How to Choose a Luggage Set: Sizes, Shells, Wheels and Buying Guide

A luggage set is two or more matching suitcases in different sizes, usually a cabin-size case plus one or two larger checked cases, sometimes with a bag thrown in. The right one depends on how often you fly, how long you go for and whether you travel alone or with family. For most people, a three-piece set with a 20 inch carry-on, a 24 inch medium case and a 28 inch large case covers everything from a weekend away to a three-week holiday. This guide explains sizes, shell materials, wheels, locks and weight, and shows how the luggage sets we sell compare, so you can pick one that suits the way you actually travel.

Short version: if you fly a few times a year and want one purchase that does it all, a hard shell three-piece luggage set with spinner wheels and a TSA lock is the safest choice. If you mostly take short trips, a carry-on set with a duffel is better value. If you travel as a family, a four-piece set gives everyone a case. Every set we stock ships free to most countries from our luggage and travel collection.

What Is a Luggage Set?

It's simply a group of suitcases bought together, made in the same style and colour but in different sizes. The cases usually nest inside each other, so the whole set takes up the space of one large case when it's stored at home.

Most sets fall into one of these groups:

• Two-piece: a carry-on and a large checked case. Good for couples or one person who flies both short and long haul.
• Three-piece: carry-on, medium and large. The most popular luggage set, because it covers nearly every trip length.
• Four-piece and up: adds a small under-seat case, a toiletry bag or a duffel. Handy for families or anyone who wants every option.
• Carry-on sets: one cabin case plus soft bags, such as a duffel and a wash bag, for people who rarely check luggage.

Why Buy a Luggage Set Instead of Single Suitcases?

There are three practical reasons.

It usually costs less per case

You can work it out from our own prices. Our ABS luggage set is $168 for three spinner cases, which comes to $56 a case. The four-piece hardshell luggage set is $235 for four cases plus a bag, or under $59 a case before you count the bag. Buying three similar cases one at a time almost always costs more.

You always have the right size

With one big suitcase, you end up checking a half-empty case for a three-night trip and paying a bag fee for the privilege. A luggage set lets you match the case to the trip: the cabin case for a weekend, the medium for a week and the large for long holidays or winter clothes.

The cases store inside each other

Graduated sizes mean the small case goes inside the medium and the medium inside the large. Three suitcases take up the cupboard space of one.

There's also a softer benefit. Matching cases are easy to spot on the baggage belt and easy to tell apart from other people's black bags, especially if you choose a bright colour.

Luggage Sizes Explained

Suitcase sizes are usually given in inches and refer roughly to the height of the case. Here's what each size is generally used for. Always check the exact measurements on the listing, because two "24 inch" cases from different makers can differ by a few centimetres.

Carry-on size: why the 20 inch case matters most

The cabin case is the one you'll use most and the one most likely to cause trouble at the gate. There's no single worldwide rule. The International Air Transport Association once proposed an "optimum" cabin bag size of 55 x 35 x 20 cm (21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches), but it described this as a guideline rather than a maximum, and airlines continue to set their own limits (IATA). In practice, each airline publishes its own size and weight limits, and low-cost carriers are often stricter than full-service airlines.

So what should you do? Look at the airline you fly most often, find its cabin bag limit, and compare it with the measurements of the 20 inch case in any luggage set you're considering. Measure the case yourself when it arrives, including the wheels and handles, because those count. Our carry on luggage set lists its spinner at 13.6 x 8.3 x 21.5 inches, and the 20 inch case in our ABS luggage set is listed at 22 x 35 x 55 cm. Both are close to common cabin sizes, but neither is guaranteed for every airline.

Checked bag size and weight

Checked bags have size limits too, usually given as the total of length, width and height, and most airlines also set a maximum weight per bag. A 28 inch case packed full can easily go over a typical weight limit, which is why many experienced travellers use the 24 inch case for most trips and save the 28 inch for long holidays. Weigh your bag at home before you leave.

Hard Shell or Soft Side? Choosing the Material

The shell is what protects your things, and it's the biggest difference between one luggage set and another.

All of the hard shell luggage sets we sell use ABS. The hardshell set is made from a three-layer ABS composite, according to the listing, and the silver grey set uses ABS with a vertical stripe texture. Textured shells hide small scuffs better than smooth glossy ones, which matters after a few trips through airport baggage systems.

A hard shell luggage set is the better choice if you pack anything breakable, travel in the rain, or check bags often. Soft luggage makes more sense as a carry-on, where you want outside pockets and a bit of give to squeeze into the overhead bin. That's why our carry on luggage set pairs a hard spinner with a soft, water-resistant duffel.

Wheels and Handles

Spinner wheels vs two wheels

Spinner cases have four wheels that turn 360 degrees, so you can push the case beside you instead of dragging it behind. They're easy on smooth airport floors and in narrow aisles. Two-wheel (inline) cases are better on cobbles and kerbs and lose less packing space to the wheels, but you have to tilt and pull them. Most modern luggage sets, including all the sets we stock with listed wheel types, use spinners. The carry on set has TPE double spinner wheels, and the ABS set has 360 degree spinners.

Telescopic handles

Look for a handle that locks at more than one height, so tall and short travellers can both pull it comfortably. The carry-on set has a three-level telescopic handle, the gradient luggage set has a three-step handle, and the ABS set uses an aluminium telescopic handle. Give the handle a wiggle when it arrives. A little play is normal, but it shouldn't rattle loosely.

Carry handles

Top and side handles matter more than people think, because you'll lift the case onto belts, into car boots and up stairs. Soft silicone handles, like the ones on the gradient set, are kinder to your hands when the case is heavy.

Locks: What a TSA Lock Actually Does

If you fly to or through the United States, a TSA-accepted lock is worth having. The US Transportation Security Administration explains that it worked with lock makers so security officers can open these locks with master keys instead of cutting them. If a bag with a lock they can't open needs to be checked, the lock may have to be cut, and TSA says it isn't liable for damage to locked bags opened for security reasons (TSA). If your bag is opened, you'll find an inspection notice inside.

Three of our luggage sets list a TSA lock: the four-piece hardshell set, the gradient set and the carry on set. They come set to 0-0-0. Change the code before your first trip, write it down somewhere safe, and test it twice before you lock anything important inside.

A lock is a deterrent, not a safe. Zips can still be forced open with a pen. Keep valuables, medicines and documents in your hand luggage, not in a checked case.

Expandable Zips and Interior Layout

An expansion zip adds a few centimetres of depth when you need it, which is useful on the way home when you've bought things. The gradient luggage set lists about 25% expansion on its 24 and 28 inch cases, and the duffel in the carry on set expands by up to 30%. Two warnings: an expanded cabin case may no longer meet airline size limits, and expanding a checked case makes it easier to go over the weight limit.

Inside, look for a lining, tie-down straps to stop clothes shifting and a divider or mesh pocket for small items. The gradient set has mesh pockets and tie-down straps in each case.

How Much Should a Luggage Set Weigh?

Every kilo the case weighs is a kilo you can't use for clothes. The ABS luggage set is one of the few sets where the supplier lists weights: 2.4 kg for the 20 inch, 3.1 kg for the 24 inch and 3.7 kg for the 28 inch. That gives you a useful benchmark when you're comparing other cases. If a cabin case weighs much more than about 3 kg empty, it will eat into strict cabin weight allowances quickly.

Colour and Finish: More Than Looks

Colour seems like a purely personal choice, but it has practical effects too.

• Bright or unusual colours are easy to spot on the belt and hard for someone else to take by mistake. They also make your bag easier to describe if it goes missing.
• Dark colours hide dirt but look like everyone else's bags. If you choose black or navy, add a coloured strap, a bright tag or a sticker.
• Glossy smooth shells look great on day one and show every scuff after a few flights.
• Textured shells, with stripes, ridges or patterns, hide small scratches much better. The vertical stripes on our ABS luggage set, the horizontal stripe on the hardshell set and the scale pattern on the grey suitcase set all help with this.
• Light colours such as white and pastels show marks more easily, but most clean up with a damp cloth.

If several people in your household travel together, matching luggage makes counting bags easy. If you travel with friends who might own the same set, a quick strap or tag avoids a mix-up.

How Long Should a Luggage Set Last?

That depends far more on how you use it than on the price tag. A luggage set used for one or two holidays a year can last many years with basic care, while a cabin case that flies every week will wear out its wheels and handle much sooner. The parts that fail first are almost always the wheels, the telescopic handle and the zips, not the shell.

You can make yours last longer by not overpacking, keeping the handle retracted when the bag is checked, lifting the case by its handles rather than dragging it up steps, and cleaning grit out of the wheels. A case that's treated well keeps rolling smoothly for a long time, and the larger cases in a set, which travel less often, usually outlast the cabin case.

Which Luggage Set Suits Your Kind of Travel?

The weekend traveller

If most trips are two to four nights, you'll rarely touch a 28 inch case. A carry-on luggage set with a cabin spinner, a duffel and a wash bag covers short city breaks and work trips without ever checking a bag. Our carry on luggage set is built for exactly that. The duffel slides over the spinner's handle, so you can wheel both with one hand.

The family

Families need more cases than anyone, and matching luggage makes it easy to count bags at a busy carousel. A four-piece luggage set gives each person a case, with the small 16 inch case for a child or as an under-seat bag. Our hardshell luggage set includes 16, 20, 24 and 28 inch cases plus a bag.

Travelling with young children

Kids come with a surprising amount of stuff. A practical approach is to give each child the smallest case in the luggage set for their own clothes and toys, and pack shared things like nappies, snacks and medicines in an adult's carry-on so they're always within reach. Older children often like pulling their own spinner case through the airport, which keeps them busy. Remember that a child's case still counts towards the family's baggage allowance, so check what your tickets include.

The once-a-year holidaymaker

If you fly once or twice a year, a three-piece hard shell luggage set at a sensible price makes more sense than a single premium case. The ABS luggage set is our lowest-priced three-piece set and the one with the most complete published specifications.

The student or gap-year traveller

Moving away for months means one very large case plus a carry-on. A three-piece set gives you both, and the medium case is handy for trips home. Bright colours help in shared halls and busy stations.

Honeymoons and gifts

A luggage set is a practical wedding, graduation or retirement gift. The pink and yellow gradient luggage set stands out on any baggage belt, and the grey suitcase set of 3 is a neutral choice that suits anyone.

Business travellers

Frequent work trips put the most wear on luggage. Prioritise a cabin case that fits your airline's limits, smooth spinners and a laptop backpack with a USB charging port as your personal item. Many business travellers buy a set and mostly use the 20 inch, keeping the larger cases for longer trips.

Our Luggage Sets Compared

Here's how the five luggage sets we sell compare. The details come from the supplier listings, and where something isn't listed we say so rather than guess. Prices are in US dollars and include free international shipping.

Carry On Luggage Set, 3 Pieces ($110)

The carry on luggage set pairs a 20 inch hard spinner (13.6 x 8.3 x 21.5 in) with an expandable water-resistant duffel and a toiletry bag. The spinner has TPE double wheels, a three-level telescopic handle and a TSA-approved three-digit lock. The duffel has a trolley sleeve and expands by up to 30%. It's the best value if you rarely check a bag.

ABS Luggage Set, 3 Pieces, Silver Grey ($168)

The ABS luggage set gives you 20, 24 and 28 inch spinner cases with a vertical stripe texture and aluminium telescopic handles. It's the only set where the supplier lists every dimension and weight: 22 x 35 x 55 cm and 2.4 kg, 26 x 40 x 65 cm and 3.1 kg, and 28 x 48 x 75 cm and 3.7 kg. The supplier doesn't say what lock it uses or whether the cases expand, so if a TSA lock matters to you, add a TSA-accepted padlock or choose another set.

Gradient Luggage Set, 3 Pieces, Pink and Yellow ($231)

The gradient luggage set fades from pink to yellow, which makes it very hard to mix up with anyone else's bags. It has 20, 24 and 28 inch ABS cases, side-mounted TSA locks, silicone carry handles and three-step telescopic handles. The two larger cases expand by about 25%, and each case is lined, with mesh pockets and tie-down straps. Peel off the protective film before your first trip.

Hardshell Luggage Set, 4 Pieces plus Bag ($235)

The hardshell luggage set is our most complete option: four spinner cases in 16, 20, 24 and 28 inch sizes, plus a matching travel bag. Each case is made from a three-layer ABS composite with a horizontal stripe for strength, and each has a TSA combination lock preset to 0-0-0. It's the set we'd suggest for families and for anyone who wants every size covered.

Grey Suitcase Set of 3 ($251)

The grey suitcase set of 3 has a textured scale-pattern finish that looks different from plain shells and tends to hide small scuffs. The supplier has only published the basics, so sizes, shell material, wheels and lock type aren't confirmed. If you need exact measurements, for example to check a cabin limit, contact us before you order.

Packing Your Luggage Set: What Goes Where

Keep these in your carry-on

• Spare batteries and power banks. The US Federal Aviation Administration says spare lithium batteries and power banks must go in carry-on baggage only. If your cabin bag is taken at the gate, take the batteries out and keep them with you. Batteries up to 100 watt-hours are generally allowed, and batteries of 101 to 160 watt-hours need airline approval, with a limit of two spares per person (FAA PackSafe). Other countries and airlines have similar rules, and some are stricter, so check before you fly.
• Medicines, passports, money and jewellery. Anything you can't replace easily stays with you.
• Chargers, earbuds and a change of clothes. If your checked bag is delayed, you'll be glad of them. A pair of wireless earbuds takes up almost no space.
• Toiletries in small containers. Liquids rules for hand luggage vary between countries and airports and change over time. Check your departure airport's rules and pack liquids in a clear pouch. Our roll-up travel cosmetic bag has four clear zip pouches, though we make no claim that they meet any particular airport's rule.

Put these in checked cases

• Bulky clothes, shoes and coats
• Full-size toiletries that exceed cabin liquid limits
• Sharp items such as scissors and razors that aren't allowed in the cabin
• Gifts and souvenirs, which is where the expansion zip helps

Packing tips that make a real difference

• Put heavy items, like shoes, at the wheel end so the case stands up and rolls well.
• Roll soft clothes and fold stiff ones. Use the tie-down straps.
• Pack a light, foldable bag for shopping, or use the extra bag that comes with some sets.
• Weigh your bags before you leave. A cheap luggage scale costs far less than an excess baggage fee.
• Going somewhere cold? A heated jacket or battery heated socks can replace a bulky extra layer. Remember that their batteries count as spare batteries if you take them out.

How to Lower the Risk of Lost or Delayed Luggage

Most checked bags arrive with their owners, but not all of them. Air transport IT company SITA reports that in 2024 the mishandling rate fell to 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers, which still came to 33.4 million mishandled bags worldwide. Delayed bags made up 74% of the total, damaged or pilfered bags 18% and lost or stolen bags 8%. Transfers between flights were the single biggest cause, at 41% (SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025).

A few simple habits help:

• Choose direct flights where you can, or allow enough connection time, since transfers cause the most problems.
• Put your name, phone number and email inside the case as well as on an outside tag. Outside tags get torn off.
• Remove old airline tags and barcode stickers so scanners don't read the wrong flight.
• Make your case easy to describe. A bright luggage set, like the gradient set, or a coloured strap on a dark case makes it easier for staff to find.
• Photograph your case and its contents before you leave. It speeds up any claim.
• Keep essentials in your carry-on, so a delay is an inconvenience rather than a disaster.

Caring for Your Luggage Set

• Peel off the shipping film on new hard shell cases before use.
• Wipe ABS shells with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Avoid solvents and abrasive pads, which dull the finish.
• Clean the wheels after wet or sandy trips. Pick out hair and grit so they keep turning freely.
• Don't overfill. Forcing a zip shut strains the teeth and the shell's frame.
• Dry it before storing. Leave the case open for a day after a rainy trip so it doesn't smell musty.
• Nest the cases for storage and keep them somewhere dry, out of direct sun.
• Retract the handle fully before checking a bag. A handle left up is easily damaged.

What to Check When Your Luggage Set Arrives

Don't wait until the night before a flight to unpack new luggage. Give the whole set ten minutes when it arrives, while there's still time to sort out anything that isn't right.

1. Count the pieces. Make sure every case and bag listed is in the box, including any small bag or toiletry pouch.
2. Peel off the film on hard shells and check the corners for cracks or deep scratches from shipping.
3. Measure the cabin case with a tape measure, from the floor to the top of the closed handle, and across the widest point including wheels and side handles. Write the numbers down and compare them with your airline's limit.
4. Roll each case across a hard floor in a straight line and in a circle. All four spinners should turn freely and quietly.
5. Extend and lock the handle at every height, then retract it fully. It should click into place each time.
6. Run every zip all the way round, including the expansion zip.
7. Set and test the lock code twice, then open and close it a few times so you know it works.
8. Nest the cases to make sure they store inside each other.

If something isn't right, get in touch with your order number and a photo, and see our return and refund policy. It's much easier to fix before you travel than at the check-in desk.

Using a Luggage Set Beyond Flying

Road trips

On a road trip, size limits stop mattering and boot space takes over. Two medium cases often fit a car boot better than one large one, because they can sit side by side or stack. Soft bags, like the duffel in a carry-on luggage set, squeeze into the gaps around hard cases. Put the case you'll need first, usually the one with overnight things, in last.

Train travel

Trains rarely weigh or measure bags, but you'll have to lift your luggage onto racks and up steps, often in a hurry. Spinner wheels are a real help on station platforms, and lighter cases make a bigger difference here than at an airport. A smaller case you can lift above your head is worth more than one huge case you can't.

Cruises

Cruise cabins tend to have limited floor space, so cases that nest are handy once you've unpacked. Check your cruise line's luggage guidance and your flights to and from the port, because the airline's limits still apply on those legs.

Moving home or going to university

A large luggage set doubles as moving boxes with wheels. The 28 inch case swallows bedding and winter clothes, and the smaller cases are handy for books and kitchen bits. Afterwards they nest under a bed or on top of a wardrobe.

Storage at home

Between trips, empty cases make good storage for things you use once a year, such as seasonal clothes or spare bedding. Just remember to empty them before you pack. If you're short of space generally, our guides to garage storage and small bathroom storage ideas have more ideas.

Quick Luggage Set Buying Checklist

• How many nights do most of your trips last?
• Do you travel alone, as a couple or as a family?
• What's the cabin bag limit of the airline you use most?
• Does the 20 inch case meet that limit, including wheels and handles?
• How much does each case weigh empty?
• Hard shell or soft side? ABS, polycarbonate or a mix?
• Spinner wheels or two wheels?
• Do you need a TSA lock?
• Do you want expansion zips?
• Where will you store the set at home?

If you can answer those, you'll know which luggage set to buy. For most readers that's one of three: the carry on luggage set for short trips, the ABS luggage set for value, or the four-piece hardshell luggage set for families.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Luggage Set

• Not checking the carry-on size. The 20 inch case is the one most likely to cause problems. Compare its full measurements with your airline's limit.
• Forgetting the wheels and handles. Airlines measure the whole case, not just the shell.
• Ignoring empty weight. A heavy case uses up your allowance before you've packed a thing.
• Buying sizes you'll never use. If you never take long trips, a carry-on set is better value than a three-piece set.
• Assuming every set has a TSA lock. Not all of them do. Check the listing.
• Choosing black without a plan. Black cases are everywhere at baggage claim. Add a strap or tag, or pick a colour.

Is a Luggage Set Worth It?

For most people who travel more than once a year, yes. A luggage set costs less per case than buying cases separately, gives you the right size for every trip, and stores in the space of one case. The main exception is someone who only ever takes short trips with hand luggage. For them, a single good cabin case or a carry-on set is the better buy.

Where should you spend more? On wheels, handles and the cabin case, because those take the most wear. A good TSA lock matters if you fly to or through the US. Colour and finish come down to taste, though a bright or textured luggage set really is easier to spot and keeps looking newer for longer.

Travel Accessories That Go With a Luggage Set

• Laptop backpack with USB charging port, a good personal item for work trips
• Men's canvas backpack, a daypack for sightseeing
• Canvas tote backpack that converts between tote, shoulder bag and backpack
• Men's crossbody sling bag and crossbody phone bag to keep your passport and phone close
• Roll-up travel cosmetic bag for toiletries and make-up
• Insulated water bottle to refill after security
• Sports Bluetooth earbuds for the flight
• Fuzzy slipper socks for long-haul flights and hotel rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

What size luggage set do I need?

For most people, a three-piece set with 20, 24 and 28 inch cases. Choose a carry-on set if you mostly take short trips, and a four-piece set if you travel as a family.

Is a 20 inch suitcase carry-on size?

Often, but not always. Airlines set their own limits, and IATA's suggested 55 x 35 x 20 cm size is only a guideline. Measure the case, wheels included, and compare it with your airline's rules.

Is ABS luggage good?

ABS is light, rigid and affordable, and it protects well for most travellers. Polycarbonate flexes more and is usually tougher, but it costs more. For occasional and family travel, an ABS luggage set is a sensible choice.

Do I need a TSA lock?

If you fly to or through the United States, it's useful, because security staff can open it without cutting it. Elsewhere, any lock works as a deterrent.

Should I choose spinner or two-wheel luggage?

Spinners are easier in airports and on smooth floors. Two-wheel cases handle rough pavements and kerbs better. Most luggage sets today use spinners.

Do the cases fit inside each other?

Graduated sizes usually nest, which saves storage space. It's a good habit to check the smaller cases are empty before nesting them.

Can I put a power bank in my checked suitcase?

No. The FAA says spare lithium batteries and power banks must travel in carry-on baggage only, and many other countries follow similar rules.

Do you ship luggage sets internationally?

Yes. We offer free international shipping on every order, with an estimated delivery time of 3 to 8 business days after dispatch. Customs fees or local taxes may apply in some countries. See our shipping policy and return and refund policy, or contact us with any questions.

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Sources and References

• IATA: Cabin OK carry-on bag size guideline
• TSA: TSA-recognized locks
• FAA PackSafe: Lithium batteries
• SITA Baggage IT Insights 2025: Mishandled baggage figures