Ever packed for a trip and found yourself wondering, "Is this suitcase too big?" or "Will this fit the airline’s baggage allowance?" You're not alone. When it comes to traveling smart, knowing the dimensions of your luggage—especially a large suitcase—can make or break your airport experience.

 A suitcase might look big, but its exact dimensions determine whether it gets checked or carried, if it meets airline restrictions, and how much you can pack without paying extra. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about large suitcase dimensions so you can travel with confidence and ease.

Whether you're preparing for a two-week vacation, a family trip, or relocating temporarily, a large suitcase often becomes your best companion. But the tricky part?

Not all “large” suitcases are created equal. Different brands, countries, and airlines have different interpretations of “large,” and if you’re not careful, a few inches here or there can cost you big at the check-in counter.

So, if you're trying to figure out just how big a large suitcase really is—or whether that one in your closet qualifies—keep reading. We’ve got you covered with a full breakdown of dimensions, volume, weight, comparisons, and more.

Understanding Suitcase Sizes

Why Suitcase Size Matters

Let’s face it: choosing the right suitcase isn’t just about color or style. It’s about practicality. The size of your luggage affects everything—from how much you can pack to whether you’ll be charged extra at the airport.

When your suitcase is too small, you risk leaving essentials behind. Too big? You might exceed weight limits or even find it awkward to transport.

Airlines are becoming stricter with size regulations, so understanding suitcase sizing is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Not to mention, different trip lengths require different capacities. A weekend getaway isn’t the same as a three-week international tour, right? Suitcase sizes help you match your luggage to your travel needs, preventing headaches (and fees) at the airport.

Common Size Classifications

Luggage generally falls into three main categories:

• Carry-On (Small): Usually 18–22 inches tall, fits in overhead compartments.

• Medium: Around 23–26 inches tall, for 3–5 day trips.

• Large: Typically 27–32 inches tall, for longer journeys or family packing.

Now, we’re focusing on the last one—large suitcases—because that’s where things start getting complex, especially with international vs. domestic standards.

What Defines a “Large” Suitcase?

Standard Large Suitcase Dimensions

While there’s no universal rule, most travel experts and luggage brands agree on a general range. A large suitcase typically measures between 27 and 32 inches in height, not including wheels or handles.

Here’s a standard size range:

• Height: 27–32 inches (68.5–81 cm)

• Width: 18–22 inches (45–56 cm)

• Depth: 10–14 inches (25–35.5 cm)

These measurements might vary slightly by brand or design (especially if the bag expands), but if your suitcase falls in this bracket, it’s considered large.

Volume Capacity in Liters

Volume gives you an idea of how much stuff you can actually pack. A large suitcase generally has a volume capacity of:

• 90–120 liters, sometimes more with expandable zippers.

This means you can easily fit 10–14 days' worth of clothing, multiple pairs of shoes, toiletries, and even souvenirs.

Large Suitcase vs. Medium Suitcase: Key Differences

Size Comparison Table

Best Uses for Each Size

• Medium: Great for solo travelers or business trips. Easy to maneuver and fits well in most cars or trains.

• Large: Ideal for long vacations, family packing, or trips that require heavy packing like ski gear or wedding attire.

Choosing between them depends on your trip length, airline restrictions, and how much you like to pack. Some people travel light, others like options.

Typical Large Suitcase Dimensions by Brand

 

When shopping for a large suitcase, the size and capacity can vary quite a bit by brand. Different luggage companies measure and design their bags with unique priorities—whether it's capacity, style, durability, or price.

Here’s how some of the most popular brands, including Lyvoi, stack up when it comes to large suitcase dimensions.

Lyvoi

• Dimensions: 30” x 21” x 13” (76.2 x 53.3 x 33 cm)

• Capacity: Approximately 115–125 liters

• Weight (empty): Around 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg)

Lyvoi is a newer but fast-growing brand known for combining affordability with functionality and modern aesthetics. Their large suitcases often include:

• Expandable zippers for added flexibility

• Durable polycarbonate shells for long-lasting protection

• Integrated TSA locks

• 360° spinner wheels for smooth navigation

Samsonite

Samsonite, a household name in the luggage industry, typically offers large suitcases in the 28" to 32" range. Their most popular large suitcase size is:

• Dimensions: 30” x 20.5” x 12.75” (76.2 x 52 x 32.4 cm)

• Capacity: Up to 120 liters

• Weight (empty): Around 11 lbs (5 kg)

Samsonite’s models often come with expandable zippers and durable polycarbonate shells, making them suitable for long-distance or international travel.

American Tourister

Owned by Samsonite, American Tourister focuses more on style and affordability. Their large suitcases usually fall in the:

• Dimensions: 29.5” x 20” x 13” (75 x 51 x 33 cm)

• Capacity: Around 110–115 liters

• Weight (empty): 9–11 lbs (4–5 kg)

These are excellent for family vacations or longer trips where you need room for extra gear.

Travelpro

Popular among frequent flyers and professionals, Travelpro offers high-end luggage with advanced wheels and handles. A typical large suitcase from Travelpro looks like:

• Dimensions: 29” x 20.5” x 12.75” (73.6 x 52 x 32.4 cm)

• Capacity: 100–115 liters

• Weight (empty): 10 lbs (4.5 kg)

These bags are known for being lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Away

The trendy brand “Away” is known for minimalist, tech-friendly luggage. Their Large suitcase features:

• Dimensions: 29” x 20.5” x 12.5” (73.6 x 52 x 31.8 cm)

• Capacity: 99.2 liters

• Weight (empty): 11.6 lbs (5.3 kg)

While slightly less spacious than others, Away prioritizes sleek design and user-friendly features, like built-in USB chargers and interior compression systems.

Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage Rules

Why Large Suitcases Aren’t Carry-On Compatible

Let’s get this out of the way: a large suitcase will never qualify as a carry-on. The typical airline carry-on limit is:

• 22” x 14” x 9” (56 x 36 x 23 cm)

Large suitcases, being 27” to 32” tall, are simply too big. If you try to board with one, it’s either getting checked at the gate or denied entirely.

Trying to squeeze a large suitcase into an overhead bin is like stuffing a watermelon into a coffee mug—it’s not happening.

Airline Size Restrictions for Checked Bags

Most airlines allow checked luggage to be:

• Max linear dimensions: 62 inches (157 cm)
  (Height + Width + Depth)

Anything beyond this is considered oversized, and that means extra fees—sometimes $100 or more.

Example:
If your suitcase measures:

• 30” (H) + 20” (W) + 12” (D) = 62” Total

You’re just within the limit. Go over by even an inch or two, and you might be paying more.

Each airline varies slightly. For example:

• Delta, United, American Airlines: Max 62 linear inches, 50 lbs

• Ryanair, EasyJet: Strict limits, sometimes under 44 lbs

• International Flights: Some allow up to 70 lbs for business class

Always check with your airline before you fly.

Dimensions of Large Suitcases in Inches and cm

Height, Width, and Depth Explained

Large suitcase dimensions are measured in three parts:

1. Height: From the bottom of the wheels to the top of the handle

2. Width: Side-to-side (when standing upright)

3. Depth: Front-to-back (how deep it is when you open it)

Typical dimensions:

• Inches: 30” H x 20” W x 12” D

• Centimeters: 76 cm H x 51 cm W x 30.5 cm D

But these numbers may not include wheels or handles—so always measure total dimensions, not just the packing space.

Converting Inches to Centimeters

To convert:

• 1 inch = 2.54 cm

So:

• 30” = 76.2 cm

• 20” = 50.8 cm

• 12” = 30.5 cm

Pro tip: When shopping internationally or flying abroad, metric measurements might be listed first.

Weight Limits for Large Suitcases

Average Weight of an Empty Large Suitcase

Most large suitcases weigh between 9 to 12 lbs (4–5.5 kg) when empty. Hard shell suitcases tend to be heavier, especially those with built-in tech or double zippers.

Airline Weight Allowances

Typical weight limits for checked bags:

• Economy Class: 50 lbs (23 kg)

• Business/First Class: 70 lbs (32 kg)

• Overweight fees: $50–$200 depending on airline

If your packed large suitcase tips the scale at 51 lbs, be ready to either pay up or remove some items on the spot. Packing a portable luggage scale helps avoid surprises.

What Can You Fit in a Large Suitcase?

Ever played suitcase Tetris? With a large suitcase, you’ve got space to spare.

Packing for 1–2 Weeks

Here’s what you can typically fit in a 100+ liter suitcase:

• 10–15 shirts/tops

• 5–7 pants/shorts

• 2–3 jackets

• 4–5 pairs of shoes

• Toiletry kit

• Hairdryer or styling tools

• Souvenirs and shopping

Whether you’re traveling for a two-week European tour or bringing clothes for two people in one bag, a large suitcase gives you flexibility.

Ideal for Family Travel

Many families share one large suitcase for all the kids’ clothes, saving money on checked bag fees. Pro tip? Use packing cubes to separate each person’s items inside one big case.

Expandable Large Suitcases: What to Know

Expandable luggage can be a total game-changer—especially when you return from your trip with more than you left with (souvenir hoarders, I see you!). But what exactly does "expandable" mean in the context of a large suitcase?

Expandable Zippers

Most large suitcases now come with a hidden zipper that, when unzipped, adds 1.5 to 2 inches (4–5 cm) of extra depth. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can give you 10 to 15 extra liters of space—which is basically an entire packing cube’s worth.

This feature is perfect for:

• Shopaholics who always come back with more than they planned.

• Multi-destination travelers who need flexibility for different climates.

• Families packing multiple people’s clothing in one bag.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extra space when you need it.

• Doesn’t add much weight.

• Can save you from needing a second suitcase.

Cons:

• May exceed airline size limits if expanded too much.

• The extra volume can tempt you to overpack, leading to weight overages.

• Expanded suitcases can be harder to zip shut or maneuver.

Expandable features are great, but you’ve got to use them wisely—don’t fall into the trap of packing “just one more thing” until your bag explodes at the seams or racks up excess baggage fees.

Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Large Suitcases

If you’ve been staring at a row of large suitcases wondering if you should go hard shell or soft shell—welcome to the most common luggage dilemma. Both have their advantages, but they definitely impact size, weight, and packing flexibility.

Durability

• Hard Shell: Made from polycarbonate, ABS, or aluminum, these cases offer superior protection against impact, making them ideal for air travel.

• Soft Shell: Typically made from durable nylon or polyester, soft shells offer more give and are often better for squeezing into tight spaces.

Weight and Flexibility

• Hard Shells: Generally heavier but more protective.

• Soft Shells: Lighter and often come with external pockets for easy access.

Want to pack bulky items like hiking boots or a winter coat? A soft shell might help you squeeze them in. Prefer a sleek, protective case with a built-in lock? Go hard shell.

Ultimately, your choice comes down to personal preference, how rough your journey will be, and whether you prioritize structure or flexibility.

Best Materials for Large Suitcases

Material plays a big role in not just how a suitcase looks but how it performs—and yes, it can impact the external dimensions too.

Polycarbonate vs. Fabric

• Polycarbonate (Hard Shell):

  • Lightweight and impact-resistant

  • Tends to maintain shape better

  • Often scratch-resistant

  • Adds a bit more bulk (around 1–2 inches more in total size)

• Nylon/Polyester (Soft Shell):

  • More flexible and expandable

  • Slightly lighter

  • Easier to stuff in tight car trunks or overhead bins (when medium-sized)

  • More vulnerable to tearing or weather

Impact on Dimensions

Because hard-shell suitcases can’t expand or compress, their listed dimensions are pretty much their fixed dimensions. In contrast, soft shells might start smaller but can stretch to fit more—sometimes by a surprising amount.

When measuring for airline requirements, always include handles and wheels, especially with hard-shells, which tend to have larger spinner wheels.

Wheeled Suitcase Dimensions

Ever buy a suitcase that claimed to be 28 inches, only to find out it’s 30 when you include the wheels? Yep, those sneaky little spinners can make a big difference.

How Wheels Affect Overall Size

• Spinner Suitcases: Have 4 wheels that rotate 360°, adding 2–3 inches in total height.

• Roller Suitcases: Have 2 inline wheels, which are often embedded and add less to the height.

Airlines do include wheels in total size measurements. So if your large suitcase is listed at 30 inches, but with wheels it's 32—your bag might technically be oversized.

Spinner vs. Roller

Spinner:

• Easier to maneuver, especially in airports.

• Add more to dimensions.

• Can be less stable on rough terrain.

Roller:

• Better for uneven surfaces.

• More compact.

• Requires tilting to roll, which some find annoying.

Choose wisely based on where you’re headed—urban travel often favors spinners, while rugged terrain needs the rollers.

How to Measure Your Large Suitcase

Think your suitcase is within airline limits? Don’t assume—measure it yourself.

Tools You Need

• A soft measuring tape (tailor’s tape)

• Flat surface

• Pen and paper to note results

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Place suitcase upright on a flat floor.

2. Measure height from the ground to the highest point (include wheels and handles).

3. Measure width across the front face, side-to-side.

4. Measure depth front-to-back, including zippers or front pockets.

5. Add up all three to get linear inches (Height + Width + Depth).

Example:

• Height: 30”

• Width: 20”

• Depth: 12”

• Total Linear Dimensions: 62”

That’s the magic number most airlines use as the upper limit. If you’re over 62”, expect extra fees unless you’re flying business or first class.

Choosing the Right Large Suitcase for Your Needs

Not all large suitcases are made equal—and not all trips need one. Before you buy or pack yours, ask yourself a few questions:

Travel Purpose

• Business trip: Look for lightweight hard shells with compartments.

• Family vacation: Opt for a soft shell with expandable zippers.

• International travel: Make sure the suitcase is under 62 linear inches to avoid fees.

Storage vs. Portability

• Need to store it at home? Some soft shells compress better.

• Need easy airport maneuvering? Go for a spinner.

Also consider:

• Warranty: Brands like Samsonite and Away offer lifetime warranties.

• Interior layout: Some suitcases have better compartments and compression straps than others.

• Security features: TSA-approved locks are a must for checked bags.

A little research goes a long way. Choose the one that checks all your boxes—literally.

Conclusion

So, what are the dimensions of a large suitcase? While there’s no single size that fits all, you can expect most large suitcases to fall within the range of 27 to 32 inches tall, with widths between 18–22 inches and depths of 10–14 inches. In total, that gives you up to 120 liters of packing capacity—plenty of room for two weeks of travel, family trips, or even relocation essentials.

But it’s not just about inches and liters. It’s about choosing the right bag for your travel style, understanding airline rules, and packing smart to avoid headaches. Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or planning a road trip, your large suitcase should be your trusty sidekick—not a source of stress.

Take the time to measure, compare, and choose wisely. Your future jet-lagged self will thank you at baggage claim.

FAQs About Large Suitcase

1. What is considered a large suitcase?

A suitcase with a height of 27 to 32 inches, and total linear dimensions of up to 62 inches, is considered large. It typically holds 90–120 liters of volume and is ideal for extended travel.

2. Can a large suitcase be used as carry-on?

No. Large suitcases exceed airline carry-on size limits and must be checked. Carry-ons are usually 22” x 14” x 9” or smaller.

3. What are the weight limits for a large suitcase?

Most airlines allow up to 50 lbs (23 kg) for economy and 70 lbs (32 kg) for premium tickets. Exceeding this incurs additional fees.

4. How many outfits fit in a large suitcase?

A large suitcase can fit approximately 10–15 outfits, 2–3 pairs of shoes, and personal items—perfect for a 1–2 week trip.

5. What size is best for a 2-week vacation?

A 28–30 inch large suitcase is ideal for a 2-week vacation, offering enough space without crossing into oversize territory for most airlines.