Long-haul travel – discover the world with the right luggage

Whether it’s two weeks in Thailand, a round-trip through the USA or three weeks in Australia – long-haul travel offers unforgettable experiences and the chance to get to know new countries and cultures. To ensure you can enjoy your trip in a relaxed manner, having the right luggage is essential. A spacious, sturdy suitcase offers plenty of room for clothes, shoes and personal items. A practical rucksack complements your luggage and ensures you always have essential items to hand during the flight and whilst on the move.

For a long-haul trip lasting 14 to 21 days, we recommend rucksacks with a capacity of 20 to 30 litres, combined with a suitcase with a volume of 80 to 100 litres. A large suitcase offers enough storage space for longer stays and a variety of activities. The rucksack is ideal as hand luggage for travel documents, electronic devices, valuables and a change of clothes, as well as for day trips at your holiday destination. When travelling by air, check your airline’s weight and size limits so that you can travel stress-free and without incurring additional costs.

Recommended luggage sizes for long-haul travel

How big should your suitcase be for a long-haul trip? This depends mainly on the duration of your trip, your destination and your personal packing habits. For longer flights, we recommend a spacious suitcase and an additional rucksack as hand luggage. The table below will help you find the right size.

These figures are guidelines. When travelling to warm countries, you’ll usually need less luggage than on long-haul trips to colder regions. The option to wash clothes whilst travelling can also significantly reduce the size of suitcase you need.

Our tips for long-haul flights

• Choosing the right suitcase size: For standard long-haul trips lasting 10 to 21 days, a suitcase with a capacity of 70 to 90 litres is usually a good choice. It offers enough space for clothes, shoes, toiletries and other travel essentials. If you’re travelling for longer or want to take a lot with you, a suitcase with a capacity of up to 100 litres may be a good option.
• Keep an eye on the weight: Depending on the fare, many airlines allow 20 to 23 kg per suitcase for checked-in luggage. A large suitcase can quickly become overloaded. You should therefore ensure it is as light as possible and check your airline’s baggage regulations before departure.
• Check suitcase dimensions: With many airlines, checked-in luggage must not exceed a total dimension of 158 cm. This is calculated by adding together the height, width and depth, including wheels and handles. You should check the permitted dimensions, particularly for large suitcases in sizes L and XL.
• Packing your hand luggage sensibly: A rucksack with a capacity of 20 to 30 litres is ideal as a supplement to your checked-in suitcase. You can use it to store travel documents, electronic devices, medication, valuables and a change of clothes. Bear in mind that not every rucksack of this size is automatically permitted as hand luggage. The dimensions and your airline’s regulations are the deciding factors.
• Opt for sturdy luggage: On long-haul flights, your suitcase is often handled and transferred multiple times. A sturdy hard-shell case or durable soft-sided material, high-quality zips and smooth-rolling wheels ensure greater comfort and protect the contents.
• Make sure you have a TSA-approved lock: A TSA-approved lock is particularly recommended when travelling to the USA. This allows authorised security officials to open your luggage during a security check using a special key, without having to break the lock.
• Leave room for souvenirs: Don’t pack your suitcase to the brim. A little extra storage space comes in handy if you want to bring clothes, souvenirs or other purchases home from your long-haul trip. Packing cubes also help you make the most of the available space in an organised way.

Whether it’s a two-week beach holiday, a tour of Asia or a longer stay in America – at Koffer24 you’ll find the right suitcases, trolleys and travel rucksacks for your next long-haul trip. That way, you’ll be well prepared and have everything you need with you on your travels.