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How to Choose the Perfect Luggage Set for Your Travels
October 23, 2026
A recommended luggage set usually includes three sizes: a carry-on suitcase (20 inches), a medium suitcase (24 inches) and a large suitcase (28 to 29 inches). Buying a complete set saves up to 30% compared with buying them individually, allows smart "Russian doll" storage (one inside the other) and gives you a uniform design that's easy to spot on the airport carousel.
Why buy a luggage set rather than single suitcases?
When planning a family trip, a long vacation for two or even a business trip, one of the first questions that comes up is how to move your gear around most efficiently. Buying a luggage set is the best-value and smartest solution for a few key reasons:
- Significant savings: buying a set of three suitcases is almost always 20% to 30% cheaper than buying each of them separately. That's a direct saving that leaves you more budget for spending and experiences on the trip itself.
- A brilliant storage solution at home: in a typical apartment, storage space is precious. A quality luggage set is designed so the small suitcase fits inside the medium one, and both fit inside the large one. So instead of taking up the space of three separate suitcases in a closet or storage room, you store just one suitcase holding the others.
- Uniformity and quick identification: when the whole family walks along with suitcases of the same design and color, it's much easier to keep track of the gear and avoid losing anything. And when you're standing exhausted by a crowded baggage carousel after a long flight, you can spot your set in seconds and get going without delay.
Hard-shell vs soft-shell: which kind of luggage set suits you?
The eternal dilemma between hard-shell and soft (fabric) suitcases is especially relevant when buying a complete set that will accompany you for years. Each material has its own unique advantages, and the choice should match the way you travel:
Hard-shell suitcases: today they're made of advanced technical materials like polypropylene (PP) or polycarbonate. These materials have remarkable structural flexibility: they can absorb hard knocks and bumps from airport baggage handlers, bend under pressure and immediately return to their original shape without breaking. The big advantage of a hard-shell set is complete protection for fragile items, full resistance to water and rain, and exceptionally easy cleaning with a simple wipe of a damp cloth.
Soft-shell suitcases: usually made of high-density ballistic nylon or Cordura. Their main advantage is physical flexibility: it's easier to squeeze them into a car trunk or into overhead racks on trains. In addition, soft suitcases almost always come with outer pockets for quick access to passports, documents or a power bank while waiting in line, and they usually include a built-in expansion zipper that increases the suitcase's capacity by another 15% to 20%.
The guide to sizes and capacities: what really fits in each suitcase in the set?
To make the choice clearer and help you plan your packing as well as possible, we've put together the full specifications of the standard sizes in a family luggage set:
| Suitcase size | Average dimensions (cm) | Average capacity (liters) | Who and what is it for? | Airline compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin / trolley (20 inches) | 55 x 40 x 20 | 35 to 45 liters | Short trips of 2 to 4 days, business travellers, quick low-cost flights | Approved as carry-on on most airlines (El Al, easyJet, Wizz Air and others) |
| Medium (24 inches) | 65 x 45 x 26 | 60 to 75 liters | Trips of a week to ten days, perfect for a solo traveller or a couple who pack efficiently | Checked into the hold only, on most airlines |
| Large (28 to 29 inches) | 75 x 50 x 30 | 90 to 110 liters | Long vacations (two weeks or more), family trips, intensive shopping trips | Checked into the hold only. Watch the weight limit (usually up to 23 kg) |
What to check before buying a luggage set
Buying a luggage set is a long-term investment. To make sure your set survives dozens of flights and rough handling at airports around the world, don't compromise on the following:
- The wheel system: look only for suitcases with 8 wheels (4 double wheels) made of quality silicone or rubber (not hard, noisy plastic). 360-degree spinner wheels let you roll the suitcase beside you effortlessly, even when it's full and heavy, and reduce the strain on your wrist and shoulders.
- The handle mechanism (trolley): the telescopic handle should be made of thick, lightweight aluminum, with several locking stages so it fits your height perfectly. Make sure the mechanism is internal (protected inside the suitcase) to prevent damage while the luggage is handled.
- A built-in TSA lock: an international-standard combination lock is a must, especially on flights to the USA or Europe. This lock lets airport security staff open the suitcase for inspection with a special master key without breaking or damaging your lock and zippers.
- A smart interior layout: open the suitcase and check the inside. A quality set will offer a full zippered divider on one side (to keep things tidy), elastic compression straps on the other, and small dedicated pockets for accessories, cables or shoes.
Winning tips for smart packing with a family luggage set
When you set off on a family vacation with a set of three suitcases, planning your packing well can prevent unnecessary headaches at the airport:
- Give each suitcase a role: the large suitcase (28") is for heavy clothes, shoes and gear shared by the whole family. The medium suitcase (24") is great for the children's clothes or lighter gear. The small suitcase (20") should hold a change of clothes for the first day, medication, documents and valuables, in case the large suitcases are delayed.
- Use packing cubes: combining packing cubes inside the set's suitcases lets you divide clothes by category or by family member. It saves a huge amount of space and prevents total chaos when you're looking for a single item at the hotel.
- Watch the weight: remember that the bigger the suitcase, the easier it is to exceed the airline weight limit (usually 20 or 23 kg). Use a hand-held luggage scale before leaving home, and don't fill the largest suitcase with items that are too heavy and dense.
Products to help you on your way
Products in this guide
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a polypropylene and a polycarbonate suitcase?
Polypropylene is an especially flexible, elastic material, which makes it highly resistant to breaking and hard knocks, while polycarbonate is a slightly stiffer material that offers excellent scratch resistance and very low weight. Both materials are considered the best choice for quality hard-shell suitcases.
Can the small suitcase in the set (20 inches) go on any flight?
A 20-inch suitcase is sized for the international carry-on standard. However, on some low-cost airlines (like Ryanair or Wizz Air) the basic fare includes only a small backpack, and you need to upgrade the fare or add a trolley service to bring the suitcase into the cabin.
How do I clean and store a luggage set after a trip?
Clean hard-shell suitcases with a damp cloth and a little mild dish soap, and fabric suitcases with a soft brush. Once they're completely dry, nest the suitcases inside each other (Russian doll style) and store them in a dry, shaded place to preserve the materials over time.
What is a TSA lock and why is it essential on a luggage set?
A TSA lock is a special combination lock approved by the US Transportation Security Administration and recognized internationally. It has a dedicated keyhole that lets airport security staff open the suitcase for manual inspection with a special master key, without breaking or damaging your lock and zippers.
