Suitcase Guide – Everything about Suitcase Sizes, Hand Luggage, Materials and Buying Advice
The right suitcase means more comfort, more security and more relaxed travel. But with such a wide choice of hardshell suitcases, soft luggage, cabin suitcases and different materials, the decision is often difficult. That's why we've summarised the most important questions about suitcases in our guide.
In our comprehensive suitcase guide, you'll find all the key information on suitcase sizes, hand luggage rules, materials, buying advice and current suitcase tests. This way you can quickly find the right suitcase for your next holiday, business trip or long-haul journey.
Suitcase Sizes – Which size suits which trip?
The right suitcase size depends mainly on the length of your trip, your destination and how much you're taking. While cabin suitcases are ideal for short trips, large suitcases are particularly suitable for long holidays or family trips. You'll find more useful information in our guide to suitcase sizes.
Important hand luggage rules – what do I need to know?
- Typical dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm
- Weight usually between 6 kg and 10 kg
- Liquids only allowed up to 100 ml
- Power banks belong in your hand luggage
A lightweight cabin suitcase with 4 wheels and a TSA lock is ideal for flights and short trips.
Find out more about the current hand luggage rules here!
Suitcase Materials – Which material is best?
The material affects a suitcase's stability, weight and durability. Modern suitcases are usually made of polycarbonate, polypropylene, ABS, aluminium or flexible fabrics.
Popular materials for hardshell suitcases – what is the difference between ABS and polycarbonate?
- Polycarbonate: flexible and particularly robust
- Polypropylene: extremely resilient
- ABS: affordable and lightweight
- Aluminium: premium protection and a stylish look
Materials for soft luggage – all the key information at a glance
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Recycled PET
Particularly high-quality hardshell suitcases combine low weight with high stability.
You'll find more detailed information in our material guide!
Suitcase Buying Advice – What should you look out for?
When buying a suitcase, it's not just size and material that matter. Wheel quality, weight, interior layout and security also affect travel comfort. We've summarised everything useful about buying a suitcase here and explain which suitcase suits which trip!
Key buying criteria for suitcases
- Robust and quiet wheels
- High-quality telescopic handle
- Low weight
- Sturdy material
- TSA lock for air travel
- Practical interior layout
Frequent flyers often choose robust hardshell suitcases made of polycarbonate or polypropylene, while business travellers often prefer flexible softside suitcases.
You'll find more information on buying a suitcase or trolley here:
Hardshell or soft luggage? The question of all questions!
Whether a hardshell suitcase or soft luggage is the better choice depends on how you travel. Here we look at the pros and cons of hardshell trolleys and softside suitcases. Which suitcase actually suits my travel style?
Hardshell or soft luggage – which is right for me? Find out here!
Suitcase Tests – Which suitcases impress?
In independent suitcase tests, suitcases are checked for stability, wheel quality, workmanship and everyday practicality. You'll find out which tests are meaningful, along with plenty more information, in our guide to suitcase test reports.
Find out what really matters here.
Conclusion – The perfect suitcase for every trip
Whether it's suitcase size, hand luggage rules, choice of material or buying advice – choosing the right suitcase depends on many factors.
If you pay attention to high-quality materials, robust wheels and the right size, you'll travel more comfortably and in a more relaxed way. With the right suitcase, every trip becomes much more enjoyable – whether it's a short break, a business trip or a long-haul holiday.
