Consumers’ Preferences for Luggage Sizes

Consumers' Preferences for Luggage Sizes

 

1. Overall Market: The 24inch Becomes the Dominant Player, with a "Spindleshaped" Distribution of Size Demand

 

The global luggage market shows a significant "concentrated in the middle, dispersed at both ends" trend in size preference. According to a 2025 industry project survey, 2224 inch luggage ranks first with a 42% market share, making it the core size for crossscenario use. This size meets the capacity needs for mediumtoshort trips of 37 days (approximately 2530L volume, accommodating clothing and personal items for two people), while also fitting most airline checked baggage standards. It is also easy to store on public transport like highspeed trains and subways.

 

The 20 inch carry on luggage is a close second, with a 28% share, becoming the second most popular size. A survey by Ctrip.com showed that 76.3% of business travelers prioritize "carryon portability" as their primary purchasing criterion. This has driven a 18.9% annual growth rate for the 20 inch suitcase due to its compliance with domestic airline carryon regulations (typically not exceeding 40×20×55cm). Large sized suitcase bodies of 2628 inch secure the longdistance travel market with a 19% share, with sales rising by over 30% during the summer travel and holiday seasons compared to normal days.

 

Mini suitcase (under 20 inches) with a 7% share and extralarge bags (over 29 inches) with a 4% share are niche categories. The former primarily serves short urban commutes and quick business trips, while the latter focuses on special needs like family moves and studying abroad.

 

2. ScenarioDriven: Travel Characteristics Define the Core Logic of Size Selection

 

(a) Business Travel: Carryon Luggage Dominates, with a Focus on Lightness

 

For business scenarios, 2022 inch carry on luggage accounts for up to 73%. With global business travel expenditure projected to reach $1.8 trillion in 2025, frequent business travelers prefer sizes that can be carried directly onto the plane-these bags save over 30 minutes in baggage check time. Products with lightweight designs (under 2.5kg) can command a price premium of 30%50%. Brands like TraveRE have introduced an aluminum carry on that balances protection and portability, achieving a market penetration of over 60% in the business market.

 

(b) Leisure Travel: Sizes Vary with Trip Duration

 

For 13 day short trips, the 20 inch suitcase has a 68% usage rate, especially popular with young people. Its approximately 38L capacity is sufficient for one person's change of clothes and electronic devices, and its flexibility is wellsuited for city sightseeing. The 24 inch suitcase is the goto for mediumtolong trips of 37 days. During holidays like the National Day and Chinese New Year, searches for this size on ecommerce platforms increase by 210% monthovermonth, making the 24 inch travel bag the preferred choice for couples traveling together.

 

For trips longer than 7 days or family vacations, the 28 inch hard shell luggage share rises to 54%. During the summer holidays, sales of these large suitcase bodies increase by 80% compared to normal days. Their 100120L capacity can accommodate children's clothes, outdoor gear, and souvenirs, and their strong wheel design is suitable for various terrains.

 

(c) Seasons and Holidays: Demand Shows a Cyclical Fluctuation

 

Summer (JuneAugust) is the peak season for large suitcase sales, with the 24 inch luggage and larger sizes accounting for 62% of sales, significantly higher than the annual average of 45%. The backtoschool season in September drives sales of 2022 inch student bags. Ecommerce data shows that sales of specialized student luggage increase by 80% monthovermonth during this period, with the 22 inch size being the most favored for its balance of storage for returning to school and short holiday trips. During the DecemberJanuary holiday season, sales of 28 inch hard shell suitcase and larger sizes surge to 37%, used for carrying holiday goods and heavy clothing.

 

3. Consumer Differences: Preferences Based on Age, Gender, and Region

 

(a) Age: Young People Prefer Smaller Sizes, Families Prefer Large Capacity

 

Among Gen Z (1825 years old), the 20 inch suitcase accounts for 51%. They focus more on portability and design, often treating luggage as a "travel accessory." For families aged 3045, the usage rate of 2628 inch bags exceeds 58%. This group carries more items when traveling and has a greater need for compartmentalized storage. The multilayered design of a 28 inch hard shell luggage allows for the separate storage of clothing, baby items, and electronic devices.

 

Consumers over 45 years old tend to prefer the "balanced size" of a 24 inch trolley bag, which accounts for 49% of their choice. This size avoids the lack of capacity of a 20inch bag and the hassle of moving a 28inch bag, fitting their moderate travel frequency.

 

(b) Gender: Functional Needs Vary Significantly

 

Among female consumers, 2224 inch bags account for 53%. They pay more attention to the fit between the size and their body-these bags are about 70cm tall, so they don't have to bend over too much when pulling them. Lightweight materials (such as PC+ABS composites) are also more popular. Male consumers have a higher acceptance of large capacity suitcase, with 2628 inch bags accounting for 38%. Especially for outdoor travel, they prefer the big suitcase that can accommodate camera equipment and sports gear.

 

(c) Regional Characteristics: Global Markets Show Diverse Demands

 

European and American markets show a "bipolar" trend: American and German consumers have a 35% preference for 28 inch hard shell suitcase and larger checked bags, while businessfocused UK and France prefer 20 inch carry on luggage (42% share). The African market is a hub for extralarge sizes, with bags over 30 inches accounting for more than 55%, fitting their needs for longdistance, crossregional travel.

 

In the domestic market, firsttier city consumers prefer 2024 inch bags (71% share), suitable for highfrequency short trips. The acceptance of 2628 inch bags is higher in lowertier markets (39% share), where the focus is on maximizing storage for a single trip.

 

4. Future Trends: Smart and Niche Segmentation Reshape Size Demand

 

(a) Core Sizes Continue to Upgrade, Feature Integration Becomes a Key Focus

 

The 24 inch luggage will maintain its position as the main growth driver, with its shipment share in the hardcase category expected to reach 58% in 2025. Companies are using technological innovation to tap into the potential of this size. For example, the 24 inch smart bag launched by TraveRE integrates weight monitoring and USB charging, addressing the pain points of overweight baggage warnings and low battery on the road, with sales increasing by 140% yearonyear after its launch.

 

(b) Niche Sizes Break Through, Niche Demands Go Mainstream

 

The 22 inch "golden carryon" is on the rise. It offers 15% more capacity than the 20 inch suitcase, while still meeting most airlines' carryon limits (e.g., Air China's limit of 55×40×20cm), with its penetration rate in the crossscenario of business and short trips reaching 23%. At the same time, the 26 inch bag designed for mothers and babies is growing rapidly, with features like bottle compartments and a foldable changing pad, with annual sales exceeding $2.2 billion.

 

(c) Global Demand Diversification Intensifies, Regional Customization Becomes a New Direction

 

Customizing sizes for different markets has become a trend: The Middle East market has launched a womenspecific 24 inch suitcase with optimized interior partitions and design, achieving a 28% annual growth rate. In Saudi Arabia, 22 inch bags are the main choice for religious travel, fitting the portable needs of pilgrimage, with a penetration rate of 40%. Domestic companies are also expanding into lowertier markets, launching 28 inch bags with reinforced wheels to handle complex road conditions in rural areas.

 

Conclusion

 

Consumer preference for luggage size is essentially a quantitative reflection of "scenario adaptability." The versatility of the 24 inch luggage makes it a market cornerstone, while the portability of the 20 inch suitcase and the large capacity of the 28 inch hard shell suitcase precisely meet niche demands. With the penetration of smart technology and the deepening of consumer segmentation, size selection will become more refined. Companies need a strategy of "strengthening the core size + supplementing with niche sizes" to adapt to all scenarios, from business travel to family outings. In the future, luggage that combines functional innovation with size optimization will continue to lead market growth.