Check In Luggage Guide

Check in luggage, also known as hold luggage, is designed to travel in the aircraft hold and offers the most packing space for longer trips.

Whether you’re travelling for a two week holiday, a winter break or a family trip abroad, a check in suitcase gives you the freedom to pack without compromise.

This guide explains what check in luggage is, who it suits and how to choose the right suitcase for your journey.

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Shop Check In

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What Is Check In Luggage?

Check in luggage refers to suitcases or larger travel bags that are handed over at the airport check in desk and stored in the aircraft hold during the flight.

Unlike cabin or underseater bags, check in luggage allows you to pack:

• Larger volumes
• Heavier items
• Liquids over 100ml
• Bulkier clothing and footwear

It’s commonly used for longer holidays, multi destination trips and family travel.

Check in luggage can include traditional hard or soft shell suitcases, as well as large travel duffle bags designed for hold travel.

For airline weight and size limits, see our Airline Check In Regulations guide.

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Who Is Check In Luggage Best For?

Check in luggage is ideal if you:

• Are travelling for a week or longer
• Need to pack coats, boots or bulkier clothing
• Want to carry full size toiletries
• Are travelling as a family or sharing luggage
• Are taking gifts, sports equipment or special items

It’s also suitable for travellers who prefer not to manage luggage through security and boarding.

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When Check-In Luggage Works Better Than Cabin

Check-in luggage is the better choice when:

You are travelling for longer than a few days
You need to pack bulky or heavy items
You want to carry liquids without restrictions
You are travelling as a family or sharing a case

Cabin luggage is better for shorter trips where speed and convenience matter.

Many travellers combine both for flexibility.

Case insight: Many customers start with cabin luggage but switch to check-in cases for longer trips once they realise how restrictive airline liquid and packing limits can be.

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Types of Check In Luggage

Hard Shell Check In Suitcases

Soft Shell Check In Suitcases

Expandable Check In Cases

Travel Duffles and Wheeled Duffles

Provide strong protection and structure. Ideal for fragile items and easy to clean. Typically made from polycarbonate or polypropylene.

More flexible and often lighter. Include external pockets and expandable sections for easier packing.

Offer additional packing space when needed. Ideal for return journeys with extra items.

Lightweight and flexible. Some include wheels, others are fully collapsible. Best for more relaxed or activity-based trips.

Case insight: Most travellers choose hard shell suitcases for check-in travel due to the added protection during baggage handling, especially on long haul routes.

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Briggs & Riley Baseline 2 extra large expandable spinner suitcase in navy, showcasing smooth wheels and spacious interior.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in navy by Briggs & Riley, featuring four wheels and sturdy handle for easy transport.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in navy by Briggs & Riley, featuring multiple compartments and sturdy wheels.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in navy by Briggs & Riley, featuring smooth wheels and spacious interior for travel.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in navy from Briggs & Riley, featuring smooth wheels and a durable design.

Briggs & Riley Baseline 2 extra large expandable spinner suitcase in navy, featuring four wheels and a spacious interior.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in navy from Briggs & Riley, featuring durable wheels and spacious interior.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase by Briggs & Riley, featuring durable material and smooth wheels for easy travel.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase by Briggs & Riley, featuring smooth wheels and durable fabric in a sleek design.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in navy from Briggs & Riley, showcasing wheels and spacious interior for travel.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in black from Briggs & Riley, showcasing smooth wheels and durable fabric.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in black from Briggs & Riley, featuring smooth wheels and spacious interior.

Extra large black expandable spinner suitcase by Briggs & Riley, showcasing durable design and spacious interior for travel.

Briggs & Riley Baseline 2 extra large expandable spinner suitcase in black, showcasing its smooth wheels and spacious interior.

Extra large expandable black spinner suitcase from Briggs & Riley, featuring a durable design for check-in luggage.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in black from Briggs & Riley, featuring durable wheels and spacious compartments.

Extra large black Briggs & Riley Baseline 2 expandable spinner suitcase with smooth wheels and sturdy handle.

Extra large Briggs & Riley Baseline 2 expandable spinner suitcase in black with smooth wheels and sturdy handle.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in plum by Briggs & Riley, showcasing durable fabric and smooth wheels.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in plum by Briggs & Riley, showcasing a durable exterior and spacious interior.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in plum by Briggs & Riley, showcasing durable design and spacious interior.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in plum color from Briggs & Riley, featuring dual wheels and sturdy handles.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in plum by Briggs & Riley, featuring four wheels and a sturdy handle for easy travel.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in plum by Briggs & Riley, showcasing durable design and smooth-rolling wheels.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in plum, featuring Briggs & Riley luggage design and durable wheels for easy travel.

Extra large expandable spinner suitcase in plum by Briggs & Riley, featuring smooth wheels and durable exterior.

Briggs & Riley - Baseline Check In

£899.00

82cm Expandable Spinner Suitcase - Nexis Black

82cm Expandable Spinner Suitcase - Nexis White

82cm Expandable Spinner Suitcase - Nexis Deep Petrol

82cm Expandable Spinner Suitcase - Nexis

Samsonite - Nexis
82cm Spinner

£479.00

Egale Creek -
130L Duffle

£180.00

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Check In Luggage for Different Types of Travellers

Long Haul Holiday Travellers

If you’re travelling for ten days or more, a large check in suitcase provides the flexibility to pack for different climates, occasions and activities without compromising on space.

Look for:

Lightweight but durable construction
Large capacities for extended stays
Smooth 4 wheel systems for long airport transfers
Secure locking mechanisms

Structured large capacity designs are particularly suited to international travel, where durability and presentation both matter.

Case insight: Travellers heading on long haul holidays often choose large but lightweight cases that balance generous capacity with smooth manoeuvrability across major international airports.

Best for international holidays, extended stays and multi destination travel.

86cm Spinner Suitcase - C-Lite

£499.00

86cm Spinner Suitcase - Proxis

£367.20

76cm Spinner Suitcase - Bellagio 3

£590.00

Samsonite 75cm expandable black spinner suitcase with smooth wheels and sturdy handle for travel convenience.

75cm Expandable Spinner Suitcase - Paralux

£289.00

Large expandable spinner suitcase by Briggs & Riley in canyon color, featuring durable wheels and spacious interior for travel.

Large Expandable Spinner Suitcase - ZDX

£669.00

Large black Briggs & Riley Baseline 2 wheel duffle bag with sturdy handles and spacious interior for travel.

Large 2 Wheel Duffle - Baseline 2

£599.00

Family Travellers

For family travel, capacity, durability and ease of movement are essential.

Whether you’re sharing one large suitcase or packing for children, organisation and strength make a noticeable difference.

Look for:

Larger capacities for shared packing
Reinforced corners and strong zips
Smooth rolling 4 wheel systems
Organised internal compartments and compression straps

Larger expandable spinners or high capacity wheeled duffles can simplify family packing, particularly for longer holidays or multi climate trips.

Case insight: Many families prefer one larger shared suitcase rather than multiple smaller cases, provided airline weight limits are respected, as it simplifies airport movement and keeps packing more organised.

Best for family holidays, shared luggage and longer stays.

Winter and Multi Climate Travellers

If your trip includes colder destinations or multiple climates, extra depth and flexibility become essential. Coats, boots and layered clothing take up significantly more space than summer packing.

Look for:

Deeper shells for bulky clothing
Expandability for return flexibility
Strong compression straps
Durable outer materials

Expandable large spinners and high capacity wheeled duffles are particularly useful for winter packing, as they allow room for heavier items without overfilling the case.

Case insight: Travellers heading to colder destinations often underestimate how much space outerwear requires, making larger or expandable cases a practical and stress reducing choice.

Best for ski trips, winter breaks and varied itineraries.

130L Wheeled Duffle - No Matter What Duffels

£180.00

Foldable Duffle With Wheels 4 In 1 - Ecodiver

£175.00

Large Expandable Spinner Suitcase - ZDX

£669.00

77cm Lightweight Trolley Suitcase - X Travel

£269.00

82cm Expandable Spinner Suitcase - Nexis

£479.00

The Large Check-In Suitcase 80cm - Cognac

£695.00

Frequent Flyers

If you travel internationally several times a year, durability and overall weight matter as much as packing capacity.

Look for:

Lightweight construction to maximise your allowance
Durable shells or reinforced structures
High quality wheel systems
Reliable locking systems

Lightweight check in cases reduce strain when navigating larger airports and help maximise airline weight limits.

Case insight: Frequent international travellers often prioritise overall suitcase weight and wheel performance over maximum capacity, as smooth handling makes a noticeable difference on longer journeys.

Best for regular international travel and business trips with checked baggage.

Special Occasion or Event Travellers

If you’re travelling for weddings, formal events or longer stays, protecting structured clothing becomes a priority.

Look for:

Structured internal compartments
Built in garment sections or hanger hooks
Hard shell protection for delicate items
Strong compression straps to minimise creasing

Suitcases with integrated garment panels help keep suits, dresses and occasionwear flatter in transit.

Case insight: Travellers attending destination weddings or formal events often choose cases with dedicated garment sections or structured interiors to reduce creasing during baggage handling.

Best for destination weddings, events and longer stays requiring varied outfits.

82cm Spinner Suitcase - Bellagio 3

£620.00

Large Briggs & Riley Baseline 2 expandable spinner suitcase in black, showcasing spacious compartments and smooth wheels.

Large Expandable Spinner Suitcase - Baseline 2

£789.00

X-large Dual Access Expandable Check In Suitcase 78.5cm - Alpha 4

£1,310.00

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What Fits Inside a Check In Suitcase?

Capacity varies by size, but a typical check in suitcase can comfortably hold:

• Clothing for one to two weeks
• Shoes, coats and accessories
• Full size toiletries and liquids
• Hair tools and personal items
• Packing cubes and laundry bags

Larger cases are particularly useful for winter travel, multi destination trips or family packing where bulkier clothing is required.

Case insight: Many travellers heading on extended holidays choose medium or large expandable cases to allow extra room for return purchases without exceeding airline limits.

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Choosing the Right Check In Luggage

When selecting a suitcase, focus on how you travel, not just size.

Size and Airline Limits

Most airlines allow up to 158cm total dimensions and 23kg per bag, though this varies.

Weight

A lighter suitcase gives you more usable packing allowance.

Material

Hard shell for protection. Soft shell for flexibility.

Wheels and Handling

Four wheel spinners offer smoother movement through airports.

Organisation

Look for compression straps, dividers and internal compartments.

Security

Choose a TSA-approved lock for international travel.

Case insight: If you are close to airline weight limits, a lighter suitcase can make a noticeable difference, especially on return journeys when your luggage is fuller.

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How to Measure Check In Luggage

Measure your suitcase at its maximum external points:

• Height including wheels
• Width at the widest point
• Depth including front pockets or expansion panels

Add these three measurements together to calculate the total linear dimensions.

Many airlines allow a maximum combined size of 158cm for check in luggage.

This means the total of height + width + depth must not exceed 158cm. However, limits can vary by airline and fare type.

Airlines measure external dimensions, not internal capacity, so always check the full listed size before travelling.

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Common Mistakes When Choosing Check-In Luggage

Choosing the right suitcase is not just about size. Small decisions can make a big difference once you reach the airport.

A common mistake is selecting a suitcase that is already heavy before packing. This reduces how much you can take and increases the risk of exceeding airline limits.

Another is not checking airline weight allowances in advance. Not all tickets include checked baggage, and limits can vary depending on the airline and fare.

Overfilling expandable suitcases is also a frequent issue. While expansion adds flexibility, it can push your luggage beyond size or weight restrictions.

Some travellers also assume that larger always means better. In reality, a well-designed medium or lightweight large suitcase is often more practical than the biggest option available.

Case insight: The most common issue we see is travellers exceeding weight limits rather than running out of space, which is why lightweight construction matters more than size alone.

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Is Check In Luggage Right for You?

Choose check in luggage if you value packing space, flexibility and the ability to carry larger or heavier items.

It’s ideal for longer trips, family travel or journeys requiring clothing for multiple climates.

If you’re travelling for a short break or prefer to move quickly through the airport without waiting at baggage reclaim, cabin or underseater luggage may be more suitable.

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FAQ's About Check in Luggage Guide

What is the standard weight limit for check in luggage?

Most airlines allow up to 23kg per checked bag in economy, though this varies.

Can I pack liquids over 100ml in check in luggage?

Yes. Full size liquids are allowed in checked baggage when packed securely

What is the 158cm rule for check in luggage?

The 158cm rule refers to the maximum combined size allowed for most check in suitcases. Airlines calculate this by adding the external height, width and depth of the suitcase, including wheels and handles.

For example, if your suitcase measures 75cm high, 50cm wide and 33cm deep, the total is 158cm. As long as the combined measurement does not exceed the airline’s limit, the suitcase is usually acceptable.

Most airlines use 158cm as their standard maximum size, but limits can vary depending on the airline and ticket type, so it’s always best to check before travelling.

What happens if my check in bag is overweight?

You may be charged an overweight fee or asked to redistribute items.

Is there a maximum weight airlines will accept?
Most airlines will not accept bags over 32kg for safety reasons.

Do all tickets include check in luggage?

No. Many economy and budget fares do not include checked baggage.

Can I lock my check in suitcase?

Yes. TSA approved locks are recommended, especially for international travel.

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Discover More

Continue planning your journey:

Suitcase Size Guide
Compare cabin, medium and large suitcase sizes before travelling.

Airline Regulations
Understand baggage rules across different airlines.

Luggage Care & Maintenance
Get tips to keep your suitcase performing trip after trip.

Explore spacious, durable suitcases built for longer journeys. Shop at Case.