Let’s talk packing cubes and suitcases! We always get asked: will these cubes fit in my luggage? This post will answer all your burning questions and more!

Check out a quick rundown of average luggage sizes and restrictions below:

Carry-on Suitcase

Standard: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters)

Linear Dimensions: 45 inches (114 centimeters)

Checked Luggage

Standard: 27 x 21 x 14 inches (68 x 91 x 23 centimeters)

Linear Dimensions: 62 inches (158 centimeters)

What are linear dimensions? Sometimes you’ll see airlines with size restrictions in linear dimensions. It just means the total sum of the dimensions of a suitcase. So just add the height + width + depth of your current suitcase and the total will be the linear dimensions. #easypeasy

Step 1 - Check your airline’s requirements

Each airline has its own requirements for both carry-on and checked suitcases. Some airlines even allow passengers to bring a separate personal bag, diaper bag or laptop bag. Check your airline’s website for accurate and updated information. You can also download this printable guide we created, it’s totally free and has links to the different airlines.

Step 2 - Pack before anything else

This step is super important especially if you’re bringing a fabric (soft shell) suitcase! Sure when it’s empty it’s within the airline’s limits. But packed full it can expand and go beyond the restrictions. So pack it first with all the items you’re bringing before measuring or weighing it.

Step 3 - Measure, measure, measure!

It’s time to take your measuring tape out! When measuring your suitcase, make sure to include the wheels and the carrying handles. If anything else is sticking out, like the zippers or TSA locks, include those too. So which sides do you need to measure?

1. Height -Measure from up to down. Start at the top of the handle and end at the bottom of the wheels.

2. Width -Measure from left to right. Make sure to include the side handles (if there’s any).

3. Depth -Measure from front to back. The zippered pocket (if packed) should also be included in the measuring.Once you’re done, congratulations! You have successfully measured your suitcase. Just a few more steps…

Step 4 - Do a little math (linear dimensions)

Airline restrictions are in linear dimensions? Not to worry! It’s very easy to calculate - just add the values altogether and the answer is your linear dimensions. For example, you got the following measurements for your checked luggage: 27 x 21 x 14 inches. Just add 27, 21 and 14, the total is the linear dimensions (which is 62 inches)!

Step 5 - It’s weighing time!

The last step is to weigh your luggage and make sure it fits within the airline limits. You can use a luggage scale but even a regular scale works. First weigh yourself without the suitcase and then weigh yourself while carrying the suitcase. Calculate the difference in weight and that’s how heavy your luggage is!

Check out this helpful video in case you’re more of a visual learner!

What are the different packing cube sizes?

Here at EzPacking, we offer packing cubes in 4 varying sizes. Depending on your travel needs, you can choose from our:

✔️ Extra Small Cube (6.25”  x 6.25” x 1.5”) - Also known as the TSA Approved Toiletry Bag! It’s clear, under quart size and perfect for packing your 3 oz toiletries for carry-on travel. It fits 8 to 10 mini toiletries or cosmetics.

✔️ Small Cube (10.3” x 6” x 4”) - Fits up to 1 week’s worth of your smaller clothing items such as undies, pjs, and socks. Also best for packing your toddler’s teeny tiny clothes!  

✔️ Medium Cube (12” x 10.3” x 4”) - This mighty size cube can hold 10 to 15 shirts (or lightweight bottoms such as leggings and shorts).

✔️ Large Cube (16” x 10.3” x 4”) - Our largest cube is the ideal organizer for your bulky clothing items. Think sweaters, jackets and jeans! Perfectly fits 3 to 4 complete outfits.

The short answer: A standard size carry-on fits our Starter Set perfectly 🤌 

A carry-on suitcase (measuring 22 x 14 x 9 inches) is a match made in heaven with our Starter Set. It includes 1 Extra Small Cube, 1 Small Cube, 1 Medium Cube and 1 Large Cube (so 4 packing cubes in total). 

The long answer: It can also depend on your organizing needs and packing configuration!

If you’re sharing 1 carry-on suitcase with another person, you can use 2 Large Packing Cubes to organize. One side for his and another side for hers! You’ll probably have enough space left for 2 XS Cubes in case you want to pack separate toiletries. 

Traveling with the kids? Carry-ons can also fit up to 2 Medium Cubes and 2 Small Cubes. Assign different color cubes to each kid (ideally their fave color) so getting ready is super easy and stress-free. Click here for a photo reference!

As you can see, there’s lots of options when it comes to organizing your carry-on! Choose your preferred packing configuration, build your own cube stash and get organized. Or if you want to make it simpler, grab a Starter Set and be the next carry-on boss (;    

You can definitely fit more packing cubes into your checked luggage! Exactly how many depends on your organizing needs.

It’s a no-brainer: the Complete Bundle is the perfect set for your standard size checked luggage (62 inches). It includes 2 Starter Sets (8 packing cubes total) and additional organizing accessories. Great for sharing 1 checked suitcase for several people!

If you’re traveling with kids, you can also fit 4 Large Cubes into 1 checked luggage. Assign different color cubes for each person and voila, a stress-free way to organize the whole family!

Here’s some more packing ideas for checked luggage. Try 4 Medium Cubes + 4 Small Cubes + 2 Extra Small Cubes for a week-long getaway. Going somewhere cold? Use 2 Large Cubes to organize your jackets, 3 Medium Cubes for your thermals and other clothing items and 1 Small Cube for your toiletries. 

There’s a whole lot of different ways to organize checked luggage with our packing cubes. The sky’s the limit! Check out this photo for more packing configuration reference.   

Now let’s take a look at some of our favorite luggages that definitely fit our packing cubes… Check them out below:

Carry-on Recs (either 20 or 21 inch suitcases work)

1. SwissGear Sion Softside Luggage (21 Inch) - Looking for a reliable carry-on suitcase? This fabric suitcase holds your travel essentials and can expand a bit in case you go overboard with souvenir shopping (it happens!). It measures 22.75 x 14.25 x 10.25 inches including the wheels and handles. You can also choose from fun colors if you want your suitcase to stand out!
2. Rockland Hardside Luggage (20 Inch) - This hard shell luggage from Rockland is great if you’re quite the overpacker. It’s super lightweight and very easy to move around with. It measures 20 x 13 x 9 inches including the wheels. With the handles, the height comes up to around 21 inches. 
3. Amazon Basics Spinner (21 Inch) - This is another great option for a hard side suitcase. It measures 22 x 14.9 x 10 inches including the wheels. Very lightweight and sturdy, perfect for those who travel a lot!
4. Prefer in-person shopping? Head to your nearest Target, T.J Maxx or Marshalls for affordable (and cute) carry on suitcase options. 

Checked Luggage Recs (24-29 inch will work)

1. SwissGear Sion Softside Luggage (25 Inch / 29 Inch) - This checked luggage is perfect for longer trips. It can fit up 1-2 weeks worth of clothing items. Both the medium (25 inch) and large (29 inch) versions work perfectly with the Complete Bundle. Our favorite features are the multiple pockets and sleek overall design! It has a soft, fabric exterior too so it can expand if you’re a bit of an overpacker.
2. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Luggage (24 Inch) - This beautiful suitcase is quite the stunner yet packs a lot! It’s available in a variety of chic colors such as lilac and rose so you can go matchy-matchy with our packing cubes. It measures 27.95 x 19.57 x 13.39 inches, a total of 60.61 inches so still under the airline restrictions!
3. Prefer in-person shopping? Head to your nearest Target, T.J Maxx or Marshalls for affordable (and cute) checked luggage suitcase options. 

Need more options? Check out our post on the Best Suitcases for Packing Cubes!

There you have it! We hope this post answered all your burning questions about packing cubes and suitcases.

Have any more questions? You can send us a message here or email us at contact@ezpacking.com.

Much love,

The EzPacking Team