Suitcase Buying Guide: How To Choose Travel Luggage

Welcome to the Myer suitcase guide! Here, you’ll find recommended suitcases for all kinds of trips – whether you’re traversing the globe or travelling interstate.

This guide provides tips for getting the perfect suitcase, plus important info about airline luggage size restrictions. We’ll also explain what makes a good suitcase for international travel, and explore the latest luggage trends.

Compact carry-on suitcases are perfect for short trips. Although the exact carry-on luggage size restrictions differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is:

• Size: Around 55 cm x 35 cm x 20–25 cm (including handles and wheels)
• Weight: Usually between 7 kg to 10 kg

Before your trip, check the suitcase carry-on dimensions for your airline to make sure your luggage is suitable.  

Myer has carry-on suitcases that are perfect for work trips and short getaways. Explore our collection to find sizes and designs to suit your needs.

Checked suitcases are larger than carry-on suitcases, and thus they provide more packing space. Here’s a rough guide to suitcases by size:

• Small (55–56 cm): Suitable for 1-3 day trips
• Medium (66–75 cm): Suitable for 3-7 day trips
• Large (78–82 cm): Suitable for 7+ day trips

Once you’ve chosen a size, you’ll need to decide whether to buy a hard shell or soft shell suitcase. Both types are great for longer trips, but hard shell suitcases tend to be slightly more robust for frequent use. On the other hand, soft shell suitcases allow you to pack in a little bit extra – perfect for bringing home souvenirs.

Explore our range of spinner suitcases and lightweight suitcases to find a quality option for your next adventure.

Backpacks offer additional packing space for long vacations, and they’re highly convenient for day trips. You can also get backpacks with a built-in laptop compartment, which is a useful if you travel frequently for work or study.  

Myer’s collection of travel backpacks includes compact options, as well as larger military-style backpacks that are suitable for camping and hiking. Features to look out for include padded straps, built-in USB ports, RFID protected pockets, waterproof materials and mesh pockets to hold water bottles and other accessories.

Offering convenience for spontaneous getaways, weekend and overnight bags combine practicality with style. They’re perfect for trips to the beach and short trips, plus they can also be packed into your checked luggage to be used while you’re on holiday.  

Features such as adjustable straps, sturdy handles and multiple compartments are useful. These bags are also great for making a fashion statement, with many available in stylish designs. Whether you want to create an elegant look with a leather bag, or you need a lightweight canvas option for summer adventures, Myer has options to suit every situation.

Keeping the contents of your suitcase organised can be a struggle, especially on longer trips. To make your life easier, we recommend investing in some speciality luggage items:

• Laptop satchels: These types of bags include a padded section to keep your laptop safe. Explore our satchels and laptop bags to find the right size for your tech accessories.
• Cosmetics bags: A good quality toiletry bag will keep your makeup and bathroom items organised while protecting your suitcase from spills.
• Jewellery cases: We’ve got travel-friendly jewellery bags to keep all your values secure and protected.

In this section we’ll provide a suitcase size guide and share advice for buying luggage that matches your travel plans. We’ll also look at the best luggage for overseas travel.

It’s also a good idea to get a carry-on suitcase in a distinctive colour, to help you keep track of your luggage while you’re on the move.

You might be wondering: what size suitcase do I need? As a general rule, carry-on suitcases are suitable for 1-3 day trips, medium suitcases are good for 3-7 day trips, and large suitcases are ideal for longer adventures.  

If you’re catching a plane, another consideration is airline suitcase dimension restrictions. As a general rule, carry-on suitcases need to be around 55 cm x 35 cm x 20–25 cm. The weight restriction is usually between 7 kg to 10 kg, although these figures can vary depending on the airline.  

In terms of suitcase sizes for checked bags, a height of 158cm tends to be the maximum. For economy, the weight limit is usually 23 kg, although you might be able to purchase extra. Check with your airline before you fly.

The material of your luggage plays a key role in durability and weight. Consider how you travel: if you travel often, you will benefit from a tough, scratch-resistant suitcase. If you’re more of a casual traveller, you might prefer the convenience and expandability of soft shell styles.

If you want a robust suitcase that will stand the test of time and protect fragile items, look for hard shell suitcases made from materials such as polycarbonate or ABS.  

Soft shell suitcases are usually crafted from nylon or polyester, providing an option that’s lightweight yet strong. These types of suitcases are perfect if you’re prone to overpacking, or going wild with souvenirs before you head home.

Your travel destination can help determine the best luggage for your trip.  

For city breaks or business trips, a compact, easy-to-manoeuvre carry-on suitcase is ideal. If you’re heading somewhere remote or rugged, opt for durable, water-resistant luggage that can handle rougher conditions.  

Lightweight suitcases with sturdy wheels will make your transfers easier if you’re visiting multiple destinations or using public transport. And for shopping holidays or winter travel, consider expandable luggage to fit bulkier items.

Travel duration also plays a big role in choosing the right luggage.  

For short trips or weekend getaways, a carry-on or small suitcase is usually enough. Medium-sized suitcases suit week-long holidays, offering space without being bulky. For longer stays or family travel, large check-in luggage gives you room for extra clothing, shoes, and accessories.  

Choosing the right size helps avoid overpacking, extra baggage fees or struggling with luggage that’s too large for your needs.

Matching your luggage to how you travel can make your journey far more convenient.

If you're flying, it’s important to choose a suitcase that meets airline size and weight limits. For train or car travel, size may be less restrictive, but soft shell luggage can be easier to fit into tight spaces.  

Travelling on foot or through crowded areas? Lightweight, wheeled luggage or backpacks offer better mobility. Spinner wheels are great for smooth airport floors, while rugged wheels suit uneven terrain.

This part of our suitcase guide will outline key features to look for when buying luggage. With a bit of forward planning, you can create a travel experience that’s easy and enjoyable.

Lightweight luggage makes travel easier, especially when navigating airports, public transport or narrow hotel staircases. A lighter suitcase also gives you more room to pack without exceeding airline weight limits.  

So, how much should a suitcase weigh? As a general guide, carry-ons should be under 3kg, medium suitcases under 4kg, and large ones around 5kg or less. Materials like polycarbonate and soft fabrics help reduce weight without compromising on durability.  

When comparing options, check the empty weight listed: every kilo counts when you’re trying to avoid excess baggage fees.

Security features are essential for keeping your belongings safe during transit. Look for suitcases with TSA-approved locks, which allow airport security to open your bag without damaging it. Zippers with lockable pulls add another layer of protection, and some hardcase models offer integrated combination locks.  

Anti-theft zippers and tamper-resistant materials can also help deter opportunistic theft. Explore Myer’s full range of travel accessories to make sure your belongings stay secure on your next big holiday.

Durable handles and wheels make a big difference, especially when you're rushing through airports or navigating uneven surfaces. Look for suitcases with sturdy, telescopic handles that lock into place and feel comfortable to grip.  

Reinforced corner wheels or dual spinner wheels offer better stability and smoother movement in any direction. Quality wheels reduce strain on your arm and are less likely to jam or break. Finally, well-designed handles and wheels will help your suitcase stand up to the wear and tear of travel.

Storage compartments help keep your belongings organised and easily accessible.  

Look for luggage with multiple pockets and divided sections, which make packing more efficient and prevent items from shifting during travel. External compartments are great for quick access to essentials like travel documents or snacks, while internal mesh pockets help separate clothes, toiletries and electronics.  

Some suitcases also feature expandable compartments for extra packing space. Well-designed storage options can save you time and hassle, making your trip smoother.

Expandable suitcases allow you to increase packing space when needed, which is particularly handy if you have a tendency to overpack. If this sounds like you, look for soft shell suitcases made from flexible materials.  

You can also get backpacks and laptop bags with multiple compartments, so you can add additional items while you’re travelling. This means you won’t have to worry about running out of room or struggling to close your suitcase while you’re on the trip of a lifetime.

When choosing what size suitcase to buy, keep these tips in mind:

• Packing efficiency: Opt for suitcases with multiple compartments, expandable zippers and compression straps to stay organised.

• Shop for the best deals: Watch for seasonal sales like Black Friday to get great discounts.

• Read customer reviews: Check ratings to learn about the suitcase’s durability and functionality before buying.

• Compare products: Look at different models to find features that suit your travel needs.

• Consider your budget: Decide if you want a budget-friendly or premium option.  

• Maintenance: Follow care instructions to keep your suitcase lasting longer.