The obvious difference is size, but the more useful distinction is what each case is actually optimized for. A cabin case is built around fitting a specific dimension limit — typically around 55 × 40 × 20 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 7.9 in), though this varies by airline — so it travels with the passenger and never goes through hold baggage handling.
A checked case is built for capacity and for surviving baggage handling systems, which is why medium and large cases in this hub put more engineering into handle construction and structural reinforcement than cabin cases need. A checked case also doesn’t need to worry about a specific airline’s cabin sizer, since it travels in the hold.
Weight matters differently too: a cabin case usually faces a strict weight limit checked at the gate, while a checked case faces a higher weight allowance but a real fee for exceeding it. Buying one case for both purposes rarely works well — the size and durability priorities pull in different directions.
Last reviewed 26 August 2026