Hi everyone! I'm new here and about to go on holidays from Sydney(Australia) to NY then SFO where I know my check in luggage limit is 50lbs (23kgs) per piece. I leave in about 2 and a half weeks, and will be travelling for about 18 days in total including my flying days.

I understand that the airlines are very strict about the 50lbs, so I am wondering in terms of buying or using a suitcase, what is the best size so to speak? I guess there is no point using a suitcase that is very large because if it packed full, it may go over the 50lbs limit! I am wondering if anyone knows the dimensions /volume of the suitcase I should be looking for. (i.e. size/capacity/weight). I had a look through the forums but I wasn't sure if I could find the answer with regards to best dimensions/heights/capacity.

My friend has lent me this samsonite one - http://www.bagworld.com.au/shop/deta...ided-suitcase/ but I think it might be too small to fit up to 50lbs weight?


I am also wondering the best solution in terms of packing when there is a possibility that I may need to check in 2 pieces of luggage? I am sure that on the way I will be fine with one check in, but don't know if I will have shopped too much by the time I get back and whether I should purchase one when I'm overseas, or for instance pack two suitcases within each other. I am going for a wedding so I am trying to pack light, but I am not sure how light it will be.

I'm also fairly small, so if I were to carry two 50lbs, i'd be pretty much carrying my own weight, so was wondering if there are any tips in terms of whether this will be massively inconvenient.

Sorry for the essay I figure if I gave a bit more detail that would enable someone to answer more appropriately.

thanks heaps in advance for any responses!