends to avoid excess baggage fees more easily than large suitcases, especially when fully packed with heavier items like shoes or toiletries.

Not all medium suitcases are created equal, though. We’re commonly asked about the Away Luggage medium vs large suitcases, but Nobl Travel is the #1 Away luggage alternative. We help you maximize every inch of space with compression systems and smart storage features. 

What is Large-Sized Luggage?

Large checked luggage typically ranges from 27 to 30 inches tall and provides 85 to 120 liters of internal capacity. These suitcases are great for longer trips, shared packing, or situations where you simply need room to bring more, be it an extra pair of shoes or some sort of gear.

While it’s the most spacious standard option, it also requires more care when it comes to airline weight limits and baggage handling. The last thing you want is to get hit with an oversized baggage fee.

Still, this is often the only option for situations like two-week vacations, cold-weather getaways, and family trips where luggage is consolidated. They offer generous compartmentalization and room for organizational extras like packing cubes or compression systems.

Despite their size, a well-designed large suitcase should never feel cumbersome. That’s why Nobl Travel is the #1 choice for large luggage - it moves smoothly, with silent-glide wheels and ergonomic handles that make airport navigation feel effortless.

But is this the right size for your upcoming trip, or should you go with the other half of our medium vs large checked luggage comparison? Let’s take a closer look below!

Medium vs Large Luggage: What Size is Right For You?

Whether you’re looking for medium or large luggage, Nobl Travel has something for your next adventure. Shop the full selection and find the right fit today. Here are some more tips on choosing between medium vs large checked luggage. 

Trip Duration and Packing Habits

The easiest way to choose between medium vs large luggage is thinking about how long you’ll be away, because that dictates how much you need to pack. 

A medium-sized suitcase is more than enough for 4-7 day trips if you’re just packing basic outfits, a couple pairs of shoes, and the personal essentials. You might even be able to stretch these suitcases to a 10-day trip if you don’t mind doing laundry.

But a medium suitcase may not make sense - even for a 4-7 day trip - if you’re packing bulky winter clothing or a bunch of gear. This is to say that trip duration isn’t the end-all-be-all of suitcase sizing.

Maybe you want clothes for dinners, layers for unpredictable weather, or multiple shoes. The beauty of a large suitcase is you have more flexibility. These larger luggage sizes are a great choice for travelers who frequently embark on 7-14 day trips.

Airline Baggage Policies and Fees

It’s smart to consider not just what you can pack, but what it will cost to bring with you. We’ve talked a lot about the international luggage carry-on size and the carry-on luggage size chart here domestically, but what about weight limits?

Most airlines have a 50-pound weight limit for checked bags. A fully packed large suitcase, especially with heavy items like shoes or toiletries, can easily push past that threshold, triggering overweight fees.

On the other hand, a medium suitcase gives you more breathing room. They’re less likely to incur extra charges even when they’re full, so they’re the safer choice for travelers trying to stay within budget while checking a bag. It’s harder to overpack when you have more limited space!

Dimensions also matter, though. Some airlines have specific max sizes for checked luggage. Medium bags tend to stay well within those bounds, while large cases sometimes come close. It’s worth double-checking these guidelines if you’re flying internationally or on a budget carrier.

Storage, Handling, and Portability

Beyond the trip itself, think about how your suitcase fits into your life when considering medium vs large checked luggage. You’ll need to find a spot for it at home when you’re not on the road, after all.

A large suitcase takes up noticeably more space, whether it’s in a hotel room, a packed car trunk, or your closet. In contrast, a medium case is easier to manage and stow away.

For what it’s worth, we have great collapsible carry-on luggage and collapsible checked luggage that saves you a lot of room by breaking down from 10” to just 4” when not in use!

Handling is also a factor worth keeping in mind. Medium bags are lighter, easier to lift onto hotel racks or airport scales, and more agile in tight spaces. While a well-built large suitcase like ours at Nobl glides smoothly, there’s no getting around the extra bulk when lifting or carrying.

The bottom line is this: medium luggage is usually your best bet if you value minimalism, ease of movement, or simply want a case that won’t slow you down. Large suitcases give you more freedom if you’re the type to pack once and bring everything you might need.

Luggage size is just one piece of the puzzle, though.

More Things to Consider Besides Luggage Size

Size matters, but it’s not the whole story. A well-designed suitcase earns its place through the details - how it opens, moves, and performs in real travel scenarios. Here are some more things to consider, whether you’re considering Nobl Travel or Quince vs Away luggage.

Expandability and Compression Panels

An expandable suitcase gives you a little extra breathing room if you have a habit for returning with more than you left with. Just be mindful that expansion can bump your bag into overweight territory.

On the flip side, built-in compression panels help you pack more into less space, holding items flat and secure for better organization and less shifting in transit. This is the approach we take in our luggage here at Nobl Travel. 

Wheel and Handle Design

Not all wheels are equal, as we talk about so often. We actually took it upon ourselves to design and manufacture our own wheels for our luggage because nothing we could gain access to met our standards for durability and performance.

At any rate, we encourage you to look for 360° spinner wheels that roll smoothly and quietly across different surfaces. The handle is important as well. Dual-bar trolleys with adjustable height settings feel sturdier and don’t wobble under load.

Durability and Material Choices

Whether you prefer polycarbonate for its lightweight nature or you want the best aluminum luggage, materials matter. Which is right for you, though?

Polycarbonate shells strike a balance between weight and durability, especially when reinforced with aluminum corners or frames like ours here at Nobl Travel. Our aluminum luggage, on the other hand, is a bit heavier but comes with a whole lot more peace of mind.

Whatever you do, stay away from fabric suitcases. They may offer more flexibility or external pockets, but tend to show wear faster, and probably won’t protect your belongings inside if you ever travel with fragile items.

Invest in construction that’s built to withstand real-life baggage handling if you travel frequently or check your bag often. It’s worth it!

Other Unique Features

Little details can make a big impact: front laptop access, internal USB ports, water-resistant compartments, GPS tracker pockets, cup holders. These are the touches that elevate your experience. You may not realize you need them until you travel with them!

Find Any Size Luggage at Nobl Travel!

Whether you’re packing for a long-haul adventure or a short city break, Nobl Travel offers luggage that fits your lifestyle and your closet when not in use. Our hard shell luggage is designed to make your journeys a bit less stressful.

Those who prefer to travel light love our all-in-one carry-on luggage. It’s designed for maximum utility in a compact frame. But, we have an arsenal of checked bags with up to 100L in internal packing space, too.

Our suitcases have been called the #1 Monos alternative, Rimowa alternative, and even Tumi alternative. But don’t just take our word for it. Order yours today and discover how much better the right suitcase can make your next trip!

Closing Thoughts on Medium vs Large Checked Luggage

That does it for our medium vs large checked luggage comparison. Picking the right suitcase isn’t as simple as going with the biggest bag just because you can fit more in it. You need to find the luggage that fits how you actually travel.

Medium checked bags strike a balance for lighter packers, solo trips, or shorter getaways. Large suitcases bring extra capacity for long hauls, shared packing, or when you don’t want to leave anything behind.

Remember to take other details into consideration and always consider the brand you’re buying from. Whether you value minimalism or room to spare, you can place your order with peace of mind at Nobl Travel. 

Our suitcases are guaranteed for life and loaded with features that streamline real challenges you’ll encounter on trips. Upgrade your luggage and travel with intention from here on out!