What Are Linear Inches
Linear inches is the total of a bag’s height + width + depth added together — the single number US airlines use to enforce size limits.
A bag that measures 27″ + 21″ + 14″ equals 62 linear inches — the maximum most US carriers allow for checked baggage.
External vs. Internal Dimensions
External dimensions include every protrusion — the spinner wheels, the top grab handle, and any reinforced corners on the shell.
That means a suitcase listed as 29″ tall externally may only offer 26″–27″ of internal packing height once the frame is accounted for.
All Sizes at a Glance (2026)
Use this luggage size chart as your quick reference before buying or packing — it covers every category from personal items to trunk-size checked bags.
| Size | Height (in) | Width (in) | Depth (in) | Linear In. | Capacity (L) |
| Personal Item | 17–18″ | 10–11″ | 7–8″ | ~36″ | 15–20L |
| Carry-On (Compact) | 18–20″ | 12–14″ | 7–9″ | ~40–43″ | 25–35L |
| Carry-On (Standard) | 21–22″ | 14″ | 9″ | ~45″ | 35–45L |
| Medium Checked | 24–25″ | 17–18″ | 10–11″ | ~51–54″ | 55–70L |
| Large Checked | 27–29″ | 19–21″ | 11–13″ | ~57–63″ | 75–100L |
| Extra-Large / Trunk | 30–32″ | 21–22″ | 13–14″ | ~65–68″ | 100–130L |
Important: Most US airlines enforce a 45 linear inch carry-on limit and a 62 linear inch limit for checked bags — always verify with your specific carrier.
Carry-On Luggage Size
The standard US carry-on size is 22″ × 14″ × 9″, which equals exactly 45 linear inches — the limit enforced by most major American airlines.
Carry-on bags typically hold between 35 and 45 liters of packing space — enough for a 3–5 day trip if you pack efficiently.
18″–20″ Compact Carry-On
The 18″–20″ compact carry-on is the go-to size for international travel, where overhead bin space tends to be tighter and airline rules are stricter.
This compact carry-on fits roughly 25–35 liters of gear — ideal for a 1–3 day trip or as a personal item upgrade on budget carriers.
21″–22″ Standard Carry-On
The 21″–22″ standard carry-on is the best-selling suitcase size in the US — it fits the overhead bins of virtually every domestic commercial aircraft.
This standard carry-on holds up to 45 liters and is ideal for 3–5 day business trips or weekend getaways where you want to skip baggage claim entirely.
Carry-On Weight Limits by Major US Airlines (2026)
Most major US domestic carriers — Delta, United, American — do not publish a carry-on weight limit for domestic flights.
However, international airlines frequently enforce carry-on weight caps between 15–26 lbs — always check before any overseas flight.
Medium Suitcase Size
The medium suitcase sits in the sweet spot between cabin convenience and full packing freedom — it checks as luggage without being overly bulky.
Medium checked bags generally run 24″–25″ tall and hold 55–70 liters — comfortably fitting a full week’s worth of clothes and shoes.
23″–24″ Small Checked: A Lighter Option for 3–5 Day Trips
The 23″–24″ small checked suitcase is a popular choice for travelers who need to check a bag but want something manageable and lightweight.
This small checked size fits 2–3 outfits, a pair of shoes, and a toiletry kit — and weighs well under 50 lbs even when fully packed.
25″–27″ Medium Checked: The Most Popular Checked Size
The 25″–27″ medium checked suitcase is the highest-selling checked luggage size in the United States, according to luggage industry retail data.
This medium checked bag fits 5–7 outfits, 2 pairs of shoes, a jacket, and a full toiletry kit — making it the right pick for 5–7 day trips.
Large Suitcase Size
A large suitcase is designed specifically for checked baggage — it is too tall to fit in any overhead bin and is built for longer journeys.
Large suitcases typically stand 27″–29″ tall and hold 75–100 liters — enough for 10+ outfits, bulky footwear, and full-size toiletries.
Large vs. Extra-Large (Trunk): Is Bigger Always Better?
A large checked suitcase (27″–29″) stays within the 62 linear inch airline limit on most US carriers — an extra-large trunk often does not.
Extra-large trunks (30″–32″) can exceed 65+ linear inches and may trigger an oversize fee of $100–$200 per bag, on top of standard checked bag charges.
How to Avoid Oversize & Overweight Fees on Large Bags
The single best way to avoid oversize fees is to confirm your large suitcase stays at or under 62 linear inches before you leave for the airport.
Choose a lightweight hard-shell large suitcase — models like the Samsonite Omni PC weigh as little as 7.5 lbs, leaving you more room within the 50 lb weight limit.
Suitcase Weight Limits (2026)
Every major US airline sets a 50 lb (23 kg) weight limit per checked bag — go over that and you’ll pay an overweight fee, often $100 or more.
The suitcase itself counts toward that limit — a 6 lb bag leaves you only 44 lbs of packing room, while a 3.5 lb lightweight case gives you 46.5 lbs.
Checked Baggage Weight Limits by Major US Airline (2026 Chart)
| Airline | Carry-On Limit | Checked Limit | Weight Limit |
| Delta | 22″×14″×9″ | 62 linear in. | 50 lbs |
| United Airlines | 22″×14″×9″ | 62 linear in. | 50 lbs |
| American Airlines | 22″×14″×9″ | 62 linear in. | 50 lbs |
| Southwest | 24″×16″×10″ | 62 linear in. | 50 lbs |
| Spirit Airlines | 22″×18″×10″ | 62 linear in. | 40 lbs |
Spirit Airlines is notably stricter with a 40 lb checked bag weight limit — 10 lbs less than most major carriers, so packing light matters even more on budget flights.
Question’s
What is the standard carry-on size for US airlines?
The standard carry-on size for US domestic airlines is 22″ × 14″ × 9″ — that equals 45 linear inches, the maximum most major carriers allow.
What does 62 linear inches mean for luggage?
62 linear inches means your bag’s height + width + depth adds up to no more than 62 inches total — the standard maximum checked bag size on most US airlines.
What size suitcase is best for a 2-week trip?
A large suitcase measuring 27″–29″ with 75–100 liters of capacity is the right pick for a 2-week trip — it gives you room for clothing, shoes, and bulky items.
How many liters is a standard checked bag?
A standard medium checked bag holds 55–70 liters; a large checked bag typically holds 75–100 liters. Personal item and carry-on bags run 15–45 liters.
Can a 28-inch suitcase be a carry-on?
No — a 28″ suitcase is far too large to be a carry-on. It must be checked as baggage. Standard carry-on bags top out at 22″ in height.
What is the maximum weight for a checked bag in the US?
Most US airlines set the checked bag weight limit at 50 lbs (23 kg). Bags between 51–70 lbs trigger an overweight fee, typically $100 or more per bag.
Is a 25-inch or 27-inch suitcase better for a week trip?
A 25″ suitcase works perfectly for a 5–7 day trip for moderate packers. Step up to a 27″ only if you pack heavy or are traveling with bulky gear like hiking boots or coats.