Menu
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-awaited international holiday, your suitcase can make or break the experience. Choosing the right luggage isn’t just about style—it’s about function, convenience, and ensuring everything fits without a struggle. With so many luggage size options and travel needs to consider, it’s important to understand what type of suitcase suits your journey best. This guide breaks down the different luggage sizes and features, and highlights top picks from Leekes to help you travel smarter.
Choosing the right luggage size is key to stress-free travel, whether you’re heading out on a weekend city break or a month-long international adventure. Luggage generally comes in four main size categories:
Under seat suitcases: Compact and designed to fit beneath most airline seats, like the Aerolite EasyJet hard shell under seat suitcase. Ideal for ultra-light travel or as an additional piece to your cabin luggage.
Cabin luggage: Perfect for short breaks or as carry-on baggage. A great example is the Aerolite Canterbury small suitcase — lightweight, durable, and designed to meet most airline cabin restrictions.
Medium luggage: Ideal for week-long holidays. Consider the Rock Luggage Santiago medium hardshell suitcase, which combines generous storage with durable design and easy manoeuvrability.
Large luggage: Best for extended trips of three weeks or more. The Highbury Luggage Burano large suitcase offers ample packing space, 360° spinner wheels, and a hard-shell exterior for added protection.
When deciding which suitcase to buy, consider how much you need to pack. If you’re often returning with souvenirs or extras, a slightly larger suitcase gives you that added flexibility. Weight also matters — not just what you pack, but how much the case itself weighs. Lightweight cases with four spinner wheels make for easy manoeuvrability, especially in airports or train stations.
Here are a few practical packing considerations:
Volume: A roomier suitcase makes it easier to stay organised and avoid overpacking.
Weight: The lighter the suitcase itself, the more you can pack without hitting airline limits.
Fragility: Use a hard-sided suitcase for delicate items or breakables.
Security: Choose suitcases with integrated TSA-approved locks or built-in padlocks for added peace of mind.
Your mode of travel can also influence your choice. If you’re driving, you aren’t limited by airline restrictions, so you can go for the size and style that best suits your needs. Air travel is more specific: for cabin luggage, each airline has its own size and weight restrictions, so it’s wise to double-check before you pack. If checking in luggage, larger or expandable suitcases work well, provided you keep them under the airline’s weight limit. For train or bus travel, spinner wheels are helpful on smooth surfaces, but you might want something soft-sided for easier storage in tighter compartments.
Leekes offers a wide range of options to suit every travel style and trip length. For example, the Rock Luggage Santiago large and medium suitcases are hardshell, stylish, and tough enough to protect your belongings wherever your travels take you. The Aerolite Canterbury small cabin suitcase is a fantastic cabin-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on style or durability.
To quickly assess what size is best for you, consider the length of your trip, how much you plan to bring, and whether your items require special handling:
Weekend trips or light packing: Cabin or under seat luggage should be enough.
5 to 7-day vacations: Go for a medium suitcase.
Extended travel (3+ weeks): Choose a large suitcase with more capacity.
Manoeuvrability: Prioritise four-wheel spinners for easy movement.
Material: Use hard cases for fragile contents; soft cases for flexibility and lighter loads.
Whether you’re packing light or planning to bring home plenty of souvenirs, the right suitcase makes all the difference. A well-chosen bag can help you stay organised, meet travel regulations, and avoid unnecessary stress—so your trip starts (and ends) on the right foot. Browse our website for our full luggage range.
Disclaimer: Please visit your airliner provider‘s website for the most up to date and accurate information regarding luggage allowances.
The Leekes blog is full of lifestyle advice, the latest trends and home inspiration and it’s where you can discover our latest news about events in store. Read more here.
Keep up to date with our latest news and events on socials too with Facebook, Instagram and X.
Posted by Leekes on June 25, 2025 in Lifestyle advice and Seasonal
