24-Inch Suitcase Carry-On in 2025? Check Size Before You Buy
Gother
07 May 2025
When it comes to air travel—whether it's a domestic or international flight—a suitcase is one of the must-have items for every traveler! It’s essential for packing all your belongings you plan to bring along. In addition to considering baggage weight limits and which items are allowed on board, you also need to pay attention to your luggage size—especially carry-on baggage (also known as cabin baggage). Each airline has different size regulations. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “Can a 24-inch suitcase be taken on board?” So today, Gother is here to dive deep into whether a 24-inch suitcase qualifies as carry-on in 2025, how much it can hold, and what its pros and cons are. We’ve also gathered the latest baggage size and weight policies from various airlines to help you confidently choose the perfect suitcase. Ready? Let’s find out together!
What types of luggage are allowed as carry-on?
Before we answer the question “Can a 24-inch suitcase be taken on board in 2025?”, let’s first take a look at the different types of luggage. Generally, luggage that can be brought onto a plane is divided into two main categories: carry-on baggage and checked baggage. Each type comes with different regulations, as follows:
Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on baggage—often referred to simply as "carry-on"—is the type of luggage that passengers are allowed to bring with them into the aircraft cabin. Most airlines typically allow at least two carry-on items: a small personal bag such as a shoulder bag, small backpack, or laptop bag, and a cabin suitcase that meets the airline’s size limits. The standard maximum size for a carry-on suitcase is around 22 inches, and it must fit in the overhead compartment. Weight limits usually range from 7 to 10 kilograms depending on each airline’s policy, so be sure to check the specific carry-on rules for your airline before flying.
Checked Baggage
Checked baggage refers to larger suitcases, typically 24 inches and up, which must be placed in the aircraft's cargo hold and cannot be brought into the cabin. Unlike carry-on bags, checked luggage is not subject to restrictions on liquid quantities, but it must not contain any prohibited items as defined by the airline. In addition, the allowed size and weight of checked baggage can vary based on your ticket class and flight route. Common checked baggage sizes range from 24 to 28 inches.Is a 24-inch suitcase too big? Can it be taken on board?
“Can a 24-inch suitcase be brought on board in 2025?” — this is one of the most frequently asked questions! Let’s get straight to the answer: a 24-inch suitcase is generally not allowed as carry-on luggage. This is because its size exceeds the standard dimensions set by most airlines. Typically, airlines allow carry-on suitcases that are around 20 to 22 inches, or with total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 115 centimeters. However, you can absolutely check in a 24-inch suitcase as checked baggage without any issues. What you should watch out for instead is the weight limit for checked luggage, as this varies depending on the airline. If you’re going on a longer trip or carrying more items, it’s a good idea to purchase extra baggage allowance in advance—it’s usually cheaper than buying more weight at the check-in counter.
How much can a 24-inch suitcase hold
If you’re wondering how much a 24-inch suitcase can hold in terms of weight and number of outfits—so you can decide whether this size is right for your trip—here’s what you need to know. A 24-inch suitcase is considered medium-sized and is generally suitable for trips lasting around 3 to 7 days. You can typically pack around 5 to 10 outfits, depending on your travel style and the amount of clothing and essentials you plan to bring. This size offers a decent capacity and is ideal for short to medium-length trips. It works well for solo travelers or even couples sharing one suitcase, making it a very convenient option. Once packed, a 24-inch suitcase usually weighs around 15 to 25 kilograms, depending on the type of clothes and items inside.
Before flying, make sure to check the maximum checked baggage weight allowed by your airline. Most airlines allow between 20 to 30 kilograms per checked bag.
Clear Comparison: Pros and Cons of a 24-Inch Suitcase
The 24-inch suitcase is one of the most popular sizes among travelers. Its dimensions strike the perfect balance—not too small, not too large—making it a versatile choice for many types of trips. So, Gother is here to clearly break down the pros and cons of using a 24-inch suitcase, especially when flying, to help you decide whether this size is the right fit for your next journey. Let’s take a closer look!
Pros of a 24-Inch Suitcase
1. Great capacity for multi-day trips
One of the most obvious advantages of a 24-inch suitcase is its spacious capacity. It can comfortably fit clothes and travel essentials, making it ideal for trips lasting around 5 to 7 days. You won’t have to worry about running out of space—whether it’s clothing, shoes, or toiletries, everything fits nicely in this mid-sized luggage.
2. Easy to move around
At first glance, a 24-inch suitcase might seem large compared to a carry-on, but it’s actually quite easy to handle. Its size is not overly bulky, which makes it convenient to roll and maneuver. Most 24-inch suitcases come with 4 spinner wheels that rotate 360 degrees, along with adjustable handles—making them smooth to pull across various surfaces.
3. Durable and impact-resistant
Since a 24-inch suitcase exceeds the size limits for carry-on luggage, it’s designed to be durable enough for checked baggage. These suitcases are built to withstand impacts and rough handling during loading. Most are made with strong materials that protect your belongings throughout the journey.
4. Balanced size and weight
When flying, weight matters just as much as size. Most major airlines allow checked baggage weighing between 20 to 30 kilograms per bag. Once packed, a 24-inch suitcase typically weighs around 15 to 25 kilograms—depending on the type of clothes and items inside. That makes it a great size-to-weight balance that usually meets airline requirements, so you won’t need to repack at the check-in counter.
5. Affordable pricing 24-inch suitcases are usually priced quite reasonably. They offer great value for the size and functionality they provide—especially when compared to larger sizes, which often come at a much higher price point.
6. Widely available with many designs Because 24-inch suitcases are so popular, they’re easy to find both in-store and online. You’ll find a wide range of styles, colors, patterns, materials, and features to choose from. Whether you prefer something minimalist or eye-catching, there’s a 24-inch suitcase to match your style and budget.
Cons of a 24-Inch Suitcase
Now that we’ve covered all the benefits of using a 24-inch suitcase, let’s take a look at the downsides. These will help you decide whether this size truly suits your travel needs—especially when flying. Let’s explore!
1. Not allowed as carry-on luggage
The most significant drawback of a 24-inch suitcase is that it cannot be taken on board as carry-on luggage. It must be checked in and stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold. This can lead to additional fees—especially if you're flying with low-cost airlines.
2. Risk of overweight luggage
Because of its larger capacity, it’s easy to overpack a 24-inch suitcase without realizing it. When weighed at the airport, the bag may exceed the airline’s weight limit—resulting in extra fees or overweight charges, which can be unexpected and costly.
3. Not ideal for short trips
While the 24-inch size is perfect for trips lasting 5–7 days, it may not be the best option for short getaways of just 1–2 days. If you’re aiming for convenience and mobility, a smaller suitcase might be more suitable. A larger suitcase like this can be cumbersome to carry, must be checked in, and may take longer to retrieve at the baggage carousel. It’s also not ideal for crowded public transportation or narrow walkways.
4. Takes up storage space
A larger suitcase naturally requires more storage space when not in use. If you live in a condo, apartment, or a place with limited space, storing a 24-inch suitcase can be a hassle. It can feel bulky and get in the way, which is something to consider before buying.
5. Higher risk of damage or loss
Checked luggage always carries some risk of damage, impact, or even getting lost in transit. While airlines are responsible for compensation, the claims process can be time-consuming. In some cases, the reimbursement amount may not match the value of your damaged or lost items.
6. Less convenient in certain travel conditions
Although a 24-inch suitcase is great for packing more, it may not be practical in all travel situations—such as areas with uneven pavement, narrow walkways, or accommodations without elevators or escalators. In such cases, dragging or lifting a heavy suitcase can be tiring and inconvenient.
How Big Is a 24-Inch Suitcase Compared to a Person?
When it comes to a 24-inch suitcase, many people may find it hard to visualize just how big it actually is. To give you a clearer idea, let’s compare the size of a 24-inch suitcase to a person. The suitcase height is about 24 inches, or approximately 60–61 centimeters—not including the wheels or handle. When placed next to an average adult, a 24-inch suitcase typically stands somewhere between the lower leg and the knee, depending on the person’s height. So, to summarize: it’s about “shin to knee height.” That makes it a fairly large suitcase—definitely spacious enough for multi-day trips.
Luggage Size and Baggage Allowance for Airlines in Thailand
Let’s take a look at the luggage size and baggage weight limits for various airlines in Thailand. This information will help you better prepare for your next flight.
Thai Airways
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Depends on ticket class, usually between 20–30 kg.
Bangkok Airways
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 56 cm x 45 cm x 23 cm, weight not exceeding 5 kg.
- Checked baggage: Depends on ticket class, typically up to 20 kg.
Thai Smile
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Depends on ticket class, generally 20–30 kg.
Nok Air
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Depends on ticket class, usually between 15–20 kg.
Thai AirAsia
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg (including personal bag).
- Checked baggage: Additional charges apply; baggage allowance ranges from 15–40 kg.
Thai Lion Air
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 40 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Additional charges apply; baggage allowance ranges from 5–35 kg.
Thai Vietjet Air
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Maximum size 119 cm x 119 cm x 81 cm, weight not exceeding 32 kg. Additional allowance can be purchased (15–40 kg).
Scoot Airlines
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 54 cm x 38 cm x 23 cm, weight not exceeding 10 kg (up to 2 pieces allowed).
- Checked baggage: Depends on ticket class, generally 20–30 kg.
Emirates Airlines
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 55 cm x 38 cm x 22 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Depends on ticket class, usually between 20–50 kg.
Qatar Airways
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 50 cm x 37 cm x 25 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Depends on ticket class, typically 20–35 kg.
Etihad Airways
- Carry-on baggage: Maximum 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm, weight not exceeding 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Depends on ticket class, generally 20–35 kg.
And that wraps up everything you need to know about whether a 24-inch suitcase is allowed as carry-on in 2025. We hope this guide has helped you better understand the size and weight regulations for bringing luggage on board. As a general tip: for short trips or nearby destinations, a small suitcase or backpack under 22 inches is ideal. But for longer trips or international travel, a 24-inch suitcase—or even larger—may be more suitable. Just don’t forget to keep an eye on the weight limits! If you’re planning a getaway—whether it's a local trip or an international adventure—and haven’t booked your flight yet, you can check flight schedules and book flights, hotels, car rentals, and exciting activities all in one place at Gother.com. Or download the Gother app for even more convenience. Easily manage your plans, make changes when needed, and enjoy exclusive benefits and special promotions—all in one travel platform built for every lifestyle.
