It's calculated by adding together the outside length, width, and height of a suitcase or bag. For example, if your bag measures 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 20 inches high, its linear inches would be 62 (24+18+20=62).
People Also Ask
For example, if your bag is 24 inches tall, 20 inches long and 18 inches wide, its total linear length is 62 inches.
Most airlines seem to have a 62 linear limit (L x W x D) on checked luggage before incurring additional fees. Suitcases seem to be sold in 20, 24, and 28 sizes. The 28 bag comes the closest to the 62 limit but almost every 28 bag I've looked at had linear measurements of between 64-65.
Linear inches – or really, any linear dimension – simply refer to the sum total of your bag's length, width and depth. So, if your bag measures 28 inches high, 13 inches wide and 10 inches deep, its linear measurement or linear dimensions would be 28 + 13 + 10 = 51 linear inches.
Checked LuggageMost airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.
If your checked bag is over 62 linear inches (157 cm), it will be marked as oversized. This is a rule set by airline regulators to protect baggage handlers from any potential injuries.
A medium checked suitcase (25-27 inches) is more than enough for most people. Usually, medium checked suitcases are 58-61 linear inches in size, which is just below the 62 linear inch size limit, so when you're looking for a checked suitcase, get one in this size.
Taking MeasurementsMeasure the length, height, and depth of your bag, including handles and wheels. Add those three measurements together. The total is your linear measurement, in either centimeters or inches.
For most airlines, the largest luggage size for check-in is 62 linear inches. This means the total length + width + depth must equal 62 inches or less. RELATED: Our luggage size guide takes the guesswork out of measuring your bags before you get on the plane.
A lot of manufacturers advertise their 28-32 inch suitcases as checked luggage. However, technically, that's false advertising. The truth is that a large portion of 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32-inch suitcases are over the size limits for checked bags, so they can't be used as checked bags.
Measure the length, height, and depth of your bag, including handles and wheels. Add those three measurements together. The total is your linear measurement, in either centimeters or inches. Measure from the wheels to the top of the handle for height.
Think large backpacks, small duffel bags and small suitcases/wheeled bags! Checked Baggage: Checked bags must be no larger than 62 linear inches (that's length + width + depth) and no heavier than 40 pounds. Baggage that is 41-50 pounds and 51-99 pounds will have an additional charge.
Checked LuggageChecking a bag will save you some cash, but you'll be spending more time waiting for those bags in the terminal. The maximum size for checked bags may not exceed 62 linear inches (calculated by adding length, width and depth).
Most domestic airlines anyway have a linear size limit for checked baggage of 62 inches overall, meaning length+width+height. So one length of 32 inches won't put you over the limit if the width and depth keep you under 62 inches total.
30-inch luggage is one of the largest options, so it's going to weigh more than a 26-inch one or your carry-on. Most airlines have a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag. This limit does not take into account size, so 30-inch luggage needs to meet the same requirements as 26-inch luggage.
Large Suitcase SizeThe large suitcase measures 74 cm or 27 inches in height and has a capacity of up to 117 litres. These suitcases are versatile, spacious and allow you to have a series of outfits with you. The large size gives you the freedom to pack whatever you need for your travels which last longer than 1 week.
Because softshell luggage has more give, a hard shell suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hardshell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like softsided bags are more apt to allow.
If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo. Checked luggage is usually measured with a tape measure, to make sure that it's below 62 linear inches (height + width + depth).
If your checked bag is over 62 linear inches (157 cm), it will be marked as oversized. This is a rule set by airline regulators to protect baggage handlers from any potential injuries.
Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27 x 21 x 14.