Suitcase size for hand luggage - which one to choose so as not to overpay?
It doesn’t matter whether a person is going on a trip for the first time or the hundred and first. There is a question that always remains relevant: what size should a suitcase be for carry-on luggage? Unfortunately, there is no definite answer to this - it all depends on the flight and the specific airline.
Dimensions of rolling suitcases and carry-on bags
There are no uniform standards - each airline sets its own requirements regarding the size and weight of hand luggage. They depend on the design of the aircraft and the conditions under which the flight is operated (low-cost airlines, as a rule, allow you to take a minimum of things into the cabin).
The table shows the allowable sizes of hand luggage for the main Russian air carriers:
| Airline | Hand luggage size requirements | Additional terms | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy class, number of seats/luggage weight (kg) | Business class, number of pieces/weight of luggage (kg) | ||
| Azur Air | 55×40×20 cm | 1/5 | 1/10 |
| Aeroflot | 55×40×25 cm | 1/10 | 1/15 |
| "Victory" | 36×30×27 cm | There are no restrictions on the weight and number of items, but everything that a passenger takes into the cabin must be placed in the meter at the same time. | |
| Red Wings | 40×30×20 cm for the “Light” tariff, 55×40×20 cm for the rest | Passengers who have chosen the basic fare will be able to carry 10 kg of luggage in hand luggage. The rest are allowed to take no more than 5 kg. In some areas these standards may be increased or decreased. | |
| "Russia" | 55×40×25 cm | 1/5 (for flights FV5501-5949), 1/10 (for flights SU 6001-6999) | 1/15 |
| Royal Flight | 55×40×20 cm | 1/5 | 1/10 |
| Nordwind Airlines | 55×40×20 cm | 1/5 (if tickets were purchased before 01/13/2020). When purchasing tickets after the mentioned date - 1/8 | 2/10 (if tickets were purchased before 01/13/2020). When purchasing tickets after the mentioned date - 2/16 |
| Severstal | 55×40×20 cm | 1/5 | |
| S7 Airlines | 55×40×23 cm | 1/10 | 1/15 |
| "Smartavia" | 55×40×20 cm (for tariffs of the “Basic” and “Standard” groups), 40×30×20 cm (for tariffs of the “Light” group) | 1/10 (for the “Basic” tariff), 1/5 (for the “Standard” and “Lite” tariffs) | |
| "Ural Airlines" | 55×40×20 cm for regular tariffs and 40×30×20 cm for low-cost tariffs | 1/5 | 2/15 (total) |
| Utair | 40x30x20 cm for all tariffs. 55x40x25 cm - dimensions of additional hand luggage | 1/5 (in Premium Economy - 2/5+10) | 2/5+10 |
Data is current as of March 2020. Carriers may change baggage rules, so before purchasing tickets, check the information on the official websites of the airlines.
The best suitcases for carry-on luggage
If you are going to buy a suitcase with wheels, take a closer look at these models. They are popular and have earned a good reputation among travelers.
American Tourister - Lite Ray
Super light, durable and beautiful suitcase from a world famous manufacturer. Its dimensions are 40(w)×55(h)×20(d) cm, while its weight is only 1600 g and its volume is 42 liters.
Features of this model:
- 4 double wheels;
- integrated combination lock;
- 5 colors to choose from;
- top and side handles + telescopic retractable handle.
Samsonite - Base Boost
A suitcase that fits under the seat and is suitable for flying on low-cost flights. It is covered by the manufacturer's warranty for five years.Dimensions - 35 (w) × 45 (h) × 18 (d) cm, weight - 1700 g, capacity - 26 liters.
Its features:
- presence of an address tag;
- “smart” loop for fixation;
- front pocket with zipper;
- two wheels.
L'case - Krabi-18
Suitcase from a Russian manufacturer. High-quality and reliable, stylish - all this at a minimal price. Dimensions - 34 (w) × 53 (h) × 20 (d) cm, weight - 2000 g, internal volume - 30 l.
Distinctive features:
- removable wheels;
- flexible, impact-resistant plastic housing;
- built-in combination lock;
- mesh pocket with zipper inside.
Wenger - Sion size S
A reputable Swiss company has developed a suitcase for those who value order and convenience most of all. Sion size S has the following dimensions - 37 (w) × 60 (h) × 22 (d), weight - 3800 g, capacity - 35 liters.
Features of this suitcase:
- variable volume;
- four strong wheels;
- a huge number of pockets and compartments;
- additional handle that allows two people to carry luggage.
Fabretti - TR19120-020-6
Stylish suitcase from an Italian brand. Suitable for women and men for business and tourist trips. Dimensions - 37 (w) × 54 (h) × 24 (d), weight - 2800, volume - as much as 47 liters!
Peculiarities:
- waterproof;
- four double wheels that rotate in any direction;
- There is a partition and straps inside;
- combination lock with TSA function.
If you often travel using the services of different air carriers, it is worth having not just one “universal” suitcase, but several that differ in size. This way, you won’t have to sacrifice 3–5 kilograms of luggage, which you could take into the cabin if you had a larger suitcase, or overpay for transportation if you find yourself overweight.