Louis Vuitton Horizon 50 vs. 55: Which size is right for you?

The Louis Vuitton Horizon 50 and Horizon 55 are distinguished primarily by their size and capacity. The Horizon 50 is a compact 20-inch carry-on ideal for weekend getaways and strict airline size limits, while the slightly larger 22-inch Horizon 55 offers more packing space for trips lasting up to a week, making it more versatile for those who need extra room.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which piece of Louis Vuitton luggage fits your travel needs.

Louis Vuitton Horizon 50

The Horizon 50 is the quintessential luxury carry-on for the minimalist traveler. Designed for short trips and seamless navigation through busy airports, its compact frame ensures compliance with nearly all airline cabin baggage restrictions while providing the impeccable style and quality Louis Vuitton is known for.

• What it is: A premium, hard-sided four-wheel carry-on suitcase designed for weekend trips and frequent fliers.
• Key features: Measures approximately 20" x 14" x 9" with a 35-liter capacity. Features ultra-smooth 360-degree wheels, a multi-level telescopic handle, interior organizational straps, and a TSA-approved combination lock.
• Price: Approximately $2,200 USD
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from a lightweight yet highly durable polycarbonate shell with reinforced aluminum trim for added strength.
• Sizing/Fit: Its dimensions make it an ideal carry-on for most global airlines. Perfect for packing essentials for a 2-3 day trip.
• Pros: Excellent portability and maneuverability, fits easily into overhead bins, meets carry-on requirements for even the strictest airlines, sophisticated and compact design.
• Cons: Limited packing space is not ideal for trips longer than a weekend, and the premium price feels high for its smaller capacity.

This suitcase is the perfect choice for stylish weekend travelers and frequent flyers who value convenience, compliance, and compact luxury above all.

Shop this product: us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/horizon-50-monogram

Louis Vuitton Horizon 55

The Horizon 55 strikes a perfect balance between carry-on convenience and ample packing space. As a slightly larger option, it's designed for travelers who need more flexibility for longer journeys or simply like having extra room for souvenirs, without moving into checked luggage territory.

• What it is: A versatile and spacious hard-sided four-wheel suitcase suitable for trips lasting up to a week.
• Key features: Measures approximately 22" x 15" x 10" with a generous 45-liter capacity. Shares the same premium features as the Horizon 50, including smooth-rolling wheels, a telescopic handle, and a TSA-approved lock.
• Price: Approximately $2,400 USD
• Materials/Construction: Built with the same high-quality polycarbonate and aluminum trim combination as its smaller counterpart, ensuring resilience against travel wear and tear.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits the carry-on baggage requirements for most major airlines but may exceed limits for smaller regional or budget carriers.
• Pros: Offers significantly more packing capacity, highly versatile for both short and longer vacations, and makes a strong visual statement. Great value in terms of space for the slight price increase over the 50.
• Cons: Its larger size can be slightly harder to maneuver in crowded spaces, is priced higher, and it may be too large for carry-on on some smaller aircraft or international flights.

This model is designed for the traveler who needs extra room for longer vacations or business trips but still prefers the ease of a carry-on.

Shop this product: us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/horizon-55-monogram

Louis Vuitton Horizon 50 vs. Horizon 55 Comparison

Size & Capacity

The most important difference is, of course, the size. The Horizon 50 stands at 20 inches with a 35-liter capacity, making it a safe bet for fitting into any overhead bin. This is ideal for a weekend's worth of clothes - think a few outfits, a spare pair of shoes, and toiletries.

The Horizon 55 provides a noticeable increase in space at 22 inches and 45 liters. That extra 10 liters of volume can accommodate another couple of outfits and an extra pair of shoes, stretching its utility to cover a 4-5 day trip comfortably. While it fits most major airline carry-on sizers, it's wise to double-check policies with budget or regional carriers before you fly.

Ease of Use & Portability

Both models feature Louis Vuitton's exceptionally smooth four-wheel system and ergonomic telescopic handles, making them a pleasure to navigate through an airport. However, the Horizon 50 has a distinct edge in portability due to its smaller, lighter frame. It's effortless to lift into an overhead bin and navigate through tight airplane aisles or crowded city streets.

The Horizon 55, while still remarkably smooth, feels slightly more substantial. When fully packed, its extra size and weight are noticeable, but it remains far more manageable than any piece of checked luggage.

Price & Value

There is approximately a $200 price difference between the two models, with the Horizon 55 being the more expensive option. From a pure cost-per-liter perspective, the Horizon 55 offers better value since you gain a significant amount of packing space for a marginal price increase.

However, the true value depends on your travel habits. If you primarily take short trips and rarely need extra space, the Horizon 50 delivers all the luxury you need without paying for unused capacity. If you want one piece of luggage that can handle nearly any trip duration without forcing you to check a bag, the Horizon 55's versatility provides superior value.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Horizon models are excellent investments in luxury travel, but they serve different types of travelers.

Choose the Horizon 50 if:

• You are a light packer or your trips are usually 2-3 days long.
• You want to be absolutely certain your bag will qualify as a carry-on for any airline.
• You prioritize effortless maneuverability and a compact, lightweight feel.
• You need a dedicated weekend bag to complement your larger checked luggage.

Choose the Horizon 55 if:

• Your travels often extend to 4-5 days or longer.
• You appreciate having extra room for new purchases or varied outfits.
• You want one versatile carry-on that works for nearly any travel occasion.
• You primarily fly on major airlines where carry-on size limits are more generous.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Horizon 50 and 55?

The primary difference is size and capacity. The Horizon 50 has a 35-liter capacity, ideal for 2-3 day trips, while the Horizon 55 has a 45-liter capacity, better suited for 4-5 day trips. This also affects carry-on compliance and price.

Is the Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 considered carry-on?

Yes, for most major U.S. and international airlines, the Horizon 55 falls within standard carry-on size restrictions. However, it's always recommended to check the specific dimensional limits of your airline, especially for smaller regional or budget carriers.

Which size offers better value?

The Horizon 55 technically offers better value in terms of cost per liter of packing space. However, the best value is subjective, the Horizon 50 is a better purchase if you will never use the extra space of the 55.

How much can you fit in the Horizon 50?

You can comfortably pack for a 2-3 day trip in the Horizon 50. This typically includes a few changes of clothes, one or two pairs of shoes, a toiletry bag, and small personal items.

Is Louis Vuitton luggage durable?

Absolutely. Louis Vuitton luggage is crafted from premium, impact-resistant polycarbonate with reinforced aluminum corners. It is designed and tested to withstand the rigors of frequent travel and last for many years with proper care.

Which is better for international travel?

The Horizon 50 is the safer choice for international travel, as its smaller dimensions are more likely to comply with the often stricter carry-on limits of international and budget airlines.

Do both models come with a TSA lock?

Yes, both the Horizon 50 and 55 feature an integrated TSA-approved lock, allowing security agents to inspect your luggage without damaging the lock or suitcase.

How do I clean my Horizon luggage?

The tough polycarbonate exterior can be easily cleaned. Simply wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth to remove any scuffs or dirt accumulated during your travels.