International Travel Luggage Size: What is the Best Luggage Size for International Travel?

Traveling abroad comes with challenges and sources of stress that you just don’t experience domestically. From language barriers to culture shocks, there’s a lot to prepare for - but it all starts with understanding international travel luggage size restrictions.

So what is the best luggage size for international travel? It depends on whether you’re trying to pack a carry-on bag and rough it or you want to check a bag for a longer trip. Either way, there are strict guidelines your baggage needs to meet - both in terms of dimensions and weight.

The best advice we have to offer is to consult the specifications for the specific airline you’re traveling with. We’ve put together this intuitive chart detailing the appropriate size of luggage for international travel below:

Airline	Checked Bag Size (Linear Inches)	Checked Bag Weight Limit (Pounds)	Carry-on Size (Inches)	Carry-on Weight Limit (Pounds)
AeroMexico	62	55	21.5 x 15.7 x 10	22
Air Canada	62	50	21.5 x 15.7 x 9	--
Air France	62	50	46.5 total linear	26
Air New Zealand	62	50	22 x 14 x 9	15
Alitalia	62	40	21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9	17.6
All Nippon Airways	62	50	22 x 16 x 10	22
El Al Airlines	62	50	22 x 17.7 x 9.8	17.6
Iceland Air	62	50	15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9	22
Japan Airlines	80	40	22 x 16 x 10	22
KLM	62	50	21.5 x 13.5 x 10	26
Korean Air	62	50	21.7 x 15.7 x 7.9	25
Lufthansa	62	50	21.7 x 15.7 x 9	17.6
Norwegian Air	62	50	21.7 x 15.7 x 9	22
Philippine Airlines	62	50	22 x 14 x 9	15
Qantas Airways	62	50	22 x 14 x 9	15
Saudi Arabian Airways	62	50	62 total linear	15.4
Scandinavian Airlines	62	50	21.7 x 15.7 x 9	17.6
Singapore Airlines	62	55	45.3 total linear	15.4
Thai Airways	62	44	22 x 18 x 10	15
Virgin Atlantic	80	50	22 x 14 x 9	22

But no matter how or where you’re traveling, set yourself up for smooth, hassle-free travel with award-winning designs at Nobl Travel. Browse our carry-on luggage and checked luggage today and see what a difference it can make in your next journey!

What is the Best Luggage Size for International Travel?

There’s a fine line between underpacking and overpacking, and the stakes are high when you’re leaving the country and are going to be so far away from home for a week or longer. 

You don’t want to get stuck having to find a laundromat because you weren’t able to pack enough clothes for the duration of your trip. But you also want to avoid lugging super heavy bags around with you everywhere you go.

This is why finding the best international travel luggage size is not something you can take lightly. It can quite literally make or break your trip! Whether it’s for business or pleasure, you need to take the time to think carefully about what you’re going to pack.

Of course, you also need to make sure your checked luggage and carry-on bags align with the airline's specifications. This will save you the hassle of having to check your carry-on at the last minute or incurring oversize luggage fees. 

So what is the best size luggage for international travel? Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You might find it makes sense to have a few different sizes on hand so you can choose based on the specific trip you’re taking.

The length of your trip, your packing habits, and your airline’s restrictions all need to be taken into consideration. Here’s our advice on the best size luggage for international travel.

Best Checked Luggage Size for International Travel

Most flights restrict the checked luggage size for international travel to 62 linear inches, which is just the combined total of length, width, and height. Again, though, always confirm the details with your specific airliner. 

Weight limits will vary as well, but we see most economy passengers limited to 50 pounds (or 23 kg), whereas premium cabin travelers get a bit more cushion at up to 70 pounds (32 kg).

Here’s how your ideal luggage might shake out as far as size goes:

• Dimensions: Around 28-30 inches in height tends to be the sweet spot for maximizing space while staying within the 62-inch total.
• Capacity: A suitcase in the 90-110L range provides plenty of space for a two-week trip.
• Weight Considerations: Even if the suitcase can handle more weight, we suggest keeping it under 50 pounds not only to avoid extra fees but to prevent strain from lugging heavy bags throughout the airport or along your travels.

But as you might already realize, size is just one piece of the puzzle in picking the perfect luggage. Always invest in heavy-duty materials like polycarbonate hard shell luggage or aluminum checked luggage so rough handling doesn’t take a toll.

Collapsible checked luggage gives you more flexibility in what you can fit in limited space, too. Just be aware that they need to align with the international travel luggage size requirements when expanded.

Smooth-rolling wheels make your life easier when navigating airports, train stations, and cobblestone streets. So does a slow-release handle for carrying or stowing your bag. We have some great options in store for you at Nobl Travel.

Best Carry-on Luggage Size for International Travel

Now, what size luggage for international travel is best from a carry-on bag perspective? There are different size guidelines if you’re planning to bring a bag on the plane with you.

If you’re used to traveling domestically, be prepared for stricter requirements in both size and weight when flying internationally. Most airlines accept 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but others will impose slightly smaller dimensions. 

Another thing unique to international travel is the weight limits on carry-on luggage. This isn’t something you encounter too much domestically, but your carry-on needs to be somewhere between 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg) depending on who you’re flying with.

Trust us, you don’t want to go any heavier than that anyway since you’re going to have to be able to lift the bag up and down and carry it throughout the terminal! As far as capacity goes, 35-45L offers a nice balance between storage and portability. 

In looking for a new carry-on to streamline your upcoming travel day, we highly recommend going with zipperless security. This prevents break-ins along with the frustration of zippers getting caught or breaking.

Just like with your checked luggage, 360° wheels and easy-to-adjust handles will make your life so much easier as you’re navigating tight spaces, be it crowded aisles, busy terminals, or overhead bins. 

Since you’re probably going to use your carry-on throughout your travel day make sure it’s designed with intuitive organization in mind. Front laptop compartments, passport sleeves, and waterproof toiletry sections simplify security checks and mid-flight access.

Of course, materials still matter - albeit a bit less than with checked luggage that gets thrown around by luggage handlers. It’s still worth investing in aluminum carry-on luggage for this reason. 

From all-in-one carry-on luggage to collapsible carry-on luggage, there’s something for everyone at Nobl Travel. Our designs feature external USB charging so you don’t have to stress about finding an outlet, and they have TSA-approved locks for peace of mind.

Our carry-on luggage, like our checked luggage, is guaranteed for life, too. Find your new best friend for travel today!

What About Personal Items Like Backpacks?

Most international airlines also let you bring a personal item along with your carry-on, but this can only add complexity to the packing process. The rule of thumb is your backpack, briefcase, or tote bag needs to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

The international travel luggage size we’ve seen work for this scenario is 18 x 14 x 8 inches, but some airlines will allow up to 22 linear inches. You might have to deal with a weight cap depending on your airliner, which can be between 11-15 pounds (5-7 kg).

Your personal item is a great place to keep your passport, wallet, phone, and electronics if your carry-on is full or you just don’t want to deal with having to access it during the flight. Or, maybe you’re trying to avoid bringing a carry-on altogether!

In this case, you can keep all the essentials in your personal item: medications, an extra outfit, noise-canceling headphones, a reusable water bottle, a travel pillow - nothing is off limits (well, that’s not true…but you get the point!).

Understanding Luggage Weight Limits for International Travel

We’ve talked a little bit about international travel luggage weight limits already, but we want to touch on it once more because the last thing you want is to get hit with extra fees or get stuck lugging a super heavy bag around as you’re racing to meet connections.

Overweight baggage can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per bag, depending on the airline and destination (for what it’s worth, you might be paying in a different currency as well). But the expense is just one reason you want to keep luggage weight in check for international flights.

Heavy luggage is a nightmare in crowded airports, train stations, and city streets. Be smart about how you pack to make your travel day as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s something we can help you with here at Nobl Travel!

The Perfect Luggage Size for International Travel is a Click Away!

Don’t settle for less than the best in luggage for international travel. Our award-winning designs bring together security, convenience, and effortless mobility for any trip.

Our checked luggage is as durable as it gets, so you don’t have to worry about haphazard workers damaging your suitcase. Yet, it’s lightweight - with spacious storage to keep you within airline limits along your journey.

As for our carry-on luggage, you’ll love the efficient design we’ve come up with - TSA-approved locks, seamless organization, and a zipperless design for added security is going to make your next trip so much easier!

Whether you're packing for a long-haul adventure or a quick getaway, we’re here to help you smarter, travel lighter, and explore without limits. No matter where you’re headed, bring Nobl along for the ride!

Wrapping Up Our International Travel Luggage Size Guide

So, what size luggage for international travel is best? Hopefully, this international travel luggage size guide has left you feeling clear on what you should look for in your baggage. 

Remember, a 62-inch checked bag keeps you within most airline limits, while a 21.5-inch carry-on is perfect for a smooth boarding process and travel day. Just don’t forget about the weight limits!

It’s time to pack efficiently to avoid overweight fees and make travel more manageable. Take a look at our catalog here at Nobl Travel. Whether you prefer to pack light or need extra space for lengthy trips, there’s something for you that aligns with the luggage size for international travel!