Everything You Need to Know About Hand Luggage: Suitcase Sizes, Sling Bags, and Travel Tips for Smart Packing

Traveling with only hand luggage is not just a convenience – it's a pure strategy. Avoid additional fees, save time at the airport, and stay as independent as possible from the check-in and baggage claim systems.

But to make the most of this type of travel, you need to know the exact dimensions of hand luggage, what luggage to choose, how to use a sling bag, and when it's appropriate to carry a garment bag. In this article, you'll find everything you need to know and that will be useful to you. You'll learn the hand luggage requirements of major airlines, how to organize your things to travel lighter and more comfortably, and how to select the most suitable luggage for your needs. The tips you will find here will help you avoid unnecessary fees and make your travel more pleasant and efficient.

Standard Hand Luggage Size – What Each Airline Allows

Tip: For maximum compatibility, choose a suitcase with dimensions of 55 x 35 x 20 cm.

How to Choose the Ideal Hand Luggage Suitcase

A well-chosen hand luggage suitcase provides comfort and flexibility. Here's what to look for:

• Light materials like polycarbonate or ABS. These materials are very strong but lightweight, so you can carry more items without exceeding the maximum weight for hand luggage. They are also impact-resistant, so you don't have to worry about your suitcase breaking easily.
• 4 double wheels, rotating 360° for easy movement. Double wheels distribute the weight of the suitcase over a larger surface area, making them more stable and less likely to tilt or slip, especially with heavier loads. Each double wheel can rotate 360° easily, providing smooth movement in any direction without having to turn or strain. Double wheels also last longer than single wheels, as they don't wear out as quickly.
• Telescopic handle with multiple positions. The adjustable handle allows you to set it at a different height, so it's comfortable for you. When not in use, you can retract it to save space.
• Internal compartments and compression straps for good organization. These features help you arrange your luggage in a way that prevents it from becoming disorganized. Compression straps keep clothes tight, and compartments are perfect for easy access to essential items.

Sling Bag – A Stylish Alternative for Personal Luggage

The sling bag is not only stylish but also highly functional. It is the perfect choice for personal luggage that fits under the seat on the plane while providing quick access to everything important. Here's why it's so convenient and versatile:

• Lightweight and compact. Sling bags are typically lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and ideal for travel. They don't take up much space and easily fit under the seat, allowing you to carry all the essentials.
• Practical organization. These bags typically have several compartments and pockets where you can organize your main documents, money, and other small accessories like chargers, headphones, or a camera. There may also be special compartments for personal items you don't want to mix with others.
• Perfect for one-day excursions. If you don't want to carry a large backpack or suitcase but need something to carry your essentials, a sling bag is the perfect choice. It's great for city walks, public transport trips, or tourist tours. It can easily hold water, a small snack, sunglasses, and other small items you may need during the day.

This bag is not only useful but also fashionable, offering high functionality and convenience. You don't have to worry about limited space on the plane or while traveling – the sling bag ensures easy access to everything you need without taking up unnecessary space.

Important: Most airlines allow one hand bag + one personal bag (such as a sling bag).

Garment Bag – Traveling in Style

If you're traveling with formal attire – a suit, dress, or shirt – a garment bag is the best solution to keep your clothes wrinkle-free. It's an ideal choice for business trips or events when you need to look impeccable. Here's why you should choose a garment bag:

• Protects clothes from wrinkles. A garment bag is designed to keep clothes in an upright position without folding, protecting them from wrinkles. This is especially important for formal clothes, which can get damaged during travel.
• Folds to hand luggage size. Many garment bag models can be folded to hand luggage size, making them convenient for flying. This is a major plus if you need to carry formal attire but don't have room for a large suitcase.
• Perfect for business trips and events. If you need to look professional at important meetings, conferences, or events, a garment bag is exactly what you need. It allows you to travel without worrying about your clothes getting wrinkled or looking careless.
• Tri-fold garment bag models. If you're looking for something more compact and easy to carry, choose a tri-fold garment bag. This type of bag folds into three sections, making it extremely convenient for hand luggage and air travel without needing to part with essential items.
• Easy access and additional compartments. Garment bags often offer additional compartments for accessories such as shoes, ties, or other small items. This makes it not only convenient for storing clothes but also for organizing smaller things needed for travel.

The garment bag is a stylish and functional accessory that provides comfort and protection for your formal clothes. If you want to travel in comfort without worrying about the condition of your clothes, this bag is the perfect choice for you.

Bonus: Smart Tips for Traveling with Hand Luggage

• Use vacuum bags. They're ideal for saving space in your luggage. Compressing clothes allows you to pack more without increasing volume.
• Roll, don't fold, your clothes. This not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles while keeping clothes in good condition.
• Take liquids in 100ml containers. Follow the liquid rule for hand luggage and carry everything in clear bags. This will save you time at security and prevent problems.
• Download your boarding pass to your phone. There's no need to carry a printed boarding pass. Simply download it to your phone for easy access throughout the journey.
• Use your personal bag for everything you'll need during the flight. Pack everything you need during the flight – headphones, a book, water, or snacks. This way, you won't have to search through your main luggage during the flight.

Travel Light, Smart, and Without Unnecessary Fees

With the right hand luggage suitcase, sling bag, and garment bag, you can travel light and stress-free. Avoid extra fees, save time, and enjoy the freedom of being independent from check-in and baggage claim. By following the advice provided here, your trips will be more organized, efficient, and pleasant.

Do you have your own tips for traveling with hand luggage? Share your experience with us!